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side-shuffling-hyperfixations · 2 months ago

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TMNT - 110%

Summary: Maybe Leo's definition of "giving his all" wasn't really the good example he wanted to set for his brothers after all.

Leo knew he was being…a little bit of a hypocrite, okay?

If there was one thing he tried to prioritize, it was taking care of himself and his family. He couldn’t take care of his family as well if he didn’t greet each day in the best shape of his life. Who knew when or where some new threat would crop up? He had to keep sharp, be ready. Danger wouldn’t hang back to oblige him if he hadn’t gotten enough sleep the night before and wanted just five more minutes. He tried to get to bed on time, tried to get his brothers to do the same.

Dad had eased up a little with their newfound horizons broadening but the curfew was never explicitly lifted, you know? And as much as Donnie rolled his bloodshot eyes because he thought Leo couldn’t see in the darkness or Raph groaned that he was such a mom, Leo knew they would regret it if they stayed up on their phones till three in the morning and then had to be at school by eight. He knew because he’d be the one trying to drag their sorry butts out of bed and the first thing he’d see when their eyes cracked open was the Cain instinct.

But if there was something else he really, really tried to prioritize, it was giving 110% of himself to whatever he did—striving to succeed, really committing, following through. He had always tried to set that example for the three sets of younger eyes on him, and now there were…so, so many more eyes on them, on him, on mutants at large. Looking for faults. Waiting for a slipup. Constantly staring, scrutinizing, studying.

So much studying.

Next to Donnie, Leo, Raph and Mikey didn’t always get the props they deserved for how smart they could be. Leo couldn’t be prouder of Don for taking such strides, taking the honor classes by storm, but that didn’t mean the others suddenly had the wiggle room to put in less effort, Raph. So when the offer of extra credit came along, how could Leo say no?

He’d always had some trouble with that. Saying no. But that just meant he was a go-getter and once he was committed, he would follow through. He had to.

Leo liked to read but he was more of a one fic at a time kind of guy so he didn’t bounce details around between plots. Mikey could juggle like fifteen different tabs open without losing track; it was a skill that probably would have served all of them well as they jumped from subject to subject. It was hard not to get overwhelmed with all of his books—and the diverging trains of thought tethered to them—scattered across the table.

He had no one to blame but himself for the fact that it was already eight PM. He and April had their thing after school (their thing, their time together and no one else’s! Who would have thought he could be so lucky?) and it was just so easy to lose track of time when he was with her. After prepping tomorrow’s morning announcements, they had technically done some studying together too but Leo had read segments of the work without really absorbing them, too busy sneaking glances and trying to get his stomach to stop flip-flopping at how attentively she was leaning in toward him to listen.

What to tackle first? He had that one test practically first thing in the morning so he could study for that before it got too late, while his mind was freshest, but if the most pressing information got buried beneath everything else he studied afterward he might struggle to dig it back up when it was early and he was tired, and getting off on the wrong foot for the first test would have him feeling off about the others and whenever he got too off balance, he had a terrible tendency to just—blank, freeze, and then what was the point of studying if he hadn’t retained it?

Okay, okay, okay. He was getting into his head; he could already feel his stomach stirring, ready to somersault for entirely different reasons. Deep breath. Just pick one. One step at a time.

One step at a time was nice in theory but slow and steady didn’t win the race against this clock. It felt like he had barely faceplanted into his pillow before his alarm was going off—and he had to be the first one to get up or his brothers would take over the bathroom, he wouldn’t get his morning routine in and it would throw everything off from the get-go.

Test in the morning (with just five minutes of paralysis over Question 18, that was a new record, a step in the right direction). Turn in two papers in the afternoon (he had double and triple checked that he put it in this folder! Why wasn’t it there?! Had he grabbed one of his brothers’ by accident? It was—oh, okay, okay, it was fine, abort, it had gotten stuck to the back of another worksheet). Panic just a little bit when the teacher reminded everyone about that encroaching deadline he had totally spaced while studying everything else, vent about it to April, and…panic just a little bit more (read: a lot more) when she asked about his edit of her upcoming news report. Which he had also totally spaced.

That was what he was supposed to work on when he got home last night, because allegedly he had already done his studying when he was with her. He must have apologized for his oversight a dozen times already but no matter how easily she tried to shrug it off, saying he could just get it to her tomorrow, he could still make out the disappointment diffusing the spark in her dark, beautiful eyes. He had let her down; he hadn’t made her a priority! How could he focus on his reading, how could he focus on anything else with that knowledge kicking him in the ribs?

He’d finish the edit and get it to her as soon as he got home, he promised. He had to make it up to her.

Except it wasn’t as soon as he got home, because Dad and Scumbug wanted everybody together for a family dinner. Did he look as awkwardly cringey when he was making eyes at April as his dad did with his girlfriend? At least Leo tried to be subtle about it. Watching them flirt so openly at the table, with the pressing knowledge that every minute he sat here was one that April (and his homework) had to wait on him, didn’t do much for his appetite. Cramming his food always resulted in cramps but he did what he had to do to get out of there and get to work.

He spent longer than he should have on the edit, polishing up every minute detail. She was the face of the show but for some reason she still liked him enough to make him a part of it. He had to support her to the best of his ability; he had to pull his weight, he had to prove he was worth her time and trust. Between overanalysis, several breaks to the bathroom (dinner really was not agreeing with him) and his brothers butting in to tease him for putting so much work toward his puppy crush, April had probably already gone to bed by the time he sent it. But he did get it done.

Now…homework. He couldn’t divide his attention up as evenly with that deadline looming but anything he didn’t feel confident in by the end of the night, he could brush up on it in homeroom tomorrow.

He wasn’t sure what time it was when he went to bed. To be honest he had gone out of his way to avoid looking at the clock; he was pretty sure he didn’t want to know.

He got an 84 on yesterday’s test. 84. Really? Still a passing grade, still a B, but that B did not stand for “best”. It wasn’t his best effort; he and his teacher both knew it. It was a new low. He hadn’t gotten anything lower than a B+ since he enrolled and even that was hard to take as much pride in next to Donnie’s slew of A’s. Just two measly points separated him from Raph’s lackadaisical B- average.

Extra credit it was then. He had to buckle down and bump his percentages back up before anyone started asking questions. Commit.

Donnie came out at some point for a glass of water while he was studying that night. Naturally Leo chided that he should be in bed and his brother gave him a sort of squinty, unimpressed look that sniffed of hypocrisy. But Leo was up studying, not mindlessly scrolling. It was different.

(A part of him wanted to ask how Donnie did it, staying up so late and still accomplishing so much during the day. Maybe he was just built different. A very small part of him almost wanted to ask for help with this paper but that would mean letting Donnie in on his situation, and Donnie was a bit of a blabbermouth. If word of his lower grade got to Raph—which it inevitably would, in a sewer this small—Leo would never live it down. Was the teacher’s pet on the verge of crapping the bed? No. No. He could do this.)

The next morning he must have hit snooze on his alarm without even realizing because sure enough, the others got to the bathroom first. Granted, that gave him enough time to chug a couple cups of Dad’s revitalizing morning tea to serve as breakfast and blunt the dull pressure in his brain, but his eyes were still embarrassingly puffy during morning announcements. He could only hope April didn’t notice. Until she did.

“You okay, Leo? You look tired. We can pack it up early today if you—”

“Oh, no, I-I’m good.” He had already set her back enough with the late edit already. “Let’s do this.”

She was great as usual, confident, eloquent. He just wished his footage could do her justice. The boost from his morning tea had worn off by lunch so he had impulsively gotten a soda from the vending machine. He hadn’t even really enjoyed the flavor he got; he just picked whichever one looked like it had enough caffeine to get him through the rest of the day—and it had, but it also made him a little shaky. Reviewing the first snippet, he found his camerawork wasn’t horrible, just…passable.

Passable wasn’t good enough, that was the whole point. Passable camerawork, passable grades. He had to step it up.

“Maybe I just didn’t have the right angle. That’s my bad, April, I’m sorry.”

“Eh, it looks okay to me—”

“No, no, let’s just do a retake real quick.”

It didn’t feel “real quick” but he wasn’t going to complain when retaking it was his idea in the first place. He focused. He locked in, holding so tensely still for the next round of filming that he kind of forgot to breathe. By the time they had something he was satisfied with, that pressure headache had crept back in from the peripheral. Looking at the final take, however, April agreed it was a good thing they had reshot it so the extra effort was more than worth it. He had done well.

When he got home, he just needed to pour that same dedication and focus into his big deadline, turn it and his other reports in and then he could relax over the weekend. Right? That deadline was tomorrow, wasn’t it? And tomorrow was Friday?

Technically it was Friday already, he mused with a halfhearted chuckle (why would he chuckle at that? It wasn’t even trying to be a joke) as he dug the heels of his palms into the pressure behind his eyes—very, very early Friday. It had been a little hard to keep up with which day was which this week when he was consistently up to greet them past midnight.

Waaay past midnight, Leo realized, a little distantly startled. Were his bleary eyes reading the clock wrong or were there really only a couple of hours before his alarm was supposed to go off? He hadn’t even gone to bed yet; he was about two-thirds through his last report.

Either he could cram the last of it tomorrow in the period before or…was it even worth going to bed at this point? He was already right here with all of his sources out and if he went to bed now, his brain would just stay stuck on the fact that he hadn’t finished what he’d started.

It occurred to him then that all-nighters weren’t exactly the good example of self-care he should be setting for the others.

But they weren’t out here right now to see and get the wrong idea, and it was just this once. A single all-nighter; he wasn’t making a habit of it. The rest had just been late nighters. It was one more day. One more day and then he could actually get to bed at a reasonable hour and sleep in on Saturday.

Or so he thought, until his second period started roping kids together for a group assignment due in a couple of weeks, and he got stuck with the infamous class clowns who he knew for a fact would spend the whole time stirring up trouble. The teacher had probably hoped by putting him there, he would set a hardworking example for them too, inspire them to put some effort in.

He knew better. When he asked in the group chat how they wanted to allocate the work, one was offline, another left him on read, and the third sent about fifteen completely unrelated memes like this was their Discord. That basically answered his question anyway. Either he sat back and left them out to dry, which would put another dent in his own grade too, or he carried the whole project and presentation for them and only got a fourth of the credit. Great. Might as well get a head start on that, he decided grudgingly—but that could happen on Sunday. He had promised himself Saturday at least for sleeping in. He needed it.

And then Dad sprang a surprise training session on them that morning.

Leo enjoyed training, most days. He enjoyed the family time, friendly ribbing, lighthearted bets over who would hit the mats first, who would stay down the longest. He enjoyed it less when Raph noticed how cranky he was and, instead of doing the smart, loving thing, taking it a little easier on him, giving him space to breathe (as Leo would have, if Raph was in a bad mood) he goaded him. Not overtly, not enough that Dad would call him out on it, but through little sneers and smirks and half-stifled snorts and skeptical raised eyebrows whenever his form trembled or he lagged behind in his sets.

Maybe Dad had picked up on Leo’s mood too because he wisely did not ask them to spar. Good. If he had the chance, Leo might just have yeeted his brother halfway across the lair. (He doubted he could have actually mustered the energy for that but imagining it was spitefully satisfying.)

He went back to bed Saturday afternoon but the nap he took was a fitful one. Mikey was watching Part 34(?) of an apparently riveting horror game Let’s Play; both he and the YouTuber kept gasping and yelping overdramatically at anything that moved. Shouldn’t the jumpscares have lost their nail-biting edge by Part 34?

Leo stifled a groan in his pillow. He had another headache but there was no way he’d be able to sleep it off with the Let’s Player dying over and over again; their character let out this grating, earsplitting scream for every death screen. No doubt he would hear that scream in his dreams.

Maybe he should just start poking at the group project today and then take his breather on Sunday. It wasn’t easy to relax with it just hanging over him. The sooner he broke through the sense of dread and started, the sooner it would be done and over with.

But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t send an uncharacteristically petty, passive aggressive message to the group chat about it first. The meme guy was just as quick to make him regret it, dunking on him for the typos which totally threw the context of his message off into something crass. When the teasing got to the mortifying point of “You kiss O’Neil with that mouth? 👀”, Leo frantically pitched his phone across the room, wished he hadn’t because he should have blocked that guy before throwing it, project or no project, buried himself as far as he could under the blankets and tried to pretend what followed wasn’t an anxiety attack.

This was fine. He was fine.

~~~~~~~~~

Try as he might to convince himself he was fine—not to convince everyone else because to anyone with at least three brain cells, it was obvious—Leo was being an idiot. No surprise there but Raph hadn’t expected it to go on this long.

Leo was a stress case—also not a surprise—but he usually managed to keep his head on straight enough not to let his life totally spiral out of control. Sure, he might slip up and say something cringey and out of left field, only to realize how bad it sounded hours later and look like he might just turn to dust on the spot. Sure, he might come home smelling as rancid as his vibes because trying to make friends had him sweating like a faucet (Seriously, though, how did it get so bad? He smelled worse than the wrestlers’ locker room, and the wrestlers’ locker room smelled worse than the sewers) but it hadn’t affected his grades or his ninja-ing or his…general Leo-nerd-o-ness like this before.

Beyond keeping them physically safe, Raph wasn’t his brothers’ keeper. He wasn’t like Leo, butting in on the others’ business, wanting updates on every little part of their lives, telling them to get to sleep on time, cajoling them to come to him if they needed anything, getting nosy about their problems with well-meaning but ultimately annoying advice. If anything Raph ought to be glad the last few weeks had kept Leo busy enough with his own thing so he, Don and Mike had some room to breathe.

But whatever his own thing was, it wasn’t looking so good from where Raph stood, and neither was Leo. The bright-eyed, bushy-tailed teacher’s pet would usually be running from one class to the next like a chicken with its head only half cut off—organized chaos. Now he was slogging through it all like some kind of swamp zombie, dead-eyed, shaking and shambling, just trying to make it from one checkpoint to the next on the map.

Most nights, whenever Raph happened to roll over and crack an eye open, the light was still on in the kitchen. It annoyed him a little bit more every time. Some people were trying to sleep around here, even if Leo wasn’t. The first week or so he had at least tried to keep it quiet when he eventually made his way into the bedroom but now he was just bulldozing his way through, uncaring or apparently not noticing how many things he kicked or clattered around before faceplanting into his bed—if he made it there at all.

Donnie had often been chided or teased for falling asleep in inopportune places or positions after a late night or two so when he’d found their oh-so-responsible curfew king drooling into his textbooks one morning, of course he seized the opportunity to rag on him about it. He had expected Leo to get all sheepish and flustered and flounder for an excuse. Imagine his surprise when out of nowhere Leo straight up flipped his lid and nearly flipped the table with it. He didn’t actually follow through on the latter, his temper wasn’t as destructive as Raph’s, but apparently today his bark was just as bad as his bite. Definitely sharp enough to wake everybody else up before their alarms.

Dad couldn’t mediate the fight as efficiently when they were on a time crunch to get to school so Don and Leo had spent the day avoiding each other, which was super awkward at lunch. Raph and Mikey tried to act natural as always, hoping the others would catch on and play along, but when Leo slunk off to the vending machine for a soda to replace the one he had just finished, he didn’t come back. (Wasn’t he the one who always backed Dad up when he talked about how bad caffeine could be for them?)

Once they got home, Donnie tensed as if expecting the tirade to start back up where it had left off. Instead Leo heaved his backpack off like a bag of bricks, pulled him into a hug and got all weirdly weepy about it, like he never wanted to let go. Honestly it made his apologies even more uncomfortable than his freakout.

When Dad chimed in to say it was likely the effect of “raging hormones”, everybody decided the incident was best left in the past as soon as possible. Leo, as expected, was back to his seemingly endless homework in a hurry, though who knew how much he was actually absorbing when his attention kept flicking back to Donnie every ten seconds—probably spiraling about whether or not his apology was actually good enough, whether or not he was actually forgiven, how he could possibly make it up to him, how he could do better in the future, blah, blah, blah.

Raph might have felt sorry for him, being tortured at the hands of his anxiety brain, if he hadn’t known this blowout was totally preventable. He had tried to coax Leo to let it out a couple of weeks ago, during Dad’s spur-of-the-moment weekend training. Even back then Raph could sense some kind of pressure was building, the crankiness before the storm. What else could he do to get a better feel for it but try to provoke it to the surface? If Dad had let them spar back then, Leo might have actually cut loose and Raph could have taken it. Who else could? But since then he had started getting sloppy in training too.

Look at that. Leonardo and sloppy in the same sentence, in regards to training. Raph never thought he would see the day. When they got to spar this weekend, Leo might as well have just flopped down on the mats from the get-go like a test dummy and let them sit on him. It wasn’t nearly as fun to beat him when he wasn’t in top form.

Raph still gloated and gave him a hard time about it, of course, because that was his job. Iron sharpened iron, Dad once said. Leo would fan his flame into a blaze and then he would plunge that searing hot iron into Leo’s calm waters to make him steam. By keeping it competitive, they worked against each other together to make them both better. When he jabbed at him this time, however, Leo got this look on his face like the iron had just gone straight through him. He didn’t steam, he just sank.

It was…kind of sad.

Splinter must have thought so too, considering he kept Leo after their workout for a talk, just like a teacher keeping him after class. (That had been happening more often too, come to think of it—as in the fact that it was happening at all, and he always seemed to come out of it with extra extra credit work to do.) Dad had gone out of his way to drive the other boys off so they wouldn’t eavesdrop on the conversation, so naturally they discussed it amongst themselves in their room instead.

“You know how he was doing those practice question sheets at lunch the other day? He still only got an 81 on that algebra test,” Mikey reported. “I only saw cause he almost put it in my folder when we got home. Not sure how the guy mistook orange for blue but…”

“I’m surprised he can still see color with those rings under his eyes. I think he’s double-mutating into a raccoon.”

“I’d totally help him study if he just like, asked,” Donnie sighed. “The other night I offered to stay up with him to review his notes for geography but I don’t think he even heard me.”

“It’s not geography that’s got him this out of whack; it’s the stupid group project,” Raph huffed. He had gotten lucky with his assigned group mates; they were smart enough to know he wouldn’t take it lying down if they tried to heap more than a fair share of the work on him and they cared enough about their grades that they wouldn’t try it in the first place. The other side of the room, however…

For so many years school was something they could only dream of. They were the unofficial face of mutant kind so despite how drastic and overwhelming and stressful the change had felt at times, despite it being not nearly as fun as they had imagined, Raph tried to be on his best behavior. On that much, he and his brothers were all on the same page. He kept it cool and chill and friendly. He didn’t pick fights (as often) but Leo’s so-called teammates had set Raph’s teeth on edge from day one.

When they weren’t disrupting the entire class, they harassed the students in their orbit in underhanded ways they thought no one would notice. Raph only perceived it because he had pulled similar tricks to pick on Mikey without Dad’s notice. Now that he was an outside observer of such things, those weren’t his proudest moments in hindsight, but Mikey was his little brother. He knew Raph loved him more than he could ever love picking on him; he knew he didn’t mean any true harm. These guys had no such qualms.

Most of Leo’s current spiral probably could have been avoided if he would stop being stupid enough to pull back-to-back all-nighters but those jokers weren’t making it any easier to stop. This assignment had turned Leo into the reluctant ringleader trying to herd a circus of feral cats. They walked all over him with Cheshire grins and claws out, leaving him holding the bag of blood, sweat and tears.

Bullies who slid under the radar by making themselves out to be little more than class clowns? It wasn’t fair. But unless they got ballsy enough to pull a real stunt on any of his brothers within Raph’s jurisdiction (and potential punching range), something infuriating enough to actually merit breaking his streak of good behavior, it was out of his hands.

“Well, tomorrow’s presentation day, right? Once that’s done he might loosen up a little,” Mikey offered with an optimism Raph and Donnie didn’t share. Raph knew from watching Don and Don knew from experiencing it that it was way too easy to go down the slide of night owl crunch time; it was a lot harder to pick yourself back up, especially with new assignments coming in every single day. Their first summer break had never felt further away.

Maybe that was what Leo was dreaming about the next day in class, considering he really didn’t want to wake up from it. Kind of rude that he’d held out until it was Raph’s group stepping up to give their presentation but on the other hand, the subject they had agreed on wasn’t Raph’s first pick. If he was trying not to sound bored talking about it, he couldn’t blame his brother for being bored to sleep hearing it.

Good to actually see him getting any sleep. He hadn’t come to bed last night. How Leo was going to hold it together for his own group’s speech, Raph didn’t know, but for that he would have to wake up first. He tried not to wince on Leo’s behalf when the teacher called his name, what, three times? But he didn’t lurch back into the world until one of his group mates jabbed him in the soft spot between his plastron and carapace with a well-concealed pencil between his fingers. He didn’t use the eraser end. Strike one.

Raph’s hand tightened on his own pencil of its own volition, an intrusive thought painting him a picture of what he could do if he flung it with a ninja’s precision, but he did the smarter thing, took a deep breath, and offered a lopsided smile of support. Leo didn’t glance at him to notice, too busy scrambling toward the front with his papers. One of the others “accidentally” gave the back of his shoe a flat tire on the way up there, forcing him to do an awkward little skip and a hop that made a couple of the girls giggle. Strike one and a half.

“Life in the mid—um, in the middle of t-the early—” Geez, he was stuttering worse than Donnie. He hadn’t sounded this bad in the morning announcements. Had he chugged another soda since then? Shaking fingers creasing his outline as he tightened his grip, he squeezed his eyes shut to recenter. “This…presentation is meant to give you an—some insight into life in the early Middle Ages. I—we’ve established a timeline between some of the most significant events and h-how they would have affected members of, uh…each of the…”

What was it people always said? That everything seemed to go wrong in slow motion? To Raph it was like a blink. As Leo spun toward the PowerPoint screen, he swayed back. One of his group mates idly shoulder-checked him, just hard enough under the guise of “helping” him find his balance (strike two) and that last little push was enough to topple him like a tower of Jenga blocks.

It was one of Leo’s many worst case scenarios—publicly embarrassing himself, causing a scene, making a bunch of people worry and fuss.

Until he registered the dull, numb thud of Leo’s body in his ears, Raph hadn’t remembered it was one of his worst case scenarios too. One of his brothers falling and not getting back up, while Raph struggled to get to him through humans standing in his way.

In this case those people were a bunch of gasping and gawking students, not real threats, but by the time he shoved and scrambled past them to Leo’s side, the Three Stooges standing over him were already in action. One was filming it on his phone, unfazed, unfeeling. The second was crouched down, clicking his fingers somewhere near Leo’s ashen face, whistling as if to wake up a dog.

“Yo, you good?” the third called with a derisive laugh laced through his voice, prodding his foot against the back of Leo’s head with more and more force each time, letting it roll off the toe of his shoe and thunk against the floor like that would bring him around, and Raph…

Raph saw red. Raph saw the butt of a gun cracked against Leo’s skull to send him sprawling out cold. Raph saw someone literally kicking him while he was already down and now—

Three strikes, you’re out. He barreled into the leg attached to that foot and got him on the ground with one heave.

It never did unravel into slow motion like they always said; the rest only became a blur from there until he was sitting with Leo and that stupid stooge in the nurse’s office. They were wise to put him in his pile of ice packs on the other side of the room, where they’d have ample warning before Raph could make strides to get his hands on him.

Of course he wouldn’t try anything now. He knew the teachers were showing mercy, letting him sit with his brother until they got in touch with Dad. Or maybe they were just killing two birds with one stone, letting Dad think he was just coming to pick up his sick son, only to yank him and Raph into the principal’s office for a talk before they could escape.

Still. Raph had already made his point; he wasn’t about to waste his time on another round with that punk when Leo was just coming to again.

“…Hh—Huh? Wha’ time is it?” he slurred, flinging a hand out in search of his phone. The nurse had dimmed the lights to let him rest. Was he honestly so out of it, he habitually assumed it was morning in the lair and he had to turn off an alarm?

It wasn’t the kind thing to do but on a frustrated impulse, Raph smacked his hand and made him jump. Then he took it back, squeezing his brother’s fingers with enough force to make him groggily wince, just a little.

“Time for you to stop,” he muttered, terse and…yes, tired.

It took Leo a few minutes to pry his eyes fully open, gauge where he was and what must have happened. Raph could pinpoint the exact second that last realization hit by the gross sweat that broke out on Leo’s palm and the shudder of panic and shame that swept through him.

“The presentation—“ he choked out. “M-My grade—”

“—isn’t gonna mean jack squat if you drop dead before graduation, idiot.” An exaggeration, perhaps, but Raph was not in the mood to see his body hit the ground again anytime soon.

“I…I-I know.” Leo heaved a tremulous sigh, swollen eyes fluttering closed again. “I know.”

Raph tried to tell himself he wasn’t his brothers’ keeper, beyond keeping them physically safe, but he hadn’t been paying enough attention, too wrapped up in his own stuff along the way to get the jump on this and do it right. This incident just meant he had to do better. Focus up, buckle down, be ready to keep them physically safe from themselves sometimes too.

Commit.

#teenage mutant ninja turtles #mutant mayhem #fanfiction #tmnt leonardo #tmnt raphael #tmnt donatello #tmnt michelangelo #antagonist characters #whump #overworking #bullying #but on the sly #protectiveness #light angst #brotherly love #r&b bros #sword and shield duo

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peleksstuff · 1 year ago

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interviewing timothée l timothée chalamet x reader

gifs not mine*

summary: looking good interviewing timothee

-----

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the desert in a magical light, you sat face to face with two big Hollywood stars, Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, right on the set of the highly anticipated movie, Dune. The conversation aimed to uncover their insights into the production process of this monumental adaptation and delve into the intricacies of their respective roles.

"It's great to have both of you here, Timothée and Zendaya. Dune is known worldwide, with a passionate fan following. How did you guys tackle the challenge of portraying your characters in this adaptation?"

Timothee's eyes locked onto yours as he began to answer, a spark of interest evident in his gaze. "Well, for me, it was about really delving into the psyche of Paul Atreides," he said, his voice carrying a hint of intensity. "His journey is one of self-discovery, of navigating a world filled with complexities and challenges. It was a privilege to step into his shoes."

Zendaya concurred with a nod before expressing, "Playing Chani was truly amazing for me. She's a character of immense strength and resilience, and I aimed to embody her essence in every scene. Working with such a skilled cast and crew was an absolute pleasure."

Throughout the interview, Timothee's gaze kept drifting back to you, his eyes lingering for just a moment longer than necessary, sending a flutter of excitement through your chest. Zendaya seemed to notice the subtle exchange and flashed you a knowing smile before continuing to discuss the film.

As the interview neared its end, you found yourself filled with excitement, grateful for the opportunity to have conversed with two burgeoning Hollywood talents. "Thank you both for your time today," you expressed warmly, a sincere smile gracing your face. "I'm confident that Dune will indeed become a cinematic masterpiece."

As the cameras stopped rolling, Timothee approached you with a sheepish grin. "Hey, um, I was wondering if maybe... you'd want to grab a coffee sometime?" he asked, his cheeks tinged with a hint of pink.

Zendaya, who had been observing the interaction with amusement, couldn't contain her laughter. "Well, well, well, Timmy," she teased, "how professional of you."

Timothee rolled his eyes playfully before turning back to you, his expression hopeful. "So, what do you say?"

You couldn't help but laugh at the unexpected turn of events. "I'd love to," you replied, feeling a surge of excitement at the prospect of getting to know him outside of the interview setting.

As you exchanged numbers with Timothee, Zendaya grinned mischievously, shaking her head in disbelief. "I can't believe you just did that," she said, her laughter filling the air. "But hey, who am I to stand in the way of true love?"

As you watched Timothee walk away, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips, you couldn't help but feel a sense of unexpected opportunity in the air, as if the desert sands themselves were whispering tales of new beginnings.

#timothée chalamet #timothee x reader #timothee chalamet blurb #timothee chalamet imagine #timothee chalamet fic

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jaefluenza · 9 months ago

Text

Mountain High | Jjh.

genre: adventure, fluff

characters: jeong jaehyun x reader, jungwoo, taeyong, mark, winter, giselle

3,890 words

˚˖𓍢ִ໋🍃˚.⛰️⋆☁️

The sky above the mountain was a deep, clear blue when two hiking groups set out on their journey. The sun beamed down on the verdant trails, promising a day filled with adventure. Little did they know, the mountain had other plans.

Jaehyun, Taeyong, Jungwoo, and Mark were the epitome of camaraderie as they led the charge up the trail. These four were seasoned hikers, their banter and laughter ringing out like a steady drumbeat as they navigated the rough terrain.

Not far behind them was you, Giselle, and Winter. The three of you were no strangers to adventure, having tackled trails from the rugged to the serene. But today, something felt different—there was an edge to the air that none of you could quite place.

“We should catch up with the boys,” Winter suggested, glancing back at you and Giselle as you paused at a scenic overlook. “It’ll be fun to hike together, don’t you think?”

Giselle smiled mischievously, “Or maybe we just want to hear more of their ridiculous stories. Mark’s got a new one about Taeyong and a goat, apparently.”

You chuckled, rolling your eyes. “I’m sure that’s exactly what we need on this hike. Besides, I think they’re trying to outpace us.”

The three of you pushed on, determined to close the gap. The trail wound through dense forests, each step a rhythm in the heartbeat of the mountain. The air was crisp, the scent of pine mingling with the earthy aroma of the soil beneath your boots. But as you climbed higher, the trees thickened, and the sky became less visible through the canopy.

Unbeknownst to any of you, dark clouds were gathering in the distance.

Jaehyun slowed his pace, allowing the others to walk ahead. Something about the shifting wind didn’t sit right with him. He paused, scanning the horizon, noticing the ominous clouds creeping over the peaks.

Taeyong caught Jaehyun’s gaze. “What’s up, man? You see something?”

“Yeah,” Jaehyun replied, his brow furrowing. “Weather looks like it’s about to turn. We should be careful.”

Mark, ever the optimist, laughed. “It’s just a few clouds. We’ve handled worse.”

Jungwoo shrugged, but Jaehyun’s unease lingered. The group continued on, their conversation growing quieter as the sky began to darken.

By the time your group caught up with them, the first rumbles of thunder echoed through the mountains. You could feel the change in the air, a tension building with every step. The lighthearted atmosphere from earlier was replaced by a collective sense of unease.

“Looks like we’re in for a storm,” you remarked, drawing closer to Jaehyun. His expression was serious, his eyes fixed on the clouds that now dominated the sky.

“Yeah,” he nodded, his voice steady. “We should think about finding some shelter soon, just in case it gets bad.”

Winter glanced around nervously. “Do you think we’ll make it back down before it hits?”

Giselle looked up at the sky, biting her lip. “Maybe, but it’s a long way back. We could be caught in the middle of it.”

Just then, a sudden gust of wind whipped through the trees, sending a shiver down your spine. The storm was coming fast, too fast. The six of you exchanged glances, silently agreeing that the best course of action was to keep moving, but at a quicker pace.

As you continued up the mountain, the storm descended. What began as a drizzle quickly turned into a downpour, the rain relentless as it soaked through your clothes. The wind howled through the trees, making it hard to hear anything but the storm’s fury.

It wasn’t long before the trail became treacherous, the ground turning into a slick, muddy mess. The once steady rhythm of your steps faltered as each of you struggled to keep your footing. And then, as if to emphasize the mountain’s power, a bolt of lightning cracked through the sky, followed by a deafening boom of thunder.

Panic set in as the realization hit: you were all in serious danger. The storm was far worse than anyone had anticipated, and the trail was quickly becoming impassable.

“We need to find cover!” Jaehyun shouted over the wind, his voice barely audible. “We can’t stay out in this!”

The group scrambled to find shelter, eyes darting through the rain-slicked trees. But in the chaos, it was hard to stay together. The rain obscured your vision, the storm disorienting, and in the confusion, you were separated from the others.

You looked around frantically, trying to locate your friends, but the storm was too strong. The rain pounded down, the wind whipping your hair into your face. You couldn’t see more than a few feet in front of you.

Then, out of the corner of your eye, you saw a figure moving through the trees. You called out, and when they turned toward you, you recognized Jaehyun. Relief washed over you as he made his way toward you, his expression mirroring your own concern.

“We got separated from the others,” he shouted over the storm. “We need to find some kind of shelter until this passes!”

You nodded, trusting him to lead the way. The two of you pushed forward through the storm, your hearts pounding in your chests as you searched for anything that could provide some cover. The storm was relentless, the wind so strong it felt like it could knock you off your feet at any moment.

After what felt like an eternity, Jaehyun spotted a small cave nestled into the side of the mountain. He grabbed your hand, pulling you toward it. You stumbled inside, grateful for the temporary respite from the storm.

˚˖𓍢ִ໋🍃˚.⛰️⋆☁️

The cave was small, but it was dry, and that was all that mattered. You collapsed against the wall, catching your breath as Jaehyun crouched beside you, his gaze still wary.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice softer now that you were out of the storm.

You nodded, though your heart was still racing. “Yeah… I’m okay. Just… I didn’t expect it to get this bad.”

“Neither did I,” he admitted, running a hand through his wet hair. “But we’ll be okay here for now. We just need to wait it out.”

The storm raged outside, the wind howling like a wild beast. You could hear the rain hammering against the rocks, the occasional rumble of thunder echoing through the cave. But in here, it was almost peaceful—safe, even.

As the adrenaline from the escape began to fade, you became more aware of your surroundings. The cave was dark, the only light coming from the occasional flash of lightning outside. You could feel the chill seeping into your bones, your wet clothes clinging to your skin.

Jaehyun noticed your shivering and immediately shrugged off his jacket, offering it to you. “Here, take this. It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing.”

You hesitated for a moment, but the cold was too much to bear. “Thanks,” you murmured, accepting the jacket and wrapping it around yourself. It was warm, carrying the faint scent of pine and something distinctly Jaehyun. It helped, but the cold wasn’t the only thing making you shiver.

There was a tension between the two of you now, a silent understanding that you were alone together, isolated from the rest of the world by the storm. The cave, small as it was, felt intimate, and you couldn’t ignore the way your heart skipped a beat when Jaehyun’s gaze lingered on you a little too long.

To break the silence, you forced a smile. “Well, this is one way to make a hike memorable.”

Jaehyun chuckled, his smile easing some of the tension. “Yeah, not exactly what I had in mind when I signed up for this, but I guess we’re getting the full experience.”

“Surviving in the wilderness with just our wits and whatever we can scrounge up?” you teased. “I feel like we’re in one of those survival reality shows.”

Jaehyun grinned, his dimples appearing. “Except without the camera crew. We’re on our own here.”

The storm raged on, but the conversation brought a sense of normalcy to the situation. Jaehyun’s presence was comforting, his calm demeanor grounding you. Even as the wind howled and the rain pelted the cave entrance, you felt a little less afraid knowing he was there with you.

After a while, the conversation died down, and the two of you sat in companionable silence, listening to the storm outside. Your mind began to wander, thoughts drifting back to the rest of your group. You couldn’t help but worry about them, hoping they had found shelter as well.

Jaehyun seemed to sense your concern. “They’ll be okay,” he said softly, as if reading your thoughts. “Taeyong, Jungwoo, Mark… they’re all experienced. And your friends are tough too.”

You nodded, but the worry lingered. “I know. It’s just… this storm came out of nowhere. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Me neither,” he agreed, his voice thoughtful. “But storms like this can blow over quickly. Hopefully, it’ll be gone by morning, and we can find the others.”

His optimism was infectious, and you found yourself hoping he was right. For now, though, there was nothing to do but wait.

As the storm continued its relentless assault outside, you and Jaehyun both realized that spending the night in the cave was inevitable. The temperature was dropping, and the cold, damp air was beginning to gnaw at your bones.

Jaehyun, always practical, decided it was time to do something about it. He reached for his backpack, which had somehow remained mostly dry, and began rummaging through it.

“Let’s get a fire going,” he said, his tone determined. “We’ll need it to stay warm through the night.”

You nodded in agreement, though you weren’t sure how he planned to start a fire in such conditions. The rain had soaked everything, and it seemed impossible to find anything dry enough to use as kindling.

But Jaehyun seemed undeterred. He pulled out a compact, waterproof case from his bag and opened it to reveal an array of survival tools. There was a small hatchet, a flint striker, and even a few packets of tinder.

“Wow,” you remarked, impressed. “You came prepared.”

Jaehyun chuckled, glancing up at you with a grin. “I’ve done a few hikes like this before. It pays to be ready for anything.”

As he began to arrange a small pile of tinder and sticks, you knelt down beside him, eager to help. “What can I do?”

“Here,” he handed you the flint striker, showing you how to use it. “Try getting a spark going while I find some more dry wood.”

You took the striker, feeling the cool metal in your hand, and began striking it against the flint. It took a few tries, but eventually, a spark caught on the tinder, and you blew on it gently, encouraging the small flame.

Jaehyun returned with more wood, which he carefully placed around the growing fire. The flames crackled to life, filling the cave with warmth and a soft, flickering light. You both sat back, watching as the fire grew stronger, casting long shadows on the cave walls.

“Not bad,” Jaehyun complimented, smiling at you. “You’re a natural.”

You smiled back, feeling a sense of accomplishment. “I’ve always been good at following instructions.”

The warmth from the fire was a welcome relief, and you could already feel the chill fading from your bones. You both moved closer to the fire, sitting side by side as the flames danced between you.

For a while, the two of you sat in comfortable silence, the fire providing a sense of security in the midst of the storm. The flames flickered, casting a warm glow on Jaehyun’s face, highlighting the thoughtful expression in his eyes. There was something different about this moment—something that felt more personal, more intimate.

You shifted slightly, feeling the need to break the silence. “You know, I’ve been thinking about our first year in college together. Remember that time we both got detention?”

Jaehyun chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “How could I forget? We were both late to Professor Kim’s class.”

You laughed, the memory bringing a smile to your face. “Yeah, we thought we could sneak in without anyone noticing. But then the door creaked, and everyone turned to stare at us. I thought I was going to die of embarrassment.”

Jaehyun shook his head, still smiling. “And then Professor Kim decided to make an example of us. Detention for both of us—right after class. I remember you were so mad.”

“I was,” you admitted, shaking your head at the memory. “But it turned out to be one of the best detentions ever. We spent the whole hour just talking about random stuff. I learned so much about you that day.”

“Like what?” Jaehyun asked, his tone playful, but there was a genuine curiosity in his eyes.

“Like how you can’t stand the sound of people chewing with their mouths open,” you teased, earning a laugh from him. “Or how you have a secret talent for drawing, even though you never show your sketches to anyone.”

Jaehyun smiled, his gaze softening as he looked at you. “And I learned that you’re a night owl who survives on coffee and late-night study sessions. And that you’re one of the most stubborn people I’ve ever met.”

You pretended to be offended, but the warmth in his voice made it impossible not to smile. “Hey, stubbornness can be a good thing. It’s what gets me through those tough classes.”

“It’s one of the things I like about you,” Jaehyun said, his voice dropping to a more serious tone.

Your breath caught in your throat at his words. The fire crackled between you, but the atmosphere had shifted, the lighthearted conversation giving way to something deeper.

“Jaehyun…” you began, but he cut you off, his gaze intense.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” he said, his voice low and sincere. “I’ve liked you for a while now. I just… I never found the right moment to say it.”

His confession hung in the air, the weight of it making your heart race. You had always sensed there was something more between you two, but hearing him say it out loud made it real—tangible.

“I slowed down my pace earlier on the trail,” he continued, his eyes never leaving yours. “I wanted to be near you, to make sure you were okay. I kept an eye on you and the girls because I care about you. And when the storm hit… all I could think about was finding you.”

The vulnerability in his voice, the honesty in his words, made your heart ache in the best possible way. You reached out, your hand finding his in the flickering firelight.

You could feel Jaehyun’s gaze on you, his eyes warm and intense as they traced your features. The way he looked at you made your heart race, and despite the warmth of the fire, you felt a different kind of heat rising within you.

“Jaehyun,” you whispered, your voice barely audible over the crackle of the fire.

He leaned closer, his breath warm against your skin. “Yeah?”

For a moment, you hesitated, your heart pounding in your chest. But the look in his eyes, the way he was so close you could feel the heat radiating from him, made you brave.

You reached up and gently placed your hand on the side of his face, feeling the warmth of his skin under your fingertips. You could see his breath hitch, his gaze flickering down to your lips. The tension between you was palpable now, a magnetic pull drawing you closer together.

“Can I…?” you began, but Jaehyun didn’t let you finish.

He closed the distance between you, his lips meeting yours in a soft, tentative kiss. It was gentle at first, a question in the way he kissed you, as if he was giving you a chance to pull away if this wasn’t what you wanted. But when you responded, pressing back into the kiss with equal tenderness, it was like a dam broke.

Jaehyun’s hand came up to cup the back of your head, his fingers threading through your hair as he deepened the kiss. His lips were warm and soft, moving against yours with a sweetness that made your heart swell. The world outside ceased to exist; there was only the two of you, the warmth of the fire, and the feeling of Jaehyun’s lips on yours.

The kiss was slow, unhurried, filled with the emotions that had been building up between you for so long. You could feel everything he was trying to say in the way he kissed you—the longing, the care, the affection that he hadn’t been able to put into words until now.

When you finally broke apart, both of you were breathing heavily, your foreheads resting against each other’s as you tried to catch your breath. You could see the way Jaehyun’s chest rose and fell rapidly, the same way yours did, and the sight made you smile.

“Wow,” you whispered, your voice still a little breathless.

Jaehyun chuckled softly, his thumb brushing over your cheek in a tender gesture. “Yeah… wow.”

For a moment, you just looked at each other, the firelight reflecting in his eyes, making them look even warmer than usual. His smile was soft, his dimples appearing as he looked at you with an expression that made your heart flutter.

“I’ve wanted to do that for a long time,” Jaehyun admitted, his voice low and filled with emotion. “But I never knew if you felt the same way.”

You smiled, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to the corner of his mouth. “I did… I do. I’ve liked you for so long, Jaehyun. I just didn’t know how to tell you.”

He sighed softly, pulling you closer so that you were nestled against his chest. “I guess we were both too afraid to say anything. But I’m glad we finally did.”

You nodded, feeling the steady beat of his heart under your ear. It was comforting, grounding you in the reality of the moment. This was real—Jaehyun’s feelings, your own, the warmth of his arms around you. It was all real, and it made you feel like you were exactly where you were meant to be.

For a while, you stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, the warmth of the fire and the intimacy of the moment making everything else fade away. The storm outside was still fierce, but inside the cave, with Jaehyun by your side, it felt like nothing could touch you.

˚˖𓍢ִ໋🍃˚.⛰️⋆☁️

The next morning, the storm had finally passed, leaving the forest drenched and glistening under the pale morning sun. The air was crisp and fresh, the sky a clear, brilliant blue that felt like a promise of better things to come. The birds were singing again, and the world seemed to have come back to life after the chaos of the previous night.

You and Jaehyun had slept in short shifts, keeping the fire going and listening for any signs of the storm easing. As dawn broke, you both packed up what little you had taken out, dousing the remnants of the fire with water from Jaehyun’s canteen.

Despite the trials of the night, you felt lighter, a warm glow in your chest from everything that had happened between you and Jaehyun. There was a new kind of closeness now, a bond forged in the heart of the storm and sealed with the gentle kisses you had shared.

“Ready to head back?” Jaehyun asked, shouldering his backpack and giving you a reassuring smile.

You nodded, smiling back. “Ready. Let’s go find the others.”

The hike back to the base camp was much easier now that the storm had passed. The trail was muddy, and the ground was slick in places, but with Jaehyun by your side, it felt like a walk in the park. You both moved quickly, eager to reunite with your friends and let them know you were safe.

It didn’t take long before you started seeing signs of other hikers—muddy footprints, a few discarded wrappers, and the sound of distant voices.

“Over here!” a voice called, and you turned to see Winter waving frantically from the edge of the camp. Giselle and the boys—Taeyong, Jungwoo, and Mark—were with her, all of them looking a little worse for wear but otherwise unharmed.

“There you are!” Giselle shouted, rushing over to pull you into a tight hug. “We were so worried when we got separated!”

“We’re okay,” you reassured her, hugging her back just as tightly. “Jaehyun found me, and we took shelter in a cave. What about you guys?”

“Once the storm hit, we all hunkered down in our tents,” Taeyong explained, walking over with a relieved grin. “We stayed put until morning. But when we realized you and Jaehyun weren’t with us, we started to worry.”

Mark smirked, glancing between you and Jaehyun. “Looks like you two had quite the adventure.”

You felt a blush creep up your cheeks, but before you could respond, Winter’s eyes widened as she seemed to piece something together. “Wait a minute—are you two…?”

Jaehyun, ever composed, wrapped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you close with a grin. “Yeah, we’re together now.”

There was a moment of stunned silence, and then the camp erupted into cheers and laughter. Jungwoo clapped Jaehyun on the back, a wide grin on his face. “About time, man! We’ve all been waiting for this to happen.”

Giselle’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she nudged you. “So, a stormy night in a cave, huh? Sounds like the perfect setup for romance.”

You laughed, shaking your head at her teasing. “It was… unexpected, but it brought us closer. We finally admitted how we feel about each other.”

“And now they’re officially a couple!” Winter cheered, clapping her hands in excitement. “This trip really was a success in more ways than one.”

Taeyong, always the leader, stepped forward with a proud smile. “Well, I’d say this hiking trip turned out to be quite the matchmaking adventure. Who knew a storm could bring two people together like this?”

Mark grinned, slinging an arm around Taeyong’s shoulders. “Maybe next time we should plan for a storm on purpose. Might help more of us find our soulmates.”

The group burst into laughter at Mark’s suggestion, the mood light and celebratory. It was clear that everyone was relieved to be back together and safe, and the fact that you and Jaehyun had finally confessed to each other was the icing on the cake.

As the group gathered their gear and prepared to head back home, Mark couldn’t resist one last comment. “So, how are we going to top this on our next trip? It’s going to be hard to beat a stormy night romance.”

Jaehyun chuckled, squeezing your hand. “I think we’ll just have to wait and see what happens. But no matter what, I’m just glad we’re all safe and that I got to be with someone special.”

You smiled up at him, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. “Me too. This was definitely a trip to remember.”

˚˖𓍢ִ໋🍃˚.⛰️⋆☁️

fin

jaefluenza; navigation

#nct scenarios #nct imagines #nct angst #nct 127 #nct au #jaehyun scenarios #nct 127 fluff #nct 127 soft hours #jung jaehyun #jaehyun fluff

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monster-disaster · 4 months ago

Text

[succubus] Nara + sleepover

succubus!Nara x human!Reader Good to know: no warnings

Previously: [monsters] New Year's resolution [succubus] Nara [succubus] Nara +1

Summary: Sleepover; pizza, face masks, bad movies.

It’s almost ridiculous how excited you are. No. Scratch that. It is ridiculous.

You stand in the middle of your flat, your heart racing as your gaze darts nervously between the living room you've worked tirelessly all day and the succubus standing beside you. Your teeth dig into the soft, already too-sensitive flesh of your bottom lip as you try to see your home through her eyes. It's mismatched and old, but comfortable and yours.

“Well,” Nara says after a brief pause, “you’ve certainly been busy.”

You open your mouth to protest but quickly think better of it. “No-” You hesitate, letting out a sheepish laugh. “Okay, yes.”

She is right.

From the moment you woke up, you’ve been in overdrive. After a quick trip to the little store just a few blocks away, you spent hours cleaning and scrubbing, and after hours of rearranging furniture, fluffing pillows, and preparing for tonight, you’d moved to the kitchen to tackle the pizza dough. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, Nara was already at your door.

Now, your flat looks like a mess. A deliberate mess. The couch, pulled out into a makeshift bed, is practically drowning in a sea of pillows and blankets. Your kitchen just a few steps away is no better either. Its counters are crowded with snacks, drinks, and a few impulsive extras you picked up just in case. You weren’t sure what Nara would like, so you bought a little bit of everything. A rainbow of bags, boxes, and bottles clutter the surface, pushed aside only enough to leave space for the dough you’d worked on earlier.

“You told me you’ve never had a sleepover before,” you say, heat creeping up your neck and cheeks at the confession. “I just wanted to give you a good first experience.”

Nara’s gaze softens. The playful smirk on her lips fades into something tender, and then, she leans in to press a light, grateful kiss to your lips.

“I love it, Y/N,” she murmurs,

Your body reacts instantly. The tension you’d been carrying all day melts away, leaving your shoulders loose and your chest light. The anxious knot in your stomach dissolves, replaced by a simple, giddy excitement.

“Good,” you say with a nod, feeling much steadier now. “I’m glad.”

“But you have to calm down,” Nara adds gently. “You are going to give yourself an ulcer if you keep this up.”

You grimace at the truth of her words. “I know,” you mutter.

It’s one of those flaws you’ve always been painfully aware of; the relentless need to obsess over every little detail. This sleepover was supposed to be a chance for you to loosen up, to focus on making memories rather than everything being perfect. But as usual, your brain didn’t get the memo. The spiral is so familiar that you don't even notice it anymore when you fall into it. You focus too hard, dig too deep, and lose sight of the bigger picture.

Back in school, your parents or friends had to physically drag you out of your room because you would lose yourself in your textbooks during exam seasons. You’d skip meals, stay hunched over your desk for hours, and only realize how exhausted you were when someone forced a break on you. And adulthood hadn’t been much kinder either. Job interviews, doctor’s appointments, and even something as simple as meeting up with friends could turn into a mental battlefield. It’s gotten better with time, breathing exercises, and checklists, but moments like this remind you how easy it is to fall back into old patterns.

And tonight? Tonight had been one of those times.

Nara watches you for a second, and then, her hand brushes against yours, snapping you out of your thoughts. “Hey,” she says gently.

Shaking your head, you force yourself to loosen up even more. “Do you want something to drink?” you ask. “I bought, well, basically everything.”

She shifts her weight from one foot to the other. For the first time since you’ve met her, she looks… shy. Almost bashful. “And I… I brought a few things, too,” she admits. “I didn’t know what to bring. Google said…” She trails off, her usual confidence faltering in a way that is both surprising and oddly endearing. The sight makes your heart swell, and unable to resist, you close the small gap between you and lean in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. Her rambling halts instantly, and when you pull back, her wide-eyed surprise quickly shifts into something more amused.

“You are so cute,” you say with a huge grin.

The succubus groans, rolling her eyes even as a smile starts to tug at her lips. She tries to suppress it, but you can tell she is losing the battle. “Shut up.”

“Never,” you tease, laughing softly as you take her bag and place it on the counter. “Now, let’s see what Google thinks you should bring to a sleepover.”

“Keep talking, and I’ll drink all the wine I brought,” she threatens, though her voice is more laughter than malice.

It feels like you’ve stepped back in time to the days when you and your friends had endless hours to spare. Back when every weekend was spent sprawled on someone’s couch, surrounded by snacks, laughter, and the kind of carefree energy that only comes with youth and too much free time.

Nara slips into the rhythm of things effortlessly, like she’s been here a hundred times before.

Soon, the air is filled with the warm aroma of freshly baked pizza and the tangy sweetness of tomato sauce. The two of you sit side by side on the couch, surrounded by blankets and pillows, while the TV casts a soft, flickering glow over the room, playing a movie neither of you has seen before.

Your faces are covered in a cooling green face mask Nara had spotted while rummaging through your bathroom earlier and insisted on giving it a try. Now, every time you glance at her, you can’t help but chuckle.

“You are laughing at me again,” she says, her tone playful as she nudges your arm with her elbow.

“I can’t help it,” you reply, grinning as you gesture toward her face. “You look like an evil swamp queen.” Her pastel purple skin peaks out here and there underneath the mask, and her black hair is piled on the top of her head in a messy bun, tangled with her horns.

“Better than you,” she quips, smirking. “You look like a stressed-out avocado.”

The two of you burst into laughter, nearly spilling the bowls of popcorn balanced between you. Its buttery scent mingles with the pizza.

“You know,” Nara says after a while. “I could get used to this.”

You glance at her, feeling a flicker of pride at her words. The way she looks so at ease, with her legs tucked under a blanket and her eyes soft with contentment, makes all your earlier fretting feel worth it.

“Yeah?” you ask. “I'm glad.”

You’ve been going to the gym for weeks now, and somewhere between the reps and stretches, you found yourself slipping into a comfortable friendship with your trainers, especially with Nara. Her confidence and charm were magnetic, and soon enough, you were both meeting for coffee after workouts, grabbing lunch, or doing a bit of shopping together.

That’s how you both ended up here now.

One evening, Nara had confessed that she’d never had a sleepover before. Not once. Not because she didn’t want to, but because, as a succubus, there were always judgments and expectations that others placed on her. People assumed things she didn’t want to live up to, things that clouded the possibility of something simple like spending a night at a friend’s house.

You could sense the weight of her words, the vulnerability behind them, and you knew at that moment that you wanted to change it. It’s not about anything other than the friendship you’ve built. Of course, you enjoy each other in ways that go beyond friendship, but tonight is about just being together without labels or expectations.

“The guy knows shit about acting,” Nara mutters under her breath, her eyes narrowed at the TV screen.

“He has a pretty face, but no talent,” you agree. “I can't decide if the movie is bad because of him or if it would be bad anyway.”

Nara doesn’t miss a beat. “It would be bad anyway,” she says with a dry smirk. “I mean, did you hear the explanation of their time travel? It makes absolutely no sense.”

“Honestly, I think the only good part of this movie is the popcorn,” you joke, reaching for another handful from the bowl between you.

Nara turns to look at you with a playful glint in her eyes. “And the company,” she grins.

And honestly, it’s not just about the succubus. You need her friendship as much as she needs yours.

Over the years, life happened, and before you knew it, you found yourself more alone than you had ever imagined. Your friends got married, moved away, or started families of their own. And you? You became too comfortable in your little bubble with your own space, your routine, your quiet life. At first, it was easy. You didn’t mind the solitude; it felt safe and comforting, but gradually, you realized it had become something else. The isolation wasn’t deliberate, but it crept in slowly. You didn’t mind staying in, reading, binge-watching shows, enjoying your own company, but eventually, you began to feel the absence of the laughter and connection you once had with friends.

Your first step to break out of that bubble was joining the gym at the beginning of the year. It was a small thing, but it felt like a giant leap.

And now, with Nara, you don't have to force yourself to socialize. You don't have to psych yourself up, or at least not as much. She makes it easy without pushing you too much.

Your gaze lingers on the TV, your attention drifting in and out as the plot continues to make no sense whatsoever, when you suddenly feel Nara’s burning attention on the side of your face.

“What?” you ask suspiciously, glancing over at her. The mischievous glint in her eyes is unmistakable.

“So,” she begins, unable to contain the grin spreading across her lips. “How is your sex book?”

You groan and collapse backward into the pile of pillows behind you, feeling the warmth of embarrassment creep up your neck. “It’s not a sex book!” you protest.

“Are you sure?” she presses, her voice full of teasing amusement. “Shame,” she hums, clearly delighted by your discomfort. “Decar wants to borrow it.”

Your eyes snap to hers in alarm. “You told them about it?”

“Why are you upset if it’s not a sex book?” she retorts, leaning back against the couch.

You sit up abruptly, your face flushed with embarrassment. “You know what?” you exclaim, raising your finger in mock authority. “No more wine for you!”

Nara gasps dramatically, her hand placed over her chest in exaggerated offense. “Cruel woman!”

You can't help but laugh, and you can't help but feel grateful for the succubus stepping into your life.

#monster romance #monster x human #monster x reader #teratophillia #succubus x reader #succubus x human #succubus girlfriend #monster girlfriend #terat0philliac #terato

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sunshinesmebdy · 6 months ago

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Venus in Capricorn: A Guide to Building Lasting Relationships and Financial Stability

Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and values, is transiting through Capricorn until December 7th, bringing grounded, no-nonsense energy to our relationships, finances, and personal goals. As someone with Venus in Capricorn, I know firsthand how powerful this influence can be — it’s about commitment, stability, and building something meaningful that stands the test of time.

Let’s dive into how you can align with this energy to strengthen your relationships, boost your finances, and create lasting success in all areas of life.

1. Career Connections That Matter

Venus in Capricorn is all about rewarding hard work and consistency. If you’ve been showing up and putting in the effort, this is your moment. Promotions, recognition, and opportunities to connect with people who share your long-term vision could be on the horizon.

The key here is intentionality. Focus on creating meaningful professional relationships. Whether it’s a colleague, mentor, or collaborator, invest your energy in connections that feel purposeful and aligned with your bigger goals.

2. Love That’s Built to Last

In relationships, Venus in Capricorn doesn’t do shallow. This is a time for commitment, loyalty, and building a foundation with someone who’s just as invested as you are.

If you’re single, think about what you truly want in a partner. If you’re in a relationship, use this energy to strengthen your bond and create a shared vision for the future. This isn’t about quick sparks — it’s about the slow burn that lasts a lifetime.

3. Financial Foundations

Venus in Capricorn is incredibly practical when it comes to money. This is your chance to get serious about your financial goals. Take a closer look at your budget, start saving, or explore investments that align with your long-term plans.

Think beyond short-term wins. Every step you take now — whether it’s paying off debt or planning for retirement — can help secure your future.

4. Boundaries Are Everything

One of the biggest lessons of Venus in Capricorn is the importance of boundaries. In love, this means respecting each other’s needs and space. In money, it’s about knowing your limits — say no to unnecessary spending or risky decisions.

Capricorn energy is about protecting what you’ve built. By setting healthy boundaries, you’re creating space for growth while safeguarding your progress.

5. Network with Purpose

Quality over quantity — this is the Venus in Capricorn motto when it comes to connections. Whether personal or professional, now’s the time to focus on relationships that truly matter.

Seek out people who inspire you, challenge you, and align with your values. These are the relationships that will support your growth and open doors to new opportunities down the line.

6. Love as a Team Effort

Venus in Capricorn views love as a partnership. It’s not just about romance — it’s about building a life together. During this transit, think about what you and your partner (or potential partner) are working toward.

Whether it’s building a business, planning for the future, or simply supporting each other’s dreams, this energy is about creating something that’s bigger than just the two of you.

7. Self-Worth is Non-Negotiable

Venus in Capricorn reminds you to know your worth and act accordingly. When you value yourself — your time, your energy, your skills — you naturally attract people and opportunities that respect that.

This is a great time to focus on personal growth. Invest in yourself, whether that’s through learning something new, prioritizing self-care, or tackling a project you’ve been putting off. You’re worth the effort.

8. Patience Pays Off

Capricorn energy teaches us that the best things in life don’t come overnight. This is a time to embrace the process, knowing that your hard work and persistence will lead to long-term rewards.

Whether it’s a relationship, a career goal, or a financial plan, stay consistent. Trust that you’re building something solid, even if the results aren’t immediate.

9. Build Your Legacy

At the heart of Venus in Capricorn is the idea of creating something that lasts. This is your chance to build a foundation for love, finances, and success that can stand the test of time.

What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Whether it’s through meaningful relationships, a thriving career, or financial security, this is the time to lay the groundwork for the future you want.

A Personal Note from a Capricorn Venus

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Venus in Capricorn, it’s that love, success, and stability don’t come from rushing or cutting corners. They’re built through effort, intention, and staying true to your values.

This transit is an invitation for everyone to embrace those principles. Take your time, focus on what really matters, and trust the process. Whether you’re working on your relationships, career, or personal growth, the energy of Venus in Capricorn can help you create something truly lasting.

Here’s to building a life filled with love, purpose, and security — one intentional step at a time. 🌟

#astrology community #astro posts #astrology #astrology facts #astrology observations #astro girlies #astropost #astro observations #astro notes #astro community

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greenboyfriend · 1 year ago

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choose a fish to fill you with whimsy & glee! (tarot reading)

"what can you look forward to?" image 1: this guy's got it all figured out. he's able to breathe above water due to the bowl of water superglued to his face. one might even assume he has prosthetic legs, or perhaps even feet... image 2: the ideal male figure... you may not like it, but it's a fish with a broom as a tail and no internal organs. image 3: a fish that doesn't resemble anything in particular. no... not at all! image source not everything may resonate with you, and that's ok! take what does & leave the rest. don't force it.

1.・。.・゜✭

you guys!!! there is something very wonderful in store for you, so long as you’re able to get yourself out of this rut! you may be feeling powerless, suffering some sort of attack, and being forced into the role of the victim. however! justice means to tell you that there is a major change that must be made on your part. instead of letting yourself be victimized, take action! use those emotions you’re feeling to tackle this challenge with passion– take that risk!! don’t be afraid to get creative, too. above all, and no matter what it takes, you’re going to need to address this, and with confidence. in a broader sense, this situation is teaching you how to overcome a fear of yours. maybe you’re not the best at asserting yourself, but that’s ok! we’re all learning!! take this as a step in the right direction. the extremely right direction, i might add, as the 9 of cups and justice seem to imply, this will be a very fruitful endeavor for you. the 9 of cups is often referred to as the “wish” card, because it represents having your wish fulfilled. after you take action, i see this result leaving you feeling quite pleased with yourself, and even a little smug! as you may know, justice is no card to be trifled with, so keep in mind that the actions you take regarding this situation will heed important results. do what you know is right and believe in yourself! you can do it!!! all of these cards are reversed-- except 10 of swords-- indicating that they're meant to inform your future actions (in the next few days, or next week). so don't worry if you haven't thought about it too much yet. but please remember that justice does not play! believe in yourself, you'll know when the time is right. there is some 18+ info beyond this point... click the link to read the rest but be warned its literally 2 sentences and NO ONE UNDER 18 SHOULD fucking READ IT! /srs link

(10 of swords, page of wands reversed, 9 of cups reversed, justice reversed)

2.・。.・゜✭

hello my silly little broom fish. you’ve been working hard! if you haven’t, expect to work hard soon! you will be taking on a new project or adventure, which will require your full attention. i’m thinking, some of you guys might be taking a new class, or be receiving training of some kind. you’re going to need to put your all into this! you may already have an idea of what to expect, but some things will be new, too. take the time to really get into the minute details, tie up loose ends, and recheck, then rerecheck, and rererecheck just for good measure. this may also be a way for you to expand your horizons, and become a leader. if you have a good idea, share it! you may end up showing others the way, and being a representative of some kind. remember, though, to be painstaking about this, and really brush up on those fine details. along the way, make sure you’re keeping yourself on course. if you need a moment to reflect and think about where you’re going, consider it a part of the process. while it is also a good idea to consider other perspectives, keep in mind that you’re here for a reason. you may have to assert your position & really push for your way of doing things. again, if someone else has an idea, don’t underestimate it, but don’t underestimate yourself, either! this may take the form of having to resist authority, and you may have to be firm. in doing this, you may also be able to reap a reward of some kind! remember, there are so many people in the world that would push for their perspective no matter what, even if they haven't researched it at all. based on the 8 of pentacles, you most certainly have researched, so believe in yourself! make that stand!!... well, when it comes to. all of these cards are reversed, so this situation is likely to come into fruition in the future-- in the next few days, or possibly next week. mull over it for a while. when you start to see the signs, seize your opportunity!

(8 of pentacles reversed, 3 of wands reversed, 7 of pentacles reversed, 7 of wands reversed)

3.・。.・゜✭

ok go off!!!! or somefin it’s time to commit to that regimen. whether that’s eating healthier, taking more time for yourself, or, if you’re like me, trying to practice more self kindness, creating an organized structure/routine is likely to help. so, for example, i’ll take my own life into account: i’ll often think certain thoughts can make me feel bad about myself without me totally realizing it, and lately i’ve been trying to change how i talk to myself. i use a systematic approach, in that i recognize the thought, then force myself to replace it with a positive one, instead. it seems silly at first, but the more that i stick to this method, the more success i’m seeing! this is just my example, but can be applied to your own situation! it’s always tough to start something new, but a month or two in, or maybe even a week, you see improvement. & it’s ok to make mistakes! you may be focusing too much on what you lack, or your shortcomings. there may also be setbacks keeping you from achieving your goals, or maybe you’re convinced that you made the wrong decision. know that it’s always darkest before the dawn!! you may be in a bad place right now, and if you are, consider how you can make things easier on yourself. instead of letting yourself be a martyr, or feel powerless, do what you know will make you feel better. like that new god forsaken ariana venti song, be your own damn best… friend. it’s wise counsel. both of the readings above this are about the future, but for you, i think this is very much about the present. with all cards facing you except temperance, there is a story unfolding, where you complete some unfinished business, and find peace. the peace part is likely in the future, with it being reversed and all, but the time for action seems imminent, or already happening. i think you probably know what you need to do. whatever those plans are that you’ve been sitting on, make them happen! i just keep getting “declare yourself openly”!!! so do with that what you will. you may even discover some sort of missing truth, keeping you from seeing things fully. you may also be swept up into the tides of change, and witness all the elements fit seamlessly into place. so hey! enjoy!

(the emperor, 5 of cups, 8 of wands, 10 of swords, temperance reversed)

#tarot #tarotblr #tarot reading #tarotcommunity #tarot cards #pick a card #pick a picture #pick a pile #spiritual #spirituality #witchblr #witchcraft #witch community #pac #pacs #pick a fish #pick a photo #pick an image

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marimoscorner · 1 year ago

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A Witch’s Hearth: Finding Home in Nature

In our Disconnected, Urban World

Written by Autumn (she/her) 🍁

To most witches, pagans and druids, the nature around us is as much of a home as our own domiciles. It’s healing to go out to an old growth forest, to bathe in the wisdom of beings who lived before you and will likely still stand tall when you are amidst their soil.

However, not everyone has immediate access to the lovely blessing of a deep forest.

I myself recently moved from the deep, lush forests of the PNW to just about as far south as I could go in my car, chasing the light that I need to function. The move has helped with my daily functions and mental health, yes—but I have been left feeling a bit lost without the forests of home.

Join me as I plan some ways in which I can adapt anew to the nature around my new home, how I may incorporate it in my magic, and how I may carve out a new spiritual hearth for myself.

Perhaps this can help inspire folks to tackle their own homesickness with nature, and to reconnect with the world in which they live (whether or not they’ve made a move).

Once again, please take this with a grain of salt—as this is just from my own experiences. I am not a teacher, I am simply recording my thoughts in the hopes to add my voice to the pot. With that, let’s begin! 🌿

A Deep Homesickness

This photo is one my partner took at our engagement up in WA, right before we ran into a bear

The above photo is how I think of home. The deep green of the forest, the blue of the mountains on the horizon. Moss on just about every surface. The rich dirt that sustained it all. Were it not rainy and dark most of the year, I wouldn’t have left.

Now, I find home in a biome all its own. I’m living deeper into a city than I ever have, and I’m feeling isolated from nature. While the beach is close by, any deep woods that remind me of the edges of the wilderness up north are at the very least two to three hours away by car.

Though I have a hard time remembering this, it is not a bad change. Any plant that is uprooted from the earth it’s known its whole life is bound to feel a bit uncomfortable. But perhaps it can flourish if moved to soil better suited for its intrinsic needs.

Though my experience includes a physical move, this can apply to a homesickness you feel due to a simple displacement of nature in this society. Perhaps you aren’t seeing enough nature, or aren’t able to connect with what’s around you.

Let’s forge ahead to tackle this feeling of loneliness head on!

Finding Similarities

This is a photo I took at a hike about 2.5 hrs out of the way down here. Though without as many trees, it felt much more familiar and was beautiful in its own right

In our modern society, we’re left with a longing to return to nature—to our home. You may find yourself longing for a specific kind of view. Perhaps you’re looking for prominence of a particular element—like a roaring river to enact water or plenty of clover to help you feel the earth. The following is a list of steps to tackle this:

Make a list of things you want to see or things that would help you feel at home in nature. Think of your dream location when it comes to the outdoors. What does it look like? What features does it have? How do you feel?

Go online and find trails nearby with as similar to these features as possible. AllTrails has the ability to search for trails with waterfalls, forests, wildflowers, wildlife, etc. for free. Make good use of the wonderful web of resources provided to us.

Make an effort to connect with nature at least once a month, if you can. Be sure to pack for safety—and take a nice hike, or sit under an old tree and journal in your grimoire. Ground yourself and notice the seasons around you

In this way, you’ll help your soul settle and feel comfortable, which will help with our next steps.

Bring a Piece of Nature Home

Here’s one of my cats, Pagan, enjoying our newest garden box arrangement. I’m so proud of how far she’s come since we rescued this tiny baby

Many times, it’s near impossible to find the time in our busy lives during the week to go deep into nature. Thus, we need to take this connection into our own hands, and build our own miniature wild sanctuary.

NOTE: Do not remove plants or creatures from nature. They are there for a reason.

Take inventory of your available space. Is this your entire patio? A shelf? A portion of your altar? A garden box? A whole backyard? Take measurements so you can better plan

Remember your list of natural things you enjoy. Brainstorm some ways to include them in this space. It could be a photo or painting of your dream location. It could also be an actual plant for a tiny breath of fresh air. If you have the space, you could plant a whole garden! It is whatever matters most to you. Try and incorporate your local biome to help enmesh the two worlds, if they are different.

Thrift and shop around to fulfill the needs of this space. The more you can get secondhand or from smaller businesses in your community, the better. You may even be able to ask your neighbors or friends with impressive plants for a cutting to propagate!

Consider the safety of any children or animals in your life. A lot of plants and flowers can be toxic to certain creatures. Utilize the web to determine what is safe for your situation.

Set up your space and enjoy! You may utilize spells or ritual to fully enact the space and help it to feel more magical, but it is really your choice.

For my family, we live in an apartment. We haven’t had a backyard in years. Still, we’ve found way to turn our patio into a spot of natural respite. We utilize a tiered planter in order to make the most of our patio space. Though we’ve included small flowers that remind us of our old home, we’ve embraced the biome we’re currently in and have an entire row of beautiful succulents. Of course, we also added catnip for our babies, and herbs for our kitchen witchcraft. We also put down these outdoor tiles from IKEA that mimic a lawn and wooden patio. On our table, we’ve put a hummingbird feeder to help better support local wildlife, and are discussing an actual bird feeder.

Embracing the Nature Around You

A photo I took of a playful wild crow. He was an excellent little model!

This is a step I still need to complete myself. When biomes don’t match up with how you picture nature in your craft, it can be frustrating! Especially if you’re in a fairly urban area, you may not have much access or choice in which nature you interact with.

Here’s the good thing, though: it’s all nature, regardless of how it shows up in the world.

Start researching your local biomes. Take account of your local parks and community gardens. Study the history of the land that you’re on, and how it played into the lives of the people that it truly belongs to (of course, do not culturally appropriate. This should go without saying). Explore native biodiversity. Find volunteer programs at local organic farms. Visit a farmer’s market. The list of possibilities goes on.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or don’t know where to start, this is how I’ll be organizing my journey through this step:

Make a list of natural sights in your area that are easily accessible to you. I’m talking within a 30 minute drive or closer level of close. These don’t need to match up perfectly with your perception of nature—you may be pleasantly surprised in what you find when you open yourself up. This could include: parks, hiking trails, state parks, plant nurseries or shops, local/community gardens, farms that allow for visitors, farmer’s markets, local watersheds that allow for visitors, etc.

Visit these locations safely, documenting what you find beautiful and/or spiritual in each one. List aspects of local nature and how that could make an impact if you were to include them in your craft

Create a mini encyclopedia of local spots that you end up loving for days where you’re feeling disconnected and need a quick pick-me-up. You might even create a jar full of folded papers to pick them at random.

Increase the amount of local natural elements that you include in your craft instead of/alongside elements of your idealized natural space. You may find this area around you feeling more like a home or hearth than you ever have before.

Once you start practicing awareness in nature more and more, you’ll start to notice it in more places. This can not only help with your connection to your location, but can help you build your magical hearth in the energy around you.

Giving Back

This is a photo I took at the San Diego Zoo of a weaver finch building its nest

Nature takes care of us, even when we’re detached from it in our cities. We need to take care of it in turn. If you have the means, find some way to give back to the nature around you if you so wish. Here are some ideas:

Give back to the plants with your energy, or make an offering of compost to replenish the soil

Purchase a Membership at a local zoo or aquarium that prioritizes conservation. This way you get to visit, too, while giving back! I love having memberships because I know on each visit I can really take my time and don’t have to rush about.

Volunteer to help reforest, or to help plant at a local garden. This can even be done by donation if you do not have the access or ability to physically participate

Consider giving homegrown herbs/plants to family and friends—or prepare them to help feed those in your community, if you have the means to donate

Teach others in your community how to properly dispose of waste and how they can help keep our natural beauty alive

Simply compost and recycle when the option is available to you

Etc. There is no one right way to do any of this! Just with your intent, you make your community a better place. Thank you for being in it

Thank you for taking the time to read through my little magical journal and ideas. Even if we don’t fully align, I hope that our paths crossing has contributed to even a slight net-positive in your day. I look forward to writing again soon.

#pagan #pagan witch #paganism #witchblr #witchcraft #druidry #druid #nature

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linkedspirit-fanartfunart · 7 months ago

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Seeking New Land

Wind backstory! Post Phantom Hourglass, Link and Tetra gain a new (old?) Companion to the search for New Hyrule, and eventually (or inevitably) find a strange place.

(Link is HoH and the Pirate Charm is his hearing aid)

He came out slowly from his daze. Link looked curiously down at the Phantom Hourglass in his hands. It had carried over from that other world, unlike everything else. The rest of his pockets were empty. He tilted the glass around carefully. Golden sands shifted smoothly. It wasn't a cool sword anymore, though. …Dang. He loved that sword.

He looked up. Over the horizon, a boat chugging along in the distance. The SS Linebeck. Link rushed to the other side of the boat while Tetra talked to the crew. The Pirate Charm allowed him to hear it regardless of if he was paying attention. Slightly annoying, but it was helpful more often than not.

“I swear, if you say it was a dream one more time, I'm gonna throttle you!” Tetra exclaimed. “It was some spirit world! There were fairies and a white whale-”

Link leaned against the rail of the ship and grinned wide. Linebeck's ship was chugging along on the sea. A steam plume twirling in the winds. Clear as day. He climbed up onto the rail of the pirate ship and leaped into the cool sea with a splash.

“Oh! Link overboard!” Mako called, “Where's he think he's going?”

“Ack! Link!?” Tetra shouted, bright and clear over the wash of water. She must have been talking directly through the Pirate Charm, “Link get back up here!”

He kept swimming. He was about 80% sure he could make it to Linebeck's ship. Probably. If not, Tetra would grab him out of the sea before he drowned.

Linebeck's boat was moving away from them, so Link had to swim fast. He barely paused to look where he was going, just raced against the tides. Pushing and pushing against ribbons of water.

He had to take a gasp for breath eventually though. He treaded water, looking over to see how far he had to go. Dang it, he was so close, but it'd still be too far.

The SS Linebeck's salvage arm craned over him. It dragged him out of the water, dangling by the back of his shirt like a wet cat. Linebeck stood on the deck. He folded his arms. He looked at the grinning kid. His face was lined with exhaustion.

“You look too damn happy for a kid who just jumped off a pirate ship.”

Link laughed. Linebeck sighed, dragging Link in and dropping him on deck. Link scrambled to a stand and tackled Linebeck into a hug.

Linebeck fumbled his steps to brace against Link's tackle. He gave Link an awkward pat on the head, chest rising and falling with a sigh. It took Linebeck a long moment, but eventually, he wrapped his arms around Link's shoulders and squeezed.

He frowned at the pirate ship heading their way. “I'm trying to make a getaway from the world of pirates, ya know. Been trapped with them plaguing me for who knows how long. If you don't mind-” Linebeck began struggling his way out of Link's hug “I'd like to start sailing out of range again.”

Link blinked. He shook his head frantically.

“No? Why in the blue skies not?” Linkebeck hissed urgently.

“That's Tetra's ship!” Link exclaimed, pointing.

“Oh.” Linebeck said, brows furrowed. He gasped “OH! Well of course it is, I knew that. Yes indeed.”

Link giggled and wormed his way back into hugging Linebeck. Linebeck sighed, resting a hand on Link's head. “Yeah, yeah, glad to see we both made it out of that alright,” he chuckled.

Tetra's ship caught up quickly. The pirate captain swung down from the ship and stared as she thudded onto the deck of the steamship. “Linebeck... You're real!”

“A- why wouldn't I be real?!”

“I don't know, I thought maybe you'd be like a spirit or something too. Or a seagull.”

Linebeck squinted at her. He grabbed Link by the shoulders and extracted him from the hug. Linebeck set him down beside him. He shook his head, gesturing, “A seagull? If I was an animal why would I have a boat? You kids are absolutely crazy, you know that, right? I can't believe it. A seagull. Ya know, you can just say “hoy there Linebeck! I'm glad to see you made it out from the Ghost Ship!” Or something or other.”

“Glad to see you made it out from the Ghost Ship. Or something or other.” Tetra echoed with a grin.

Linebeck rolled his eyes, smiling softly despite himself.

“Miss Tetra? Who is that?”

“A friend! He helped us on the Ghost Ship!” Tetra called back.

“Woah!” Niko exclaimed, “Are you a ghost then?”

Linebeck groaned, shaking his head.

Link watched the sea roll by as the sky grew dark. Linebeck had been thoroughly harassed for the past hour or so by both friends and crew. Link was starting to get tired from all the talking and noise. He looked at the Pirate charm in his hands. He placed it beside himself, the now overwhelming noise from the sea vanishing with it. He sighed with a small smile.

Link watched the ocean rise and fall for a while, soft light of the moon reflecting and chopped on the water. His mind began to wander to what might lay below the ocean. He wondered if it was part of Old Hyrule, before. Or if they were already well past the old coast. His sea charts were becoming long stretches of ocean and ocean. If Link didn't have the Wind Waker, he would've been scared of losing his way home to the endless waters.

Linebeck's footsteps vibrated on the deck. Vaugely Link could catch a muffled voice of complaint. Likely saying Link had abandoned him to the Pirates or something. He sat down next to him, glancing at the pendant on the deck. He didn't try to talk to him after that, only looked out at the sea beside him.

Link smiled, leaning back against his shoulder. Regardless of his desire to enjoy silence for a moment longer, Link's mind quickly wandered to more present thoughts. He picked the pendant back up. “Do you want… to travel with us?” Link asked, slow and careful with the words. They were important words. They needed to be clear. To sound right.

“Ah… I don't know where you kids are going.”

“We donno!” Link cheered, looking up with a grin. “New land.”

Linkbeck hummed, miming thinking about it. “Oh, you kids were a handful. Who knows how long I'd be stuck with you rascals-”

Link shifted to look at him with big pleading eyes.

Linebeck sighed, “Oh it’s not like I've got much else going for me. Of course I'll go with you.” He ruffled Link's hair, smiling. “Don't you dare think I'll be hopping on a pirate ship, though.”

“You can woosh-” Link mimed a ship speeding off into the distance with his hands, “Get stuff.”

Linebeck scoffed playfully, “Ah-HUH. You're coming with me on whatever supply runs you lot beg me to do.”

Link laughed and nodded excitedly, hands moving quickly as he signed, “You can go with me to my home island! Meet my grandma and sister! It's awesome! You'd love it and-”

“Kid you're moving way too fast again.” Linebeck laughed.

Link whined dramatically, and tackled Linebeck with another hug instead. He grunted and patted Link on the shoulder with a lightly huffed smile.

Years later:

“OY, Link!”

Link groaned and turned to bury his better ear and his face into his pillow. …It didn't work. Tetra’s voice was still magically clear. “Link get your scrawny butt up or I'll throw you off the boat.”

He fumbled to take off the Pirate Charm and threw it lazily at Tetra. Then returned to nuzzling into his very nice, very soft blanket.

Tetra continued talking regardless of how well Link could hear her. Something Something bam cat…Something. She was probably still threatening him.

Her hands wrapped around his legs. Tetra hauled him up by the legs, head thunking against the frame of the bunk. She said something that Link HOPED was an apology about the integrity of his head, and continued on regardless, with his knees hooked over her shoulder. Link took in a heaved breath and allowed himself to be dragged along the deck. Tetra was tall enough now his head wouldn't hit anything else… until she did it on purpose.

So he kept his eyes closed, allowing himself another few minutes of sleepy haze. The lulling rock of the boat, the smooth texture of the wooden deck sliding along his dragging arms, the dim morning light behind his eyelids. A certain rush of blood to his head and the resulting woozy feeling really only made him sleepier.

Tetra dropped him just as he felt he could probably fall back asleep like that.

“WAUgh” He yelped, limbs flailing. He opened his eyes at the sky. It was barely even dawn. He scrunched his nose in a pout.

Tetra dropped the Pirate Charm back on top of his chest. Sound digging back into his mind with the magic of the charm. He grunted at the sensation.

“Well, get to your feet, Sailor. Tell me what cha see.”

Link glared. He pulled the Charm over his neck again. He wouldn't get away with throwing it twice… With a low grumble that vibrated from his chest, he stood up. He propped himself up on the edge of the ship, looking over the gray wash of water, and the gray skies. He turned to Tetra and raised an eyebrow.

Tetra rolled her eyes and grabbed Link by the shoulders to direct him at the slowly approaching view of an island. Distant. Its shore seemed long… now that he could trace it across the horizon. His brows pinched. Really long.

“Well!? What do you think?!” Tetra said, practically vibrating his shoulders as she shook him. Link's mouth opened. And stuck there.

Tetra shook him bodily. “It's gotta be a whole continent, I'm sure of it! I've never seen anywhere with such a long coast!” She laughed, grinning at him.

Link felt his own giggle bubble out of his chest. He spun himself from Tetra's grip on his shoulders and hugged her. She squeezed him tightly. Then abruptly socked him in the shoulder, “Can you get Linebeck and get closer to the shoreline to see if there's somewhere good to dock?”

Link nodded, rushing across the deck and scrambling inside again. Linebeck snored away, his arm dangling over the side of the bed. Link shook him.

“Eh? Whazzit? Do you know what time it is?”

Link leaned over and grinned at him.

Linebeck grunted, “Too early for that much excitement. That's what.”

Link shook his head and yanked the man up. He yelped, stumbling as he regained his bearings. “A man my age needs his beauty rest, you know. This is elder abuse.”

He rolled his eyes laughing. “We found land. A big one.”

His gaze snapped to Link's, wide and curious. “Alright, Alright, lets see it.”

Link whooped onto the air. He practically skidded out the door, rushing to get the SS Linebeck prepared as her namesake prepared himself for the day.

Linebeck chuckled lightly. “It ain't going to vanish! Unless of course it's that place again…. So! Don't rush it!” he called after him.

Link's feet danced across the boards of the ship. Linebeck strolled onto the ship as Link cleared off the windows with sweeping movements. He twirled on his toes, undoing the knots latching Linebeck’s ship to Tetra’s. “Ready to sail!” Link cheered.

“Annd we’re off!” Linebeck announced in confirmation.

The spray of water was cool against his face. Link smiled as the wind sang across his skin and hair. They chugged up to the shore. Linebeck approached cautiously to the uncharted edge of the land. Link jumped off the ship, swimming to shore. Linebeck was used to his impatience by now, simply laying anchor when Link rushed ahead.

Seagulls cawed over his head as he rushed up the beach. Not far from the sandy line was flowing grass taller than him. Palm trees stretched high, fronds shading from the warmth of the sun. Short cliffs lined the edges of the grassy view.

It felt eerily like Home for a place so huge. Link half expected to feel children brushing past him, racing up the beach. He nearly expected to see houses dotting the smoother edges of the hills.

He hummed, soft, and made his way forward. He held his hands out to brush against the tall fronds of grass, looking around. He climbed a short cliff, rushing up to a higher vantage point. The sky stretched out beyond him, but he couldn't see a pale blue line like he usually did on islands. Tall mountains stretched over the horizon, far far far from the shore. Link drifted forward, awed with the sheer scale. Could a Rito even fly above those? Could a seagull?

His foot hit metal. Link blinked, glancing down. A dull grey line cut the greenery and ran down an endless path forward. Link hopped up onto the metal track. It almost rumbled lowly under his feet. The vibration felt like a low hum or snore. He heard nothing. Link leaned down and brushed his fingers against it. It was warm to the touch, sun-heated and smooth.

He stared. Something about it thrummed in the back of his mind. He couldn't tell if it felt like danger or like safety.

“Oi, Link!” Tetra's voice chimed. He jolted, and pulled the Pirate Charm up into view.

“eh?” He called back.

“When are you going to give us a good docking spot!? Report sailor!”

Link sighed, rolling his eyes, and stood. He glanced back at the Great Sea, stretching endlessly blue. “It's safe. The beach is like Outset.” He wandered back along toward the beach line, looking over the sands. “No rocks I can see.”

“Finally, thank you!”

Link nodded to nobody. He glanced back at the line of metal, he stepped forward, warm metal against his boot. He followed it.

"Link? We're at the shore." Tetra called through the charm. He didn't know how far she was anymore. The grass kept going for ages and ages. Link wondered if he'd gotten trapped in somewhere beyond reality again.

"...Where are you?"

Link paused, looking around. "On a track... I think."

"Link you impulsive bastard I- HEY" there was a sound of wind and a crackle buzz that made Link wince. He was half compelled to toss the offending noise maker, but he suffered through.

Linebeck's voice rumbled through the charm "Link, get off the track. There's a binding magic to it, get off."

Link yelped and jumped off of it, fumbling backward a few steps, "I'm off!"

A sigh of relief and exasperation came through the charm, "Follow it back."

He blew a sigh of his own, and started back, trudging through the grass along the line of the track. He looked at it. Smooth metal and rhythmically pattered edges. ...Binding magic...

Linebeck stood at the edge that Link had first found. Tetra glared at Linebeck, hands wrapped possessively over her Pirate Charm.

Link waved with a smile. Tetra ran up to him, dropping an arm heavy on his shoulder, "Thoughts?"

"I wanna see where it leads. It has to go somewhere important."

"Hm." Tetra nodded. "Oy! Gonzo, pick some people to go find some food, everybody else, figure out as much of a map as you can and Niko!"

"Am I going with you?" Niko cheered, leaning forward on his toes.

"No, make sure the ship is safe for us when everybody gets back."

"Ughhh" Niko sighed.

"It's the single most important job," Linebeck said, "Now. You kids enjoy the adventure. I have to tell ya, though, this looks like very old magic."

"It's strange, that's certain." Tetra huffed.

"You tell us if you see any people, alright?" Niko said, leaning against the bow of the ship. The boat creaked, leaning with the push. Niko nearly lost his balance, pinwheeling his arms to stay upright.

"There has to be." Link said with a giggle, "somewhere this big and this green?"

Tetra nodded, "Alright. Let's set off."

"To the great unknown!" Link cheered. He rushed forward at a dash.

"Oy! Rude!" Tetra called, running after him.

"I already saw this part!" Link complained back, "It's known now!"

Tetra tackled him barely 10 paces away from where they started.

They had seen the tall endless tower far before they reached it. The crew eventually came with, the ships being cared for by Nudge and Mako. Niko chattered along the way over the weeks of travel, cheerfully explaining how he was now an expert of the area the ship had landed in. Niko and Linebeck had been the ones to first meet people, and he had been quite happy about that fact, despite not understanding the language at all.

They had figured they had one day's left of travel before they'd reach the tower, so the crew settled in for a rest in their tents among the great endless plain of grass.

Tetra gently shook Link up when the moon was high and bright in the sky and the ever familiar stars twinkled above. He squinted at her, leaning up on his elbows. She glanced at the rest of her crew, and offered her hand to pull Link to a stand. He took her hand, picking up the Pirate Charm from beside him. Tetra led him away, toward the Tower, tall grass practically parting for her. He followed her, feeling the wind tug and pull at them, closer and closer to the Tower.

"Someone's calling me." Tetra whispered eventually as they walked.

Even with the charm, Link strained to hear her.

"She wants to meet me."

"Who?" Link signed, the hand symbols feeling more appropriate for the tone.

"...I don't know."

He frowned lightly, and they kept walking. The tower was tall, made with a similar material as the tracks. Link could feel it in the soft vibrating energy of it.

Tetra glanced over the building's arching doorway, far larger than any human would need.

"Locked" Link signed, pressing his hands against then doorway.

She placed her hand against the seam of the door next to his, and light stretched across the line, and spider-webbed out. Warm and sharp. The doors rumbled open, light pouring out into the night.

The light faded, and an elderly woman smiled at them from the center of the room.

"Hello young princess, it's nice to finally meet you."

"I'm not a Princess. I'm Tetra," she said, arms crossed. "Who are you?"

"Anjean, guardian of the Tower of Spirits."

Link wandered as Tetra and Anjean talked, exploring the patterns and symbols.

"Why did you call to me...?"

Anjean laughed softly, "I could sense a familiar form of magic known to Hyrule, I thought I'd reach out to a family friend."

Link glanced up a darkend stairwell.

"Family friend," Tetra echoed, tone stiff.

A hiss of steam. A metallic arm grabbed Link by the chest of his shirt. Link shrieked, and a hulking figure stepped out of the dark. The young man grumbled, "Who is this?"

Tetra's sword slid between them, the curve of the blade aimed toward the man's neck.

"Let Link go."

"Byrne, please be kind to our guests." Anjean sighed.

Link smiled and waved awkwardly.

Byrne, apparently as his name was, leaned back. He released Link with a hiss of metal and steam. His dangling feet dropped to the ground. "I didn't invite them," he hissed.

"He's all bark no bite" Anjean soothed with a light chuckle. "Tetra here is Hyrule's newest daughter."

"And this nosy creature?" He asked, gesturing at Link.

"He's my friend," Tetra said, stepping forward to size the tall man up. She managed very well. "Don't touch him."

"What's up there?" Link asked.

"The Tower." Byrne huffed, turning to pace around the circular room, glaring toward Link and Tetra.

"It's the lock. It must remain undisturbed."

"Then why call us here?" Tetra asked,

"I wished to see what brought you to us."

Tetra sighed, "We were looking for a new continent. This is the first one we found."

"But why?" Anjean said with a curious smile, "What inspired this adventure?"

She glanced at Link. Link glanced at her.

"The King of Red Lions. He asked us to find our future," Link said softly.

"Interesting," Anjean hummed, "Enjoy finding it. New Hyrule is open to you."

"...New Hyrule? There's no way this land is actually called that." Tetra laughed.

Anjean smiled, "You'll find it has many names, but most of them variations upon "Home," feel free to choose as you will, but a New Hyrule for the future seems fitting to call it for you."

Tetra squinted, "Come on, Link. We should go back to the Crew."

He nodded, following her toward the doors. Link glanced at Byrne and Anjean one more time. "...How do you know we'll stay?" Link asked.

"Because you shouldn't." Byrne said.

Anjean wacked his side lightly, "I don't. But it can be a home while you explore what your future may be, too."

Link pocketed his hands, feeling the smooth glass of the Hourglass in his pocket. He followed Tetra out into the light of the sunrise.

#linked spirit #loz au #legend of zelda #loz #linked spirit au #ls wind #ls tetra #ls linebeck #ls anjean #ls byrne #ls writing #the long awaited and very long story because wind is lowkey hard to write

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mistytarot0919 · 5 months ago

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2025 GENERAL PREDICTIONS FOR ALL ZODIAC SIGNS - GEMINI⟡ ݁₊ .🎄❄️.₊ ݁⟡

Hello, my angels! Misty - your tarot reader here✨🔮🌠🃏🌟!

Please reblog if you find this information useful! 🌸🎀💕

2025 is here and I guess that everyone is curious about how their year will be. In order to give you an idea, I'm doing a short reading for every sign of the zodiac. Remember that this is just a general reading and you must take only what resonates with you.

So let's get started! Enjoy!°🥂⋆.ೃ🍾࿔*:･

♊ Gemini (Twins): May 21–June 21

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day.” —Albert Einstein

Messages for 2025:

New Ventures: you may be on the brink of starting something new, whether it's a creative project, a business venture, or a personal journey, you are encouraged to embrace your passions and take initiative.

Creativity: a surge of creative energy, urging you to explore their artistic side. This could manifest in new hobbies, crafts, or even a new approach to their current work.

Confidence and Motivation: brings a sense of enthusiasm and motivation. You may find yourself feeling more confident in your abilities and ready to tackle challenges head-on. It's a great time to set goals and pursue ambitions.

Emotional and Spiritual Growth: personal growth and awakening. This could mean exploring new beliefs, spiritual practices, or emotional healing that leads to a deeper understanding of themselves.

Taking Action: encourages to take action and step out of their comfort zone. This can lead to exciting opportunities and personal development.

Key messages of the year: new beginnings, inspiration, and creative energy.

Love

a passionate new beginning

start of a new relationship that is exciting and full of potential

for those already in a relationship, it may suggest rekindling the spark or exploring new dimensions of intimacy

to take action and express your desires, suggesting that enthusiasm and creativity can enhance your romantic life.

Money

new opportunities for investment, business ventures, or innovative projects that can lead to financial growth

you may soon encounter a fresh idea or a chance that could lead to prosperity

be bold and pursue your entrepreneurial spirit, as the energy behind it is conducive to success.

Health

surge of vitality and energy

start of a new fitness regimen or a lifestyle change that boosts your physical and mental well-being

enthusiasm for taking charge of your health, embracing new routines, and focusing on self-improvement

encourages you to harness your energy and motivation to create a healthier lifestyle.

Career

sign of new beginnings and opportunities

new job, promotion, or project that excites you

embrace your creative ideas and take initiative in your career path

your passion and enthusiasm can lead to success and recognition, so be proactive in pursuing your goals.

This year it invites you to take bold steps, embrace new opportunities, and channel your creativity and passion into your endeavors. Whether in love, money, health, or career, this card suggests that exciting new beginnings are on the horizon.

Affirmation: I face the adventure of life eagerly.

#tarot #tarotblr #tarotcommunity #free tarot #tarot community #tarot witch #tarot reading #gemini horoscope #mistytarot0919 #tarot 2025

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the-fandom-abyss · 2 years ago

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Greenhouse Messes

Cordelia Goode x Fem!Reader

Genre: Angst ❀

Word Count: 1,305 words

A/N: I hope you enjoy this new injection for Cordelia @lexi1109 🥰

The air around the academy, shifted from fresh to stale as you working inside the greenhouse. The lively plants whispering amongst themselves, debating on whether a danger resides outside. A few twigs cracked under a weight of an invisible source, just outside the door. This drew your attention from the garden bed you were preparing.

"What are you not telling me?" To any normal person, you would be certifiably insane with the way you spoke to yourself. For you, nature always responded, they held the answers to more questions than you could possibly ask. Wind seeped through the bottom of the door, bringing in a cold draft. The action sent shivers down your spine. "Witch hunters" you whispered, responding to the message. "Do I have time?" The flowers sagged like one would when they dropped their head in sadness. That caused the panic to vibrate within your bones. You were too far from the house to alert the others, too close to the danger to escape alive. All you could do was protect the ones you loved, even if their focus was gravitated elsewhere.

Cautious steps were taken towards the exotic eyes flitting from shadow to shadow. With a shaky breath, you entered the gloomy outdoors, filled with monsters. Bare feet made contact with the soft grass below, sensing the vibrations within the soil. You walked with conviction towards the front entrance of the academy, hoping you could make it to at least the front step. The ground shook below you, alerting to a threat. They were running hard and fast towards you, which meant they all had eyes on you. Leaning down, you connected your hands to the life below, communicating through touch. The wind began to blow, the trees began to rustle and nature was ready to harnessed. Vines stretched through the cracks of the soil, whipping into view. They wrapped around the legs of the hunter that was fast approaching, pulling him into the air.

"You bitch" he said through gritted teeth as he fought against the vine. Thorns protruded through the greenery, piercing the body of the man. He screamed in pain as the thorns continued to grow, ultimately sealing his fate. The vibe threw him to the side, searching for its next victim. When a team of ten came into view, you were quick to realise just how outnumbered you were. Tree branches snapped and bent into shape, creating makeshift arms. They reached for bodies that were close, collecting as many as they could. That didn't stop a small group from invading, slashing your back in the process. A wail ripped through your throat at the sudden sensation. The branches faulted for only a moment before regaining its strength. It was enough for some men to slip through, charging at you. In a blink of an eye, those men were lunging for you, tackling you to the floor. They plunged a knife in each hand, twisting them for extra damage. In that moment, all you could think of was one person, one name on the tip of your tongue.

"Cordelia!" You screamed, as they continued to slice your skin. It was an extension of your power, a sense that could no longer be used. A light was turned on upstairs, a silhouette of Cordelia painted on the curtain. Hope twinkled in your eyes at the thought that she could hear you. "Cordelia" another scream left you lips, losing it strength as the blood spilled from your cuts. Another silhouette joined Cordelia within the room. It could only be described as Misty, Cordelia's newest obsession. That was what was given to you in your last moments. The sight of your love, entertaining another woman while witch hunters hunted you for sport.

Blood coated the floor below like a crimson sunset that graced the horizon. The earth fluttered underneath you, urging you to fight back, use all the strength you had left. Yet, all you could do was whisper Cordelia's name and succumb to the pain that radiates through your body. The men laughed above you, enjoying the thrill of the hunt and how they could bring a witch to her untimely demise.

"Y/N!" Nan shouted, drawing the witch hunters attention. They tossed your drained essence to the ground, setting their sights on the young girl. Something inside you crackled, sparks firing through your very being. The idea of Misty with Cordelia, Nan being brutally attacked by witch hunters, fuelled the fire within. Thunder began to roll through the sky, dark clouds followed closely behind. The hunters stopped in their tracks, searching the area for the next surprise. What they didn't expect was a bolt of lightning to strike the body they had left for dead. The charges flowed through your veins, body lifting from the ground. Electrical charges swirled around you as your eyes glowed a bright golden. With a pained scream from your lips, branches from the trees shifted and snapped, shooting out like barbs. The branches finding home in each of the hunters chests, rendering them motionless.

The energy softly floated you to the ground, where Nan was able to reach you. With all her strength, she reached under your body and pulled you towards the house. The entrance foyer was newly decorated with the blood that continued to flow from your wounds. The force within the house shifted when Nan crossed the threshold. It was sensed amongst the coven, grabbing at their attention. The first to descend the stairs was Cordelia, eyes fixated on the scene in front of her.

"Y/N" she gasped, falling to her knees next to you. Her hands reached out to pull you into her lap, wanting nothing but to heal you. When you flinched at her movement, moving closer into Nan, her heart fell to her stomach. "Let me help you, please" she pleaded, unsure of what caused the turn of your emotions.

"She doesn't want your help"

"Stop being stubborn, I need to heal you or you'll die"

"You were supposed to be with her tonight"

"What?"

"A date in the greenhouse and you never showed"

"Oh Y/N, I'm so sorry" tears silently travelled down the rosy cheeks of Cordelia. The sting in her heart, knowing that she could have prevented this, if she had just paid more attention.

"Misty was more important" Cordelia was taken aback by the comment, trying to understand how you knew. "She saw you in your room, she called out for you but you couldn't hear her"

"Honey, I am so so sorry. I lost sight of what was important and in turn lost sight of you. This is all my fault" she should have been with you, she should have been able to protect you. All her focus had been directed to the newcomer Misty and had ignored her connection with you. This small distraction cause her to break the link she had with you. In doing so, she left you defenceless to the world around you, if only she could go back in time.

Regret and guilt swirled inside Cordelia as they battled one another. It trapped her in silence, so frozen that she was unable to claw herself out.“It’s so quiet” Nan’s voice broke through her haze, Cordelia’s eyes snapping towards the young girl.

“Y/N let me help!” Her hands twitched with urgency, she wanted nothing more than to channel her energy through you.

“I love you” slipped from Nans lips, the final thoughts and words of the woman that saved the school. Cordelia may have broken the connection, but she felt every last ache that you had felt. She absorbed the hurt and anguish and carried it upon her shoulders. All she had left were the memories that you shared and even then, they couldn’t compare to you.

#cordelia foxx #cordelia goode #cordelia goode imagine #cordelia goode x reader #cordelia foxx imagine #cordelia foxx x reader #ahs #ahs imagine #ahs coven #ahs coven imagine #ahs coven x reader

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