#thank goodness i had an idea i already wrote down in my journal that i could throw on the page real fast

[number1villainstan]

Chisaki slows to a stop as the wall behind him lights up, four-year-old Eri turning to watch. He knows how this goes--he knows how to behave, how to listen, after years of trying to run and trying to study these strange shadow girls. And there are their shadows now, hush, Eri, the play is starting--

"Extra, extra, extra!"

"There's a dead baby bird on the side of the road! Oh dear poor thing, who could have done this to you?"

"Detective Vulture on the case! It seems that what we have here is a baby cowbird!"

"Cowbirds? Those birds that lay their eggs in other birds' nests?"

"Cor-rect! Which would mean that this little cowbird probably died when the momma of the nest its egg was laid in pushed it out to protect her own babies!"

"What a terrible momma! That poor chick was totally innocent!"

"Not at all! Would you want a parasitic baby in your nest, gobbling up all the food for your babies, pushing your own chicks out of the nest itself? That momma was perfectly justified!"

"Are you saying this is all the baby's fault??"

"Well, it certainly wasn't the momma's!"

"Then whose fault was it, mister detective?"

"The cowbird parents'," Chisaki says, squeezing Eri's hand with his own. "For abandoning their child."

--and the wall behind him loses its spotlight as the play ends.

[novashelby]

I'm Not Your Wife, I'm Your Daughter-Part III

Pairing: Nothing romantic as of now...Tommy ShelbyxEvie (OC Daughter)

Warning: mention of various abuse and assault, swearing, trauma. Doesn't follow canon much at all.

Word Count: 1,909

Summary: It hits Evie where Jack found all his information leading her to her least favorite person. Please show support by commenting and rebloging!

“You must be so devastated.” Evie inhaled, holding her breath for a second. She was sure when he had said, take her home, that was the end of their conversation. But to her disappointment, Jack Nelson had a knack for enjoying the way his voice sounded. On the exhale, she rolled her eyes and looked over at him, a clear bored expression. Though, she looked more pathetic than anything; eyes puffy, red, and swollen with tears. Jack Nelson knew what he was doing; upsetting the girl and spilling a whole can of her trauma. He had an eerie way of him, Evie thought. Her father was much more blunt with her emotions at times. But this man? So sickly sweet. Artificial was the word, but fuck, he made it convincing to a girl who’d already been so inclined to feel safe by any man who comforted her.

She side glanced at him, tight expression. But he pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket, shaking it open. Gently, he cupped her chin and forced her to look at him. He fought through her resistant struggle, wiping away the tears. “You must enjoy researching people, Mr. Nelson.”

“A speciality of all smart men,” he said, tucking away his handkerchief. “Your father, too. He mustn’t have told you about his brain tumor-”

“No,” she said, voice hardly even a whisper. Evelyn shook her head, eyes closed. “No, no he didn’t. But it’ll be okay. Daddy doesn’t die very easily.” Jack’s amused laugh broke her from her thoughts. She kept comments to herself. Disbelief, truly. Out of everything, it couldn’t be a brain tumor. 

���Eleven year old Evie must be so…manic,” he said, and her ears perked. Manic. When she was eleven, she went manic. She remembered it clearly. But why manic. Why say manic? There weren’t many words Evelyn remembered, but she remembered using that word a lot. Writing it on pages for her eyes. She asked God a lot. Wrote to him in a leather bound book tucked under her head. God, why do I feel so manic? This manic…the manic….manic. The driver pulled into the large driveway. 

When the car slowed to a stop, Evelyn looked at him, blinking. “Interesting choice of words, Mr. Nelson.” Her hand gripped the door handle as she made sure her knowing look was imprinted in him. So chatty, but awful at goodbyes he was. His kind facade faded when he no longer had use for it. “Good night. Surely a man like yourself must be so exhausted.” She opened the door, sliding across the leather seats.

“We’ll see each other soon, Miss Shelby-”

“I don’t know, Mr. Nelson,” she sighed. “I’m booked three years out in my calendar.” With that, she slammed the car door and walked up the stone steps, trying to keep her pounding heart contained. She hadn’t an idea of what she felt, but confusion was definitely on the list next to anger. Evelyn couldn’t begin to process any grief or devastation before she beat the pissed off fuel she had towards her father at that moment. Neither he nor Lizzie were home yet, still swimming through their emotions at the hospital. 

Francis greeted her at the door, helping her with her coat. “I’m so sorry, Miss. Shelby-you must be so tired.” 

“Should I quote my father?” she asked, a tinge of humor to lighten the air around her.  She nodded in ‘thanks’ and went straight to her bedroom. There was a target on her mind. 

A satin box of old journals shoved away in her closet. It was the first gift Ada had given her; a brown leather bound journal. Ever since she was eight, she’d write down everything. Even something as small as what she ate, if it was just too good to forget or just so horrible she wanted to remind herself. Still short at twenty-four, she dragged her white vanity stool to the closet edge, and stood on it, the legs shaking. It was then, when the box was shoved just a bit more back than usual, she knew someone had been fishing around. Evelyn could never push it that far back. “Fuckin’ ‘ell,” she cursed, grabbing a hanger and dragging it, grunting and groaning. It was definitely lighter, and when she failed to catch it, it tumbled to the ground. The cover came off and inside was a single journal. Evelyn jumped off the stool and picked it up. 

That was when she knew who took them. It made sense. She flipped through the pages of her journal when she was just thirteen, her fingertips burning with regretful memories. Michael. It was Michael who took them…how he had managed a visit with Tommy was incredible. She thought her father must really have a brain tumor if he was slipping that much. She gathered the last journal and tucked it in her handbag before strapping it over her shoulder. It was about four in the morning at that point.

In the little bowl near the door was a set of car keys. They were the cars that Evelyn was allowed to drive; the older ones that were dented and scratched. Specifically the one that she learned how to drive in roughly ten years ago. Francis peeked around the door leading into the dining room. “Are you off again? It is so late-”

“I’m thinking it’s quite early, Francis,” she said, winking, lying that she was off to her friend, Martha's home. “I don’t want to stay home right now, Francis.”

As a woman who was once little with no home, she found it obnoxious how some had more than one. Instead, having three or four. It was so bloody obnoxious. And for that, she hated Gina even more. It wasn’t Michael, it was Gina…. The over zealous bitch from Boston. Evelyn never thought her roots would follow her. Especially not in the form of a tall lady who didn’t know how to properly put on cheek rouge. You don’t know how to put on cheek rouge, she reminded herself. Sure, but I don’t pretend I do. 

How hard is it for everyone to be humble? 

It was quite a drive to London, and if Evelyn was honest, it was intimidating. Never having to drive that far. Most of her journeys were to Martha’s. Just a quick thirty minutes at most. But going to London was a whole day adventure. Hours, not including the fact she missed her exits and turns a couple of dozen times, ending up in some other city where the people clearly hated her. All I need are my journals. That was the driving factor. If she had nothing, she’d have fallen asleep, car sliding off a cliff. Surly. 

When she made it to the row of overly posh town houses, Evelyn wanted to drive back home. She was not her father. It was not her. Evelyn didn’t play tough. Evelyn didn’t confront people. But Michael played dirty in a way that was unforgivable. To steal a young girl’s mind. To invade her, violate her, and to completely expose her. 

After everything else he did. 

She slammed the car door, hearing her father in the back of her head. Fuckin’ ‘ell, Evelyn. 

Evelyn gave a few good knocks with the iron knocker. From the little clicks from the other side, she predicted that Gina would answer the door. But she didn’t expect the woman would be in her silk nightie, covered by a robe. She leaned on the door frame, the tight fake smile. Evelyn did a scan over her, pausing at her heels. “Evie-”

“Evelyn,” she corrected. “You call me Evelyn…where’s Michael?” 

Gina was always so sickly nice. Fake nice. Walked around like the princess of something, something. She tilted her head, amused. “It’s not often he lets you out. Must be a special occasion.” Her robe flowed behind her as she turned. “He’s in here!” she called. “Close the door, click the latch.” Evelyn looked around, thinking how simple their London home was compared to their other home. They almost seemed normal. Through the narrow entryway and to a parlor, Michael was sitting on a pink sofa. 

“Nice decor, Gina,” she complimented. “Did you decide on that, too?” Michael looked over at her, wiping the sleep from his eyes. They’d both still been in their night clothing. “Can I get you something to-”

“I want my shit, Michael.” Michael closed his eyes, rubbing his temples.

“What shit?” he asked, tiredly. 

Evelyn snorted. “You’re a pathetic liar just as you’re a pathetic gangster-I want my shit. You know what shit. I know it was you, Michael. I want my fuckin’ shit!”

Michael looked up at her, brow cocked. “Evelyn, did Tommy stop your medication again? You know what happens when you stop the..the little…um…the drops or something.” He was referring to the few times Tommy gave Evelyn a secret dose of something to calm her anxiety. Just anxiety. And it’d make her sleepy and calm. But Michael was being so incredibly condescending.

Evelyn did not entertain it. “I’ll rip this fuckin’ house apart, Michael-”

“What the fuck are you talking-”

“My journals, Michael!” She screamed. “My fucking thoughts! My fucking life! You took them and I fuckin’ know it was you. You fucking took them to exploit me…again. Because once wasn’t fucking-”

“Are you done?”

Gina came over, sitting on the arm of the sofa, arm draped around Michael’s shoulders. She was already sipping a whiskey. “What is wrong?” she asked, looking down at him. 

That made Evelyn laugh. “Michael, you took my journals and gave them to her fucking uncle-”

“Stupid-”

“Stop rolling your eyes! I know it was you, because.” She paused, digging into her bag and taking out the one journal that was left behind. “Because of this, Michael, the one journal you wouldn’t want your in-laws to read.” Michael stiffened a bit, leaning on his fist, looking away from her. She tossed it on the couch. “There you go.” She looked at Gina, and said, “halfway is where it gets good…you’ll learn a whole-”

“Evelyn! Shut up,” Michael groaned. “Would you? I was fucking twenty-”

“And I was thirteen.” Evelyn swallowed. “I was thirteen, Michael.”

Gina looked down at her husband, hand on her belly. Michael sighed, “what are you trying to say? I raped you? God, Evie, you just love being a victim. It’s like you crave it. You’re fucking sick and Tommy should have put you in a home years ago-”

“You’re deflecting-”

“Evelyn, I was fucking drunk, it was New Years Eve.” Michael stood, walking to her, looking down. “I kissed you-”

“I was thirteen-”

“It was a fucking kiss that meant nothing-”

“That isn’t your decision to make, Michael. I was thirteen and it made me uncomfortable…you were twenty-”

“Jesus fucking Christ…”

“I want my journals back, Michael,” she said. “Where are they?” When he didn’t answer, she made the ultimatum for him. “Michael, you have twelve hours to get those journals back to me…twelve.”

“And if I don’t?”

Evie walked over, grabbing her journal back and fixing her bag on her shoulder. “Michael, you should have stayed in the countryside. You’re a bloody shite accountant, businessman, and a really fucking pathetic gangster. Use your imagination.” She started to excuse herself out before pausing at the door. “Oh, and Michael.” She turned, pointing to her upper lip. “Shave that fucking pube trail…it looks disgusting.”

[delta-pavonis]

Dream Journal Rescue for the wip game, please

WHOO! Thank you for asking about this one, Nonny.

For the 2022 Dreamling Secret Santa I took a risk and wrote something that can be very divisive in fanfic and in fiction in general: first person narrative. I wrote the first half of i had a dream (i got everything i wanted) as a dream journal that Hob used to record his dreams after they came back when Dream got out of the fishbowl in 2021. It draws both from the early comics and from the TV show in terms of events/timeline. This fic got significantly less attention than the others I had written at the time, but it was also the one I was most proud of that year (and that's with Eros in Pragma and Hypnopompia turtur in there!). I am still extremely proud of it because it is, for me, I think very poetic writing. However, the first version of i had a dream wasn't post-fishbowl, but actually started before the fishbowl. Hob still kept a dream journal, and it still started in first person, but the idea originally was that Hob would figure out that something had happened to his Stranger because of his dreams stopping. Which meant that they needed to have enough of a relationship/rapport by the 1910s that Hob would trust that Dream would not miss a dream "date" of theirs without very good reason. Hence, "dream journal rescue" as the name. I only have pieces of the fic, but I keep them because I still viscerally love what I did with i had a dream SO FUCKING MUCH that I want to return to that style at some point. If you have read i had a dream you will see the bits I took from this and transferred to that.

This is totally G-rated and starts before 1889, as Hob is anticipating that next meeting, and then keeps going into 1914. Here's what I have in that WIP file:

1:

21 October 1885

I think I need to write these down. Olive suggested I start writing these down. She is usually right about such things.  

Maybe it will bring some clarity to this… mess. 

I’m in the White Horse Inn. (It is always the White Horse.) 

The year is not obvious from the decor, which is a riotous mix of 1389 and 1489 and 1789. Delicate teacups and straw-covered floor and fireplaces with chimneys. Of course chimneys. But I know, in the way of dreams, that it is the day of our annual appointment, the next one, in 1889. 

I shake my coat and hat free of the London morning rain. I am many hours before the time of our appointment. This my usual - I always arrive early. To ready the table and, more importantly, myself for our meeting. 

But in this dream I enter the White Horse to find the Stranger already there. He looks exactly as he did in 1789. Which must say something about my imagination since he has always been in impeccable fashion specific to the era of our meeting. 

Or perhaps it is because he looks at me with the same burning intensity that made our last appointment so spectacular. His eyes devour me, just as they did when we parted last, and I am absolutely helpless to resist.

I am sitting then, across from him, cups of tea and venison pasties between us. His beautiful pale fingers trace around the gilded edge of the teacup. I am speaking, words tumbling forth, I can hear the droning vibrations in my ears and throat, but it is not where my attention lies. 

My attention is riding the wave in his coalblack hair. My attention is wafting the bob of his throat above his high collar. My attention is tracing the sweet pout of his pink lips. My attention is flying through storm-sky eyes. 

He reaches across and

Fuck. I can’t write this.

2:

[There are several attempts at starting entries after the previous one. None manage more than a sentence.]

[No attempts at entries are made after 1889.]

3:

1 November 1898

I woke up still drunk and still in very rural Wales (note: never ever always maybe return for Nos Calan Gaeaf in the future) and found this old journal in the bottom of my trunk, so I suppose I shall once again make a valiant attempt to take dear Olive’s advice to sort out the dreams of my Stranger that ever plague me.

(I have heard tell of work by a man named Freud who claims dreams can be used to better understand someone’s psychology and potentially even relieve psychosis. He'd have a field day with me. May I never come within 400 miles of him.)

My drunk mind lacks creativity for scenery and so when I sleep this night I find myself in the same village square I was in only hours prior… however, I am back in time about 400 years? Long before the industrialization of the region, before the extermination of these old traditions by the expansion of “civilization.”

I have just won the silly harvest mare from the clutches of the other young men bringing the last of the harvest in, a horse-shaped horror made from the final stalks of grain reaped. I am now expected to try to sneak this rustling beast into the home where the bulk of the feast is being prepared by the womenfolk without one of them dousing me with washwater. If I succeed in getting into the kitchen unscathed I will win their finest beer and an honored seat at the feast-table. I am always up for new games.

(This is all Iwan’s fault for convincing me to accompany him home for the holiday yesterday and for me getting drunk while they all told me stories of the Old Days. Let it never be said that I abandon a friend in their time of need.)

I easily weave through the crowds of women and children, in their dresses and aprons and smocks, clothing I haven’t seen in centuries but are still as real as yesterday, and cross the kitchen threshold only to find the room empty. An empty kitchen except for the crackle of the hearthfire and my Stranger sat on a barrel in front of it. 

The large fire paints him in oranges and golds and he looks warm and inviting in a way that I have never experienced outside of my mind. It is the moment I know for certain that this is a dream. 

When he looks up to me he appears confused, brows drawn, lips parted. 

I am the first to speak, although words do not come easily to me. “What…?” After our parting in 1889 I can scarce understand why I am seeing him before me now. Although nightmares of the night plagued me in the months afterwards, I had been blessedly free of any night-time visits from my Stranger for almost a decade now. It has been an unexpected boon after so many years of dreaming of him more carnally. I know these facts within the dream. “Why are you here?”

He doesn’t stand, cranes his neck back to look up at me, and I realize he has a low collar this night, lower than it had been even in 1489. I can see flame-gold arcing around the shadowed hollow of his throat.

“It is a Ysbrydnos.” He explains in perfect Welsh, as if I am some child. I do not question why I can so easily understand him despite my mediocre grasp of the language. It is a dream, after all. “Many call on me such nights.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Yes, ‘tis a Spirit Night and you a spirit.” 

He tilts his head to the side, bird-like and distinctly not human. “Not as such. But I will attend the dreams of many who call me here this night.” The Stranger’s voice is just as rich and decadent as it is in person. This detail my memory - traitorous bastard it is - does not neglect. 

“Of course. Even the version of you I make for my dreams gives non-answers and evasions.” I can feel my whole body hunch in defeat. I wrap my arms around myself, look to the floor. “Just why…” Even my dream cannot steady my voice. “Why does my mind show you to me now? Why this torment?”

“Ah.” Now his voice is choked and staccato. “You did not call me here yourself this night.” Perhaps he is surprised, or ashamed, I cannot tell. 

Still, I want to scream. “After last time…” I grit my teeth and continue to stare at the floor. 

I see the toes of his black shoes enter my field of view. His chest is perhaps a handspan from mine. “Do you truly wish to never dream of me?” This inquiry is a mocking echo of his usual question, but there is no mockery in his tone. “Given…" He shakes his head, unable to say the words. Say the words he should say: Given what I did to you… Instead he restarts the sentence, "It would be well within your right to request it.”

I sigh. He almost sounds remorseful. What a fantasy this is. How contrived. “No.” And if I ever doubted before that this was a dream the tiny bits of relief I see wash over my Stranger confirms it. His eyes soften minutely. His shoulders relax a hair's breadth. “This might be the only chance I have to ever see you again. And I would take the machinations of my mind, I would take delusions of your regard, over nothing.”

He hums, looking back to the fire as he takes a step away from me. I feel cold and bereft. “This dream is over.”

And then I woke up.

3: 

1 Nov 1898  I have not dreamed of him in six months. one year.         three years.         seven          ten          fifteen 

4:

25 May 1914

After almost 17 years I found myself dreaming of the White Horse last night and when I focused upon it in my mind’s eye I almost burst into tears.

Wait, Olive always said that this was more effective if I narrated as if I was reliving the dream. That I would get more details back that way.

I begin the dream standing outside the White Horse Inn and knowing that I am dreaming. It is the first time I have begun a dream this aware and therefore it is noteworthy. 

When I enter I feel his presence before I see it. Through the doors in the back, to the private room that had been set aside for us in 1789. He is once again in front of a fireplace, standing this time, hands clasped at the small of his back as he looks down into the flames. 

(Note: Ponder this pattern more later, that I associate him in dreams with fire.)

The door to the room automatically closes behind me and he turns. Despite the venue, he is dressed, as always, in the pinnacle of fashion. All black - of course - but a suit with long jacket and waistcoat and tie nonetheless. The ever-present ruby sits heavy and dark just below his throat.

“I did not intend the delay, Hob.” And doesn’t that throw me for a loop. I did not know prior to that moment that one could get dizzy in their own dreams. “I sometimes forget that time flows… differently… for you humans. But I did think on our last conversation.”

Thirty questions stampede through my mind at once. Everything from ‘Did he just directly admit that he is not human?’ to ‘Which last time?’ I throw all of these aside and instead opt for a cautiously lilted “And?”

A magnanimous wave of his hand and we are sitting, the same tea and sweets that were present in 1789 grace the table between us. I hold my breath. “Perhaps we can pick up, as much as we can, where we were in 1789 before the Lady Constantine interrupted us.” I am so taken aback by the turn this dream has taken that I cannot for the life of me think of what to say next. Luckily, my mind does not require me to as he continues. “I believe you asked my name.”

I almost fall over myself to give him leave to avoid it. “Only if you wish it.” Just don't leave again.

He smiles, something brighter than usual, and it feels like looking into the Sun. “I have a list of titles, which we can get to later, but the simplest name is Dream.”

I clamp down on the anguish that’s in my throat, but it still comes out as a high-pitched wheeze from between my teeth. “Dream?! DREAM?!?” I let myself slump boneless into the chair, impropriety be damned, and splay my legs out in front of me, hands over my face. “Oh fuck my mind and these GAMES. Why can it not send me sweet dreams of you? Of COURSE you are named Dream… you are a dream! Has my subconscious no creativity? Christ in heaven…”

“Hob!” He shouts. He has never shouted at me before. I look to him through my fingers, meet twilight-blue eyes. “My name is Dream of the Endless and I am the King of Dreams and Nightmares.”

Shock, bright white and violent, runs through me and I quite literally fall out of my chair.

And then I wake up.

5:

26 May 1914

I do not think I have ever been more wrong about something in my long long life.

Fuck. 

My Stranger is Dream. He lords over dreams and nightmares. They are his Domain, his Kingdom. 

F U C K

I knew that he was something Other. But this. This. 

We met again last night, in my dreams. I don’t need to work at this anymore (thanks for trying, Olive) because he asked me last night if I wanted to remember this, remember meeting him. Apparently he has some manner of control over such things.

I told him yes. Of course I said yes. But I think I want to continue to keep track of what has happened, what will happen, in my dreams, here in this journal. If only so that I have something to refer to later when I have absolutely zero confidence that this is real. Some proof that I haven’t gone completely barmy. 

Last night we talked. Just talked. It was in a liminal space, barely distinct as containing a floor and walls and chairs. All monotone, in blacks and greys and faint whites. It still reminded me of the back room from 1789.

He - Dream - told me so much. More than he had ever said to me in one go ever before. He told me some of his other names: Lord Morpheus (or just Morpheus), Prince of Stories, Oneiros, Shaper of Forms. He has a kingdom, home to dreams and nightmares alike. They are not only his citizens, but he creates them. Creates!

I have so so many questions.

But I must parcel them out carefully. Each answer is a treasure I will hoard. 

I returned his generosity with words of my own.

[sad-girl-hours23]

2024 Fic Round-Up (strap in cause I love to yap)

Thanks for the tag @sugdenlovesdingle

I currently have 39 works posted to AO3 this year for bucktommy.

I only started writing again this June and my first work was The Places You Love to Be Kissed which is a 25-chapter "fic" told in 100-word drabbles of Buck's "favorite places to be kissed"

It's one of my most favorite creations. I had such a blast writing it & planning it (to some degree anyway, I did have to create a timeline lol) & I hope to continue the series with more lists.

I never meant to write it, I just kept writing down fic ideas waiting for something that could be an actual story (I'm not great with plots, okay?) but then I thought of this moment of Buck confessing his early relationship insecurities to Hen, listing all the ways he could mess it up (which became Prelude: Clues & Accusations) and her telling him to make a different list. And, Buck & I both love lists, okay? And I took the list idea from Lisa Nola's Love Listography journal and it just grew from there. The first few chapters came easy and so I posted them to AO3 (I always tell myself I'm never going to post a WIP and I also never listen) and I'm so glad I did because it forced me to create an actual plan, at least to decide on the number of chapters, otherwise I probably would have written it forever lol So I decided on 25 chapters (arbitrary, but it just has good vibes, ya know?) and I had already had the first chapter as a pre-lude and I already had written Maddie's chapter as an interlude before I realized that it deserved to be an actual line on Buck's list and so I decided on 20 list-item chapters (the actual # of lines in the journal, because I'm a freak lol) and then 5 additional chapters spread throughout (pre-lude, 3 interludes, and a post-lude) - where they aren't list-items but short little silly/fun breaks from the not-quite-narrative through-line where the list is always mentioned (Does it need to be stated that I work best with specific constraints and forms? lol). There's also several Clue references for no reason other than it's one of my obsessions.

I could go on forever about this, but I'll just leave a few of my favorite chapters here for reference

Tommy's Art Studio

Trader Joe's

Nina's Lounge (Bobby’s chapter 😫)

Garden Courtyard, Part 1 (Maddie 🥺🥺🥺)

Garden Courtyard, Part 2

The Grand Hall (Hen 😌😌)

Finally moving on to my other works...

31 of which are drabbles for the 118 Daily Drabble (posted separately because I'm a slut for kudos & it's just nice to see which individual ones resonate with people)

5 of which I wrote for the Bucktommy Advent Calendar 2024 I really enjoyed writing these, especially the ones below (the one excluded is not really fic)

I Know The Last Page So Well, I Can't Read The First

Bucktommy Bones? 

Spumoni

Hold Me Hostage, Arrest My Attention

I created Tumblr Ficlets for any microfics and not-quite-fics I post here (10 so far)

Rearranging The Alphabet To Put U And I Together is an A-Z unconnected drabble collection that is half-way completed

If you survived this post, consider yourself tagged 😜 (no pressure)

[sakkiichi]

hey can I request a genish matchup?

I'm a girl who's about 5'7 and has black hair and black eyes. I like drawing a lot and I also write songs. I often study and prepare for tests with the time I have.

I am very kind, loving, caring and considerate. I hate any kind of conflict so I usually almost always agree with other's opinions. I rarely get angry and usually bottle up my anger lol. The only thing I don't agree with is changing my basic moral values. I refuse to harm those who have harmed me as I simply don't like it. I also love puns and my humor is similar to cyno's lolol. I'm a huge introvert but I always try to be friendly and try to figure out the way to win someone as my friend. I've been betrayed and replaced a lot before so I get kinda scared of ppl leaving me easily. But to those who are the closest to me, I treat them like royalty. The smile of those I love is the most important and I will go any lengths to achieve it.

hey, dear, thank you for the info you sent ! i hope it’s okay to publish it, since i have no way to identify you otherwise… i hope you’ll like the matchup <3

now, for you i was seriously debating two characters that i can definitely see you clicking quite well with, but finally decided on someone who loves nature and is seen as a guide of sorts. Like you, he spends a great amount of his time studying and though sassy at times, he’s not one to go looking for conflict either, often preferring a more rational approach. In contrast to you, he knows when to let his anger show and he’s not afraid to throw hands (if he absolutely has to only, of course). Though introverted, he is social too and good at talking in front of crowds.

well, with all this, you might have an idea of who i’m talking about already hehe ~ i think your genshin match is…

✧ TIGHNARI

Your love for drawing and song writing are both facets of your personality that I think Tighnari would really admire. He has knowledge in drawing himself, often recording all the spices he studies on his journals. So, don’t be surprised if some time he asks you to accompany him or just join him to study botany for a while.

The head forest ranger’s eyes can’t help but glance at you, as you masterfully make pencil lines come alive in the form of flowers, leaves, fungi, butterflies or any other living creature he’s studying.

Due to your studious and introverted nature, the fennec fox always finds peace and respite in your company. His sensitive ears feel calm when he shares hours with you, Sumeru’s sunlight filtering through the verdure overhead coming in through his study’s open window.

More than once, when you two have been focusing on the books until dusk, his mind wanders to the lyrics you tend to scribble on the corners of your notebook’s pages.

He always wondered the meaning of those…

—

Intermittent sunbeams dance around the paper, the clear sky overhead patchy with marshmallow-like clouds and vibrant viridian leaves.

Humming to yourself, your eyes follow the penned lines you have down so far, your fingers tapping against your knee, to the tune of a melody yet to fully take form.

You always liked to escape to the hidden corners of Avidya forest to compose your songs. The birds chirping, the nilotpala lotuses floating in the crystalline waters and dendro crystalflies certainly did make for a soothing and inspiring atmosphere.

Sometimes you just got a few lines written; others you only managed to get a general idea of how your song is going to sound; at times, you even wrote no lyrics at all, settling for just doodling the flora and fauna surrounding you, but regardless, all the live that thrived in the rainforest always managed to make you smile.

Not to mention, no one knew about these little spots you picked to let your creativity fly free.

Or so you thought.

He had exceptional hearing, after all.

Honeyed notes had made it to the head forest ranger’s location as he was patrolling, the voice singing them unequivocally yours.

Carefully, he had retraced his steps, the echo of your sweet symphony leading him to your whereabouts.

Tighnari reaches a clearing, where you placidly sit, your back to him. Dendro crystalflies and fireflies flit around, their glow and the sun’s casting you in ethereal light.

Your lover smiles; you look so at peace like this, pen in hand, your feet dangling from the rock you’re sat at, dipping in the crystalline spring flowing by.

Your performance ends, you put down your notebook and unexpected clapping fills the otherwise mostly silent woods.

“I didn’t know you could sing.” Your boyfriend tells you, when you turn around and are met with his clapping hands and twitching ears.

“T-tighnari!” You fluster, gaze averted to the side. You hadn’t expected anyone to find your little corner. “I- well… I just write sometimes… lyrics… or something like that…”

“It sounded like quite the beautiful melody to me.” He says, stepping closer, taking a sit by your side.

“I don’t know… it’s still not finished…” you trail off, tapping the pen against the scribbled pages. Swirling flowers decorate the margins, some of them shaded, others just simple drafts. To Tighnari, however, they all look so beautiful, so alive…

His smile softens, gloved fingers running over your artworks.

“So this is what the quotes I noticed on your botany journals are…” he muses, eyes of turquoise and honey scanning the words.

“Mhm.” You nod, warmth spreading through your cheeks, a fond and shy smile decorating your features.

“May I hear your song again when it’s finished?” Your lover asks, afternoon sunlight reflected in his gaze of molten gems.

And in that moment, as your eyes lock with his, the rest of the lyrics start to outline at the back of your mind.

“That’s a promise.” You breathe, your lips soft on his forehead, his ears twitching happily.

—

Your kind and considerate disposition is something Tighnari adores about you too.

Additionally, his pupil Collei finds comfort in your presence as well. Many a time, she goes to you if she’s having trouble with difficult vocabulary or with writing letters to her outrider friend from the city of song and wind.

In these moments, the head forest ranger can’t help the dreamy expression painted in his features.

Other times, however, though still loving you deeply, he wants to facepalm.

As if it wasn’t enough with his mahamatra friend cracking awful jokes at dinner, he now has to deal with double the trouble.

Still, the sight of you laughing airily with his closest friend, so carefree, so unbothered, is something he could stare at for hours.

Tighnari is very loyal and understanding, so I think he’d be someone healing, in the sense that he could help you find a healthy outlet for your contained anger. He is also very comforting, down to earth and caring, and would reassure you constantly through his actions that he’s staying forever by your side, no matter what.

Like you, Tighnari is true to himself, and the fact that you are determined and loyal to your own moral values is awe inspiring to him.

✧ RUNNER UP: ALHAITHAM

I think our stoic scribe here would be a nice contrast to your personality, in a good way.

Though calm and collected, he’s not scared to throw the occasional blunt jab (as he often does with his roommate), and he’d help you see that it’s okay to disagree with others’ points of view.

When you tell jokes or are being humorous, if you watch closely, you’ll spot a gentle smile on Alhaitham’s face; he really does think your jokes are endearing.

In the same way that, even rational and logical, he thinks it’s so cute you draw and write songs. If you let him, he’d really love to read the lyrics you write.

Due to your nurturing characteristics, I do believe you could make his heart race too. It can be any small gesture, but every time you make him smile sincerely, Alhaitham feels a newfound warmth in his chest, cheeks tinting a very faint pink.

You’ll have to draw that sight sometime.

[non-un-topo]

random ass questions about ur stories: ok I don’t remember the title but ur recent long fic that was like. the aftermath of losing quynh and they were on that island with the fun-shaped stone that Nicky found? if ur happy to share I’d LOVE to hear about like. what part of the story u came up with first. like what image/vibe/plot point etc stuck in ur head so much that u wrote a whole fic about it yk? I absolutely LOVED that fic and would love to know!! hope ur having a good day and also no pressure to respond 🫶💕

🥺🥺 Ohh friend, thank you!! I'm so glad you liked it, and I'm sending lots of love to you!! The fic in question is Axis! (you're gonna get me talking about this big baby of mine and I won't shut up lol, I'm shy but I've had a lot of caffeine and I'm excited) <33

So I actually went looking through my old docs, phone notes, and physical journals for the first idea I had of this fic after I read your ask, because I could not seem to remember?? From what I managed to dig up, it was based on vibes first. I have some journal notes on "aporia", a state of ambivalence, and liminal space. I think I started writing it in October last year, during a very weird time where my mental health was... not great. In short, and hopefully without oversharing, I thought I was having a psychotic break. Turned out it was likely the CBD capsules I was taking for my chronic pain, which had a psychoactive effect I hadn't anticipated (like 0.1mg of THC and somehow it was enough). Anyway, at that time I started writing a lot of garbled philosophical thoughts, and I'll share this one for you because I'm almost certain it's what inspired Axis: (also putting the rest of this under a read-more so I don't annoy anyone sdfghfd)

What is the present? I wonder, because the moment you put your attention on it, it becomes the past. It vanishes. We think about present moments, but they’re already gone. All that exists is this idea of ‘happening’: All that will happen, and all that has happened. Neither is tangible. Neither can be held or kept. In thinking about the future, we imagine possibilities. In thinking about the past, we revive in our minds what has already happened. The only present that exists is the imagination. The dream. That which removes us from our reality, from our position in time and space. Where exactly is that? Rather, where are our selves in that state? Do we linger? Do we go? And if so, where? How long is the length of a single present moment? Can our lives exist as this single thread, if we spend it in dream-state? Are we forever suspended, or do our recollections of the past, our imaginings of the future, tether us to something tangible after all?

Anyway, right below this is the first line from Axis: "It is wondrous how quickly things can change in a moment."

Besides vibes and themes (suspension, stasis, indecision, fear of being lost, grieving, surrendering to the will of nature, being a fixed point in a broken group, being tethered together or untethered, things happening in reverse, being upside-down, being consumed, yadda yadda), I think the first scenes that popped into my head as visuals before I got writing were 1) Nicolo standing in the valley and catching a flake of ash in the air. 2) Yusuf and/or Nicolo in a hot spring. 3) Larus' frozen lambs. 4) The argument between Andromache and Nicolo, but no dialogue yet.

I know I wanted to write something sort of dream-like, that dipped in and out of flashbacks and liminal states, and I'm genuinely proud of myself for seeing it through. The last school year I had was intense to say the least, and there was a long stretch of time where I just left this fic as one scene and a bunch of nonsensical notes. Then, being real transparent here, a couple different tragedies happened one right after the other, and I just opened the doc again. I think my nana dying slowly had a lot to do with the direction my writing took. Thoughts, feelings, general atmosphere from real life creeps into my writing every time, and often I don't even notice until the project is done and I've read it a few times.

Anyway, I'm WAY overselling this fic dfgfds. It just means a whole lot to me and I know you can tell, so I appreciate you asking about it <3 Hope you have a fantastic day. Sending love and hugs <333

A bonus angsty snippet that didn't make it into the final work, just for you <3

It happens like this sometimes: Yusuf begins. “What if we never found you?” “You did.” “But what if. Just humour me for a moment.” You do. You love this man, so you do. “I wasn’t fast enough, and you slipped. I didn’t grab you. I didn’t even pull you from the water.” “You know it is not your fault.” “Andi didn’t— you didn’t see. I tried to jump in after you—” “And you would have been lost, too.” “No, I would have gotten you back.” There is no way to prove this. Nothing is certain. It already happened. You’re going around in circles. Yusuf says again, in a whisper, “What if we never found you?” You’re finding it hard to speak. To say anything in this moment. Yusuf presses his hands over his mouth, but it does nothing to contain his stilted gasps. He presses his words against his palms, but you hear them clear as ice: “What if we never find her?”

[inkovert]

Reblogging this and sharing an update in case it helps someone else who runs into a similar issue :^)

Thank you to the people who responded and provided suggestions - they were much appreciated. I tried or considered a bunch more things but what ultimately ended up working for me was - the good ol' going analog solution.

I have a bunch of journals in my apartment that I have not touched because I'm one of those people that panics at the thought of messing up a pristine journal. But I just grabbed one, stepped away from my computer (mostly), sat down and stared into space. And tried really hard to pinpoint (1) what the problem was with my story, (2) what I was attempting to do to solve it and (3) why that wasn't working/(4) what would work better. I just physically wrote out all my thoughts. And it honestly helped me look at everything more broadly and figure out a way forward.

I am not a planner by any means (clearly) but have slowly grown into more of a plantser. And while I have a general idea of the big plot points or character moments in my story, *how* those things come about are largely unknown. And therein lies my issue :) While operating this way helps feed the part of me that likes having the creativity to figure things out as I go without being totally in the dark, it also leads to moments like the one I just experienced. But I'm glad I was able to work through it.

I've kind of been down on myself for the past month or so. Because over the course of 2 months I had written so many future chapters of where I thought the story would go (and had patted myself on the back thinking 'yay! I've been so prolific') before I went back to my "stuck spot" and realized I was still stuck. Cue several months of producing absolutely nothing and hitting a hard writing slump. And so part of me looked at all that writing I had done as "wasted time". But it wasn't. Unfortunately, that's all part of the writing journey. And as I'm moving forward from the Stuck Spot with my new ideas, I'm able to pause and go "I feel like I wrote this scene or line already" and mine through those several chapters for good, useful bits. So it wasn't all in vain, it never is. (although now my documents are a literal mess and in shambles because I am constantly rearranging things so there is that 😄 that will be fun to work through - but that's a future me problem)

ugh, help. I've been stuck at the same spot in the second draft of my novel for months and I don't know how to break past it.

I've tried the classic "write future chapters! you don't have to write your book in order!" approach (which has generated several future chapters but nothing satisfying enough to connect those to the previous Stuck Spot) and the other favorite "your problem is usually farther back than you think it is! (which led me to re-write the chapter before the Stuck Spot and I think I'm more satisfied with it than the other version). But I still can't write the chapter from the Stuck Spot onward. idk why. I've day dreamed multiple ways the chapter could go but nothing seems right enough to write, or I get to a point where the idea just stops in the middle of the chapter with no clue how the rest of it will go.

I've tried going back to my vague semblance of a drawing board but no dice. unsure what else I could do D:

[sushywritez]

In Your Dreams | Eddie Munson X Fem!Reader

Summary: You seem to be unable to keep your boyfriend out of your subconscious. Leading to some wild dreams in which you keep written in a journal.

This is loosely based on an idea I had for my own dreams. On occasion I had several dreams featuring my significant other and found it odd but interesting. So, why not use it to create something fun and lighthearted.

Enjoy!

The forest floor was surprisingly damp beneath your feet, droplets of dew dripped from the leaves. Rays of sunshine poked theigh the treetops and warmed your skin. In the distance a rumble of steps could be heard. You take shelter in the bushes and vines, because much like most creatures you were a sacred part of its being.

Being a fae the responsibility of caring for and communicating with was imperative. Maintaining the balance between humans and the mythical was a task unlike any other.

Humans were greedy, power hungry, and unforgiving. Of course, that's only what is told. Now seeing them up close is life-changing.

"Shall we take shelter here, my liege?" One of the men, all seemingly gathered along in a lone, had spoken up. The supposed leader, the black mare in front, hopped off his ride, grunting as his boots hit the ground.

"I should say so." He nods. Dressed from head to toe in armor, minus the leather boots. His long dark curls cascaded down from his head flowing with the wind. From your hiding spot you make out more than just his form. "This clearing makes for a good camp, perhaps we may continue in the morning?" He had these soft brown eyes and expertly crafted face, he was the prettiest human you'd ever seen. Not that you had seen much of them in the forest, they saw it as dark and mysterious.

Over time you had learned both his name and title. Sir Eddie, one of the bravest knights to come out of Saint Hawkins. He's led countless of his men towards victory against the much darker forces outside the castle. The outskirts of the forest even your kind dare not venture into. Eddie had been sent out on scouting missions before, but this was the first time you noticed he was alone.

Eddie quickly snapped the small book shut and took a deep breath. "Holy shit.." He sighs, chest puffing out and shoulders slumping. He looks over at your sleeping form, the way your lips twitch up into a smile and the soft breaths as your whisked away into your dream land. He hadn't meant to discover your 'Dream Journal', it was by complete mistake, stumbling upon it when going through the drawers looking for a pair of sweatpants when he found it.

To say it was flattering was one thing. To him he felt honored, that your mind would still think about him while asleep, not many nights he was able to dream such vivid things less remember them. He tucks the book back underneath the folded clothes and shuts the drawer. He'll just have to keep checking up on you and your dreams.

The very next morning you awake to an empty bed. Eddie had already gone for work, it was often early he'd be called in and it was truly sad.

Yet he always made time for you in and out each day. Today was nothing new, as you threw back the blankets and turned to climb out of bed you noticed a card on the nightstand. Smiling forming as you reach out to grab the card and open it.

Good Morning, Angel

I saw how peaceful you looked sleeping so I couldn't be bothered to wake you up and say bye. So I wrote this note instead. I hope you slept well and had sweet dreams, I made you some pancakes before I left they just need to be heated up. Thanks for looking out for me as always, Angel.

I love you

Eddie Munson.

TAGLIST

@yaspillz @dahliamae @capricornrisingsstuff @aysheashea @e0509 @off-phelia @strangerthingsstories5255 @fujiihime @puppy-coded @damon-loves-pie @seratoninsickness @k0urti @thatlonelypieceoftoast @phantomxoxo @wittlewowa @rollergirlworldwide @allithewriter @gothguitargal @eddiemunsons-missingnipple @ali-r3n @harrys-tittie @yearwalker96 @lipglossanon @thepastdied @jessevans @dullsocietyy @littlelimb @ghosttownwherenoonegoes @3rriberri @corroded-hellfire @munson-blurbs

[sorcessworld]

How to 'Feel It Real'

I had a spiral when I wrote this in my journal. That would've been a few days ago I think, possibly last year. I started to overcomplicate the idea of feeling it real and wondered if I was vainly affirmation etc. Luckily, as soon as I commanded myself that I'd receive some guidance/help on this, I got 1) a lecture of Neville's on youtube (I don't search manifesting stuff on that acc so I wasn't prepped for that lmao) 2) a quote on my dash that really helped me see my way, 3) the same person I helped a long time ago reminding me of my own words back when I didn't keep a journal. and 4) @sexyandhedonistic taking the time to share how she approached it from her beginner stages as I had gone ahead and asked on her ask blog! Again, thank you Hera!

1. What is 'Feeling It Real'.

According to Neville; FEELING IT REAL is the acceptance of the desire fulfilled. It is a feeling of thankfulness that it is done. Once you accept that thankfulness, you persist in this & knowing it is done. That's it. So really, KNOWING IT REAL is what you should try doing as you could not feel thankful if you didn't know it was done.

“When I speak of feeling I do not mean emotion, but acceptance of the fact that the desire is fulfilled. Feeling grateful, fulfilled, or thankful, it is easy to say, “Thank You,” “Isn’t it wonderful!” or “It is finished.” When you get into the state of thankfulness, you can either awaken knowing it is done or fall asleep in the feeling of the wish fulfilled.” – Neville Goddard,

2. How do you accept the feeling?

Someone asked me this a long time ago, actually. I forgot all about it since they were just asking for my understanding of the 4D and the 3D. Of course, I didn't apply it and ended up losing it. Either way, I explained it like this:

“That adrenaline you feel when you first think of having something is the moment your 4D processed it and got it. The feeling tends to fizzle into something more 'default', and if left alone, your 3D produces it. But I've learned this process isn't automatic if you're not thinking like that. Your 4D accepts everything and gets it, but your conscious self in the 3D? You also have to accept what it is about to give you.” – golden,

Breaking this down, I'd say: To accept the feeling, you've got to consciously accept that your subconscious has already manifested it for you. Your subconscious mind answers yes to everything, but you are the filter.

Okay, that's great and all, but does that help with knowing, specifically, so that you can feel? Yes, it does, but first. You've got to look at why you don't know. Why it's hard for you to know. What are the invisible truths of this world that you don't see, ever, but you know? If there are things you've never gone up in a lab and see, but it makes sense to you: the problem isn't necessarily that you're a logical thinker. You're simply not giving yourself the approval to believe in what you're reading. Your limiting belief may be that it's too good to be true, or that people or even Neville, Florence, Joseph etc. are simply lying to make a few bucks off a few suckers. That is why you don't know.

And yet, you stay and consume, more and more because you want to believe. A desire is a reality waiting to be fulfilled. Stop trying to manifest, start reading what you SHOULD be reading (so many loa accs recommend again and again what to look for just search their blog seriously don't be that person) and give yourself the chance to believe, then APPLY.

3. How do you persist in the feeling?

As Neville said, you would look away from your current limits and put your attention chiefly on what you desire to have/be. In your imagination/attention, claim that thing which you desired as yours. This would not be all you do with yourself though, as you are now thinking from the end. I stg that link is very important. Use it.

For example: 1. So, now you've manifested your SP always answering your messages with what you want to see.

2. Instead of constantly seeing your message left on read, you would remind yourself that your SP always blows up your phone (however you like, visualise, affirm or whatever).

3. Now LET IT GO. You would not entertain any thought that challenges this (it's okay if you do but don't dwell on it, but let it go.) But you wouldn't hyperfixate on this itty bitty affirmation omg. Do you have any hobbies? Homework, plans to go out, exercise, go fucking live, please. (that came off aggressively but it's true, we often forget to live our beautiful lives. If you don't think your life isn't beautiful in ANY capacity, please work on your self-concept. Even if your life is shitty, the fact that you are changing and you know it will change for the better is BEAUTIFUL.)

One thing I like to do IF I'm visualizing is treat visualization like I'm bilocating, and try to feel all my imaginary senses, then go live out what I want until I'm satisfied. I also love listening to music, so I might have a playlist that deeply connects to what I want, kind of like a vision board, but auditory. I've got a self-concept on yt since I listen to a lot of mashups, when it's bigger I'll drop it.

4. Hera's tip.

I messaged her on her ask blog, and I told her: I struggle w vanity/belief because I feel like I'm 'outside' of my manifestation when I'm manifesting it. Kind of like an imposter or like I'm behind a glass wall and looking in. Even when it feels satisfying/good.

She responded with this: What really put it into perspective for me was both reading Neville and reading success stories. When I first started off, I struggled a lot with doubt and I often questioned whether the law was real or not because it felt too good to be true. Sometimes I felt just a tiny little bit phony and fraudulent because I had so many questions and had yet to spot the changes in my life.

My CURIOSITY and FAITH in the law felt a little risky at first but it’s what got me through. PERSISTENCE is key. I didn’t give up and I made sure to learn about the law of assumption every day. The more I read Neville and how he explained the principles of the law the more I understood and grew comfortable with it. It cleared up so many of my doubts and the success stories of his students reminded me that I, too, could do all of that and more.

I was also reading the success stories Angel was receiving daily from her followers which only motivated me more and more.

WHAT WORKED BEST FOR ME was to constantly immerse myself in Neville’s teachings daily because when I was inconsistent I tended to go back to square one and feel indifferent and not that powerful.

I've since started listening to Neville in the morning and reading success stories when I have free time. I've persisted in learning about the Law and I'm beginning to cultivate my belief so I can avoid this kind of spiral. It's honestly worked wonders for me and I've already manifested something I considered big when I first started doing this.

– golden, 🌈

[souichioneshots]

Passing Notes 【Souichi x Reader Fluff】

Summary: You and Souichi had never really spoken before. But after getting new seats, you two start to exchange notes with one another.

It all started when the new semester started and everyone was assigned new seats.

The class had been proceeding the same as always when suddenly a folded-up piece of paper landed on Souichi’s desk.

Opening it up he saw the words,

Y/N: Sorry, but what page are we on?

Turning to the side where the paper came from, he saw you. You had turned towards him, but weren't looking directly at him.

You and Souichi had never really spoken to one another before. Thinking about it now, Souichi had never seen you talk to anyone before. The only time you spoke was when the teacher called on you to answer a problem. Other than that you were silent, always hiding in your own shadow as you tried to avoid interacting with people.

Writing the page number under your words, he slid the paper back onto your desk. Giving him a small bow as a thank you, you quickly turned to the assigned page.

From that day on, you would pass notes to Souichi whenever the teacher wasn't looking.

Although most of the notes you passed him were brief and casual, today you started off by asking him a heavy question.

Y/N: What do boys like?

Souichi squinted in confusion as he looked down at the note. What kind of question was that?

Turning his head to the side, he looked at you. You were looking down at the worksheet on your desk, trying your best to focus on the problems written on it.

Souichi sighed deeply as he looked back at the note. He noisily moved the nails around in his mouth as he thought to himself.

Are you trying to figure out a way to approach a guy? How is he supposed to answer that? The question is way too broad.

Scribbling on the back of the paper, he poked your elbow and handed it back to you.

S: Everyone is different. If it’s a guy you like, you should just ask him yourself.

Ripping another piece of paper from your journal, you wrote back.

Y/N: But I’ve never actually talked to him before… S: Love at first sight type of thing?

Suddenly, you shoved the paper into your bag and turned away from Souichi. The conversation between the two of you ended there.

Souichi couldn’t help but wonder that night why you thought it would be a good idea to ask him such a thing. Although he didn’t have social anxiety like you, he certainly wasn’t popular or qualified enough to answer such questions. But still, he felt proud that you thought so highly of him.

When the next day came, you immediately started to pass Souichi notes.

Y/N: Do you like cookie straws? S: I’ve never had one before. Y/N: I have some. Is strawberry okay? S: Yeah! I love strawberry!

When lunch came, you reached into your bag and pulled out a small pink package.

Scribbling onto a piece of paper, you handed both to the pale boy.

Y/N: These are from my home country. They’re my favorite. I hope you like them too…

Just as Souichi was about to verbally thank you, you got up from your seat and walked out of the classroom.

He'll just have to thank you later.

After finishing his own bento, Souichi opened the package. He was surprised when the delicious smell of strawberry filled the air around him.

“Woah. These are really good!” Souichi said to himself as he ate the sweet snack in big bites.

Before he knew it, he had eaten all 10 cookie straws in one go.

When lunch finally came to an end, you walked back into the classroom.

Sliding a piece of paper onto your desk, Souichi gave you a smile.

S: Thanks for the cookies. They were super good.

You gave Souichi a small bow and placed the note into your bag.

As the class went on, you didn’t make any attempts to pass him any more notes. Souichi rested his head in his hand as he looked at you. His eyes looked you up and down as you continued to write in your notebook.

Now that he got a good look at you, you were actually kind of cute. Because you were a foreigner, you stood out like a sore thumb, but not necessarily in a bad way. Maybe that’s why you felt anxious about hanging out with people so much?

Souichi tensed up a bit as you suddenly turned and look at him.

Pulling your notebook up, you showed him what you had been doing.

Souichi quickly put his hand up to his mouth, trying to stifle his laughter as he looked upon a drawing you had done. It was the homeroom teacher hanging from the ceiling as he continued to ‘teach’ the class. Even though it was just a sketch, the detail was amazing.

Ripping out a piece of paper from his own notebook, he passed you a note.

S: You’re really good at drawing. What else can you draw?

He could see a small blush appear on your cheeks as you read his note.

Taking out a new piece of paper, you moved your textbook in a way that hindered Souichi from seeing what you were doing.

When you finished, you folded the paper half and passed it to him.

Souichi’s eyes widened in surprise as he opened it up to see a picture of him. You had drawn him in his current uniform, but with a long vampire cape. The nails in his mouth had been replaced real vampire fangs, making him look like the vampire he always wanted to be.

Souichi couldn’t help but stare at the drawing. It was the most amazing thing he had ever received.

He didn’t exactly know how to thank you, but he needed to give you something in return.

As the class was coming to an end, Souichi handed you one last note.

S: If you want to talk with the guy you like, why not try greeting him in the morning?

It wasn’t much, but it was a start. It would help you break the ice with the guy you liked and even help cure your social anxiety too.

You looked down at the note with emotionless eyes. When the final bell rang, you shoved it into your bag and quickly made your way out of the class.

As the next day came, Souichi noticed that you had arrived before him today.

He gave you a small bow as he sat down in his seat next to you. However, you didn’t bow back. Instead, you turned towards him and rubbed your wrist with your hand. Your mouth moved in small motions, but no words came out. Not that he could hear at least.

Not able to understand what you had just said, Souichi tiled his head to the side in confusion. He was expecting you to try to speak again, but you just turned to the other side and, taking out a random textbook from your desk, pretended to read from it.

The entire time the class went on, you hadn’t tried to pass him any more notes again.

Had something happened between you and the guy you liked? Maybe you finally talked to him?

Souichi suddenly started to feel irritated as he thought about how you might be trying to throw him away now that your social anxiety was slowly being cured.

When cleaning duty came, you and Souichi had been assigned to eraser cleaning duty.

You had kept your distance from Souichi most of the time, but as people started to slowly leave the classroom, you walked up to him.

Bringing a piece of white chalk up to the blackboard, you wrote in tiny letters.

Y/N: Can I call you by your first name?

You placed the chalk down and stared at the words, waiting for the raven-haired boy to respond.

Taking the chalk into his own hands, Souichi wrote back.

S: Sure

Wrapping your hand around your wrist, you started to nervously rub it again. You tried to look up at the boy, but your eyes quickly looked in a different direction when his eyes met yours.

“……Souichi…”

Souichi’s face suddenly felt warm as you whispered his name.

Taking the chalk back into your hand again, you quickly wrote.

Y/N: You can call me by my first name. It’s Y/N.

He already knew your first name. There was no need to remind him.

“Y/N.”

You jolted at the sound of your name coming from the tall boy beside you.

Quickly grabbing an eraser, you erased the writing and ran to the open window. Souichi laughed as a huge cloud of chalk dust surrounded you, causing you to go into a small coughing fit.

He was happy that you actually tried to talk to him. Even if it was just you saying his name and running away in embarrassment.

When the day finally came to an end, Souichi noticed that you hadn’t gotten out of your seat yet. You stayed as still as possible until you two were the only ones left in the classroom.

He was going to write you a note to ask what was wrong, but he stopped when you turned towards him.

You brought your hands up to your desk and pushed your body up, almost as if you were about to leave. But then you suddenly sat back down again.

You had also wrapped your hand around your wrist for a second, however, you quickly pulled it away when you looked at the boy sitting next to you.

You looked extremely nervous.

Taking a deep breath, you spoke in a calm but slightly loud voice.

“Good morning!”

Souichi’s eyes widened in surprise as his cheeks burned red. He finally understood everything that had been going on with you.

Unsure how to respond, he just continued to look at your ever-worsening anxious expression.

Suddenly you pushed yourself off your seat and grabbed your bag. Souichi moved from his own seat as you walked to the door of the classroom.

Rushing towards you, he put his hand out and grabbed the strap of your bag, stopping you from going any further.

His heart raced as he looked into your eyes and responded.

“…Good morning.”

[a-iya]

hiii omg sorry things got super hectic towards the end of the work week and then i spent the weekend recouping and now it's literally been almost a week since you wrote this 😭

i'm surprised you weren't a movie person until you got into anime! i've always loved going to the theaters and it sucks how expensive tickets have gotten in recent years... especially with "special types" of showings like anime! even though i live in a place where anime is actually quite popular. it's so funny, i actually got super into anime because i took a chance on watching an anime movie in theaters (demon slayer mugen train back in 2021). i was hanging out with a friend; there was a movie she wanted to watch that i already watched and vice versa, so we decided to watch demon slayer since neither of us had seen it but we'd both heard good things about it (were not anime fans at the time). i ended up getting so emotionally attached to rengoku that i went back and PAID to watch it in theaters another 3 times after. movies are such an experience and they're so fun to go to! i guess it also depends on what genres you enjoy but i would definitely go more often if i had more free time (and it also wasn't so expensive nowadays ugh)

so you and your sister also have an age gap! my sister and i are 5 years apart so i think i understand the struggle, especially if you don't see your sister around that much because you've always been in different phases in your lives. it's great that you discovered interests on your own though. now that i'm thinking about it, i've come to realize that i've only ever developed interests in things that other people have introduced me to first; i don't really go out of my way to find out about new things. character flaw i suppose 😭 thank you i'm actually going to write this down, this could be a topic of interest once i decide to start going to therapy again lmao

you've watched so much anime! not me thinking i've watched a lot when i literally could not hold a candle to your list (i have 22, 1 of which i'm still trying to find the will to keep watching) 🤡 it's so cute that you have your list in a notebook too. you have no idea how many attempts i've made at being a journal/planner girl. try as i may, i'm just not built like that 😔 i'm also a lame anime-only type because i don't have the attention span/patience and i cannot be bothered to read words or manga 🥲 i somehow always run into spoilers online though (and/or look them up myself cause it makes me anxious to not know what happens 💀) so i've given up on trying to be spoiler-free as an anime only lmao

also i know the main point of your anime list was obviously which anime you've watched but i couldn't help but notice on your profile that your birthday is actually before mine! i thought we might've been birthday neighbors kinda (since i was somewhat stalking your blog to see if i really did miss it or if you just didn't make it a whole big thing lol), but it's right after my fav character, cinnamoroll's <3

anyway, now i'm wondering if the anime list site is better than my personal spreadsheet and if i should make a profile of my own. on one hand, it's nice to see everything neatly compiled into different categories and view all your stats and fav characters and VAs in one place. but on the other hand, i'm really strict about what i consider to be "watched" and what i don't, and i care a lot about logging things correctly (e.g. i don't want something to be marked as completed on jun 10, 2024 when i finished it in may of 2022 💀). but i don't really care for rating animes and i also don't like if they separate different parts of one show because of their release type (e.g. the haikyuu is part of the haikyuu show, it's not a separate thing just because it came out as a movie 😭)

yikes okay clearly i am very anal and particular so i will just stop here but back to haikyuu: i am hoping i have the opportunity to sloth this week and binge watch the 4 seasons + movies + other but honestly i'm not sure if i'll be able to before the theaters stop showing the movie ;-; i've been trying to start but my timing up till now hasn't been right. i guess we will see! i'll definitely be in your inbox once i start to get familiar with the show! <3

Hiii ＼(ﾟ∀ﾟ)／

Sooo what do you think about the Haikyuu! Movie without knowing anime? 😀

(I'm sending this ask to discuss our impressions in the comments (and recommend this series a bit haha)

Have a nice day ♡

hiiii!! i didn't realize this was going to become a full-on essay so 💀 apologies in advance for the long-windedness. i don't blame you if you don't feel like reading all the way through lmao (there is a tl;dr at the end if that's the case)

my sister actually got into haikyuu after S1 (pretty much a decade ago at this point 😭) so i've at least known about it and understood the gist of it for a while now. i myself didn't get into anime until a few years ago though! so i've been slowly building up my watch catalog. normally i like funny animes so haikyuu definitely fits the criteria, but due to the fact that 1) it's a sports anime 2) i have very little interest in sports and 3) there would be a LOT of episodes to catch up on, it's just been sitting in my to-watch list for years lmaooo

as i started to follow more people on tumblr, i also started to see more haikyuu content, so i recognized some characters just by their appearance (hinata [obviously], but also kenma, kageyama, and atsumu miya [the guy with the undercut, who i don't remember seeing in the movie]). but anyway, my sister had been saying she wanted to watch the movie once it came out. and over the weekend, i happened to see a lot of people posting about going to watch the movie so i told her we should go! and so we did!

the movie was so hilarious and i thoroughly enjoyed watching!! the rivalry between the 2 teams was sooo funny. i knew i was going to like the movie, but it did end up being a little bit fast-paced for me cause i basically dived in with like. 0.4 background,,,, like ya girl was strUGgLinG trying to keep up. but that's no one's fault but my own 😔 i was kind of hoping it'd be like the demon slayer mugen train movie (which is actually what got me into anime! but that's besides the point). where the premise would be simple enough that you wouldn't need that much context before watching. i knew the movie would basically be just one really long volleyball game so i figured it would be fine. alas, i was wrong 😭 i don't know the rules of the game or any of the characters/their positions so it was all i could do to just watch and try to understand everything as it was happening ;-;

another thing i wanna mention is that now that i've long since graduated from my "beginner weeb" phase and become a full-on weeb, i'm familiar with a lot of voices and voice actors so it's difficult for me to see new characters and their voice actors (that i already know from somewhere else) as one entity 🤔 i'm not sure if that makes a lot of sense ><

for example: the whole time we were watching the movie, i felt like kenma sounded a lot like yuki kaji (who voices shoto [mha] and eren [aot])?? but also didn't at the same time. it was bothering me the whole 2 hours but i looked it up after it was over and i was right 😩

i also immediately recognized kuro as gojo [jjk]/hawks [mha]/greed [fma]; so kuro wasn't even kuro to me, he was just a volleyball au gojo with a completely different look 😭 i feel like that kind of gets in the way of my viewing experience personally, because i couldn't pause and think about where i know this voice from (like i usually do when i start a new anime). but it bOThERs mE because it's like on the tip of my tongue and my mind caNnOT rEST until i confirm my suspicions 😩

anyway, going in, the only people i knew about were like. hinata and kageyama... and it was surface-level knowledge at best. but i've seen kenma around enough where i recognized his character design so i thought i might like him. and he ended up being super cute!! i loved him, but i also really loved kuro (he is very handsome 🥰) and the tall glasses guy from karasuno. he was funny as fuck. but i'm definitely interested in watching the show to see what other lovable goofs the story has to offer. i'm always on the hunt for more blorbos

tl;dr basically i loved the movie, i thought it was really funny; now i have to actually watch the show so i can really enjoy the experience the movie had to offer. the production was honestly great. my sister wants me to get caught up so we can watch it again while it's still in theaters lmao. we'll have to see about that... the first 2 seasons are 25 eps each and then there are at least a few more seasons (even if they are less eps) after that 💀 when i got into mha last year, i was able to blast through 6 seasons within a week,,, but that costed me 3 full days worth of binge-watching and several work nights to catch up 😩 idk if i can do that again

thank you for the ask and interacting with me 🥺🫶 i know your day just started so i hope it goes well!! have a nice rest of the week also <3

[shemarmooresfedora]

Rebuilding Family

Summary: Y/N and Spencer were college sweethearts at Cal-Tech but once Spencer got accepted to the FBI Academy, he ended things deciding it was not fair to make Y/N wait for him. When they meet again years later, he discovers something unexpected.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader

A/N: THIS IS THE MOMENT YOU ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR. PURE FLUFF AHEAD!!!

Masterlist

Chapter 24

The doorbell rang Friday night as you were popping popcorn in the microwave for family movie night.

“I’ll get it,” you called out, walking to the front door.

You opened it to see Penelope standing there. She immediately grabbed your hand and started tugging.

“You’re coming with me, soon-to-be Mrs. Reid,” she tried to drag you out of the house.

“Spencer! Code pink! Code pink!” you yelled.

You heard Spencer dashing towards the front door.

“You’re not taking her anywhere,” Spencer wrapped his arm around your waist.

“It’s bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other the day of the wedding,” Penelope stomped her high heel in protest.

“Yes, we knew you would say that so we bought these,” you and Spencer held up sleep masks, “Me and Spence will put these on before we go to bed. I’ll set my alarm 15 minutes before his so I will be up and out of the room, headed to Rossi’s before he even sees me. No bad luck and I still get to sleep with my fiancé, everyone’s happy!”

“I should have known you guys would find a loophole. You even had a whole code name,” Penelope huffed.

“I’m sorry, Pen,” you laughed, “I will see you in the morning.”

You gave her a big hug before she returned to her car.

“A brilliant idea if I do say so myself, Dr. Reid,” you grinned.

He leaned down to kiss you as Jo shouted “you’re missing Nemo.”

-

Beep. Beep. Beep.

You fumbled to swipe your phone alarm off without actually being able to see it.

Once you got it off, you felt Spencer’s arms tighten around you.

“Keep that blindfold on, mister,” you demanded.

“Don’t go,” he mumbled.

“Do you not want us to get married today?” you teased.

You felt Spencer’s arms slowly retract from around you after giving you one final squeeze.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” you giggled.

“Bye, love you,” he tried to kiss you but ended up kissing your nose.

You put your hand flat on his face to find his lips and then guided yourself to them.

“I can not wait to marry you,” you whispered after pulling away.

“10 hours,” he whispered back and you could feel his smile as you went in for another kiss.

You slowly got out of bed and crawled towards the door to avoid hitting anything. However, you slammed your head right into the door.

“Ouch!” you rubbed the top of your head.

Spencer sat up in bed, still with his blindfold on, “Love, are you okay?”

“Yep, I found the door,” you laughed, “I will see you at the aisle.”

“I can not wait to be reduced to a blubbering, crying mess in front of my closest friends and family,” Spencer smiled.

You felt around for the door knob and opened it, taking off your blindfold once you were out of the room. You picked up your bag that you had set outside your door with all of your skincare and makeup before heading out the door to Rossi’s.

By the time you had gotten there, the driveway was full of trucks and vans dropping off decorations and setting up the canopy and tables.

The second you rang the doorbell, you were pulled inside by JJ and Emily who were already in their dresses.

“You both look gorgeous!” you exclaimed as they dragged you up the stairs.

“Here’s a muffin,” JJ said as she sat you down.

Emily was already assessing your hair and combing it out.

“Penelope told us what you did last night,” Emily smiled, “I think it was extremely adorable.”

JJ nodded in agreement as she pulled the makeup products out of your bag.

“I would just feel weird if I was away from him for a night now since we are so used to being right next to each other. Speaking of Pen, where is she?” you asked.

“She needed to make sure they put the lattice trellis in the right place so the sun would set directly behind it,” JJ informed you.

You and Spencer would be getting married in front of a lattice trellis covered in vines and an assortment of flowers right at sunset.

“What would I do without her and you guys?” you laughed.

-

Spencer groggily answered the door to see Derek standing there, holding both of their tuxes.

“Ready to get married, Pretty Boy?” he grinned.

“Yes,” Spencer rubbed his eyes to wipe away the tiredness, “Let me wake Jo up.”

Spencer walked back up the stairs and opened Jo’s door, sitting at the edge of her bed.

“Time to get up, Princess,” he whispered, “You get to wear your new dress today.”

Jo’s eyes shot open and she got out from underneath the covers, revealing she was already in fact in her dress.

“You got up already?” Spencer laughed, picking her up.

“I tricked you, Daddy,” she giggled.

“Yes, you did,” Spencer smiled, “There’s someone here to see you.”

“Uncle Derek!” Jo exclaimed.

“Jo!” Derek shouted, accepting the little girl into his arms, “Well, don’t you look nice. Auntie Penelope was telling me how excited she is to do your hair later.”

Jo nodded enthusiastically.

“You get ready,” Derek pushed the tux into Spencer’s arms, “I’ll get Jo breakfast.”

-

You stood at the back of the line in front of the glass double doors leading out to Rossi’s backyard.

As the violins and piano began to softly play, you heard Penelope say, “Jo, go see your Dad.”

The doors opened to let Jo out, holding her basket of white rose petals.

You sneakily watched from a nearby window as Jo took her job very seriously, throwing a handful of petals every other step and then taking a seat in the front row next to Henry and Will.

JJ, Emily, and Penelope all proceeded down the aisle one by one, standing on the opposite side of Derek and Rossi who were standing next to Spencer.

You ran back from the window to in front of the doors, grabbing your bouquet from the table. You had decided to walk down the aisle alone. Your parents were in the audience here to support you but you were your own woman, you didn’t need to be “given away” to Spencer.

The doors opened for the final time and you stepped out. Spencer turned to face you and you could see the tears already glistening in his eyes.

You smiled and mouthed ‘I love you’ as you walked down the aisle and he mouthed ‘I love you too’ as the tears quickly began to form in your eyes as well.

You took your spot in front of Spencer and Jo waved to you both which elicited a small chuckle from the crowd.

“Hi, baby,” you waved back.

You don’t even think Spencer noticed because his eyes were laser-focused on you.

“Shall we begin?” Hotch asked and you both nodded.

“I would like to thank everyone for being here to help Y/N and Spencer celebrate this special day in which they attest to their love for one another. Spencer, would you like to read your vows first?”

Spencer nodded, “I have never admitted this to her until now but the first time I spoke to Y/N is because I offered her a sweatshirt. I actually brought that sweatshirt to the library with me that day, hoping the pretty girl who was always shivering would finally have a reason to acknowledge me. That was the single best decision of my life. Unfortunately, a little over a year later, I made the single worst decision of my life by letting you go,” Spencer started to get choked up, “I honestly think my ‘genius’ title should be taken away for that alone. Somehow, I was graced with the opportunity to come back into your life even though I didn’t deserve it. And your life now revolved around one particular little girl that I grew to love more than I thought was ever possible. So, I just wanted to say scientists learn from their mistakes so while I can’t promise I won’t make any more in the future, I can tell you for sure that I will never let go again.”

“Oh wow,” you sniffled, taking a kleenex and your little journal from Penelope, “How am I supposed to top that?”

“I really don’t care what you have to say, you marrying me is more than enough,” he whispered.

“Oh my god, you’re still coming up with better vows than me on the spot,” you whispered back.

“Much like Spencer, I also wrote about our first encounters in college. Spencer and I quickly formed an unspoken agreement that we would always meet at the same table in the library. One night, when he was taking the time to repeatedly explain to me a calculus concept I just wasn’t getting even though I knew he had a paper due tonight, I thought to myself ‘this one is too good to let get away’. So at our next meeting, I ordered takeout from his favorite restaurant and set up a little dinner for us. It was all worth it when I saw him walk in with his textbooks only to be soon lost for words when I asked him if he would go on a date with me. I never really dated anyone in the time we were apart, I just had this feeling that our story was far from over and I’m so so glad that feeling was right. I promise I will never stop loving you, no matter what, because I don’t think I could even if I tried” you stated.

“Spencer, with this ring, do you take Y/N to love and to hold, to cherish and respect her in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, from this day forward?” Hotch asked.

“I do,” Spencer smiled as you slipped the band on to his ring finger.

“Y/N, with this ring, do you take Spencer to love and to hold, to cherish and respect him in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, from this day forward?” Hotch repeated.

“Absolutely I do.”

Spencer slipped the ring on your finger.

“By the power vested in me by the state of Virginia, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride,” Hotch smiled.

Spencer cupped your cheeks, pulling you as close as he could and kissing you deeply. Everyone cheered as you both interlocked your hands and headed down the aisle.

As soon as you were inside, Spencer pulled you in for a more passionate, sloppy kiss.

“I didn’t want an audience for that,” he grinned, pulling you back in.

“Bleh,” you heard Derek say, who had Penelope on his arm, “Do you guys need to go home already?”

“No, we can wait a few more hours,” you giggled but Spencer whined.

JJ and Will had offered to take Jo for the night so you and Spencer had the house to yourself. You had opted for just spending one night away from Jo rather than a long honeymoon. You were going to take a family vacation all together instead.

A few minutes later, you heard Penelope and Derek announce on the microphone, “Now introducing for the first time ever, Dr. and Mrs. Reid!”

You exited the glass doors once again, holding you and Spencer's interlocked hands up in the air as everyone cheered under the big white canopy with fairy lights.

“Please clear the dance floor for their first dance together as husband and wife,” Penelope smiled.

Bloom by The Paper Kites faded in as Spencer’s arms wrapped around your waist. You rested your head against his chest and wrapped your hands around the back of his neck.

You felt him rubbing small circles on your side with his thumb as he planted a kiss on the top of your head.

“I love you so much, my husband,” you whispered.

“I love you more, my wife,” he smiled.

You swayed gently back and forth until the music faded out. Spencer leaned down and kissed you as you stopped swaying. You completely forgot you were in front of an audience until you pulled away from Spencer and the crowd erupted into a cheer.

You looked into the audience to see Diana twirling Jo around in a circle. Luckily, an aid was able to bring her on such short notice.

After everyone had enjoyed the banquet, Hotch and Emily took the microphone this time.

“Time for the cutting of the cake!” they cheered.

You and Spencer both stood from the main table to go get the first pieces. You both held the knife together, cutting out two pieces.

You grabbed the plate that your slice was on and gently shoved it into Spencer’s nose, laughing as he pulled the plate away, his face covered in white frosting.

“You think that’s funny?” he grinned, grabbing his piece and pressing it into your face.

You continued your giggling fit as he cut another piece.

“Princess, come here!” he called out.

Jo ran up, eager to get a first taste of the cake and you and Spencer pressed another piece right into her face.

Jo stuck her tongue out and licked some off her face, “It tastes good,” she smiled as you and Spencer continued to laugh.

[faeri-meadow]

Keep calm (Awesamdude x reader)

Okay! Enjoy psycho Dream and protective Sam!

TW: Attempted murder via choking, heaving.

While in any other situation quiet was calming, at this moment it was thick and uncomfortable. I was making my way through Pandora’s vault, going through all of the processes the warden gave me. I felt weak due to the potions and the haste, but continued on, I had to. I saw the wall of lava and watched as the lava stopped flowing, I stepped onto the platform and followed it to the main cell holding one of the worst people I’ve ever known. I stepped off the platform and watched as the lava once again flowed, not looking at the prisoner until I could no longer see Sam. “Ah, Sam told me I was getting a visitor, but I would have never guessed it’d be you (Y/N).” I slowly turned around, hands held behind my back, “Hmm, I suppose it is slightly out of character for me, but I thought it was time.” I took this time to take in his appearance, him doing the same in return. His hair was long, some parts matted, and his uniform was utterly disgusting, having several spots of XD knows what. What caught my attention most was his mask, it was nearly destroyed, and yet still held a portion of that ugly smile. “So, Dream, how have you been?” he motioned around the room with a wide, psychotic grin, “Wonderful! I’ve got all the journals I could ever want and a clock! ” I nodded, walking around the room, taking in the dark scenery to the best of my ability, “Looks cozy.”

 His grin only widened, showing his unnaturally long canines, “So! To what do I owe the pleasure of being in your presence (Y/N)? ” During my look around, he kept trying to walk closer to me, like a predator. “Did little Sammy talk you into seeing me? That would definitely be a surprise given the fact that whenever I’d ask for him to send a message to you, he would refuse. ” I looked at him with an unamused expression, “No, for your information I was genuinely curious as to how you’ve been. The warden has nothing to do with my visit. If you would prefer me to leave, however, I will gladly do so. “I turned around and started towards the lava wall, shouting for Sam to bring me back. I could hear the button to stop the lava be switched, but then there was a hand around my throat. “Oh no, no, no, I never said I wanted you to leave (Y/N), why don’t you stay a bit longer~” I clawed at his hand that tightened around my neck, the thought of just taking his last life crossed my mind, no, Tommy deserves his last life, not me. All I could do was watch as the lava sank slowly, waiting to see those green eyes on the other side. Before I could see them though a trident was thrown through the lava, piercing Dreams arm as well as nicking mine, the force driving us both into the back wall. The hand keeping me from breathing never left my neck, in fact, it got even tighter, “Release them.” I heard his voice before I saw his face, venom laced his tone. My heart pounded in my ears as my vision was fading, I could however make out my savior's form walking towards us, smoke leaking from his mask, green irises practically glowing against the blacks of his eyes. Then, everything, unfortunately went dark.

The next time I woke it was dark outside and I was in my house laying in my bed. I looked around to the best of my ability, the pain in my neck almost making the action impossible and saw nothing out of the ordinary. I sat up, albeit slowly, and lightly touched my neck, yanking my hand back when a wave of pain crashed over my body causing me to double over and heave. The door was thrown open and a hand was placed on my back rubbing it lightly, “You should lay back down, you’ve been through a lot (Y/N). “I tilted my head to see who was speaking, already having a good idea. Green irises stared at me as Sam helped me lie back down, his touch gentle. “Here, this should help your bruises and your arm.” He pulled out a bottle that held a pink fizzy liquid, a healing potion. I downed the potion quickly, waiting for the pain in my throat to fade away, I tried to utter a thank you, but I couldn’t speak. “It would be best if you didn’t speak until your bruises heal, it could cause trauma to your vocal cords. “He then let out a sigh and kneeled by the side of my bed, grabbing my hand and resting his forehead on my arm, “I’m sorry, I should have known he would do something. I should have been quicker. “I tightened my grip on his hand and slightly sat up motioning towards my neck, him being one step ahead of me pulled out a pen and journal from his inventory, handing it to me. It wasn’t your fault, I knew he would try something, I just didn’t want to risk taking his last life. I showed him the journal, giving him a warm smile, “It is though, he’s been asking for you, I can only assume to try and get to me. “I couldn’t help the confusion that laced my expression, practically begging him to continue, “I don’t think it is a secret that I care for you, especially after today's events. I think Dream saw right through my act, and while I hate the situation you had to be put into for me to finally admit this, I am happy that I told you. “

I let go of his hand and cupped his cheek, making him look at me. I pointed towards the mask that covered his face with my free hand and gave a silent request for him to take it off. He complied, unclipping the mask and letting it fall onto the bed, both of us just taking in the others features. His face itself was pale-ish, but it faded to a green on the edges, his ears pointed with the green covering the tips as well. There were freckles covering his face as well, different shades of green all standing out in the dark room. His eyes however are where my attention was caught once again, bright green irises sitting in dark black pools. I pulled his face close to mine and placed a kiss on his forehead, turning to write in the journal once more. When I tried to pull my hand away though, Sam held it in its place, rubbing his face into it. I released an airy laugh and wrote without the second hand, I tried to hide how I felt if I’m being honest, I didn’t think you wanted a relationship because of your job and those who may be after you, I didn’t want to be a burden. I once again showed him the journal, only for him to take it out of my hands when he was done reading. He held both sides of my face gently, my hand still cupping his, and leaned forward, “You are not a burden, never were, never will be. I know you are strong, I know what you are capable of. I don’t want you thinking that you have to hide anything to protect me.” Tears were gathering in my eyes as he held eye contact with me, when they fell, he was there to catch them and rub them away. He glanced down for a moment before coming to a conclusion and placing his lips onto mine. It was soft, as if he was worried he’d hurt me more, and yet it held all of the unspoken words that swirled around us both. When we parted, he placed his forehead onto mine, “We can protect each other, if you would like.” I opened my eyes and nodded, and then patted the spot next to me, allowing him to crawl under the covers. I slowly turned onto my side as Sam pulled me to his chest and started playing with his hair. We both let out content sighs at the peaceful atmosphere and started to doze off, “I love you (Y/N).” I cracked open my eyes and looked at him once more before giving him a peck on the lips and snuggling further into his chest. His chest rumbled as he let out a soft laugh, “I’ll take that as an ‘I love you too’.” I nodded to the best of my ability with my face being hidden in his shirt and we both fell asleep in each other's arms.

AN- Sorry it’s shorter than my other posts! I hope you enjoyed it!

[animezing-fandoms]

The Gift She Wants

Masterlist

Warnings: None this is just pure fluff.

Relationships: Nalu

Summary: Natsu attempts to write Lucy a love letter for her birthday. 

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

Lucy’s never really enjoyed her birthday. It used to be fun when her mom was still around. But after her death, her birthday had always been ignored by her father. But that all changed once she joined Fairy Tail. Every morning on July 1st she’d walk into the guild to find a huge party set up for her. It was a sweet gesture even though the guild hall usually wound up trashed by the end of the day because of all the drinking and fighting that ensued. 

But that wasn’t the only thing that was the same every year. The presents that Lucy got from her friends were all the same. Gray would make her a little ice sculpture of a star that would melt after a day but she never had the heart to tell him. Gajeel did something similar with jewelry but it was made out of iron and really big and bulky so they were all too heavy to wear for long. Similarly, Erza would give her a sword or some other weapon that was too heavy for Lucy to lift. Juvia would offer her baked goods she made herself but for awhile Lucy was always cautious to eat them, knowing how jealous Juvia was about her friendship with Gray. Thankfully that wasn’t a problem anymore, and now her gift was one she was looking forward to along with the book from Levy and perfume from Mira that she got every year. There was only one gift she truly dreaded and that was from Natsu. 

Every year she hoped that he would give her something different, only to be proven wrong when he whisks her away on some dangerous job that leaves her exhausted, dirty, and bruised. The only good part about it was that she got to spend time with him, and have a little fun when she wasn’t fearing for her life. And as the years went on, she hoped that perhaps him taking her on these jobs alone meant that he would talk to her about things. Things that she knew he probably never thought about but that deep down, she dares to hope that he does.

So she thought she knew what to expect during her birthday party this year when he approached her, holding something behind his back. She took a deep breath, ready to see what job flyer he’d present her with only to find a book with a pink bow wrapped around it instead. 

“What’s this?” Lucy asks, surprised and cautiously optimistic. “Is it part of a job or-”

“No it’s not a job. It’s just a journal.” Natsu says. “I couldn’t figure out what to get you for your birthday this year so I asked Gildarts for advice and he told me I should get you something that you’ve been wanting to get or something you’d like so I thought I’d get you both!” 

Lucy was confused and touched at the same time. She was also relieved that for once she wouldn’t have to worry about getting hurt on her birthday! And it was a really sweet and thoughtful gift! She likes to write so he got her a journal...He really thought about it to get her something she’d enjoy! Is he starting to change? 

“Thank you so much Natsu!” Lucy exclaims, beaming with happiness as she holds the gift to her heart. “I love it!” 

She had no idea just how much she’d love it later.

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

After the party, she brought all the gifts she was able to carry back to her apartment with her and immediately unwrapped the bow on the journal to open it. 

To her surprise, there was already writing in it. Natsu’s writing. 

Her heart sunk. The last time he had written her something was a note telling her he was leaving for a year with Happy. And then the guild disbanded and she was all alone. He wasn’t leaving her again was he? 

With her heart pounding, she scanned the page, reading the words and bracing herself for heartbreak. But instead she found the opposite. 

Dear Lucy,

I hate writing and I’ve never written something like this before so I don’t know how good it’s gonna be but this is something I know you want to hear so I’m gonna try my best for you like I always do. I’m not good with words. Most of the things I say to you make you upset with me so I try to show how I feel about you with my actions instead of my words. And while I think that’s given you enough of an idea to know that I care about you, I don’t think you get how much I really do. So I guess I’ve got to be more clear and I figured since you love writing this is the best way to do it. 

You’re amazing. You’re so powerful, beautiful, and kind and you shine brighter than any star or dragon’s fire. I have no idea why you still hang around an idiot like me who doesn’t know how to treat you right but I hope the reason is because you feel the same way about me that I do about you. I’ve never had feelings like this before, so I’m sorry if I’ve frustrated you but I just don’t know anything about love aside from how I feel about you. Gramps and Gildarts used to lecture me on how great relationships are and how they hoped I’d fall in love and get married and have kids someday but I never wanted that because there wasn’t anyone I wanted to do that stuff with until you came into my life. 

It took me awhile to figure it out but now everything they told me about makes sense. I want to be with you Lucy, as more than just a friend. I know I don’t deserve you but I’m working hard to make you happy because that’s what you deserve. And I can tell that not knowing that has made you unhappy. So I’ve got to just be straight to the point and say it. I love you Lucy Heartfilia. I think that’s what you want to hear, so that’s what I’m giving you for your birthday.

~Natsu 

Lucy’s tears of joy were dripping onto the page so she quickly closes the book to keep her tears from washing away those sweet words. 

This was better than she could have ever imagined. And all she wanted was to run to Natsu and start this new chapter in their relationship together. Thankfully, knowing him, she didn’t have to go far. 

With tears dripping down her cheeks, she pulls back the curtain to her bedroom to find the man she loves and his blue cat in her room. She’d never been so happy to have them break into her apartment. 

“Lucy did you like the-Aw damnit, you’re crying!” Natsu exclaims, looking hurt and disappointed with himself. “I messed up again!” 

“What did you expect, you took relationship advice from Gildarts!” Happy chastises. “That guy can’t hold onto a woman, what does he know-” 

“No you didn’t!” Lucy reassures him. “Natsu it was perfect! I love it! I love you too!” She exclaims. 

Before Natsu has a chance to process what she said, Lucy dashes across the room, tossing the journal onto her bed before throwing her arms around his neck as he catches her in his before she kisses him. 

Happy’s jaw drops and Natsu’s eyes go wide for a moment, surprised by her affection before he returns the kiss, closes his eyes and moves his hands along her back to hold her closer to him as he relishes in this new feeling. 

She brings her hands up to his face to run her thumbs along his cheekbones while his hands settle on her hips as they gently pull apart. 

A blush forms on Lucy’s face as she realizes what exactly she’s done and is immediately embarrassed by how forward she was being. 

“Oh my gosh I’m so sorry that probably came out of nowhere and I should have asked first-” Lucy rambles before Natsu’s chuckle pulls her gaze back to his face and when he sees the warm look in his eyes and the smirk on his lips, she instantly relaxes. 

“It’s fine Lucy. I was hoping you’d kiss me. I just hope it was a good kiss, considering I’ve never done that before...” Natsu admits shyly. 

“It’s okay. I’ve never kissed anyone before either.” Lucy tells him. “This is new for me too. We’ll figure it out together, just like we do for everything else.” 

She rests her head on his chest and Natsu holds her close and rests his cheek on top of her head. 

“Well you know a lot more about this stuff than I do. So you’ll have a lot to teach me.” Natsu admits and Lucy laughs. 

“Well you gave me a very thoughtful gift, so clearly you’ve already got some idea of what to do.” Lucy says. 

“You just mean so much to me.” Natsu says. “I’ve never felt this way before for anyone else and I doubt I ever will. You deserve someone who can make you happy and give you everything you want.” 

“Well if everything you wrote in that letter is true, then I have no doubt that person is you.” Lucy says. “I just want one more thing.” 

“What is it?” Natsu asks, pulling back to look at her. “Whatever it is I’ll give it to you.” 

“Just tell me you love me. I know you wrote it but I want to hear you say it.” Lucy requests. 

Natsu smiles, more than happy to fulfill that wish. 

“I love you Lucy.” Natsu says and fresh tears spring from Lucy’s eyes as a result. 

“I love you too Natsu.” She says before kissing him again. 

The sounds of Happy sniffling pull them out of the moment. 

“What’s wrong little buddy? Are you crying because you’re happy for us?” Natsu asks. 

“I’m so happy for both of you!” Happy sniffles. “But I can’t believe that someone as dense as you managed to get a girlfriend before me!” He wails and the new couple laughs. 

Yep. Definitely the best birthday ever. And now Lucy couldn’t wait to see what Natsu would do for her next year. 

[raindancer2004]

Unloved and Unwanted - Demetri Edition

Word Count: 3,116 Demetri x OC Part Three Warnings: Fluff,

Note: This of Unloved and Unwanted was written first but I decided to write and publish Felix’s version as I had just finished a Demetri series at the time. @vamp-army​ found out about Demetri’s version and has requested I let it out of the Dungeon. 🤣 🤣

Demetri could feel the start of the heartache of being away from his mate and he wished she was with him despite knowing what he did was for the best. He declined the offer to take a few days off insisting that working would be a good distraction for him. He was surprised how quickly the mate bond took effect for him; he’d only met her once and yet he missed her already. Marcus explained to him that vampires always feel the bond more intensely than humans and seeing that he knew what Lucy had gone through the last few months meant that the protectiveness part of the bond was established more quickly.

Lucy had been in Greece for a few weeks now and wasn’t feeling herself. She felt like something was missing; she felt sad, lost even and didn’t know why. She tried to ignore it by keeping busy; she painted the apartment, went shopping for some new clothes and bits for the apartment. She was lying in bed one night thinking about stuff when she found herself thinking of him, she dreamed of him that night.

She woke up the next morning and wrote her thoughts and dream down in her journal.

Journal entry – 25th September 2007

I went shopping for some new stuff for the apartment to try and make it feel like home – it still doesn’t feel like home. I bought 2 new bikinis and a new red dress, not sure why a red dress but it looked nice. I couldn’t sleep at first, my mind wondering and I found myself thinking of Italy, thinking of him – Demetri – he was nice to me, he gave me money for a new life, he wanted me to be happy. He let me go despite the consequences he probably faced from my cruel mate. I felt sorry for him when he said that he had no mate as he seemed so kind and caring. Why couldn’t Demetri have been my mate, I bet he wouldn’t have rejected me.

Dream

I am back in Volterra on the day I am supposed to meet my mate. I meet Heidi outside and we talk; then she takes me to the throne room to meet Aro, Caius and Marcus. Aro and Caius read the letter from the Cullens and we talk about me being mated to one their elite guards, being unwanted and locked away by him. I then go with Heidi to her room and have a relaxing bath before Jane brings me some dinner. I then have a good night sleep before having breakfast bought to me by a handsome vampire; Demetri. He is very nice and asks how I am and just listens to me talk about me being told I have a mate, but that I’m unwanted by him and will be rejected by him, before taking me in his arms and comforting me, telling me that if I was his mate he wouldn’t reject me, he would want me, he would love me. He’d show me the world and we would be happy together forever.

Then I woke up and realised that was never going to happen. Since leaving Italy I feel like there’s something missing but I don’t know what, maybe I’m just being silly. After all I’m truly all alone now, I don’t even have any friends  : (

End of Journal entry.

Demetri, Felix and the twins were sent on a mission to observe some rogue vampires, possible newborns and dispose of them if needed. They were only two hours away from Santorini, from Lucy but no one mentioned this to Demetri as they knew he was aware of this fact; that he probably felt the mating pull towards her. “If you want to go check on her, we won’t tell anyone” Jane said softly “Thank you, but I don’t think it’s a good idea Jane” He replied. The four of them stood in silence observing their targets from a distance.

‘I wonder how she is, what she’s doing right now. Is she happy?’ Demetri couldn’t help but think of her ‘Maybe I should go check on her, just to check that she’s safe’

“They’re not doing much so I’m going for a quick hunt” He said and took off towards her; he was the fastest of the four so it didn’t take him long to get to her as he was able to track her easily. It was late when he arrived, so he stood on the balcony and looked in to see her sleeping on the sofa. He tried the door and it was unlocked; he was both happy and frustrated at this. He stepped inside and quietly had a look around. He gently lifted her off the sofa and carried her to the bedroom and tucked her into her bed “Goodnight mi amore” He whispered. He went to leave her room but his eyes caught her open journal on the desk as he passed; glancing down briefly he saw the entry was dated the day before, he knew he shouldn’t read it but he was curious to see what she had been up to. He reads the entry and can’t help smiling at what he reads, she thinks of him, dreamt of him; dreamt of being with him as his mate. His smile fades as he finishes reading the entry; she feels like something is missing since leaving Italy and she is all alone. ‘I’m going to bring her home to be with me, where she belongs no matter how long it takes’

He leaves the apartment and makes his way back to the others, making sure to drain one human as to not arouse suspicion from the others, although they knew where he really went.

Lucy wakes up in bed not remembering how she got there. She showers and dresses before leaving the apartment and makes her way into town to look around and explore. She visited the library and noticed a poster advertising courses at the community college. She goes and picks up a course prospectus and looks through it to see what course/s interest her. She decided to enrol in an Aromatherapy Massage course ‘sounds like fun’ she thought to herself.

Once back at the castle Demetri goes to find Heidi and finds her with her mate Corin “Hi girls I need some advice” He says walking into Corin’s room “How can we help?” Corin asks, Demetri sighs “Where do I start?” He sits on the sofa the girls join him and wait for him to begin “I went and saw her” They didn’t need to ask who he was talking about “We were a few hours from where she’s living and I went ‘hunting’ alone. She was asleep on the sofa when I arrived; so I carried her to bed and upon leaving her room, I spotted her journal on her desk” “You didn’t?” Heidi asks “It was already open on the previous day’s entry and I was curious as to how she had been” He replied “And what did you find out?” Corin inquires “She thinks of me, dreamt of me, dreamt of being with me as my mate” He replies smiling, looking between the two vampires “Of course she doesn’t know I’m her mate. She thinks I’m just the tracker that her mate would have sent after her had she ran” He adds, Heidi and Corin nod at him to continue.

“She also mentions that since leaving here she feels like there’s something missing; she hasn’t made any friends either, she feels that she is truly alone” His smiles vanishes “I missed her terribly only after meeting her once but now I’ve seen her again…it’s getting worse.  I want her; no I need her with me” He looks down at his hands in his lap. “Sounds to me like you’ve made up your mind about getting her back” Heidi said smiling “I’ve waited a long time to meet my mate and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let the Cullens ruin this for me, for her, for us” Demetri replied and thought for a moment before continuing “I just don’t know how to go about it. That’s where I need your help” Heidi and Corin look at each other smiling “We’ll help you anyway we can, promise” They say together and Demetri looks up at them and smiles “Thank you.” 

The following day Heidi helps him order a bouquet of pink lilies online from a florist near Lucy’s apartment. He picks a card and writes a message as Heidi suggests

Lucy, Just a little something to say ‘welcome to your new home’ Demetri x

The following afternoon Demetri received a text from Lucy

Hi Demetri, thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful. I hope you are keeping well x

Hi Lucy, you’re very welcome. I’m glad you like them. I am well thank you, you? X

I’m ok. I’ve just enrolled in an Aromatherapy Massage course at the community college – figured it’s something fun to do. You been up to much? X

Aromatherapy Massage – not sure what that is exactly but good luck with the course. Went on a three day mission with Felix, Jane and Alec. I had to track some rogues and newborn vampires that were drawing too much attention x

Thank you. Aromatherapy Massage involves using scented oils to give a massage, different oils have different qualities so it kinda personalises the massage for each person. Your mission sounds interesting if not a bit dangerous? X

Thank you for explaining Aromatherapy Massage to me, it sounds very interesting. The mission was a little dangerous but I had back up and I’ve been doing this a long time so it was ok. Exhausting because they’re newborns but ok x

See that’s where a massage would be beneficial. If vampires do that kinda of thing x

I’m not aware of anywhere that does massages for vampires, but then again I don’t know much about them. Heidi may know x

So there’s a whole new market out there ready to be conquered – massages for Vampires. Good to know x

Are you offering your services then Lucy? ;) X

‘Never thought I’d be flirting with my mate by text after I set her free’ He thought to himself smiling

Maybe ;) Although I’m not sure how good I’ll be at it x

Practice makes perfect Lucy x

Does that mean you’ll let me practice on you? ;) X

‘She’s flirting back a little. This gives me a reason to see her again’

I’d be happy to let you practice on me, after all I did say if you need anything to let me know x

Aww thank you. Feel free to come and visit, it’ll be nice to have a friend x

Thank you for the invitation, I’ll come and see you soon. Take care x

See you soon & take care too x

That night Demetri told Heidi about Lucy and him exchanging texts and how it ended with her inviting him to visit whenever he wants as friends. “Friends is good Dem. You can use that as a foundation to build a relationship on” Heidi says smiling “You think it’s a good idea then?” He asks nervously “I do, but bear in mind each time you leave her it may hurt a little more” “I will and thanks” He responds.

Demetri spoke with Aro, Caius and Marcus telling them about his text exchange with Lucy “I know it’s a lot to ask especially after I let her go; but I was hoping you would support this opportunity for me to get to know her more with the intention of bringing her home as my mate when the time is right” “Of course we support this my dear boy. This is a way for you to get to know her and for her to get to know you without it being forced. We’ll give you a year Demetri and then we’ll review the situation” Aro says smiling “Thank you master Aro. I appreciate your support and the time given to spend with her” He replies “Go and spend a few days with her next week and see how the ground lies; before making extended trips to see her” Caius responds with a smile “Thank you master Caius”

Hi Lucy, I hope you are well. I have a few days off next week and wondered if it would be ok to come visit you? X

Hi Demetri, I’m well, hope you are too. Next week’s good for me, just let me know what day to expect you x

I’m well too. I’ll see you Monday then x

Lucy spent the weekend tidying the apartment, not that it was dirty but she was both nervous and excited about seeing Demetri again. She felt bad that she doesn’t have a guest room for him to stay in; she hopes the sofa will suffice for a few days.

Monday lunchtime Demetri arrived ensuring he was covered up as it was a little sunny out “Hi Demetri, good to see you again. Come in” She greeted him with a smile “Hi Lucy, nice to see you again too. Here these are for you” He replied stepping inside and handing her a bouquet of mixed lilies “Thank you they’re lovely” “You’re welcome darling” He responded.

They sat down in the lounge area and caught up before deciding to watch a film together ‘This is nice, I’m glad I came to visit’ He thought to himself “I don’t have a guest room sorry; will you be ok on the sofa for a few days?” Lucy asked quietly “The sofa will be fine seeing that I don’t sleep” He replied “What? Vampires don’t sleep?” She asked surprised “No we don’t need to” Demetri replied “But Heidi has a bed in her room” “A bed can be used for other reasons besides sleeping Lucy” He said smirking; Lucy blushed “Yeah of course” She replies shyly. ‘I’m glad he came to visit. It’ll be nice to not be alone for a few days’ she thought to herself.

“Can I ask how your tracking gift works?” “Of course” He was pleased she was taking an interest in his gift. “I catch the essence of a person’s mind and then follow it like a scent over any distance. I can find anyone, anywhere, I can link to a target once I have physically met that person, or I can pick up a person’s trail from anyone who has met them in the past” “Wow that’s amazing. Your reputation as the world’s best tracker is well deserved” She had a look of awe on her face that warmed Demetri’s heart.  

The following day was warm and sunny “Hey did you want to go for a walk on the beach? It’s nice and sunny” Lucy asked smiling “That sounds lovely Lucy but I can’t go out in the sun. It would expose me a vampire” He replied “Oh, sorry I didn’t realise. Can I ask what happens to you if you’re out in the sun?” She asked “No need to apologise. Vampires sparkle in sunlight so we have to cover up on days like today” He answered “Sparkle? Seriously?” “Yes, I’ll show you quickly” He replied rolling his sleeves up and standing on the balcony for a few moments “Wow! It’s like diamonds” She says taking his hand in hers and lifting it up and turning it over “Yeah we can’t go out today. Movie day it is.” He smiled at her reaction, finding it adorable.

Still holding his hand she leads him back to the sofa. “What do you want to watch sparkles?” She asks grinning; he turns to look her, eyebrow raised “Did you just call me sparkles?” He asked “Yes. Yes I did” She replies still grinning “That’s your nickname from now on. Ok sparkles?” She starts laughing; without warning he moved closer to her and started tickling her sides “My name is not sparkles” He says in a low growl “Y-yes. It. Is” She says between giggles. “You sure about that?” He asks laughing along with her “Uh-huh. Spar-sparkles. Sparkles the vampire” She’s laughing harder now as he keeps tickling her, him hovering over her, each leg either side of her.

“S-stop tick-tickling me. Pl-please” “Only if you stop calling me sparkles” She nods breathless from laughing; he stops tickling her and sits up, watching her get up from the sofa “I’m just grabbing something from the bedroom…sparkles” She says as she walks towards her room. Demetri got off the sofa and ran behind her scooping her up into his arms then dropping her on her bed and resumed tickling her “S-stop” “No. This is your punishment little one” He said smirking “Little one?” She asked “If I’m sparkles then you’re little one” He said with a nod.

She continued to laugh and wriggle beneath him as he continued to tickle her. Once the tickling stopped and her breathing returned back to normal she looked up at him above her “Who knew vamps could be so much fun?” He rolled off her and lay on his side looking at her “Vamps can be fun if or when they are with the right person or people” He wrapped an arm across her waist as she rolled onto her side to face him; his hand slipping to her back. She placed her arm on top of his, her hand resting on his shoulder and smiled. ‘I think I’m falling in love’ He thought to himself smiling, pulling her closer. ‘God he’s gorgeous. I could totally fall for him’ She thought to herself, liking the feeling of being held by him.

The following night Demetri left to go back to Volterra “Thank you for coming to visit. Feel free to come again whenever you’re nearby or have time off. I’ve enjoyed your company” She wrapped her arms around his waist; resting her head against his chest “Thank you for having me stay. I too have enjoyed your company and will visit again soon” He wrapped one arm around her shoulders and the other around her waist holding her close breathing in her scent. “Can we stay in touch by phone?” She asked quietly “You’d better stay in touch darling. I may not be able to call you everyday due to my duties at the castle but daily texts are a must” He said tightening his hold on her “I can live with that” She looked up at him smiling before placing her head back on his chest, not quite ready to let him go.

[tennessoui]

this is probably too many prompts lol but uhhh obikin: #6 meeting at a coffee shop au; #24 literally bumping into each other au; #40 exes meeting again after not speaking for years au (i'm a sucker for breaking up and getting back together again lol); #42 star-crossed lovers au; #48 meeting again at a high school reunion au

hi!! you probably forgot you sent this at all and I wouldn't blame you in the slightest. I'm pretty sure someone else already asked for 24, 40, and 42, so I wrote #6 instead! warnings for this one: bittersweet in that both anakin and obi-wan are sad, also the author is sad, also this takes place in the midwest in america (this is the first fic that is obviously set in america!!! wow!!)

6. Meeting At A Coffee Shop Diner AU (1.9k)

“Have a seat anywhere you want,” the hostess tells Obi-Wan without looking up from her phone.

Obi-Wan blinks and then looks around the deserted seating area. “Thank you, uh.” She’s not wearing a name tag.

“Angel’ll bring you the menu and take care of you, thanks for coming in,” she says, glancing up at him and then away.

Well then. Obi-Wan reminds himself that customer service isn’t everyone’s strong suit, that she might have had a rough day, that he’s here for the quick food on his way through town, that his ego isn’t fragile enough that he needs to be led to a table with a smile.

The restaurant is almost completely deserted. There’s two truckers eating their weight in bacon and eggs at the counter, and a family of four seated around a table, resolutely picking at their food instead of talking to each other. And then there’s Obi-Wan.

He chooses a booth by the window, one that overlooks the absolute nothingness of midwestern American scenery. If he cranes his neck, he can probably see corn.

God, Obi-Wan’s sick of seeing corn, and he’s only been in this part of the country for a few hours. He needs to go right through most of it to get where he’s headed. He’s not sure how he won’t die of boredom.

The thought sends a pang through his chest. It’s too soon to think of death even in an offhand way. He taps his fingers on the cover of his leather journal, before a line of dark brown under one of them catches his eye. He studies his hand critically.

It’s been two days since the funeral. Surely he wouldn’t still have grave dirt under his nails. Surely things like that wash away eventually.

“Hey,” a voice says from in front of him. A man is turned around and kneeling up in the booth in front of Obi-Wan’s, leaning over the garishly red vinyl of the empty seat with a menu clutched in one hand. His hair is short and dark blond, an undercut with a long fringe settling over his forehead. He has a nice sort of smile, one that looks genuine but doesn’t touch his eyes. Obi-Wan notices how long the man’s neck is and how predominant his collarbones appear in the loose white shirt he’s wearing, before he forces himself to focus only on his face. “I’m Angel,” the guy says, passing over the menu. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

Obi-Wan accepts it gingerly. It looks like something that’s perpetually sticky. “Water is fine,” he says politely. “Thank you.”

“Will do,” Angel salutes him and ambles away. Obi-Wan watches him go before shaking his head to rid himself of any sort of thought, and opening the menu.

It’s standard food fare, of course. Breakfast options served all day if anyone were to come in and request them. Lunch and dinner options are also served all day, probably for the same reason: a diner like this can’t afford to turn anyone away, even if they want a hamburger at nine in the morning.

A glass of water clinks down onto the table next to him, making him look up at Angel, who’s looking at him curiously.

“You ready to order?” he asks, even though Obi-Wan is still very much looking at the menu and it’s also only been a few minutes at most since Angel gave it to him in the first place.

“Do you have any suggestions?” Obi-Wan asks politely. “I’ve never been here before. What’s good?”

“The water,” Angel says and then laughs like he’s said something funny. Obi-Wan finds his own mouth curling up at the sound. Sometimes people’s laughter is contagious, like a yawn.

And then Angel says, “You’re not from around here, are you?”

“No,” Obi-Wan admits. “North of Boston.”

Angel whistles, like Obi-Wan has said something impressive. “Boston, huh? What are you doing all the way out here?”

The pit in his stomach intensifies. He does his best not to look at his nails and the grave dirt that might still be under them. “Driving,” he finally says. “And are you...from around here?”

Angel’s eyes grow distant for a second, and when he focuses again on Obi-Wan, they’re cold. “Born and raised,” he tells him flatly. “Never got out.”

“Oh,” Obi-Wan doesn’t know what to do with the sort of bitterness in Angel’s tone. It complements his own well enough.

“If you like eggs, I’ll put you in for the house special omelette,” Angel declares suddenly, all business again. “It’s four eggs, tomatoes, peppers, cheese. The usual.”

“What makes it special?” Obi-Wan asks, closing his menu and setting it down on the table in front of him.

“For you?” Angel drawls, “I’ll watch the cook to make sure he doesn’t get any egg shells in it,” and then he winks, holding out his hand.

Naturally, Obi-Wan shakes it. Naturally, Obi-Wan realizes a second after feeling Angel’s warm, calloused rough palm against his own that the man had meant to take the menu from Obi-Wan.

He can’t remember the last time he’s blushed this red, but he is absolutely regretting everything about this road trip. God, he’d pay money just to be able to leave now.

He should get in his car and drive back to Boston. It had been a stupid idea to come out here anyway, a result of stir-craziness and a desire to outrun the death of his father.

And now look what he’s doing. Shaking hands with his handsome waiter, as if he isn’t thirty-nine and perfectly aware of social norms.

Thankfully, miraculously, Angel laughs and this time it sounds real. “It’s okay,” he tells him, reaching out to pick up the menu.

Luckily for everyone involved, Obi-Wan finds it very easy to laugh at himself. “Well. It’s nice to meet you, Angel, I’m Obi-Wan.”

“I’ll go put the order in,” Angel says, “Obi-Wan.”

He’s back within five minutes, sliding into the seat across from Obi-Wan. So much for no eggshells in his omelette, but he can’t bring himself to be disappointed. There’s something magnetically fascinating about Angel. He’d like to know more.

“So you’re driving?” Angel asks, picking up a thread of conversation from several minutes ago. “Where are you going?”

“I was thinking of Alaska,” Obi-Wan says. “I’ve--I’ve always wanted to go.”

“You’re driving from Boston to Alaska?” Angel whistles, raising his eyebrows in shock. “I think the gas money alone would cost me two months of work.”

Obi-Wan shrugs. It’s not like he makes much himself as a teacher in Massachusetts. “My father was a lifelong gambler,” he discloses without really knowing why he’s telling this to a stranger. “He came into a bit of luck near the end. A bit of a fortune as well. And when he...died, I inherited it and his house.”

Angel touches his hand softly. “I’m sorry,” he says. “When did he pass?”

Obi-Wan huffs out what might be a chuckle. “A week ago, actually. It’s summer break in Massachusetts--I’m a teacher--and I suddenly had nothing to stay for, for a bit. It was either leave for Alaska or find some other way to cope.”

He runs a hand--his free hand, the one Angel isn’t touching--over his beard as he gives the man a rueful smile. “Dad always wanted me to see more of the world.”

“My mom was the same way,” Angel leans forward to tell him, as if it’s a secret. Obi-Wan feels like it is a secret, that there’s something delicate and fragile in the air. Something that matches whatever emotion is filling up Angel’s eyes. “Always telling me to leave, go get famous, go get happy, come back and tell her about it.”

“You didn’t?” Obi-Wan asks, his chest tightening at the thought that the man before him could be unhappy.

“I couldn’t,” Angel sneers, looking out the window and propping his chin on his hand. Some things must be too close to the heart to tell someone to their face. “Mom got sick. I wanted to get out, I was so close. Graduated high school, packed my stuff. I was going to go to California. To Los Angeles, really make it big.” He rolls his eyes and scoffs, as if there’s something inherently funny about the dreams he must have cherished for so long.

“Then mom collapsed going down the stairs. Just passed out in the middle of the day. Doctors told us she was sick. Then life became all about treatment plans and monitoring symptoms and getting the money for the medicines and I never left. Got a job here when I was eighteen years old, right before I graduated high school. It’s all I’ve ever known, I guess.”

“And your mother?” Obi-Wan asks, mouth dry and heart all tangled up in itself for this stranger man, for Angel with the hard, sad eyes.

“Died a year and a half ago or so,” Angel says flatly like he’s repeated the words so often in his head that the truth digs no barbs into his flesh. Obi-Wan knows that voice is a lie. How often has he looked in the mirror this past week and told himself, ‘Qui-Gon Jinn is dead’? He can’t imagine a year and a half would make the pain go away.

“I’m sorry,” Obi-Wan says seriously, reaching across the table to touch Angel’s hand this time.

Angel shrugs but doesn’t pull away. “Is what it is, I guess,” he says. “I’ve made my peace with it. And the fact that I’ll never leave this godforsaken town.”

“You could,” Obi-Wan points out hesitantly. “You could leave tomorrow.”

For a second, a wild and previously undiscovered part of Obi-Wan wonders what it would be like, if Angel did leave tomorrow--with him. If they got into the same car and headed to Alaska together and Obi-Wan wasn’t alone at the wheel and Angel wasn’t alone in this town. If Obi-Wan could look over at the man in the passenger seat, asleep against the doorway as they crossed into Canada.

Obi-Wan wonders. Obi-Wan aches.

“I could,” Angel says, laughing once. “I guess I could. I guess I just can’t think of a good enough reason to.”

There’s a call of his name from the kitchen, and Angel stands and stretches, checking the time on his watch. “That’ll be your omelette, sir, which is perfect timing considering I’m off shift as of five minutes ago.”

“Thank you then,” Obi-Wan replies, ignoring the pang in his gut at the knowledge he won’t be able to keep talking to him. “It was nice meeting you, Angel.”

Angel’s face grows dark for a second as his jaw clenches. “That’s not my name,” he finally says, scratching at his neck with one hand. “That’s just what they called me when I started working here. Angel, like Los Angeles. Cause I told everyone for weeks this was a temporary thing, you know? I’d be going to California soon as mom got better. Guess they knew better than I did.”

Obi-Wan has never wanted to kidnap a grown man away from a place more, so he hides his hands under the table instead. “Would you tell me your name then?” he asks, wondering if he’s overstepping but needing to know too much to censor himself.

“It’s Anakin,” his waiter says, sticking his hand out, no menu to grab.

Obi-Wan takes it gently, turns it over, and cradles it between both of his hands. “Then it’s nice to meet you, Anakin.”

Maybe, he thinks as he picks at his omelette and watches Anakin shoulder his way through the front doors of the diner before disappearing down the street, maybe he can stay a day in this nowhere town. Just an extra day.

Yes, he thinks, taking a sip of his water. He’ll try the pancakes next.