#the joy in my soul from you is too great to describe

[aeonstale]

FATED SOULS REUNITE

summary. despite the oddity that is life, your souls were fated together. tw. maybe ooc dan feng, possibly lore inaccurate dan feng, slightly proof read, 1k words. slight angst if u squint toward the end, art by @mors_gn

Imbibitor Lunae, the Vidyadhara High Elder, successor of the Azure Dragon, Commander of the Clouds and the Rain. 

Dan Feng sported many names. All with great weight to carry. 

But on this star-full night, he was only Dan Feng in your arms. Your warmth breathing down on his horn, his tail wrapped tightly around your waist. The end of the tail swishing back and forth in content. His arms bring you impossibly closer to your body. Wanting nothing but to melt into you. 

Your humming eased his worries, the gentle caresses of  your hands in his hair. On this night, Dan Feng wanted nothing more than to stop time. To throw all responsibilities and duties away, to be nothing but your husband. 

The thought brought a smile to his face. Right. The picnic you had earlier, the walk through the field of flowers (the bonus flower crown you made and put on him, stating he looked more like a beautiful princess than an intimidating Elder.). All leading to this moment. 

All leading to this question.

With hesitance (and a pinch of nervousness.), Dan Feng separates himself from you. Your sweet melody stops, now sharing a silent moment with his eyes locked into yours. The soft whispers of your name, his hands reaching for yours. You smile in amusement, “Something in your mind, my dear?” 

Dan Feng hums. 

“You can say.” bringing your hands closer, he kisses the ring fingers on both hands. Your right hand’s finger is adorned in a moonstone ring. A promise ring he brought you decades ago. A poorly made one. A ring he made himself. Though he promised to buy you a new one, a better one. You refused. (He still remembers how beautiful you looked while staring at the ring. Soft smiles painted on your lips, fingers cradling the ring as though it was made from glass. You treasured it. Dan Feng swore to give you a more extravagant and prettier ring for when he proposes.) 

Blue eyes glances at your left hand, another hum. 

“This one looks lonely.” your confusion vanishes almost instantly as the meaning settles in. Your mouth opens and closes akin to a fish’s. Splutters leaves you yet not a single coherent sentence was formed, too flustered to even think about what to say. Too flustered to even think how to say it. 

“Dan Feng, you…”

Was the only words you could articulate without sounding like a fool. 

The culprit behind your flustered state slyly smirks. He leans back, letting go of your right hand as his —now free— hand reaches for his pocket. Bringing out a red box. You gasp.

“I promised. Didn’t I? That I would give you something better.” 

He opens the box, showcasing a Blue Sapphire encased in a golden ring. Waves patterns decorated the ring’s sides, with your initials engraved in. 

It was beautiful. 

More than that actually. You didn’t think you could run out of words to describe the beauty of it all. But actions speak louder than words. 

Tears swelled up in your eyes, trying to blink them away as you stared back into your lover's eyes. “Dan Feng…”. You chuckled all while trying to compose yourself. 

Dan Feng joins you. His own tears blurring his sight. He shakily takes the ring from the box, staring at you as he waits for the words he never knew would make him this nervous. 

You nod, scoffing out a laugh. “Yes, Yes!” 

He sighs out a breath he wasn’t aware he was holding. And he slips on the ring on your finger. He admires it. It fit perfectly. You were his just as he was yours. And the thoughts fill him with joy.

“I apologize for making you wait, I had to make sure it was perfect. Who knew the Imbibitor Lunae sucked at craftsmanship?” You both laugh. Unable to contain your happiness, you jump into his arms. 

Said arms instinctively embrace you. 

Your lips meet as you go down.  

“I love you, Dan Feng.” 

“I love you too, Bǎobèi.”

“Dan Heng!” you call out to the dazed man. Blinking away his thoughts, he turns towards you. A pout on your lips, your arms crossed over your chest in harmless irritation. “Yes, Bǎobèi?” 

“I’ve been calling out to you for a good five minutes,” your face quickly fades into worry (It was cute how quickly your expression changed. He may have abused this fact a few times.) “Are you alright? Do you feel a fever?” You reach out, checking his temperature and comparing it to yours, muttering a low ‘doesn’t look like it…’ 

Dan Heng shakes his head. Closing the book he didn’t even know he was holding. He puts it back in its respective place as he reassures you he wasn’t feeling ill. “I’m alright, just lost in thought.” 

His eyes soften at the ring held on by a golden thread around your neck. His own version of the ring safely secured around his wrist. “I love you.”

He watches as you blink, heated cheeks pulled into a bright smile. You jest how out of the blue that was but never failed to return it. 

“I love you too, Dan Heng!”

“I love you, Dan Feng.” 

Though his identities may overlap, causing him great distress. Sometimes nightmares, other times sleepless nights spent blankly staring at the ceiling as the many questions of who he was cloud his mind.

He had you.

You who are awoken by his cries, you who comfort him as he mutters apologies. You who join him in his sleepless night, staying up all night recounting all the adventure you two went on. You accepted and loved him. Throughout all his lives.

You who were there. 

You.

Dan Heng leans to plant a kiss on your forehead, heading down to your cheeks, and finally on your lips. A soft peck, he pulls back. Enjoying how flustered you looked right now. 

He was thankful he had you. This time, he promises, this time he won’t let you go. 

He won’t be helpless as you bleed out in his arms, his name as your last words. Smile to the face looking as beautiful as the night he proposed. 

This time, you’ll have your happy ending. 

He only hopes he’s by your side.

©—jingyuqn. do not repost, translate or copy my work. 2024.

[thelifeofchuckmovie]

When it comes to ending the world, Stephen King is a repeat offender. He has brought life as we know it to a brutal conclusion several times over the decades, usually highlighting the cruelty and desperation that erupts among the last to go. But his 2020 story “The Life of Chuck” uses doomsday to evoke some unlikely sentiments: Wistfulness. Gratitude. Even joy.

The idea of creating an apocalyptic version of It’s a Wonderful Life is what led filmmaker Mike Flanagan to call dibs on the rights to the novella more than four years ago. The breakdown of society, extinction-level natural disasters, and the disintegration of reality itself is explored through the lens of one relatively meek and mild accountant, played by Tom Hiddleston, whose memories and choices are mysteriously connected to these tribulations. Retirement posters congratulating him on “39 great years” pop up everywhere. But who is this guy? What job does he do (or did he used to do)? And why does it matter so much to the fate of the world? This apparent nobody named Chuck Krantz has lived larger than anyone thought possible.

Having explored King country before in 2017’s Gerald’s Game and 2019’s The Shining sequel Doctor Sleep, Flanagan got involved after reading an early copy of “Chuck” before it was published in the collection If It Bleeds. The Haunting of Hill House and Fall of the House of Usher creator produced the film independently, believing it might be too offbeat for risk-averse studios to greenlight. He even secured a waiver from the striking Hollywood guilds last year to move forward with the shoot while the rest of the industry was stuck in the work stoppage. Now he and Hiddleston are ready to reveal the finished version of The Life of Chuck as it heads to the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival, where it will screen for potential distributors.

Among the skeptics about this adaptation was King himself, according to Flanagan. “His initial responses to me were a little like, ‘Oh, okay. Yeah. If you think that’s a movie…,’” he says. “He did say several times that he thought it would be a challenge to get it supported through traditional means.”

King has now seen the finished movie and no longer has doubts. He described it to Vanity Fair as “a happiness machine.”

“Well, he’s written something very tender and very wise,” Hiddleston says. “I think there is a great wisdom in the soul of the story, which is that it takes courage to hold on to what is good in a world that feels like it’s falling apart.”

Flanagan hopes others see it that way too, although the overpowering dread that begins the story may be more immediately relatable. “I’ve heard it said that every generation feels a little like the world is ending at some point, [but] I still feel like it’s different for us,” the 46-year-old filmmaker says with a mordant laugh. “Institutions we took for granted as propping up our society are failing left and right. Our politics have degraded spectacularly. The sense that it’s breaking down, that the world is moving on, has been increasingly palpable. When I talk to my parents or members of older generations who have been through their own turbulent times, the thing that strikes me is that they’re like, ‘Oh yeah, this is really bad.’”

But…it’s not entirely bad. And that’s the underlying message of The Life of Chuck as its various mysteries play out. “There’s no sense of terror in the way that King drew it,” Flanagan says. “Even as the world feels as though it’s ending, people become introspective, they reach into their past for loves that have left their lives for one reason or another. Strangers engage in open and fearless communication.”

It’s an indie-film variation on the big-budget cataclysm story. “A disaster movie has people meeting the end while running from tidal waves, and this story has people sitting quietly holding hands looking at the stars,” Flanagan says.

The key to it all is Chuck himself, although he doesn’t turn up onscreen until the second segment of the three-act story, which plays out in reverse chronological order.

The beginning is actually the end, as the whole world circles the drain. Caught in this spiral is Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), a school teacher trying to apply logic to the planet’s troubles; Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy) is his ex, a hospital worker determined to save everyone she can; Matthew Lillard (Scream) is a construction worker neighbor who finds zen amid the chaos; and Carl Lumbly (Alias), plays a funeral director who has dedicated his life to easing people through death.

The end of the movie is actually the beginning, showing young Chuck (Benjamin Pajak) when he was a boy being raised by his grandparents (Mia Sara of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Mark Hamill). The insight of these two—coupled with the otherworldly revelations he finds in an eerie room tucked into the peak of their Victorian home—help him learn to seek out bright spots when life is marred by sorrow and darkness.

In elementary school, young Chuck discovers some important things about himself thanks to guidance from a brusque dance instructor (Samantha Sloyan), and a kindhearted English teacher, played by Kate Siegel, who gives the boy (not to mention the audience) some important information that serves as a code breaker for the story's more cosmic puzzles.

As for the middle of the film: It’s a dance number. That’s when Hiddleston steps in.

Compounding the peculiarity of The Life of Chuck is the question: Why is this song and dance sequence so important? The answer is for the movie to reveal, but it matters a lot. “The life of every human being is a constellation, as expressed in this film,” Hiddleston says. “There are certain moments which will burn most brightly as individual stars. Sometimes it feels like the world is going to hell in a handcart, and it’s full of pain and suffering, and it is—but there are moments of deep joy and deep connection.”

Hiddleston shows the audience this single moment in the life of a buttoned-up fellow who somehow controls the destiny of the world. It’s not necessarily the most important day in his life, but it’s a memorable one involving a street drummer (Taylor Gordon), a lovely stranger (played by Annalise Basso), and a fateful decision to cast aside caution and cut a rug. “It’s a reminder to do whatever it is that expresses whatever gives you that feeling of being alive,” Hiddleston says. “Whether it’s music or dancing or math or writing or creativity—do it. Do it now. Those moments are what you’ll remember.”

Flanagan considered casting a relative unknown as Chuck to “give the audience the experience of ‘Who the hell is this person?’” as the peculiar retirement signs begin to appear in the midst of the apocalypse. But he felt the promise of the Loki star would build more curiosity as the world falls apart. “You grow an enormous amount of anticipation to finally spend time with an actor like Tom, who can be a literal god in one story, and then an everyman in another,” Flanagan says.

A TikTok video of Hiddleston getting his groove on sealed the deal. “He had a completely unfiltered joy on his face,” Flanagan says. “He was a good dancer, but that wasn’t what struck me. I wasn’t amazed by the technique so much as the degree of happiness that was radiating off of him. The look on his face made me smile the same way I smiled reading that particular portion of the book.”

The resulting scene was created in a month-long collaboration between Flanagan, Hiddleston, Basso, choreographer Mandy Moore (So You Think You Can Dance, and La La Land), and Gordon, a real-life percussionist who performs under the name the Pocket Queen. “Taylor was there for all of the dance choreography. She wrote that piece of music for that performance. They built it together,” Flanagan says.

Hiddleston rattles off the lists of influences: “I had to learn in six weeks the full regime of any dance training. We did jazz, swing, salsa, cha-cha, the Charleston, bossa nova, polka, quickstep, samba. We were trying to tip our hat to anything that might have influenced Chuck. It might’ve had a bit of Gene Kelly or Fred and Ginger. Certainly moonwalking—Stephen King is very specific about the moonwalk.”

Precision was not the goal, exuberance was what they sought. “We need to always bear in mind that this man is an accountant. We needed this to be an earnest, escalating explosion of joy, and a remembrance of who he was,” Flanagan says. “It’s a chance to step back into the skin of his younger self, not caring that his feet are going to kill him the next day, not caring that he’s going to wake up with a horribly stiff neck.”

A surprising thing happened while shooting the scene over the course of several sweltering afternoons in the deep South. “I burned holes in my shoes,” Hiddleston says. “I was dancing out on the asphalt in Alabama, and by the time we’d finished, you could see my socks through the soles.”

The sequence begins awkwardly: Chuck is self-conscious as he first hears the busker’s rhythm while walking back from a banking conference. That feeling quickly gets shaken off. “Tom was very committed,” Flanagan says. “He was like, ‘If I look silly, that’s fine. As long as I look happy.’”

Flanagan remembers being in a bad place when he first discovered “The Life of Chuck.” Then again, everybody was.

His copy of the manuscript arrived in March 2020. “That was just as the world shut down for COVID,” he says. “We had been a week away from starting principal photography on Midnight Mass in Vancouver and had fled across the border before it closed to make it back to the States. We were hunkered down in our homes and had no idea if this was going to last for two weeks or if this was going to last forever.”

With everything halted as the lockdown set in, Flanagan had plenty of time to do nothing but read. The new King book seemed like the perfect escape. Except…

“The first third of ‘The Life of Chuck’ just rattled me,” he recalls. “There’s no way he wrote this before the world ground to this bizarre halt—but he did. And the feeling of anxiety, and uncertainty, and that everything was falling apart came roaring out at me. I wasn’t sure I could finish it. It just felt too close to the anxiety I was feeling.” But he kept turning the pages. “By the end of it, I was in tears, and incredibly uplifted, and convinced I’d read maybe the best thing that he’d written in a decade. I just was floored by the thing,” Flanagan says. “So I fired off an email to him right away saying how much I loved the story, how incredible I thought it was, how meaningful, and important, and how it had really tattooed itself on my heart and said, ‘It’s the movie I want to make so that it’ll exist in the world for my kids.’”

King’s response: Not so fast. Flanagan and his producing partner, Trevor Macy, had at that point secured the rights to King’s fantasy saga The Dark Tower through their company, Intrepid Pictures. The eight-book series is threaded throughout King’s other works, and adapting it was a massive undertaking that Flanagan is still working to make happen. Other filmmakers had either abandoned the project, were canceled midway through, or bombed miserably. The author didn’t want him to be distracted. “He doesn’t like to give the same filmmaker more than one thing, because it typically means one thing is not advancing at all,” Flanagan says. “He said, ‘Well, let’s focus on The Tower and I’ll try to keep this one available for you for later.’”

The quest to The Dark Tower remains a priority for Flanagan, but a number of disruptions to that epic undertaking led him to reapproach King last year about Chuck. Intrepid’s deal with Netflix, where they had created Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and other shows, had come to a close, and Intrepid signed a new development agreement with Amazon. That meant starting over on The Dark Tower. Meanwhile, the threat of a double-barreled strike by writers and actors was on the horizon, stalling nearly every major new project. The industry plunged into another production-halting lockdown, this time over contract impasses rather than a virus.

Since The Dark Tower was suddenly further off on the horizon, Flanagan saw a chance to make The Life of Chuck happen in the short term. “It’s so rare that I get to approach any project that just has not an ounce of cynicism to it. I just really believed in this thing,” he says. “But it was also clear that we would have an incredibly uphill battle bringing the story to any major studio. They would try to make it as familiar as possible, instead of leaning into what makes it so different.”

King gave Flanagan his blessing to proceed. “I was off like a shot,” the filmmaker says. “I think I turned in the draft to him before he got around to sending the formal agreement.”

For everyone involved, The Life of Chuck became a bright spot in an otherwise dismal time, which matches the theme of the film. “There is a profound optimism in this story,” Hiddleston says. “As the world is spinning off its axis, there are moments of magic.”

[agentstarkid]

SAUDADE ✦ DR3

“Saudade” is a Portuguese word that carries a profound and complex meaning, often described as a deep emotional state of longing or nostalgia. It transcends mere language; it's a state of being, an emotion that seeps into the soul and lingers like an echo in the heart. It encompasses a mix of emotions, including melancholy, yearning, and a sense of emptiness, often accompanied by fond memories of past experiences or relationships. In the context of love, "saudade" captures the bittersweet essence of missing someone deeply, even when they are physically present or long after they are gone. It is the ache of the heart that comes from loving and losing, a poignant reminder of the depth of connection and the enduring power of love's impact on our lives.

✦ PAIRING: daniel ricciardo x famous!latina!reader

✦ PIT BOARD: social media au | ✦ FC: becky g

✦ TRACK LIMITS: female!reader, latina!reader, age gap, language, lots of angst, heartbreak, drama, internet meanies, mentions of mental health struggles, assholes.

✦ MAY'S RADIO: uh holi, loves 👀 sorry for the delay, but I hope you guys enjoy this chapter 👀 it's a little short but as present for not posting in March, I present to you: a bonus chapter hehe okay, byeeee *runs away as fast as she can*

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JANUARY 1, 2022

yourinstagram

📍 Latinoamérica

liked by danielricciardo, badbunnypr, rubendias and 2,145,873 others

yourinstagram Starting the New Year on a bright note! ✨ Wearing yellow to channel optimism and positive energy as we dive into this new year. 💛 I'm so so so grateful for all the love and support you've shown me throughout the past year and I'm excited to continue this journey together in 2022. Here's to another year of growth, laughter, and cherished memories! Siempre para adelante, mi gente! 🎉

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danielricciardo Mi reina ❤️‍🔥

user1 I wanted to take this space to thank you for the happiness you have brought me over the years. Your music or your works of art have been a constant company in moments of joy, sadness and everything in between. Your talent is enormous, but so is your ability to connect with your fans in a unique way. Your humility and gratitude show that, despite the success, you are still a close and authentic person. Thanks for all that you do!

camila_cabello Good god woman have mercy

kylieminogue you are sensationally exquisite 💛✨

xtina my angel ❤️

user2 jawline could cut a diamond 🥶

user3 muy buena artista pero sobrevalorada respecto a su belleza, y no digo que no sea guapa sino sobrevalorada

user4 you could wear the rainbow if you wanted and that would still not make you relevant or give you any talent

user5 she always tries too hard

user6 watch out for Regina George in sheep's clothing

anitta Feliz ano novo para você Rainha 😘

diplo 💛

user7 the fact that they spent new year's day apart and on different sides of the world speaks volumes

user what? that they both wanted to see their families? grow up

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yourinstagram has added to their story!

⥂ translation: Everything I do and comes out of me it's because I'm feeling it, it's okay if no one else feels the same way. Two people can never ever feel the same at the same time.

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JANUARY 16, 2022

danielricciardo

📍 Perth, Australia

liked by yourinstagram, heidiberger_, natalie_pinkham and 1,562 others

danielricciardo Back seat baby seat bangers 🎶

tagged: yourinstagram

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yourinstagram this is all anyone needs to have a great day ❤️ please send me his manager's contact, I've been looking for a male backing vocal for my next album and I think he can be the perfect choice 😌

danielricciardo yourinstagram ah, you see, he's a really sought-after artist so he's super busy. But I know his uncle and he's interested on the job, only thing is that he likes to be paid with kisses 💋😏 yourinstagram danielricciardo tell him to contact me, I think we will be able to work out the payment details soon 😌

yourinstagram btw how is it possible that he's that big now if I saw him like yesterday and he was this 🤏🏽 small 🥺❤️

user1 is the copying the hand movements for me 😂❤️

user2 so this is how Y/N's future is gonna look like 👀

userA all that's missing is the ring 👀 userB yeah danielricciardo stop being lazy my friend 👀

user3 you're gonna be a great dad one day ❤️🥺

♥ yourinstagram has liked this comment

user4 siempre dije que no quiero ser mamá, pero después de ver esto... yourinstagram mi reina quién pudiera ser vos 😮‍💨

user5 coisa mais linda! ❤️

user6 Daniel really sang his heart out to that song lmao

user7 you have really shit taste in music mate

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FEBRUARY 4, 2022

yourinstagram

liked by danielricciardo, keleighteller, natalie_pinkham and 1,238,562 others

yourinstagram Te amo con el alma, porque el alma nunca muere ❤️ happy 2 years, mi Danielito 🥰

⥂ translation: I love you with my whole soul, because the soul never dies ❤️

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danielricciardo My forever partner in crime ❤️

user1 cuide a ese hombre yourinstagram, que tu y yo no somos amigas 🫡

user2 oh God I'm so single 😩

mileycyrus so much love and happiness for you both ❤️❤️❤️

user3 THAT LAST PHOTO IT'S GIVING I'D MARRY YOU WITH PAPER RINGS 😭 SO 1 + 1 = THEY ARE GETTING ENGAGED‼️‼️

userA I'm so calling it, it is happening 🤩

user4 LIL BLAKE SIGHTING 😍😍😍

hermusicofficial favs

user5 she was talking seriously when she recorded A mi me gustan mayores 😅

userA será que aplica el "A mí me gustan más grandes. Que no me quepa en la boca..." con él?? 👀👀👀 yourinstagram userA los besos que quiera darme? 👀 sí, aplica 🤭😈 userB OMFG Y/N???!!! LMAOOO iamdannaschwarz yourinstagram that's enough internet for you today 🙅🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

chloestroll did he really cook? 😂

yourinstagram chloestroll he did! and it was really good actually 🥰 I felt ✨spoiled✨

oliviarodrigo mom and dad 💜

user6 the first pic is making me feel something. i don't know how to put that something into words though 🥵 *bi panics*

userA JUST A BIG FUCKING OOF I GUESS 🥵 userB they served cunt as per usual userC I grunted and groaned and moaned 🫠😩

user7 I'm so tired of them omg yeah, you're "in love", we see you, now stop shoving it at our faces every chance you have 🙄

fioamato congrats Sandy and Danny 😜💖

iamdannaschwarz Baby and Danny 😜💖 itsvittoriasousa nah, more like Troy and Gabriella landonorris Belle and the Beast 😜 yourinstagram landonorris aww did littol landow nowis just called me beautiful? 👀😊 landonorris nvm I take it back. Fiona and Shrek* 😌 yourinstagram landonorris well that makes you the donkey 😂

user8 every time I remember that there's a 9 year gap between them I wanna puke 🤮

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danielricciardo

liked by yourinstagram, martingarrix, landonorris and 1,562 others

danielricciardo happy 2 years mi vida ❤️

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user "mi vida" brb gonna go chew on a live wire 😭

yourinstagram let's do this for a lifetime ❤️♾️

danielricciardo you have yourself a deal, Chip ❤️

user2 hey God, it's me again...

martingarrix ❤️❤️❤️

user3 these adorable videos ending with daniel squeezing y/n's butt is so dan-y/n core 🥹😝

marcusstoinis congrats, lovebirds ❤️

user4 did they leave their own love lock on the fence? 🥹😭

userA I don't think we'll ever find it, but I'm sure they did 😭

landonorris congrats on putting up with him this long yourinstagram ❤️

joshallenqb 🍾❤️

user5 somethin something "find a beautiful love, make sure they know they are your morning light" playing while the sunset iluminates her and cutting to "and that you'll never let go till the day that you die" while he has his arms around her 😭😭😭

userA THIS HERE IS LOVE 😭 THIS HERE IS LIFE 😭 userB something something he's got a tattoo of that song's title 😭 userC somebody get me a fucking doctor I feel like my heart is about to burst

scottyjames31 my favorite celebrity couple 😌

caamp we love you guys ❤️

user5 grandpa copping a feel 🤢

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FEBRUARY 10, 2022

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FEBRUARY 22, 2022

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MARCH 8, 2022

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MARCH 9, 2022

danielricciardo

liked by mclaren, georgerussell63, heidi_berger and 584,981 others

danielricciardo Better this week than next… Unfortunate to miss the test, but I’m starting to feel better. I’ll stay isolated and just focus on next weekend. Big thanks to Lando & McLaren for the heavy lifting, I owe you some beers (milk for Lando). Appreciate the well wishes from everyone as well.

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landonorris get well soon mate!

georgerussell63 speedy recovery danny ric 💪🏻

user did you and Y/N broke up??? please tell me it's a lie

user2 Y/N hasn't liked nor comment yet and it's been 2 whole days since he posted this

userA why whould she? they are quarantining together, she doesn't need to comment or liked every single post he makes. They are probably sitting side by side right now userB userA there's actually rumours that she was seen leaving the hotel in a rush yesterday and fans are already speculating if they broke up

user3 I hope you feel better soon Dan! I know we all wish to see you in action next weekend!!

user4 "milk for Lando" lmaooo i love them your honor <3

user5 this is your year mate don't let any setbacks bring you down 💪🏻

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MARCH 18, 2022

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MARCH 25, 2022

f1wags

liked by 3,474 others

f1wags It seems Danny Ricc has moved on quickly 👀 Just after a week since the confirmation of his break up with Y/N, a few fans have reported sightings of the driver with actress Heidi Berger —who has been linked to him a few times these past months— around Monaco.

The blonde is the daughter of former Austrian F1 driver Gerhard Berger and former Portuguese model Ana Corvo.

This love triangle drama just keeps getting juicier and more complicated! 🔥 What are you thoughts, did the Aussie cheated on his ex-girlfriend as some people say? Did he moved on too fast? or did he do the right thing? Let us know in the comments!

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user I actually feel bad for Y/N, not a fan of hers at all but it must be hard to see the man you were talking of marriage with a month ago, move on from your relationship so quickly and easily. if it were me in her shoes, I know it'd really mess my head up 😕

user2 idc if he'd not been with Heidi physically while being with Y/N, it's still treason to be emotionally involved with someone else while you're in a relationship. I believe he already had feelings for Heidi while still being with Y/N because how the fuck can you move on from a whole 2-year relationship in two weeks?? I only hope Y/N is doing okay and that she gets to heal and find someone better for her 😞

user3 you can try to defend him with all the arguments you can think of but at the end of the day, he is still just a rich man. It's funny how you've been all pointing fingers at the innocent while playing lawyer to the guilty.

user4 I'm a Danny Ricc fan but I think this was too fast too soon, at least have some respect for your ex who stood by your side through the highs and lows of the past years, smh so disappointed

user5 Get over it already! He moved on to someone better, as he should. Let the poor man alone! He's been single for weeks! He's allowed to see anyone he wants! Stop whining about it, Y/N just wasn't enough, as simple as that 🤷🏽‍♀️

user6 I'm actually super worried for him, he's not himself lately. Just a few weeks ago he was calling Y/N the love of his life and now this? All jokes aside, I think he's self-sabotaging. He looks like a shell of his old-self, he is not smiling as bright as before, he's super quiet now and if you pay attention to him during interviews, he fidgets a lot and sounds so insecure when asked about his driving. GO TO THERAPY BABE!!!

userA you are reaching, babe! lmaoooo he's fine, he just got tired of that snake 🤪

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APRIL 22, 2022

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MAY 3, 2022

danielricciardo

liked by corey_wilson, michaelitaliano, mclaren and 269,852 others

danielricciardo Miami. We made it.

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user i guess this is the confirmation we've been waiting for

user2 how can you move on from a 2 year relationship so fast??

user3 ugh men are so fucking unbelievable

userA jokes on all those whiny fangirls of his, turns out it wasn't he who deserved better, it was HER.

user4 he is a joke just like his driving lmao

user5 Heidi is so much better than that wannabe singer, she was just a plaything for him 🤣

user6 I'm so glad you opened up your eyes daniel

user7 so all those rumours have been true smh y'all were attacking Y/N nonestop for the smallest interactions with the opposite sex, and none of those rumours proved to be true but I'm not seeing the same energy directed towards him now that the rumours about him were actually true!

user8 I just know that the break up album is gonna be a banger 🔥🤪

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MAY 10, 2022

yourinstagram has added to their story!

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JUNE 19, 2022

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⇥ youtube search: falling (harry & y/n's duet version) - love on tour, london night 1

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JUNE 22, 2022

yourinstagram

liked by markhoppus, phoebebridgers, rubendias and 2,145,873 others

yourinstagram burned other memories just to make room for these ones 🎞️❤️‍🔥

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user HI MOTHER!! WELCOME BACK WE MISSED YOU ❤️❤️❤️

user1 we love to see you living your best life!!! 🥰

user2 Can't wait to listen to the full version of the song she plays on the last slide 🤩

userA Daniel Ricciardo is shaking in his boots right now 🤪

machinegunkelly 🖤🥀🤘🏼

user3 🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍

markhoppus kid what are you holding on your lap and why it isn't on my liquor shelf yet? 🤨

yourintagram sorry dad 😔 it's on its way to your doorstep right now 🤪 skyehoppus yourintagram make sure you are also included on the package arriving at our door, it's been too long honey ❤️ userA “dad”??? she knows mark hoppus?? what did i miss?? 😳 userB userA they have an on-going joke that mark found her wandering around and adopted her as one of the few blink-182's children along alex gaskarth and jack barakat from all time low 😂 she's super close with his family, too! I remember she collab on a song with him, but they didn't released it and then it got leaked, she did play it at a couple of concerts tho userC userB is it 'thank you & goodnight'? 👀 userB userC YES! I miss her pop-punk era 😔 that version she did of 'little lion man' was soooo good!!

user4 Baby Iza is on her way to hit a bitch (Daniel)

alexalbon I like pizza too 👀🍕

lilymhe sorry baby, bad bitches only 💅🏻

user5 OMG OMG WE'VE GOT HARRY, TAYLOR AND Y/N IN ONE POST?! THE HOLY TRINITY RIGHT THERE 😍

harrystyles ❤️

user6 I've got my two mothers in one photo 😭❤️

taylorswift Ms. Falls-a-lot 👻❤️

yourinstagram I swear I'm gonna scare you too next time 🙄😂

lilymhe walking among legends on this post 🙇🏻‍♀️ #blessed 🙏🏻

user6 I'm so happy that she's finally back ❤️ we need to flood her comment section with love 🥰

user7 Drama queen of this generation. Always playing the victim & tricking people into thinking that she's a mental health advocate. You're way too far from that. Cancel her 👍🏻🐍

user8 the caption: ICONIC 🔥

userA the taxi driver is twisting on his grave 😂🤪

user9 the old Y/N can't come to the phone right now, why? Oh 'cause she's DEAD! 😎

user10 most untalented celeb ever

fioamato where was my invitation? 🤨 yourinstagram iamdannaschwarz

iamdannaschwarz you got one, you just decided to ditch us for mr. i-have-an-art-gallery 🤨 yourinstagram iamdannaschwarz yessss expose her, dannita! 🤭 No te hagas de la víctima, mi corazón. We've got the receipts 😎🧾 fioamato I hate you both 🙄

user11 you should be ashamed to post a photo holding a tequila bottle when so many young people follow you. You should be a role model to them, not another alcoholic celebrity 🙄

user12 babygirl I hope you are doing better and feeling great! You deserve so much more ❤️

userA she's as fabulous as ever while he's floping big time, I call that karma 💅 userB not many people know how to truly appreciate the unique sazón and sabor of a Latina 🔥 homeboy couldn't handle the heat 🤭

user13 I know that album is gonna be 🔥🔥🔥

user14 attention seeker no wonder you always get dump for someone better

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JUNE 30, 2022

Video — CLEAN SHEET KINGS | STONES & DIAS

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─── Please don't forget to reblog and/or comment! ♡

[whateverisbeautiful]

♥️ Ranking Richonne

#3: Have Your Mints (S6E10)

✨TOP 3!✨

Wow. 😍 Let’s just start there. Oh this moment is perfect and I wouldn’t have Rick and Michonne officially become Richonne any other way. This is one of those mesmerizing scenes that is guaranteed to make my heart flutter every time I see it no matter how many times I’ve seen it. The joy radiating from them in this extremely significant moment is beautiful to behold. This scene set off a 'canon' heard around the world and history was made as Rick and Michonne finally let all that love and desire for each other completely pour out. Three words best describe this gorgeous scene to me - euphoric, soul-stirring, and, of course, iconic...

With so much build-up from season 3 to this moment on their living room couch, it was perfect that all it took was some mints and finally holding hands for all that blazing passion between Rick and Michonne to be released.

After nine months of knowing each other, it was time for Richonne's canon era to be born. 🥳

And if you wanna talk about scenes that are instrumental to the making of Richonne, few are more instrumental than this one right here, where the two joyously embrace that the love of their life has been right in front of them all this time. 🥹

Ok so first, I quickly want to talk about the beautiful scene between Carl and Michonne on their porch in this ep. It is such a sweet profession of the love those two have for each other and their mother/son bond, and I adore that Judith was included in this scene too.

I always think about how Michonne and Carl hug at the end of the scene, but I had forgotten Judith is right there in that hug too. And I love this moment because it’s this great visual of the way Michonne is so clearly the Grimes matriarch to these two children. They’re hers. 🥰 She loves them so much and it’s clear they love her so much too (Also my ears hear that adorable baby girl say 'Michonne' at the start of this scene every time lol 😂)

And this moment with her Grimes kids just really makes it feel like all that’s left is for Michonne to embrace that she also has a whole Grimes husband waiting for her too. And thank goodness that’s exactly what is embraced at the end of the episode. 🤗

It’s always so telling that the scene starts with Rick clearly tired but plopping down on the couch instead of just going to bed. He’s waiting for her.👌🏽

And Michonne was waiting for him too as she entered with the baby monitor. Like Danai said, Michonne wants Rick home. 🥰

I adore the way this whole episode establishes the deep comfortability Rick and Michonne have built with each other. Like their morning and night routine in this ep just shows they really feel at home with each other.

I love how she gently kicks him and says move and, of course, this has Rick looking more awake as he gets up to make room for her on the couch. I like getting this insight into how they’ve spent these last two weeks and how Rick and Michone clearly enjoy starting and ending the day together. 🥰

And then I love that she sits so close to him on the couch and shows him their daughter practicing crawling in her crib. And the way they both smile and move their heads in sync. PARENTS. (Also just imagine them looking at a baby monitor of RJ together 😭😭😭)

I love Rick saying, "it’s good to be home" and that Michonne agrees - and truly home is more than four walls and a roof, home is with each other, and Rick and Michonne know it.

Rick is such a family man, and I love how he cherishes these familial moments just being home with her and their kids. It’s painful knowing he’s gone without that for several years when what he wants most in life is to be with them.  

Side note: I just have to say, I feel like what Rick stans who dismiss Michonne and their kids tend to miss is that all that cool warrior stuff Rick does is stuff he does because he has to. And it's super entertaining and we all love him for it absolutely, but he savagely throws down like that cuz he has no choice in their world. When he’s at home decompressing with Michonne or having family fun days with her and his kids - this is the stuff Rick does because he wants to. Like this is who he most wants to be. Having these moments with them is what drives the character and motivates all those cool action moments that Rick-only stans love. His wife and kids are his "why" and the "why" is vital because it makes "what" the characters do matter. Rick's wife and kids are why he keeps going and keeps fighting. And that’s a big reason why I celebrate that Rick found such a wonderful love story and family with Michonne because it’s what this protagonist most wanted.  A character’s core want is so important to a show. And what is always made clear is that what Rick wants at his core is Michonne and their family. So we love him so much for being a fighter but we also adore him for being who he truly is - which is a devoted family man. And if you really want the character of Rick Grimes to win in this story, then you don’t just want him to win the battles. You want him to have what he wants. And again, what Rick Grimes wants is Michonne Grimes and their family. That can't be denied. That can't be overlooked. And when anyone tries to dismiss it...Rick's character happily re-reminds everyone of this every chance he gets.👌🏽

Knowing how much family is a part of Rick and Michonne's core wants and needs, contributes to why it's so rewarding seeing the two finally go after what they most want in this 6.10 canon ep. 😌

I love the Richonne tones as they talk but don’t talk about their days cuz they both are open to hearing about the other's day but are on the same page about wanting to just relax for a bit.

Whenever Rick and Michonne are alone together there is often this desire to just be present in the moment which I appreciate. And just their ease as they decompress together - you know it means so much to them to have found a bond like this with someone who makes you feel safe, heard, and comfortable in this broken world.

Like to turn your brain off for a minute in the apocalypse is such a rarity, and it's refreshing that they can do that with each other. 😊

The way they can just sit side by side and silently enjoy being in each other's presence in the calm and quiet here - that’s real love. Also, Michonne’s curious face when Rick then dishes the mints out of his pocket will always make me smile. 😋

Rick says, "got you something" and hands Michonne the mints and I love the way it’s shot with the emphasis on their hands. It reminds me of the emphasis on their hands in Clear when she handed him a bullet and a spark was so clearly felt. And now, seasons later, they will finally act on that spark. 🙌🏾✨

It’s precious the way Michonne playfully takes the mints and the laugh they share, with Rick clearly happy that he could make her smile with this. I always liked that bringing home the mints was Rick caring to not just fulfill a survival need, but a personal want that Michonne had. He loves her, y’all. 🥰

And it’s sweet that at this point, Rick did this with zero ulterior motives. He didn’t know this would be the night. (Even tho earlier in this ep he does happen to tell Daryl "today is still the day" or something, which made me laugh cuz uh...little did he know😋)

As they smiled over mints on this couch, it was clear that making Michonne happy was the sole goal. And Rick seems genuinely pleased to have achieved it. 👌🏽

This moment also just made me think back to when Michonne playfully teased Rick with a razor in season 4, and Rick sorta had this nervous energy as he gave a little smile. For seasons, Michonne has always been the best at reminding Rick to smile, and what's sweet is that in this canon ep, Rick doesn't just do shy smiles anymore - no, now he grins from ear to ear over Michonne. 😊

And their banter is just the best as she amusedly asks if this is instead of the toothpaste and he playfully says yeah then tells her he actually did have a whole crate of toothpaste for her it’s just currently at the bottom of a lake.

I always love that he says he had a crate of toothpaste "...for you." I knew when Rick found toothpaste in that truck his first thought was Michonne, and I love that he can never help but reveal that she and her wants are important to him.

It is beyond sweet that in this world, Rick’s romantic heart still manages to gift Michonne and find ways to make her smile. Real one. I'll always love that he's so aware of how special she is. Rick gets gifts for Michone because he knows she is such a gift to him. 🥹

Then I adore the way Michonne looks at him as he hints at the whole lake debacle and then forever love her saying, "Oh so you had a day?" 😋 They are the best, and I like how they can really show their personality with each other. And Danai's delivery was perfect yet again.

Rick says, "Yeah all on account of your dental hygiene," and I love that one thing Rick Grimes is always going to find time to do from season 3 forward is flirt with Michonne. Apocalypse be damned lol.

And Michonne smiles, clearly a smitten kitten by that man Rick cuz who wouldn’t be. And Rick has these little content glances over at her as he smiles upon seeing her happy. 🥹 Again, her happiness genuinely means something to him, and I appreciate these loving glances for further conveying that.

And as Rick smiles, it really feels like it’s him knowing, not subconsciously but cognizantly knowing, that he’s in love with her.

No speculation needed. He's in love, your honor. 😌 

And because those magnets can’t ever be denied, Rick proceeds to pat Michonne's hand and say, "Have your mints." And then Michonne ever so gently takes his hand.

And that’s all it took for history to be made. 🥳🎉

Truly the sparks between Rick and Michonne had been so strong for so long that all it took was a single moment of them actually letting a moment of touch linger for the fireworks to be set all the way off.

Like the shot focuses on the handhold, but had their been footage of R&M's hearts in this moment it would have for sure looked like this...

And I love how after Rick makes the move to touch her, Michonne takes his hand, and then Rick is ready for those mints to exit stage left as he more than reciprocates in fully holding her hand. 

Once again their hands gave a great performance of their own, cuz this handhold really told a story. 👌🏽

Like starting with Rick instinctually patting her hand in this innate need to touch her and Michonne instinctually taking his hand as though she was no longer resisting what felt most natural for her to do.

And then the two of them letting this touch linger a bit as tho they have a decision to make at this moment - just pass this off as a (fiery) fleeting moment or not let go and instead let what is meant to be finally be.

You see Rick then initiate in showing he doesn’t want to let go as he more deliberately holds her hand. And I love that by not letting go of each other's hand, it’s all the two needed to know that in a figurative sense they also never want to let go of each other. 🥹

Then the way they stay looking into each other's eyes, communicating so much without words before they lean in - it’s beautiful and lets you know that what they're about to do is such a meaningful, personal, long-time-coming moment for both of them.

Michonne looks over at him, and I’ve noticed that for several TWD reactors, her look here is when they realized Rick and Michonne have not in fact been 'uggin' bumplies' before this moment and that what they’re about to do is actually a first.

So much of R&M's behavior in this ep made it clear they’d been a couple for a while. This physical part of the relationship was really just the final piece of the marriage puzzle finally locking into place.

The way Rick smiles right at her while looking so sure about this. 😍 Like there’s just zero uncertainty about how he feels about her. He knows confidently that she is what he wants. They say when you know, you know - and Rick knows. She's the one for him. He's been knowing.

Then it's precious that in this shot of Michonne, you can practically see the exact moment she realizes in Rick's eyes that he's been wanting this just as much as she has. Danai plays this moment just before the kiss so well, communicating everything with her eyes.

So then Michonne smiles at him with those pretty eyes glowing as they finally lean in for their iconic first kiss. 

🤩😍🤩😍😭🤩😍🤩😍😭🤩😍🤩😍😭🤩😍

Now you know it's physically impossible to not happy dance real quick. i gotta do it. 😋

This first kiss is absolute GOLD. 🔥

I really do see that “of course” moment that Andy and Danai talked about cuz it just looks like they’re thinking of course it’s always been you.

As I’ve said before, to me this couch moment is not where Rick and Michonne first realize their own feelings for each other, as I think they been knew that, especially within the last two weeks - but rather this couch scene is where they finally realize, at the exact same time, that the feeling is very much mutual.

So still holding hands, Rick and Michonne lean in for that kiss that is utter perfection and just keeps getting better.

I love that Richonne's canon era started with a handhold that unsurprisingly turned into the most passionate first kiss of all damn time. 😊

And y'all, I’m watching this scene back to write this post, and I have to admit the moment they first kiss I literally gasped like it’s not my thousandth time seeing this moment. 🤭 Just goes to show...

I love the way the kiss starts off just so slow and intimate and of course ramps up. Cuz you know once these soulmates open this door it ain’t ever closing again. 

Every good adjective comes to mind when thinking of this kiss. And let me tell you, this is the first kiss of two people who have wanted to kiss each other for a long time. 💯

Also, the fact that this was the actors not wanting to overthink it and just let the moment play out as organically as possible and this is the level of passion that came from that...no words. Just applause.

I adore everything about this equally hot and heartfelt moment. The natural progression. The quietness and the music. The way they can’t stop looking at each other. The way they can’t stop smiling at each other. (Their smiles throughout might be my favorite part. #PureBliss.) The unscripted impromptu moment the show kept in between Andy and Danai, with 'Rick' gently saying wait a minute because his gun holster was in the way, and 'Michonne' laughing. (The best soulmates are best friends too, and I feel like their reaction to this little 'hiccup' moment inadvertently ended up nicely reflecting that. 😊)

The way they so intently and lovingly take each other in. The way they both equally feel like “finally.” The steamy passion as it goes from a first kiss to more. 

The hunger for each other. 🔥 (Especially from Slick Rick. Truly, I forget sometimes that we’d ever seen Rick kiss before this because the passion Michonne brought out of that man was different in the best way. 👌🏽 And I love that the second Rick had the greenlight, he let Michonne know exactly how much he's been yearning for her).

The way it was so clear that this person in front of them is their best friend but also is so much more - this person is their soulmate, the greatest love of their life. 😭

It was and is amazing to see the immense love and desire they have for each other pour all the way out after all the build-up throughout the previous seasons. I'm forever in awe.

And no matter who claims to not see the chemistry (which to me requires an urgent optometrist appointment if someone still can't see it tbh) it'll always be factual that the characters of Rick and Michonne deeply love and desire each other in every possible way.

This special scene immediately proved that all that chemistry and tension sensed from Rick and Michonne pre-canon was not only really there but would be amplified perfectly once they acted on it.

Whenever I think about Richonne's story from the very beginning to this canon moment here, it never fails to warm my heart and make me emotional because it is just absolutely moving that their journey led them to each other in this way.

This moment will forever be beautiful and a big deal both for the characters, the series, and honestly for television as a whole. #NotAnExaggeration.

The scene was a gorgeous moment of love prevailing in a show that is more often grim and gruesome. And it's a rewarding moment for these two characters to receive a major win by officially letting their romance ascend to new heights as they embrace being the married couple they've been for the longest.

Richonne's canon moment more than delivers and even gives us a bit more when they cut to that work-of-art scene featuring Rick and Michonne asleep in bed together, all tangled up cuz magnets don’t ever quit even when they’re sleeping. 🧲😊

And even with Jesus' bold self barging into their room, they both show that the Get Things Done Grimes are still ready to stand on business at a moment's notice when they swiftly hop out of bed with their signature weapons.

See, Rick and Michonne are great at being the cutest love birds, but they're also great at being...

We got us a ship that can do both. 😋

And while Gimple was behind my least favorite decision the show ever made - killing Carl (😞) - he's also behind my absolute favorite decision TWD ever made by putting Richonne together as a romantic couple. So Gimple, for your Richonner heart, I'm grateful. 👌🏽

Also, hearing Andy and Danai discuss this whole couch moment is truly as swoon-worthy as the scene itself. Like every time I come across their heartfelt reflections on this moment, my heart completely melts. 😍

Again, we’re so fortunate to have Danai and Andy as both the talented actors bringing these characters to life and as the passionate, thoughtful captains of this glorious ship. The way they always value and champion Richonne is just the best. 🥰

Everything about Rick and Michonne's iconic canon ep let us know that the power couple to end all power couples was finally here and here to stay. And I will always treasure this impeccable, beautiful, passionate, and game-changing scene where Richonne officially took flight. 🥳💜

[astatia-ghast]

Soul-Struck

It's finally here! Happy Holiday Truce, @rgbyshipper101!

This was a joy to write. It was so fun to put on my detective hat and figure out what sort of fanfiction makes you tick. I managed to combine three of your prompts, though I apologize that I didn't quite fit in the romantic Pitch Pearl. I hope the Oreo Cookie vibes suffice!

Also, I am now acutely aware that Dora is criminally under-represented in the TV series. She deserves all the fanfiction she can get.

The fic got away from me (whoops), so expect 7-9 more chapters over the next few months!

And thank you to @lexosaurus for the last-minute beta!

——

Synopsis: After the Accident, Danny wakes up in the Ghost Zone with no pulse. With nowhere else to go, he spends his days at Castle Aragon with Princess Dorathea, learning how to cope with his new "life" as a ghost. However, whenever he closes his eyes, he sees visions of himself alive and recovering from the Accident in the hospital. And, as the days pass, it becomes clear that the Danny behind his eyelids is dreaming about him too. Read on AO3

——

And then the Portal explodes.

Danny is flying; where, he doesn't know. But all around him is searing blue-green light that he can't shut out because his eyes are welded open, and his skin is boiling, and his innards are seizing, and he's screaming, and this supposedly-nonoperational hole in the wall is sending him somewhere, beyond the walls of the lab, beyond sense, beyond reality.

The atmosphere changes. Though the light is still blinding, he can make out a vast nothingness beyond it, stretching on without end, which has been sandwiched between two great somethings. He isn't sure how else to describe it, but it's like he's hurtling over a valley of nonexistence, and behind him is one reality and ahead is another.

That's ridiculous, of course. Yet he knows in his heart of heart that it's true. And reality is coming at him fast.

He braces for impact—

And then the light is punching him through the wall, and he's sailing through air at incredible speed. He has a brief impression of green and existence before he crash-lands onto some surface and knows no more.

——

Continue reading on AO3

Prompts used:

"Danny gets shocked by the Portal, but instead of waking up in the lab with Sam and Tucker, he wakes up in the Ghost Zone. (Can be full-human, halfa, or full-ghost.)"

"Anything fluffy with Danny Fenton and Danny Phantom in a romantic relationship (Pitch Pearl)."

"Danny bonding with Sidney and Dora. Can be platonic or romantic."

[waterdeep-weavemoss]

Soul

Thank you @sorceresssundries for sending Young and Beautiful as a prompt! It's a beautiful song, I hope you enjoy this. 💜

'Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul? I know you will.' - Lana Del Rey, Young and Beautiful

Taglist:

@netherese0rb @boufsy @owlseeyoulaterpal @lanafofana

@auroraesmeraldarose @aryancunin @amorgansgal

His first engagement gift to her was a white gold ring adorned with a pear cut diamond, huge and sparkling, haloed with tiny amethysts. The band twined prettily like strands of Weave, and engraved on the inside in his own hand were the words: ‘I found divinity in you.’ Tav received it via courier, opening the door in her home just off Heapside Strand to see the poor dragonborn woman obscured by armfuls of blooms: blue irises, red roses, massive clouds of peonies and bright purple anemones, even cascades of delicate wisteria.

‘Someone must absolutely adore you!’ the woman gushed, her copper scales gleaming in the morning light. ‘When you’ve taken all these, love, there’s something else for you. There’s a vase here, too- do you want me to help you arrange these?’

‘Oh! That would be wonderful,’ said Tav. ‘Thank you.’ She backed inside for the lady to pass and spied the vase. It was a work of art; a sculptural piece of rose quartz veined with gold. Bringing it carefully inside, she set it by her reading nook, filled it with water, and watched as the courier carefully arranged them. The sight of them brought her such great joy she wanted to cry.

‘And one more thing. I was told to be incredibly careful with this,’ she said, smiling and reaching into her satchel. She withdrew a small box and an ornate letter on quality parchment. ‘Have a wonderful day!’

‘Bye,’ she said to her retreating back, closing the door slowly behind her. With trembling hands, she opened the letter.

My love, I know I proposed in haste. I had to, in truth. I was so terrified it would all be a dream and I’d wake, and you’d be gone. Not that I don’t trust you, of course. It’s more that you are so beyond even my most audacious dreams that I cannot believe you’re real. I hope you like what I chose for you. White gold for your complexion of course, a diamond for the pure beauty of your soul and the endless love I hold for you, and, if you’ll forgive me a little vanity, amethysts for myself. I would say more here but those things are best said in vows. I hope you like the flowers. I’ll tell you why I chose them, but those things are best said running my fingers through your hair, murmured softly into your waiting ear. I wish I could see your face… not long now. Still, being apart from you is torture. Here’s to eternity. Gale.

‘Oh,’ said Tav, blinking back tears and kissing his name on the parchment. ‘Gale, I adore you.’ She reached for the box and gasped at its contents. The most perfect ring, just as he’d described. It twinkled on her finger like a piece of the astral plane. She curled up in her favourite chair and wept tears of joy, wishing she could hold him.

*

His second gift arrived a week later. Tav opened the door to a cheerful dwarven man holding a sturdy basket in his arms. ‘Hello ma’am,’ he said, eyes twinkling in delight. ‘I’ve a gift for you from Mr Gale Dekarios. He gave me express instructions to deliver his gift to you personally. It’s important it’s opened indoors, in a secure area, and away from any fine furnishings. Ahem. He hopes you enjoy your gift. Blessings, ma’am.’ He handed the basket over and off he went with a cheery wave. Frowning in puzzlement, Tav took it inside and set it down in the kitchen, gingerly lifting the lid. She gasped, astonished. Inside, fast asleep, was a tiny, winged kitten, silver and grey. It had a small, jeweled collar and a letter tucked beneath one dainty paw.

My love, Tara has been my stalwart companion for most of my life. She saved it, in fact, more than once. I cherish her utterly, and I want you to have the same unwavering support when I can’t be there for you. I hope that is a rare occurrence, since if it were not, I fear it would drive me mad to be apart from you for long. Still… this is Calliope. Admittedly she’s only a baby, but I want you to have as much bonding with her as possible. She’ll speak in time. May she be a   comfort to you when I cannot be. Forgive my presumption, I put your name down as Dekarios. Selfishly, it brought me such joy to do so that I wept. Be here. Would that time would speed up, just a little, so I could hold you in my arms. Gale.

The kitten stirred in her basket, stretched and mewed softly. Delicately, Tav drew her into her arms. ‘Hello, Calliope,’ she said, kissing her fuzzy little head. ‘I hope you love your dad as much as I do.’ She stroked her soft wings, cooing to her as she showed her the house. Calliope blinked her golden eyes slowly and pushed her head into Tav’s palm, purring. ‘He knows exactly how to make me feel like the most special woman in the world, doesn’t he? Hmm?’ Calliope meowed in agreement, climbing up onto her shoulder and settling around her neck, like she'd always been there.

*

Tav was in Waterdeep, finally. It was the night before the wedding, and she stared at the ceiling in Morena’s spare room, her heart like a hummingbird’s wings in her chest. Calliope had tucked her face into the crook of her neck but did not sleep, sensing her excitement. The wedding dress hung on the back of the door, a confection of seed pearls and silk perfect for the summer heat. Tiny flowers cascaded off the shoulders in a froth of lace, putting her in mind of seafoam. She knew Gale was in his tower feeling exactly the same, and drifted off to sleep with his face in her mind, the first time he told her he loved her all that time ago.

The day dawned bright and cloudless. It was a flurry of activity the moment she woke: Morena had called Shadowheart, Lae’zel, Karlach and Astarion to her home early to help Tav dress and prepare themselves.

‘I hope you’re ready, darling,’ said Astarion, kissing her on the cheek.

‘What are you doing here? I thought you’d be in Gale’s party.’

‘Oh please,’ he purred. ‘You know I love you more.’ He chucked her under the chin and winked. ‘You ought to know, I made that delicious dress for you. It pains me to know it’s just going to end up in pieces on the fl-’

‘Alright Fangs, that’s enough,’ said Karlach, clapping a hand over his mouth. ‘You’re making the bride blush and only one man gets to do that today.’

‘Chk,’ admonished Lae’zel. ‘Both of you are children.’

‘For once we agree on something, Lae’zel. It must be a special day indeed,’ replied Shadowheart. ‘C’mon Tav. Makeup first.’

‘If you get even the faintest smidge of makeup on that dress,’ began Astarion dangerously, ‘I will drain you dry, love. So be careful.’ Shadowheart shot him a quelling look and set to work. When Calliope leapt into Tav’s lap, Astarion came to the rescue. ‘Ah-ah, little one,’ he said, scooping her up. ‘Mummy’s making herself extra beautiful, alright?’ He held the kitten in his arms, looking for all the realms like a doting uncle.

‘I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, angel,’ said Morena when she came to check everything was alright a little later, ‘I think Gale may just die when he sees you.’

Lae’zel and Karlach helped Tav into her dress, Astarion hovering anxiously as they did so. Finally, he slid pearl encrusted slippers onto her feet. ‘I think she’s ready,’ said Karlach, beaming.

Her friends were dressed in assorted colours themselves: Shadowheart in midnight blue, Lae’zel in maroon, Karlach in cyan and Astarion in emerald green. Morena wore deep purple.

‘A couple finishing touches,’ said Morena, fastening a pair of diamond studs in Tav’s ears. ‘I wore these on my own wedding day. And these-’ she handed her a massive bouquet of blue irises. ‘Ready?’

‘I am,’ she said.

The wedding party converged on the tower; Tav was hidden from Gale with the aid of a strong invisibility spell, spirited away while everyone took their places, Astarion taking her by the arm. ‘Are you sure you want me to do this for you?’ he murmured softly.

‘I’m sure,’ she said. ‘You’ve become very special to me.’ He smiled, and she could’ve sworn unshed tears sparkled in his eyes.

‘Alright darling.’ He lifted the invisibility spell and threw open the great oak doors before her. She stared; Gale had never mentioned a ballroom in his tower before. It was festooned with what could only be the work of all the florists in Waterdeep, the same flowers Gale had sent her with her engagement ring. The natural magic of the space swirled around them in colourful motes, sparkling and beautiful. At the far end of the room, Wyll and Minsc were speaking quietly with Gale, Jaheira and Halsin murmuring quietly with Morena, who held Calliope in her lap. Astarion squeezed Tav’s arm as music struck up from nowhere, piano and violin and harp. She recognised this. It was the music Gale had played for her in their vision, all that time ago.

Astarion walked Tav down the aisle, his presence calming and steady. She knew he was proud of her, and she would’ve wanted no-one else to give her away. As she approached, Gale beamed, his eyes wide and soft. He took her hands as Astarion took his place beside Wyll and kissed them, unable to stop himself.

‘Hello,’ he murmured.

‘Hello,’ she whispered back, grinning.

‘Beloved, we are gathered,’ said the wood elf priestess, ‘to witness the joining of two souls in eternal love. They will speak their vows to one another, and ritual will be sealed in the ancient magics of Realmspace.’ She gestured to Gale. ‘Mr Dekarios, if you would.’

He cleared his throat, cheeks going a little pink. ‘Tav. I believe you are one half of my soul. I will protect you until my last breath, and then I’ll walk out of the fugue plane to do so again. You are sacred to me in a way I’ve never experienced before, you helped me see life for all its beauty and wonder and worth. I would die for you if fate willed it, but I swear to you I will live for you instead. I adore you. You’re more to me than anything in all the realms, including magic. If I lost it all tomorrow, I’d be content, because you are utterly irreplacable. I love you. Gods, I love you.’

Tav felt tears sliding down her cheeks, giggled when Gale brushed them away gently with his thumbs. Taking a breath, she responded, ‘Gale. You are the most special man I’ve ever known, magic or not. I’ve never known someone so generous, so open and kind and wonderful. You saved me as well. I was so lonely. So lost. And you took my hand and led me out of the dark into your world of beauty and wonder. Wherever you are is consecrated ground. I will cherish you forever. I love you.’

Dimly aware that everyone around her was weeping into their hands, Tav could only just hear the priestess telling Gale to kiss her; he drew her to him by the waist and kissed her with such tenderness it made her feel faint. Only when they needed to breathe did he pull away, pure adoration on his face. He pressed his forehead to hers as their friends and family cheered, and she felt at home- with her husband- for the first time in her life.

[shadowdaddies]

Could I possibly request some fluff or smut for Rhys? Maybe it’s his and readers wedding day/mating ceremony?

I kinda want to leave it up to you if you wanna keep if fluffy or turn it into smut because I could go both ways right now.

Like I’m in a fluffy mood but I wouldn’t be opposed to some smut as well, if that makes sense lol. Sorry for not being able to make up my mind lol

Hope you have a great day and hope you are taking care of yourself 🩷🩷

Thank you for the request and the kind words, anon💜💜 I hope you have a lovely day as well. I am also feeling very fluffy today, but I added a little spice at the end for ya too

For Eternity, and Evermore

Rhys x Reader

Warnings: this is very fluffy, just a little suggestiveness at the end

With shaky hands, you took the bouquet of flowers and began your walk to the courtyard where your closest friends and family were waiting. Heart racing from the nerves that accompanied the biggest moment of your life, you took a deep breath as you arrived at the start of the aisle and looked up to see your mate, Rhys, waiting for you at the other end. 

The moment you locked eyes with him, you felt as though your chest would burst with the overwhelming joy and peace. Your mate. Your forever. A golden warmth spread through your chest as you looked at the other half of your soul, and felt whole for the first time in your life. Faintly aware of your friends and family watching you, it felt as though you were floating towards Rhys, who smiled brightly at you through barely unshed tears. 

You took your place next to the priestess, holding Rhys’s hands. You were briefly drawn back to reality when you heard a sob, and turned to see Mor comforting a crying Cassian in the crowd. You turned back to Rhys, who gave you a knowing smile as you softly laughed and gently squeezed his hands. You fumbled your way through the vows you’d written to Rhys, feeling as though there would never be words adequate to describe what he meant to you. Nevertheless, Rhys poured his love and gratitude through the bond at your attempt. 

When it came time for Rhysand to say his vows, it was as though the rest of the world disappeared, and gave you two your own for a moment. Rhys’s voice wavered for the first time since you had known him as he laid his soul bare to you. “My dearest love, you held my heart long before I met you. I spent over five hundred years, unaware that I was missing the best part of myself until I found it. I didn’t know that the sense of wholeness I was searching for was possible, until I heard your voice. You are a song that I danced to in dreams, a work of art whose colors I see in everything. You do not only make me a better male, you make me who I am. I found myself in you. While eternity is not a long enough time with you, that is where we will start. I am honored to spend this life, and every life after as your mate. Yours, evermore.”

The rest of the night was blanketed in an enchanting mist, the entire world aglow as you danced and drank and celebrated with everyone you loved. You were pleasantly tired as people began to make their way to their homes for the night, letting out a soft yawn as you rested your head on Rhys’s shoulder. 

He looked down at you, eyes filled with love and a mischievous promise as he watched your sleepy face, and murmured in your ear, “I hope you are not too tired, darling. I intend to repeat those vows to you again tonight. Letter by letter, with my tongue, against that sweet pussy.” 

It was late the next day before sleep claimed you long enough to break from loving and worshipping every part of each other.

[froggy-demon]

Oh Deer - Part Four

A/N: thank you again for all of the support!! I had to rewrite this one a couple of times because I just couldn’t decide, I hope you like it <3 I’m so excited to share my writings and I’m so astonished every time y’all leave nice comments I love them so much, thank you!! All of that said, enjoy!

Chapter Summery: Lilly is treated to a glamorous night out under the Vs’ roof, accompanied by a familiar demon, angst and tension ensues.

Masterlist | Part Five

——————————————————————————

I rolled my eyes, again, and waved away the idea. “No way, we both know Alastor fucking hates me, he just hates Lucifer more I guess.” Angel was positive that Alastor was sincere in his display earlier, I was not quite as delusional though. “He quite literally said he was fucking around.” I added. Even if I found myself fascinated with the demon, I wasn’t so naive to think that feeling went both ways.

“Maybe, or maybe he just wanted an excuse.” Angel paused and had a look of realization on his face as he broke out into a smile. “If you want some real attention though, y’know the Vs are throwing that big party if Velvette ain’t already dragging you to it you could be my plus one! Val usually keeps me pretty fucking busy all night, but they are actually pretty fun. Lots of cute demons and free booze if you know what I mean!” Angle said with a wink and laughed. That’s not a terrible idea actually, get out a little and have some fun. My streak hasn’t been so great recently so I could really use a win on that front.

“Y’know that actually does sound fun. Velvette hasn’t brought it up at all yet so she probably won’t need me there, but I also don’t have anything to wear for it, I’ll need something new. I could use some retail therapy anyway.” I said and rested my head on top of the pillow in my lap smiling. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that! Angel lit up at the sound of going shopping.

“Oh I will make sure you are the best dressed demon in the whole fucking party, don’t worry about that tuts! We want something that will show you you off!” He held up his fingers like he was mimicking a camera taking pictures of me. “You got it all babe! The tits, the ass, the smile! They are going to eat you up, especially once I’m done with you!” He ranted making me laugh. I don’t think in my whole before and afterlife I’ve ever heard someone describe me that way. “I’m serious! Al will see what he’s missing tomorrow night!” Angel teased very proud of his scheme.

“This has nothing to do with him, but I do like that idea. As soon as I get off work we need to hit the shops so we still have enough time.” I said trying to plan out the next night. Angel agreed and we worked out the time table to make sure we would stay on track. Work, then shop, then hotel to get ready, then back across town to the party. Excellent, tomorrow night will be all about what I want, it’s been a while since I could say that.

After a couple more hours of giggling and gossip, like hearing allllll about how Husk and Angel made eye contact today and it was riveting, we settle down to fall asleep while the purple lights twinkled above our heads. I tried to calm my mind, but it raced just thinking about tomorrow. This party is for high profile souls, overlords and wealthy demons in hell, hopefully I don’t stick out too much, but I like to think I’ve learned a good amount from my work. Maybe it will be enough to actually go a whole night without thinking about the radio demon, I can only hope.

The next morning there was a renewed joy in my step as I walked down to the kitchen to make my morning coffee. It didn’t matter that it was far too early to be awake, or that I was about to be yelled at for the next ten hours of my day, no, I would do it all with a smile because today I actually had something to look forward to. I cozied up in a chair in the lounge with my mug and breathed in the steam while I watched the fire in the fireplace dance.

1-2-click 1-2-click 1-2-click

I can’t help but wonder what makes him need to be up so early, what business could he have at 4am? He walked through the lounge and I tried to hide the fact that I was watching by playing on my phone. I couldn’t stop myself from taking in the sight of him with curious eyes, he was less put together than usual. His ears were tucked back and he wasn’t wearing his waistcoat. It was an odd sighting for him to not have it on. Without it you could see his sleeve garters which gave him an almost rugged look like he had been pouring over his desk for hours, and then you could see his little deer tail. He didn’t greet me and I was not going to be the first one of us to say anything so he passed through the room quietly. After he did, I took another sip of my coffee. Maybe his broadcast had given him some sort of trouble, or perhaps he had been returning to his M.O. from before his absence of torturing souls he saw fit on the air. I don’t care to listen to his broadcasts, when anything important happens I will know either from sinstigram or Velvette yelling about it the next day.

After a few more minutes of enjoying the peace and quiet of the early morning hotel I cleaned my mug out and made my way to work.

Upon arriving I could tell I was going to have a few extra duties today. They were already decorating the main event space elsewhere in the building, I could tell by the exorbitant number of tables and decor being moved around through the halls, and if there is one thing Velvette loves it is to micromanage how something looks. I go up to the studio and start collecting my clipboard and the ever growing list of what must get done today. Between keeping tv personalities well dressed, reshoots for the launch of Velvette’s fashion line, and now the party I think I’m going to need a second pair of arms. I guess that’s what we have the studio aids for.

“I need the Art Director for Velvette’s line in the studio, we need to confirm details and revisions.” I spoke into my earpiece and waited for confirmation before moving onto the next task and then the task after that. Finally some time later Velvette joined us in the studio and started barking her own orders as well. I joined the collection of demons flocking to her side for their morning abuse.

“Fucking finally, Lilly I need you to make sure everyone to set downstairs before you leave today. Make sure you have the vision plan and everything else I had them work up so you actually know what the fuck you’re supposed to be checking. If a single fucking chair is at the wrong angle it is your fault. Me and Vox have put too much fucking work into this party tonight for it not to look right I need perfection from you today. Even the seven bloody deadly sins are coming so if anything is not exactly the way I fucking pictured it, your leash will become very short.” She ordered and I nodded quietly. “Until then I need the stupid fucking art director for my line up here now!”

“Yes Ma’am. The Art Director is waiting for you with the concept photos for final approval.” I stated. She smiled, not exactly rare, but not exactly common especially while she was working.

“Finally you use that fucking brain of yours to get shit ready before I have to tell you to. How refreshing! In that case find the makeup artists, they keep running off to hell knows what and I’m this close to snapping one of them in half to set a fucking example, ungrateful little shits!” And with that she left to yell at the next soul she could find.

I spoke into my earpiece again, “Creative Director for Events, where are you? We need to check in immediately.” Upon confirmation that they were downstairs in the event space I headed there myself and we went over the binders of planning and inspiration the Vs had laid out. The event hall was really more like a grand ballroom, as hypermodern as the Vs were, it would seem they still found charm in some old world aesthetics. With massive crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, white marble floors, and dramatically draped floor length windows, it nearly looked straight out of a period piece. The colors for the party were blue and black, sounds like Vox won that argument. The tables were being set up with black tablecloths and vibrant blue hydrangeas, I didn’t even know you could grow those in hell. There were demons running all around the space sweeping, bringing things in, decorating the stage, the bar, exchanging the drapes out to match the color scheme.

I checked every chair and table to make sure they were level, every centerpiece for dead flowers and leaves, the stage for splinters, the drapes for snugs in the fabric. “Do we have the staff apparel ready?” I asked the director. She was a short demon who was lizard like with one large eye in the center of her head.

“No, we hadn’t coordinated that yet.” Of course not. I mentally rolled my eyes, luckily costuming was my bread and butter.

“I’ll handle that then, how much staff will there be tonight?” I asked clicking my pen so I could jot in down. 100 serves, 10 bartenders, 5 bands, 45 miscellaneous staff on the floor, okay, doable. “Keep a handle on everything down here, I’ll track all of that down, do not let them fuck it up.” I said and she gave a polite nod. Awesome, 160 coordinated outfits, because that won’t take all day or anything.

I spent a good few hours tracking down various sizes of royal blue suit vests and dress pants, royal blue suit jackets, royal blue button up shirts and black ties, royal blue knee length skirts, shoes, but it was possible with the size of our costuming department. By the end of the day I had neatly organized racks of outfits for each position and each size with a skirt or pants option. Staff was just beginning to trickle in the door and I assigned a few studio aids to help make sure everyone had the clothes they required for the night. Before it was too late I did one last once over of the ballroom. Centerpieces were good, chairs good, all the ambient candles were lit, I could see the bartenders just beginning to organize the bars, the bands were setting up their equipment, I think I might have actually pulled this one off.

I breathe a sigh of relief and I finish triple checking my work. Everything is set in place which leaves only one more thing: myself. I handover to the Event Manager who has arrived for the evening and she thanks me for getting us here, something I’m not very used to hearing. I thank her and text Angel Dust that I’m on my way out the door at work and am heading out to pick out a dress. He immediately texts back that he is on his way to the front of the building as well and we will meet there. I gather myself and get there just as he is.

Angel is in good spirits as he links his lower arm with mine, which is still a bit tall for me, and we start wadding through shop after shop. We know we are on a time crunch, but Angel seems to have something very specific in mind. Finally after trying on at least two dozen dresses and probably half as many shops, when I step out of the dressing room his eyes light up and a big smile spreads across his face.

“Oh baby, that is the one!” He spins me toward the mirror and I can’t help but feel a little self conscious. “You are going to be turning heads all fucking night in this little number! We might need to hire security for you!” I laughed at the idea and attempted to pull the hem down just an inch more. It was a very short black, strapless dress with a wide square neckline and a low back. It came with a pair of matching black elbow length gloves and I could already imagine how I would pair it with accessories at home. He was right though, it looked stunning. It hugged every square inch of my body and admittedly had more cleavage than I was used to as it seemed to defy physics by still being supportive, it was beautiful.

“Angel, it might be too much, I don’t want to go overboard.” I said biting my lip, but I couldn’t stop turning in the mirror to see myself at every angle. Angel grabbed my shoulders and looked at me in the mirror.

“It’s perfect.” He assured. We bought it and took it home with just one hour left to get ready for the evening.

When he stepped out Angel was wearing a black version of his typical suit jacket and shorts, exchanging his pinkish red gloves for a baby pink pair and kept his thigh high boots, he looked incredible and I told him so, he nearly blushed for a second before lighting back up as we walked downstairs.

“Me? Fucking look at you! Little miss straight-laced, you look drop-double-dead-gorgeous tonight!” He beamed, this time it was my turn to blush. I had added a pair of dark tights and my royal blue Mary Jane shoes, with a delicate royal blue ribbon tied around my neck like a choker. I pulled my gloves up a little more to make sure they were all the way on before running a hand through my hair. I hope he is right.

“Thank you Angel, I try my best.” I said sheepishly. Angel instead upon stopping by the lounge where the rest of the group was gathered to say goodbye before we were off. We stepped into the room and I smiled awkwardly as Angel presented me, very proud of his work.

“I give to you, the new and improved Lilly!” He sang and motioned to me. Charlie looked surprised but happy, Vaggie was about the same, but had a hand on her girlfriend’s shoulder. Sir. Pentious had a light blush but reassured me that I looked very nice. Husk was trying to hide it, but absolutely eyeing Angel. Niffty squealed with joy and ram little figure eights around us manically giggling about how nice we looked. Alastor was nowhere to be found though. “Where’s the big guy? I said I needed everyone!” Angel frowned.

“Please excuse my tardiness, I too was getting ready for tonight!” Alastor chirped as he walked into the room. He was dressed very well, his suit looked new just for the occasion as it was a slightly deeper shade of red than his normal suit and it was more simple with a short tail coat and a chain across the chest and it had a very faint pinstripe pattern to it. He looked like he had gotten a fresh haircut and maybe it’s my imagination, but even his old cane looked a little fresher to match. As I finished drinking him in I realized his eyes were going over me in the very same way.

“Since when are you fucking going to a party that Vox is throwing?” Angel asked the demon who chuckled.

“Oh I wouldn’t dare miss it, so many important demons and souls there tonight. I couldn’t give Vox the chance to twist a narrative if left to his own devices! Plus,” he pulled a small paper from his breast pocket. “He invited me.” Alastor had a wicked smile on as he stuffed his invitation back into his pocket. Angel gave me a small look that told me this was news to him, as it was to me. I guess Alastor is an overlord and Vox does seem rather keen on him. Even if they are enemies, best to keep him close.

“Well, I guess we should all get going then.” I said and before I could turn towards the door shadows crushed over us and just as quickly as they appeared they dissipated and we were in front of the event room door.

•

As soon as I saw her in the lounge I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Her dress was the most revealing thing I’d even seen draped across her figure. The visual mixing with her timid posing made something within me tick. Every curve was on display, the dress hardly covered her ass as the hem just barely brushed the top of her soft thighs, it scarcely managed to contain her chest if she didn’t have perfect posture it could be quite the display, her exposed back left her looking delicate and accessible. An anger burned in me, traipsing through a gala in such a vulnerable position, she should be locked away from such prying eyes where only I can look upon her form like this, where I can revel in it. The gentle look in her eyes made my mind race. How dare she look like that and yet so innocent at the same time, I wanted to ruin that innocent look, I wanted her eyes to hold nothing but pleasure and lust as I did so. If a soul should so much as hover their eyes over her a moment too long I might have to restrain myself from slaughtering them. As we walked into the event room Angel was quickly called away but Valentino, who blew us a sarcastic kiss from across the busy room. My eyes stayed trained on her though, she would not be leaving my sight tonight whether she knew it or not.

•

Alastor seemed in no rush to find any friends as he walked behind me through the crowded space. Hundreds of demons and overlords and hellish elites mingled around me. I secretly enjoyed his company, but me and Angel had agreed that tonight was about me and as much as I was intregued by Alastor, I knew that went one way. “Alastor, if you are going to accompany me tonight,” I turned and flashed a smile at him. “Would you perhaps be able to hunt down a drink for me to sip on? It’s awfully warm.” I asked, anxiously adjusting my gloves again. He casted his eyes across the room before answering.

“Why don’t you join me, My Dear? We’ll find it together. Then I can brief you on who not to talk to.” He stressed the end of his sentence like it was very important I don’t meet certain souls in attendance tonight. He reached to place a hand on my shoulder blade to guide me forward but I stepped to the side.

“Please Alastor, I’ll find my way to somewhere quiet until you return, I’m a big girl.” I teased a little and batted my eyes at him. I don’t know what his deal was tonight, maybe he had more foes than friends in attendance, but still I know how to get out of a sticky situation when I find myself in one, especially here.

“I insist, I wouldn’t want to abandon a lady at an event like this, who knows what kind of unsavory figure could swoop in.” The static crackled off his voice at the beginning. I felt his hand meet my shoulder successfully. His eyes burned into mine and I felt there was danger that I wasn’t aware of. I gave in and slowed to allow him to guide me towards the bar. It was quite busy and in the crowd my back was nearly pressed against his chest as we walked. I could feel the heat coming off in him, he smelled like fresh rain in the woods. I kept my hands clasped in front of me and kept a polite smile on as we finally reached the edge of the crowd for my drink.

Alastor left my side by less than two steps to order me a drink, I took the chance to look around the room. There were hundreds of finely dressed demons in attendance, a part of me was very pleased to see everyone enjoying the space I had helped to create and so far not a hair out of place.

“For you, My Dear.” He said graciously as he handed me my glass, if I remember the menu correctly this is a mermaid mule, giving it a violently blue color. “Now I think it’s about time we start making the rounds to say hello, don’t you think?” He grinned and placed his hand back on my shoulder blade as we reentered the crowd. It wasn’t really a question that explain answer. I looked up at him from the corner of my eye, he was quite cautiously watching the crowd. I couldn’t tell if he was looking for anyone in particular or not, but his mind certainly had a goal it was focused on.

“Alastor, I appreciate the escort, but really I was hoping to be on my own tonight.” He did not bother to look at me, but he did seem to see someone he wished to talk to as we gently started heading a different way. “I fear you might not be the most suitable wing man.” I teased trying to smile at the taller demon.

“I’m afraid not, besides please allow me to introduce you to the darling Rosie, overlord of cannibal town!” He motioned to the women just a couple of feet ahead of us now. She was tall and remarkably pretty even with her hollowed out eyes and her sharp teeth she managed to look friendly and lively. “Rosie! A pleasure as always!” Alastor sang.

She turned and lit up upon seeing him, waving us over. “Alastor darling, it’s so good to see you! Who’s this little number you brought along tonight? You better keep a close eye on her. I could eat her right up!” Her smile reminded me of his, but it was more sincere. She spoke with a very old dialect, but it left me thinking she ought to be sipping tea on someone’s porch with a novel in her hand. I returned her smile and Alastor introduced us.

“This is Lilly, an associate of mine from Charlie’s hotel.” He said and Rosie gave a small applause.

“It is very nice to meet you Ma’am, I am very lucky to be a resident under the princess’ trust. I hope you are enjoying the evening, I helped put it together, so please feel free to let me know if there is anything at all you need. I am positive we can make it happen.” I offered and she giggled.

“Oh such a sweetheart, you are! What a very nice swaray this is turning out to be, thank you! I can’t imagine need anything not already provided!” She assured me and she and Alastor continued to talk for a few more minutes. I watched Alastor as he did, he seemed to genuinely enjoy her company, it was a nice look on him, but his ears would twitch every so often giving away that he was still on high alert.

Eventually Alastor excused us, in search of another overlord to greet. We repeated this pattern a few times, one even joked that if Alastor was going to keep such a close eye on me he needed to put me ‘under contract’, or he would. I felt Alastor’s claws ever so slightly press themselves a little harder into my skin and his laugh was clipped. Once we had a moment to ourselves again I scanned the room for Angel or Valentino, I hadn’t seen him since our arrival, but with no luck. I did however spot another V. I could see Vox chatting up an interesting looking demon, he was tall and owl like and dressed quite regally, I recognized him as Stolis, rumor had it he did love daytime dramas so I guess I can’t be too surprised.

“Alastor, maybe I should go find Angel, just to check in on him.” It almost felt futile, of course I enjoyed Alastor’s company, and the feeling of his hand sent electric currents through my skin, but it also felt hopeless to think that he was thinking what I was thinking. Thinking about how he had looked so delightfully disheveled this morning, how he might look beneath his well tailored clothes, how the heat of his body might fully wash over mine, how his hand might feel elsewhere. It wouldn’t take more than a couple skilled movement to have me out of a dress like this and I was sure he was skilled. I nearly blushed at just the passing thought.

•

It took all the strength I had to not sink my claws into her. Why did she want to walk away so badly, I have been nothing but the perfect gentleman all evening and still she is not content. I flicked my eyes back down to hers, I could smell a faint scent of attraction from her, how sweet it smelled. Maybe I could use that to keep her close. Clearly she wanted some kind of attention tonight, I could give her a little taste. “Do I bore you? I apologize if meeting so many people was overwhelming, but it would have been rude not to.” I grinned, I allowed my hand to drop to the bottom of her back, just above her dress. “I appreciate your cooperation, truthfully,” I walked us forward and bent down ever so slightly so I could whisper into her ear. I could smell the perfume of her attraction better here, her back was stiff and I could see her chest rise and fall with every deep breath she was taking. “I don’t trust a single soul here to be alone with you, My Dear.” I said, my tone was soft but I couldn’t help the static creeping into my voice. It was true after all, none of them deserved to even lay eyes on her.

She looked up at me with sweet wide eyes, “Is that why, Alastor, you’ve kept me on such a short leash tonight?” She asked. Oh I would love to put her on a leash. “Afraid I might find a new overlord to pester?” She smiled at her own jab. “Don’t worry, I was just hoping to find a little bit of, y’know, company tonight.” Her face flushed softly and felt that pit in my stomach grow.

She wanted some disgusting demon to see her like that, to touch her like that. The idea made me sick, and more so my anger grew. The image of her sprawled out, eyes so innocent and inviting, her hair like the halo she deserved on the pillow beneath her, for someone else? I had to control my anger or before I could explain myself we would be back in the hotel, back in my room, and I needed to be here tonight unfortunately.

And that reason was walking towards us now as my smile widened I was keenly aware of my hand moving to grip Lilly’s waist instead to keep her even closer to me.

•

Alastor’s grip was strong, I followed his eyes to see what he was looking at, surely what I said hadn’t upset him like this. Then it made sense, Vox. While they have been throwing punches from afar via broadcast this is the first time they will have seen each other face to face since Alastor’s return. Vox was in the same suit he always wore, but it at least looked a little better pressed today.

“Alastor! Has anyone ever told you it’s rude not to greet the host.” Vox remarked as he walked into range. “I didn’t think we were inviting just anyone tonight?” He laughed, Alastor produced his invitation from his pocket again.

“Why, you personally signed it. There was a kiss and a heart on my invitation just like you always did.” Alastor remarked, flipping it over between his fingers to prove it, making Vox scowl slightly. I held in a giggle. His annoyed eyes landed on me and I suddenly wanted Alastor’s shadows to whisk me away from here. Work is one thing, I tolerate whatever abuse the other two Vs wish to throw my way as politely as I can to keep Velvette happy, but I’m not working now, and my back is against the chest of the soul Vox might just hate the most in all of hell. The other part of me wants to stand tall, who says I can even rely on Alastor for defense here, he’s so hot and cold with me. “And Vel’s pet, what a combination! I must say Velvette has only had the pettiest complaints tonight so that is as close as a job well down can be for her, congratulations!” Vox held out a hand for me to shake. I wanted to look at Alastor for approval or an excuse, I really wanted to not have to shake his hand, but I did. An acute ringing appeared in my ears.

“Thank you, Mr. Vox.” I said plainly. There was tension in the air between the two, but they both remained polite. It would cause too much of a scene for them to duke it out here in public. I felt the anger pooling in Alastor’s muscles as it felt like he was entirely still, not even feeling the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed behind me anymore. I could feel his eyes bore into me, something I normally treasured, but now I couldn’t shake the animosity that was behind them even if that was not necessarily directed my way.

“I rather think red and black would have been a more flattering theme, but I guess blue is nice to some people.” Alastor quipped, adjusting his suit jacket proudly, Vox’s smile strained.

“It looks to me that someone prefers the blue.” Vox smirked and reached for the ribbon I wore around my neck, but before he could actually make contact Alastor moved us a step back. He held me with a force that threatened the delicate fabric of my dress.

“A gentleman would ask permission before reaching for a lady that way, and concede when she denies. Maybe you yourself are too modern for basic manners?” Alastor teased. His eyes burned bright red, contrasting his airy attitude and smile. I could feel his breath ticking the nape of my neck, under different circumstances I might let myself dwell on that feeling, I knew he was fired up. As bloodthirsty as Alastor may be, he has his values.

“You know I could introduce you to at least twenty demons here tonight who could show you a better time.” Vox couldn’t help but keep the irritation out of his voice as he stood with one hand on his hip, it almost sounded like a threat, I’m not sure if I wanted to know exactly what a good time entails for him. Vox played with Alastor’s protectiveness tonight. Ironically, here was someone who was basically offering me exactly what I claimed I wanted, but now that it’s in front of me and especially coming from him I had no interest. I was repulsed by the idea. I kept my back straight and tried to shake off Alastor’s grip a little, I don’t want to be intimidated by Vox right now. He doesn’t hold any direct power over me more than any other demon here. I’m sick of being pushed and pulled around so much.

“I’m plenty satisfied with my company. I’d like if you left us be now, I’m sure you can find time to taunt Alastor on any other day. We would like to enjoy the night.” I asserted. His plasma smile inverted. He looked like a petulant child being told play time was over.

“You’re welcome to reconsider, I’m sure Velvette would like-“

“Velvette does not care for my company, Mr. Vox.” I cut him off. I held back my shame thinking about her and forced myself to continue. “Goodnight, Sir.” He couldn’t hide his displeasure in my answer, clearly he had wanted to demean Alastor in some way by whisking away his date. He took two steps towards us, leaving just a foot of space in between. Baring his LED teeth he looked down at me.

“You ungrateful bi-”

“Be so kind as to let us get on with our evening wont you?” Alastor cut him off, static crackling off his words, he loomed behind me, his eyes practically begging Vox to push him further. He wouldn’t make the first move, but he wouldn’t step down once Vox did. Without looking past me Vox took a deep breath and straightened his tie returning to his dry smile.

“Enjoy the night. We’ll see you in the studio tomorrow.” Vox nodded in my direction with a glint in his eye. I stood in silence as he turned his back to us and rejoined the crowd.

I turned around to face Alastor. Part of me wanted to run away from here, be enveloped in his arms and just dissolve. Another part of me wanted his fingers to find somewhere else they could mercilessly sink into and to free me from my dress as we fell onto his bed. The part of me that won, however, was the part that looked at his angry eyes and smiled, requesting another drink. We could stay here if it meant he would keep holding onto me, if it meant he would continue to be just a step behind me no matter what, if it meant I was the center of his attention for a little bit longer. I knew I might have to pay for my disrespect in the morning, but that felt so far away at this moment. Right now I was safe, I was with Alastor, and that's all I wanted to think about. The ambient candle light danced in his eyes as he looked at me, and as much as he would hate to hear it, the contrast of the rich blue background only made his red hair and eyes look all that much more alluring.

He indulged my request and his grip on my waist was no longer lethal as he guided me to the closest bar in the event room. I ordered my drink and downed it to try to steady my head. Alastor gently hummed along to the band playing while leaning his back against the bar a little, he looked content and for a moment he almost looked like a regular person enjoying his night. If you wanted you could imagine him in life, whatever that had looked like, it was haunting.

“Alastor, would you dance with me?” I asked, unable to keep a smile off my face at his display. He stood up and took one of my hands in his and his grin grew as he gave me a small bow.

“Of course, My Dear, I’d be delighted.” He replied and we joined the dance floor not far away. I was, unfortunately, not a terribly skilled dancer, but Alastor led and I was able to follow. His arm snaked around my waist while the other kept my hand, my free hand rested on his shoulder. His eyes consumed me and I savored it. We had been close all night, but for the first time the proximity felt purposefully intimate. I nearly couldn’t bear the way he looked at me, half lidded eyes slowly raked over my figure before landing back on my own eyes. I wanted him to say something. Beside the fact that I was heavily focused on not tripping over my own feet, my heart raced and I’m not sure I could muster anything worth saying. This was the closest thing I could call a confirmation that he might be thinking what I’m thinking. Maybe he had been all night, maybe that was why he couldn’t let me out of his grip for more than thirty seconds. Or maybe he just liked putting on a show.

I was able to match his steps as we spun around the floor. He had a slightly softer smile playing on his lips. I hoped my nerves weren’t showing through in my smile, I felt like I had it under control, but as I held his gaze I wasn’t so sure my eyes were on my side. “You are a marvelous dancer, no need to worry, you are doing perfectly fine.” Alastor cooed, thinking that must be what’s caused my anxiety. I allowed myself I look past him for a moment to collect my thoughts. I wasn’t even an okay dancer, but it is sweet he would say so.

“I think you are the first dance partner of mine to say that. I stepped on many date’s toes unfortunately in life.” I admitted. Back in my dancing days I quickly fell down the rank of ladies at work to take out, I might be able to make you laugh but that’s about all I was good at on a date.

“Maybe the problem was more so with the partner.” Alastor said and twirled us around. “I seem to have no such problem.” He pulled me ever so slightly closer to him, my chest nearly against his. He was right, I hadn’t actually had much of a misstep at all. He was an excellent dance partner. He knew how to lead and to help me stay in time with him. Alastor gently guided my waist in the direction changes, or gave my hand a gentle squeeze. We were working in tandem quite gracefully.

The song came to an end and I wished it would last just a couple of minutes longer. Alastor released me and gave a slight bow, he was completely serious but I couldn’t help from giggling a little. Such a gentleman tonight. His hand returned to my shoulder blade and we melted into the crowd again. I thought about Alastor more, he is difficult, but it just makes me want more of him. I never know what I will get with him and as frustrating as it is it is also alluring. I pulled up the tops of my gloves a little, just to busy myself, as I caught my breath. I almost felt cold now without the heat of his body so close to mine, even though he was just a few inches further away than he had been it was enough for a chill to sweep through me. I hugged myself a little to compensate and blushed slightly when I realized how pronounced it made my chest. Almost immediately I felt a warm soft fabric cover my shoulders. I looked down at it as I pulled it closer to me and realized it was Alastor’s suit jacket before looking back at him.

“You looked cold, understandable given your attire, we wouldn’t want you to catch a chill now would we?” Alastor offered before I could even question him with a pleasant smile on his face. I smiled back.

“Thank you, though I paid good money for this dress, I ought to show it off. I don’t know when else I’ll ever get the excuse to.” I said and soothed the hem of my dress that just barely came down long enough. I moved to shake off the jacket, but his hand on my shoulder kept me from doing so.

His smile widened. “I think you look particularly lovely just like this!” His voice rang in my ears. Such a protective gentleman. I couldn’t help but to want to tease him.

I shrugged off his hand and his jacket, offering it back to him. “Please, Alastor, I insist.” He begrudgingly took it back and slipped the jacket back on, adjusting his cuffs. I looked up at him with shy eyes as I slowly traced my hands over my silhouette, seemingly to soothe my dress to anyone else. I watched as Alastor’s eyes followed my hands. “Thank you, I think I look rather nice, don’t you?” I asked sweetly. His eyes flicked back up to mine before I spun a little to give him a better look. His grip on his cane became tight. He looked at me like I was prey he was stalking in the forest, absolutely trained on me watching what I would do next. It burned into me and I loved it.

“You look very nice, My Dear. I think you know that.” He said, his voice was clipped, but not dangerous. I smiled. It was fun to get under his skin a little, especially given how he does it to me.

“Maybe, but I was just curious if you also thought so. You look quite handsome yourself, I rather like this suit on you.” I teased and adjusted his lapels a little. I could feel his breath again on the top of my head as I did so and when I looked at his eyes they were glowing a deep ruby color. His hand curled around my wrist, plucking it off of him. I could tell he was trying to decide exactly what to say, so I continued to press him. “Oh, does the touching only go one way? You’ve had your hands on me all night. I thought I might return the favor.” My heart was pounding in my chest as I looked at him. My vision darkened and for a moment all I could see was the glowing of his eyes and his crazed grin. When it lightened back up I knew I was back in the hotel, but in a room I had never seen before. My eyes found the forest that looked like it had been patched onto the room and I knew. This must be Alastor’s room.

The confidence I had held just seconds ago evaporated upon the realization. Alastor gently guided my chin so that my gaze was directed back at him. I knew my eyes were wide and my heart thudded against my ribs as I wasn’t sure if I should be terrified or thrilled, or both. His ears were flat against his head as his eyes drank me in one last time. “You have no idea what you’ve been doing to me tonight.” His voice came out low and no louder than a whisper. One of his arms wrapped around my waist like when we were dancing, but now his claws nearly pierced my skin through the delicate fabric of my dress. He held me close there, I had no answer.

Alastor used his other hand to slowly run the sharp edge of a claw along a path from my jaw, down my neck, over my shoulder, then across my back. My skin hissed at the sensation, it wasn’t even enough to truly break the skin but it sent shockwaves through my system. I stood perfectly still, I wasn’t even sure if I was breathing. I wanted him to just tell me, tell me if he craves me the way I crave him or not. I wanted more of his touch, but I was in no position to demand such a thing.

“As soon as I saw your little getup tonight,” He started to explain, deliberately fiddling with my dress’ fabric. “I wanted to whisk you up here, keep you away from any other soul who might see you in such a state.” I felt my face growing increasingly warm as he combed his free hand through my hair. “I didn’t think they deserved such a sight, but I didn’t want to upset you, My Dear, so I settled for keeping a close watch over you.” I melted into his touch as he held my cheek in his hand while he spoke. “I restrained myself then, but you have pushed me too far.” Alastor leaned his head in closer to mine, until our foreheads almost touched. His eyes were still a glowing deep red. “I’ll tell you a secret. All night I have been able to smell the lust pouring out of you, and right now is the strongest it’s ever been. You smell so sweet.” his neck dips even lower and his lips threaten to brush against my neck, the promise of sweet kisses tantalizing close. I could hear the sound of my blood pumping through my veins, I was hyper aware of every inch of my body that Alastor was touching, my muscles screamed for me to do something. Either run away or grab him and never let him go, waiting was torture. “You have to go.”

My mind raced. Alastor wanted me to leave? We were still tangled together, he made no real move to let me leave. My body ached for more of his touch, I desperately wanted more. I didn’t want to leave this moment. “Please, let me stay.” I begged, my voice breathy almost as if I was gasping for air. I didn’t need air, I needed Alastor. He slowly straightened back up and released his grasp on my waist. My skin hissed at the lack of his heat, the dewy scent of him retreating as he took a step back. He did not raise his eyes to meet mine though, instead his voice was low and gravely, charged with static and energy as he commanded me again.

“Leave.” It was not a question. I held myself back from arguing with him and backed away towards the door behind me. His shadows pooled around him on the floor. Some seemed to deliberately run in my direction as if to grab me and pull me back but any time one headed my way another would smack it back. I watched Alastor while my back was still waiting to find the wall. He was not his normal composed self, no this was raw. He almost looked ashamed, yet angry, searching for something to take that out on. I would pray for whatever creature he takes that out on if I thought it would help. The heavy rise and fall of his chest gave away just how agitated he had become.

Finally my back pressed against the wall while my hand began to search for the doorknob. I couldn’t look away, I couldn’t speak, I could barely move. Did I do something wrong? Can I fix it? I don’t want to push him too hard, but it gnawed on me, if I’d caused this outburst I want to make it right. I opened my mouth to call out his name, but before the first letter could fully form a shadow shot out to me, wrapping itself around my throat and jaw. I froze, I’ve been in the position before and did not want to make him more angry. Alastor slowly turned towards me, his breathing was labored and as he lifted his head I could see a gruesome grin on his face.

“I. Said. Out.”

I was forced backwards by the force of his shadow and only was able to disconcert the sound of his door slamming back shut as I realized I was now on the other side of it. I had fallen back from the force and found myself just staring up at his door. I suddenly felt small and alone here. Just a minute ago I had been the center of Alastor’s universe as we danced and now I was thrown aside and shut out. I wracked my brain for what had set him off so terribly.

I remembered his words, he had confessed to being attracted to me, and knowing I was attracted to him, it felt humiliating. I had felt so exposed and vulnerable in that moment, he hadn’t technically rejected me, but it sure felt like he had. My confidence had crashed. I wanted to curl up and die. I also wanted to march back in Alastor’s room and scream at him for making me feel this way, for building me up just to crush me in the end. Hot tears stung the corners of my eyes, but I forced them away. I don’t want to break down, instead I redirected the energy. You want me to leave? I’ll leave alright.

I slowly pulled myself back up and dusted off my dress, fixing myself and taking a long deep breath for comfort.. I cast one last hurt glance back at Alastor’s door and headed downstairs.

Shame, humiliation, and confusion swirled in my mind, perhaps distorting my decision making capabilities. I debated my next move, but I wasn’t in the headspace to think wisely. My feet carried me forward as if the speed of my steps could out pace these feelings. Soon my heels were clicking down the grand staircase outside the front door while my nails dug into my palm, my gloves didn’t protect me. I wasn’t sure exactly where I was walking, but I eventually found myself down an all too familiar path.

I could see the massive glowing light of the Vs’ studio signage even though I was still a solid mile away. It was as daunting as it always was, the blue neon looked like a bruise on the hellish red sky. It was fitting. The place that I looked forward to leaving everyday was suddenly a constant I could cling onto. I knew exactly where I stood here, I knew what to expect, what to do, how to act, who to be. I was thankful for that role, thankful for the rock it gave me to sink my nails into in order to hold onto something, anything, that made me feel better. Here I didn’t have to be myself and everything that entailed, I could simply be Velvette’s errandgirl, someone who did not care what that deer demon was doing back at the hotel right now. Someone who didn’t dwell on whether or not she would be able to bring herself to look into his deep ruby eyes the next time they met. Someone who didn’t miss the way he looked at her back in the ballroom with a playful possessiveness as the candle light danced behind them. No. I would be too busy for any of that.

I straightened out my back when the building came into focus drawing on a polite shy smile.

Quietly, I rejoined the event space. The party had of course continued in my absence, none the wiser to my personal angst. I cast my eyes about the room in search of Angel, unlikely as it was I couldn’t help myself. A friendly face would be nice right now, but no such luck. So I took a step forward, ever still conscious of my looks and of the crowd, and made my way back towards the bar. Alone this time, but the night was just beginning.

Part Five

Tags: @cannibalcoyote

[vickyvicarious]

I'm so excited for this update...

Mina barely processing the entire trip because she's so excited to see Jonathan has my heart in a vice. She loves him so much. And she's ready to nurse him too, she knows he won't be well and she's actively preparing for it.

The way she says "my dear one" <3 <3

I love how softly she describes what a wreck Jonathan is. You can hear the concern of course, but she isn't sad about it. She couldn't possibly be sad to have him back, no matter how changed. She loves him and is still so relieved and happy to be with him, above all.

Mina's fearful and intrigued way of talking about Jonathan's ravings is great too. She's obviously a bit frustrated with Sister Agatha not telling her, but reminds herself with a slight sigh that "she is a sweet good soul", that she's showing concern for her patient. While Mina wants to know, her main goal is to help Jonathan and if that requires not knowing then she will tamp down that urge to understand why. She already was refraining from asking him directly anyway.

I love how gentle Sister Agatha's voice is.

Mina laughing at the very idea of being jealous over her Jonathan! She has such absolute faith in his love for her that such a consideration never would have occurred to her. But that said, it's still very satisfying to hear that Jonathan is devoted to her alone. Gahhh, she loves him so much.

The little gasp and excited, "he is waking!"

FUCK the love and the shakiness and the joy of hearing his voice again when he says "Wilhelmina"

The music when Jonathan speaks of his "great shock" is incredible

The way he says "I do not want to know it", almost an edge of emphasis on not, almost but not quite like he's wrestling his voice under control

Only for him to sound on the verge of tears when he says "I want to take up my life here" - he wants to leave it all behind so desperately. This is everything he has been longing for, everything that kept him going, and he wants to be able to enjoy it so badly. He can never leave what happened to him behind, not fully; the trauma will stay with him, he's been changed. But he wants so much to focus on what he has now, on the happiness he can build going forward, to begin again "with our marriage." And the softness with which he says that...

Jonathan giving Mina his journal is one of the most romantic scenes in the entire novel, in my opinion, and I can barely handle hearing it aloud.

Mina's reaction to all this being "I gotta marry that man EVEN FASTER" and going to rush Sister Agatha about it... <3 <3 <3

The joy with which she says "he sat up in bed, propped with pillows" - again she doesn't care at all about him being traumatized and weak and disabled, she describes him with such joy here because he is marrying her

SAYING "I WILL" IN UNISON PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON MY HEART

Mina having difficulty speaking due to sheer emotion. God.

"the grave and sweet responsibilities I have taken upon me" she is ready to nurse him and support him

The little gasp and hurried way she rushes to tell about the wedding-present! So good to hear that kind of delighted excitement from Mina again!

THE JOY AND REPETITION OF "my husband" GODDDD

Mina's wedding present is also one of the most romantic scenes ever I love her so much

Repeating again that she is his wife

Jonathan willing to go through it all again for Mina! Peak romance. Also Mina giving him everything in return, and happily brushing over him possibly having confusion about time...

I love the music in the background for all of this.

And Mina's declaration to Lucy is so wonderful, and so heartfelt and loving especially in the context of Lucy's stress of late

The way her voice lifts again at "my husband!" she is so delighted every damn time

I LOVE THEM. I LOVE THEIR LOVE.

but, on the other hand...

Lucy sounds so down.

They way she almost whispers "I feel so unhappy", breathless on the last word almost, like she can barely say it aloud even just to herself! LUCY SWEETHEART

Just, the way she says it all. Her gentle voice, her uncertainty and distress and the deep fear evident in her words even as she doesn't know why

no energy to try and be cheerful....... you know it's bad when Lucy cannot put on a smile. And I feel like she's feeling guilty for making Arthur worried about her.

"I shall make an excuse and try." Lucy not feeling able to be honest about even just needing comfort from her mother. I feel so AWFUL for her someone give her a big hug STAT

[aliveandfullofjoy]

Happy new year! If you're following me, you know that I watch too many movies. You also probably know that I love acting. A truly great performance feels, to me, like a magic trick. Of the movies I watched for the first time this year (excluding 2024 or 2023 releases), these are eleven of my favorite performances, in alphabetical order.

01. Ida Kamińska & Jozef Kroner, The Shop on Main Street (dir. Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos, 1965)

Kamińska received one of the coolest Oscar nominations ever with her lovely performance in this shattering Czech drama as a nearly-deaf elderly widow, but Kroner, arguably the film's true lead, deserved equal recognition for his astounding performance as the shiftless man thrown into the cogs of fascism. They play off each other beautifully, and they are both perfectly keyed into the film's tonal tightrope act. Kroner is asked to carry much of the film, including much of its comedy, and he does so effortlessly, but it falls on Kamińska to sell the sharp pivot into despair at the end. The results are gutting.

02. Anders Danielsen Lie, Oslo, August 31st (dir. Joachim Trier, 2011)

Before he turned in a key supporting performance in Trier's The Worst Person in the World, Lie delivered one of the most essential performances of the 2010s in this film. Oslo rests entirely on his shoulders, and to say he delivers is an understatement: he commands the camera's full attention, giving the viewer a fully-realized portrait of a recovering addict with just his body language. This is a brutally sad film, but that Lie is able to find some semblance in joy in the buildup to its inevitable and crushing ending feels like a miracle.

03. Margo Martindale, Paris je t'aime (dir. Alexander Payne & others, 2006)

Paris je t'aime consists of eighteen short films, each with different directors, set in various arrondissements in Paris. Some of the shorts are stinkers, but the film is a charming experience overall. The final episode stands out above the rest: Payne gives Martindale free rein to shatter your heart into a million pieces. Playing an American woman on her first trip to Europe, she describes (in amateur French) what she loves about Paris. It's Payne at his very best -- funny, mature, human -- but it sings because of Martindale's soulful performance. If he had any sense, he'd give her a feature length movie.

04. Silvia Pinal, Simon of the Desert (dir. Luis Buñuel, 1965)

I went through a miniature obsession with the Sondheim musical Here We Are this year, which got me in the mood to scratch a Buñuel itch. While it's not one of the films the musical is adapted from, Simon of the Desert shares something with Here We Are: it exists largely as a fraction of what it was once intended to be, running only 45 minutes long. Still, it's a delightful film, and the star is the late, great Pinal, whose performance as (who else?) Satan is an entertaining, anarchic riot. I need to see more of her work ASAP.

05. Brad Pitt, Burn After Reading (dir. Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, 2008)

I could throw a dozen superlatives at Pitt in Burn After Reading. It's the actor's career best. It's one of the funniest performances of the 2000s. It's the blueprint for Gosling's Ken. Every line is a perfectly orchestrated head-empty-no-thoughts symphony. The way he drinks water like a hamster? The way he laughs and says, "You think that's a Schwinn"? The way he does his victory dance? Deeply stupid. Extraordinarily funny.

06. Kurt Russell, Big Trouble in Little China (dir. John Carpenter, 1986)

Like Pitt, this is an exquisite comedic performance. Everything about Big Trouble in Little China is dialed up to eleven, from the pulpy dialogue to the over-the-top action, and it's Russell, as the over-confident himbo sidekick deeply, truly believes that he's the hero of the story, who holds the film together. Every line he says in his sorta-kinda John Wayne impression makes me scream. I had never given Russell a second thought as an actor, but this performance instantly made me a fan.

07. Chishū Ryū, An Autumn Afternoon (dir. Yasujirō Ozu, 1962)

Even among Ozu's body of work, An Autumn Afternoon stands out as painfully sad. The final fifteen minutes of this film in particular are brutal, and probably the most devastating sequence I've seen in any of his movies. It was his final film, and as they had so often before, Ozu used Ryū as his leading man. He had one of the all-time great faces in film history, capable of conveying a deep, visceral ache with just a polite smile. The sadness of the finale comes through largely because of the beauty and the simplicity of Ryū's performance.

08. Harry Dean Stanton, Paris, Texas (dir. Wim Wenders, 1984)

I'm not in the habit of ranking the performances on these lists, but if I was, Stanton would be at the top. His performance in Paris, Texas -- also one of my absolute favorite new-to-me films of the year -- filled me with that rare warmth, that feeling that I'm watching a truly singular achievement in acting. Just like Chishū Ryū, if there was a contest for best faces in film, Stanton would be a finalist. Those deep eyes, the craggy skin. His performance is a masterclass in stillness and silence (he doesn't say his first line until nearly half an hour into the movie), communicating years of regret, heartbreak, joy, and longing with just a look. His journey begins in an unbearably lonely place and ends with a bittersweet reconciliation. To describe this performance as moving is the ultimate understatement.

09. Mink Stole, Female Trouble (dir. John Waters, 1974)

It feels wrong not to highlight the legendary Divine here. Female Trouble largely operates as a star vehicle for him, and he is genuinely terrific. Amazingly, though, in the face of Divine's hurricane of a performance, Mink Stole manages to steal the film as the obnoxious Taffy Davenport. As one of the core members of Waters' Dreamlanders, her keen understanding of his tone should come as no surprise, but that doesn't make it any less thrilling to watch her embody the film's deranged camp sensibilities. It takes a great actor to find the right balance in a film like this. Make no mistake: Mink Stole is a great actor.

10. Alfre Woodard, Crooklyn (dir. Spike Lee, 1994)

It's clichéd to describe a performance as the heart of the film, especially if that performance comes from a woman playing the mother in a coming-of-age movie, but friends: I've never claimed to be above cliché. Woodard is an American treasure, and she is undeniably the heart of Crooklyn, Lee's gorgeous look back home. Going toe-to-toe with Delroy Lindo (who very nearly made this list with Woodard), Woodard does richly layered work here, by turns commanding, funny, warm, and moving. It's a nuanced, lived-in performance from one of our greatest living actors.

Other performances I loved, in alphabetical order: Jane Alexander (The Great White Hope, 1970); Taraneh Alidoosti (The Salesman, 2016); Jean Arthur (History is Made at Night, 1937); Warren Beatty (Heaven Can Wait, 1978); Humphrey Bogart (The Big Sleep, 1946); Charles Boyer (History is Made at Night, 1937); Lon Chaney (The Unknown, 1927); George Clooney (Out of Sight, 1998); Sean Connery (The Hunt for the Red October, 1990); Joan Crawford (Sudden Fear, 1952); Russell Crowe (The Insider, 1999); Robert De Niro (Midnight Run, 1988); Laura Dern (Blue Velvet, 1986); Divine (Female Trouble, 1974); Griffin Dunne (After Hours, 1985); Charles Durning (The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, 1982); Shelley Duvall (Popeye, 1980); John Goodman (Barton Fink, 1991); Elliott Gould (The Long Goodbye, 1973); Charles Grodin (Midnight Run, 1988); Dolores Hart (Where the Boys Are, 1960); Philip Seymour Hoffman (Punch-Drunk Love, 2002); Dennis Hopper (Blue Velvet, 1986); Shahab Hosseini (The Salesman, 2016); Gusti Huber (The Diary of Anne Frank, 1959); Rock Hudson (Seconds, 1966); Angelina Jolie (Girl, Interrupted, 1999); James Earl Jones (The Great White Hope, 1970); Daniel Kaluuya (Widows, 2018); Lila Kedrova (Zorba the Greek, 1964); Nicole Kidman (Eyes Wide Shut, 1999); Ben Kingsley (Sexy Beast, 2000); Nastassja Kinski (Paris, Texas, 1984); Yaphet Kotto (Midnight Run, 1988); Margaret Leighton (The Go-Between, 1971); Delroy Lindo (Crooklyn, 1994); Jennifer Lopez (Out of Sight, 1998); Walter Matthau (The Bad News Bears, 1976); Sheila McCarthy (I've Heard the Mermaids Singing, 1987); Ethel Merman (It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, 1963); Nobuko Miyamoto (The Funeral, 1984); Kati Outinen (The Match Factory Girl, 1990); Jack Palance (Sudden Fear, 1952); David Hyde Pierce (Wet Hot American Summer, 2001); Anthony Quinn (Zorba the Greek, 1964); John Randolph (Seconds, 1966); Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet, 1986); Isabella Rossellini (Green Porno, 2008); Hassan Sabzian (Close-Up, 1990); Adam Sandler (Punch-Drunk Love, 2002); Norma Shearer (Marie Antoinette, 1936); Ruth Sheen (High Hopes, 1988); Song Kang-ho (Memories of Murder, 2003); Kin Sugai (The Funeral, 1984); Haruko Sugimura (Morning for the Osone Family, 1946); Saïd Taghmaoui (La Haine, 1995); Gene Tierney (Leave Her to Heaven, 1945); John Turturro (Barton Fink, 1991); Charles Vanel (Wooden Crosses, 1932); Shelley Winters (The Diary of Anne Frank, 1959)

[vivid-ink]

"To Know You Again" Chapter 4 - The Great Mother's Blessing

Pairing: Neteyam x fem!Omatikaya OC

Summary: “Do you remember our last night here? The night before my family left?” The warm, rumbling timbre of Neteyam’s voice washed over her. “Yes,” Naia whispered. How could she forget?... She had replayed the memory of his lips over and over numerous times. One corner of Neteyam’s mouth lifted in a small smile as his eyes tracked over the delicate bridge of her nose and over her steadily flushing cheeks. His gaze stopped to rest on her lips, “You gave me something that night. I think it's time I returned it."

An exploration of what if Neteyam had to leave a girl he was close to behind when his family fled to the reefs to seek refuge. AU - Set 7 years after TWoW, exploring the many emotions and the eventual romantic reunion between Neteyam and his love.

Warnings: Adult content 18+, MDNI Content: Romance, drama, angst, fluff, sexual content, smut, soulmates, bonding. Word Count: 10.3k

Previous Chapter 3 - A Choice Already Made

The crisp morning air always carried with it the invigorating scent of the forest flora around them. As light began to grow across the horizon at the end of eclipse, the sweet blooms and fragrant flower pods that had closed for the night re-opened to greet the new day. Naia knelt in comfortable silence with Mo’at and Leylani among the luminous leaf-vines at the sacred site of Vitrautral (Tree of Souls).

They had flown down from High Camp earlier this morning as Mo’at had decided to hold their weekly prayer session here instead of in her hut, which was their usual place of prayer. There was an important matter being held in discussion at the clan council currently, Mo’at had remarked to Naia, and the Great Mother’s guidance was vital to achieve the right outcome.

Naia did not know what was being deliberated over by the council and in truth, she was so engrossed in her bliss from the previous night that she did not care to even ask. The subtle weight of the pendant that now adorned her chest was a beautiful reminder of why. Thank you Great Mother, for this path that you have blessed me to walk…

The comforting rush of their ancestors’ voices swirled through the bond she had made with the hallowed tree, and Naia relaxed into her meditation. Eyes closed in contemplation, she smiled a silent smile to herself. Neteyam loved her. They had made love last night and it was everything she had ever dreamed of.

Neteyam had been exceedingly gentle with her at first, but once Naia had convinced him that he had not caused her any hurt, he had been urgent and impassioned in his desire. He had been generous and attentive to her pleasure and Naia had discovered, in turn, that she too enjoyed watching him respond to the pleasure she brought him. After a short catnap following their initial lovemaking, they had been unable to stem the fervour of their newfound need for each other and they had tangled with each other one more time.

Overjoyed was not an adequate enough word to describe how idyllically happy Naia felt.

Chanted words spilled from the tsahìk’s lips and Leylani’s own murmurs mirrored Mo’at’s as they prayed. Leylani did not fail to notice the silence to her left where Naia sat though. Cracking open an eyelid, she peered at her friend out of the corner of one eye. A serene smile was dancing across Naia’s lips, and all over face and body, her syuratan (bioluminescent spots) twinkled and shone brightly against her cobalt skin. Naia’s tail was relaxed and lay in a gentle curl at her side, but the little tuft at the end was dancing to and fro.

Happiness radiated from Naia in an unspoken glow and Leylani felt tender kindliness burst in her own chest at the sight. Her friend was blessedly happy today and it was the kind of joy that Leylani knew came only from that of an amorous affair. The beautiful necklace around Naia’s neck was new too. Leylani studied the elegant piece of jewellery, noting that the materials it had been made from were foreign and not anything she had seen here before. She grinned, full of gladness for her friend. She did not even need to guess who had gifted Naia the piece of jewellery.

As discreetly and soundlessly as possible, Leylani shuffled closer to Naia and gave her a playful nudge with a bump of her hip. Naia’s eyes flew open in question at Leylani who emitted a poorly stifled giggle.

“What are the two of you doing over there?” Mo’at’s chanting stopped and her voice was a drawl as her amber eyes peeled open to dissect her two students.

Giggling uncontrollably now, Leylani peeped out between her tittering, “Manaia’s distracted. She’s not even praying.”

Naia’s jaw dropped and she goggled at being called out by her friend, “Yes, I am! I was giving thanks and reverence to our Great Mother.”

Leylani’s response was a teasing retort, muttered quietly through a closed mouth as she elbowed Naia naughtily, “Giving thanks to Eywa for the handsome man with broad shoulders and rippling muscles you were exploring last night, no doubt.”

“Leylani!” Naia hissed, teeming with embarrassment at the salacious remark. Leylani dissolved into hoots of laughter. For all her demure demeanour, Naia knew Leylani could be mischievous if she wanted to be.

There was no irritation in Mo’at’s expression as the older woman appraised Naia, the beginnings of a smile starting to etch its way across her aged face. The girl was flushed with mortification at being singled out. However, despite this, she was absolutely luminous in her joy. Whatever had occurred the previous night between her and Neteyam must have been deeply meaningful.

Mo’at’s gaze fell to the necklet around Naia’s neck and she recognised it for what it was: Her grandson had made his choice; Naia was his intended and he would wed no other.

“It’s alright.” Mo’at chuckled, regarding Naia with gentle eyes that sparkled with endorsement, “The Great Mother has blessed you. Be happy, child.”

Naia was unable to contain her bright smile at Mo’at’s words and she laughed, covering her face with both hands in an attempt to shield her embarrassment. Giving Naia one last parting poke in the ribs, Leylani scooted back to her position and they resumed their prayers.

Taking a deep and purposeful inhale, Leylani willed her mind to settle into a prayerful state. Eywa had blessed Naia and Neteyam with their reunion, and hopefully she would guide the clan’s councillors to the decision she hoped for and bless the Omatikaya too with the successor the they needed.

Silently, Leylani offered her prayers of intention to the Great Mother. If Leylani was truthful, she had been relieved when Tupou had first expressed his wish to step down as successor upon Neteyam’s return. As much as Tupou was a good friend of hers, he had his flaws and he could be difficult to deal with. Neteyam was a stronger candidate by far. She would do her duty as future tsahìk regardless of who was appointed successor, but Leylani would be lying if she did not admit to preferring Neteyam. They would work well as a leading pair and she could easily see herself growing to love him as a husband too.

However, the happiness of her friends outweighed her own desire for an easy partnership. Neteyam and Naia meant the world to each other and she was not going to step in the way of that. Neteyam would be a formidable olo’eyktan in time, but the Omatikaya would never see that day if the councillors denied him his wish to mate Naia.

A tendril of worry unfurled within Leylani at the thought. Tupou did not want to be successor and he would be miserable to deal with if forced into a mould he did not fit into. And there were no other suitable candidates. There really was only one ideal outcome.

Suppressing a sigh, Leylani beseeched the Great Mother to reveal her path and guide her towards it. Her duty was first and foremost to her clan. She wanted only what was best for the people and she would play whatever role she needed to ensure that. Strengthening her entreaty, Leylani focused all her being into her prayer, willing the Great Mother to show her the way.

A sharp intake of breath from Naia drew Leylani’s attention then and she opened her eyes to look at her friend. A gasp of her own left her at what she saw.

Dozens of atokirina (seeds of the sacred tree) were descending from the canopy of trailing, radiant vines overhead. The graceful seeds undulated towards Naia, flocking to her and enveloping her in an incandescent picture where she sat. The atokirina floated around her, resting on her head, shoulders and lap, their rippling wisps skimming across Naia’s skin in a gentle caress.

Leylani pressed the fingers of one trembling hand to her lips as a wave of emotion overcame her. She had asked the Great Mother for guidance and her prayer had been heard. The Great Mother was showing her the way.

***~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***

“Sa’nok, no!” Naia cried, swatting her mother’s hands away as Ayepni made a renewed attempt to slather some sweet balm onto her face.

“Men appreciate it when a woman takes pride in her appearance and looks after herself.” Ayepni chided lightly, grabbing hold of Naia’s arm to halt her escape and smoothing a dollop of the balm onto her daughter’s forehead, “You keep frowning like that and these crinkly lines on your forehead will stay there forever.”

Naia was cantankerous now after her mother’s various attempts to spruce her up. Earlier, her mother had chased her around their family shelter armed with a small bottle of scented oil, determined to spritz some on her. And even before that, Ayepni had tried to thread some sun lily blooms into Naia’s braids. As annoying as it was that her mother was fussing over her and assailing her with all these feminine things, there was no real heat behind Naia’s annoyance. She knew it was because her mother was happy for her.

When Naia had joined her parents for breakfast at the beginning of the day with her new necklet adorning her chest, it had provoked a barrage of questions from them about it. After the affable ribbing Leylani had given her during their morning prayer session, Naia had been ready for more interrogation and she had bashfully, but gladly, shared the news of her new association with Neteyam with her parents.

“I’m already late, mother. It’s well past the start of eclipse now.”

“Now, now, it never pays to be too eager to see a man.” Ayepni clucked, chortling away in good spirits, “Leaving him waiting is a good thing. Let him crave you a bit. It’ll be all the sweeter when he does finally get a taste.”

Naia rolled her eyes and made a face of disgust at her mother’s remark. She was not about to start taking romantic advice from her mother, nor was she about to enlighten her that Neteyam had technically already had a taste. She felt her cheeks heat at the thought.

“You sure you don’t want to try some more scented oil?” Ayepni queried, holding the bottle up. She grinned impishly at her daughter, “I know your father rather enjoys it when I wear it.”

The thought of her parents getting amorous made Naia gag and she exclaimed her repulson, “Yeugh! I don’t want to know! Goodbye, I’m going now!”

Taking the opportunity to escape her family home before her mother got any more ideas, Naia disappeared out of the entry flaps to the cackling of her mother.

Jogging through the stronghold and loping across the arching boughs that led towards the mount of the ikran rookery, she cursed the perfume of the scented oil as it tickled her nose. It seemed to be getting stronger as she ran, the light perspiration on her skin mixing with it and amplifying the scent. She recognised the fragrance well. It was the same sweet cologne she often scented on Leylani. Great, now she smelled all girly…

By the time she reached the flat summit of her destination, the skin of her cheeks felt tacky from the balm and the scented oil was all that permeated her nostrils.

Neteyam was waiting for her by the storage hut, his ikran’s saddle in hand as he checked its straps and buckles for signs of wear and tear, “It’s very unlike you not to be on time.” His voice was mirthful despite the censure of his words.

“Sorry. My mother got a little over-exuberant over our ah, relationship?” Naia apologised, testing out the word that represented their new connection to each other on her tongue. She closed the distance between them upon her approach and fitted herself against him in a hug as his arms closed around her. She took a purposeful inhale against the warm skin of his neck. By Eywa, she loved the way he smelled…

He pressed a kiss to her temple, “So, your parents approve of me?”

Naia’s eyes bugged out of her head at his question, and she stepped back to look at him, “Are you kidding me? My parents have always thought highly of you. My mother loves you! Honestly, I’m surprised she didn’t make an entire batch of utumauti (banana fruit) cake for me to bring to you after I told my parents this morning.”

Neteyam grinned as he recalled the sweet treat that Naia’s mother often used to make for him in their younger years. Ayepni made the best utumauti cake. It was even better than his grandmother’s though he would never say that to her face.

A delicious fragrance floated around Naia and his nostrils flared as he nuzzled her cheek, “No, she just sent along an even sweeter treat for me to enjoy tonight instead. You smell good.” He punctuated his statement with a light nibble to her ear and he smirked in satisfaction when he felt her shiver at the contact.

“You like the scented oil? It’s so overly feminine.”

Seeing the uncertain expression Naia wore, Neteyam chuckled softly, “It’s nice, but I like the way you smell with or without it.”

Ready now for their evening flight, they let out their usual chirruping calls, summoning their winged familiars. Neteyam’s beast, Tompa, soared over a nearby cliff, landing to perch before them in a regal display of turquoise and yellow. Naia waited for Lortirea, and her brow knitted deeper and deeper in a frown as the moments continued to pass with no sign of her. Strange.

Naia let out an ululation again, scanning the stony cliffs and vines for her ikran. Tompa gave an odd squawk, shifting anxiously on taloned feet. Cocking his head, the ikran nudged Neteyam’s shoulder, emitting yet another cautionary skreich.

“Something’s wrong.” Naia breathed, her worry rising, “Lortirea has always come when I’ve called.”

Neteyam scratched Tompa’s snout in an attempt to calm his familiar, who appeared uncharacteristically agitated, “Maybe she’s out hunting?”

“No. She always hunts during the day when she knows I’m busy working.”

Tompa head-butted Neteyam’s shoulder again, more insistently this time, causing Neteyam to stumble a few paces to the side. The winged beast screeched and bowed his head, extending a neural whip towards Neteyam, encouraging his rider to make the bond.

Naia looked on apprehensively as Neteyam bonded with Tompa, whose talons clawed nervously at the ground. She watched as Neteyam frowned at Tompa, interpreting the exchange of information through their bond. Tompa trilled out several sharp notes and settled his yellow eyes firmly on Naia, which caused her to look away instinctively, knowing never to look another’s ikran in the eyes.

“He wants to us to go with him. Now. He said he’ll take us to Lortirea.” Neteyam said, urgency informing his actions as he slipped the saddle onto Tompa’s back and adjusting the straps.

“What? What’s happened to her?”

Neteyam mounted Tompa in a supple leap, holding his hand out to Naia, “I don’t know, but Tompa wants you to come up here with me and he’ll fly us to her.”

Clasping his forearm, she sprang up onto Tompa’s back to settle herself in front of Neteyam. Naia felt one of his strong arms loop itself around her middle and she grasped on to one of Tompa’s neural whips, bracing herself for take-off. With a murmur by her ear to hold on tight, Neteyam urged Tompa to the sky before letting his familiar lead them where he wanted them to go.

Tompa sailed over the frontage of crags and overhangs at the summit, sailing past scores of other ikran as he took them towards the wooded area of the rookery. They were enveloped by lush greenery as they flew deeper into the timberland towards a large tree which had a trunk the width of several ikran’s wingspans.

Naia had never been this far into the banshee rookery and as she surveyed the colossal tree that Tompa was circling, she realised the trunk had big niches notched into it and she could see other ikran as they rested in the various recesses. Tompa alighted on a bough before one of the niches and Neteyam gracefully slid off his back, helping Naia off in turn.

Tompa twittered gently, looking towards the mouth of the niche. In the dim environment of the recess, Naia could just make out the mottled blue and purple of Lortirea’s wings and she padded in slowly with a soft call of her ikran’s name. Neteyam lingered by the entrance of the niche, patting Tompa’s neck to soothe him when he gave another edgy squawk.

Lortirea was curled on her front and she appeared to be unharmed and resting, her deep breaths blowing from the air inlets at the front of her chest. Her wings were relaxed at her sides and she perked up at the sight of Naia.

“What’s wrong, Lortirea? Are you alright?” Naia queried, coming to stop by her familiar’s head and giving her muzzle an affectionate stroke.

A placid trill of notes burbled from Lortirea who blinked eyes of deep gold at her. The ikran extended a neural whip towards her and Naia made tsaheylu with her beast. A rush of emotions swathed her through their bond and Naia mentally rifled through them, searching for any sign of harm or illness. She was relieved to find none, only feelings of tiredness, apology for being unable to come when she was called, and an overarching feeling of great joy.

Naia’s ikran was exultant about something and she probed deeper, trying to ascertain through their unique connection exactly what the reason was. Lortirea chirruped and shifted her body, lifting one of her wings slightly so Naia could peer under it. Naia sucked in an astonished breath.

“What is it?” Neteyam’s troubled voice sounded from a few paces back, “Is she injured?”

Naia let out a relieved laugh as her own delight mingled with Lortirea’s at the discovery, “No, she’s great. She’s laying. She’s having babies!”

Nestled in the crook under Lortirea’s wing lay a pair of polished sky-blue eggs. They were quite large, almost the length and width of Naia’s torso, though given the size of an ikran, she supposed they were about right. Neteyam’s hearty laugh of happiness followed Naia’s as he caught sight of them, and he stepped into the niche to join her. Winding his arms around Naia from behind, Neteyam pulled her into an embrace against him, relishing the sound of her husky laughter.

Realising then that Lortirea laying eggs meant that she had found a mate, Naia caressed her familiar’s elegant neck, “I’m glad for you, sister. Who have you mated?”

A rumbling chuff came from Tompa and he edged forward to rub his head demonstratively against Lortirea, who stretched her neck to meet him with an affectionate trill.

Chuckling under his breath, Neteyam gave his ikran several jovial slaps on the shoulder of the wing closest to him, “This is your doing, is it? Blessings on you both and on your offspring.”

It was not uncommon for two ikran belonging to two mated Na’vi to bond with each other. Then again, just because two Na’vi were mated did not necessarily mean that their ikran would pair-bond either. Ikran were free to mate whoever they wished regardless of their riders’ own relationships.

Neteyam smiled at the thought of Tompa and Lortirea’s mating, and he joked silently to himself that his own ikran was working faster than he was. He and Naia were not mated. Yet. But Neteyam was determined to change that, hopefully one day soon.

A wave of approval rolled through Naia’s bond with Lortirea and she watched as her ikran fixed her and Neteyam with an acute look. Lortirea communicated her happiness for Naia, warmth and light pouring through their bond and Naia beamed in return. She felt a little guilty then. Lortirea must have been so happy too to have found a mate in Tompa, and Naia wondered if she would have perhaps realised this sooner had she not been so engrossed in and stuck in her own head about Neteyam.

Sensing her rider’s thoughts, Lortirea sent a trickle of reassurance to Naia that it was alright that she had not noticed. A deep, puffing breath blew from Lortirea then and an aching discomfort reached Naia, clenching low in her abdomen. Naia understood her familiar’s message. She was not done laying. She was expecting another egg soon.

“We should go.” Naia murmured to Neteyam, “Let’s give them some peace. She’s still laying.”

Breaking the bond with Lortirea, Naia bid her ikran goodbye and even managed to give Tompa a congratulatory pat on the snout. She joined Neteyam on Tompa who then took to the skies again to return them to the edge of the rookery.

***~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***

Having had to abandon their plans of an evening flight due to the happy surprise, Naia and Neteyam retired to their grotto. Relaxing by the firelight, the raspy chafe of a blade against a sharpening stone mingled with the crackling of the fire as Neteyam deftly sharpened Naia’s dagger.

Glancing down at her own task, Naia pulled a needle and thread through the purple fabric of the old flying shawl, carefully patching a hole in it. She smiled gently to herself, overjoyed at her ikran’s impending motherhood. Lortirea would be out of action for a few days while she recuperated after laying. Her eggs would not hatch for a couple of moons, but ikran were social creatures with complex flock structures. While the care of young was primarily the mated pair’s responsibility, other closely related ikran would often step in to rear the younglings too.

“I can’t believe they’ve mated.” Naia breathed, still elated by the discovery.

Neteyam grinned in agreement, nodding, “And Eywa has blessed them with offspring too.”

His eyes met Naia’s across the hearth and her glee was apparent in her lash-framed eyes. He quietly wondered if their ikrans’ mating was a sign of good fortune for their own bond. Perhaps the Great Mother would bless him and Naia too; bless them so the council would vote to allow him to mate Naia and still reclaim his birthright.

The council vote around his requested condition was taking place at tonight’s meeting. They were likely deliberating at this very moment.

While Naia was his priority, Neteyam had had plenty of time over the last two weeks to mull over the situation of the proposition. He had never envisaged leading the Omatikaya again after forfeiting his birthright, but faced with the opportunity now, he felt hopeful prospect bloom in his soul. He wanted to make his parents proud and succeed his father like he had prepared to for most of his life, but it did not change the fact that Naia was the deciding factor. He would still walk away from the offered position if the council did not grant his request.

Focusing on the scrape of the dagger against the whetstone, Neteyam battled the urge to tell Naia about the council’s proposition. He had tamped down the urge several times before already. Part of him felt bad for keeping her in the dark and another part of him justified his decision because he knew Naia, and he knew how she would react.

Naia was loyal to her clan and she loved her people dearly. She disliked Tupou and her outlook on the entire matter would mirror everyone else’s. She would push him to accept because he was the best candidate. If things did not unfold in their favour, Neteyam knew there was a high chance she would withdraw from him and throw what they had aside for the greater good of the clan. He was not having that, which is why he would make this decision on his own and tell her after.

Naia’s next words broke the comfortable silence they shared and her words were uncanny considering Neteyam’s inner musings, “I received a blessing from the Great Mother this morning.”

Neteyam glanced up and cocked his head with a raised brow, “You did?”

“Yes. We were saying our prayers at the Tree of Souls. Your grandmother wanted to go down there. She said there’s an important matter before the clan council and she wanted to beseech Eywa to guide them.”

A niggling lump of unease stuck in Neteyam’s throat and he swallowed it down quickly, “Did my grandmother say what the matter being discussed was?”

Naia shook her head with a sheepish laugh, her fingers moving subconsciously to caress the pendant at her chest, “I didn’t even think to ask. I was too stuck in my own head, still riding the high of last night.” The smile she directed at Neteyam then was equal parts bashful and bold. He winked and blew her a cheeky kiss in return.

Giggling, Naia continued, “I was thanking the Great Mother for bringing you home safe, for bringing you back to me. And then all these atokirina wafted down from the canopy and they came to rest around me. Your grandmother says it’s Eywa’s blessing on us.”

Naia’s words heartened Neteyam, renewing the hope in his chest for a favourable outcome from the clan council. He hoped she was right and he briefly sent his own prayer of intention to the Great Mother. There was a meeting planned for dawn tomorrow morning, where the council would deliver their verdict to him, Tupou and Leylani. Tarsem would be present as olo’eyktan and his grandmother as tsahìk. “I’m blessed to have you, Naia. Oel ngati kameie.”

Naia’s response was a wide smile and she returned the sentiment by performing the gesture with one hand. “It doesn’t have to be lethally sharp,” She remarked then as he returned to honing the blade of her dagger, “I only use it for cutting stems and fruit when I’m working.”

Neteyam shook his head, unimpressed, “Yeah? Well you might need it one day to defend yourself and then what? The blade isn’t completely blunt, but it definitely isn’t sharp enough to penetrate if you had to stab something.”

Naia gave a sceptical snort in response. She narrowed her eyes at him, admiring the flexing muscles of his forearms with the quick strikes he was making with the blade against the whetstone. She was in a frisky mood now that they were alone and in the privacy of their hideaway. The sensual memory of their previous night together replayed in the forefront of her mind and she felt flutters of anticipation in her stomach at the thought. It was as if Neteyam had awakened a previously dormant side of her. Her body burned to feel his touch again and her mind was curious to explore him further.

Setting her work down, Naia crawled on all fours to join him where he sat across the fire from her and she pressed her side against his, “And who exactly am I defending myself from, hmm? From strange men who swoop down on me unsuspectingly after being away for many years?”

Neteyam’s lips peeled back into a smirk at her reference to his first night back when he had found her asleep and vulnerable here in the grotto. All jokes aside though, that was exactly the kind of situation he was warning her about, “Yes. You never know what ill intentions people have or when they’ll spring them on you.”

Trailing her fingertips slowly down his arm, Naia’s hand came to rest on his wrist, stopping his movements. Deciding her dagger was more than sharp enough, she carefully took it from him and returned it to its sheath on the ground. Taking both of his hands in hers, she squeezed them and massaged her thumbs against his upturned palms, “Did you have ill intentions for me, Neteyam? Should I have used my knife on you that night?”

Naia’s tone was coquettish and her flirting was rapidly heating Neteyam’s blood. A playful smile was dancing on her lips and her golden eyes sparkled impishly in their depths. A corner of his lips upturned at her mischief and he murmured, “You might not have stabbed me with it, but you certainly showed intention of using it.”

She stroked a hot hand over his chest and leaned in to purr by his ear, “Somehow that’s not the kind of penetration I have in mind when I think of you.”

An audible gasp left Neteyam at her unabashed remark, the points of his ears springing upright in keen attention. The floodgates of his desire flew open and it sent unbridled lust coursing through his system. Turning to face Naia, he clasped her jaw with one hand and brought his lips to hers in a scorching kiss. The resulting moan that left Naia was so wanton that he felt it like a lascivious stroke over his cock. He coaxed her mouth open and her tongue swept against his in a sensual tango. However, when he tried to manoeuvre her to the ground beneath him, she pulled away with a teasing nip to his bottom lip.

Chuckling at the growl Neteyam emitted when her teeth snagged on his lip, Naia pushed away from him and rose to her feet. She backed away from him leisurely, her eyes never leaving his as he watched her hungrily from his lowered stance kneeling on the ground. She felt a rush of confidence when she realised how aroused he already was. His breaths were deep, breathing roughly through parted lips. He was not even trying to conceal his need and his blistering gaze raked down her body.

She turned around then, continuing forward towards the nest of blankets on the other side of the grotto, accentuating each step with deliberate sway of her hips. Naia cast him an enticing smile over her shoulder and Neteyam sprang up in the next moment, tackling and tumbling her onto the softer surface of rug rolls and throws. Naia could not suppress the squeal of laughter that escaped her at the contact and they wrestled excitably for control.

Neteyam aimed several nips and kisses at her face and neck, his fingers ghosting over her ribs where he knew she was ticklish. Naia squirmed with laughter, trying and failing to roll away from him while he attempted to pin her down.

Clasping a hand over Neteyam’s mouth to halt the gratifying assault he was wreaking with his lips, Naia stopped him with a coy shake of her head, “You took the lead last night. It’s my turn. I want to explore you at my leisure.”

“You want to explore me?” Neteyam’s voice was a muffled murmur, his lips obscured by her palm. He was tickled by her choice of words.

Naia giggled before she schooled her expression into one of mock seriousness and said, as evenly as possible, “Yeah, for educational purposes you know? As a healer.”

Neteyam snorted in response. She sat upright then and he felt her place one of her hands against his chest, urging him to lie flat on his back with a deliberate press downward. Intrigued by whatever she was up to, he let her position a soft roll beneath his head and lay still, peering up at her expectantly with a quick retort, “I’m sure you’ve seen many naked men before as a healer.”

Kneeling alongside him, Naia ran her fingers over his muscular torso. She tested the firm pectorals of his chest and trailed appreciative fingertips over the grooved definition of his abdominal muscles. She grinned naughtily at him as her fingers trailed lower to toy with the fabric of his loincloth, “Yes, but my patients don’t come to me like this.”

Neteyam’s hips jerked violently when Naia’s next action was to deliberately palm his erection, and he grunted through gritted teeth. She added, “Usually, they come to healers when things don’t work, not when they work perfectly.”

Undoing the garment at his pelvis, she pushed the fabric out of the way and sat back to look at him. In the flickering firelight of the grotto, she could see him much better now than when compared to the gentle bioluminescence of the cavern the previous night. Naia felt a creeping heat prickle all over her and she was sure she flushed violet to the tips of her ears when her mouth watered. He was beautiful there too, like the rest of him, cerulean blue and standing proud with a delicately pink tip.

“Anything of concern, zeykoyu (healer)?” Neteyam teased, “Taking good notes?”

Naia was struck dumb in her appreciation of his body and all she managed was a blushing eyeroll in response. Great Mother, he was perfection… and this man was hers? Her own body hummed with carnal anticipation at the memory of how they had joined previously, the perfect hardness of him filling her to a satisfying fullness. She was a bit taken aback, if she was honest. He was impressive in size and she wondered that she had not felt more discomfort than she had last night.

Reaching out to touch him, she felt gratifying empowerment when Neteyam whined in pleasure at her touch. She noted the strokes and caresses that elicited the noisiest responses from him, marvelling at how she had reduced such a powerful creature to a writhing state before her. The feel of him hot and hard in her hands was an exercise in patience for her. Her desire pulsed tantalisingly between her thighs and pricked at the tips of her nipples. Her own body yearned to be breached.

One of Neteyam’s hands maintained a rigid grip on her thigh, his fingertips digging into her supple flesh while her hands wound him closer and closer to his breaking point. If she wanted him tonight then she was going to have to stop or everything would be over before it started.

As if reading his thoughts, Naia purred out a question, “How do you feel? Is that good?”

Nodding tightly with a grimace, his answer was strangled as he fought to maintain control, “Eywa, yes. You make me feel like a wild animal.”

She ceased her stroking and her hands moved to undress herself. The covering over her breasts went first and then she stood to shimmy out of her loincloth. This left Naia bare with nothing but his soul-gift adorning her neck. Neteyam had to bite down hard on his bottom lip to stop himself losing control and succumbing to climax at the sight.

Eager to have him now, Naia gingerly stepped over him and lowered herself to straddle his hips. She felt a flurry of nerves seize her and she thought to herself that she did not really know what to do next. She knew they could join this way, had heard women talking of different positions, but her inexperience made her uneasy.

Facing him now with the throbbing heat of his erection nestled against where she ached most, Naia gazed upon his handsome face. A sheen of perspiration sat on his skin and his phosphorescent spots glowed brightly against the lightly flushed cobalt of his cheeks, but it was his eyes that made Naia pause. His pupils were dilated wide and dark, leaving only a thing ring of his green-gold irises around them, and in their depths Naia could see his barely reigned desire.

Another wave of empowerment and fulfilment rolled through her when she realised he was being obedient and letting her have control because she had requested so. Neteyam respected her as an equal and cared for her wishes; again, something that a man like Tupou would never have done in such a situation. Naia imagined Tupou liked to be in control, especially in matters often considered a man’s domain.

Grounding herself with two hands against his chest, Naia licked her lips and repositioned herself anxiously, “I don’t really know what I’m doing. I hope I’m not doing this wrong.”

Neteyam gave a husky chuckle, settling warm hands on her hips, “You could never do this wrong. Not when you’re so perfect the way you are, wearing nothing but my soul-gift around your neck.” He guided her nonetheless, coaxing her to raise her hips a little while he positioned himself with one hand at her core.

Naia felt his flesh slip against her easily and when the tip of his cock settled into place at her entrance, she sank down slowly until she was fully seated, her mouth falling open in silent awe. There was no burning discomfort this time, just a delicious stretch as she coupled them in the most intimate of ways. A ragged groan came from Neteyam beneath her and his face was a sensual grimace. She tested out some movement, lifting her hips up and down gradually, and savouring the muted curses from the man beneath her.

Neteyam guided her hips and he hissed out between panted breaths, “Just move how it feels good for you.”

Naia found rolling her hips back and forth was much more pleasurable and she did as she was told, grinding herself against his pubic bone. A throbbing beat of pleasure soon overtook her as she settled into a rhythm, and soft whimpers gurgled from her involuntarily. Her fingernails scored the skin of Neteyam’s chest, but the light pain only served to heighten his own enjoyment further.

Neteyam observed Naia through half-lidded eyes, adoring the way the soft globes of her breasts quivered with each deliberate push and roll of her hips. He reached out with a hand to squeeze one breast gently, flicking his thumb over the stiff point of her nipple. She whimpered in delight, grinding her hips down harder while she chased her pleasure. Her movements became more frenetic then and her gasping breaths increased in pitch.

Naia was so close. Her pleasure was teetering on the precipice, tormenting her with the promise of a rapturous plummet and yet, she could not quite get there. The muscles in her thighs burned from the exertion and her knees were starting to hurt. She needed more. She wanted to be surrounded by all of Neteyam and drown in the masculinity of him.

Perhaps it was testament to their bond, because Neteyam shifted then, sitting upright to wrap both arms around her. The heat of his mouth and tongue branded her nipples as he venerated each breast in turn. Deciding he needed to taste more of her, Neteyam rolled them in a graceful flip so that he was nestled above her and between her thighs. So fluid was their change in position that his body never broke the intimate fusion with hers.

Naia sighed in gratification as the new position relieved the strain in her thighs. Neteyam’s strokes were long and deep as he thrusted and his mouth sought hers again. He surged over her, his hard flesh stoking Naia’s pleasure onward, hurtling her towards the burst of ecstasy she yearned for. Her hands clutched at his jaw and her senses were saturated by the passion of the kisses he gifted her between groaning breaths.

With an uninhibited cry, Naia soared over the edge and for several blissful moments everything detonated in a flurry of sensation around her. The flutter and clench of her core around Neteyam’s cock brought on his own orgasm, and he erupted inside her with a strangled growl punctuated in-between by heaving breaths.

Unadulterated joy burst inside Naia’s heart and she stroked soothing hands over the slick muscles of Neteyam’s back while they both caught their breath. There were not enough words or declarations of love to express how much she loved him, and after the Great Mother’s blessing earlier that morning, Naia felt certain that nothing could tear them apart.

***~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***

The clan council had voted to deny his request.

If Neteyam thought he looked disappointed, Tupou looked even more dour by his right side. Leylani’s sigh was quiet on his left and she cast Neteyam a fretful expression, knowing what his imminent response would be to the half-circle of six council elders gathered before them.

“Tradition must be upheld! All have voted in support of this and it shall be so.” Boomed one of the wizened councillors, Tama, the braids of his hair a sable mix of salt and pepper now in his old age, “We Omatikaya have come from a long line of ancestors where the olo’eyktan and tsahìk have led us, mated for life in the name of our Great Mother.”

Another elder cast an unceremonious stare at Mo’at and Tarsem who were seated to the side, “One extenuating circumstance is no reason to abandon tradition entirely.”

Mo’at scowled at the jab towards her daughter and Jake. Had Neytiri been present, she would have spoken out and reminded the council of Jake’s many sacrifices and his great honour of being Toruk Makto, but Mo’at knew to hold her tongue lest she rile the council further.

Tarsem’s shoulders sagged in frustration. His son was loathe to continue his role as successor, but Tupou would have no choice in the event that Neteyam declined. While Tarsem did have an executive vote as clan chief, it was not often that the olo’eyktan would decree to overturn an entire council’s unanimous decision. Even that seemed one step too far.

Thrusting a wrinkled hand out towards Neteyam, Tama addressed him, “Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk’itan, what is your answer?”

After the blessed contentment of the last couple of nights with Naia, and especially after she had told him of her blessing from Eywa, this was really not how Neteyam had envisioned this morning to unfold.

With a deferential bow of his head, Neteyam spoke, “I thank the council for their proposition and for considering my request in turn. However, in light of your verdict, I would like to respectfully decline the proposal to reclaim my birthright. My condition was a non-negotiable for me. I apologise if this isn’t the outcome everyone hoped for.”

Tupou suppressed a curse under his breath, but his impudence did not go unnoticed.

The loud clucking of a disapproving tongue resonated through the shelter as a female elder, Sanuri, shook her head. Her gaze was censorious as she regarded Neteyam and Tupou, “Such wilfulness in the younger generation! One refuses to better himself to take on the responsibility, and the other is the ideal candidate but refuses to reclaim his birthright and serve in the role. Where is your loyalty? Where is your love for this clan?!”

“Indeed, I would like to better understand your objection to Leylani who would be your betrothed tsakarem, that you even made such a request, Neteyam.” Tama added.

Leylani’s head was shaking in time with Neteyam’s as he too shook his head to refute the statement. The elders were misunderstanding his position. He responded, “I don’t have any objection to Leylani, elder Tama. It isn’t the prospect of being mated to her that I find objection with. It’s that I’ve already chosen another.”

Neteyam’s admission caused silence to fall among the elders and several of them cocked their heads in confusion.

Tama frowned, “You are not mated. You did not return from the Metkayina with a mate. Will you leave us again and return to the reefs for this woman?”

“No, my intended is here. She is Omatikaya-”

“Hah!” Sanuri’s laugh was emphatic and full of cynicism, “You have not even been back one moon cycle and already you think you have a found an Omatikaya woman to take as a mate? You will throw away your birthright for this woman you have romanced for mere weeks?”

Several other elders chortled in agreement and Tarsem held a rigid arm up to silence them, “Quiet, mawey! Perhaps you would better understand Neteyam’s reasons, Sanuri, if you let him speak? This proposition was a choice after all.”

Sanuri snarled austerely and rolled her eyes, “He has already displayed wilful disregard for the greater good of our people, I can’t see how-”

Frustrated at being interrupted, and affronted by Sanuri’s insinuation that he had made his choice of mate so flippantly, Neteyam’s ire broiled over within him. His voice rang out as he spat in return at the female elder, “You speak of wilfulness and my lack of loyalty, and you ridicule my decision without fully comprehending my place! I disagree! My loyalty has never wavered.”

Mo’at’s heart swelled with pride as she watched her grandson command the attention of the entire shelter. Great Mother bless him, and bless our clan… He is the future leader we need.

As quiet befell the space again, Neteyam seized the opportunity to continue, “Before my family was forced to leave this clan, when my birthright was still mine, I was promised to another. There was no formal betrothal announced, but it was understood that tradition would be upheld and that I would one day mate my tsakarem. My loyalty to that woman has never wavered. I did not return to the Omatikaya to reclaim my birthright, I returned to claim her.”

Stunned silence ensued as understanding washed through the councillors.

“Manaia?” Tama queried softly.

Dipping his head to acknowledge the elder’s answer, Neteyam took a deep breath and reiterated his standpoint, “Yes, so with the utmost respect, if the council won’t allow me to reclaim my birthright with Manaia as my intended, then I must decline.”

Sanuri gave a dramatic sigh and massaged her temples like a headache had spontaneously bloomed at the mention of Naia’s name, “Ugh, all this defiance started with Manaia in the first place! It was why we had to formally appoint Leylani as tsakarem in her stead because Manaia relinquished her position!”

Leylani watched with rising irritation as the other elders chimed in again with similar complaints, collectively griping over the dangers of the younger generation forfeiting tradition amidst their wilful ways. The meeting had derailed entirely. It had become less about finding a suitable successor now and more about stamping disobedience out of the young.

There was a simple solution and Leylani saw it clear as day. Albeit Leylani was the only one who could propose it. She was the only one present with the right to do so. She could achieve what the clan needed.

She knew in the depths of her heart what she had to do.

***~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***

Naia diligently gathered the soiled mats and cloths from around the tsahìk’s hut, piling them into the designated laundry pail for washing later.  She smiled to herself at the whispers and quiet coos of the new parents as they enjoyed their time with their new baby behind a wooden partition that had been erected at one side. The earthy smell of blood and afterbirth was piquant in her nostrils, but Naia maintained that it was the joyous smell of new life.

Little Amiria had been born quickly after a precipitous labour, rushing into the world with the dawn of the new day. The little one had been jubilantly received by her mother and father, Mere and Teira, and she had arrived just in time for Mo’at and Leylani to still attend the council meeting that had been planned for early that morning. Naia did not mind being left to clean up; she found washing laundry oddly therapeutic and she enjoyed the verdant serenity of the small spring near High Camp which the clan used as a washpool.

Teira stepped out from behind the partition and his eyes were bright, his toothy smile even brighter. He was bursting at the seams with the euphoria of newfound fatherhood and he approached Naia to give her a hug, “Irayo (thank you), Manaia. My daughter is here safe and my mate is as well as she can be.”

“Congratulations, brother. Amiria is absolutely beautiful. May Eywa bless your family abundantly.”

“I’m hard-pressed to leave my girls, but the day’s hunting party will be leaving soon.” Teira lamented with a slight pout, “I’ll leave them in your capable hands.”

“They’ll be here waiting when you return. Eywa ngahu.”

Setting the pail of dirty laundry down, Naia stood by the hut entrance and waved Teira off on his way. She turned to clean her hands in a washbowl nearby before picking up the wooden bowl of mixed grains, seeds, fruit and pa’li milk that Mo’at had prepared for the new mother before she left. Knocking softly with her knuckles on the wooden partition to signal her arrival, Naia stepped around it and seated herself before Mere.

 “Oel ngati kameie, sister.” Naia breathed, feeling tender emotion swell in her chest at the sight of her friend, cradling her baby close to her bare chest, “You were so strong, Mere. You did so well!”

Mere’s face was drawn from exhaustion, but her joy shone vividly in her golden orbs, “Irayo. I’m so glad she is here now and I’m glad that ordeal is over. It’s the hardest thing I’ve had to endure. Even my trials as a warrior through the Long War can’t compare.”

Naia burrowed a small wooden scoop into the bowl of food and gingerly lifted it to Mere’s lips, “Here, eat. You must be hungry and the nutrition will help your milk to come in.” The spoonful of food was gratefully accepted and Mere groaned in satisfaction, eliciting chuckles from them both.

The baby snuffled gently at her mother’s breast, her tiny limbs still wrinkled and scrunched tight from the many moons spent compacted in her mother’s womb. Naia looked on with affectionate awe at the downy hairs on the baby’s head that surrounded a neural whip that was tucked against Mere’s forearm. Amiria’s little tail was curled adorably against her back, complete with a signature tuft at its end.

Mere grinned through a mouthful of food, “Would you like to hold her?”

Naia grinned, but shook her head. Truth be told she did want to cuddle the little one, but her healer’s knowledge told her now was not the best time, “No, she needs to be kept against you. Skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby is important during the first several hours.”

“You’ll have your own baby one day, sister.”

Mere’s pronouncement took Naia a little by surprise. She had never really given having children any thought. After all, it was not long ago that she thought she would never mate anyone, much less have children of her own. However, the thought of what she shared with Neteyam now and the sight of little Amiria caused a fresh frond of hopefulness to unfurl.

Warmth fluttered in her tummy and Naia’s lips upturned in a shy smile; she would gladly welcome little ones of her own if Neteyam fathered them. She would give him as many children as he wanted, Eywa willing.

Soft snickers from Mere brought Naia back to the present, “Judging by the lovestruck look on your face, I daresay maybe one day in the not-so-distant future?”

Naia’s automatic reaction was to roll her eyes and she offered her friend another mouthful of food with a sheepish expression.

Carefully reclining a little more against the cushioning of rolls behind her, Mere readjusted her baby on her chest and reached out to pluck the bowl of breakfast from Naia, “Come, I can feed myself. I’m starting to feel decrepit with you feeding me. You have other work to attend to, sister. I’ll call out if I need anything.”

“Alright,” Naia chuckled, “Leylani and tsahìk Mo’at won’t be long, I don’t think. Tsahìk will want to check you and the baby again when she returns.”

Leaving the new mother in peace with her baby, Naia wandered to stand by the hut entrance again where she had left the pail of dirty laundry. Smoke was still billowing out from the top of the council meeting shelter in the distance. She wondered what was of such importance that a morning meeting was called. The council’s usual routine was to meet in the evenings at the end of the work day.

A lone figure exited the shelter then, lean legs taking long strides away from it with purpose. Naia cocked her head in surprise; she would recognise Neteyam’s strapping frame anywhere. He had not mentioned anything to her about attending this morning’s council meeting. She could see that a frown marred his features and the set of his shoulders was tense.

A second figure rushed out of the meeting shelter a moment later, a woman this time; Leylani. Naia watched as Leylani quickened her pace to catch up to Neteyam and she caught his wrist to halt his departure. He turned to face her and they struck up a conversation. Squinting to see them better, Naia saw Neteyam’s expression morph into one of astonishment before he shook his head. Naia’s curiosity was instantly piqued. What were they speaking about? Something to do with the council meeting probably…

Naia knew she was being nosy, but she really wished she could hear what they were saying. She saw Leylani take both of Neteyam’s hands in hers, speaking animatedly to him. She appeared to be trying to convince him of something. Leylani released one of Neteyam’s hands to settle one of her hands on his broad chest and she smiled at him warmly. His face mirrored hers then in a beaming smile of his own and he enveloped her a tight hug.

Their warm hug ended with Leylani snagging Neteyam’s wrist again and leading him keenly back into the meeting shelter. They disappeared back through the entry flaps and Naia’s brow furrowed in puzzlement. Green envy began to simmer low in Naia’s belly and she quashed the feeling, rebuking her insecurities and chastising herself for being silly. Leylani and Neteyam were friends and there was nothing wrong with friends hugging each other.

The doubtful part of Naia added a final quip about Neteyam not being allowed to hug his friends if they were exceedingly beautiful women…

Naia made a mental note to ask Leylani how the council meeting went when she returned to the healers’ hut. Council affairs were generally confidential, but that was not going to stop Naia fishing for any titbits to satisfy her curiosity. Failing all attempts at wheedling information out of Leylani, she would have a second go at prying with Neteyam tonight.

***~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***

The day had only gotten stranger since Naia had first spied Leylani and Neteyam speaking outside the meeting shelter. She had not noticed at first, but as Naia went about her business during the day laundering cloths and gathering more herbs, she saw several people cast abject looks at her. Some people even suspiciously stopped their talking and whispering as she went past. Weird.

Leylani and Mo’at had returned to the healers’ hut in good spirits. Leylani appeared most cheerful, almost springing about the place with quiet optimism. Naia had tried to squeeze information out of her about the council meeting and what the reason was for her high spirits, but all she had received in return from her friend was a glowing smile and a retort that it was not her place to say, and that Neteyam would tell her about it tonight.

The high heat of the day was starting to get to Naia and she ran the back of her wrist over her forehead to sweep away beading spots of perspiration. She made her way to the area behind the stronghold where woven lines had been nailed and strung between jagged rocks so the clan could put their washing out to dry. Eclipse was not due to begin for several hours yet, but the warmth of the day would have more than dried the cloths she had washed earlier that morning and it was best to take them down now before they dried to stiff crisp.

A group of giggling and conversing young women were standing a short way away from Naia as she began collecting her clean washing, and her sensitive ears pricked as she caught wisps of their conversation.

“… maybe he’ll finally ask me to be with him… this is what he’s wanted for a while…”

“You think so?”

“… the council hasn’t announced anything…”

“… it’s pretty much confirmed… he said Neteyam has accepted the proposition…”

“… everyone is talking about it now anyway…”

“… they would make such beautiful babies together… can you imagine?”

“… Neteyam’s eyes and Leylani’s lips…”

By now, Naia was staring outright at the cluster of young women. Eavesdropping was rude, but she could not help herself especially after hearing Neteyam’s name thrown around. One of the women caught Naia’s eye and she quickly swatted her friends about their thighs sheepishly. Their soft conversation ground to a halt as the other three pairs of eyes followed their friend’s gaze to land on a perplexed Naia.

The knit between Naia’s brows was deepening as her brain replayed the fragments of their words. What was going on? What were they talking about? The sickening feeling of being left out of the loop was creeping up her spine and Naia felt pins and needle start to tingle in her hands and legs. She hated feeling like everyone else knew something that she did not.

“What are you talking about?” Naia’s lips formed the words before she could stop herself.

Four pairs of bashful eyes flitted about, looking at each other uncertainly before one of the girls, Kikuna, piped up, “Haven’t you heard? Neteyam accepted the council’s proposition this morning.”

“What proposition?” Naia’s words produced even more doubtful glances from the group, and there were those apologetic looks again, as if there was something awful about to happen that Naia was unaware of.

“Neteyam has apparently agreed to reclaim his birthright as successor. That’s what this morning’s meeting was about.”

Numbness began to overwhelm Naia and her heart began to pound in her chest. An unsettling buzz whined in her ears and she blinked in bewilderment at Kikuna’s response. What? Neteyam had reclaimed his birthright?

Swallowing the build-up of saliva in her cheeks, Naia posed yet more enquiries, “Who did you hear this from? What’s happened to Tupou?”

Kikuna’s lips pursed and her expression contorted into a rueful moue, “Oh, I heard this morning from Tupou. He wanted to step down when Neteyam returned. The council has been deliberating over this for the last couple of weeks. There’s been no formal announcement, but Tupou said it’s all done and Neteyam has agreed.”

Kikuna was close to Tupou. There had been rumours swirling around the clan for many moons now that the two were close in the romantic sense of the word. There was no reason for Tupou to lie to her. If Kikuna had heard the news from Tupou then what she said must be true. If Neteyam had reclaimed his birthright, it meant he would succeed Tarsem as olo’eyktan, and as clan chief he would be mated to the tsahìk; to Leylani.

Naia felt completely blindsided. She was stunned into silence. Part of her wondered if she was dreaming. Neteyam had said nothing to her about any of this. She felt a cool hand touch her arm then and she realised Kikuna had approached her, a look of concern colouring the girl’s face.

“Are you alright, Manaia?” Kikuna asked quietly, “I’m surprised you don’t know. I thought Neteyam would have-” Kikuna did not get to finish her sentence.

Snatching the woven basket of clean linen from the ground, Naia swivelled on heel and began marching away, ignoring the calls of the woman behind her. An aching pain had begun to worm its way through her chest and she was dimly aware that her breaths were starting to hitch. Her panic was rising rapidly as she strode quickly back towards the healers’ hut.

Suddenly, her heart felt like a frenzied battleground of emotion. Naia was confused, alarmed and distressed, among many other feelings she could not tack down and identify in that moment. Beneath it all, the sharp sting of betrayal made itself known. Why had Neteyam not said anything to her? Was it true? Had he agreed to mate Leylani to reclaim his birthright?

Stumbling into the healers’ hut, the basket of laundry tumbled out of her arms and Naia met Leylani’s startled gaze at her sudden re-entry.

Leylani was rocking a sleeping baby Amiria in her arms and the image sent a woeful pang through Naia. Was she looking at Leylani’s future? Would she and Neteyam lead this clan as a mated pair and make beautiful babies like the women before had said?

Naia thought of Leylani’s cheerful demeanour and her unconcealed happiness from earlier this morning. Of course, she would be happy at Neteyam’s acceptance of the proposition. She would be rid of pig-headed Tupou as a prospective mate and olo’eyktan. It made her life as future tsahìk much better. Neteyam was all-round a much better choice of successor…

Through rapidly blurring eyes, Naia gathered her little sling-bag of personal belongings from her work station and fled the hut without a backward glance, her prickling ears deaf to Leylani’s troubled calls of her name.

Great Mother, Naia needed to get away… Her world was crumbling around her, just like that fateful day all those years ago when Neteyam had left for the reefs. Right now, she just needed to be anywhere else but here. High Camp felt suffocating in the wake of her mounting horror. Now that she knew the reason, she would not hang around and suffer the pitiful glances any longer.

Streaking through the stronghold, Naia ran as fast as her legs would carry her. She did not know where she was going or whether she would return home tonight.

By Eywa, if the news was true and Neteyam had forsaken their love, Naia did not want to return home at all.

***~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***

Author’s Note: OMG poor Naia... Are you all confused?? What is happening???! I promised you all some angst, so angst I give you! Thank you all for your support, reblogs and likes!

Chapter 5 - Doubt No More

[marauroon]

i heard open requests??? anyway if you can, maybe sirius with a reader who's just the epitome of whimsical? THANK YOUUU take your timeee

── .✦ 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬. (𝐬.𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤)

you’re strange, odd, and yet sirius has never once questioned any aspect of your personality. you think it’s love.

sirius black x fem!whimsical!reader | 1.0k | fluff | masterlist.

You are a whirlwind of colour in a world that often feels a little too grey. A splash of paint in a monotone masterpiece, a wandering melody in a room full of silence.

You flit through life like a butterfly caught in a summer breeze—never quite landing, always in motion, always chasing the next moment of wonder.

And for some reason, Sirius Black has decided to follow you.

Which is strange, really; Because Sirius is sharp edges and quick wit, all rebellious fire and effortless cool. He’s the kind of person people write songs about—untamed and unafraid.

You, on the other hand, are… well, let’s be honest. You once spent twenty minutes talking to an owl just to see if it had any interesting gossip.

But here he is.

And, if the smirk tugging at his lips is any indication, he finds you absolutely ridiculous.

“Are you going to keep talking to that plant, or should I come back later?”

You gasp, scandalised, and throw your arms around the large, leafy fern in the corner of the Gryffindor common room. “Don’t be rude, Sirius! Fernanda has been nothing but kind to us,”

James snorts from where he’s lounging on the sofa. “You named the plant Fernanda?”

You nod seriously. “She told me her name herself,”

Sirius crosses his arms, his expression full of exaggerated skepticism. “Oh, did she? And what else did dear Fernanda tell you?”

You lean in conspiratorially, as if sharing a great secret. “She thinks your hair is too long,”

James howls with laughter. Remus, sitting nearby with his nose buried in a book, sighs deeply but doesn’t argue. And Sirius… well. Sirius watches you with something unreadable in his gaze.

You’re used to being laughed at—people don’t always know what to do with someone like you. But Sirius doesn’t laugh at you. He laughs because of you. There’s a difference, and you notice it.

—

Somehow, he becomes a permanent fixture at your side. You drag him into your world of absurdity, and, much to your delight, he doesn’t resist.

There’s the time you convince him to help you build a makeshift raft out of old broomsticks and attempt to sail across the Black Lake. (It sinks within three minutes, but Sirius insists it was a noble effort.)

Or the time you declare, with no context whatsoever, that you’re going to write a heartfelt apology letter to the portrait of the Fat Friar after accidentally bumping into it. (Sirius proofreads it for you and even adds a dramatic postscript: P.S. I shall never forgive myself for this most heinous crime. My soul is forever stained.)

And then there’s the time you find a stray cat on the school grounds and insist it’s an omen of good luck. Sirius, ever the enabler, helps you smuggle it into the Gryffindor dorms. The cat, whom you name Orion in his honour, promptly becomes best friends with him and takes to draping itself across his shoulders like some kind of bizarre fur scarf.

You catch him one evening, sitting by the fire, idly scratching Orion’s ears while absently listening to your latest ramblings about whether or not ghosts ever get bored.

“You’re a menace, you know that?” he mutters, but there’s no real bite to it.

You grin. “And yet, here you are,”

His eyes meet yours across the flickering light. There’s something soft in them. Something warm. “Yeah,” he says, almost to himself. “Here I am,”

—

You think you might love him.

Not in the way the poets describe, all aching hearts and longing sighs. No, loving Sirius Black feels like running downhill too fast, like the rush of wind through your hair when you’re flying, like the moment right before a laugh escapes.

It feels like freedom. Like joy.

And maybe—you hope—he feels the same.

Because when you drag him out onto the castle grounds in the middle of the night just to dance beneath the stars, he doesn’t roll his eyes or ask why. He just twirls you, laughing, as the moonlight glows silver in his hair.

Because when you hand him a daisy crown you spent far too long making, he doesn’t scoff or throw it away. He wears it, head held high, as if it’s a crown of gold.

Because when you stumble over your words, when your mind runs faster than your mouth and you get lost in your own tangents, he never rushes you. He just listens. Really listens.

And when you fall asleep beside him in the common room after a long day of nonsensical adventures, he drapes his cloak over you without a word.

Maybe love doesn’t always need grand declarations. Maybe, sometimes, it’s found in small moments. In laughter shared over stolen midnight snacks, in whispered conversations under enchanted ceilings, in the simple act of staying.

Sirius Black has always been a runner. But with you, he stays.

And that’s how you know.

[noirbriar]

Glorestor: 5 Times They Denied (5)

+ 1 time They Did Not.

From the POVs of the various folks around the 2 elves who are convinced they are courting, or betrothed, even though they were told otherwise.

Take this messy thing that is nearing the end! Here is a short palate cleanser between meals with our favourite hobbit adventurer in retirement waiting to call you out on your BS.

Also one dedicated and spicy part to @tamilhobbit , you will know which one ;)

---

5] Bilbo Baggins

“Curious isn’t it?”

Curious would probably be the last thing Bilbo Baggins would choose to describe the sight before him.

In fact, this is quite possibly the last thing he had expected to see when Lord Elrond called for his sons, the twin young princes of Rivendell, to give him a tour around the Homely House.

The old adventurer has been here enough times to know his way around.Though Bilbo really thinks the Lord is simply trying to take the opportunity to keep his sons out of certain mischief. If that playful glint in their eyes are anything to go by. He has seen that bright glint in far, far, far too many young fauntlings and Frodo with his cousins to miss that look.

Retirement now suits Bilbo well in his opinion, now that he has taken one last adventure with dear Bofur and Nori and his young apprentice to ease that restlessness in him. Even if he finds himself unable to step into that magnificent mountain once more. With the conclusion of his last journey, he lays down his walking stick and have moved into the peaceful elven haven that has ensnared his heart long ago. In a few short days, the peaceful valley of Elrond Half-elven had done wonders to his exhausted and tired old soul.

Elladan and Elrohir settles beside him, leaning on the elegant railings along the high garden pavilion.The setting sun illuminating the Valley in golden light. They have shown him the great libraries, the council rooms and lovely gardens. Not forgetting the amazing kitchens and the wondrous Hall of Fire.

Yet he finds this one that they have wondrously called 'Rivendell’s Most Unbelievable Wonder Through The Ages' the most bizarre of all.

"I'm not sure how this is...a thing?" Bilbo gives the twins a wary eye, uncertain how he should feel about this with a willowy wave of his hand to gesture at whatever he is seeing before him.

In response, the twins' smiles grow wider and bright. Although the joy of the young Lords of Rivendell sends a dull wrenching twang into his heart. For once upon a time, he knew two young princes who shared the same bright smiles and playfulness in their eyes.

No, no, stop. Don't go back down that hole you silly old Baggins. Not here, not now.

“Oh, its a thing alright! Do not be deceived, Master BIlbo! Even if they deny it to this very day. In fact," at that point, Elladan draws nearer in a whisper, "every century, the whole House will update wagers on it."

"Aye! Isn't that right, Aerion?” Elrohir turns to ask the guardsman on duty nearby with a laugh. Even though said elven guard does not share the same mirthful sentiment with a careful look out of the corner of his eye to his young lords.

“Please don't bring me into this, my Lords. For I have no wish to have my guard duty extended by any means.” Elrohir and Elladan gave a loud laugh at that dry reply, which only serves to make the twins tease the tired guard even harder. Bilbo instead, takes the moment to watch on quietly as distant voices fade in the wind.

The two mighty guardians of Rivendell, Glorfindel and Erestor. Ephemeral and strong, walking alongside each other, gliding along the slender bridges by the waterfall gracefully like all of the elves seem to do. A serene scene of peace, as the golden haired elf bows down his head like a swan to allow his shorter companion to reach up and brush away the stray water droplets from his cheek. The fair Captain taking the opportunity to grasp those slender fingers, brushing a kiss on the back of the Chief Councillor's hand. His gentle lips lingering on soft skin. While the intimidating advisor simply indulges the balrog-salyer, allowing him his little whims.

The obviously private and tender moment brings forth another wave of old memories that Bilbo have laid to rest under rock and mountain, far in the East. Of a time long ago, almost as if it was yesterday, under the same setting sun. There upon the Carrock, where Bilbo once felt the warmth of another heart who had eyes that bore the colour of the endless sky.

No.

No,no,no. No reason to have those thoughts. He's gone, they are gone, its all in the past and he can do nothing to change that fact.

Bilbo shuts his eyes and smothers the beginnings of old memories resurfacing once more with his pain and regrets. Hands clenched in his empty coat pockets, grasping for the missing weight of his old trinket, before the old Hobbit simply sighs. He lets himself feel the sun on his skin, with the gentle air of Rivendell soothing his old soul, and he tries to breathe.

---

"-Oh and don't get me started on Court of the Vanyar! They make the Noldor Court seem simpler in comparison. It was all very stifling, to me at least, even when my family are only minor members of both Courts. Every clan had their own share of drama if I must say." Glorfindel shakes his head with a sigh, while focused on tidying his treasured trees. Their shapes lovingly sculpted and grown with painstaking care over the years in beautifully commissioned pots.

"Well, from what I have read about Finwe and his family, it very much reminded me of our own Hobbit families. Bothersome, is it not? It's probably the only thing I don't miss about the Shire. Especially the Sackville-Baggins! Oh, I do hope Frodo is dealing well with it all...But he's a smart lad, that he is!" Bilbo gives a small hum as he sips his cup of sweet hibiscus tea.

The tranquil garden and flora makes Bilbo feel at ease despite stressing over greatly early on being invited to tea in the Golden Lord's quarters. Much like their master, the many flowers in Glorfindel's private garden all bloom gracefully, beautiful and bright.

Glorfindel of Gondolin, Lindon, and now Imladris, had been an enigma. For it was only recently the hobbit had the chance to be acquainted with the legendary hero of song. Bilbo had not expected the balrog-slayer who have fought countless great wars to be this easy to get along. A very charming and animated ellon. His lively spirit shines like the light around him, golden and warm like the sun

The Captain too, had been curious about their newest resident and instantly felt connected to the hobbit once he saw Bilbo arrive into Rivendell with Sting tucked proudly by his side. The old Lord’s heart had gladden to find a relic of his past have landed into good hands. It was a little later they found that they had share a great love and interest for nature and tea, with the Lord keen in sharing his knowledge with the intriguing and scholarly second-born.

Looking at these lovely flowers is making Bilbo wonder how his own gardens in Bag End fair right now, but he knows young Samwise and the Gamgees are taking care of them well.

"To be honest I am not familiar, especially of Feanor's side. I was close to Fingolfin and Turgon only because my amil had been close to Lady Indis." At that Glorfindel seemed to pause and thought quietly for a minute with a thoughtful finger to his lips," Only Erestor would know, I suppose."

"The Chief Councillor? Was he truly close to Feanor and his sons as they say?" Bilbo pops a honey cake into his mouth, trying to remember the descendants of Finwe with as much accuracy as he could.

"Too young to know Feanor! Eres had served under Maedhros and Maglor, though he grew up in Thargelion under Caranthir. He's probably the only one left on this side of the Sea who knew all of Feanor's Sons and Celebrimbor. I don't recommend asking about it. It is, and remains... a difficult subject for him." With that Glorfindel lays down the tiny scissors in his hand, while brushing away any stray twigs.

"I noticed you both are very close, it is heartening to see such close bond you share." Bilbo quickly pours the ellon a cup of tea, who receives it gratefully. "Even if Lord Erestor seem to be a formidable individual to get along."

Indeed he was, for when the first time Bilbo had encountered the Lord, he was in a full blown rage at the apprentice scribes. The Hobbit just passing through the administrative halls with Lord Elrond when they hear Erestor berating the group of staff for a mistake with the invoices for timber and construction with heavy words. It was certainly quite an impression and a contrast to the Erestor he remembered seeing later on the bridge with Glorfindel. However, Bilbo has yet been able to make further acquaintance with the ever busy, and ever elusive advisor of Elrond.

"Oh, don't tell him I said this, Eres may look cold to all, but he's much like a chestnut! Prickly on the outside, but sweet on the inside! Even if he still refuses to help me trim these little ones while I'm on patrol!" Glorfidel gestures to his little trees that seem to be dancing in their pretty pots." Moving them into the shade is all he could do, he says! Is that not terrible? Said he did not want to water for fear of drowning them, which is very silly considering we are elves! These little ones can tell him how much water they require!"

The warrior and the hobbit laugh. Until Glorfindel turns to his flowers, caressing a celandine as the warrior's mood turns sombre.

"When all saw a flawless visage of an ideal Hero returned, it was only him who saw a broken soul who was made to fit a mould from the day he was born." Glorfindel admits quietly, as if its a shameful confession."I was so lost, so alone in all that noise. From Tirion to Gondolin and to Lindon...no one knew. Not even dear Ecthelion or Elgamoth. I realised later I had resented it."

Bilbo have no words as he watches Glorfindel's eyes glaze over, reminiscing of a time long past.

"I may be blessed by the Valar, but even I am no perfect being in Eru's Song. For that, I am grateful to have met Erestor in this second life, for he was the only one who dared called me out. He had opened my eyes, so that I can find the courage in myself… to simply be 'Glorfindel'. "

Bilbo froze, his teacup nearly slipping from his hand. A chill of deja-vu sends a chill down Bilbo's spine. A hand pulls up to his cravat while the other dug deep into his pocket with a tremble.

Fingers feeling a phantom touch of hands wrapped around an acorn and his own.The lingering touch of large warm palms that once laid hands on his bare neck burns. Of bloody hands full of calloused and scars growing cold in his own.

He snaps out of his thoughts just as quickly as it came. Foolish old Baggins! Old age has certainly muddled his mind. Best to have some tea to calm those damn thoughts as Glorfindel's voice began to grow clearer once more.

"-Well! He did punch my face in and then called me a friend and a 'fucking prideful twit and indecisive dick' all in the same breathe but-It was exhilarating!"

Bilbo spits out his tea.

---

-With a snarl, Mori makes a grab for Lote's hand, unwilling to let him leave. The Lord of the Moon tugs him back, pressing his full weight against the Lord of the Gardens against a tree, determined and unwilling to let his love flee once more. Eager lips crushing against the other in a hungry kiss. Each protest drowned out by the love they have as cries yearning for more fill the air.

Overcome by want and need, they tore their robes away, seeking for skin. To feel the other in desperation and assurance after everything, to join their souls once again.

In the midst of it all, the lovers have failed to notice the eyes of another watching them intently under the cover of emerald leaves. King Taur watches on, as he finally lets go, surrendering his desire to another who had claimed the heart of the mighty Lord. While the couple continue their passionate dance, as if nothing in this world mattered but the one in their arms-

"What are you reading that has captured your attention so, Bilbo?"

The old hobbit promptly snaps the book shut. A seemingly innocent leather bound novel in violet, with naught but a crescent moon and moonflower embossed artfully on the front. With a deep breath and some time to process what he have just read as years of proper, hobbitish decorum suppressed that undignified noise from his throat.

Which is ridiculous on second thought for he was a very old hobbit, not some young fauntling.

Bilbo then slowly tilts his head up to find Elrond watching him intently with a serene smile. The elf Lord of his new home who always seem to bear a soothing presence and eyes filled with wisdom of the ages.

"Good afternoon, Elrond! A pleasant day, is it not?" Bilbo greets, making light pleasantries to dispel any possible awkwardness present. All while scooting over from his spot on the garden bench."Come to enjoy the gardens too?"

"Well, I could use a break. At least, until Erestor hunts me down once more to peruse the trade agreement with Thranduil for the fifth time. Which is still five times too many, in my humble opinion. But do not tell him that." Elrond replies, shifting beside the hobbit comfortably, before he notices the innocent looking novel in his grasp. His dark eyes brightened at the sight of the cover.

"Ah,I see you have been reading one of Rivendell's most popular literary works. Long has it been since I have seen a new update! It is a rare collectable amongst those who live here, a book that appears in rare places, strangely enough. Celebrian had loved the series. She always did her best to seek out each new book to add to her collection." Elrond smiles, reaching a hand out to peek inside the pages.

"Oh, dear Elbereth! There is even illustrations now? How marvellous!"

"This? Truly?"Bilbo is baffled by Elrond's words and finds himself babbling on, a little embarrassed still to have been caught reading what was obviously a dramatic romantic saga.

"I just happened to be looking around your library, amazing collection, very impressive! Such splendid upkeep of history and culture, I daresay, even I'm inspired to pick up my quill to write something despite my procrastinations in translation of some lore! Oh what was I saying…Oh! Its just simply by sheer chance I spotted this book with such a lovely cover! Wonderful craft! It was tucked at the top. Awfully dreadful place, too high up, but Master Melpomaen was so very kind to help me get this. Although he did looked a little unusual and seemed a little reluctant to hand it over!"

"Of course. Considering this particular series is a contraband here."

Silence.

"I'm sorry but my ears seem to be failing me for I seem to not be hearing you quite clearly. Contraband? In Rivendell? For whatever reason could some simple romance literature be a 'contraband'?" Bilbo's fingers come up to do little gestures of a quote at the incredulous revelation, unable to wrap his head around the thought. A clearly ordinary romantic fiction, that is popular and well received by readers, a contraband in Rivendell where the greatest tomes and arts are to be found? Sounds rather foolish if you speak it aloud!

"Well, it is not banned, per say. More like its author is someone my Chief Councillor has been...eager, to meet for a very long time, to put it lightly." Elrond explains after a pause, only to receive a blank look from the gentlehobbit.

The robins chirp merrily and the tulips dances on while Bilbo blinks at the elven Lord.

"The main characters, do they not remind you of anyone?" Elrond tries again with a slight wave of his hand.

Actually, they do.

"Please do not tell me its Glorfindel and..."Bilbo takes a moment, "Lord Erestor."

"Ahhh, even an outsider has quickly caught on. Yes, that book has haunted my dear Councillor for many yeni. I am surprised to see the series surfacing once more and so soon this century." Elrond continues with an enthusiastic nod. Completely disregarding Bilbo's incredulous look and twitch of his nose while slowly processing the revelation as he studies the simple cover of the novel in amazement.

The sudden quiet rustling from the leaves above catches their attention.The elf and hobbit both look up.

Cold gold eyes peers down at them in a glower. The owl hoots balefully at the two.

"And very unfortunately, that is my cue to take my leave." The master of Rivendell mutters grimly before getting up with quick, silent steps. Not before he stops and back tracks a little after a short pause.

"Also, Bilbo, whenever you are done with that book, would you kindly let me have it?"

---

The stars glitter beautifully as a great fire burns brightly in the Hall of fire. The Captain is surrounded by his soldiers and a few of the Dunedain, playing a mannish drinking game involving some tavern songs with the minstrels joining in. Elrond on the other hand, did not looked too impressed that Elrohir and Elladan are playing along with some of the more bawdy ones.

However on the outer side of the Hall, Bilbo is unable to relax in the quiet corner despite the cheerful atmosphere. Even the lovely platter of cheeses and crackers on his lap cannot distract his scattered mind.

Lindir trills a jolly verse which ends with a round of laughter from all in the Hall. Meanwhile, his Baggins-ness demands him to ignore that implusive thought, even though the idea of leaving it alone does not sit well with Bilbo. It was a thought that has been nagging at him greatly for quite awhile yet it irks him to be so uncertain in how to address it.

Namely, to the one sitting right beside him.

Erestor seemed unbothered by the troubled hobbit beside him as he turns a page of Numenorian poetry in hand, occasionally picking up a berry dipped in sweet cream to nibble on with a delicate dessert fork from his plate. The perfect image of absolute control and composure.

His Tookish-ness finally bites.

"So, you and Glorfindel?"

Erestor pauses with his fork in mid-air and turns a side eye towards Bilbo. Observing in an almost unnerving silence. Before the Councillor lets out a heavy sigh, dropping his treat on his plate as if he is tired of answering the same old question repeatedly.

"We are not courting, if that is what you are asking." The quiet advisor replies flatly and then turns back to his book.

"Indeed, that is not."Bilbo takes a deep breath," rather, why are you both not? Its rather obvious you both are together if not, in love."

Erestor stills. The elf now turns his attention completely to the old hobbit. His silvery green eyes sharp and cold. Bilbo sees. This is not just any elf before him, but one who has seen far more bloodshed and violence, loss and sorrow, than a mere hobbit.

Yet Bilbo Baggins, previously of the Shire and of Bag End, is unfazed by this stern ellon's gaze. For nothing will ever compare to the cold eyes of stone glazed in cold molten gold. Not even the great piercing stare of an evil fire drake that towered over a gentlehobbit of the Shire. All the dreadful and cruel things, and all bearing the promises of fire and death.

"And what would you know of love, Master Bilbo?" The words are delivered quietly, piercing sharp like blades. Though not with disdain, but with cautious care. A true politician.

"I know because I had loved once, Lord Councillor." Bilbo leans his chin on his hand and gives a tired smile, slowly turning to stare into the fiery glow of the fire in the hall instead. As if the flames are burning him with old memories with snarls of wargs and the silhouette of the Pale Orc looming ahead. Of dragon fire and dwarrow leading a charge. Of a King fighting to the bitter end.

Of a beloved sitting close by his side in the quiet of night by the lake over the autumn moonlight.Warm, gentle hands beside his own.

"Love, I did." Bilbo continues to smile wistfully, reaching for those beloved memories that have kept calling out to him at long last, "And I will never again, at least until I find the Halls of Mahal."

Erestor turns fully now towards his companion, and Bilbo can feel the elf watching him with an unreadable gaze. Before he hears the shuffling of pages and a book being closed.

The laughter of men and elves resounds.

"Did they not know?"

"No.No... I never told him, even at the very end. Out of foolish hopes and denial I suppose. Afterall, what is a simple hobbit hoping to do, standing next to a King who bears a great legacy?" Bilbo lets out a helpless laugh as he wills the prickling in his eyes away.

"And why should a hobbit who bested a dragon not stand beside a King?" Erestor pushes on, seeking to understand the dilemma.

"Then why should two elven Lords of a great realm and esteem standing not be together in all sense of the word?" Bilbo counters.

There is no proper response as the two stare at the other, while the merry making crowd continues to sing.

"Its not that simple." Erestor finally whispers as he turns his eyes towards the dancing fire, where the soldiers are dancing to the beat. It was barely loud enough for Bilbo to catch on.

"Not if you keep overcomplicating it? To be alive, to be able eat and to drink and cheer and to feel the grass and stone beneath your toes with someone by your side... why worry about uncertain sorrow you have made for yourself?" Bilbo replies, before going on softly.

"Far better be it to love with your all now, even just once, then to regret what may be when its all too late. Time waits for no one, not even immortals."

The old adventurer stands, pushing away the plate of snacks to the elf and gives a slight nod, taking his leave. Erestor's eyes linger on, following the old hobbit as he walks away as laughter echoes on into the quiet of the night.

---

After he retires back into his room, Bilbo sits at his hobbit sized desk, watching Earendil glowing high above Rivendell.

Time is cruel. Time is fickle. But time will not stop him from meeting the One he loves again at the end of this winding road. Until then...he will not forget the gift he has been granted, walking out of his round green door.

The hobbit turns and looks at the crimson red leather journal in the corner of his desk. Old wrinkled fingers trailing along, tracing the texture of its leather cover. The bright laughter of two princes echoes in his mind with old friends, with the deep tenor of a beloved singing of home.

Bilbo dips a quill into ink as he begins to write.

---

A/N: When all else fails, always trust your resident Hobbit who has yet to address his deep PTSD.

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6)

[cedarnommer]

I think one thing that is increasingly confusing me is the people obsessively trying to push for like some universal definition of what a woman is. As a trans woman, I've thought about my gender identity and my sex for a long time now. I've always had this weird relationship with considering myself male trying to become female, always being a female but my soul being stuck in the wrong body, someone that's socially constructed themselves into feeling female, someone that had a genetic predisposition to being trans and sometimes wondering if what I'm doing absolves me of an identity.

I think there's something odd about trying so hard to push being female into this strict tight label. Any definition is going to end up excluding some people. Some women can't have children, some women don't exhibit socially stereotypical aspects of themselves, some women don't follow the beauty standards of white women and some of us don't have the same genitals.

I myself have been called a trap and lusted over because of my feminine body yet male genitalia. That kind of thing has left me confused and sometimes made me feel extremely uncomfortable. But because I didn't know what the correct way to see myself was, I just uncomfortably agreed to whatever stuff was ascribed to me by others.

From what I understand, cis women can also find it difficult to fully understand what it means to be a woman, to be female and so on. We don't have as strict standard paths towards femininity and womanhood anymore. Not all women have to marry and be housewives. Not all women have to bear children. And not all women have to even look like women.

So, how do you even define your womanhood?

My own conclusion is that thinking on it this deeply isn't going to satisfy me or give me the needed answers. I don't know. I just feel female. I identify as female. I am female. I am a woman. I don't feel the same need to think or worry about it so much anymore. I feel like finding comfort in who you are is nice. It's a good way to be. Lately I just find safety in knowing I can just be myself and not care much. It feels like those that really want to push for a concrete label are most interested in controlling us. I don't think this is just a trans issue. I think this is a women's issue in general. It's a right's issue. It's a patriarchy issue.

And well, I see a great deal of joy from trans men seeing themselves as men too.

I think if we're to break apart this strict gender binary and this patriarchal system, we have to make it so gender roles become pointless. So that there's so many ways to view and understand yourself, that you can feel happy and comfortable with yourself, without having to punish others for "falling out of line" with their own identity. I think the simple way in which I understand myself as female is wonderful. There's no need for debates, for weird "male" or "female" sex. Just say how you feel. We already have a new set of words that can describe decisions we couldn't consent to. That's why AMAB and AFAB exist.

You're you. You don't need to be anyone else. So just embrace yourself.

[eclipsewxtch]

Allow me to give my two cents to why the angels codenames are what they are. And how their nicknames suit each character basing on the myths regarding the name, what your friend said and the characters themselves.

(1/3) Bruce, "Lucifer": One would guess that as God favourite angel and his perfect creation, this relates to Bruce backstory. He is the king of the underworld, Lucifer represents deception, pride, rebellion and many others. As the light-bringer it would make sense for him to be the one figuring out hidden truths, so he probably would be good dealing with hostages/prisoners/enemies, being a interrogator. Negotiation, deals, making people do his binding, quick undercover missions, honey traps. Things that rely on his social skills as a natural charmer and a great liar.

Vance describes him as someone who surrounds himself with lies, and Bruce himself says that he runs away from his problems. He takes a more passive role on the missions, so while I believe he can be a great leader as a mediator between logic and emotion, knowing how to better connect with his "followers" — as Lucifer himself made a third of the angels rebel against God —, it would be interesting to see him manipule people to do his binding, making them do what he wants while he sits back and watch.

The devil is the "Father of lies", and while he is very empathetic most of the time he uses this for his own personal agenda, sometimes even borderline cynical. Pride was Lucifer's downfall, while he is a bit social anxious it would be sick to see him as someone secretly prideful, maybe that's why he finds delight in breaking hearts or something lol

(2/3) Finney, "Hellhound": this one there isn't a lot to elaborate, as it was pretty explained. But it mostly ties down to Finney's ruthless. As loyalty to those close to him is one of the factor traits of him alongside with being a almost killing machine, obeying order after order, it makes sense that they would give him a nickname that suits those traits.

He would do anything for his boys, they're the one holding the leash and command him. Aside from assassination I can also see him being good at raids, counterintelligence, surveillance and something regarding protecting a target. Espionage too.

Hellhounds are said to hunt down sinners, people who are trying to escape death or people who sold their soul to the devil, in some myths also serve as guardians or keepers of places/passages, like Cerberus or goddess Hela hound Gamr, guarding the doors to the underworld, where Bruce and Griffin would "rule". They are also symbols of death, destruction, and misfortune.

"If you meet the Black Dog once, it shall be for joy; if twice, it shall be for sorrow; and the third time shall bring death."

(3/3) Griffin, "Lilith": As your friend said, Griff is not very feminine and Lilith is very harnassed with femininity or womanhood (even tho in witchcraft and worshipping she has male followers). As Lilith is also heavily associated with the night/darkness and Griffin himself is someone "invisible", it would fit him to be someone less available who works more in the shadows. Giving advice, helping plan operations as a strategist, head of research department or something? Missions that fit him would probably be those that you can't be noticed, or honey traps (Lilith is a sexuality symbol after all)

Either way I think it would be kinda ironic for him to be the one helping train the new agents, of course he's probably too high ranking to do this type of work, but maybe he gives tips or things like that? He resents Mr. B for the training, so it would give extra meaning for him to be the one helping perpetuate the violence he suffered from.

Or maybe he's responsible for some of the inventions that help "improve" the agents, in some maybe very unethical ways, like the surgeries the angels went through or the chemicals they got, because he's also a medic, and Lilith in some myths is know to eat her children, giving that between him and Finney it does make more sense that someone more kind-hearted like Finn is the one doing the "adopting" and taking care of younger agents, but it still badass for his "Mother of monsters" title to have a reason, in some way he IS creating monsters. Lilith being associated with freedom and liberty, chaos, rebellion, independence, seduction, forbidden knowledge, the mysterious and hidden things, all very Griffin as he doesn't like being bored.

Sorry for the long ask, I just thought a lot about the codename, I think they're very cool, I was going to write more about Bruce but I DON'T REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS (I'm in shambles), I was going to dive more... anyways this is just what I imagine the names imply!! There was so much more I wanted to say :(

…are u in my walls? be honest.

[mayhemchicken-varneyposting]

Varney the Vampire, Chapter 16: Be Still My Throbbing Heart

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Charles Holland waits anxiously in the garden for his meeting with Flora, ruminating on the vampire situation. He's made up his mind not to leave her, even if staying means he must suffer The Horrors.

Flora arrives, but at first she is too depressed to speak. After crying into Charles' shoulder for several minutes, she finally composes herself and begins to tell him, once again, that for his own happiness he must leave her. Charles, in some of the cheesiest and most saccharine dialogue ever put to page, swears his undying love and fealty to her in defiance of all misfortune that may befall them. His melodramatics are punctuated by a literal roll of thunder from the heavens, which causes Flora to freak the fuck out, thinking this is an ill omen from God. Immediately after, however, the clouds part and a single perfect ray of sunlight shines on the faces of the young couple, which Charles in turn takes as a good omen.

These celestial theatrics having concluded, Charles and Flora reavow their love for each other, and spend several minutes in silence gazing tenderly into each others' eyes. The romantic moment is interrupted, however, by the sudden appearance of THE VAMPYRE!

Controversial opinion but this chapter is bad.

Rymer can write a decent comedy sequence. He can do a horror sequence. He can even do a pretty great whump sequence. But he CANNOT write romance. My God, man, what the fuck IS this? What is any of this?

The chapter starts, as they often do, with a bunch of mostly-unnecessary rumination from one character's point of view, in this case Charles. The story's omniscient narrator is VERY opinionated, leading to sequences like this one where the story itself gets weirdly judgmental of a character's actions.

"Shall I," he said, "sink so low in my own estimation, as well as in hers, and in that of all honourable-minded persons, as to desert her now in the hour of affliction? Dare I be so base as actually or virtually to say to her, 'Flora, when your beauty was undimmed by sorrow—when all around you seemed life and joy, I loved you selfishly for the increased happiness which you might bestow upon me; but now the hand of misfortune presses heavily upon you—you are not what you were, and I desert you? Never—never—never!"

Charles Holland, it will be seen by some of our more philosophic neighbours, felt more acutely than he reasoned; but let his errors of argumentation be what they may, can we do other than admire the nobility of soul which dictated such a self denying generous course as that he was pursuing?

"Errors of argumentation"? Fuck off, man.

This sort of editorializing turns up a lot in Rymer's work - it's present in The String of Pearls as well - the idea that love, while noble in intent, is nevertheless an error of human reasoning and an enemy of logic. RIP James Malcolm Rymer you would have been an absolutely insufferable Reddit user.

The author spends several flowery (ha) paragraphs describing the garden. Of note is the "summer-house" (I assume some sort of gazebo) at its center, which will become a fairly important location in later chapters.

Flora now arrives, and my suffering begins. Now, I am aromantic, so perhaps I am not qualified to speak on this subject, but I am pretty sure people who are in love do not talk like this to each other.

"Charles, Charles, why will you add another pang to those you know must already rend my heart?"

"No, Flora, I would tear my own heart from my bosom ere I would add one pang to yours. Well I know that gentle maiden modesty would seal your lips to the soft confession that you loved me. I could not hope the joy of hearing you utter these words. The tender devoted lover is content to see the truthful passion in the speaking eyes of beauty. Content is he to translate it from a thousand acts, which, to eyes that look not so acutely as a lover's, bear no signification; but when you tell me to seek happiness with another, well may the anxious question burst from my throbbing heart of, 'Did you ever love me, Flora?'"

It goes on and on like this. It is endless. As if that were not enough, the GODDAMN WEATHER gets in on the drama.

"Then let sorrow and misfortune shake their grisly locks in vain," he cried. "Heart to heart—hand to hand with me, defy them."

He lifted up his arms towards Heaven as he spoke, and at the moment came such a rattling peal of thunder, that the very earth seemed to shake upon its axis.

Seriously what the fuck is this.

"Think again, dear Flora. Misfortunes for a time will hover over the best and most fortunate of us; but, like the clouds that now obscure the sweet sunshine, will pass away, and leave no trace behind them. The sunshine of joy will shine on you again."

There was a small break in the clouds, like a window looking into Heaven. From it streamed one beam of sunlight, so bright, so dazzling, and so beautiful, that it was a sight of wonder to look upon. It fell upon the face of Flora; it warmed her cheek; it lent lustre to her pale lips and tearful eyes; it illumined that little summer-house as if it had been the shrine of some saint.

"Behold!" cried Charles, "where is your omen now?"

"God of Heaven!'" cried Flora; and she stretched out her arms.

"The clouds that hover over your spirit now," said Charles, "shall pass away. Accept this beam of sunlight as a promise from God."

If this is what Rymer thinks romance is then no wonder he's so cynical about it.

Mercifully, Varney is here with perfect timing to interrupt this Boston Molasses Flood of syrupy sweetness.

A shriek burst from Flora's lips—a shriek so wild and shrill that it awakened echoes far and near. Charles staggered back a step, as if shot, and then in such agonised accents as he was long indeed in banishing the remembrance of, she cried,—

"The vampyre! the vampyre!"

Next: Varney ragebaits everyone