#the thought of not being able to meet one of my soulmates in the future almost breaks me

[rocks-and-things]

ok but like is it normal to fall in love a little with everyone you've had a positive interaction with? cause I do. all the fucking time. and I fall in love with people several times over, just the tiniest bit at a time until I have so much love for them it's spilling out into every conversation, every look. any and all expressions of love I give them is overflowing with a sort of soft fondness. I just can't help it. I have so much love to give and it just feels wasted if I don't give it to every person I meet.

I'm not very much of a people person, but I am a people lover. if I have even the simplest conversation with someone, the smallest interaction, rest assured that I have fallen a little in love. maybe I've fallen in love with the simplest or smallest thing about them, but I've fallen nonetheless. i've fallen in love with faces and accents and different pronunciations of words. expressions and hairstyles and little quirks when they speak.

I think my definition of falling in love is a little different. most associate falling in love with something romantic. i associate it with all kinds of love. romantic, but also platonic and familial and and even self love. love for everything around me.

my favorite people to fall in love with are my friends. a close second is some of my family. I've fallen in love with the way I was able to bounce back into talking with an old friend as if nothing had ever changed. I've fallen in love with the way my grandma pronounces the word mix. I've fallen in love with the way my best friend accepts all the love I give her, and reciprocates it in full.

it's a wonderful feeling, love. loving and being loved. having so much love to give and being able to give it. all this time I've talked about loving people, but honestly I fall in love with everything. clouds. my stuffed animals. driving fast. nature. the feeling of falling asleep. waking up to the sound and smell of a fire on cold mornings while camping. I could go on and on about all the things i've fallen in love with over the years.

[perfectlyoongi]

SOULMATE!YOONGI who said he was the owner of his heart and destiny. Yoongi was never a believer in destiny, the idea of a person being born destined to love seemed completely absurd to him, without any sense — he believed that people were born to live, not to love; as such, Yoongi never looked for his soulmate, saying always and every time that he would love whoever he chose, when he chose — he believed it was his own choice. “no one is born to love. we are all born to exist and love is not as important as they make us believe.”

SOULMATE!YOONGI who fought against his feelings for you. Yoongi was the master of his own destiny, of his heart, he couldn't just let ancient stars and capricious gods take over his life — no; Yoongi would love who he wanted, when he wanted and he knew it wouldn't be you, someone he recently met and who impacted him in such a way that made him question his beliefs. “i can’t be with someone who makes me question everything i believe; it doesn’t make sense to be with someone who makes me change my beliefs.”

SOULMATE!YOONGI who fell in love with you without wanting to. but the stars were guides, the gods were writers and the universe already knew that Yoongi would love you forever — even though he didn't want to; it was just your look, your smile, your essence that captivated Yoongi, taking him to lands unknown to him, making Yoongi walk the path of love without him even giving you the permission to send him on that journey of loving you. “i don’t know where i’m going or when i’ll get there, but something in me tells me that i will always have you by my side on this journey and that’s enough for me.”

SOULMATE!YOONGI who didn't believe in soulmates until he met you. maybe the stars are right; maybe the gods are right; maybe the whole universe is right when it says that we were born to love, because as soon as Yoongi met you, and no matter how much he denied it, Yoongi knew that it was his destiny to dedicate his entire life to making you happy, to making you feel important, to loving you. “i always looked for a purpose in my life, not believing that i was only destined to create art; and now with you here, now that i met you, i realized that my purpose in life was to devote myself to you.”

SOULMATE!YOONGI who believed that you met by destiny. numerical and truthful probabilities were astronomical in all the fields that involved you and Yoongi — but, by coincidence, they existed; billions of people existed at the same time as you and, against all odds, you found each other; billions of people loved at the same time as you, but you and Yoongi only loved each other — what other explanation was there for such probability other than destiny? “meeting someone like you is a unique experience, only reserved for those who are destined for you — and i swear to you that the universe itself put me in your path so i could love you.”

SOULMATE!YOONGI who could only imagine a future if you were there. because he could already read the stars, he could already hear the gods, he could already feel the universe uniting you with him; you were Yoongi's soulmate and his life could only make sense with you by his side — especially because Yoongi always said that his life had only started the day he met you. “if my life began the day i met you, then it only makes sense to only be able to see a future for myself if you are by my side so i can love you forever.”

SOULMATE!YOONGI who swore to move mountains and rivers to be with you. Yoongi knew that destiny took as much as it gave and he knew that too much luck was a sign of distrust, and all he thought about was the universe trying to take you away from him; but no matter how, no matter when, if your presence in Yoongi's life disappeared, he himself would face the various gods so he could have you in his arms one last time. “even if i need to burn the world to the ground to get the attention of the gods. not even if i need to destroy all human life to call upon the gods. if they take me away from you, they will regret giving me the power to love.”

[plussizefantasia]

Fluttering Heart

Fluffober Day 13: Soulmates

Kili Durin x f!human!reader

Word Count: 1.5k

AN: OMG! This has definitely been my favorite to write so far. I love Kili with my whole heart and that for sure came out while I was writing. I really want to see about making this a longer series once October ends, if anyone wants to see that leave a comment and let me know.

divider credit @royallaesthetics

The culture of the dwarves is much like their treasure, kept under lock and key. Histories, customs, and traditions all are played very close to the chest of the stubborn race. The only beings who are let in on the secret are those lucky enough to be a fated match. 

There are different names for these matches in every culture, Soulmates, true loves, twin flames. The dwarves called them Ones. To find your One was said to be the best day of your life. At least that is what Kili thought, he wouldn’t know though. He hadn’t met his yet. 

His uncle’s one had been the Hobbit, Bilibo took longer to fall than Thorin but fell just as hard if not harder than the dwarf. The two were very much in love, it was sickening. His mother’s One had been his father, and he doesn’t remember much about their time together. Fee’s One was a lovely lass that had come from the Blue Mountains to try and establish herself as a seamstress under the mountain. 

All of them had told him how wonderful finding their Ones was, even Thorin whose One was not of the race of Dwarf and thusly did not feel the same pull that he had. Thorin had to actually make Bilbo fall in love with him, which amused Kili to no end because of how much their two personalities seemed to clash. 

Kili hates spending time under the mountain now, he loves Erebor and takes pride in the fact that he was one of the brave few who had reconquered it, but everywhere he looked he saw people being happy with something he did not have. 

The feeling went much deeper than those childhood squabbles he had had with Fili when the two pebbles would play together. Jealousy over toys was easily remedied, the ache that had recently taken up residence in Kili’s heart was much more difficult to push aside or fix.

So he had taken to going for walks. He had volunteered himself too many times to be the point of contact for the King of Dale. He had told Thorin it was because he wanted to prove that he could be trusted with matters of diplomacy. He might not be next in line, but he was still a prince and could take care of these things. It was on one of these trips to Dale that Kili met the very person who would change his life.

She was of the race of men and seemed to work in one of the few taverns that housed the nightlife of the town. Kili was in a sort of informal meeting with Bard, his son Bain, and the Captain of the Guard. They were discussing a deal between the two kingdoms where Erebor would provide the army of Dale with iron-forged armor and weapons and in turn, Dale would pledge their allegiance to the kingdom under the mountain in any future battle. Kili couldn’t help but find the humor in the reversal of roles as if the company had not asked and pledged the same things five years ago. This clause was only one of the facets that made up the current peace treaty in the works. It was Kili’s idea to have the meeting in a less tense and stuffy room than they were previously held in. 

“Everybody has to eat Bard, why don’t we eat and talk at the same time? I’m sure we’d all be much more comfortable.” Bard had agreed at the behest of Bain who had laughed and reminded his father of the last time he had had a proper meal. After that, the men had embarked towards Bard’s favorite tavern. And judging by the way he had jovially called out to the man behind the bar, he was at least acquainted with the people who worked there.

Their waitress was a beautiful woman, who had skills like Kili had never seen, and he had been in a lot of taverns. She was able to carry three trays of piping hot food at the same time and at one point he had even seen her stack and move at least twelve pint glasses to a rowdier table towards the back of the establishment. And she did all this with the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. 

If only he would actually get to talk to her. The tavern was busy and she seemed to be one of the only other people working besides the man behind the bar and whoever was preparing the food to be served. She was never in the same place for a very long time. After she had gotten their initial order she had placed their pints down and immediately zipped off to fulfill the next request. 

Without the ability to actually talk to her, Kili had to settle for second-hand knowledge. “So what can you tell me about the woman who served us?” Kili asked nobody in particular.

“Why, do you fancy her?” Came Bain’s reply.

“No, but any woman that can carry that much and move that fast without wasting a drop is certainly one I want to get to know.”

“Her name is y/n, She’s apprenticed to Brant, the man who owns this tavern. She arrived in Dale a year or two ago. I think she's from Bree but she's settled here. I think she has an arrangement with him, when he finally retires the place will be hers.” Bard had explained, throwing a somewhat scolding glance at his son. Kili might be young and more carefree than his uncle but he is still a prince and Bard did not wish to offend him.

“Interesting, any idea why she left Bree? It’s quite a long journey to take on your own.” Kili asked. 

“Why don’t you ask her?” A third, much more feminine voice replied. Kili who had not seen her make her way over to their table, had nearly jumped out of his skin. The other men tried and failed to hide their amusement at his predicament. “After all, I’m sure she’d be willing to tell you as long as she didn’t catch you talking about her when she wasn’t around.” She had said all of this with a smile spread across her face and delight in her voice. Kili wasn’t really sure how she felt about his impolite inquiries, but she hadn't chased him out of the establishment with a broom yet, so he thought he was okay.

“I’ve gotten everyone else settled and thought I’d come visit the King, how are you this evening King Bard?” her attention was firmly placed on the King of Dale now, and Kili longed for her piercing gaze to once again land on him.

“I’ve told you, it’s just Bard, all of this King nonsense will just go to my head,”

“Of course King Bard.” She smirked and turned towards the rest of the men. “Anything else I can get you, gentlemen?” With a firm nod at their newest order, she spun and headed back towards the bar.

“I think I’m in love.” Kili had said under his breath. 

“I think it’ll take you much more than that to win her over.” Bain had replied, hearing Kili’s self-confession. “Every time we’re in here I see her turn down men. Granted, most of them are usually drunkards but the principle is all the same.”

Kili was certain that the fluttering in his chest and the feeling of light-headedness had to mean something. And given that both the feelings had started right after she had spoken to him, he was pretty sure he knew what it was. 

“Here you are boys, four more pints and a basket of bread, on the house.” She had placed the basket of bread and little bowls of butter and honey on the table. When she pulled her hand away it bumped into Kili and sent a wave of shocks all the way up his arm.

[tarotbyopal]

What does your crush think of you?

Hello you gorgeous people! Thank you so much for being here! Are you ready for a new PAC reading?

🖤Piles: 1-2-3

🖤Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Calm your breath and remove all of the thoughts from your mind. When you try to focus on the reading at hand which number or image comes to mind? That is your pile

Would you like a reading?

🖤I currently have a sale on Ko-fi please check it out🖤

Pile 1 Your crush’s current energy

Judgement, ace of cups, 5 of wands in reverse, knight of wands

Your crush is currently going through a time of clarity/awakening. They are becoming aware of things that before they weren’t. It is likely that they are tired of pursuing relationships that aren’t working and that are hopeless. This person is likely to lose some friends soon and gain new ones. It is also likely that they will grow feelings towards someone new soon, so this is your chance to catch their eye. They are ready to let their emotions grow and lead their decisions. They don’t want to overthink, they want to follow their heart. They will be finding resolutions to things that may have been bothering them. Their energy just feels new and light. They are excited about things again. It feels like the sun is finally shining down on them again.

What your crush thinks of you

4 of wands, 2 of wands, hanged man, wheel of fortune

The two of you may be quite close to each other already and if that is the case pile 1, then know that this person thinks of you as their support system. You are likely to help them a lot when they doubt themselves and you are a constant in their lives. If the two of you aren’t close to each other yet then they feel like the two of you would get on really well, like you would just understand each other really well. They definitely see a future with you. Your crush can see the potential for the connection between the two of you to progress really quickly because they feel a very deep connection to you. However, everything seems to be at a standstill at the moment - it’s not yet the time for this connection to turn serious, the timing is not right, but it will be. They think of you as someone they were destined to meet and they want to see where things may go with you.You are the one that they want to fall in love with - it’s their fate.

What they want to tell you

The emperor, 9 of swords, 3 of pentacles, 3 of swords

Not yet, soon but not yet. Please forgive me but I need to gain control over my life first. Things are a bit messy and I am just now understanding things differently. I have been stressed and anxious about where my life is heading, so I am not in the right mental place to be able to love you. Please don’t take it the wrong way. Let me grow my fundations and then I will be able to amend my broken heart. I don’t want to be the one to put you in a tough position. Let me love you

Keywords: 333, past life, meant to be, destiny, control, anxiety, growth, clarity, dark hair, tall

Check out my kofi for more

Pile 2 Your crush’s current energy

King of wands, 10 of wands in reverse, 2 of cups, 4 of wands

I love your person’s energy! They are warm and buzzing with confidence and excitement over everything that they have going on in life, which by the way it’s a lot! They have soo much going on but they are making it work. When they want something they make time for it and they make it work. They do not want to hold onto burdens that don’t matter anymore. They are feeling bold and they are likely (now more than ever) to go after the things that they want - especially career wise and promotions wise. Your person is likely to have their own business or want to have their own business.They know what they want from life right now and they are basically ready to meet their soulmate or have them in their life. I don’t believe that the two of you know each other well right now but there could be a pull. Your person may also be looking at putting roots down for the first time ever, they want to have their happily ever after.

What your crush thinks of you

7 of cups in reverse, page of cups, king of wands, the world

They…don’t really know what to think of you to be honest pile 2. They haven’t decided, also because I feel like they have seen very different sides of you every time the two of you have met?! They think of you as someone who can either be easily influenced or who takes a while to make a decision. They are likely to assume that you are quite naive when it comes to love, or you love blindly and are likely to get hurt by the people that you9 choose to date. However, they also see beyond this and they know that both of you are very similar. You both have the same confidence and spark towards the things that you want to achieve, You are both extremely headstrong. They think of you as someone extremely special and unique. They want to get to know you more.

What they want to tell you

Destiny has been at a standstill for us (this pile is quite similar to pile 1 so if you felt a pull towards pile 1 definitely check it out!) Destiny has been at a standstill but things are slowly starting to move in our favor, for once. You have constantly sacrificed yourself for others but it’s time to stop the sacrifices. Surrender to our fate together. We are twin flames, can't you see it?! You feel like home, and I want to build a home with you. Let’s get matching slippers. 

Keywords: home, soft, innocence, 1010, 111, twin flame, luck, 2024, October, sacrifice, pink, high heels, comfort

Check out my kofi for more

Pile 3 Your crush’s current energy

Your crush has recently come out of a relationship or has recently had their heart broken. It is very likely that they are just not putting the pieces of their heart back together. They are overcoming their sorrow and pain, There is a lot of melancholy coming through as well and sad music. I feel like your person may be the type of person to music sad music when they are feeling sad and cry to it. Music is just very important to them. There is a lot of heaviness in their heart and energy but it’s coming to an end. This was expected of your person, they knew that things weren’t going the right way anymore. They knew it was coming to end and the energy feels new to an extent. I feel like even though they are heartbroken right now, they didn’t lose themselves and it won’t be long until this person is back to normal.

What your crush thinks of you

Knight of swords, 8 of cups, the world, the devil

Your crush thinks of you as someone who is very quick and witty with their words and opinions. They may see you as someone who is sassy as well and can hold a conversation with anyone. You may like to read or are extremely intelligent and it seems like you may read a lot. They think that you don’t withstand people badmouthing you and you are quick to protect yourself and those that you care about - you are extremely protective of others. With your strong adaptability skills you are able to get out of your comfort zone and this is something that your person really likes about you. They almost want you to drag them with you on your adventures. You are very worldly in your approach to romance, and extremely sexy. This person definitely has a huge crush on you already; they just aren’t in the right space for it.

What they want to tell you

4 of swords, ace of cups, 4 of cups, page of pentacles

 I need a break from love right now. I feel like I shouldn’t jump into a new relationship just yet, however I also can’t help myself when it comes to you. I don’t see myself being able to make the time in my heart right now to love again, but soon I will be ready and I hope you will still be here when I’m ready. I still want to learn so much about you, there is so much I don’t know. But you are absolutely gorgeous and enticing. Continue to be around me because I love your company.

Keywords: Darkness, heartbreak, pause, hope, learn, 1717, comfort zone, crush, sexy, ice cream, cotton candy

Check out my kofi for more

[itsnotmeep]

LOOSE THREADS

This is my first time writing sorry for the mistakes and it is unedited with that please enjoy:) Gojo x reader (angst) ARRANGED MARRIAGE

PROLOUGE Red strings of fate, it is funny how a string as thin as a loose thread of clothing can connect two individuals forever. People romanticize the idea of a soulmate, finding comfort that there is someone out there who is molded to fit them. Yet they forget that love is the worst curse of them all and fate is cruel. When both are in play and the strings are tied it is inevitable that tragedy will loom near.

“Hey Megumi, what's up with Gojo and (L/N) sensei?” the pink-haired boy asked. Immediately catching the attention of all the students who were taking a break from sparing with each other.

  Panda who was previously showing off his new hand bands then added “ Yeah, even I don’t know”, then with a mischievous grin on his face “ Is something sneaky going on between them? Surely you would know, you knew them the longest right”. His question would be answered with Maki wacking him on the head.

“Stop with the conspiracy theories!” Panda began rubbing his head and Maki continued rubbing her chin. “Their dynamic is interesting though, he is unusually cold to her.”

“Cold is one thing but imagine my surprise when I caught him secretly asking Shoko sensei to check her after she came back from her mission. Men are always so weird” Nobara shared, murmuring the last phase to herself. 

“Whoa you were withholding that precious information from us the whole time. Are you serious?” exclaimed Itadori, withholding information himself. 

He recalls meeting the (h/c) sorcerer the first time after his “death.” In which Gojo sensei had put her in charge of him but never acknowledged her in the process simply stating “they will watch you” without an introduction. Before continuing to explain the curse toy as if she was never there in the first place. Yet the observant boy also caught his albino teacher take a long glance at the (h/c) sorcerer as he was leaving and she was making herself comfortable on the couch.

Nobara comments would open up the floodgates and before long the two first-years and three second-years would pester Megumi non-stop. The boy could only sigh, realizing that it was a subject in which he wouldn't be able to escape.

“It’s complicated, they are married” and with that the whole field erupted. 

( FLASHBACK )

They would first meet on a spring day, when (y/n) was just a young girl at the age of 7 and Gojo at the age of 8. The albino boy was well known in the community, not only coming from one of the major clans but his birth had also shifted the plain of the cursed world, beginning the age of stronger sorcerers and curses.

(l/n) clan was relatively new, emerging as a formidable clan roughly 2-3 generations ago. While other clans prided themselves on their offensive abilities, the (l/n) clan specialized on binding and trapping curses. So when (y/n) started showing signs of a curse technique of being able to manipulate threads and traps like that of a spider, she immediately became the pride of the clan. With her cousins and older siblings falling behind, she was branded with the future.

Further emphasize when the Gojo clan reach out to orchestrate a meeting between their youngest and her. This was a key way in which the (l/n) clan could establish themselves and without a second thought agreed, sealing (y/n)’s and Gojo’s fate.

Enamored would be the word that (y/n) would describe her first meeting. She could recall it vividly. The morning was hectic with her mother and aunts festering her, making sure her hair was done and her clothes were proper. Followed by her uncles checking on her and her father watching over constantly. What dampened her mood the most was when the head of the family, her grandmother, would call her over, nagging her continuously about the importance of the meeting. What was so special about meeting a boy? She had made many male friends, so what was the problem?

The ride there only made her annoyance turn into anger.  The sunlight was hitting her face a little too much, not only making her feel hot but irritated as no shifting could prevent the sun from hitting her. Her half tied hair was too tight and she could feel the urge to itch her hair, but doing so would ruin it. There was also an itch right on the back of her neck, where the tag of her dress seemed to be.

The amount of grown ups in the car made the ride stuffy and her aunt was leaning too close for comfort. They could have taken another car but her grandma had insisted that everyone could fit. Instead the car consisted of her grandma and the direct blood line which included her dad, aunt, uncle, older brother and herself. Her mom, younger sibling, significant others of her aunt/uncles and cousin were left at home.

The moment her uncle had announced they were at the Gojo estate the little girl slammed the door open, wanting to feel the breeze hit her. Hoping that it could even help the itch on her scalp. It wasn’t so long before a maid came to greet them and they were slowly led around the estate. 

Before she knew it she was faced with a room filled with elders, following what had been instilled in her. She immediately greeted everyone with a bow and introduced herself after her family. “Hello, my name is (l/n) (y/n), second born to (fathers name) and first granddaughter of (grandmother's name) . It is a pleasure and honor to meet you”. 

“She is well-mannered and her cursed energy is good,” one remarked.

“Her face is a little chubby but hopefully she will grow into her looks” another added.

“A little short though and somewhat short legs don’t you think” continued the other.

The elders continued, some even came close to personally examining her themselves looking at her fingers, touching her hair, pulling her skin. It wasn’t long before the oldest spoke up “That's enough, maid please escort her to the garden. I think we made a decision. It is time for the grown ups to talk” The oldest one walked up to her and patted on her head telling her “Why don't you go have a snack?”  She bowed and followed the maid not before seeing the elders whispering into the ear of another maid.

The garden was stunning, filled with blooming flowers with a pavilion sitting in the middle. Within the pavilion was a floor table with 4 cushions to sit on, although the flowers were beautiful. What caught her eye was the traditional snacks decorated the counter. With the hell she went through she deserved a snack and instantly took a seat and started snacking.

“Aren’t you eating a little fast, the food isn't going to run away from you” before she could snort out a reply, she was faced with cerulean eyes seemingly inches from her face. His close proximity made her heart slightly race and a blush to creep on her cheeks but she couldn’t look away. His eyes were the prettiest thing she had ever seen in her life even today nothing had outshine them in her mind. His eyelashes were so long and framed so beautifully that it was as if Michelangelo himself had meticulously worked to place each one perfectly on him. 

Taking that moment of distraction the boy had flicked her forehead snapping her out of her trance. “ So you’re the girl they were talking about huh. All this talk but you are weak”. (y/n) was flabbergasted wanting to yell back but started choking on her food. The boy's laughter filled the air as the girl continued to cough, reaching her hands out for tea to smooth her throat.

As she finally settled herself the boy took a seat across from her. “You’re not so great yourself for the boy who changed the world, you ummm… look like a blind white rat.” The boy’s face shifted taking a dark turn, (y/n) felt her hands become sweaty fear and nerves slowly overtook her as she wished to have just ignored him.

All before his expression changed to one of teasing “ Your interesting, no one had the nerve, names is Gojo Satoru”

“(l/n) (y/n)”

“Whoa you have fat cheeks kind of like a hippo”

“WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!”

The banter continued on for an hour, Satoru teasing the girl and the girl arguing back. Having grown up surrounded by those who feared him, the girl's openness had drawn her to him, giving him the breath of fresh air he had needed.

What the girl didn’t know was how his eyes had captured her, her whole being had captured him. He wasn’t sure if it was his need for some company or her pure beauty. He would never tell anyone but from the moment he first saw her in her dress, hair slightly messy from the breeze, stuffing her check with food he had felt the need to go towards her, like an invisible string railing him to her.

It wasn’t long before (y/n) noticed how Satoru didn't eat any of the snacks but just moving them around. “Why aren’t you eating any of these” Satoru would answer by throwing one of them at her “What is your problem” The boy laughter rang once more “You should have seen your face”

After calming down he replied “They always serve these treats, the elders like them so a variety is always served here” The little girl looked at the table noticing how the treats were not ones that were sweet, it made sense the elder preferred savory and delicate flavors. It made her recall all the times in which her dad or mother would tell her things were too sweet. For a 7 year old it made her feel bad for him because she could imagine living a life without ever tasting anything as sweet like cake or cookies.

Recalling how she had kept a piece of chocolate in the small pocket of her dress, she pulled it out. (y/n) had originally planned to eat it after they left the estate.Yet thinking about the possible sad life of the teasing boy made her give it to him.

Reluctantly reaching out her hand she said “Here try this”. Satoru looks at her hand curiously before reaching forward and taking the candy. Without sparing a second, he opened the wrapper, sniffed it and put it in his mouth. The sweetness coated his mouth and he was in love. With his mouth filled, he asked “Do you have anymore?Give them to me now!” 

The girl slightly giggled before saying “You should say please, and no, I don't have any more but next time I can bring some. I assume you haven't tried much sweet stuff huh. I can bring a bunch of new stuff next time we meet.” (y/n) had failed to notice the blush that her giggles had painted on Satoru’s face. 

In her naiveté, she noted “Wow you must have loved the sweet dearly because your ears are red”. It was met with a rice cracker hitting her forehead.

The conversation continues with her describing all the desserts she could think of and how he should try them. The boy listened longingly and told her to bring them next time she came. Fully aware that he could easily order a maid to get them for him. Yet he had wanted her to come back and the promise of sweets was just a plus. 

Before long (y/n) fathers voice rang out calling her. She hastily got up but not before promising to bring cookies next time she saw him.

“Don’t forget your promise alright?” he put his pinky out looking into her eyes.

( FLASHBACK END )

“WHAT HOW LONG WERE YOU GONNA KEEP THAT BOMB OF INFORMATION FROM US?” Itadori exploded

Panda followed, “I thought we were friends.” dramatically, putting his paw over his chest.

“MEN ARE TERRIBLE! Why would he treat her like that? my opinions on Gojo sensei are dirt now” Nobara added.

“Yeah, I knew that Sensei definitely had a problem but isn't this much” the pink-head exclaimed disappointed.

“Look guys I don’t know what happen for sure but it's complicated” Megumi said

“Yeah we shouldn’t speculate, plus being a sorcerer is already challenging in itself, we knew when we signed up.” Maki shared.

Although they all had much to say, Maki's voice resonated and they ended the topic. Speaking of the devil, not a minute later they heard the voice of (l/n) sensei. ”Are you guys done training? I brought some snacks to enjoy” All the students felt some pity for the older women but found some spirit and shouted at her thanks as they cleared their stuff and meeted her. As they walked to the snacks, Megumi walked in the back with the teacher. He had known her for 10 years now and couldn’t help but feel protective for the women who had shown up through the years to help him.

“You okay Megumi”

“Yeah let's go eat” the dark-haired boy mumbled. 

Thats the end i planned for this to be a series but im not sure yet. Once again sorry for the grammer mistakes it hasnt been edited

[tarotwithdanise]

Your future spouse first impression of you (reposted and edited)

1 - 2 - 3

4 - 5 - 6

SOURCE AND CREDITABLE : All of the pictures are collected and downloaded from pinterest , I don’t own any of them but credits goes to the rightful owners however edits goes and the reading itself belong to me. I use the editor tools canva and ibispaint for the header and divider. If saved/downloaded the divider use a proper credits and tag/mention along my acc @tarotwithdanise. Expect grammatical errors with this reading, bear with it because english isn't my mother tongue.

💌 check out my back-up account @danisetarot bio ; click the link, choose your favorite deals that you wanted to purchase and then send all of them to my email account (daniseallure@gmail.com)

PILE ONE

Right off the bat, you manifested this person to come on your way. I think this person won't approach you at first, it's look like they just gonna watch you from afar. I also sense here that this is your faith with them, a strong romantic soulmate connection will developed when they first met you. This is why they attached to you immediately when they first meet you. Their impression will be like "Ah this person looks like been through a rough life but able to shine" they will see this glow from you, the way you act and especially when you finally made an eye contact with them. Since you have the emperor card here, there's a high chances that maybe this person can be intimidated by you like maybe you have this cold pair of eyes or maybe you have this habit of rbf and probably you may have this very powerful aura and confident within yourself. You might have this stoic and stern impression or if not, you have this kind of million dollar smile. They probably view you as someone who is physically beautiful and someone who might be into glamour, someone who loves to spend money on their beauty and looks. This person think you are charming and breath taking when they first see you.

For some, i'm getting they will see you as someone who is warm, very loving and kind-hearted. From their eyes you are totally 100% attractive, someone who is matured, who is quite possibly, curvy with a large full of figure regardless to gender. And oh, this person has a confident too, they knew from the start that you will like them when they approach you lol. Wait let me see more here, why the woman is looking far away from the sea? Oh i get it now, This person knows you are waiting for them, so you don't need to worry or hurry when it comes to love and this can indicate as well that you might need to focus more on self right now and probably you may need some growth experiences.

As well this is indicates a long distance relationship, they might frequently travel with your own home country or if not, you and them might be in the same country but might come from different cities. I also seeing here with this 3oW card, this indicates to me of "The one is waiting and the one are leaving then comes back" With the wild waves being presented here, this person might view you as someone who may have an unpredictable nature.

For the rest of this pile, their first impression of you is someone who is considerate, wise and thoughtful especially when you two get to know each other and have deep conversations. Overall, this person will think you are someone who is matured from the way you talk even though it's not really meeting your age line and there's a high possibility that they are someone who is older than you (age gap is here). This person will know you are not someone who is can be easily to manipulate with and someone who rarely lies (white lies). Because of this qualities of yours, they will fall much harder for you and they may see you as someone who can be with them in the future.

Someone who knows how to have fun and have playful personality, even though the way you think or view things are very matured, you also know how to joke around like you can be a clown like or you are very funny person. They will admire, adore and love you the first time they see you since they will know you are their other half. They are head over heels for you and would do anything for you. You will capture their heart at the very first time you two meet.

extra messages :

initials and numbers : T, A, R,O, 10-17-4-12-7-3.

Free Spirit, Long distance relationship, Henna Tattoos, Riding Motorbike, Rope, Tied The Knot, Bell, Purple Crystal, Organized, Rude, Medium To Black Skin Color, At The Back Yard, Helpful, Playful, Same Age, Older Man, Yellow Dress, Running, Football, Medium Hair Length , Manifesting, Hot Intimacy, Red Sneakers, Hoodies , Watch, Crown, Beach And Fishes.

zodiac signs - that play important roles on their chart.

aquarius, gemini and aries, water and earth signs.

surprise and leave a small tip to your favorite tarot reader here.

channeled song from playlist :

PILE TWO

Their first impression is that they'll see you as someone who is heartbreaker that can potentially break their heart into pieces, someone who can leave them behind perhaps all of the love you have shown for them, they think you are type of individual who have a lot choices when it comes choosing a right partner for you. They probably thinking that you are someone who is creative too. Someone who can be an overthinker and cannot stand too long for a relationship. Someone who is observant maybe you are one of these people who is very quite, shy and likes to observe about what happenings on the surroundings and they might notice this when you first meet them. You are totally giving off the vibes of being a bad boy or bad girl like they probably view you as someone who is playing around and likes to entertain others without any hesitation. And somehow, you can be or might be manipulative when it comes in the relationship for example depending of what you really needs from your partner from a specific situation.

For some of you, I'm getting that their first impression will be — You came off to them as someone who is strong and looking for their soul. Someone who gives up and goes away when things get tough. However, this impression will changed when they know you deeply. Like their impression will be from disappointed to a very positive way so i can totally say that their first impression will not be good for you as you think. And maybe after this deep and serious conversation you will share with them. They will probably see you as someone who can build something successful with, someone whom they think can make a great foundation and union.

For the rest of this pile, their first impression to you will be like; This is someone who is exhausted and under alot emotional strain. You might meet this person through friends or social gathering and right off the bat they will see you immediately when you enter the room but they won't feel the what we so called "spark" at first sight, like they won't even have an idea that you will be their future spouse. They might see you as a trouble maker or if not, someone who might bring chaos or conflict. They will see and notice you at a very first moment but they don't have interest for you but it's like they won't make any actions because for them you seems unpredictable in some way and you may challenge their inner belief systems. It may refer to the way you entered their life or how you have changed them as an individual. That can effect on how they view you or see you. You will have a significant effect on their life that they will treasure for the rest of their life.

extra messages

Cold, Intelligent, Petite, Cute Couple, Small Height, Idiot, Heartbreaker, Spacing Out, Tears, "I Don't Fucking Care!", Cheerful Vibes, Bully, Away, Loss, Squirrel, Globe, Travel, Cottagecore, Sewing, Yellow, Fight, Jealous, Old, Brown, Uneven Teeth, Fun, Grey, Cocky, Hat/caps, "Don't forget to enjoy your journey while chasing your dreams" Owl Person, J, T , 6, 8, 10, 16, 2 and 7.

zodiac signs - that play important roles on their chart.

taurus, capricorn, scorpio and libra.

surprise and leave a small tip to your favorite tarot reader here.

channeled song from playlist :

PILE THREE

With the three of cups here you might meet this person in a party or social gatherings. For some, i'm getting that you may meet them through social media platforms. If this is a out social gatherings - I see here that you dress beautifully where all of your curves showing with this clothing but for a short description you will or may already meet this person through your connection with others. They will turn on or it's a head turner dressing style. I think you already met this person, it's either one of you is waiting for the right time to approach the another person because this another person looks like they come from a heartbreak.

Their first impression of you is that they will see as you as someone who can do everything. This person is like those type of people who is patiently waiting without any sure assurance from the other one. Are you ambivert? It's like you are avoiding this person with your first encounter with them where they can say to themselves "Weird, why they kind of shy or elusive towards me?". And yes, you might come of as someone who isn't friendly for them at first encounter.

Furthermore, this person will notice your imperfections and how you get uncomfortable with the crowd. They will notice you kind of clumsy individual? You frequently make mistakes because of shyness. Perhaps, all of this. They will fall in love with you and with your imperfections, you are come off as a great person for them. Idk but you giving a vibes of person who usually quite yet danger when they get mad.

For some, they will see you as someone who is fair — libra traits. You might meet this person through school, university or work, and you seems nerd for them like someone who is studious person. If you are student now — seems like you are taking the courses like business, medical, law, science or arts related or creative works. You might be someone who is creative and likes to do arts e.g painting, journaling, crafting etc.. I honestly don't want to lie, don't expect this person to be that too good looking physically but they know how to dress and fashion themselves right. Alsolso they might appear as someone who is attractive for others but not for everyone. Cute, they will have a crush on you right away, it's like you will caught this person staring at you all the time and then they will be shy but still gonna stare at you anyway when you are not looking.

extra messages

2028 - 2030, B, M , Traveling, 18, Clumsy, "Hope for the best but prepare for the worst" , Possessive, Playing Golf, Black, Hair Clips, Summer, Vintage, Pink, Blonde Hair, Rushing Hours, Stairs, Violet/purple, Feminine, Bald, Blue, Hooded Eyes, City, Big, Alone, Busy And Blossom,

zodiac signs - that play important roles on their chart.

Air signs : Libra, Gemini, Aquarius. Earth signs : Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo.

surprise and leave a small tip to your favorite tarot reader here.

channeled song from playlist :

PILE FOUR

This may sound cringe but this person first impression of you is that you are an angel came from heaven to save them. They think you are an angel at the first time you met them, you have this soft side for example your personality or the way you move or your face structure seems like very soft. This person might be into ballet dancing for years before you actually meet them or if not, they just simply had this dreams to be one otherwise this person have a flexible body. You are this type of individual who is usually go with the flow, someone who is easy going and probably someone who don't tend to think about their own problems rather you are a problem-solver individual and physically happy-go-lucky person for them. Perhaps, even though you were smiling it's hard for them to know whether if you are sad or not. You may come off as unpredictable individual through words and actions.

For some, I'm getting that they think you are someone who is very thoughtful, not too emotional and gets to be detached. Someone who wants nothing but to make their life live better. Also they view you as someone who can manage to soft at the same time, a person who can be hard as well. And I won't deny the fact that you are a very positive person, you screams positively to the point I'm seeing you as someone who is looking for the light and hope of something even the chances are small. Someone who is vivacious person and very sexy. You are someone who is the happiest person as always whether it's big or small, you know how to value things.

For the rest of this pile, i'm getting that this person see you as someone who is well respected from their community and from the people around them. In short, you are giving them a leader vibes. Someone who can do multi-tasking.

This person will like you without any hesitation. When time gets finally right, you two already together, this person probably gonna think you are out of their league. Also, you are someone who provides great insights and opinions about something, event, beliefs, animals, or even people. You two seems like mirroring each other. You share some similarities, interests and/or passions in life because somehow they notice this from you that you easily get triggered or get angry from a petty things. In addition, they knew from the start you do have tons of admirers but it seems like you are too blind to notice it.

extra messages :

Motorcycle, Love, Yellow, Jealous, Black, Scheduled, Movie, Green, Blue Eyes Color, Volleyball, Introvert, Possessive, Amber Eyes Color, Offer , 30, 33, 49, W, A, B, G, V, K And L.

zodiac signs - that play important roles on their chart.

The earth, water and fire signs is present on their birth chart especially on their big six such as moon in Leo. Capricorn and Cancer (sun, rising, venus, mercury and mars.)

surprise and leave a small tip to your favorite tarot reader here.

channeled song from playlist :

PILE FIVE

This person first impression of you is that you are someone who knows how to protect themselves from harmful environment. You maybe meet this person in a garden or somewhere surrounded by nature where the stars shines brighter than they're. It can be from occasion or a party from a wide garden and/or house. When you actually meet them, they might asked you about (or vise versa) for a helpful advice even though you aren't really good with it they usually gonna appreciate your thoughtfulness and advises for them. They gonna think at that moment that you are a helpful and supportive person.

They gonna feel that it's time to open their heart and to share the half of it with you. When you used to get to know each other, they can guarantee that you are the one for them even there's a little doubt here. They will feel very committed to you. For some, i'm getting that when they first meet you. You made them drawn to you, where they can say to themselves when they're alone "Who really they're and why they keep bugging and ruining my mind 24/7?!". They probably gonna spend their whole day thinking about you, they just can't accept that they already fallen for you (yeah, in denial stage).

There's a lot of control issues might happen with them and their own ego. They need to stop what's is holding them back and start accepting things as they are. They should the Universe and Divine timing handling this connection. This connection is one of a kind, very special and unique to the point it cannot be defined through words.

extra messages :

Laces, Beaming Smile, White, Style, Billiard, Struggle, South America, South Korea, South Africa, South East Asia, Short Hair, Antarctica, School, Planner, I, S and X

zodiac signs - that play important roles on their chart.

Water sign : Scorpio, Cancer and Pisces as well the Libra

surprise and leave a small tip to your favorite tarot reader here.

channeled song from playlist :

PILE SIX

You will meet this person something related to water such as beach, water park, in front/beside of a fountain, river, falls and etcetera. Their first impression to you is that you come off as an physically attractive individual for them. It's seems you are a blessings that they have seen on that day. There's a high chances that they will approach you first and start a conversation right away when they saw you. It's a first conversation and meeting? Yet you and them feel the connection that burning and tapping your own heart for the first time. This person wants to lavish you with their love, attention and affection.

This person love language is physical touch and words affirmation. I suddenly here this three powerful words "I love you" so they're already telling you these words even though you two haven't meet yet. It seems like they're wishing and hoping that you don't find and encounter someone who will able to hurt you or break your heart into pieces. This person is praying for your protection.

For some and for rest of this pile, they will knew when the first time you two meet that you are their true love. Someone who can turned their life upside down and someone who can be light when their dark days come. If this is a true love then this romance can be for lifetime! They view you as someone who can commit for a long time relationship but i see here there's stopping them to achieve this connection with you right now or vice versa and that's because of a family issue? If this is you or them you need to forgive your family especially your parents because somehow your family benefits your love life.

extra messages :

Headphones, Summer, Glasses, Stars, Flowers, Wallet, Juice, Violin, Gentle man, Hand Kisses, Dance, Get to know each other, Healing, Engagement Ring, Butterflies, 23, 7, Truth, Elevate your energy, T, Z , Y And D.

zodiac signs - that play important roles on their chart.

I mostly getting fire signs especially the Aries with little bit influence of Virgo and Venus.

surprise and leave a small tip to your favorite tarot reader here.

channeled song from playlist :

Made with love, Danise.

© tarotwithdanise ── all rights reserved. do not copy, translate, alter, or repost my work in any other social media platforms with or without my explicit permission.

[mrsevans90]

Puppy Love

Captain Syverson x OFC Emma Miller Part 3

Summary: Austin Syverson has returned to Texas after retiring from the military and starts his own contracting business. Syverson is used to being alone and thinks he prefers it that way. While at work he stumbles upon an injured and abused puppy. When he meets the new veterinarian in town, Emma Miller, he is immediately smitten with her. It turns out Emma has some baggage of her own. Will they be able to make it work? Or is it just a case of fleeting puppy love?

Pairing: Henry Cavill as Captain Austin Syverson x OFC Emma Miller 

Word Count: 2, 593 (This one is a bit shorter because the next chapter has ALL. THE. SMUT. Prepare yourself in advance loves!)

Warnings: Fluffy Sy, Sexual innuendos, Abused animal, domestic violence, stalker ex-boyfriend, mention of nightmares/PTSD, smut in future chapters.

MINORS DNI! Must be 18+

I do not authorize any copying/pasting, stealing of my work, or using my words as your own. 

This story is not beta’d. All mistakes are my own.

A/N: I am an imperfect person who makes mistakes. All that I ask is to please be kind and if you enjoy it then please comment and REPOST! I appreciate any love, comments, and reposts more than you could know. Thank you for reading! 

Part 2

I lay back in bed with my arm behind my head and start thinking about Emma even though I know I shouldn’t because I won't be able to stop. I think of how beautiful she was standing on my doorstep, the way she cocked her hip at me with her arms crossed when I got on to her for trying to do dishes, the way her nose scrunches when she laughs. I smile to myself when I think about the weight of her tiny body across my lap and the way her nails scratched the stubble on the back of my head and neck when she was kissing me. Her perfume was not overbearing and overly potent like so many women I know. Just a soft, sensual scent that enveloped me when she was pressed against me. I think about how soft and swollen her lips felt before she left and the little gold chain necklace that rested against her cleavage and sigh. I lay there continuing to think about her as my eyes close and I drift off in a deep dreamless sleep.

I wake up the next morning stunned that I slept all night. Even though I was on a decent streak without nightmares lately, I usually never slept so soundlessly. I am once again still thinking about Emma and our upcoming date. Maybe this could be more than just physical. Don’t get me wrong, sex is great if we get to that point but I wonder if I’ll ever stop craving something more. A connection so deep that it spans a lifetime. I’ve always admired the pure love and admiration that my grandparents have for each other but lost hope a while ago that it may be something I could have. My military career made it impossible to settle down and although I thought I loved women before it just didn’t seem to be the same type of love that Nana and PawPaw have. It’s like they are each a half of the same person. The way they complete each other to make up this seemingly perfect couple who loves each other despite any flaws. It’s an all-encompassing type of adoration. I settled on the fact that their type of love is the exception. The one in a million lottery that most people never experience. Over the years I began to subconsciously accept the fact that I’ll never have that. I’ve become content being alone simply because it’s a way to protect myself from betrayal and heartbreak. I was fine with this lifestyle until I laid my eyes on Emma Miller. I’ve never felt so immediately smitten by a woman before. Talking to her felt comforting, her smile made my heart race, and I loved that she playfully bantered with me. Could it be that maybe my poor luck in the love department is over now because she’s the right person? My soulmate perhaps? Am I just fooling myself because I could see myself actually marrying a woman like her and worshipping her every day without being able to get enough of her? The thought of her with two or three little kids that look like a combination of us causes my thoughts to blur and my chest to expand with butterflies. Maybe this could work for once. It's too soon to tell. My nightmares aren’t happening as often and I feel like my PTSD isn’t as crippling as it once was. I don’t want her to have to deal with my problems though. She would be terrified if she saw me in an active PTSD episode. It’s been six months since I’ve had one but there's no guarantee I won't have another. Maybe I’m done with them or my brain is tricking me into this false pretense that I'm cured so that I get complacent. I’m getting way too far ahead of myself. I need to temper my hopes and expectations in order to protect myself from the inevitable let down. Hell, she may not even be as interested in me that way. Emma may not want anything to with something long term. I know she certainly must have her own qualms after being treated the way she has by men in the past. She’s had more than enough trauma to not have to witness mine.

After showering, getting ready for work, and eating some breakfast, I kiss Aika on the head and load up Mills for another day at work. I’m heading back to the same house to assist with the siding repair. There was more rot on that fireplace than we anticipated so it’s going to take a bit longer to repair. I call Nana and listen to her start carrying on about picking muscadines so she can make and can her some muscadine jelly. Pawpaw loves it so much he planted some muscadine trees on the back of the farm when I was about fourteen and she makes his jelly every year.

“D’ya hear that they got a new vet in town at Aika’s vet office?” I ask her.

“Oh, I sure did! Cute little blonde woman I think. Seems nice but I haven’t gotten a chance to speak to her yet. I know that Martha Foster invited her to church but she hasn’t come to a service. I can’t say I blame her, I don’t think I’d want to spend time with Martha and her nasty potato salad either.”

“Damn, Nana. Don’t hold back.”

“Well, I love the Lord, honey, but I only have so much patience for Martha and her know it all attitude.”

“I can’t disagree with you there, Nana. So yeah, the new vet, Emma, is very nice. I met her when I took the puppy I’m keeping over there after I found him. Did you see the picture I sent you of the little feller?”

“Your pawpaw showed me. He’s a cutie. What did you name him?”

Here we go. “Mills.”

“Mills? Like Milton? Where’d you think up a name like that?”

“Um, it’s short for Miller. Like Miller Lite Beer.” I think I just saved myself with that little white lie.

“You seriously didn’t name that poor thing after beer, Austin. What am I going to do with you? Bring him with you this weekend when you come to lunch on Sunday so I can spoil him. Your pawpaw won’t let me have any more animals. He said the barn cats, cows, chickens, and pigs keep us busy enough but I disagree. Do you know if that cute new veterinarian is single?”

“She is.” I quietly reply.

“Oh, you should ask her on a date. I keep telling you it’s time you start looking for a wife, Austin. If she turns you down, I can still get Susanne’s number for you. She may not have a job, but I’m sure she’ll find something soon.” Jesus Nana.

“No, I’m alright. I actually already asked Emma to dinner tonight. I’m only telling you because I know you have your ways of finding out sooner or later after gossiping with the ole bitties in town. Don’t you run off and start dreaming of a wedding and great grandkids now, ya hear? It’s just dinner.”

“Austin Syverson, you better not be calling me an ole’ bitty. I may be elderly but I can still smack you upside the head. You don't scare me."

"Yes ma'am." I reply with a chuckle because I know she means it. That ole' woman has smacked me upside the head so many times I can't count.

"I’m so glad you asked her to dinner. I want to meet her.”

“Like I said, I haven’t even taken her on a date yet.” Not exactly true but she doesn’t need to know that. “Let's not go and get ahead of ourselves and scare her off. Just do me a favor and wait a while before you ambush for information. Let me get to know her first please.”

“Fine, fine. I’ll stay out of it but please at least tell me how the date goes.”

“Deal. Now I gotta get on to work but I love ya. Tell PawPaw that I love him too.”

“We love you too, honey. Have a good day.”

The day drones on and finally I arrive at a small cottage style house on Beasley Avenue and pull up in the driveway. I’m sure my diesel truck rumbling announces my presence so I waste no time hopping out of the truck and making my way to the pale-blue door that has a summer wreath hung on it. There’s no doorbell so I knock loudly and within a few moments the door opens widely to reveal Emma in white shorts, and a yellow and white floral top that shows off just a sliver of her toned and tanned midriff. 

            “Hey Austin!” Emma says cheerfully while I’m still stunned over her appearance.

            “Sugar, you look good enough to eat.” I say with a smirk and wink.

            “Thank you, but you’re just saying that because you’re hungry.” She giggles as she reaches up to wrap her arms around my neck for a sweet hug. I put my hands on her hips and kiss her forehead.

            “I don’t say things I don’t mean darlin’. Nice place.” I say as she pulls back from me.

            “Thanks! It’s small and I need to do update some things since it’s an older house but I liked how simple and classic it looks. It also helped that it was in my budget, move in ready, and only ten minutes from the clinic.” She tells me.

“It fits you. It’s very bright and welcoming.” I say and she grins widely. “I don’t know what needs to be updated but I’d be happy to take a look.”

“I may have to make an appointment and take you up on that at some point. I need to install a doorbell. the hot water heater is not great and the kitchen sink is a little fickle but it’s not a big deal.”

“No need for an appointment darlin’. I can take a look whenever you’d like me too at no charge.” 

“I couldn’t ask you to do that. Let’s go eat, I’m starving!” She deflects.

“I’m offering so you don’t need to ask. But, I can’t be responsible for you starving so let’s eat and I can look at it later.” She locks the front door and I lead her to my truck.

“I missed lunch today. Janet accidentally double booked me and so I got behind. Had to work through lunch just to catch back up.” She says as I help her into the passenger’s seat.

“You don’t need to be doing that darlin’. I’m sure everyone would have understood.”

“It was okay. Janet felt bad about it and I didn’t want to waste people’s time. Just made for a crazy day! I’m ready for some lasagna!” She giggles and I smile at her from the driver’s seat.

We get to Gia’s and I say hello to the hostess, Sofia, who is the owner’s daughter. She’s always blatantly flirted with me but I’ve never returned the sentiment. She’s too young; barely twenty-two and is clearly looking to immediately get married and have kids like so many other women here. She’s a nice girl but I wouldn’t want to give her the wrong idea. I make a point to place my hand on Emma’s lower back and pull her chair for her to sit and she smiles gratefully at me. After we order, I see Giovanna the owner heading straight towards me. My mama and her were friends since I was a teenager and we have come to Gia’s throughout the years for meals. Giovanna and her husband, Matteo, opened this restaurant when I was about ten years old.

“Sy! Good to see you sweetie.” She says as she hugs me. “Who’s this beautiful lady?”

“Hey Giovanna. Good to see you too. This is Emma Miller. She’s our new veterinarian over at Hope Animal Clinic.” I answer and Emma smiles and produces her hand to shake as I introduce her.

“Ah! I’ve heard wonderful things about you! I have an appointment next month for our cat, Luigi, to get his yearly shots.”

“Oh, what a sweet name. I’ll be looking forward to meeting the little guy!” She tells her and I chuckle.

“He’s not a little guy. He’s the biggest domestic house cat I’ve ever seen!” I tell her.

“Really?” Emma asks.

“He’s a big boy, but what can you expect? He sleeps all day and his parents own a restaurant that sometimes has left over fish that would go to waste.” She says waving her hands dramatically and we laugh.

“Well then I look forward to meeting your big boy.” Emma jokes.

“Are you settling in okay? I’m so glad you are here!” Gia says and Emma smiles brightly.

“I’ve settled in nicely! Everyone has been so welcoming. I have to say, you have the best food in town. This is my first time coming in but I’ve ordered take out several times. Your delivery drivers are probably sick of me.” She jests.  

“Oh, I’m so glad you enjoy it dear. Don’t you worry about Derek and Joe. They get free food and only have to drive orders around so they are living the good life. Well, I’ll let you get back to your evening but I just wanted to say hello. You come back in anytime sweetheart!” She calls and we thank her and wave goodbye.

“So, are you one of those people that everyone in town knows? I saw that cute little hostess just about drooling over you.”

“Nah, that’s Gia’s daughter. I do know almost everyone in town but that’s what happens being raised in a town like this. My grandparents are pretty well known by everyone so I am just by proxy I guess. I’ve essentially spent the majority of 17 years overseas in different parts of the world, but when I come back home it’s like I never left. Unfortunately, that means everyone also knows everyone else’s business. I hope you don’t mind but I’m sure it’ll get around that we were here tonight on a date.” She blushes.

“I don’t mind. As long as you’re okay with that.”

“Wouldn’t have brought ya if I wasn’t, Sugar. You deserve to be shown off and I’m proud to be the man who gets too.” I reach over to grab her hand and stroke my thumb over her knuckles before kissing them. She smiles from ear to ear.

            After dinner, we climb into my truck and I offer to take her for ice cream and she just pats her little belly.

“Normally, I would never turn down ice cream but I think I ate my weight in pasta. I’m completely stuffed.”

I stare out at the parking lot as I fight the urge to make a “that’s what she said joke” or an innuendo about how I could stuff her later and with once glance I can tell she caught my train of thought.

“You’re fighting making a dirty joke about stuffing me, aren’t you?” She giggles and I wink at her.

“I didn’t know you could hear my dirty thoughts.”

“I can’t, it was just so obvious. Your cheeks got red, you scrunched your nose while smiling and you broke eye contact with me.” Emma grins.

I shake my head and laugh lowly until Emma scoots over to me and whispers seductively, “Let's go home and maybe I'll let you stuff me full.”

Part 4

Taglist: @shellyshellshell @henryownsme @caramariehurst @beck07990 @mollymal@kingliam2019@syversonswife@identity2212@starfirewildheart@hannah9921 @wa-ni @kneelforloki @cutedoxie @summersong69 @enchantedbytomandhenry @foxyjwls007 @geralts-yenn

[zirobitches]

One Piece: Soulmate AU

Always in this twilight - Crocodile x GN!Reader

Summary: Soulmates are incapable of hurting each other. As a pirate, this leads to some tragic moments midst battles. You thought you were prepared for when it might happen to you, but damn you were wrong.

Gn! Reader, Angst no comfort, no beta we die like Roger, Reader is Croc's First Mate and a former Roger pirate (Shanks/Buggy's age) but it doesnt really matter, also former slave background, congrats you are now in the place of my self insert OC, no promises on not being cringe this is literally a /reader fic, also had to make a fake crew bc we dont know enough crocs backstory HAND IT OVER ODA

Word count: 4500+

Also first fic on tumblr, idk what im doing here, lmk ur opinions. It is now 2:03am and i have class at 10:30. Might have to skip lmao

EDITS: grammar check lol. also cross posted it on ao3 - same name as my blog

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Soulmates weren't as common as you'd might assume when you first hear about it. There's an easy way to prove someone is your soulmate, but when that method is to harm them, well, it doesn't make it easy to find that person. And society gets a bit weird when you know your soulmate is out there.

you've known that some people carry around little needles to poke into strangers hoping to find the one. But that was in decent society; among pirates you more often heard tales of bullets suddenly dropping to the ground after they hit their target, or swords stopping on someone's skin as though it just hit steel. A battlefield is a hell of a place to meet the person fate had decided for you, but for pirates it had become a norm.

Not that long ago, some genius named Vegapunk did a study on how many people meet their soulmate - 1 in a 100. And that's just how many people find them. It never accounts for how many actually happily end up together. You had chosen to live your life as a pirate, so a happy ending with your supposed soulmate wasn't something you foresaw in your future.

You were always grateful most of your current crew felt the same. There was a small group among pirates that were always on the lookout to find their soulmate and then immediately retire. Your crew however like to joke that if they found them in battle, they would move out of the way so someone else could finish them off. It was a grim reality, but it was your reality.

However, on nights like these where you drank the night away, some romantic always had to bring it up.

"C'mon, did old Roger really make you so cold hearted that you don't believe in true love?"

"Pfft, you're fucking joking right?" You scoffed back. You always argued with Tink about this, but you understood your young navigator still had hope. Too bad you were the pessimist of the crew.

"It's not that I don't believe in true love," you continued. "Soulmates are real, I don't really see another explanation for not being able to harm only one other person in the world. But why limit yourself to waiting for a person you might never meet? So many are denying themselves to fall in love with someone else and then end up dying alone because they never found their soulmate."

Tink pouted in front of you. This was a tired conversation, one that was repeated every few weeks much to the chagrin of your other crewmates. But a controversial topic was always a great topic for a group such as yourselves.

"I'm not denying myself the chance to fall in love! I'm denying ever feeling heartbroken over someone who doesn't matter!" Tink tried to argue back, but you just groaned in response.

"And if you never meet the one? You'll just live and die without ever letting yourself even get a taste of what it is you're chasing." Tink glared, knowing it was futile to keep going, but the pink of her cheeks told you that the grog in her system was trying to get her to keep fighting.

It was then that a familiar tall figure caught your eye. There was your beloved captain Crocodile, trying to sneak behind everyone's back to grab another bottle for himself.

Crocodile was never much one for festivities, at least not one 'undeserved' as he might put it. While there was no battle won to celebrate, the night sky was clear and the waters calm; in the Grand Line, shouldn't that be enough to be happy about?

However tonight you weren't going to let him sneak booze and hide from the crew.

"Cap'n!" Apparently the grog was getting to you as well. "Come over here and help me crush Tink's dream of a soulmate!" You laughed as Tink gasped at your audacity. The rest of your company seemed more or less happy with how the night was going, but your captain was still less than enthused to join.

"If this is the same soulmate debate you've been going on about for the past 3 years, I will pass again. You already know my feelings on the matter." Crocodile's deep voice reverberated across the deck of the ship. Even if he wasn't giving orders, he still commanded the attention of everyone within earshot.

He gave a long drag of the bottle in his hand, and then turned to walk away. However you felt it was your duty as first mate to pester your captain into spending casual time with his crew.

"I may know your opinion, but would you be so kind and gracious to remind the rest of the crew? Perhaps?" You called out to the dark coat trying to run from the party, and saw him pause, then turn to walk back.

You could see some of the newer additions to the crew cower. You didn't blame them, Crocodile was an imposing figure, and was developing a infamous reputation as a pirate on the Grand Line. But he was your captain, and he would never hurt his crew, this you knew.

"If I ever met my soulmate," Crocodile began, "I assume it would be when I attempt to kill them." He took another sip from his bottle. This was one of the rare moments he was not puffing a cigar you suddenly realize. It made his face look younger, as though he was actually a man in his 20s as he claimed he was.

As though he knew you were thinking of him, Crocodile made eye contact with you. "When I realize I can't kill them, I'll call out for you." You felt your heart skip a beat. "Then you can finish them for me."

It was purely the grog's fault for making your face warm. The lack of a sea breeze was also suddenly apparent. But you couldn't be flustered, not when you were the one who asked for this answer.

You smiled, doing your best to brush off the tension. You were still maintaining eye contact with him after all. "Well there you have it. Not exactly the opinion I remember, but I hope I can live up to your expectations, Cap'n."

Crocodile nodded, then told you all to start to sober up or get to bed. "I don't need a crew of drunks on the Grand Line, or else we will never make it to the New World."

Your crew began to disperse and you went below deck to your cabin. You really hadn't had much to drink that night, yet your chest felt tight.

You thought you had learned your lesson, but no. Even after promising yourself you wouldn't, you became attached to your crew. Even after your last one fell apart. Even after you watched your first captain, your savior, be executed, you fucked up and dove straight into a different crew expecting it to be different.

You laid down in your bed, staring at the ceiling, the world slightly spinning. Suddenly all you can think about is when you met Croc.

-

It was little more than 3 years ago now, wasn't it? A whole 3 years since Roger died. The weight is still heavy in your chest, but not nearly as devastating as it was in Logue Town that day. You were a wreck, physically and emotionally.

After watching the execution, you were too heartbroken to join the others in pursuit of the One Piece. Your world has just officially ended, the crew was technically already disbanded, but now there was no hope of getting it back.

You ended up in some local bar. No one recognized you, and in the haze of all the excitement following Roger's death, why would they? You had just been some nobody apprentice who happened to stick on his ship after Roger saved your life.

But your sorrow did catch someone's eye.

You sat at the counter of this dive bar in Logue Town, mindlessly stirring whatever number drink sat in front of you now. You had run out of tears, and sat stuck in some frozen state of grief.

However, this sad portrait of yourself did not seem to deter someone from sitting next to you.

You paid them no mind, just staring into empty space, not enough energy to even remember you were still alive.

"You were a member of the Pirate King's crew weren't you?"

A deep voice rattled from the stranger, but it was his words that really caught your attention.

"How'd you figure?" You had paused your stirring at first, but now focused on your drink to avoid eye contact. You were a mess, you could feel your puffy eyes, and were still sniffling every so often.

"There's no reason anyone in this town should be sad that someone like him died. So, you must have known him, right?" The deep voice continued, and you could feel their eyes staring, but didn't have the strength to meet them.

"Well, you caught me. Going to take me in and see if you can get a reward? I'm afraid you won't find any posters of me though. I tended to get lost in the crowd, you could say." After that statement you finally grasped the glass in front of you and decided to knock back what was left. If this was the end of your little pirating career, so be it. It can die with Roger.

"Will you join my crew?"

Your head snapped up at that, and you finally looked up at the stranger.

Long black hair was slicked back to show all the sharp features of the man's face. A strong square jaw, a prominent, perfect nose, and pale, piercing eyes, hooded by thin black eyebrows. Undoubtedly, even in your drunken haze, you were sure sober you would agree the man was handsome.

After a moment to take in this stranger all you could manage was a "Excuse me?"

He smiled - no, smirked - and pulled a cigar out from his coat. "I could use someone with your experience on my crew." He carried on, as if you were discussing the weather outside. He lit the cigar with a lighter you hadn't noticed him pull out. Perhaps it was the booze, but looking at this guy, he almost seemed… fuzzy, around the edges.

"Having someone who once worked for the Pirate King should help me become the next Pirate King."

The stranger took a long drag from his cigar, then exhaled over the counter. You didn't know where the barkeep was now, but at the moment, it felt like you and him were the only people in the building.

You should be mad. Enraged at the audacity of someone to come up to you on the worst day of your life, and to ask you to work for them. But you felt nothing.

No. That wasn't right. You did feel something.

You chuckled. Giggled even. A small laugh that built up till you were laughing, nearly hysterically. You hadn't felt like this sort of light headed elation in a long time, and it was nice.

After taking a moment to catch your breath you finally looked back at the stranger. He didn't look upset at your reaction. He just kept smoking his cigar, waiting for an answer.

"I'm afraid I didn't catch your name."

"I am Sir Crocodile, captain of the Neverland Pirates."

"Hmmm. Well, Sir Crocodile, I can tell you now that you have no chance of being Pirate King." You smirked back at him, propping your head up on your hand as you leaned against the counter.

This response still didn't bother the man. If anything, you swore he almost seemed… satisfied by your answer. Perhaps he knows what's coming next.

"I can help you out on the Grand Line and maybe help you get to the New World, but I promise," you leaned in towards this captain, staring him down. "You will never be the man Roger was. No one will."

Yet Crocodile was unperturbed.

"So you'll join my crew?"

You leaned back and reassessed your empty glass. You cast a quick glance at the bar and then back at the other pirate.

"Sure. I don't have anything better to do anyways."

-

You thought back in Logue Town you could never feel the same way about Crocodile's crew that you felt with Roger's, but you were always the fool. Now you are attached.

Now you need a reason to leave.

You couldn't waste your time or your heart with them. You had already died once with Roger, and if you stayed any longer you know you could never leave alive. You got up from bed - still plenty tipsy you swayed over - to your dresser.

Middle drawer, back left, underneath some no longer worn t-shirts was a small box. You opened it.

There were several small scraps of paper. Vivre cards.

As a child on Roger's boat, you were ecstatic to learn about vivre cards. A simple way to know the people you loved were alive and safe, and be able to find their exact location? It was too good to be true.

When you remember the feeling of Roger's paper burning in your hands at his execution, you knew the reality of vivre cards.

Your fingertips gently sorted through the papers you had made for some of Roger's crew. Each had a tiny name written in a corner. Shanks, Buggy, Ray, Gaban, Oden, and a few others of people who had been most important to you.

Maybe you could leave this crew and seek out the others. Rayleigh had always said he would retire at Sabaody, and your crew was bound to get there soon, hopefully in a couple months. The ache in your chest; you missed your old family. This could be the excuse you needed.

With a heavy sigh you closed the box and hid it away again. Sleeping on it would be good. Sleeping away the booze would also be nice.

Maybe then the tears would stop silently slipping down your face.

-

It turns out the excuse of seeing your old crew was unneeded. The news coo was kind enough to drop a reason to leave directly in your lap.

You stared at the newspaper for a long moment. The sinking feeling in your gut still did not go away.

You walked up to the bow where Crocodile was standing. He stared at the horizon as you approached the next island, Water 7.

"Captain."

Crocodile turned to look at you, face neutral, signature cigar in his mouth.

"Morning. The news any good?"

"They want to make you a Warlord."

Your own feelings were swept under the rug as your crewmates overheard. Instantly the deck was buzzing, the news spreading and making the once sleepy, slightly hungover crew come back to life.

"This is perfect!" The helmsman Diat yelled, a grin wide on his face. "Not only do we get the Marines off our back, it's recognition that we are some of the strongest pirates on the Grand Line!"

You would have laughed at him if not for the ice in your chest. Similar celebratory remarks were made all around you, but you didn't have the strength to pretend this was good news to you.

All you could feel was an icy feeling on your back, right where you had a large scar that tore up a long faded tattoo. But time could not get rid of the mark you could never forget about, no matter how much you wanted to.

Amid the spontaneous party you finally turned back to Crocodile. Amidst it all, he was still only looking at you.

Your words were quiet compared to the raucous around you, but your captain heard you just fine.

"If you become a Warlord I'm leaving the crew."

A couple of nearby crew gasped, heads whipped in your direction and murmurs quickly took place of all the yells.

Instantly protests, people yelling your name, yelling their arguments, but it all fell on deaf ears as you stared down your captain.

Tink of all people knew it was futile to argue with you, and turned to the man of the hour. "Captain! You can't just let your first mate leave!"

Before she could continue, Crocodile interjected. "You never planned on making me King of the Pirates, right? So you never planned on staying on this ship anyways."

This evoked even more protests from the crowd. Many of them weren't sure what you two were talking about, and some had begun to yell again.

The sounds were starting to be overwhelming, and this was not a conversation that required the whole crew anyways.

"That's enough from everyone!" You yelled over the cacophony. The crew went quiet. "This is a conversation for me and the captain, the rest of you need to beat it! Do something useful, we will make a port soon."

The crowd was not placated in the least, but it was true the ship would be docked soon, and there were things that needed to be prepared beforehand.

"You heard them. Get back to work." Crocodile finished your command, and the crowd dispersed. You knew they would still be listening, but it didn't stop you.

"I refuse to be part of a crew that works alongside the Marines. If you become a Warlord you automatically become their dog - then you may as well be a dog of the celestial dragons." Your tongue burned even at the mention of the world nobles.

Crocodile took a long drag of his cigar. He looked away from you and sighed an exhale of smoke, then dragged his line of sight back to you.

"I haven't decided yet."

You bristled at this. "Are you suggesting they already offered this to you? And I had to find out through a newspaper?"

Crocodile took yet another drag, and you lost your patience with his nicotine addiction. "Answer me Crocodile."

Your captain sighed through his nose this time, some of the smoke reaching you, a familiar smell after all these years. It once may have been a nice fragrance, knowing your captain was near, but now it blinded you and stoked your anger.

"We are almost to Water 7. Let's save it for there."

-

Tensions were high, especially between you and Crocodile, when your mood worsened when he disappeared while you oversaw the docking. But you docked. You got the crew into a hotel. During this time the crew began splitting into sides, which was not something you had anticipated. But you ignored it all until finally, Crocodile returned and you cornered him into in a room alone with you.

He had no cigar, and you had no drink in hand. It was a painfully sober room.

Crocodile sighed and slumped into an armchair. He dragged his eyes across the room till they met yours. You refused to look away this time, jaw set with determination to stand your ground.

"I don't want to be the Marine's dog," Croc began. "But they offered me a deal."

"The deal that our crimes are excused? Big whoop, as long as we don't get caught it's almost the same."

"No," he sighed, a large ring covered hand dragging down his face in exasperation. "A deal to help take down Whitebeard."

That got you silent. For a moment, as you recalled every time you saw Roger and Whitebeard exchange blows and fight for days on end.

"You? Take down Whitebeard?" You laughed, but it was a dry and bitter thing. "Your bounty is $81 million berries. Your devil fruit is great and all, but it is by no means fight and beat Whitebeard good. Even if Newgate was without his crew, our entire crew would be wiped off the map. You've lost it if you truly believe that this is achieveable."

Crocodile glared from across the room. Not his usual, perpetual glare, but a genuine, freeze you in your tracks ice cold glare.

He stood up, all 8 feet imposing over you as he stalked across the room. "I have let you say plenty of cruel things to me, but this may cross the line."

But you were his first mate and you couldn't fear him if you were supposed to talk sense into him. "Cross the line? I'm not the one who is making deals with the Navy so I can sail us to our deaths at the hands of Whitebeard!" You were yelling now, no, roaring at your foolish headstrong captain.

"If you take that ship and that crew as it is now to the New World to fight Whitebeard and his sons, no one will come back alive!" Your heart was on fire with rage and frozen in fear. Rage at your captain, who is very much overestimating his abilities. Fear for your crewmates who have no idea what sort of danger their captain was going to put them in.

Crocodile was now truly enraged on the same level as you. He sneered down at you as he suddenly grabbed you by the neck - much to your shock. "I wanted you there to see me become the next Pirate King. But if you can't support me for this, one of the biggest moments in my life since I've been a pirate, then I have no need for you anymore."

With his free hand he opened the door that was behind you. A group of Marines walked in with cuffs ready. "To sweeten the deal, what better than to give a former Roger pirate to the Navy?"

You felt all the blood drain from your face, as fear for your own well being finally pierced your heart. You looked up at Crocodile, and you could feel tears begin to creep at the corner of your eyes. "You never fail to surprise me, Captain."

"Well done Sir Crocodile." One of the Marines spoke, and you could tell from their uniform it was a Vice Admiral, though you didn't recognize them.

"A public execution of a Roger's pirate should be a grand way to ring in your instatement as Warlord."

You felt the world slow down around you and felt Crocodile's grip on your neck slip at the Marine's sentencing.

Crocodile began to speak, "That was not what we agreed on," But your ears had begun to ring.

Growing up on the Oro Jackson, you had picked up some neat tricks. You found out you were hopeless with the color of observation haki, but had a special knack for color of arms. Perfect against those darn logia fruit users.

In a blink of an eye you ripped Crocodile's arm away from your neck and you made a mad dash past him. And jumped straight through a window, glass and all.

You could vaguely hear a commotion behind you as Marines ran after you, but it was lost with the ringing in your ears.

You could hear and feel your heartbeat, pounding throughout your body as you ran through the endless alleys and canals of Water 7. You could feel tears pierce through the wind rushing past your face as you ran, desperately with no objective.

All you could think about was the way the heat of Crocodile's hand felt on your neck, the cold metal of the rings that had pressed against your pulse.

Have you ever really touched Crocodile before?

…

You missed him. You didn't understand why. He had just betrayed you - fucking hell, he was just handing you over to the Navy as part of his deal to become a warlord, but god. You wanted to be with him anyways. You're not sure how long you've been in love with him; his sharp eyes, the smell of his cigars, the rings on his hands, but gods above.

You had fallen in love with Crocodile.

In your realization you slowed down. Your legs and lungs burned, you were gasping for air and not just because you had been running.

Has it always been this dark? When did the day leave you behind?

You now stood in some nondescript alley, dimly lit a golden hue by windows that lined it. It was a long alley, each end blocked by canals. How you arrived there you weren't certain. But you weren't alone.

At one end sand had appeared. And from it stepped your dear, awful captain Crocodile. You both stared at each other, both of you panting for breath.

"I didn't want it to be like this." Crocodile's voice cuts through the air to you. You knew you should run. But for some reason you couldn't find the strength.

"I didn't know they would execute you. I imagined they would send you to Impel Down." Crocodile continued to speak. You just stood there and listened as he walked towards you.

As you watched him, there was a strange look on his face. You've seen it before but still didn't know what it meant.

He stopped walking ten feet in front of you. The light was still too dim to see him clearly, but it was fine. You knew his face well enough.

"I won't let the Navy kill you. Not after what the nobles did to you, it feels wrong." You had never told Crocodile what the scar on your back was. It didn't feel like it mattered anymore.

"I think I'll feel better about this if I'm the one who kills you."

You knew this was coming. The second you saw him at the end of the alley. But you agreed with him. If you had to die at someone's hands, you would pick Crocodile over anyone else. Even if it meant he didn't feel the same about you, it didn't matter anymore. You were so tired.

It would be nice to see Roger again.

But then Rayleigh's face flashed in your mind. You still had to pay him a visit. You still had to visit Wano to see Oden. You wanted to see Shanks and Buggy find the One Piece.

You couldn't see Roger just yet.

So, in a sudden scramble, you turned around and ran.

The ground where you had been standing suddenly crumbled. You felt a gasp finally escape your lungs as you realized you almost gave up. But not yet. You had to save your crew too.

Then you finally ran out of luck. The dim light hid a hole in the cobblestones and you fell to the alley ground. You quickly twisted your body just in time to see Crocodile's scythe of sand arc straight towards you.

It hits you right in the chest, and crumbles to dust.

Confused, you run your hands through the sand that has landed on your lap. You're not cut in half - instead you just have sand all over you.

Crocodile change his mind? He was letting you go? Thoughts and heart still racing, you looked up at him.

Oh.

Oh no.

The horror on his face was plain to see - that was supposed to be a killing blow.

But he didn't hurt you.

Your hand jumped to your neck from when he grabbed you earlier. But in retrospect, you had just been shocked by the action, he hadn't harmed you.

Crocodile didn't hurt you.

No.

Crocodile couldn't hurt you.

Because he was your soulmate.

It was the look on his face that hurt you the most. The disgust, anger, horror - this man did not want a soulmate. He did not want you. So why bother sticking around?

You scrambled back to your feet. Even if he couldn't hurt you, the Marines still could.

So, with blurry eyes and a heavy heart, you ran away.

Faintly, you heard a painfully familiar voice call your name, but then all that was left was the wind as you ran.

pt. 2 (if you want, but this might be better as a one shot)

[nonbinarypirat]

Heyyy so I saw you were open to questions and doing commentary!! So I was wondering do you think Azz and Iruma’s relationship is different than Clara’s and Iruma’s? And and also would love to hear any love trio thoughts🙏 tysm !!!!

this is a great question!! as a spoiler, i am deeply in love and invested in the soulmate group and love the connections they have together and on one on one ways. yes! i do think they are different in many ways! Here's a little break down on my thoughts on their relationships :) .Get ready for word vomit, i went overboard

Azz and Iruma: Azz and Iruma relationship is one of deep personal openess. That isn't to say that they leave Clara out of their personal feelings, they do, but both of them lacked the normal carefree freedom as kids. Azz because of his brilliance and Iruma because of his parents.

Due to this, we see they often fall into sharing thoughts and anxieties with each other in their solo interactions. Azz and Iruma have also known each other the longest, at least a week or two went by before meeting Clara. So Azz met Iruma VERY much when Iruma was at his weakest moment, when he was so confused about the world he found himself in. And despite the weridness with their relationship at the start, Azz has always been there with Iruma, he's the third person he ever met here. With Azz having toned down is extreme admiration to Iruma this has made these moments possible between them.

I also don't want to make it seem like they don't joke with each other, we have seen that they do. They have both changed so much when it comes to having fun thanks to Clara. Now, they are able to have a shopping day and be silly. But without Clara to really push the envelope when it comes to fun, they have more calculated fun.

Clara and Iruma: Very much a playful cutesy relationship. (I honestly hope we get more interactions of just the two of them in the future.) Clara represents the childhood Iruma never had, never could have, and therefore allows him to explore childlike wonder. How to open up in more expressive ways, carefree exploration, amd fun to the fullest extent. And by doing so, Clara is able to understand Iruma's moods better than most since we let our guards down completely during moments of pure relaxation.

We see this when Clara immediately saw Iruma was upset and needed to let out his emotions and just be a child. She knows when Iruma is genuinely happy and when he's stressed and doesn't know how to express it. And we have seen that Iruma greatly appreciates Clara for letting him experience and understand playing, something he never had the time to do before. And by being around Iruma, Clara has been able to develop strong moral and logical thinking. Clara has always been a character that is more aware of what's going on then she let's on. But I think the childlike part got in the way of full development in this aspect of her character.

With Iruma, she is able to explore and understand more complex ideas and thinking. One issue with being so isolated like Clara was is that she never got to explore any type of critical reasoning. These things can only be developed by interacting with others. And so, in the beginning Clara was very short sighted and immature. Now, she not only has the love trio, she also has the misfits and it's not clear if she would have been able to create this friend circle without meeting Iruma. She has grown so much as a character and I love seeing her be mature and willing to make sacrifices (putting aside Iruma time because Azz needed it more) while still being chaotically happy.

Love Trio: What can I say that probably hasn't been screamed about in a different post. They are soulmates, deeply connected to each other in every way and bring out the best in each other. They don't "complete" each other, more like they allow for each other to be themselves to the fulllest. They all default to too serious/angry (Azz), too hyper/inconsiderate (Clara) and too in his own way/"yes man" (Iruma) when apart and together, make up for their weaknesses and boost their strengths.

Each of them has been important to the other's growth. They all have their place in the love trio and deeply love their roles too. The love trios relationship is based on deep trust, mutual (and healthy) dependency, and joy. By being with each other, they have created a safe space to allow expressiveness and vulnerablity while still leaving room for fun and happiness.

And it's so cute to see how close and personal they all get. Especially Asmodeus who always felt more standoffish to physical affection in the beginnings, even with Iruma besides a hand of the shoulder. As the story progresses, we see them be more comfortable with each other and that shows in their physical closeness. It's just a wonderful design choice on the artistic side of things and perfect for showing them care more for each other. On a personal note, my headcannon is a queerplatonic poly relationship (though sometimes I ship it as a full on romantic relationship) so it's even cuter to me.

anyway, those are my thoughts and interpretations of the relationships! since this post become super duper large, I will make a seperate post about Azz and Clara and link it in the comments because their relationship is shaping up to be very cute too and not just iruma focused :)

[skrrts]

♡ amaranth (mini series) | chapter 01

✧reader x demon!hongjoong & reader x witch!mingi ✧genre: supernatural, rebirth, soulmates, poly romance (reader) ✧warnings: insecurities, mention of death, signs of mental health, mention of witchcraft, eating, food, minors dni ✧ word count: 5,6k ✧summary: Hongjoong never cared for love until he met you. The demon courted you until your family gave their blessing for a wedding, unaware of what he was. However, before the bond could be sealed, you were killed. Scared to lose you for good, knowing you already lived most of the lives given to a human soul, he begins to search for your reincarnation. 2024, and your current life is quite boring. You study while working at a local bookstore. It’s where you meet Mingi, a witch who charms you for his own reasons. You gain a soft spot for him when the demon appears, announcing you are his. You have no idea what’s going on when the two supernatural beings seem about to start a fight over who gets to claim your soul for good. Just that they forget to ask you about your thoughts on that.

a/n: based on request, i'll pick this up again with very slow updates. 🤎

                  #01 The Witch ; MINGI ; A Soul To Grow

Yunho looked with concern at Mingi. The runes on his body indicated that the younger man had overdone it again. “You shouldn’t push yourself so hard,” his voice was gentle as he leaned forward and healed his best friend, but he knew there was only so much he could do. Without completing the ritual every member of their coven went through, it proved to be harsher on the body with every passing year to use magic in their way. It was of no help that Mingi was more persistent to go ahead than any other witch.

The small huff indicated that he did not appreciate the lecture coming from his best friend. “Well, you heard my reading earlier. They say I am about to find the soul that will allow for my growth to happen.” Yunho knew that no matter how confident the other tried to be, the feeling of falling behind was hard on him, even terrifying.

For the coven, it was proof of weakness that Mingi had not found a soul yet, and for Mingi, a fear of falling behind, falling out, and being left alone. It was foolish because, for Yunho, the decision always would be an easy one. He’d rather leave with his best friend than stay, even if that meant giving up on his parents, as hard as that was.

“Well, there are many ways one can grow; it doesn’t mean that you have to do the ritual…” Yunho tried again, but he already knew it was rather pointless. Once Mingi set his mind on something, there was only success or hard failure with no room for recovery.

“It will be fine, just wait,” Mingi stood up, rolling his shoulders. “I am already feeling better, thanks,” he lied, and Yunho sighed but stood up, a soft smile on his lips. “Be careful and call me if you need anything.”

“This was the last shelf, and nothing is missing. I’m relieved! The last inventory check showed just how many books were stolen,” Seonghwa sighed as he handed you the list to sign with your name, confirming that the two of you had completed the task together. “I can’t blame them. As a student myself, I know the financial struggles too well.” You wouldn’t be able to study if it weren’t for this job and the financial help from your family, who saved up for your academic future since the day you were born.

Your life was rather uneventful: average family, normal childhood, and after graduation, you decided to study in a city about three hours away from your hometown. You moved into an apartment that barely deserved the name, just large enough to fit a bed and a desk, but it did the job. When you were looking for work, you found an ad for this bookstore that only sold books to students. Despite the niche market, there wasn’t a topic or major for which the store didn’t have literature.

It was a smart location, situated right next to the campus. Seonghwa’s parents opened the shop when he was little, and he took over when they wanted to go on a world trip. Although he was about the same age as you, he seemed content with his fate. The two of you got along well, and you also liked Jongho, who worked the other shift once a week. Sometimes, you both ran the shop together. He was a quiet guy but always seemed to know a little bit about everything whenever a student came in looking for a specific-themed book.

“Thanks again for helping. This just made it so much faster!” Seonghwa smiled and shrugged off the apron he wore with the store’s name and logo. Each of you had one, although Seonghwa took great care to ensure everyone had a color he thought suited them best. “I will make sure to repay you. How about a boba tea? That new store across the street seems promising.”

The idea was nice. Money was tight, and there were only so many times a month when you could treat yourself to snacks. “Sounds good! It’s been forever since I had one. Feel free to pick a flavor you approve of; anything will be fine!” Seonghwa chuckled. “Alright, love. I’ll be going then to get us something sweet. Do you think you’ll be okay alone?” You nodded. It wasn’t the first time you ran the store on your own by now. “Sure thing. It’s almost closing time, and I doubt anything will happen.”

Seonghwa smiled. “Okay, I’ll be back in no time.” You gave him a small wave and watched as he walked down the street. “I wonder more if he will be back in time, considering he seems quite smitten with somebody working there,” you chuckled to yourself as you started to prepare for closing the store. Since the two of you had just done the inventory for June, there wasn’t much left to do. With the new semester approaching and new students arriving, you slowly made room for new books, making the store feel a little emptier than usual until the deliveries arrived.

You flipped through a medical book that had fallen off a shelf. There was a quiet admiration for those who pursued such a difficult study, and you felt a little guilty that you were working towards a language degree with hopes of becoming a teacher abroad one day. You placed it back on the shelf when the doorbell announced a visitor. At first, you wondered if Seonghwa had returned quickly for a change, but instead, a tall stranger had entered, looking around.

There were a few things about him that stood out, from his height to his fashion, which somehow screamed emo with a modern touch. Maybe it was the tattoos, and you judged yourself for being so biased, especially since the only reason you still didn’t have a single one was because you chickened out every time you stood in front of a studio. While his hair wasn’t dyed, he had an undercut and wore quite a bit of jewelry.

You finally cleared your throat and tilted your head. “Can I help you?” His head turned around, and his eyes remained hidden behind a pair of sunglasses, which seemed a little off considering the sun hadn’t shown all day. You knew the expression of curiosity; it didn’t require visible eyes. It wasn’t the first time a new student came in too eager or just a tourist interested in the old building the bookstore was tucked into.

“You guys aren’t closed yet, are you?” he hummed, the question way too casual to be sincere. “No, we’re still open for about,” you checked your watch, “thirty more minutes. We only sell books related to the university, though. I know the name doesn’t always make it too obvious.” Ah, why did you just say that? It was rude to assume he wasn’t a hip art student or studying something like IT.

It didn’t seem like he took offense, though; the smile remained on his lips. “I’m aware. I was looking for a few particular historical books. I have a list if that helps?” A history student? Now that was a surprise. “Sure, let me have a look.” When he lifted his hand, you noticed just how many rings he wore on each finger. He really had a particular style.

After working here for almost two years, you knew a little bit about every section and could tell by two titles that this was an actual list. You read through it, picked up a basket, and placed each book inside. It couldn’t have taken more than five minutes when you returned, looking up at him. The stranger had taken off his sunglasses by now, and you blinked, admitting he had quite unique and handsome features, from the curious dark eyes to the little moles and plump lips.

You shook yourself awake by typing something on the keyboard. “We have everything but the one about the shamans. If I place an order today, it should be here by Monday. Would you like me to order it?” It would mean he’d have to give you his name, and you happened to be here on Monday too. Wait, why were you keen on that?!

“That would be cool! Would it be alright if I just reserve the other books and pick them up and pay for them all at once on Monday?” he asked, fingers brushing through his hair. “Sure, that’s no problem. I only need your name, and then I can make a note. I will be here on Monday, but my colleagues will also find it. Do you have a student ID? If you have one, we apply a 2% discount for the entire order. I can just prepare everything, and you will be quick on Monday.”

He looked at the basket and then back to you, smiling. “Sure, I have one. One second, it’s somewhere here.” It took him a moment before he pulled out a worn-out leather wallet and offered it to you. Your fingers took it as casually as possible, and you typed in the number before you had a quick glance at his name: Song Mingi. A unique one, at least you only ever encountered one Mingi before, and that was telling, working in a store with hundreds of new students every term.

“I see this is your first time shopping here. I can make you an account if you want to. It’s literally just your name and student number. At the end of the year, you can get a list from us to make use of the tax reduction for what you spent on your student materials…” He was staring at you, and you found yourself blushing. “Is something wrong?”

The smile turned into a grin. “I just thought you were pretty good-looking. Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, maybe?” Staring at him, you blinked. “I…uhm, thank you? I mean no, I am single.” Why did you give him this information? Maybe because this was the first time anyone flirted with you. It wasn’t rare for customers to bring gifts for Seonghwa in hopes of winning the young bookshop owner’s heart, so did Jongho. Considering you were here on most days and did not…

You didn’t think of yourself as unattractive, but you were just like your life: very down-to-earth and uneventful.

“Good to know,” he seemed pleased with your reaction, and the sunglasses returned to his nose. “And that would be great; those books get pretty expensive. I will come back on Monday then, same time?” The question seemed intended to find out if you would be here, and while everyone would likely tell you to be less reckless with a stranger, you nodded.

The moment Mingi walked out of the store, a heavy sigh left his lips as he got a last glimpse of you through the large window of the bookstore. How strange that after looking for so long, he finally found someone like you — a soul living its final life.

There was a special magic that remained in such a soul, and upon release, a witch could consume it. Well, that was the simple way to describe it because the offering had to be made willingly, or else it would simply disappear like all the others when there was nothing left for it, passing over for good.

Mingi’s phone rang, and he sighed, noting the name of his best friend. He hesitated but eventually answered. “I’ll be back soon. Did you miss me so much?” he joked, but Yunho’s silence was telling. The witch rolled his eyes as he watched his shadow grow as the sun began to set. “What’s with calling me just to be quiet?” It made him nervous, although he would never admit it.

“How did it go?” Yunho sounded too concerned, which was odd for a witch as talented as him. “I found one,” Mingi finally shared, shrugging to himself. “Works at a bookstore close to our new university. Probably our age. Somewhat cute but no signs of, you know, being different from other humans or knowing that it’s the last one…”

Mingi lied to himself every time he said he was fine with the traditions of his coven and the way they worked their magic. He was desperate to fit in, no matter what he needed to do. He couldn’t bear the thought of being alone.

You felt a little silly by the time you made it to the bookstore. It was quite obvious just how much effort you put into your outfit today; you even applied a little bit of makeup and fixed your hair. Seonghwa was curious right away, but because it was a rather busy day, you managed to dodge his attempts at questioning you. When the evening came around and the end of your shift, you started to wonder if maybe you had let yourself be tricked into thinking Mingi really would come.

You were tidying up your apron when the door opened and Seonghwa made a knowing noise. You were just hanging your bag over your shoulder when you noticed the tall figure standing there. Mingi looked quite a bit different from last time: while still modern and very handsome, he wore glasses and a hat that made him look much more mature, together with a more tuned down oufit. When your gazes met, he grinned, "Sorry, I got a little distracted, am I too late?”

He didn’t look like he was here to pick up a bunch of books, but more to ask you out for a date. For some reason, it seemed you had the same thought, because there was a gentle hope that just maybe, luck would be on your side. Why not? If anyone else always got those random dates, why not you?

“You must be Mister Song? The book you ordered arrived,” Seonghwa chuckled and pulled the paper bag up. “Everything is already packed, so you only have to pay.” Mingi seemed to force himself a little to look at the store owner, but he wasn’t unkind. “Thank you. I appreciate it was as quick.” He paid and took the bag, looking at you again.

“Looks like you finished work?” Before you could say something, Seonghwa was already about it, giving you a gentle shove. “Oh yes, we are done here for the day. It’s a lovely evening for a change, no rain or anything. Enjoy!” He winked at you, and before you could say anything, the two of you were out on the street. You cleared your throat, “Sorry about that, he’s always quite keen on… things.”

Mingi laughed, leaning down a little to look at you. “Well, it’s quite late and you shouldn’t be out alone. Maybe I can walk you home, unless… you have a bit of time?” So it was a date! You tried to hide your excitement about going out with a stranger you knew nothing about other than his name, age, and major. “Ah, sure! I don’t work tomorrow and my lectures are in the late afternoon.”

He seemed happy about your answer and turned around. “Mind to come to my car with me? It’s nearby, just want to drop the books there.” You gave him a quick nod and walked beside him. Mingi adjusted his steps to match yours, looking at you. “So, you know my major, what about you?” His question seemed genuine, so you decided to give him the proper answer.

“It’s boring, but I want to work as a teacher overseas, for languages. I thought it would be amazing to live abroad, teaching older students. I know almost everyone seems to do it these days, but I want to do it properly, which is why I decided to study.” Your parents hadn’t been all thrilled about it, as you could have done anything, but they supported you.

Mingi did not seem to be disappointed about your answer but more invested. “Interesting! I take it that means you like to travel? Any places you would like to go to? It could be to work or just to visit and enjoy a vacation. I always tell myself I would, but you could say studies keep me here…” You felt there was more to it, but it would be rude to ask.

Instead, you tapped a finger against your chin, trying to figure out an answer. “Hmm, I feel like there are just so many places one could go, you know? I mean, our country is beautiful, but I really would like to see more of the world. Maybe places where cultures really clash, like Canada or Australia, which is a little silly. I’m not sure if they would hire a Korean teacher there.” You laughed and looked at him.

Mingi seemed to have taken quite an interest in your face; his smile had changed from the overly confident version from earlier to something gentle. “I do not think it sounds silly. If anything, it’s smart. I feel there is quite a demand for just that.” He nodded and pointed towards a black van. “This is my car.”

It wasn’t what you expected, but at the same time, fitting. “I will wait here, take your time,” you nodded, and he winked. “It only will take a second.” He stepped over and opened the trunk, placing the books inside before returning to your side. Oh, this man was bold. You couldn’t stop thinking that when he offered his arm to you. “Shall we?” There was a hint of hesitation; you questioned if you were so desperate at this point to accept it so easily.

Your dating experiences weren’t even worth a mention. There was a cute guy in high school, a few dates in the first year of college, but that was about it. You always figured that you simply were too ordinary and your drive to be in a relationship too low to try and change that. It didn’t mean you did not enjoy the idea; the chance to explore it was too tempting to miss out on. “Where are we going?”

Mingi did not seem to be too suspicious about your hesitations; he just was too confident to worry about it. “Well, I am a history major, so the most logical thing to me is to take you to a place that suits this while being cute,” he chuckled. “There is this active exhibition going on right now; I thought that could be fun. If you do not feel like that, though, we can just grab some food and then get you home.”

Now you really felt bad for purely judging him for the tattoos on his neck you were sure to have seen on the first day, which seemed to be covered by his outfit today. He really was more than his appearance or the confidence he portrayed. “Oh no, that sounds fun! I just should warn you, it has been quite some time since I went to a place like that.”

Mingi was surprised just how trusting you were. Back at the store, upon first meeting, he had thought of you as a confident person because you were in your own territory. It was why he decided to approach you there first instead of going for a random flirt, but now, you almost seemed too generous to a stranger.

No, he did not start and get attached, especially not that quickly, or he wouldn’t be any better. Then again, it wasn’t so easy because he could sense the radiant energy that your soul held. A soul that reached the end of its human circle was the strongest. It was why so many supernatural beings were usually drawn to it, but it seemed your life had been rather quiet so far. Good for him; he could do this with fewer worries…

The exhibition was designed for tourists, with giant items, some of them interactive, arranged to resemble a playground. Mingi watched you with curiosity as you looked surprisingly excited by the time he bought the tickets.

“If I’d have known they did something like this, maybe I’d have come sooner,” you joked, and Mingi smiled. He watched as you stepped ahead, looking around, passing by other visitors, some of whom were couples. Mingi had no experience when it came to dating. While his confidence wasn’t necessarily a lie, it just didn’t work so easily for him. Love meant letting people in, and with that either, lying or sharing the truth. But how did you explain to anyone that he was part of a witch coven?

He stopped as you picked the swing of all things, looking a little shy at him. He could tell you hoped he’d push you. “Really? If you wanted to do this, we could have just gone to an actual playground,” he teased, but Mingi stepped behind it. The swing was covered in leaves, making it look like it was part of a jungle.

“We could, but there we would be judged as strange adults. Here we can do it while pretending it’s all for gaining knowledge.” At least, you were witty. Mingi liked it and hoped to see a little more to it. After all, he needed to win you over so you would volunteer to leave your soul to him by the time of your end… He pushed the thought aside and started to aid you with the swinging.

“You seem too confident to care about the opinions of others,” he started, a means to try and get to know you better. It was easier to ask questions when you did not have to look the other in the eye. Considering that silence followed as you moved, Mingi assumed you were more careful with your answer.

“I guess I am, but then I am not. It’s hard to explain, but I feel as I start confident, but then when I think about it, I get nervous. Then, it’s like I never was confident to begin with, you know?”

Your voice was thoughtful as you swung through the air, and Mingi was a little speechless because he knew that feeling exactly. He too often tried to act confident, but then, when feelings and thoughts came crashing in, he crumbled. Just he tried to hide it, and for all other times, he had Yunho, who stepped in to shelter him.

He hated feeling so weak.

You had to cling to the swing not to fall forward when it was suddenly forcefully stopped, but before you could complain about it, Mingi’s face was close. This time, you could see his eyes clearly and the two moles that felt so unique. His breath tickled your skin, and you had no idea just what was going on anymore. You swallowed as he slowly leaned in, his long lashes seemed ready to shut when you found yourself leaning back.

“Ah…. I’m sorry, I think this is too early,” you whispered, and whatever had gotten over him seemed to be gone. The man blinked and shook his head: “Yeah! Sorry! I just, you know! Sad topics, never mind, I mean we do not have to talk about it, I get it.” It was obvious that he was a little lost , so you tried to fix it, getting up with a smile.

“No, don’t worry about it, I do not mind! It’s nice knowing somebody understands it, you know?” You dropped the topic. “Well, shall we look at the rest and then get some food? There is a burger place Hwa recommended to me the other day nearby.”

Mingi managed to smile; you were certain it was more forced this time. Whatever was on his mind must be quite serious, and you felt bad for likely having been the reason for it. “Sure, sounds good.”

You tried your best to make the rest of your time at the museum more comfortable, asking questions about if he came here often and what his favorite exhibition had been. Slowly, Mingi relaxed again, and the conversation was casual and fun. He knew quite a bit about it although not being an art major but shared how he had considered studying that, but his family insisted on something more traditional. He spoke about his enjoyment of music and interest in fashion.

Every time you complimented it, his smile seemed to grow and it made you oddly happy. You enjoyed listening to him, and Mingi made sure to give you time to share your thoughts on it. By the time you made it to the burger shop, nobody would be able to guess that the two of you only had known each other for more or less one day.

“Mh, I didn’t remember they were so expensive,” you mumbled to yourself. Mingi chuckled: “You know, I could just invite you?” You hurried to shake your head: “No! You paid for the museum, shame on them for taking money from students… I got this!” He waved his hands: “How about we share the fries? I never will eat an entire package on my own anyway.”

You could tell he was trying to help, so you sighed and gave in, just mentally reminding yourself this would mean living off instant food for the next week to come. Once the order was set and the tray carried to a small table, the two of you ate and Mingi relaxed back, eyes wandering outside the window. “I admit, this was a lot more fun than I expected. Yunho comes with me sometimes but he’s really busy with his work; I feel bad to ask him to tag along to things like that.”

This was the second time the name slipped, first earlier when you looked at a painting of a dog. “A friend?” you asked, picking up a fry and watching him nod. The way he smiled made it obvious that this Yunho must be important to the student. “He’s been my best friend since early childhood, pretty much like a brother.”

This must be nice, having a friend like that. You couldn’t complain, really. You had quite a few good friends but none of them was to the level of being considered equal to a sibling. “Is he also some edgy and tall guy like you?” you asked playfully with a wink. Mingi rolled his eyes, smirking: “Please, edgy is such an old-style word! Nah, he is taller than myself but other than that, very caring.”

You laughed: “Likely very popular with the girls.” Mingi shrugged, finishing his chicken burger. “Who knows, I tell him to take his chances but like I said… he’s somewhat busy.” You nodded, deciding not to pry today; if anything, you might learn more about it naturally. “So, I had a lot of fun today. Thanks for inviting me. That leaves it, well, I still do not have your number.”

Mingi blinked, realizing you were right, and he chuckled, taking out his phone and offering it to you. “Let’s change that then!” You smiled and gave him yours before you both saved each other. When you checked under what he registered himself, you playfully rolled your eyes: “Tall Handsome, really?” He rose from the chair: “Just making sure! It’s getting late, let’s get you home.”

When he said it was time to go, you were a little disappointed but he was right. While your semester was as good as over, you had a few extra classes taken for the credits. You walked back to his van and he drove you to your apartment complex.

“Next time, the plan’s on me,” you offered with a smile and Mingi nodded. “Sounds good… sleep well.” You hesitated for a moment before leaning in, pressing a quick kiss on his cheek before getting out of the car. You were confident there was a hint of a blush on his cheek as he smiled and drove off.

“Ah, this was such a long and expensive day,” you sighed to yourself before stopping in front of the mailboxes. A few envelopes were shoved inside yours. You sighed as you opened them and looked at the signature of the university. “Always so in time with the payment note for the next term…”

You flipped through the others, sorted out ads, and moved over to the trashcans to leave what you didn’t need right away when a pale hand appeared, opening the can for you. You looked up in surprise, facing a man that was about your own height. You did not pay too much attention to that, though; his features were much more captivating. It was hard to describe but there was something oddly beautiful about him. Sharp yet elegant, knowing, and curious eyes, a casual smile on his lips as his free hand brushed through dark brown curls.

“Thank you,” you mumbled. A quick glance over the rest of his appearance made you wonder what he was doing here. While his style was certainly unique, it wasn’t difficult to spot pricy brands, nothing people in this neighborhood wore. Yet, for some reason, he seemed familiar. Maybe you did encounter him before?

“You are welcome. It’s a little late to get out the trash; being out after dark is a little dangerous or so I heard,” his voice was melodic, and you had a hard time looking at him as for some reason, he made you nervous. What was it with handsome men suddenly paying attention to you this month?

“It’s not as bad as the press wants you to think,” you joked but fixed your bag. “I am about to get up so…” His smile did not fade, eyes fixed on you before he nodded. “Well, I actually acquired this building today. Guess, I’ll see you then. Sleep well.” It was hard to tell what felt more off, the bow he gave you or the news that he bought this building… he couldn’t be much older than yourself, and why would anyone want this?

All you could do was stare as he walked into the night. Yes, this really was a strange day. “Mh, gosh, I spend too much time with books!” You patted your cheeks like it would wake you up before disappearing into your small apartment.

Hongjoong sighed as he settled into the armchair close to the fireplace. On the day he arrived in this city, he knew right away he had finally found you after searching for two centuries.

Your soul was burning so brightly, so beautifully, that he would have enjoyed it if not for knowing that by the time he finally managed to track you down, you truly had reached your final life.

You looked different this time, but it did not matter. If anything, he quite enjoyed seeing you so lively, so stubborn, and confident. In the life you met him, society had been very different, and you had to give in to the status of your family and what they wanted from you.

Hongjoong had really practiced his patience for you, back then and now. If he could, he would just walk in and shake your soul up a little, reminding it that in a previous life, you loved him too and that the connection between the two of you was surely still there.

He would likely have done it if not for the little witch clinging so closely to you all day. Hongjoong knew exactly what that one wanted from you, and there was no way he would lose you ever again, as unlike that guy, he wanted all of you, and all you had to do for that was to devote your soul to him.

[xiaosonlybeloved]

Forever Together~ Kaeya

featuring:- Kaeya tags:-fluff, a teeny bit of angst if you squint, semi-modern au(?), soulmate au where you get a golden band on your 18th birthday which changes into a silver bracelet like thingy when you properly meet your soulmate, kaeya calls you princess once a/n:- this is my entry for the summer santa event by @solarisfortuneia , thanks for letting me take part and sorry for being so late! this one is dedicated to @satoruxx i hope both you and mika like this :)

word count:- 1.3k

masterlist

You grow more excited as the clock nears midnight. “Only five more minutes, Kaeya!” You exclaim, tugging his hand and pointing at the clock. Your childhood best friend shakes his head, amused at your unusual excitement. “You’re really that excited just for your soulmate band? How funny. I mean, you’ve always been a soft romantic, so I’m not really surprised.” He chuckled, the sound filling your room. Both of you glance towards the golden band already present on Kaeya’s wrist, showing that he hadn’t met his soulmate yet. It had appeared, as it always does for everyone, on his 18th birthday. 

None of you said it, none of you knew the other was thinking the same thing. But both of you wondered, if… If you two could possibly be each other’s soulmates.

Both of you had harboured feelings for each other since you were children. It was cute at first. But then as time passed, as you two started to notice each other more, grow up side by side, saw all sides of each other, that harmless puppy love started growing into ‘small’ crushes, even as you two were content to remain best friends. Best friends who were practically attached at the hip, frequently did sleepovers and study sessions, hung out a lot, and always took advantage of the couples discount system. Deep down, both of you wondered if you could ever be more.

The chance of Kaeya being your soulmate was a one in a thousand. So, what harm did it do to imagine the what-ifs of a nearly impossible situation, you both thought, allowing your minds to wander.

The thought of being Kaeya’s soulmate excited you. But it scared Kaeya. 

It wouldn’t be easy to love you officially. It’s not because he couldn’t or didn’t want to. He had no idea what the future would bring, but for now, he really did love you, the way you did. But he was terrified what a relationship would bring, not just to you, but to any possible partner of his, which is why he wanted to avoid meeting his soulmate. He wasn’t sure if he’d be able to maintain a relationship with his ways. And he was scared of his past.

Kaeya and his dad had fled from their home nation, Khaenriah, when it was on the brink of utter ruin because of the wars that had ravaged the world. Fled to Mondstadt, a stable country with abundant beauty, one that had already risen up after the war. There, his father had disappeared, leaving him with a caring adoptive family. 

It had been hard for him to adjust and adapt to this new life, especially since he had just been a mere child when all this happened. And he wouldn’t have been able to, if not for you.

You were his neighbour- still are, in fact. He remembered when he’d timidly ventured out into the gardens of his new house a few days after his life had been uprooted. You had noticed him wandering alone very quickly from your own garden, tugging at your mom’s hand to point at him. He’d been scared then, but then you ran ever to him, eyes sparkling, asking him if he was new here, and if he wanted to play with them, adding that their family were very good friends with his new family.

That was the beginning of their friendship, the one that had led them here, staring at the clock at night, waiting for it to strike twelve. And Kaeya was scared, scared because he’d heard many rumours of whatever remained of the Khaenri’ans searching. Searching for what, he didn’t know. Maybe it wasn’t even real. 

But he was still afraid of the possibilities.

And yet, a part of him wished to love you freely, without fear, be with you, be your soulmate. 

The internal conflict was tearing him apart.

The clock struck twelve, signifying the start of your birthday.

You grinned excitedly, holding up your hand, on which a golden band had materialised. But then both your eyes widened, as it turned silver, before reshaping into a swirling silver pattern, almost like a bracelet, with a half heart in the middle. 

The same happened to Kaeya’s band, the formerly gold band having changed into a silver bracelet, same as yours, with the other half of the heart.

It was confirmed- you two were soulmates.

You two stared at each other, eyes wide and confused. It was silent in the room for a while, as you two let the fact sink in.

I suppose it was to be expected, after all, you two had stuck with each other from the moment you met.

A part of you was incredibly happy, now that you didn’t have to hide your feelings any more. However, another part of you was worried for Kaeya and how he’d take this. I mean, what sort of best friends- soulmates- would you two be, if you didn’t know each others’ deepest fears? You knew what he was afraid of. And you didn’t blame him for it in any way whatsoever.

You were the first to speak up, gently taking both his hands in yours. Something you had done a thousand times before, and yet, it felt different this time. “You alright, Kaeya?”

He slowly nodded, eyes staring off. You understood his internal turmoil and the fact that he’d need time, and didn’t press him. “Do you need space?” you asked softly. “To process this? I don’t mind if you do.” Finally he looked at you. There were a multitude of emotions swirling in those beautiful periwinkle eyes of his- confusion, surprise, shock, fear, and more, as they met yours. “You won’t be upset?” He asked quietly. You shook your head almost immediately. “No, Kae, I won’t. I understand why.” You said reassuringly, squeezing his hands with yours to reaffirm your statement. 

“I’ll see you later then..?Once I’ve sorted everything out?” “Sure, take as much time as you want, don’t rush, I’m always here for you, ‘kay? Now let me drop you off home.” You smiled at him.

The next evening, Kaeya texts you to meet him in your regular meeting spot- the swings in the park next to your houses. On text, he sounded like he’d made up his mind, causing you to be a bit nervous as you headed over, albeit a bit early.

You were just swinging gently, lost in your thoughts, when Kaeya walks up to you. He seems to be holding something behind his back, as you look at him curiously. “You alright now?” You question. “Yup.” he grinned back, that easygoing, charming smile that was reserved specifically for you back on his pretty face. “Got everything figured out now, and I have something for you too.” He smiles, bringing out the gift-wrapped package he had been holding behind his back. You chuckle, relieved, as you quickly open it. You stop short when you see what it is that he has given you.

“Forgot to say this, but happy birthday, [Y/N].” He said softly, bending down a bit to take the beautiful silver necklace that had your engraved to put it around your neck. “There.” he said, leaning back to admire you. “Now it matched with our bracelets.” He added, his words meaningful.

This was his way of giving you confirmation. “Let’s give this thing a try, huh? After all, if anything ever happens, I’ll be here to protect my beloved princess, won’t I?” He smirked at his successful attempt to make you flustered as he pulled you up from the swing, holding one of your hands gently in his.

[assjuice4ever]

I just love the idea of Gojo and reader being soulmates who keeps getting reincarnated (in reality my OC but I wrote it with the reader)

ONE LIFE TIME ISN'T ENOUGH

Part 1/Part 2

It was the Yayoi period when they met for the first time.

He was fifteen years old and he was already the capoclan of a sea tribe. All the man were tall, with dark skin, burned by the sun, with dark hairs and eyes. They were strong, they dominated the sea and the near land, destroying and burning down neighboring tribes. He stood like a God in the middle of his men, stronger than all of them, with blue eyes that didn't look like the sky, white hair and skin, as a snow flake in the middle of an ash field.

No man was able to win against him, no curse was able to stop him. They called him God and he acted like one.

He was only fifteen and his name wasn't Gojo Satoru but he was him. He was at the top of the world.

He met her in war.

His clan was attacking a tribe, the clan of his future wife, choosen by his father, was attacked by them and it was his duty to extract revenge even if he didn't care about them.

There was war, blood dripping down men, screams, women and children crying and then somebody started a fire. It was like the gods decided to destroy the whole word by burning down everything, it looked like a divine punishment. And she was standing in the middle of it. He thought she was a god of war, fighting in the middle of the fire, face covered in blood, shooting arrow killing his men and the other clan men one after the other. Who was she?

He walked in the fire circle and fought against her and for the first time he felt alive, while watching her vibrant eyes and the smile on her lips. He never had so much fun before in a fight.

The two fought all night, all day, until the next morning when they stoped, no one else was around, all run away from the fire but them.

And then they start to meet there again and again, to fight, to talk, to run on the woods and swim on the river.

And then on the day of his wedding he run away with her, not caring about anyone else in the world, not his clan nor his responsibility. She was the only thing that had value on his life.

It was the most beautiful time of his life, being free and wild, living only by themselves, going from clan to clan together, and being with her. Nothing else in the world mattered.

They created another clan, with strong people, sorcerer helping them fight curse and they were getting paid by the tribes with food, a sleeping place and whatever they needed. People acted as if they were God and they felt like one.

And then the world crushed into him when he realized how mortal they were, the blood coming from her while crying, the baby growing in her slowly killing her from the inside. She fought with nail and teeth, renouncing to her own powers just to keep the baby alive, for him, because he needed a son.

She slowly died between his arms and he cried day and night, holding her to his heart while she grow weaker and weaker. They promised to each other to meet in the next life and to be happy again.

The second time they met was during the Kofun period. She was the daughter of a blacksmith, he was the best and she was secretly learning from him. A queue of men was always out of the shop, watching her and trying to make her fall for them. And then he, Satoru, arrived. His name was different but it was him. He had eyes like the sky, and plush pink lips. He was a samurai and a sorcerer, while she was a sorcerer and a blacksmith like her father.

He saw her working and he decided that he wanted a sword made by her. He came by every single day, tormenting her and pestering her on how he wanted his sword.

Every single one of her sword didn't work for him, too light, to heavy, too long and too short, and yet he wanted one made by her.

It took her twenty years to do the perfect sword, one he wanted to use.

He accepted it on his death bed, laughing and coughing about how finally she learned how to make a good sword, one he could use. Her last word to him was to tell him how annoying he was and how one say she will get back to him, and he laughed before telling her that he hoped to have this fun again in his next life.

The third time they met was in the Asuka period. He was a warrior in search of fame and fortune, fighting curses and men, to be known as the strongest. People were starting to tell legends about him, a man so beautiful that people had to close their daughter in their house, who looked like the first winter snow and as strong as the storm. He met you when he decided to destroy the terrible band of rogue who was destroying the south of Japan, attacking clans and tribes, fighting the Yamada clan, taking their food and money away, killing their men. People talked about monster and demon, yet not a lot of curses where there.

When he went to destroy all the brigands there he met her, with wild hair and a long scar on her face. She laughed at his face before fighting him, he won but he was unable to kill her. And after that day he always had to put up with her.

Wherever he traveled she followed, taking horror and terror with her. When he slept she tried to assassinate him. When he ate she tried to poison him. When he showered his water was always incredibly cold. When he got undressed his clothes disappeared.

It was the most annoying thing in his life.

They fought, and fought and fought. He would have been lying if he said it wasn't funny to fight against her.

And then she died in the battlefield, nor because the enemy was too strong but to protect his son. He said to her that she would protect her in another life while she answered to him that in another life she hoped they could fight alongside.

The fourth time they met was during the Heian period. A struggle of power was going on between the emperor sons, and yet he didn't have to fight as he was not a soldier but a sorcerer. He was taking car of curses destroying village in his clan territory when he stopped near the soldiers to talk with them, knowing curse were going to rise up there. During the night an attack was carried out, the soldier were killed by arrows so silently that he could have missed them if not for his eyes. Then he searched for the killer, her. She was beautiful and angry, as if her face was a mask.

He decided not to fight but to follow her out only of interest and he learned how she was the leader of a group of farmers, not warriors, and she was putting them in harm way even if she was an hunderd time stronger than them.

It was dishonourable or so he thought until she heard her speech to women and men, until he heard her anger and she undressed in front of everybody to tell them how her body was destroyed by that men, how they needed to kill to save themselves and how even dying in battle was better than that. Everybody listened as if it was the emperor himself talking to them.

And they fought and killed and died. Leaving only her standing to fight again. And he decided to help. Maybe because he was touched or maybe because she looked as if fire was in her vein. They fought, and fought again. And then when they got older, he claimed the land for his clan, letting her live there, asking her to stop fighting but she didn't listen. They ended the fight when he died by the end of a Shikigami, him destroying it to protect her.

They promised each other to be friend in their next life.

[llondonfog]

Sorry I've just got the brainworms about soulmates some more and thought you might like this soulmate variation i found where you instinctively collect items that your soulmate is going to need or like in the future when you eventually meet them. And then I just got to thinking of lilia confusedly collecting soft blankets and pillows, and a tiny baby malleus stealing whetstones fron the knights and more curiously, toothbrushes. And then them holding onto these items for literally hundreds of years before being able to finally give them.

oh my god, ohhh m ygod that is so adorable!!!!!!!! im!!!!!!!!!!!

i'm utterly fixated on the thought of lilia (LILIA!!!!) who has professed far and wide and with great disdain his aversion to children suddenly compelled?? to seek out and harbor baby blankets, stuffed animal toys, and tiny socks??? the confusing, agonizing mix of revulsion at the realization that the soul who will complete his life will be a child (and oh god, could you imagine if he was collecting specific human baby related things, the disbelief and horror spirals ever deeper—), the way he feels sickened at the fact that he's already beginning to harbor affectionate thoughts towards this faceless 'soulmate' when he finds himself absently folding the blankets into a snug drawer or brushing his fingertips over the soft, fluffy ear of a stuffed lamb.

the way that he initially dreads meeting his soulmate, is viciously grateful at first that they don't seem to appear for centuries to tie him down and change him irrevocably. the way that as time marches ever on, he begins to worry the edges of those pristinely ironed quilts with a secret fear that perhaps they might never drape about their intended.

(meanwhile, baby mal is stealing toothbrushes from the palace staff and visiting dignitaries— it becomes widely known to shake him down gently before bed lest he wind up with toothbrushes stuck to his hair and napping with one in his mouth.)

[queerbrainrot]

A Very Subjective Show Recommendation

Basic Info:

Titles: Word of Honor

Main Leads: Zhang Zhe Han as Zhou Zi Shu and Gong Jun as Wen Ke Xing

Overall Tropes etc.: Morally Grey/Black Main Leads | Soulmates | Revenge Story | Childhood Friends to Lovers | Hidden Identity | WantedCriminal4WantedCriminal | Feral4Feral | Ride or Die | "I'm dying" vs "I won't let you" | Amnesia | Fake Identity | Found Family | Criminals adopting an orphan and being better parents | Villain(?) Fuckery | Non Traditional Husband-Wife dynamics | Playing House As Everyone Tries to Kill Them | "I WILL DIE FOR YOU" "no, I WILL DIE FOR YOU" | Villain Redemption Questionmark

How many episodes: 36

Trigger Warnings / Content Warnings: Non-graphic non-traditional self-harm, child abuse, child death, death of family members, death of loved ones, drugging, alcohol, torture, forced suicide via poison, non-graphic non-traditional suicide attempt, violence, brainwashing, hints of incest (between cousins), sexual harassment (background character perpetrator @ background characters, secondary femme character - perpetrator gets killed)

My plot description:

Zhou Zishu who is a former Wuxia-CIA leader gets so mentally unwell that he decides to leave his organization through a prolonged suicide to get at least few years of 'normal' life. He pretends to be a homeless alcoholic-beggar when a too pretty poetry-speaking Wen Kexing who sees Zishu's shoulder blades and decides 'that's my future husband'. Since that moment onward he stalks Zishu because yes he's that unwell. Zishu stumbled on a massacre and accidentally adopts an orphan in the process. The orphan has some very sought-after artefact so Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing try to keep him alive as the not-so metaphorical ghosts from their pasts try to kill them all.

MyDramaList plot description:

In order to leave the assassin organization The Window of Heaven, the leader Zhou Zi Shu performs an obligatory departure technique, leaving him with three years left to live. He disguises his face and tries to live the remainder of his days as a drunkard wandering the martial arts world. Three months later, he meets the mysterious Wen Ke Xing, who immediately notices Zhou Zi Shu’s façade. The two then grow closer when they get entangled in a conspiracy regarding the Glazed Armor, a protected legendary key to a powerful armory.

SCORING:

Chemistry between characters: Off the charts, convinced this show and the amount of the not subtle queerness in it is the reason why China did a temporary ban on queer romance adaptations. 1000000/10. Gong Jun made 'did you know i like men' into a facial expression.

Plot: 8.5/10, yes we have the artefact and armory thing but honestly the relationship of the leads and their relationships with others take the main chair. Overall though I liked the plot.

Ending: Cried. From two reasons. 10/10.

Did it drag aka did I feel the need to skip forward: Never, I rewatched it in full like 5 times by now I think. 10/10.

Was it easy to understand while going in blind: Honestly? Yes. It's more character driven than plot driven. 10/10.

Other characters: Honestly, loved everyone on screen. Obviously the villains were hate-able, but played well. Loved all of the supportive characters - especially Wen Kexing's and Zhou Zishu's little found family - so it was nice to watch even when main leads weren't on screen for X time. 10/10.

Other Big Pros:

Wen Kexing's costumes. His make up and wardrobe. Whoever was responsible - I hope your pillow is cool and you may never stub your toe. Chefs kiss.

Gu Xiang and her himbo husband - all they needed was her walking him on a literal leash along with the metaphorical they already have.

Zishu's wigs look amazing. Just wanted to say.

Everyone is so pretty I'm experiencing bisexual rage.

STRONG!!! WOMEN!! WHO ROCK!!! SHIT!!!! UPPPPPP!!!

Thoughts/Opinions with some spoilers:

I know this show gave a heart attack to few censors at least. I have no idea how they got away with so much - ZZS and WKX calling each other sOULMATES? Overall cannot recommend it enough. It's easily digestible, engaging and will have you crying, squeeing and fanning yourself. Sometimes all at the same time.

[alovelyfox]

Chapter 5: Truthfully

You can’t quite find the words to describe how mad you are right now. You keep muttering obscenities directed towards Stan and his entire bloodline while you check the apartment for any sign of Wendy. Confirming she had left for work, you go to the door to let Stan in. But your hand hesitates while reaching for the doorknob. You aren’t sure if it’s the best idea to let him inside. You had pegged him as sort of a dorky lover boy who wanted help getting his soulmate back, but him showing up here like this without your consent makes you think twice. Plus, it would probably be a major violation of Wendy’s trust to let her potentially psycho ex-boyfriend into your home. Deciding it’s best to talk outside, you open the door and firmly close it behind you. Stan looks confused and says something, but your eyes are firmly trained on what’s leaning against the wall behind him. Your previously thought lost pink bike.

“What the hell is this doing here?” You ask, walking over and checking the handle bar to confirm it’s really yours. Sure enough, the carving you made when you first got it at 13 is still there, staring back at you.

“Oh, Kyle dropped it off,” Stan explains, and your heart drops. “Yeah, he just left, without saying anything either. He asked if I was here to see you, then walked away.”

“Kyle was here?”

Stan nods, and a hundred different scenarios as to why he left go through your head. You had told him you were meeting your date from last night here, so he comes with your bike and finds… Stan. Fuck.

You sprint down the stairs, the only thought in your mind is to talk to him before he gets the wrong idea. But it’s too late, you run outside and find no sight of him. You slowly trudge up the stairs, walking until you come face to face with Stan. The sadness of not being able to catch up and explain everything to Kyle couples with the stress of Stan showing up unannounced, and you explode.

“Why the fuck are you here Stan? I made it very clear, I would only help you if you gave both Wendy and I space, yet not even 24 hours after, you show up at our apartment!” Stan opens his mouth to say something, but you’re too angry to let him get a word in. “Don’t fucking tell me you’re here because you love her, or because you’re desperate. Because right now, all I see is a selfish, pathetic excuse of a man who’s relying on two women to fix all his problems. And now you’ve gone ahead and fucked up my life since of course you can’t be the only miserable one. You have to drag down everyone else with you. But if your life sucks, you don’t go and screw it up for others.”

You push past him and open the door. Stepping inside, you remember one last thing that you hope gets stuck in his thick skull.

“Oh, and if I ever see you within twenty feet of this apartment again, I’ll pepper spray your ass and call the cops while you’re on the floor crying for your mommy.”

And with that, you slam the door in his bewildered face and fall onto the couch. You need this day to be over with, so after leaving a voicemail to Sam saying that you won’t be in for the rest of the day, you curl up and float into a dreamless nap.

…

You awake with the time on your phone reading 11:03pm. Your inbox is filled with messages from Stan, and you groan. You had meant to sleep until morning and let him be your future problem, but the pillow squished under your head and the heavy blanket on top of you reminds you that Wendy’s too nice for you to carry on lying to her.

You get up, grab two beers from the fridge, then walk over to her room. She’s sitting on her bed watching some Netflix show, which she pauses after inviting you in.

“Hey, thanks for making it comfortable enough for me to sleep on the couch, you were the only thing standing between me and a really bad neck sprain,” you tell Wendy as you open the drinks and hand one to her.

“No worries. You said you might have to work late this evening, so seeing you crashing on our couch at 3pm kinda made me think something happened that made you need a nap.”

You avoid eye contact and sip the beer. It tastes bitter in your mouth, so you sigh and set it down.

“Guy troubles.”

“Oh yeah, I had a couple of those in the past. Actually just the one.” She takes a sip and you figure you’re not gonna get a better opportunity than this.

“Do you mind telling me about him? Sorry if it’s kinda invasive, but I think hearing about someone else’s experience might make me feel better about mine.” You take a deep breath, hoping she’ll open up.

“Sure. I mean, it happened so long ago. My first boyfriend was a guy called Stan. He was from my hometown in Colorado; really cute, and super in love with me. In fact, he used to throw up every time he talked to me, he was that nervous,” she says, growing quiet with a sort of dreamy eyed look crossing her face. You have to clear your throat to get her to continue.

“Oh right. We started dating in middle school, and we were kinda on and off from then until high-school. Even though he was sometimes emotionally distant and I dated other guys, I truly loved him. I thought we might go the distance, but during our senior year, he got exceedingly more and more depressed. And instead of turning to the people who cared about him, he turned to alcohol. He was scared about his future, and to cope, drank himself within an inch of his life. Interventions, detoxes, rehab, I tried everything to get him to quit… But you can’t save someone who doesn’t want to be saved.”

Her eyes go glassy, so you reach over and give her some tissues laying on her nightstand, but she shakes her head and she carries on.

“I stuck with him until our graduation. By then, everyone else had left, deemed him a lost cause. They were right, and as much as I loved him, I couldn’t stay with a man trying to kill himself. I broke up with him at his house after the ceremony, which he hadn’t bothered to attend despite the fact I’d made valedictorian. I told him I was leaving for the city, and that I hope when he gets the help he so desperately needs, that he’ll call me. And considering I haven’t heard from him since, I assume he’s still in South Park, staring at the bottom of an empty bottle.”

She takes a long look at her drink before setting it down, and you mentally kick yourself for bringing beer to a conversation about an alcoholic. And when there’s perfectly good ice-cream in the freezer! But you digress, and summon enough courage to ask the question that’ll determine your entire future with Stan.

“But if he did get the help he needed, and got better, would you still wanna be with him?”

You hold your breath, and after a couple moments, she replies.

“I have no idea. He was such a train wreck when I left, and was so adamant to refuse any help. But… I suppose if he was truly better, and had truly changed… Then I would at least be willing to see him. But if we were to date again, he needs to be completely sober and have his entire life together. I can’t go through what I did with him when I was 18 and in love all over again. But I don’t think I ever truly stopped loving him, so I don’t know. I might be willing to give our relationship another chance.”

You smile, and thank her for telling you. She tells you she hopes everything works out for you, yet still looks sadly at her abandoned beer bottle. You take it along with your own and walk out of her room, dumping them both in the trash before pulling out your phone. You step out onto your small balcony, breathing in the fresh air, and call Stan back.

…

He picks up on the first ring.

“Hello? Y/N, is that you? Look, if it is, I am so sorry for showing up at the apartment, and you have every right to be mad at me. So yell, scream, cuss me out and call me every name in the book. And if you think Wendy’s life is better without me in it, and that she doesn’t feel for me what I feel for her, so be it. But I want you to know that I genuinely feel better about my life after the advice you gave me, and I want more of your help.”

You sigh. If helping him is what’s gonna make Wendy happy, you’ll do it. But first, you need assurance that he’s mentally and financially stable enough to be let back into her life.

“Dr. Grossbard. He’s a therapist I know who specializes in helping recovering addicts. I’ll send you his address, and you can reply by sending me a copy of your resume. I’ll see if there’s anyone hiring an errand boy and if we can get you a job.”

“Thank you Y/N. Oh thank you so much. I’ll get right on that.”

You almost cut the call, but decide to say one last thing.

“Oh, and Stan? Wendy feels more closely than you think.” He starts to say something, but you hang up. The air has turned cold around you and you start to feel sleepy again, but before you go inside, you send off a text to Kyle.

Y/N - thank you so so much for dropping off my bike ♥️♥️

Y/N - where’d you find it?

Read at 12:03am

…

The next day at work you try to ignore the nagging feeling that Kyle left you on read because he’s mad at you. Or maybe it’s all in your head, and in reality he just forgot to reply. Guess I’ll find out today. You sit down at your brand new desk which was delivered before you got here, and inspect the thick manila folder lying on it. Inside is information about Gemma Langford, who’s boss Lenny Ying failed to provide sufficient maternity leave when she was pregnant with twins, for which she is now suing as a human rights violation. It seems pretty simple, but what surprises you is that the prosecutor's name on the case matches your own. You realize what it means and can’t stop smiling. Your first case! You wonder if Kyle’s the one who assigned it to you, being your superior, and you decide to go ask him.

Walking into his office, the air seems cold, despite the morning sun shining through the unopened windows. Kyle is working diligently at his desk, not pausing to look up when you enter. You ask him whether it was him who gave you the case in your hands, but he doesn’t reply, his eyes glued to the computer screen in front of him. You think he didn’t hear you and asks again, yet he still doesn’t say any response.

So he IS mad at me, you discover, and sigh before walking out and closing the door behind you. He probably needs a little space, god knows why . You return to your desk and decide it’s best to just focus on your work. It’s what best distracts your mind from other thoughts, and you feel yourself getting lost in gathering all the information you need to help Gemma.

Sam comes to your desk around 12 and gives you some lunch he picked up from the deli nearby. You express your gratitude by thanking him, and it’s around this time Kyle also ventures out of his room to grab some coffee. Watching as he moves around the kitchen, you not so subtly stare at how fast he looks like he’s trying to get out of there. Sam calls his name so he turns around and accidentally makes eye contact with you. You smile, but he averts his eyes and walks back to his office post-haste.

Definitely mad. Shit.

…

It’s around 4:30 when you hit a snag with your work. The timing for when Gemma asked Lenny for maternity leave is weeks prior to when he officially filed a request, and you wonder if this is something you can use against him in the case. And even though he’s trying to avoid you, the only person who would know the answer to this is Kyle. In fact, he’s your senior, the person who should be by your side during this entire thing, helping you along. Deciding enough is enough, you march over to his office and knock.

“Come i-,” he starts to say as you open the door, but his voice abruptly stops upon seeing it’s you and he returns his gaze back to his computer.

“Kyle? I need your help with finding something about this case, if you don’t mind?”

“We have an extremely talented research team if you need help.”

“Yes, but I think it’s something you’d know, so I thought to ask you.”

“Try them first.”

“Alright, that’s enough.” You walk over to his desk and unplug the computer, yet even then it takes a couple seconds for him to turn his chair to face and for his eyes to flicker up to yours.

“I wanna know why the hell you’re being so weird and distant today, no more of this passive-aggressive bullshit. Just tell me what’s bothering you,” you say exasperated, but he remains silent.

“Is it something I did? Something I said? Or is it about who you saw at my apartment yesterday?”

His jaw tightens slightly at the mention of Stan, and you can’t help but let out a small laugh.

“Oh my fucking god, this is about him? The guy I told you I went on a date with like two days ago? Why do you care so much about my dating life?”

“I don’t,” he says, standing up to match your height. “You can date any guy you want, just.. not him. Not Stan.”

“I never said we were dating. And I also never told you his name was Stan. What, do you know him personally or something?”

“As a matter of fact, yeah. I spent my entire childhood being his best friend, so if you’re involved with him, I think I have a right to know. So tell me Y/N, are you two dating or not?” He asks, his fiery gaze only accentuated by curls of red hair falling down onto his face.

“No,” you say, your voice strong and clear. His stare relaxes faintly, but upon realizing you aren’t gonna give him anymore information, he sighs and collapses back down onto his chair. You also find somewhere to sit in the room, and the both of you remain silent for a moment.

“Look. I didn’t mean to get angry like that. It just felt…weird to find out that Stan was your date.”

“Listen. We’re not dating, but chances are I’m gonna be seeing a lot more of him now. So if you have some sort of shitty relationship with him because he’s a bad guy, I’d rather know now than later.”

Kyle sighs and leans back. “No, he’s a good guy. Or I don’t know, he was when we were kids. Our friend group was always getting into trouble, but Stan had my back through it all. He helped make my middle school life bearable, especially when there were other guys who were hell-bent on ruining it. But I still blame myself for what happened during senior year. I was too focused on having good enough grades to get out of that shithole town that I neglected our friendship, and Stan turned to alcohol to deal. I only realized how bad it had gotten when I graduated, but by then it was too little too late. I tried to keep in touch with him after I moved, but yesterday at your apartment was the first time I’d seen him in almost seven years. He never told me he’s in town, and the last place I’d have expected him to be was there. Probably why I left without saying anything.”

You pick up your chair and place it right next to his, plug back in his computer, then grab the file and open it up.

“Oh yeah, thanks again for finding my bike and dropping it back at my place. It really means a lot.”

He mumbles a ‘no worries’, then leans in closer to get a look at the information in the folder. He leans so close, in fact, that you can smell faint traces of the coconut shampoo he probably used this morning while washing his hair. A soft smile falls on your lips, and you listen eagerly as he explains to you the best way of attacking the case.

…

Time goes by quickly with the both of you working on the case in Kyle’s office, and before you know it the clock reads 6:30 pm. He notices it first, and looks at his watch to double check.

“Oh fuck, we’ve been working for 2 straight hours,” he says, as he starts to gather up all your papers spilled across his desk. “I have a couple things I still have to do so I’ll likely be here until around 9… But you should get going, it’s pretty late.”

“It’s okay, I wanna finish what I’m working on. Plus, my bike’s got a flat tire and I had to get my roommate to drop me off today, so if we leave at the same time you can drop me back! I’ll just keep you company until then,” you say, and his eyebrows knit in confusion.

“You don’t mind?” He asks, and when you shoot him an enthusiastic smile he turns away to hide his blush.

“Alright, I’ll go get us some dinner,” he says before leaving the office.

You fire off a quick text to Wendy saying you’ll be home late tonight, and grin softly as you look around the room. After an eventful couple of days, everything in your life seems to have fallen into place, and you hope you’ll always feel this happy.

[fabulous109]

My Light~ Embry Call fanfic

Chapter 9- It’s Called Breakup Cause it’s Broken.

Emily pulled into the La Push reservation heading to Embry’s house. As she passed all the familiar places, she thought of her life here. It wasn’t perfect, but it turned out all she wanted and needed. She missed her family, but something about Embry felt like home more than they ever were. He knew her better than Emmett, and that is saying something quite deep. As she drove out to her destination, she felt the familiar pain creeping into her bones. Deducing that it was the position she was holding the steering wheel, she tried to move around on the short drive. Apparently she overestimated how well she was doing today. Giving her dad a quick call to let him know, he told her try to get home as soon as she could because that meant her current meds were not working as well as they thought. It was the first time she attempted something as difficult as driving, although it wasn’t exactly difficult but used much more strength and muscle memory than she knew. The despair of seeing how much this sudden illness has already taken from her was almost too much to bear. However, she did have a mission to complete that was far more troubling than any pain she has felt. 

As Emily was driving over, Embry was of course unaware. Instead, he was sitting right behind the front door. He usually ends up here on the floor after holding it all together just long enough to get home to break down. Holding onto the engagement ring he had planned to give Emily right as his life was ripped into shreds. If it was not for the simple small hope remaining that maybe, just maybe she would be his true soulmate, he would have likely not been able to hold it together so far. Emily deserved so much more than this. More than a guy who turned into an animal, more than a man that could tear her apart at the drop of a hat. More than he simply had to offer. She was everything, the calm to his storm and the sparkle of every star. The depression, the anxiety, the pain of his dad not being there, the pain and heartache of life Emily carried for him and with him. He was lucky to find perfection in such an unperfect circumstance long ago. The guys told him to dump her and return the ring, and he proceeded to try his best to rip them apart in wolf form. Embry knew that ring would be in his possession for the rest of his life. It was all he had left of their life and future together. The sadness could not cover the anger he did have. 

Part of the reason he has not broken up with Emily is due to not wanting to speak with her just enough to keep him locked away. How could she hide everything so easily from him? She lived with the enemy, and was the enemy in the pack’s eyes. Jacob was livid to see his almost sister as part of the family that took his precious Bella. Quil was simply hurt that she didn’t tell them. Then again, they wouldn’t have believed her. Jacob laid a lot of the blame on Billy, as did the pack. Sam sympathized with Embry, but the rule still stood that unless she was an imprint they could not be together. Embry was more hurt, confused, betrayed, angry, basically any emotion that was negative due to all the times flashing through his head of all the things she never said or admitted to. How many lies did she tell him? Did she even love him? Was he ever going to meet her parents, or would there be excuses all his life? He understood the secret, as he had one too, but he didn’t understand how someone who claimed and promised all secrets were shared could keep this one. He loved her more than enough to atleast listen. To accept they were different. A hint would have been nice, or some way to know that although it was not her secret to tell, she wanted him to share it with her.

Beyond the betrayal, there was the audacity to live in a home of vampires. He thought back to every time Emily claimed her brother broke a bone of hers. Every scratch or bruise to his memory was another log to his mental fire flaming into anger. The downside of being madly in love with his best friend for 15 years was that he knew quite a lot. She was clumsy and sometimes wouldn’t think of her safety to do something adventurous, but he didn’t ever think she would be so insane to put herself in a room where people could kill her instantly, or worse make her one of them. Was this the life that she would rather have? If she stayed and became one of them, he would have to fight her or even kill her one day. She was with the enemy, meaning she was the enemy. Still underneath all this anger, he loved her. The time to face her and break it off was overdue. Sam’s patience ran out a while ago, but hearing Embry’s depressing thoughts every patrol or shift they shared was enough to make a hardened criminal soft. The guys understood now what he went through daily with his mental health by hearing his thoughts. Only Emily could ever bring solace in the mental tidal waves for him. He was drowning within himself..

Suddenly the wind shifted and his thoughts suddenly stopped. Was Embry dreaming? The sound of a car approaching sounded just like Emily’s, as he has looked forward to it for so many years. He smelled her within seconds due to his enhanced senses. He never wanted to forget that smell, but there was another smell there. Vile and vulgar were the angry thoughts radiating from him, but he couldn’t phase now and hurt her. Billy said she knew nothing of the wolves. It was Embry’s job to keep it that way since the leeches had that much respect at least. He silently begged that he wouldn’t have to find out just how badly it hurt to lose her for good.

As Emily walked up the muddy path to the door she knew Embry was home. The unmistakable shuffling inside the window was something that she could recognize in total darkness. It was a buzz in the air that told her something was different, besides how Embry looked the same, yet completely different. He opened the door and before she could knock or even get a word out, he opened the flood gates.

“Didn’t you get the hint?” Emily stumbled in her words not expecting that to be the greeting she received. “Or did you finally get tired of lying to me?” Okay, Emily was hallucinating because that was not Embry. His voice yes, her Embry no. “Babe, what are you talking-” “No. No babe Emily we’re through. You didn’t have the decency to tell me the truth all these years. Better yet, you played us all.” It couldn’t be true. How did he know about her family? 

“Embry, I don’t know-” “Cut the crap Emily. I am tired of this, and tired of you. The whole rez was only putting up with you because Billy is on the council. I mean you were fun and all for a while, but like all shiny toys they get old, broken, and boring. I mean why would I want someone whose family didn’t even want them. Instead you are just a blood bag for your precious ‘family’. Go back to being their charity case like you were here, but don’t come back around. Honestly if I never see your face or know of your existence for eternity, it won’t be enough. Thanks for the entertainment while it lasted though, but you weren’t special considering all the girls that laid in my bed while you weren’t here. You were just one of many, and the easiest of all. The guys and I all enjoyed many laughs on your expense, but we don’t need you anymore.” 

Emily was speechless, but anger like she had never experienced bubbled inside her. Embry knew he was being cruel, but he couldn’t take living in the same place with the risk of seeing her at any moment knowing he could never have her. Fearing to look into her eyes for what he could bet would not be there. After all the damage fate has laid at his door recently, this was the perfect tipping point. It was quite for several breaths until he looked up to make sure she was even there. As she silently turned to leave her eyes flickered to meet his for a millisecond, and he saw that fate actually was on his side this time. Emily again knew none of this. All she knew was that her life and everything worth while was destroyed in two minutes. It was burning in her brain and laying at her feet. Getting into the car and out of La Push was the only goal she could capture after feeling the grief and panic coming to rip her apart.

As she drove away, Embry came back to reality falling to his knees. Tears came and he could not stop them. A break the size of the Mariana trench slammed into his heart when he realized just what he had done. He laid on the floor screaming, crying, and having one panic attack after the other. It wasn’t until he finally shifted in the woods behind his house from all the events that had transpired before his eyes. It was only his fault, and he now understood Emily was a victim of the man he never wanted to be. The only thing he could see was the father he never knew reflected back into his eyes. He had become the monster and animal he feared for years, and now if something happened to Emily it would be his hands that held the blood. A howl unlike anything the pack had heard echoed through La Push causing the wolves to chase after Embry attempting to calm him before he did something irreversible.