#the vibes were just so strong in that forest

[multicolour-ink]

Since the Hero of Twilight and the Hero of Legend have confirmed animal forms (a wolf and a rabbit respectively) I thought it would be fun to go over the other Heroes and work out what animal form they would get if they used Twilight's crystal, or went to the Dark World.

Also FYI, I haven't played all the Zelda games so I'll have more to say about some Links than others.

Hero of the Sky

Since this kid lives in the sky, it makes sense his form would be a bird. I believe he would suit a bird of prey - specifically something akin to the Harris Hawk, which is considered the "friendliest" bird of prey, due to their social nature, and able to adapt to various environments and hunting styles.

Oh and in case you were wondering - Groose would be a either a cockatoo or a pelican, and Zelda would be a beautiful songbird 🐦

Hero of the Minish

I don't know much about this Link's personality...but given his whole gimmick in his game is shrinking down to a small size - I think he would end up with a small animal form - a beautiful shiny green beetle!

Hero of the Four Swords

I had to turn to the LU version of Four as extra help on this one. With his colourful outfit, the best animal form I could think of was a peacock. Simply due to the magnificent tails they have, and the fact that they are quite confident birds.

For the four sword splits - each peacock would be a different single colour.

Hero of Time

Given that this kid was raised in a forest, it would make sense his form would take on a forest dwelling creature.

I think out of all options, a deer would suit him best. Specially a spotted deer (ala Bambi). He could start as a sweet little fawn in his youth, and become a magnificent buck as an adult.

Hero of Light

Again, a really tricky one as this Link also weilds the Four Sword, but doesn't have anything else to define his personality. I thought of something like a swan as a joke - but given some parts of the game (from what I read up as I haven't played it) a swan fits quite nicely!

- Link has to collect jewels; required to help the Princess and maidens. Swans are usually associated with royalty and beauty.

- Link encounters Shadow Link in the game, which gives off very "Black Swan" vibes (the white swan and the black swan).

Hero of Winds

Since this kid has been raised in a world dominated by ocean, naturally it makes sense he would become a sea creature 😁 The two choices I had were dolphin and sea turtle, but I immediately decided without question that it would be a turtle! A dolphin does match the happy and playful personality of Wind Link, but a turtle is just more fun to play around with design wise.

For his sea turtle form, it would be green with either the lobster (from his shirt) or the triforce design on the back of the shell 🐢

Hero of Spirits

Let's be honest - in my opinion this kid does not care about getting dirty working with his trains (because being a steam train engineer is a messy job!). He's clearly giving off vibes of a loyal, happy, scruffy dog 😁

Hero of Hyrule

This kid is a traveller, with no settled home, so naturally his form would be an animal that is loyal, has high stamina, but also strong. I imagine his form would be something akin to a German Shepherd mix (as they have high stamina and endurance).

As an example; this one is of a German Shepherd and Husky mix.

New Hero of Hyrule

From Link Between Worlds - I imagine his animal form would be a bird. It just seems to fit, especially since Ravio has a bird companion.

For my choice, I think an Indigo Bunting would suit him (only his form would be green!)

Hero of the Wild

This one wasn't even hard! For such a feral incarnation, this Link needed just as fitting an animal form!

Given his much skinnier stature compared to Twilight Link, Wild's form should be smaller. I can see him becoming a Grassland Fox or Cold Footed Wolf from BoTW and ToTK.

- - -

And that's it! Feel free to make your own suggestions 😊

[onehalfgeode]

Aiden Krutcher, Slayer of the Crowned Panther

[astroyosei]

［愛］how would they show their love to you?

　—　safe for minors !

　—　fluffy, long + detailed !

　—　the casettes are numbered from

　　　　　　　　　　　left to right, 1- 2- 3 !

- Casette 1 -

your cards: the chariot, the ace of pentacles, the temperance reversed (lol), the IX of pentacles reversed, the king of pentacles👌

I feel like they are reallyyy into big gestures and moves when it comes to showing affection for you! I'm thinking of things like dressing up nicely, picking you up with a nice, impressive, well-kept car, going into an expensive restaurant. Like literally put on a show for you... Getting strong leo venus vibes here ngl!✨

I think they are the classical, "oldschool" gentleman type. I could clearly see a big pretty boquet of amazing fresh bloodred roses.❤️ I think they would LOVE to make every cliché thing straight out of a romcom movie to come alive in your romance.... They feel like you deserve it. That you deserve every miracle, and exaggeration, and cringey- cheesy thing they Ever saw in their life!😂😂😂

I also could feel that they are the type of men who really like to take good care of themselves!❤️ Nicely cut, clean nails and hair. And i think they smell like really good omg!!!.. you know what they might be actually straight off a fan of perfumes!!

No, they don't think it's girly. They don't think it's manly either. They just think it's a part of being a decent, clean, respectful hygienic person. Also stylish. Genderlessly. But that's strongly feels like the second most important thing here. Def the decent part is the first here👏👏

They feel like a HEALTHY masculine man!!! Who's manly enough to allow themselves to be "girly" you know what i mean. To be gentle, emotional, soft(!), sensitive, nurturing, observant, calm, collected.... features we consider divine or traditionally feminine traits.

And they doing ALL THESE naturally already! Like already before being in a relationship with you. Even before meeting you! In their everyday lives, without having their ego and pride in shambles. You'll meet them having this state of mind already and you'll love it.♡ (me too, cause honestly... It's hard to find a real man like this): )

- Casette 2 -

your cards: the VIII of pentacles reversed, the II of swords reversed, the strength(❤️!), the fool, the II of cups🥺 -

Straight off the bat, i can see that they are a very nature- orinted, or nature- lover person! I feel like they have a very strict, 9-5 / 8-4 all-day-in-the-office kind of job, so they really enjoy being outdoors, seeing plants (trees foremost!) as a high contrast to what they're seeing all day at work😂 poor thing..

I also feel like they really enjoy looking at the colors of nature... So the first thing that came to my mind about them is...Surprise trips into the nature!✨ They would genuiely cherish sharing their "comfort spaces" or such with you. I'm thinking, sharing quality time with you might be their first or most important love language!❤️

I feel like, many of you who choose this pile, ain't really a fan right now of being outdoors, hiking, going to forest trips and such, so this will be a wild new experience for you, to go dates like this✨ but let me tell you, even if you didn't think like this or didn't think about this before, y'all will enjoy it very much!!!🥰

I feel like this will be for the minority of the people who choose this pile: so you were already familiar with relaxing and spending time outdoors like this, so it won't be a whole new experience for you. But it will feel definitely different - an intimate and bonding experience with Them🥰<3 maybe even y'all will feel like this whole thing feels new with Them on your side ngl<3 it definitely feels special, calming and bonding at the same time

Side note, they might be also interested in photography - so it's not just about drinking in all those beautiful scenes and sights but also capturing them to keep these moments like forever -

- Casette 3 -

your cards: the moon reversed, the hermit reversed (omg😭), the II of cups, the X of swords reversed, the page of pentacles i -

This spread was more like their very own personal story they decided to bravely tell you - you better embrace it, they're SHY

So I honestly feel like y'alls future spouses - or next partners, or the one you thought about;) are just reallyy the shy type when it comes to showing affection oh my god!😭 I feel like they are naturally like this in their everyday life, even when it's not about romance though:) but i feel like y'all will find them cute for this for real:3 -

These ppl will prefer to say this way honestly even after the two of you start this relationship - no, definitely not because they don't like you. They rlly like u. A. Lot. So much it feels overwhelming to them. Don't make fun of them pls😤 - no, I don't feel like you will. Banter about it, yeah. But y'all love these kind of men, and you know how sensitive they are, and you will lovingly take care of their gentle heart❤️

So expressing things gonna start becoming extra when you're low🥺 they will feel like you just neeeed to feel that extra care and lob they have for u (all the time, they just keep it lowkey, to stay true to themselves. Like authentic) and they're here for your service ma'am🥺

they will RUN in fact, for your service. Smelling virgo juno vibes ifkyk;) in these cases, they will prefer to use two primary love language to express their love for you.🫶 And one of them will definitely be physical touch.

Like they would be the type to give you a massage or run a bath for you, when u don't feel really nice🥺 even without you telling them that it would feel nice, or that it would make you feel better.. they know it babe. They already know it, they already know you, how you function, what could help, and they be already doing it, without you having to left a finger.🙏 They feel like a blessing fr!...

I also think they are a big fan of cuddling in general, and they would be at it even More, when they know you're exhausted, mentally or physically.

They would pick you up from the ground (theoretically or literally) and let you lay your head on their chest, while they would be whispering sweet little nothings or supporting words into your ear (flexing their second love language aka words of affirmation!✨) They would do this only for you. To soothe your tired soul and body❤️ they are a keeper. you should keep them too❤️

𝓰𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓭𝓲𝓽𝓼 𝓼𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷

silver stars falling gif dividers credits to the(ir) owner(s). gonna upload this part when i find it

casette pictures are from pinterest

white bow + lace divider credits to the(ir) owner(s). gonna upload this part as well when i find it

pink hearts gif divider is from @anitalenia

pink floral + checkered dividers are from @diviniyae

[chaoscreaturewrites]

Call of duty, Ghost, fluff, domestic sweetness master post link

Tea time

Summary:He's infatuated with his new neighbor he passes every day on his dog walks, and today, she waved him over for tea time. She regularly starts inviting him over to feed him.

Part 2

WC:2.3k

Next time she serves lemon poppyseed scones with lavender London fog lattes, and some peanut butter blueberry biscuits for Riley. The pair of them eat it all up and thank her, generously. Well Simon's a bit jealous wishing he could thank her like Riley did, jumping in her lap and giving her kiss and getting her scratches in return. Instead he offered to help with any house repairs she needed, and he was in luck she could use a hand with her backyard project of installing a duck pond. 

She went on and on about it and he blissfully enjoyed every second. She told him how her backyard was just missing something, she ran through a few ideas and settled on ducks, how it would be so nice to see them waddle and wag their lil butt's. And how if you're having ducks they obviously need a pond and she didn't want to just put out a kiddie pool, no she wanted a nice filtering water feature that matches her yard's aesthetic. She'd already started the digging but stopped when she realized this will require some more technical work then she's equipped for. 

He assures her that he can handle the project and if he doesn't know a part he has friends who do and they work for food. That last quip makes her laugh and he's never heard a more captivating sound and wonders how he can make that happen again. Humor isn't his strong suit and the humor he has is usually a touch too dark for even the guys he serves with so it's definitely not suited for a sweet thing like her. He'll have to learn some jokes or hope the moments come naturally again.

So plans are made for him to come over and work and she invites Riley along too, the back yard is fenced in so he can run around and explore freely. 

It's the day, he's had to circled on his calendar posted on his fridge, it's time to go over and start working on her duck pond. He changes into his ‘doing repairs clothes’, gets Riley in his harness, and heads over to her place. He would have taken his tools but today's not about installing, it's mainly just digging and planning. 

He rings her doorbell and instead of the standard ringing bell sound, a magic sound plays [ the sound ]. Then the magic lady who lives inside opens the door, greets him then takes a knee and greets Riley. 

He's never even seen the inside of her house before but it totally matches her vibe. Walls are a very light tint of green, with a complementary wooden trim and crown molding. Everything is cute and fits the aesthetic of  ‘I was a forest spirit but now I'm a human’ vibe. She leads him out to the back yard and he knows he was right; she must have spent weeks back here re-doing it. 

He sees the little flag posts outlining the spot, the whole she'd already started digging, and the wheelbarrow with dirt. He has to take a second look but sure enough even the wheelbarrow has been customized with mint green handles that march her shovels grip.  

He was very diligent with Riley's training but seems his dog could only hold out so long, as he's now pulling on the leash, whining and begging to be released into the yard. So many things to sniff and explore. He sets Riley free and he's off, so excited he's just wiggling and jumping around all sporadically [ you know when dogs go full crackhead mode]. 

They stand together, just watching.Simon would normally be a bit embarrassed by Riley's behavior but she seems thoroughly amused and he's in love with the giggles escaping her, and a few chuckles escape him too.

“ okay shall we”

“Lets”

So they get to it, each grabbing shovels and getting to work digging.

No one, I repeat no one would ever consider digging a big ass hole a fun romantic activity but neither of them could deny how much fun they were having. How every time they are in each other's company something unspoken has been building, and now it's happening again while they dig. 

It's been a while so she calls for a break and slips inside to grab some refreshments and snacks. No table this time; she just plops down in the glass and starts to set up their little spread.He noticed how this time the plates and cup were paper, smart move since they are covered in dirt, she thinks of everything. He comes over and sits next to her, he wants to help again but knows better than to get in her way. 

Today's meal is goat cheese and roast beef sandwiches with honey mint iced tea. Even sitting in the grass covered in dirt, eating on paper plates she manages to blow him away. He's about to reach for his sandwich when she stops him and tells him to hold out his hands, he instantly complies while curious what's going to happen next. She grabs his hands and pulls, moving his hands further in front of them away from the food, then takes out a bottle and pours water over his hands. He understands and washes away the dirt, he would have been happy to eat with dirty hands, he's done it before and eaten his fair, well unfair share of sand with no complaints.

There are many things he admires about her, but today he learned another. She's down to earth, she doesn't always need a fancy table spread. She'll do her thing anywhere, a fancy table or in the grass. And she's so attentive, he can tell the care that goes into each dish she makes and every action, even washing his hands with a water bottle in the grass, she pays attention to it all and gives everything she does her full attention and care. 

She even made snacks made for Riley who impressed her with his restraints at not trying to eat their food. After lunch and some time to digest they get back to digging. 

Simon has sweat through his shirt and without thinking he takes it off, tossing it aside and continuing his work. He didn't consider the effect sweaty tanktop wearing muscles flexing would have on her, until he turns and sees she's staring at him. Her hands on top of her shovel, head resting on top, just looking at him,clearly entranced in the show he didn't know he was giving. 

Now face to face with him she embarrassedly snaps out of her trance and stumbles over her words and she tries to make some excuse but cant come up with a livid one. 

He likes seeing the effect he has on her, it gives him hope that what he feels isn't one sided and that he turns her into an heartstruck idiot too. He doesn't want to highlight this and make her more embarrassed so he simply gives her a smirk and turns back to his work, let her stare, that's fine by him. 

It's been a good day's work, Simon climbs out and takes a step back to admire their work, giving a nod of approval. Then she tries to get out, but slides back down and grumbles. He won't make her ask, he has a feeling asking for help goes against her ‘I can do it's independent attitude. He slides back down into the hole and determines the best way to do this, he could give her a boost or just pick her up and lift her out.  

It may not have been the safest move to be so forward but he had a feeling this would be okay. So he steps behind her, gets a firm hold on her waits and lefts her straight up setting her on the level ground, then climbs out after her. 

“ wow I knew you were strong but that was…”

“ that was nothing… darling”

Oh man is he taking risks today, but you gotta risk to gain so he's taking the shots. Because soon Soap and Price will have to come over to help and he can't have them charming her before he cements himself as lead contender for her affections. 

Luckily it seems like all his shots have landed today, because now her bright smile is accompanied by blushing and it's not just the redness from digging.

A tension is filling the air between them, like a fragile flower is budding, the petals just starting to bloom and be exposed to the sunlight. Then Riley comes shooting past them, launching himself straight into the hole and vigorously rubbing himself in dirt.  

“ He's gonna need a bath, does he like water”

“ thankfully yes”

“ you wrangle him, ill get the hose”

“ on it”

It takes some doing but he manages to climb out of the hole hands free, occupied holding Riley who's wriggling around. He gets him back in his harness and leads him over to where she is with the hose. 

“ So how do we approach this?” 

“ just start spraying”

“ Okey dokey”

She turns on the hose and tries her best to aim at Riley but he's jumping despite the leash, unfortunately the water has only made him more excited.  She's trying her best to not splash Simon in the process but a slip up happens and the stream of water hits his chest. She instantly cuts off the water and starts apologizing but he just laughs, she's so concerned about hitting him with the hose, oh if only she knew what he did for work, water splashes are the least of his concerns.

She seems to relax a bit seeing that she didn't upset him and he also looks really good with a wet tank top.

 He grabs Riley, kneels down and looks up at her. It's not often he has to look up at people, it's very rare but he doesn't mind taking this position for her and hopes he'll get to do it again hopefully in a different context.

“ I could use a bath too, spray us”

She only giggles in response, but she turns the hose back on and hoses them down, it's much easier since they're staying put. Riley is clean now but Simon's face is still messy so she makes the water stream gentle and goes by his side. Carefully rinsing off his face, she leans in and uses her fingers to get some of the more caked on dirt and shake loose the bits in his short hair. 

He's not super big on touch and touching his face usually isn't allowed but her touch doesn't bring back memories of taking hits, or blades cutting his skin, her soft touch over his rough skins calms him in a way only being a few drinks deep does. The attentive care she puts into everything she does is now being directed at caring for him. The time he spends with her, the care he receives in her meals and now bathing it's slowly filling that void in him, the void that should have been filled with childhood love. He always thought it was too late, that place would always be empty but it turns out that's not true. 

She comes back out in fresh clothes carrying towels. Together they dry Riley and stick him inside away from the apparently very tempting dirt. Next is Simon, she had to get a beach towel since her bath towels would have been too small for him.

“ sorry i don't have any close your size” 

“ oh its no problem, I'm very low maintenance” 

“ come inside when your done” 

He looks at himself and assesses the clothing situation. The tanktop is now see-through so no point with that and his cargo shorts take forever to dry but his boxers are quick dry so that is how he ends up walking into her home shirtless wearing only his boxers and towel skirt. 

He loves the quick shocked expression that flashes over her face when she first sees him, and how after she looks him up and down shamelessly. Good enjoy the view, he puts a lot of work into being in shape. 

“ your clothes, I'll umm, give me you things I'll throw them in the wash real quick”

He's making her stumble over her words, how cute. He hands over his clothes and she quickly disappears with them. Meanwhile he tracks down Riley who's in the kitchen having a drink from a bowl she must have put down, he seats himself at the nearby table and just enjoys the relaxing effects of being around her.

While the laundry's being done and they go over the plan for the pond, it turns out she has drawn up her own plans and has all the details. There's a local farm supply store that even has all the things needed for the pond and she was planning to go out there tomorrow and buy the stuff and they have a delivery service too. He offers to take her and there will be no need for the delivery service with his truck. She gratefully accepts and is glad to bring a man along so they don't try to overprice things, and with Simon at her side who would dare try anything. 

He changed back into his fresh clothes that smell like spring and he's on his way home with a bag of dog biscuits and a cup of iced tea. 

[dzvelinaskebiyars]

Flag check - Hummingbirds

Red flag, orange flag, yellow flag, green flag.

Jay Jo, Dom Kang, Shelly Scott, June Lee, Minu Yoon.

Tagging: @ravenwritten while I'm still hesitant to write for the characters that are canonically taken or in love, I can at least post flag check for you bae! There's not many Hummingbird posts here anymore, it seems.

Jay Jo - GREEN FLAG

Jay's ideal type of partner is Shelly Scott, his canonical girlfriend.

While Jay, at first, gave off lot of red flag vibes — he's actually huge green forest.

Jay might be having hard time to express his feelings through words, which has led to many misunderstandings, but his action speaks for him.

Jay values trust in the relationship and doesn't seek unnecessary drama. Even though his loyalty was doubted, at some point - he's very loyal to Shelly.

Even though many people accuse him of not knowing how to set boundaries with girls, Jay has proved them opposite. When Noah kept bothering him, even "living" outside of his house just to get him to agree to have rematch, even stalked him and etc, Jay threatened her that he'd report her to police, he also showed it clearly that he was uncomfortable with her behavior multiple times. So, Jay did set boundaries with another girl, it just wasn't respected.

He's known for being bit tsundere type, according to Shelly. He rarely smiles, doesn't speak much, isn't good with words which has caused problems in his life when it came to friendships and relationship. For example, when Minu confronted Jay about Mia's picture, Jay couldn't explain himself — Vinny was the one who did it for him. He couldn't properly explain his feelings for Shelly, but as time passed, he learned to be more expressive with words.

Jay also is emotionally aware of others, which is huge win in person. For example, when Shelly and him were leaving Japan and he saw how upset Shelly was, he immediately figured out it wasn't only because of the accident that happened with Noah, but something deeper that bothered Shelly personally.

After coming to Korea and him finding free time from training, he immediately wanted to check up on Shelly and he did. Because he knew she was upset about something and he was worried about her. 100% green flag behavior.

After winning the semifinals, Jay praised Shelly for her hardwork, told her that her plan worked out well and she was the biggest reason why they won. Because he knew Shelly was feeling inferior to rest of the team.

He's genuinely concerned about the safety of his partner, which is adorable. But at the same time, he doesn't suffocate his lover by constantly being worried and places his trust in them.

This is also same man who ran kilometers with his bike in dangerous areas just to kiss and confess to Shelly.

He's working on his flaws, like his communication issues so the mentioned issues in his relationship significantly decreased!

Dom Kang - YELLOW FLAG.

Now you'd ask me why I think Dom is not fully green flag.

First lemme say that Dom is truly good person at heart and he now has strong morals that he stands by. But in relationship, some of his behavior can be considered bit harmful.

Dom loves spending time with Yuna Yoon, the girl he loves and adores, but at the beginning of the manhwa, he has showed few obsessive behavior and appeared very delusional when it came to Yuna — believing that getting punched by her meant love because, as he said, "love hurts." He kept pushing even when Yuna told him to get lost. Even though he hasn't really made her uncomfortable, his behaviourism does point out some of his red flags — even small ones.

Another example is when he thought that Aria Choi had crush on him (she didn't). Even though Aria didn't have crush on him, he thought that she had and somehow, that didn't bother him despite being in love with Yuna. He even said that Aria having crush on him made his heart skip a beat, which resulted in getting beaten up by Yuna and then having his head shaved by Owen. This clearly enlightens boundary issues.

Though, that doesn't mean Dom is unloyal to Yuna. He has showed lots of reasons why we can assume that he'll be loyal. He hasn't flirted with any of the girls except Yuna, he hasn't looked at any other girls with romantic eye except Yuna. Let's take Momoko, for example, TJ and manyyy guys were in love with her and some even lusted after her. But you can clearly see Dom wasn't interested in her at all. Dom also hasn't showed romantic interest in Aria, but simply caution because Aria was from Choi family.

Dom has proven that he would not hesitate to punch or even almost murder someone for Yuna, emphasizing his devotion for her.

Shelly Scott - GREEN FLAG (currently)

At first, Shelly was red flag. She did force Jay into relationship for few days, claiming he was her boyfriend when he never truly agreed to it nor wanted to.

Now that she actually had character development, I can say that she's green flag.

Shelly is extremely loyal to Jay. It's been visibly shown that she's not impressed by any other guy for example Hwangyeon or the ace from Punk Prince, every time he flirted with her, she brushed him off and told him to knock it off. But when Jay appeared? Her face immediately lit up.

Shelly always notices when Jay is feeling down and always offers her comfort! For example, in s3 when Jay blamed himself for what happened to Minu. Shelly literally went in the mountains to find him because she was so worried about him!

When Jay's mom kicked him out, Shelly immediately took him to her place and offered him shelter, food and place to feel safe at!

She treasures Jay's gifts so much! Even if it's just the shoes, she loves it and wears it so often!

She was supposed to be in UK with her parents but she came back just so she could fix the misunderstanding between Jay and her. This goes to show how much she values their relationship.

When his father kidnapped Jay just to scare him a little, Shelly got angry at her father and started defending and standing up for Jay!

Even when she was scared, she ran to save Jay's life when he was kidnapped. In nornal cases, she could have put her life in serious danger but she was ready to risk it all just for Jay.

Shelly deeply values her relationship with Jay, is absolutely loyal, emotionally available, she respects Jay and his own space!

June Lee - GREEN FLAG

June is heavily underrated gentleman. He had consistently showed his loyalty towards his lover, Heri. So far, there actually never have been any sign of red flags in this guy!

He kept his relationship secret from his friends for a little while but it's fineee. Some consider that red flag, but trust me, he has NEVER laid his eyes upon another woman except Heri.

He kept getting her roses! He was shy and cheesy with it too. He genuinely tried to win her over and make her happy<3

He's freely opening up to Heri, which means their relationship is his safe space! They're also more comfortable with each other than most couple — Yes I mean that freaking ass petting he received from Heri.

June also protected her from Harry Shepherd, despite knowing he'd lose in a fight, he still stood up for his girlfriend! This goes to show that June does not tolerate anyone disrespecting his girl.

June has shown great capacity for support, loyalty, affection, communication skills, respect, boundaries and etc. Plus he's funny. Green flag, indeed.

Minu Yoon - YELLOW FLAG

Minu was playboy, like literally. He wasn't the man someone with self-respect would consider dating. But...He changed. For Mia.

What I love about Minu's and Mia's relationship is that their main focus wasn't love and romance but self-growth. They had to be better versions of themselves for themselves and for each other too.

Minu stopped being a playboy for Mia. He abandoned his old lifestyle and changed for better for her and himself too!

He showed great capacity of being able to emotionally support Mia when she's at her worst. He helped her gain confidence!

Mind you, when Mia was accused of being a whore and going out with guys because of a picture Hwangyeon took, Minu legit tried took entire Ghost crew by himself for her, even if he got seriously injured, he still prioritized Mia!

He taught her how to ride a bike. Cuties! Best quality time.

He started changing for better and also, he started liking things she liked. Like for example, Minu hated spicy food but since Mia loved spicy food, Minu ate it too and continue to do so on other days!

When random guy spilled soup over Mia and threatened Hummingbird, especially Minu, Minu still asked Mia if she was alright.

Minu struggled with communication skills as well. He found it hard to open up to his friends and Mia at first, which caused issues between them....Yes, that definitely needed some work.

He also had quite temper. When he was overwhelmed by things around him, he called Mia but Jay followed Mia to see Minu, which isn't wrong considering Jay was worried about Minu as well. But Minu got angry and unintentionally hurt and scared Mia due to his temper (he grabbed her too harshly to the point that it hurt her).

I'm not sure whether I can bring up Minu's lash out on Mia and everything when he got his legs paralyzed, because it was such hard times for him. Even so, this still enlightened his bad coping mechanisms and poor communication skills.

Now? He's more mature and even better boyfriend than before!!

[alevolpe]

In honor of the new year I ask you, what do you think the girls' favorite alcoholic beverages are? (Feel free to include Mamo or anyone of your liking in this list)

Alright! Happy new years everybody!🎉🎇🍾

Please drink responsibly.

Before I start me clarify *I am NOT a drinker or an expert of alcohol by any means*

This is just what I personally believe would fit each of the girls based on my knowledge about them and my *very* limited knowledge on alcoholic beverages.

Usagi - Sex on the beach

Usagi would like something super sweet and fruity, with not much of a bitter aftertaste. Something that she can casually sip throughout the night without going out immediately. It also doesn't look 'scary' to her like many other beverages cause it looks like juice. (She'd def be too embarrassed to say the name to the server tho, so she'd ask Mako or Mina to order it for her everytime)

Ami - Kirsch

Ami doesn't drink. Even during big events and celebrations, I think Ami is the one person to abstain, BUT on that extremely rare occasion I think she'd enjoy drinking Kirsch with her mother. The bitter black forest cake and cherry flavor brings good memories to both of them. She prob bought Kirsch once, drank it with Saeko on a couple occasions and never drank again.

Rei - Sake

Rei was the easiest one. Rei drinks Sake. She not only enjoys the flavor, the experience, and the price (lol), but it's also something that is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. It finishes well and can be casually enjoyed while eating other meals that pair well with it. She loves efficency ;)

Makoto - Rum

Mako drinks straight shots of dark spirits, which I think would surprise some people. I see her as someone who's had their fair share of experience with alcohol since a young age, so she's developed a refined taste for strong and hearty alcohol with some light accents of wood and smoke. She drinks very occasionally now and if she wants to take it easy, I can see her lightening it with sodas or teas.

Minako - Piña Colada

Mina could drink anything you put under her. She'd chug it like it's nothin, but if you were to ask her her favorite I could easily see her going for a bit of a basic, but classic cocktail like piña colada. Despite being relatively low on alcohol content, I think she'd throughly enjoy the favor and body as well as the beachy, summer vibes it brings.

Imma do a second part with Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna and Mamoru tmrrw in a reblog cause Tumblr is being a lil baby and not allowing me to link more pics (it's also getting a bit late and I need to do other stuff)

[the-young-hecate-kid]

{open starter} that's what happened

(TW child death, child abuse, death)

*you saw Mary so you went close to her, but you got transported into a memory you were in the body of Mary. You as Mary were walking through the forest of camp half-blood, you were in the middle closer to the edge to the mortal world. Someone walked up to you, he had blonde hair and brown eyes, "You lost?" He asked you shake your head "Well let's go to your parents anyways" and before you could explain he grabbed your arm. You felt scared as you tried to pull away but his grip was strong. He ran a knife around your neck drawing blood. Then he stabbed you in the shoulder/arm. You fell to the floor and you were going in and out of consciousness as you thought you were going to die someone tried to help you but it was too late. You just stared at Mary now that your back in the normal time realizing that she had to deal with that and that's how she died.*

What do you do?

(tags @acezinspace @emdabitchass @urbestestwindgod @cloak-of-ares @least-favorite-hades-kid @penelope-is-waiting @odysseus-of-ithaca-is-lost @aura-of-the-winds @lucifermorningstar-official @the-speedster-god @lethia-not-athena @the-god-ofwar @seleneandheliosog @mother-of-trust @princess-of-jade @notesbyaphrodite @justice-bringer @god-of-smithing-and-cozy-vibes @amber-the-unknown @apollo-ask-blog @least-favorite-ares-kid @that-roman-arsonist @thomasofithaka @the-great-emperor-commodus @/anyone )

(my master list)

(tell me if you want to be added or remove)

[autumnmobile12]

Villain Deku AU

Most of the time when I see the Villain Deku AU, he's often crazy, and while I do love that concept, I really want to see more sarcastic, cinnamon roll 'Moxxie from Helluva Boss' vibes.

Shigaraki: And that's the plan, any questions?

Deku: Uh, yeah, what was that?

Shigaraki: That wasn't a question, Deku.

Deku: That wasn't a plan.

...

Remember my League of Morons vs A Summer Camp post?

Deku can fix that.

Shigaraki: All right, smart ass, you think you can do better?

Deku: I actually can. Your first mistake is attacking the second night of the camp. Let them all have their summer camp fun. By the end of a single week of non-stop, hardcore training, they'll be exhausted and less likely to fight off a surprise attack efficiently. Now, before the camp begins, we'll need Spinner to drive out there. You're the only one of us who hasn't committed any significant crimes yet.

Spinner: Why is that important?

Deku: *smiling cheerfully* Because you're a civilian. The Wild, Wild Pussycats aren't going to think it's weird if a civilian drives up to their base asking for directions through the mountains. Just make sure you have nice, dead battery for your cell phone. Ooh, or you could park on the road with a low tank of gas and walk up to their base! That'll sell it.

Spinner: Sell what?

Deku: You're getting the exact coordinates of the building for Kurogiri, of course. Once we have that information, he can open warp gates beneath our target while he's asleep and let gravity do the rest.

Kurogiri: You suggest we strike at night?

Deku: Right. You want to kidnap Kaachan, so we do it covertly while everyone's asleep. After that, if you really want to send a message to the heroes, we can always seal up the doors and windows, then Mustard can gas the building. Or Dabi can burn it to the ground. Your choice. Painless death in their sleep or painful death by fire?

Dabi: ...holy fuck, that's insane.

All-For-One: *through the computer monitor* Intriguing proposition, Deku. I suppose you have a back-up plan in case something goes wrong.

Deku: About that, it's entirely possible one of the Pussycats or UA teachers will be on look-out and if that's the case, Eraserhead will be the biggest obstacle. Most of you rely extremely heavily on your Quirks. We'll have to work on that, but in our current time frame, doing so before the summer camp is not feasible. So we'll need to remove the one player who can nullify Quirks. That'll be Mr. Compress's job.

Compress: And how exactly will I do that?

Deku: You'll hit him with a surprise attack. Kurogiri will open a warp gate for you, and the second he does, then you strike. Simple.

Muscular: Yeah, and what about the rest of us?

Deku: You'll be on standby in case Compress fails or draws too much attention to himself. Now about our hostage situation...do we really want Kaachan?

Kurogiri: What do you mean?

Deku: Well I know Kaachan. Despite his violent tendencies, he does have a strong sense of justice and he won't be easy to corrupt. Might I suggest taking the heteromorph students instead? Given society's discrimination problem against what they call the 'non-human' types, they've already got a reason for dissatisfaction with how they've been treated since they were born. Oh, and we should take Yaoyorozu Momo, too.

All: ....why?

Deku: She's rich. Her Quirk is infinitely useful, of course, but even if we can't convince her to join the League, her family will pay us a hefty ransom to get her back. For the record, so will Endeavor if we abduct his youngest son, too. Or we could just ransom the oldest one if all else fails.

Dabi: How the fuck did you know?!

Deku: ...Todoroki Touya allegedly burned up in a massive forest fire and the body was never found. You have a fire Quirk and horrific, full body burn scars and are the age he would have been today. It's not rocket science.

Shigaraki: ...this brat just hijacked my entire plan.

...

He'd quickly become the Bilbo Baggins of LoV, the one who's solving all the problems right up until they get to the fight with Gigantomachia, at which point he says, "No, I'm not helping you this time. He's gotta respect you, this is your quest. I'm not the fighting type, so I'll just sit back and watch." Proceeds to sit quietly and take notes while observing the fight.

Dabi also wasn't helping out with that fight, so every now and then he checks in on their progress. He just shows up, mildly entertained and mostly annoyed by the collective ineptitude (not that he's any better,) and he walks up to Deku.

Dabi: So how many ways have you thought of to defeat him?

Both: *duck as Spinner goes flying over them*

Deku: ...47. How's that recruitment process going? Because you're starting to look way more useful as a bargaining chip for ransom.

Dabi: Says the guy who's just sitting here.

[riofann]

9. tempestuous

Tempestuous: characterized by strong and turbulent or conflicting emotion.

Previous Chapter

Trigger Warning: Violence

Saturday October 23, 2021

You look around the room filled with Detroit residents, mostly those residing on the north side but it was a good mixture nonetheless. A lot of arguments and fighting to get to this moment. Oasis was finally open. Another bar/lounge but this was more upscale. Small bites and charcuterie boards. It served as a 3rd space for the immediate community and a cool hang out spot for adults in the greater community. A bite off the speakeasy vibe with secret menus and drinks. Guests were here to get  a taste of what the place had to offer.

You had done your fair share of mingling and hosting, speaking to the inspiration, and sales pitching the space to the guests invited. It was exhausting. This was a long day from 5:00am to now and it wasn’t even midnight yet, (midnight was still 3 hours away).

Rio and Nick showed up not as family but as two unassuming guests. Of course Nick had to put his mayoral stamp of approval. They should have just arrived as a family the way they couldn’t stay away from each other was comical. 

After another sales pitch speech to 3 couples you spot Rio by the bar. Sitting staring straight ahead and even the people trying to interact with him were quickly walking away.  

“You look nice” you compliment him. A forest green turtle neck with gold chain and trench coat. He nods in response “You know its poor host manners to not interact with your guests” you lean in closer “you need to mingle with our customers” you whisper teasing

He turns to face you a deep mug on his face “not in the mood Y/N” he speaks before turning to face the bar again 

You take a step back “Whoa, what's wrong? You ok?” you ask 

“Nothing” he answers

You don’t need a neon sign to see he would like to be left alone. “Okay....” “Y/N?” you hear your name being called making both of you look towards the direction. It was your ex Isaias. 

“Y/N! It is you!” He steps closer leaning in for a hug which makes you move back quickly inadvertently running straight into Rio. 

“Hey Isaias” you say waving as you try to maneuver around Rio but he has you trapped between his legs 

“It’s nice to see you!” he gestures towards you “I didn’t think you would be here!” 

“Yea me either” you look down and notice the very precarious situation you were in and try to move away from Rio only for him to hold onto the belt of your dress trapping you. You freeze. This is not where you wanted to be. You try to turn and face Rio to figure out what he was up to but Isaias keeps talking 

“So what are you doing here?” “Oh I came for the launch” He motions around the room “You had a hand in this?” “Uh no not really. I was just consulting you know” 

He looks at you sympathetically with a small frown on his face “Sorry about the bar” “It’s okay we rebuilt and we are honoring Gracie as much as we can” 

There was an awkward silence “You look great!” he compliments “Same to you thanks” 

He looks past you “Oh I’m sorry I’m Isaias.” he extends his hand 

“Oh silly me” You try to use this as an opportunity to move but Rio holds you in place so the best you can do is lean out of the way “This is.....” “Rio” he answers for you 

“Isaias” they shake hands  

“Yea” you giggle nervously 

“Y/N I wanted to talk to you about something”

You take a sip of your drink “Okay” 

He chuckles nervously “So I’m opening up my own bar”

“Oh nice!”

“And I know you know alot about hops”

You shake your head “Mmm no I don't” you knew where this was going. This is how it always went with Isaias a compliment followed by him siphoning your ideas your thoughts to make him look good

“Y/N” you hear your name 

You whip your head to the sound “Yes!” 

“Sorry” the waitress looks apologetically  “can you help me with something?” 

“Absolutely excuse me” you speak as you maneuver out of Rios’s grip “Excuse me gotta go, talk to you later Isaias.” You turn to face the waitress “Yes, what do you need?” you ask as you both head back into the kitchen. 

You hide in the kitchen for at least 30 minutes before you make your way out. This time you were well aware of where Isaias was and you were avoiding being detected by him at all costs.

“You two make a cute couple” an older woman speaks to you as she approaches you

“I’m sorry?” You were confused

She motions behind you “You and him” you turn to see her motioning at Rio “I saw it all happen, him protecting you from what I assume was your ex?” You begin to blush “oh uhhh” you hated being perceived

“Sorry didn’t mean to infringe, these drinks are good” blaming the alcohol  “Oh I uh....thanks” is all you could muster up to say before you hurriedly changed the subject

The night ends and you usher the guests out leaving you Rio and Nick while the staff cleaned up. 

“So that was a success” you beam

“It was! Good job Y/N” Nick compliments putting his hand on your shoulder 

You smile and nod Nick looks at Rio who’s eyes are trained on Nick's hand on you. “My bad brother” he chuckles raising his hands in a surrender motion, Rio scoffs in return. 

“Y/N” Another call for help “Yea? Excuse me guys” 

Tuesday December 7, 2021

“This is Adriana, you will be working with her now.” Rio states “Okay” you say looking at the woman standing next to him 

“You two will be working together on cleaning up my money” You nod in response. “Any questions?” You shake your head and hand him the bag while Adriana hands you her bag. He doesn’t say anything else, just walks away and you turn around to do the same. 

Sunday February 13, 2022

Dealing with Adriana could either be a blessing or a curse, initially things went smoothly until they weren’t.

“You think you’re so special”

“What is it now?” you ask her irritated 

“All he does is ask how you are when I drop off the money” You roll your eyes “I have already heard this you can tell him to stop you know” you didn’t even know why he was asking about you, he could just call you or pop up and you’ve told her that many times. “I did pendejo” “You can call me whatever you want but I’m busy and so are you so lets get this exchange over with... Plus don’t you want to go prepare to celebrate valentines with someone special?”  you add in the last line as a sting to her very open wound. The amount of times she tried to connect over wanting a man made you physically ill

She scoffs and you both exchange the bags

Monday February 14, 2022

You were working at Oasis, the bar was extremely busy tonight, you had to make it a reservations only night and couples who did pop up had a minimum of an 2 hours wait even at the bar. Small bites intended for feeding each other with desserts meant to end the night with a perfect kiss. 

“What are you doing here?” you ask Rio who was sitting by the bar

He smiles to himself “what I can’t spend valentines in the most requested place in Detroit?” 

“No” you respond flatly you didn’t want him there observing you it made you even more nervous. Like he was taking notes to bring up later like a health inspector or food critic

“Hey!” you hear from behind you it was Adriana

“Oh heyyy!” 

She slides onto the barstool next to Rio “I asked for the  Strawberry Ricotta Bruschetta bites and the Stuffed Mushrooms like 20 minutes ago!” 

You bite back a laugh (finally he took her out on a date, cheap bastard brought her here where he basically won’t have to pay) “Let me go look into that, is there anything else you need?” 

She looks at Rio “need anything boo?” 

Rio shakes his head and takes a sip of his drink, you couldn't tell if he was enjoying his date or hating it he was very stoic.

You nod in return and make a quick exit to the kitchen where you let out all of your laughter before you personally deliver the food ordered to them. You make it a point to be the only one to serve them that night. 

“Food could have been a little better, let me give you a tip a little less......" she remains quiet thinking "salt and spice” 

You smile “noted” 

“Same for the desserts you know you wanna find that right balance between too sweet and just right” 

“Got it!” 

She links arms with Rio “Anyway thanks for the Valentines, sad you had to work” She fake pouts “maybe next year” 

“Maybe, see you guys later”

Friday April 1, 2022

Things got better with Adriana after that. All she talked about was the Valentine's date for a while then onto another date, this time emphasizing just how good Rio was in bed. 

“Did you fuck him?” 

“Excuse me?!” “My man” “Who is?” she had stopped talking about Rio recently She mugged you “Bitch don’t play dumb” “Rio?” 

“Who the fuck else!?” “No I didn’t” “Then why the fuck is he talking about you?” 

You shrug “i honestly don’t know” 

“Yea okay let me find out you fucked him” 

“Then what?” 

She looked back at you shocked, “What you say?” 

“Then what?” 

“You’ll see” she threatened

You shrug and walk away. You didn’t have time for this as you were split between two places today, this was not a welcomed surprise. 

At 2 in the morning you finally pulled into your driveway and sat there for what felt like forever. After 20 minutes of playing on your phone and convincing yourself that it will not be 1. Safe nor 2. Comfortable to sleep in your car you take the painful steps into your home. 

“Think I’ve told you many times sitting in your car isn’t safe” you hear his voice before the lamp turns on

It scares you, he hasn’t popped up in a long time you were getting used to him not doing it

“Thanks for the reminder, what do you want?” you scan the room and Mick is just around the corner lurking “Hi Mick” he doesn’t respond but steps into the now lit room 

He stands up walking up to you “rumor is you shorting me” 

“Is this some April fools thing?” you ask failing to hold back a laugh. First Adriana then this?

That anger that you had forgotten resurfaced and like last time you find yourself in a very bad situation “does it look like an April fools joke to you?” his hand with a vice grip on the back of your neck 

Your mouth goes dry and your body tenses up immediately your mind flashes back to the past and without you being able to control it tears roll down your face

As an act of regret Rio loosens his grip not letting you go but studying you, he stays like that for awhile before stepping back completely 

“Adriana’s been giving me bags that are short on my cash even when she goes to pick them up with someone they are always short. So you tell me how she’s giving you all that money to wash and your short by 1/3” 

“I...I...I” your mind goes blank of course its false why would you want to be back in this very situation 

“One of you is lying and since I got my men to join her then it can only be you” 

You look at him the migraine radiating from your neck was getting worse

“You better start talking darling” 

“I...I...I don’t....know” 

“That’s all you got for me?” Tears roll down your eyes and nod that's all you could muster up to say at the moment

He looks to Mick who reveals the duffle bag behind his back “I took what is owed plus interest” 

Wednesday April 20, 2022

“Authorities are warning people to be mindful on their intake of marijuana today as they see a spike in emergency room visits and accidents during what is known as 4/20 holiday for frequent pot smokers. Please keep in mind if you are found with marijuana or illegal substances you will be arrested. Stay safe Detroit! Onto other news authorities have found the body of a female and a male in the early hours of Monday April 18 it is unclear...”

“Thanks for meeting with me” Nick says as he slides into his seat

“No problem” your neck tenses up again and there is the migraine you grimace in pain

“You okay?” 

You nod “neck hurts” 

“So how have you been?” “What do you want Nick? You don’t care about my well being” “Actually! I do! Because you are one of our loyal partners!” 

You respond with a tight lipped smile

“As a token of our appreciation we are giving you this!” he hands you the duffle bag full of money “for you” 

“What is this?” 

“I just said” 

“I don’t want it” you shove it back to him 

“No cariño its yours, you earned it” 

“I could just leave it here and let someone take it” “You could but your fingerprints are on the envelopes sooo” 

You stare at him for a minute before you put the pieces together, you chuckle to yourself “what are you paying me back?” 

“No in fact what I am doing is fixing what my brother wronged, found out Adriana started sleeping with his men many so there goes the mystery of you coming up short” 

You nod and look away remembering that night 

You both sit in silence for a while. It was awkward at the beginning but then faded away. You avoided eye contact

“You okay?” he finally asks

“Yea yea” you say wiping away the few tears “anything else” 

“................He likes you, you know?” 

You guaff “Yea as much as he likes his money!” 

“Not like that this is different” 

You hum and nod “mhmmmm” in response sarcastically not believing anything he said

“I’m serious!” “Well at least we know he loves you or you would be dead” you say

He laughs, throwing his head back “nah he can’t kill me that's the difference? You.......... he won’t” He analyzes you “wonder what it is?” 

You roll your eyes “That doesn’t mean he likes me as you're trying to infer here, I’m not special” 

“Ha! try telling him that!” He stands up and walks away. 

You sit there for a while gathering your thoughts before you too get up and leave. 

Sunday May 29, 2022 

Finally the warm weather was breaking in Detroit and you felt comfortable enough to leave your home with a light sweater and not layer up. You pull into the driveway and look at the Orchard Lake Country Club building, you were so busy you failed to realize where you were going instead copying and pasting the address into your phone to lead you towards the meeting point. 

Good thing you were starting with Oasis today or you would have showed up in a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. 

You check your phone one last time to ensure this was indeed the place besides the GPS telling you your destination was 0.1 miles to the left you were in the right spot. 

“Hi how can I help you?”  the front desk attendant speaks

You adjust the duffle bag “I’m meeting with Christopher Serraño” “Oh yes he is in the tennis court, he asked me to have you wait in the restaurant”

“Okay”  you say as she walks you over to the outside seating area. You watched as he played a round of double tennis only sipping on the water that was provided and responding to texts. 

When he spots you he waves you over but you don’t think he is talking about you so you look behind you and he it makes him chuckle when you realize he is talking to you. You pick up the duffle bag. He motions with his hand to put it down “leave it!” he tries to yell over the music but you can’t hear so you just take it with you 

“I was telling you to leave it” he finally speaks smiling at you. You hadn't seen him since April 1st so you guess seeing a smile on his face was a good sign

“Oh uh I couldn’t hear” you explain

He nods taking a big swig of water “it’s cool”

The silence is awkward between you. You knew it was his guilty conscious that kept him from seeing you but a lousy sorry would suffice to get over whatever this was

“Right so here” you say handing him the bag 

He smiles taking it from you. Either this was new or you’re just now noticing how he takes the bag from you. This time you feel his hand grazing your thumb caressing yours before he grabs the bag. 

You retract your hand quickly, instinctively, there was something intimate about it. It shocked you.

He ignores your reaction and turns to look at the tennis court before facing you “Played tennis before?”

You look at the court “No, I don't know how. But you’re pretty good”

He smiles “I can teach you!” 

“Now?” 

He shrugs “Why not? What you got going on?” 

“Oh...uhhh..I....I..” you motion to your attire taking a few steps back “I didn’t know I don’t have any clothes” “They got a shop” he points behind him  “go pick up what you want they can put it on my account” 

“I...uhhhmmm...I have to work Rio” you say rubbing the back of your neck  

“You good?” he looks slightly concerned 

“Yea just a migraine coming on gotta take my meds plus I gotta go they need help tonight” He nods “See you later” you didn’t wait for another statement another question. 

Authors Note: Please leave your feedback, again please don't steal. Only repost, like, or give credit.

XOXO Rose

Taglist:

@katymae12344, @yinmaggiorebass , @flirtyjen, @wnbweasley, @meadows5, @ffenthusiastt, @rio-reid-whoreee, @belezaya, @meera10, @aunicornmademedoit, @stilestotherescue, @thatoneasiagurl, @baddiereads,

[rafayelbiter]

LONG ASS ZAYNE vs ASTRA THEORY DUMP.

please god can we have infold introduce astra but NOT as the 6th LI or caleb. it's gotta be ZAYNE. like idk what yall feel ab this, but i personally support the astra=zayne theory bcs it frl just clicks. astra is linked with fate, prophecies, and basically he can control stuff related to this, which hmmm is kind of similar to zayne's role as the master of fate and the foreseer on philos... i know hes some sort of demigod there, but what if zayne is just astra incarnate? like a primordial zayne or something. but i read somewhere that he could also be zayne created out of self-preservation AFTER master of fate. it seems ironic but i think zayne's "self-preservation" would've been if he had just "eliminated the variable (MC)" during master of fate. but he DIDNT do that. idk what happened but he likely sacrificed himself for her. so maybe astra was born from this curse? or something 🤔🤔🤔 also it just makes sense to me because zayne's evol is constantly punishing him for his love for the MC. and there is even an incident where he has hurt HER, though accidentally, when they were kids, and it was fatal (but she came back to life because of her 'reset' ability, however, she didnt retain her memories related to zayne bcs she forgot about him from what we know).

astra has beef with the MC because she's his downfall (or something...), and i dont remember the foreseer myth but i read somewhere she has cryoriasis (the disease that's freezing her heart) because he's cursing her too...? so that childhood incident could be foreshadowing the big reveal.............🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♀️Or that astra is using zayne to eliminate her always but i still believe zayne=astra still makes sense man (im so bad at english analyses and my thoughts are a mess im sorry).

what i also find epic is how master of fate zayne is the ONLY zayne, so far, associated with nature, earthiness, plants, etc like his whole vibe is so forest. and the other zaynes have cold af ice powers, and someone pointed out that the ice replacing his earthy, nurturing powers represents a STARK CONTRAST.

master of fate zayne's powers would remind you of growth, healing, forests, nature, and the other zaynes' powers, given the more angsty aspects, represent the complete opposite: cold, destruction (in this case, self), and even death (dawnbreaker). are u seeing this? it's like the complete opposite. cape jasmines, which are native to china, japan, vietnam, and other countries, are zayne's representative flower and also have a very strong link to him and the MC's love story but they aren't exactly frost-tolerant hmmm....🤔🤔🤔🤔 another thing, main story zayne is TERRIFIED of himself, and of course, DAWNBREAKER. hes terrified of taking lives when hes supposed to be saving them as a cardiac surgeon. terrified of losing control. terrified of hurting the MC and even others, and he's had to kill his own friend William during the artic anecdote during the times his dawnbreaker nightmares were prominent. his evol hates him. so zayne's enemy is HIMSELF. if so many zaynes exist astra is also probably HIM. it just fits perfectly to me idk. imo, more than astra being the 6th LI or caleb. i also prefer caleb having HIS OWN original storyline. i dont want him to be a full-fledged villain against zayne. like caleb being a darker mirror of zayne with all the xavier/sylus, rafayel/6th LI parallels in the game is one thing but him being astra...

i dont know if caleb is tied to prophecies, fate, etc the way zayne is. not to mention, cryoriasis is a very icy curse for the tower of thorns MC to have. it was literally freezing her inside out and caleb does NOT have ice powers. nor would he hurt the MC it'd be too dark. im pretty sure it'd also be a problem for both caleb girls and zayne girls, i dont think infold would risk fanwars.

"but if caleb cant hurt the MC why is astra being zayne hurting the MC" idk man it'd probably be the twisted self-preservation thing like i mentioned. he's actively harming the tower of thorns MC with cryoriarsis and it's fatal BUT he keeps foreseer zayne alive, punishing him with ICE, trapping him in a fate worse than death itself. im kind of sidetracking here but i think zayne died not directly because of astra but because of sacrificing himself for her by defying astra. i think if zayne handed the creatio protocore which is linked to astra's power and possibly life too, he is saving her. so him giving her the creatio protocore would not just be dooming astra but ALSO him. the creatio protocore is also zayne's power then, in some way??? this is actually crazy but i think zayne and astra are far more connected than mere master/servant dynamics. u guys are seeing this too right it's way too intense

Um, as for the original question. i may be viewing this as someone very interested in worldbuilding and writing but... i think zayne being astra is more morally OKAY than him being caleb or the 6th LI. and for the storyline, it's perfect. it just is. i cant even explain it anymore.

what else do i think ab this theory? i prefer this one over the others, though they have very strong points too. but astra=zayne is very emotionally impactful to me. for some reason. i mean it's so perfect, it's gotta make sense. what opinions do u guys have lmk

PS: the astra toaster being in caleb's memory🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

it seems like a red herring to me. it HAS to be . i know infold's teased the players by indirectly revealing sylus being a dragon as a silly sketch of the MC drawing him as a devil creature in his bond i forgot the name of (which also made fans theorize he's a demon entity of some kind), but i also think the way fans went back to the sketch and were like "WTF WE SHOULDVE SEEN THIS!!!!!!" after sylus's dragon myth trailer was posted, maybe they were testing us and are now using this damn astra toaster as a RED HERRING to mislead us. because there would be NO greater plot twist than zayne being astra himself, and the whole point of a great plot twist is that the normal person WONT EXPECT IT but when they look back and put their minds to it, theyre like "HOW TF DID I MISS THIS!!!!!" and that's exactly how sooo many players are gna be when zayne=astra gets revealed. trust. it's so perfect. how do i even keep explaining it's so cinematic to me, it fits him so well it's actually beautifully tragic. i'm not falling for a damn toaster it looks wayyyy too explicit for me. great twists are always implicit, and i, like other zayne=astra truthers, believe this is the perfect buildup for zayne's character. it's epic.

[chimcess]

→ Chapter Eleven: Following Rivers Pairing: Jimin x Reader Other tags: Werewolf!Jimin, Witch!Reader, Shifter!Reader, Shifter!Jimin, A/B/O Dynamics, Alpha!Jimin Genre: Supernatural!AU, Werewolf!AU, Angst, Mutual Pining, Fluff, Smut, Word Count: 16.1k+ Synopsis: Within the four realms of Lustra lay the Bangtan forest home to the Foxglove pack of the south and known as the “land of magic.” It is also home to the Bridd, a powerful witch from a cursed bloodline who is one of the sacred guardians of the forest. Y/N is the newest Bridd, a young girl who was given her position too early. Now a woman, Y/N is revered amongst the wolves as the most powerful witch they have ever known, but hiding under the surface is a woman who has to battle between her duty and her heart. Warnings: ANGST, strong language, PTSD, flashbacks, self-hate, self-depreciation, talks of death, everyone is going through it, getting to know some more characters, love-triangle, Jin is being kind of a dick, I promise we'll start seeing more Jimin as this goes on but he's just really depressed right now, Sam is a HUGE flirt, Kook is a vibe and I love him, Secrets to be reveled later, disabilities are going to be a huge part of Yoongi's life now and his arc so bear with a lot of that being in his povs, he's my favorite person in this series (so far, later you'll meet by baby for life), possibly wrong medical terminology, sexism and misogyny will be hinted at, everyone is going through it, lots of grief and heartache, Babyboy just wants his best friend back, mourning her life she's dead, let me know if I missed anything... A/N: Thanks for reading <3

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Yoongi's POV

The night was too loud—everything was loud—like the world had turned up the volume just to drown me out. Crickets chirped incessantly, their sharp songs digging under my skin. Somewhere in the darkness, the witches chanted, their voices twisting together like secrets I wasn't supposed to hear. I sat on the porch, my fingers tracing the worn grooves in the wood. It used to calm me when I was a kid. Now it just felt... empty. Everything did.

The stars above were a blur, smudges in a sky that once looked like magic. Now it was just a cruel haze—a kind of blindness that let me glimpse shapes and light but never enough to truly see. The battle with the elves had left me like this. Half-blind, half-alive. And I didn't know which half was worse.

My porch used to be our refuge. I could almost hear Y/N beside me—her laughter mingling with the fireflies dancing around us in Moland. But I couldn't picture her smile anymore, and that hurt more than anything else. Her memory was slipping away along with my vision, leaving only empty outlines where something bright used to be.

There was a party going on somewhere in the yard. The witches were celebrating Wendy's new role as head witch and our recent win against the elves. We would've done it sooner, but after Cordelia's death, any idea of joy felt wrong. I thought it was still too soon for something like this, but Wendy seemed up for it, and Jin went into full planning mode the moment she smiled. Their laughter and shouts made my head hurt. Some of them had offered to hang out with me back here, but I didn't want the company.

Pretending to be happy with near strangers wasn't something I could do.

I heard footsteps approaching—slow, hesitant. It was my mother. She didn't say anything at first, but I felt her warmth beside me. I avoided looking at her; everything looked like an old black-and-white film from Northorn, and it broke my heart every time I saw her without color. "Yoongi," she said softly, her hand resting lightly on my shoulder. So light it was almost not there. But it was. Everything felt heavy now. "How are you holding up?"

I exhaled, the sound shaky. "I'm not," I finally said, the words coming out more bitter and broken than I intended. "I don't even know why I should try to hold on anymore."

Her hand tightened on my shoulder. "We've been through so much," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "But we're still here, Yoongi. That means something."

Does it? I thought. I didn't say it, but the weight in my chest felt suffocating. Carrying it another day seemed impossible, and the thought made me want to scream. "I miss her," I whispered instead, your name lodged in my throat. "She always knew what to do."

My mother sighed, her fingers brushing my arm. "She did," she agreed quietly. "But she wouldn't want you to carry this alone. You've still got people who care about you. Jin—"

I flinched at his name, cutting her off. "He doesn't need me. Not when he has Wendy to think about."

"That's not true," she said firmly. "You don't have to do this alone, Yoongi. Let him help you."

"Wen's mom died," I reminded her.

"I understand that. Dee meant a lot to me. I've known her my entire life. But you're hurting, too," she replied thickly. "You've been doing your best to make him happy through all of this. He's just lost right now. Bring him back."

I stayed silent. The idea of reaching out felt impossible—a weight I wasn't ready to lift. The silence stretched between us, her hand on my shoulder more burden than comfort. "I'm tired," I muttered, leaning forward and resting my face in my hands. "I don't know if I can do this right now. Or ever."

I groaned, rubbing my eyes. The blur gave me migraines. "I don't think I can do anything anymore."

"You can," she insisted, her voice steady. "You're stronger than you think, and it's okay to let others be strong for you."

I didn't argue, but her words felt hollow. Letting people help me wouldn't prepare anyone for the war. Wouldn't fix the shining. I wanted to tell her how empty it all felt, how each day was a battle to find a reason to keep going. But what would that change? She couldn't fix this. No one could.

And the last thing I wanted was to worry my mother more than she already was.

Footsteps again—lighter this time. Wendy. Mom kissed my cheek, patted my shoulder, and headed back inside Mi-Jeong's house. If there was one good thing about staying here, it was how close Mom and Hoji had gotten with Jimin's mother. Even I had to admit I liked her. She made me laugh and went out of her way to make the house easier for me to navigate while we figured out a way to fix my eyes.

Once Ji-Hyun left to stay with Callisto's family just outside the gates, things got a bit quieter. Jin and I hadn't spoken much since everything settled; he was too busy helping Wendy take over as the head witch of her coven. Before Ji-Hyun left, we'd teamed up against the wolf a few times. His wife was the only reason we didn't confront him more.

Callisto was sweet and gentle, fiercely loyal to her husband and his whims. Ji-Hyun held a grudge against Y/N for reasons he wouldn't share. His wife, despite his silence, didn't let him off the hook if he even thought about saying something rude about her. He'd calmed down considerably before they moved out, but I had a feeling it was more for his mother's sake than any real remorse.

"Yoongi?" Wendy's voice cut through the thick silence, cautious. She stopped a few feet away, her figure a blur of gray against the darker gray of the night. "Are you okay?"

I almost laughed—a bitter, hollow sound. "No," I said flatly. "But I guess that's just how it is now."

She moved closer, her presence warm but almost suffocating. Everything was shades of gray, like the world had been drained of color. My eyes were still healing, leaving everything hazy and indistinct. "We're here for you if you need anything," she said, echoing my mother's words. "Jin and I—"

"Don't," I interrupted, my voice low and rough. "You know just as well as I do that Jin isn't here for me as long as you're around. So spare me the speech."

Her silence hurt more than any response could have. She sat beside me, her shoulder just brushing mine. I kept my gaze down; the porch beneath us was a washed-out gray, the wood grain barely visible through the blur. "He cares about you a lot, Yoongi," she said softly. "Even if it doesn't feel that way. Even when he's being... difficult."

I wanted to believe her. I wanted to feel something—anything. But all I felt was the same hollow ache that had settled in since that night. I nodded slightly, enough to make her think I was listening, but my eyes remained fixed on the indistinct, grey shapes at my feet.

Laughter drifted over from next door—too bright, too alive. It sounded out of place in this monochrome world. All I could do was sit there. It was so pathetic I wanted to cry.

"You know," Wendy said gently, her voice tinged with hope, "I've been trying to get him to talk to you more. Maybe if you put in a little effort, it could help. I know he misses you."

"Doesn't matter how much he loves and misses me," I muttered. "You're his top priority now, Wendy."

"But you should be, too," she insisted, her fingers lightly touching my arm. Her hand was a pale shade against the darker fabric of my sleeve. "Promise me you'll at least try?"

I nodded again, a mechanical gesture more for her benefit than mine. "Okay," I murmured, the word scraping out of my throat. "I'll... try." It was a lie, one I didn't even believe.

Wendy's hand rested on mine, warm against the cold that had settled into my bones. It should have been comforting, but now it was just... there. The lack of color made everything feel distant, unreal. Wendy had been a great comfort to me when we were younger, but now, after everything that happened, it just felt wrong. She shouldn't be here with me. If there was any hope that Jin and I could remain friends, she needed to stay as far away from me as possible.

But Wendy either didn't know or didn't care. When I talked to Jungkook about it, he said she was just naïve. Sam called her selfish. That made me laugh. It was something Y/N always said about her, too. I think everyone had at one point or another. Even Cordelia.

The name sent a shiver down my spine. It was ironic that I was calling Wendy selfish when her mother had died just weeks ago, and she was here comforting me. Jin was right. I was a bad friend who only thought about himself.

"You're not alone," she repeated, her voice steady.

I swallowed hard, my throat aching. Alone? I'd never felt more alone. Even with her beside me, it didn't change the hollow ache inside. The world around us was a blur of grays, shadows without definition. "I feel like I am," I admitted, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

"Don't say that," she said firmly. "You're still part of the family. You're still you."

Still me. What did that even mean anymore? The person I was before felt like a stranger. My fists clenched, the grainy image of my hands tightening in my lap. Frustration bubbled up. "Wendy," I began, my voice rough. "What if this is it? What if we never find a cure? What if I'm stuck like this forever? Then what?"

"Then we'd figure it out," she said softly.

"There is no 'we,'" I snapped, taking a deep breath to steady myself. The motion made the hazy edges of my vision swim. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice my outburst. "Mom would have to move back to Bangtan, and while everyone else is playing house, I'd be stuck as the blind cripple who needs his mommy."

"Don't talk about yourself like that," Wendy said sharply. "Even if it doesn't feel like it, you matter to us. You're still the most valued person here. What do you think everyone is celebrating right now?"

I stayed quiet. Her words didn't reach the part of me that felt like it had crumbled to dust. The grayscale world around me felt empty, lifeless. It was easier to retreat into the numbness, to hold onto the pain because at least it was familiar.

"You, Yoongi," Wendy's grip on my arm tightened. Her face was a pale blur, but I could sense the intensity in her gaze. "You single-handedly took down more elves than anyone here. You sacrificed your body for us. Why do you think Jin's being a jerk? He feels insecure and inadequate next to you. You've never known how incredible you are, have you?"

I wanted to tell her I hadn't, but I kept my mouth shut. We were treading dangerous ground, and I prayed no one else heard what she said. The sea coven was full of gossipers, and I worried Jin would hear about it. I didn't want to fight with him.

"Thank you," I whispered eventually, the words thin and weak. The night pressed down, the grayness seeping into everything. My thoughts drifted to Y/N—her laughter, her vibrant presence that seemed to bring color to everything. Without her, everything felt impossible. Without her, I felt... nothing.

I knew if she were here, I'd be doing a lot better right now. Y/N and I had a bond deeper than any other I'd ever had. Samanya was becoming a close second, but we had a few cultural differences that made it hard to get as close. She was also one of the most beautiful beings I'd ever seen, her image in my mind a vivid contrast to the muted world before me.

There were only two others who'd ever made me feel the same way: Delta and a man here I refused to acknowledge existed half the time. The impossibility of that relationship made it easier to pretend that just the sight of him didn't make my heart race. Like I didn't watch him like a stray dog hoping for scraps. He never noticed. Of course he didn't.

Wolves didn't practice homosexuality. When I asked Jungkook about it, he said it was viewed as a mental illness. Mates were for breeding, and a wolf who didn't want to continue the bloodline was so out of the ordinary they didn't think it could be natural. Y/N had explained something similar before, but she didn't know all the ins and outs like the young omega did.

"I miss her," I muttered, my chest aching. "She made it all easier."

Wendy's voice softened, her grief barely hidden. "We all miss her. But she wouldn't want us to stop living. She'd want us to keep going."

"Going where?" I asked, my voice cracking. "What's the point if everything just ends?"

"The point is we're still here," she said gently.

I didn't answer. The world around me was a sea of gray shadows, the party sounds muffled and distant.

"Yoongi," she said after a moment. "I know it's hard. I know you feel like you've lost everything. But you haven't. You're just... hurting right now."

I wanted to argue, but the fight was gone. I just sat there, staring into the hazy blur of a world I couldn't fully see, feeling like a stranger to myself.

The night stretched on, Wendy beside me—a flicker of warmth in the endless gray. I didn't know if I believed her, but for now, I'd let her stay. For now, I'd let myself breathe. It was all I could do.

Eventually, Wendy stood up, leaving me alone. The party was still in full swing, a large bonfire crackling, casting shifting shadows in shades of gray. A group of women gathered around it, their figures indistinct. I watched Wendy find Jin, saw the way she fit under his arm—their forms blending into one another in my blurred vision. Either he hadn't seen us or was choosing to ignore it.

I hoped it was the latter.

I leaned back against the rough wood of the porch, every nerve weighted down by a relentless exhaustion. It wasn't just my body that felt broken—it was everything. The world, my place in it, me.

I'd lost count of the nights spent like this—stranded in the dark, drowning in thoughts I couldn't escape. For the first time, I felt like I understood Y/N's nightmares. When they were at their worst, I'd sleep in her bed to wake her up, and she'd spend hours telling me how horrible and guilty she felt for being so angry and upset all the time. She never called herself a burden, but now that I was in her shoes, I knew that's what she meant.

I knew she was fine and alive out in Lustra somewhere, but it didn't stop my mind from mourning her as harshly as I'd mourned Cordelia at her memorial service on the shores of Syrena. Maybe even more. I loved Wendy's adoptive mother, but I didn't know her as well as I should have. Y/N was my best friend, and her absence was gnawing away at whatever sanity I had left.

Minutes—maybe hours—dragged by, each one heavier than the last, until the soft sound of footsteps cut through the quiet. They were barely there, and if my ears weren't so tuned in to what was happening around me, I wouldn't have heard them at all. Then I caught the faint scent of mist and wet grass. I knew who it was before she spoke.

Minutes—maybe hours—dragged by, each one heavier than the last, until the sharp sound of footsteps pulled me from my thoughts. They were barely audible, but I'd become attuned to every little noise. Then I caught the faint scent of mist and wet grass. I knew who it was before she spoke.

"Mind if I sit?" Sam's voice was brisk. When I looked up, her face was a pale oval against the darker grays of the night. I wished I knew what color her eyes were. They were the only thing I wasn’t confident in my guesses about. They were light, but I could not tell you what shade they really were. She'd always been beautiful, but tonight there was something different—something that made me appreciate her even more.

Her eyes were a soft gray, her hair a dark shadow framing her face. I knew that if I ever got my full sight back, she'd be even more striking. But for now, it was nice to be around someone when appearances didn't really matter. She didn't seem to mind helping me navigate or putting up with my bad moods, either.

Sam was nearly perfect. It was just too bad I had someone else in mind when we weren't together.

Those dimples were so deep I could make them out from the porch anytime he walked by...

"Go ahead," I muttered, nodding toward the spot Wendy had left.

She settled beside me with an ease that felt out of place next to my stillness, her energy humming softly between us. "You look like hell," she said bluntly. "What's got you in pieces this time, Yoongi?"

I let out a hollow laugh, the sound harsh even to my own ears. "This time?" I echoed, shaking my head. "It's always the same stuff." I gestured vaguely at the night—at nothing and everything. "Take your pick."

Her smirk faded slightly, and for a moment, I thought she might soften—but Sam wasn't the soft type. She never sugarcoated things, never pretended it would all be okay. Part of why I didn't push her away like I did the others. Yet, anyway. I'd already drawn the line about romance with her in my head, but I knew I was weak, and she made me feel comfortable. She reminded me so much of Delta...

No, I couldn't go there.

"Yeah, it's bad," she agreed, her voice steady. "But sitting here feeling sorry for yourself isn't going to change anything." She leaned closer, her breath warm against my cheek. "Staring at them will make Seokjin angry, you know."

I snapped my eyes away from the fire. I hadn't been looking at Jin or Wendy, but it wouldn't surprise me if Jin thought I was. He'd become more paranoid and distant these days.

I turned to her, bitterness bubbling up, unable to hold it back. "What do you want from me, Sam?" I didn't care if it made her uncomfortable—she'd chosen to sit here.

Then I felt bad again. That wasn't fair.

Sam didn't flinch. If anything, her gaze sharpened, unwavering and direct. "You think you're the only one feeling this?" she asked, her voice low. "You're not. We're all carrying it, Yoongi. The war, the losses, the uncertainty—it's wearing us all down."

"Then why don't you look like it?" I snapped, my fists clenching. "Why do you still act like there's something worth fighting for?"

"Because the alternative is giving up," she said simply. "And I've seen what that looks like. It's worse than this."

I scoffed, shaking my head. "Doesn't sound so bad right now."

She was silent for a moment, and when she spoke again, her voice held a rare gentleness. "You're not the first to feel that way. And you won't be the last. But giving up? It doesn't end the pain, Yoongi. It just spreads it. You think Wendy's okay? Or Namjoon? Or the rest of us?" She paused. "We're barely holding it together. But we're still here. And so are you."

The mention of his name made my pulse quicken, and Sam knew it. She only brought him up to get a rise out of me. Her spending time with him didn't help. The thought of both of them together—breathless, naked, sighing—was the first thing that had truly distracted me all day.

He was so... captivating.

I pressed the heels of my hands to my eyes—not that it mattered. Everything was just as hazy and muted as before. It was better at night. I could see things a little clearer. The sun made my eyes burn and itch, and I couldn't leave the house without shades. Taejin was kind enough to give me a few pairs.

"I'm not here, Sam," I whispered. "Not really. Without my sight, I'm a terrible fighter, and without that, what's left of me? I don't serve much use here."

She sighed softly. "You're still you, Yoongi. Maybe some things are different, maybe you're feeling lost. But you're still here. And as long as you are, you've got a chance to figure out who you'll be now. Life doesn't stop just because you want it to."

I wanted to argue, to push her away, but there was a stubborn truth in what she said.

"What do you want me to say, Sam?" I asked, the question slipping out more like a plea than I'd intended. "That I'm so messed up I can't even use magic? I keep trying, and nothing happens."

"You don't have to say anything," she said quietly. "I don't want anything from you. But maybe you should want something for yourself. You've lost a lot, but you haven't lost everything. You still have your mother. That's more than many here can say."

Guilt gnawed at me for snapping at Wendy earlier. It wasn't just Wendy, either. Jin had almost lost his father. Enver had nearly been killed multiple times in that fight. Sol, as much as I hated to admit it, had lost the only person she ever knew as family, and no one seemed to care. Taehyung, maybe, but I knew they weren't talking much. Countless others had fallen as well. Sam wasn't wrong—I was lucky to have my mother.

It didn't erase the fact that my life felt irreversibly damaged. I was the only witch with a permanent disability, the only one no one could heal. Maybe I had the right to feel a little bitter.

"I don't know how to do that," I murmured, barely audible. "How to want anything anymore."

She nodded, her expression unreadable in the grayscale blur of my vision. "Then start small. Want to survive. Want to see tomorrow. Want to believe things can get better. And if you can't want it for yourself, then want it for the people who still care about you."

I couldn't respond. Couldn't argue. After a while, Sam shifted closer, her movements deliberate but careful, like she was approaching a wounded animal. I didn't turn my head, didn't acknowledge her beyond the faint scuff of her boots against the porch. I didn't have the energy.

"You know, Yoongi," Sam said, her voice lighter than it had any right to be on a night like this, "I've always thought you were handsome."

"I know," I mumbled, barely more than a whisper, my voice worn thin. "You know how I feel about you already, just like every other person you’ve sunk your teeth into."

"You're my favorite," she chuckled softly. "You haven't even let me get that far yet. And your skin, those eyes..."

I rolled my eyes. No one ever liked me for my face, and I knew Sam would say anything if she thought I'd give in just a little. My body buzzed with anticipation that I forced down. I didn't know if I could handle something like that right now, even if it might feel good.

Sam's laugh faded, and her tone shifted. "I'm serious, Yoongi. You've got this whole mysterious, brooding thing going on. People like that."

I let out a bitter breath. "What people?" I muttered, shaking my head. Then, a faint smirk tugged at my lips. "I'm a blind guy who can't do magic. Who's lining up for that?"

"You'd be surprised."

I turned slightly toward her, a sigh escaping my lips. "You're relentless, you know that?"

"It's part of my charm," she said, and before I could respond, I felt her shift closer. Her breath was warm against my cheek, and then her lips brushed mine—soft, tentative, giving me a chance to pull away.

But I didn't.

Instead, I leaned into her, my fingers brushing against her arm as I kissed her back. It was brief, just a moment, but it felt like a small light flickering in the darkness. When she pulled away, I could still feel the warmth lingering, and it made me feel... something. Something other than emptiness.

"Thanks," she whispered, barely audible. "For letting that happen."

I swallowed, my throat tight, and nodded. "Thank you," I said softly. "For wanting it to happen."

She smiled—a gentle curve I could almost see in the hazy grayscale of my vision.

Silence settled between us, comfortable for once. I watched the party slowly disperse. Jin and Wendy passed by on their way back inside. Jin glanced down and grinned at me. He was probably happy to see Sam's head leaning on my shoulder. I didn't look to see Wendy's reaction. It didn't matter.

The ache in my chest didn't go away, but I did feel a little better than I had earlier.

Eventually, the last of the witches were gone, and the fire began to burn low. Sam was unusually quiet, but I think she knew I needed time to think. Watching the smoke curl up into the night sky, I tried to keep my mind off the sadder thoughts that seemed to be on repeat lately. Sam deserved better, and I was exhausted from it all. I needed a break.

The sharp creak of the front door pulled me from my thoughts, and Jungkook's familiar voice broke the quiet—loud and bright, just like always. I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. He was exactly what I needed, even if I wasn't sure I could match his energy tonight.

"Guess who!" Jungkook called, bounding onto the porch, his grin as wide as ever. "Hope you two haven't died of boredom without me!"

Sam smirked, standing up and leaning against the railing, arms crossed. "Not yet," she shot back. "But the quiet was nice while it lasted."

I chuckled softly but stayed quiet otherwise. The silence had been nice, and I wasn't quite ready to let it go. Jungkook's energy filled the space, bright and insistent, but I could already feel how drained I was from earlier.

"Perfect!" Jungkook plopped a couple of bottles on the table with a clink. "That's why I brought reinforcements. Drinks to celebrate surviving another day in this lovely mess we call life."

"Getting drunk sounds nice," I muttered under my breath, the words tasting bitter. I didn't feel like we were surviving all that well—maybe it was just me. But alcohol? Alcohol I could manage.

Sam glanced at me, her expression unreadable, then turned back to Jungkook. "And you think drinks are going to solve everything?"

"No," Jungkook shrugged, undeterred. "But they won't make it worse, right? And besides, who says no to a little fun?"

I let out a hollow laugh, the sound cracking in the still air. "Fun," I said, shaking my head. "Don't know if I'll be much help with that."

Jungkook's grin faltered, his eyes flicking toward me, then away. "Hey, come on," he said, his voice softer now. "You're still here, Yoongi. That's gotta count for something."

The words landed like stones in my chest. I gripped the bottle he handed me, the cold glass calming me for a moment. "I guess so," I said, barely above a whisper.

Sam straightened, her teasing demeanor fading. "Yoongi..." she started, but I shook my head.

"I'm fine, Sam," I said, my voice sharper than I intended. "Just a rough day. Can we just crack open whatever the kid brought and have a good time?"

Jungkook shifted uncomfortably, his bottle clinking as he set it down. "We all have bad days," he said steadily. "You’ve been having a tough time lately, and I don't think it's fair for anyone to make you feel bad about it. I can leave if that's easier. You two seemed fine before I got here."

"It's fine, Kook," I chuckled, touched by his thoughtfulness. "It's not your fault I'm so..." I trailed off, unsure how to finish.

Jungkook's expression softened, and he reached over, giving my shoulder a gentle nudge. "Hey. We're all in this mess together, right?"

Sam sighed, stepping closer. "You're too busy shutting us out to let us help," she said quietly. "But we're not going anywhere, Yoongi. We're here."

I swallowed hard, my throat tight. Their words didn't fix anything. They didn't make the weight on my chest any lighter or the darkness any less suffocating. But for the first time in a long time, they made me feel less alone.

"Now, come on," Sam teased, nudging my shoulder just enough to pull me out of my spiraling thoughts. "You're being so depressing you've got Kook acting serious. That's a first."

"Hey, I can be serious," Jungkook protested, though his usual smile was back, not quite reaching his eyes. "But right now? I'd rather laugh with my friends than sit around dwelling on things I can't change."

I raised my bottle in a half-hearted toast. "Sometimes, laughter is all we've got."

Jungkook lifted his own bottle, grinning. "To laughter, and to the best friends a guy could ask for."

Sam rolled her eyes, but her smile was genuine. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get all mushy on us now."

We clinked our bottles together, the sound echoing softly into the night. The weight on my chest didn't disappear, but it felt a little lighter.

"I'll kick Chief Kim's ass for you in a heartbeat," Sam joked after taking a sip.

"And I'll turn Bo into a goat," I added, trying to keep the mood light.

Sam giggled. "We'd actually get some use out of her then."

"You two are so mean," Jungkook laughed, shaking his head.

"It's part of the charm," Sam shot back, her grin widening.

We finished our first drinks quickly, and Jungkook was more than happy to crack open a few more. The night was young, and the smell of the bonfire still lingered in Mi-Jeong's backyard. I used to love that smell, but now it brought back memories I didn't want—the kind that made me squeeze my eyes shut and remind myself that I was safe. That nothing bad was going to happen.

"So," Jungkook said, leaning forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "what's next? More drinks? Truth or dare? I want to make things interesting."

"Let's not get too wild," Sam warned, though the curiosity in her smirk betrayed her. "We've got enough chaos in our lives. Don't think we need any more drama."

"True," Jungkook agreed, his grin softening. "But hey, we might as well have fun while we can. Those bastards will be back eventually."

Sam's expression shifted, a playful glint in her eyes. "How about a round of 'Devil's Lie'? Ever played, Yoongi?"

I raised an eyebrow, the corner of my mouth twitching despite myself. "Who hasn't? Are you sure you're ready to lose?"

Sam laughed, leaning in so close I could feel her breath. "Try me," she challenged.

Jungkook let out a playful hoot. He'd always said he wanted Sam and me to end up together, something about "eternal happiness" for his only friends. Sam and I just laughed it off. She didn't do the whole marriage and kids thing, and I was perfectly happy without any strings attached.

Jungkook tilted his head toward the house. "Hang on. I'll go see if Momma Park has a deck lying around." He disappeared inside, leaving Sam and me in the warm night air.

A moment later, Jungkook returned, holding a slightly battered deck of cards in one hand, a triumphant grin on his face.

Sam helped me over to the small table on the porch. I could see it was a shade of a mid-tone grey, but the design—a dark shape curled up on itself—was still a bit blurry. I settled into a chair, trying not to cringe as Sam's chair dragged loudly against the wood.

"Alright, game refresher," Jungkook announced, setting the cards on the table. "The rules are simple: play a card face down and say what it is. If no one calls your bluff, the game moves on. If someone thinks you're lying and they're right, you drink. If you're telling the truth and they call you out, they drink. First to lose all their cards wins."

Sam's eyes lit up as she grabbed her drink. "Finally, a game I was born to win."

I smirked, picking up my bottle. "We'll see about that."

Jungkook shuffled the cards with surprising dexterity, then dealt them out. "Let's make it interesting," he added, grinning. "Every round starts with 'I bet the Devil,' because why not?"

Sam leaned forward, her grin mischievous. "Oh, this is going to get ugly."

Jungkook went first, laying down a card. "I bet the Devil... this is a seven of spades. Also, I had a crush on a teacher once."

Sam groaned. "Seriously? That's your big confession?"

"I think he's lying about the card," I interjected, squinting at him.

Jungkook turned it over with a flourish—it was a seven of spades. "Drink up, Yoongi."

I groaned as Sam burst out laughing. "I'm going to be so bad at this. I can't see your faces that well without the moonlight."

"I can get a lantern," Jungkook offered, but I shook my head.

Fire wasn’t as bad as direct sunlight, but my eyes were sensitive enough right now that it added some strain.

"I'll manage."

"My turn," Sam said, sliding a card down with theatrical flair. "I bet the Devil... this is a king of hearts. I've never been with a woman before."

I squinted at her, trying to gauge the truth. "The card's a lie," I said confidently. "And that story is complete bullshit, too."

She flipped it over—it was a king of hearts. "Nice try, Yoongi. Bottoms up!"

"What about the story?" Jungkook asked.

"Oh, a complete lie," Sam replied, already reaching for her drink.

Jungkook leaned back, watching us with a grin as I took a reluctant sip. "This is going better than I expected," he admitted, placing his next card. "I bet the Devil... this is an ace of clubs. And I never snuck out at night."

Sam snorted. "You're full of it. No one makes it to your age without sneaking out."

“Card?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Bullshit,” I said.

“Think he’s being honest about the card,” Sam waved me off.

Jungkook flipped the card over—it wasn't an ace. Sam cursed under her breath and took a long sip while Jungkook gave us a smug look. "Told you I've got a good poker face."

"Good boy," I teased, sticking my tongue out at him.

"Mom's favorite," he shot back with a grin.

Jungkook had some of the brightest smiles I'd ever seen. The only flaw was his slightly too-long front teeth, but even that suited him. Namjoon's were a close second, but I didn't see him smile enough to compare.

I wished I could see him smile more. He was always so... compelling.

The night carried on like that—the game quickly evolving from simple bluffs to playful confessions and outright ridiculous lies. By the end, we were leaning into each other, laughing so hard that tears pricked at the corners of our eyes. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough for now.

The dim light filtering through the tavern's grimy windows felt like tiny knives stabbing at my eyes, even from where I was tucked away in the corner. Without sunglasses, stepping into full daylight wasn't even an option—the pain just wasn't worth it. I hunched over my excuse for breakfast: rubbery eggs and toast so dry it could double as a coaster. Hunger insisted I try, but every bite tasted like last night—greasy, regretful, and tinged with the bitterness of too much ale and too little honesty.

I pushed the plate aside with a metallic scrape, wincing at how sharp the sound was. The murmur of voices around me tangled together, a blur of lives I wasn't part of, just out of reach. Conversations mixed into a static hum, like I was behind some invisible barrier, listening to a life that wasn't mine anymore.

The creak of the tavern door broke the monotony, a cool draft brushing past as it opened. Two voices followed—one light and easy, as familiar as home. Hoseok's laughter rang out, warm and effortless, undercut by Hyuna's softer chuckle. Their voices cut through the haze like sunlight piercing storm clouds.

"Mind if we join you?" Hoseok asked, his tone as laid-back as ever, though I could hear the weariness beneath it.

I gestured to the empty seats, managing a small smile. "Go ahead. Just a heads-up—the food's as bad as it looks."

"If Yala cooked it, I can imagine it's bad," Hyuna said, eyeing my plate with a smirk. "Greasy, stale, and questionable at best?"

"Pretty much," I muttered, pushing the plate farther away.

Hoseok chuckled, but the sound lacked its usual spark. "Hey, at least it's not rations out of a tin like the copiae are getting in the field. I'd take overcooked eggs any day."

We shared a weak laugh, but the moment was fleeting. The weight of everything we'd been through, the constant worry, crept back in—thick and heavy. Hoseok leaned back, his eyes drifting somewhere far away. "Bridd saved my life in that last battle," he said quietly. "I don't even know how, but she did. I keep thinking... it should be me out there instead of her, alone."

Silence settled over us, broken only by the clinking of glasses and low murmurs from across the room. A pang shot through my chest, the reminder of Bridd's absence cutting deep. She'd been our anchor, the one who kept us steady. Without her, it felt like we were all just... floating.

"You miss her," I said softly, voicing what we all felt.

Hoseok nodded, his face tight with worry. "We all do. But Jimin's taking it the hardest. He's been beating himself up since that argument they had before she left. This war... it's tearing us apart."

Hyuna's expression softened, her eyes distant. "I keep thinking I should've said something to her, thanked her for everything. But I didn't. None of us did, really."

"We didn't either. Barely saw her after she woke up," I swallowed, my voice rough. "She's the heart of our families, and I don't think she ever realized how much she held us together."

Hoseok's hand rested on the table, his fingers tapping lightly. "I can't even imagine what it'd be like if she doesn't come back. Jimin's trying to act strong, but he's falling apart."

"He's been so distant lately," I murmured. "He doesn't know who he is without her anymore."

"Namjoon's been keeping him company," Hyuna nodded, her voice quiet. "He's hardly around here anymore. Only talks to people when he has to."

"I've been trying to keep an eye on him," Hoseok muttered. "He's easy to find—training, Bridd's place, or scouting. He's here all day, then slips away when things get quiet to spend time at her house. He's been fixing it up."

That brought a small grin to my face. It was nice to think it'd be ready for her when she got back. Unless, of course, something happened to it again. I doubted the elves would bother returning to the clearing. The witches who'd gone to Clarcton to find family said everyone thought Y/N was dead when they found her cottage destroyed and 'the Bird' gone.

We didn't correct them until they were back in Foxglove. Y/N's whereabouts were classified now.

"I'm worried he might hurt himself if something happens to her," Hyuna whispered.

"He might, even if he doesn't know," Hoseok replied. "We're not meant to be apart from our mates for this long. He must be going insane."

Their words echoed the fears I'd been trying to bury. I clenched my fists under the table, feeling the rough wood grain beneath my fingers, focusing on the tavern's hum of voices and clinking glasses. Out there, life went on, uninterrupted. But here, in our little corner, everything felt like it was standing still.

Whether we liked it or not, the three of us would be on the front lines.

And everyone knew I might not make it.

No one wanted to admit it.

Hoseok broke the silence with a sigh. "Yoongi," he said quietly, "have you thought about what happens after all this? After the war?"

The question hit me harder than I expected. Survival had become everything—the only thing. Thinking beyond it felt strange. I wasn't sure I'd see the end of it. With my eyesight the way it was, I felt weak, at a major disadvantage. Magic was helpful, but without the confidence to use it, it was useless.

Most of my spells fizzled out lately, and I was too frustrated and upset to keep trying.

"I know with your eyes, fighting might be tough," Hoseok continued, not noticing how still I'd become. "I'd understand if you wanted to stay back, maybe help out at the palace with Sol. She's a bit immature at times, but she's a sweet girl. You'd be good for her."

I stopped listening.

I couldn't be stuck on the sidelines. I wasn't meant to be there. I was a strong fighter—the best at night by a long shot. Jin might have more brute strength, his energy electric and full of fire, but I was just as deadly.

I could make the ground split in two. I could turn blades of grass into vines strong enough to break steel. I could summon a hurricane with a whisper. I could do so many things if they'd let me.

If I could let myself.

Then the sound of screaming rushed in my ears, and a cold sweat broke out across my skin.

I needed air.

I managed to get outside, bumping into a few chairs and tables on the way. The cool breeze hit my face, and I leaned back against the weathered wall, letting the cold ground me. It cut through the fog in my head, the chilly morning a relief from the tavern's stuffiness.

The smell of blood and ash had filled the air, screams and the clash of steel blurring together. I remembered the weight of their stares, how hard it was to breathe, the sharpness of their blades. The elves had charged us swiftly, mercilessly. I'd fought, felt the sting of cuts I barely noticed through the adrenaline. I could still see the glow of that elf's purple eyes as he reached out and covered my face. And then, in one blinding moment, all I felt was searing, burning pain.

I had bested him in the end, but fighting after that had been nearly impossible. The only reason I'd been able to call out to Y/N was because things hadn't gotten as bad as they eventually would. While I was in the palace with Enver and Namjoon, everything went black. The small bit of vision I'd recovered was thanks to the countless healing spells everyone had tried on me.

I met Sam during that time—when everything was blurry and upside down. She told everyone the "shining" had its advantages, but that my body needed to heal on its own. Not many survive the initial burning, she'd said, and we'd have to wait and see what became of me. It took months for the full effects to settle in, but she could already tell my vision was adjusting to the dark. Each day, my eyes became more metallic, turning silver as they healed. She said the grayscale was a good thing.

I didn't believe her. Not at all.

Sam befriended me out of some morbid curiosity about what would happen to the little witch who survived elf magic. Now, she wanted to sleep with me. Quietus were strange creatures, but I'd come to adore Sam and all her odd quirks.

"Yoongi?"

I turned, steadying myself against the rough wall. Hoseok's footsteps were careful, like he didn't want to startle me. I hadn't even heard him come outside.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly, concern threading through his words.

"I just... needed a minute." I tried to keep my voice steady. "I'm easily overwhelmed lately. Apologize to Hyuna for me. That was really rude."

Hoseok was silent for a moment, then I felt his hand on my shoulder—warm and grounding. "We're all carrying more than we should," he said gently. "You can talk to me. Maybe it'll help. What does it feel like?"

A bitter laugh slipped out before I could stop it. "What are you referring to? My eyes or the nightmares?"

"The nightmares." His voice softened. "I know enough about your condition. I just want to know about you right now."

I shook my head, pushing my glasses further up my nose. The sun was bothering my eyes even more out here, but I barely noticed. Everything was too bright, too sharp.

"It feels like they never stop," I admitted. "Even when my eyes are open, they keep happening. Sometimes I don't know what's real anymore. It's... frightening."

Hoseok took a deep breath beside me. "Hyuna's been having the same issue," he said, leaning against the wall next to me. "Waking up screaming my name. When we got separated, she barely noticed, but seeing me hurt like that was horrible for her. Her friends died. Both of my parents died. It's been really hard."

I hadn't realized he'd lost his family. I knew his older sister was still around the village. The Jungs were good at covering their pain, it seemed. I reached out, my hands fumbling until they found his shoulder—maybe a bit too close to his neck, but he didn't pull away.

"I'm sorry," I said, feeling his fingers brush against my hand before enveloping it. His hands were large and warm—scorching, almost. I didn't know how Y/N dealt with it; it felt like I might melt. "I didn't realize. I would have gone to the funeral."

He shook his head. "We couldn't have proper funerals for anyone. Too many bodies. They burned them and gave the ashes to Ji-woo. We're too afraid to display them right now. They could get destroyed in another fight."

"I can charm them," I blurted out. "Make the porcelain sturdier. I can't make it unbreakable—charming isn't really my specialty; that's Y/N's thing. But I'm good enough to give you some peace of mind."

"We'd appreciate that," Hoseok said, squeezing my hand. "Thank you."

Bridd's absence gnawed at me. If she were here, she'd promise Hoseok and anyone else with a vase of ashes that they'd never break again as soon as she got her hands on them. Funny—we used to tease her and Wendy for struggling with defensive magic. Wendy said she didn't believe in violence but knew enough to defend herself if needed. Y/N was even less into it, but she was so resourceful she scared even the best fighters among us.

I'd never seen someone make fire so quickly and easily before. A natural talent, my mother had said. It was her only truly offensive attack, but even I could admit her protective spells were where she truly shined. Healing, shields, and all the strange and whimsical spells she made up to escape quickly and quietly—they were fascinating.

My heart felt heavier.

"What happened between Bridd and Jimin?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. It was a question that had haunted me since she left.

We all knew the gist: an argument that got out of hand, and Y/N had a really bad day. She left in a flurry of emotions and disappeared. Many of us were quick to blame Jimin for her leaving, but when details about Sol being the catalyst emerged, that blame shifted.

I felt bad for the girl. She didn't think Y/N would run off and hurt herself. I understood she was trying, in some ways, to get her to stay by making sure the one person who could convince her not to go was extremely against the whole idea. Unfortunately, she didn't know my friend all that well and ended up sending her packing even sooner than planned.

Sol was a child. Eighteen was barely an adult, and she'd been pampered and treated like a princess her entire life. What did anyone expect? For her to be mature and handle things like a seasoned warrior? Not likely. Especially not when she had such a sweet and bubbly husband like Taehyung, who just wanted to please her.

They still were hardly speaking.

Hoseok sighed heavily. "It's complicated," he said. "They argued about Sol, about her leaving. Bridd was trying to protect him, and Jimin pushed for answers. Things got heated, and they both said things they regretted. But Jimin..." He paused, his voice dropping. "He's a mess without her. Regret doesn't even cover it."

"I know. I guess I'm just trying to figure out what everyone is doing about the elves. Thelma hasn't been very helpful."

"The council meets daily, but we can't get on the same page. Namjoon, Jungkook, and I are doing most of the talking. Jimin's making hundreds of war plans for every scenario you could think of. There are so many maps in that room. Bo and Kim are trying to ease the minds of the older folks. Taehyung is shockingly level-headed, working with Jimin to iron out details."

"And Sol? Is she just hiding while we pick up the pieces?" I couldn't help the sharpness in my voice.

No one had seen the Luna since her wedding. It wasn't a good look, and when we heard about Jungkook being her personal guard through all this, we nearly stormed the palace to demand why she thought she deserved special treatment. Heji had calmed us down, but dissent for Sol spread through the village like wildfire.

Hoseok's grip tightened on my hand. "It's not that simple, Yoongi. They're keeping a close eye on her in the palace. She's trying to keep her family safe and deal with everything she's set in motion."

"That doesn't excuse her," I snapped, anger spilling over. "It doesn't excuse any of this. We're out here fighting while she sits behind walls. And Y/N..." My voice cracked, the ache in my chest almost too much to bear.

"Yoongi." Hoseok's voice was firm, cutting through my anger. "We're all in this mess, every one of us. The girl is having a mental breakdown in there. She can't even get out of bed anymore. Taehyung won't speak to her, and she's miserable. She tried... harming herself a few days ago, and now they have guards watching her around the clock. Blaming Sol won't bring Bridd back or make this any easier."

"I know." The anger faded, leaving only emptiness behind. "But it feels like everything's falling apart, and I'm completely useless. You know no one expects me to survive the next fight."

Hoseok let go of my hand, and I dropped mine from his shoulder. I could see his silhouette leaning back against the wall beside me. The light made everything an overwhelming flood of white and gold, edges blurring and details lost in the glare. I hoped I would find something better than these stupid human inventions with time.

The edges allowed sunlight in depending on which way my head turned and the coating on them wasn’t as dark and thick as I would have liked. Yet another thing Y/N would have figured out how to fix. She had the most creative spell ideas out of everyone I had ever met.

She might have even been able to find a way to get my eyes back to normal given enough time.

"You're stronger than you think," Hoseok said gently. "You made it through that battle. You're still here, and that means something, even if it doesn't feel like it right now."

“I’m here for now,” I rebuttal, unhappily.

“You heard Samanya, sooner or later your eyes will be better than any of ours at night. Then, you’ll be the most useful person in the entire village.”

“Sure.”

The street around us was still, the morning quiet making me far more unnerved. Birds did not chirp anymore. Most of the deer were in hiding. Insects and the occasional frog were the only sounds. At that moment, it felt like we were in a bubble, the noise and weight of the war held at bay just for a second.

“Is Sol alright?” I asked.

“Doing better,” Hoseok huffed. “She’s not really sure what she’s supposed to be doing, and no one is willing to let her help with anything now. Bo isn’t letting her in on any of the war meetings, Namjoon’s father thinks she’s too stupid and frail to be any help, and I think Tae’s just too overwhelmed and overloaded to step in between them.”

“Still not talking?” I asked.

Hoseok shook his head. “He talked to her last night, and he’s been trying to spend more time with her, but Sol’s not being very receptive to him right now. Koda has been with her mostly, and she said Sol hasn’t eaten or spoken for days. Weeks if you want to count her just sipping on water and force feeding herself crackers and bread. She looks horrible.”

“And Taehyung?”

“Worried,” Hoseok cleared his throat. “Sorry, I have a cough. He’s just spread too thin right now, and no one is being very helpful. Jimin, maybe, but he’s too distracted to really give much advice. It’s why I think you going and being around Sol might help.”

I laughed, “And why would I be the ultimate solution to all of their problems?”

“Because you’re nice, and Sol needs a friend.”

I shook my head. The thought of spending time with the girl who was the reason my best friend left was not appealing to me, but I did understand where Hoseok was coming from. Even if I did not particularly care for her, it wasn’t nice to hear that she had attempted to take her own life. No one should feel like that is their only option.

Maybe I will stop by one of these days. See if I could get the girl a decent meal. Gods knows she was already skinny enough before. Has to be practically wasting away now.

I heard the tavern door open and slam shut. Heavy footsteps fell and were coming for the two of us. A good guess was that it was Hyuna. Peeking over Hoseok’s shoulder, I saw his wife.

She was tall and slim, just as skin and bones as her husband, with long hair. I remember meeting her once or twice before, but couldn’t remember the color of her hair. It was brown, not too light or dark, but that was all. Her skin was dark, the color reminded me of a bronze-gold Viola. She was pretty. I remember thinking she was pretty.

Right now, she just looked like a stick figure drawn in ink that was smudged with the side of a hand.

Hyuna’s voice broke the silence as she joined us, her tone steady and sure. “Are you alright?” Her hand found mine, warm and solid. “You looked shaken up.”

I swallowed hard, nodding as some of the tightness in my chest eased. “I’m alright, Hyuna,” I said, my voice thick. “Just a few things I’d rather not think about.”

“I have those, too,” she replied, her eyes kind.

The morning air was crisp and biting, but with my friends beside me, I felt a spark of warmth, a small flicker of hope breaking through the shadows. We’d lost so much, and there was still more to face, but standing there, I felt like maybe we had enough to hold on to.

“Come here, baby,” Hoseok muttered, grabbing hold of his wife. Hyuna melted into his side. He looked back at me. “We need to get back to the palace. Hyuna’s scheduled to watch Sol in an hour and I need to get back to the council room before Jimin rips Bo’s head off.”

“No problem, man.”

“Will you be alright?” Hyuna asked.

“Always am,” I replied.

They each gave me a small hug before heading off towards the palace.

I leaned against the cold, rough wall of the building, trying to catch my breath as my mind spiraled through everything weighing on us—the war, the losses, the unknowns stretching out like an endless road. I closed my eyes, hoping for a moment of peace, but the darkness clung to me, seeping into every corner of my mind.

The sound of footsteps pulled me back to reality. I turned toward them, and a flicker of relief went through me when I saw Sam and Jungkook. I couldn't see if they looked as rough as I did, but it didn’t really matter to me. We had fun last night and I felt bad for possibly ruining that light atmosphere we’d been able to hold onto for a few hours. Hoseok and Hyuna had most likely run into them on their way out. It was the only way either of them would have known I was here.

“Hey,” Sam said, her voice soft. “You okay?”

I forced a small smile, though it felt like it could break at any second. “Just needed some air,” I replied, my voice sounding as worn out as I felt. “How about you two? Holding up?”

Jungkook shrugged, his jaw tight, his usual spark dimmed. “Same as everyone else, I guess. Just… trying to make sense of it. Hangovers don't mix well with war meetings. Happy Jung is relieving me. I hate seeing my cousin like that.”

Sam took a small step closer. “Hyuna told us you were here,” she said gently, her voice carrying the same sadness that weighed on all of us. “She told me what happened. Are you sure you’re alright? She made it seem like you freaked out.”

I swallowed, the ache in my chest tightening. “Yeah,” I managed, barely above a whisper. “I’m just… everyone keeps talking about Bridd, and it brings back a lot of memories. I hate that she’s not here right now. The witches aren’t united and nothing is getting done. I’m pissed off and sad.”

The three of us stood there, caught in a silence heavy with grief. Y/N had been more than just a friend to me—she’d been my anchor, hope, and strength when I needed it most. And now, that strength was gone. She had made me feel like I was worth something. Like I could be something more than a conquest. She was the only person that we grew up with who made me feel like I was more than just a piece of meat. Nixie and Delta had been helpful as well, but the romance always left room for doubt in my mind. With Y/N I knew she just really loved and cared about me with or without strings attached.

She was like that with all of us. The most well-respected and adored little witch as far as the eye could see. And we all knew it. Jin, Wendy, our families, and the little witches—big and small—were all aware of the gaping hole we kept avoiding talking about. We needed her here right now, and nothing Thelma or anyone else did could change that fact.

The fact that Enver and Thelma might have known she would leave prior to any of this happening made my stomach churn uncomfortably.

“Have I ever told you I talked to Jin before?” Sam finally broke the silence.

“No,” My face scrunched up. “Why would you do that?”

“It was back when your vision was at its worst. Before Bridd even woke up.”

“Oh,” I said back, dumbly. Jin never acted like he even knew Sam existed half the time. The fact that he’d spoken with her at all was news to me. Wendy couldn’t have known about it. She would have told me. She wouldn’t have been able to help herself.

Wendy was bad with secrets. Jin, too.

Huh. Maybe I didn’t know him as well as I thought I had.

“What’d he say?” I asked.

“I told him I was worried about what would happen to everyone if she never woke up,” Sam’s voice was like butter. “That hope within your people would die out as quickly as it went in. He told me that Bridd used to say hope was like a stubborn weed. You could try to pull it out as many times as you wanted, but it would always come back, even stronger.” She let out a soft laugh, more sad than happy. “She woke up, of course. The whole conversation didn’t really mean much of anything afterwards, but I can’t help but think about that sometimes. Because she was right. You could see how defeated she was—her eyes couldn’t lie, but she still clung to the hope of finding something better and bringing it back. An impossible task and she looked at it with nothing but mild annoyance and disdain.”

Sam laughed in disbelief. “And then she went off on her own like a fucking lunatic. She left this place thinking that her fiancé hated her, her friends betrayed her, and that she would die out there one way or another—and she still went. She wanted all of us to live even if she died. She had hope that she’d make it far enough to find Naida and whatever happened after didn’t matter.”

“She believed in that hope, even when we couldn’t,” Jungkook added, his voice raw. “She made us believe, too.”

I nodded, the sharp ache of missing her settling deep. “She wouldn’t want us to give up,” I said, feeling the truth of it in my bones. “She fought for this—for us. I can’t let her down.”

Sam reached out, her hand resting on my shoulder, grounding me. “Your friend is as crazy as Queen Terra was, and that woman stood tall against the elves. A mass genocide and she was still screaming. That’s what your girl is doing, and we will be doing the same.”

Jungkook moved closer, placing his hand on my other shoulder, his grip strong. “For Bridd,” he said, his voice filled with quiet determination, “and for everyone we’ve lost.”

Bridd had given everything she had to protect us, to stand for something bigger than herself. And even though she was gone, her spirit lived on in us, in the bonds we shared, in the strength that kept us going. The road ahead was dark, full of uncertainty, but we’d walk it together.

As the sun slowly rose, casting light across the worn cobblestones, I felt a hint of warmth—a reminder that dawn always comes after the darkest nights. We couldn’t change the past or erase what we’d lost, but we could honor Bridd’s memory by holding onto hope and fighting on. She’d left us with that much: a spark of resilience even in the deepest dark.

“For Bridd,” I murmured.

And for once, the light didn’t bother me so much.

I stood by the river, watching as the last of the sunlight hit the water. The river sparkled, flowing east where it would inevitably end up in the Talay Ocean. Around me, the sky was deepening. I had never realized how much I had taken sunsets for granted until I could no longer watch the colors swirl together. It was twilight now, and the sky would be streaked with crimson and plum. Sunsets this close to the water were always the most beautiful.

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to reach for my magic. It used to come so easily, just a flick of my wrist, a thought. But now, it felt like pulling teeth. The light that once danced at my fingertips was nothing more than a weak spark, flickering out before it even formed. Frustration twisted in my chest, sharp and tight.

Nothing really was the same anymore.

Clashing metal, the roar of flames, blood, wolves at my feet, swirling smoke clouding my vision, white hair, violet eyes, burning, and then the screaming.

Always the screaming.

I tried to shake off the memory, forcing myself to focus on the gentle sounds of the river. It was a futile distraction at best. Bridd’s face surfaced in my mind, and I felt the sting of her absence all over again. I could almost hear Jin’s laughter, taunting me with each failure, each flicker of magic that sputtered out.

“Not so hot now, Min,” his voice was distorted and dripping with more malice than my friend was capable of.

I clenched my fists, trying to channel the frustration into something useful—anything that might remind me I hadn’t lost myself entirely. I flicked my wrist. Nothing came.

“Come on,” I muttered under my breath. “You can do this.” But all I got were a few faint sparks that faded into nothing. Every failure widened the hollow ache inside, gnawing at my resolve.

The riverbank was too quiet. I wondered if it was as lonely as I was. I groaned, kicking my feet and connecting with a few stray rocks. The sun had finally set, and I ripped the stupid glasses off my face. With each passing day, things became clearer. Tonight, the lines were sharper, and the details between the trees a bit more noticeable. Of course, still no color had come back. Cadoc said it most likely never would.

Tears welled up in my eyes. My entire chest tightened with all the frustration, anger, and hopelessness I felt deep within me. I was a failure. I was nothing. I was...

I wished someone was there to break me out of my own head for a while.

A rustling in the bushes made me jump, my body tensing instinctively. But it was only a bird, flapping away, leaving me alone again. I sighed, looking up at the sky. At least I could make out the stars again. I looked around, hoping to find Scorpius.

I found it tucked away, forming a ‘J.’ I smiled. Antares was the easiest to spot, a faintly red and brightly lit star. The only thing that could rival the other star called Mars. I was not sure how they got their names, or when, but it was interesting to look at them all. This, at least, I could still do.

“Today is a new day,” I mumbled, tearing my eyes away from the sky.

I tried the spell again, but again, nothing happened. Again. A faint spark. All I wanted to do was a very simple, very basic electricity spell. Each failed attempt felt like a punch to the gut. I hated being reduced to this weak and pathetic state where the very thing I was born to do felt impossible.

I flicked my wrist. “Leohtfæt.”

A white-hot bolt shot out, but instead of flicking out like it should have, it exploded in a small burst just after leaving the tip of my index finger. I shouted, pain shooting through my arm. A murder of crows flew up from the surrounding trees in a flurry. None of them made a sound.

I couldn’t hold it in anymore, and I let out a shout—raw and loud, breaking the quiet. I kicked at the dirt, wishing I could do something—anything—to shake this feeling. I was in a cage, a small songbird, and I couldn’t figure out why I wanted to sing anymore. Beside me, the river kept flowing, steady and indifferent. I stood beside it, stuck.

“Get it together,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “You’re stronger than this.”

I didn’t believe myself.

I took a few steps back from the river’s edge until I felt the solid ground under my feet. It felt more reassuring than the wet mud had. My magic was still somewhere inside of me; I just needed to shake off the fear and regroup. I was able to make a bolt.

It blew up in my face, but it was more than I’d been able to do in a few weeks.

The river glowed underneath the moonlight, the world around me softening, muted. I leaned against a twisted tree, still caught up in the mess of my own frustration, when I heard her voice.

“Yoongi?” Sam called out.

It was soft, like she wasn’t sure if she should interrupt. I turned toward the sound and was struck by how much clearer she looked tonight. Her hair cascaded down her back, dark and perfectly straight, and she was wearing some kind of loose-fitting dress. I had never been able to see her features so clearly before. Bathed in a gentle, dream-like glow, she stood out against the trees like some sort of goddess.

Humans might even mistake her for one of their angels.

“I thought I might find you here.”

I tried to smile, though it probably looked tired. “Hey,” I said, my voice as worn as I felt. “Didn’t realize I’d been out here that long.”

Her footsteps were soft as she came closer. She was taking great care not to startle me. Footsteps and loud noises sometimes brought me back, and I’d be unable to speak for a few minutes. Her lips were pulled down into a half-frown. They were plump and full, and I rejoiced in being able to know that about her.

Such a far cry from a few days before on Mi-Jeong’s back porch.

“I just came from Jimin’s. He’s... well, he’s managing. Sort of,” she said quietly. “Namjoon and I kept him company for a while, but he ended up slipping out a few minutes ago.”

I swallowed, guilt biting deeper. “Is he alright?”

She hesitated, and I saw her shifting uncomfortably, searching for the right thing to say. I had never been able to see her squirm before. “Not really,” she admitted. “But he’s trying.” She found a rather large rock near the river’s edge and sat down. “Doesn’t sound like the magic training is going very well.”

I nodded, going over to sit beside her. She made room for me before leaning her head against my shoulder. Her small touches of affection were growing more common between us, but they did not bother me. In fact, I welcomed them. Even if I knew she had just been with Namjoon—I flushed as I thought of him—it never made me feel uncomfortable. If anything, it only made me want her beside me more.

It was almost like touching him.

“Nothing?” she asked, so gently that I almost wanted to cry.

“Yeah,” I said, lifting my hands. “I got a few sparks here and there, but it’s hit or miss. I need to start testing a few of the other simple spells and see if it’s just my defensive magic that’s clogged up.”

She didn’t speak right away. Her head stayed on my shoulder, and her hand came to claim one of my own. She pulled it down to rest in her lap. Her legs felt cold against my skin. Her thumb gently traced my knuckles.

“That’s better than before,” she said finally. “I think your body is still a bit afraid after what happened. Might be trying to keep you safe.”

Frustration spiked again, making my voice come out sharper than I intended. “It’s not that simple, Sam. Bodies don’t do that.”

She didn’t pull away, didn’t flinch. Instead, she squeezed my hand a little tighter. “No, it’s not simple. None of this is, but your body is far more complex than you think it is.”

I felt her lips against my neck. They were cold and wet. I shivered.

“It happened to me just after the Sarkan invasion,” she whispered in my ear. “I was a young girl, but I remember how afraid I was. I couldn’t do anything for years afterward. I felt just as human as the people who stole our land. So many of us were deeply affected.”

She sighed, shifting back to rest against my shoulder again. “I don’t think you’re all that different. King Castor, who wasn’t a king at the time, told us that our minds like to play tricks on us to protect themselves. Fear is the most powerful weapon in the universe. Have I ever told you about my time with the dragons?”

“No.”

She chuckled. “A story for another time, I suppose. They’re strong and brave people, but they understand much about the body that the rest of us don’t. His wife, Queen Affra, said she knew why iron hurt the fae people but no one ever believed her. It’s too long ago now to remember it, but I wish we’d taken them at their word sooner. It’s the only reason their numbers were able to recover so quickly after the end of the war.”

“I was always told it was because they fucked like rabbits.”

“Well, there’s that, too.”

We both shared a quiet laugh.

She slid her hand up my arm, her fingers tickling my skin, before she took hold of my bicep. “Being strong doesn’t mean you’re not scared,” she said. “It just means you keep going anyway.”

“Are you scared?” I asked, looking down at her face.

It was even easier to see it now. Her eyes were hooded, her nose too pointy and thin, and her face a perfect oval. She reminded me of a very beautiful fish. I leaned down and kissed her between her eyes. She hummed in contentment.

“More than I’ve ever been before.”

I swallowed, her honesty touching something deep inside me, a part of me I hadn’t let anyone near. “I don’t want to drag everyone down,” I said, my voice breaking.

“You’re not dragging anyone down,” she said, her voice fierce, eyes blazing. “Not me, at least. You matter, Yoongi. More than you even realize.”

Something warm flickered in my chest. “I just… I don’t want you to feel like you have to carry me.”

She kissed my cheek this time. “I care about you, Yoongi,” she said. It sounded like a promise. “And that’s not something you get to decide for me. I’m not going anywhere.”

I let out a shaky breath.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

She smiled, and I wished that I knew what color her lips were. Were they like strawberries or the dusty roses in my mother’s garden in Clarcton? “You don’t need to thank me,” she said softly. “Just let me be here, okay?”

I nodded, and we let the silence settle around us. The river murmured, the leaves rustled above, and as night crept in, I felt the gentle hum of life moving forward. Faintly, the crickets were beginning to chirp.

The darkness wasn’t gone—it never really was. It still hovered there, the screams clinging to my mind. But with Sam’s hand in mine, something shifted, and I could vaguely see through the cracks in the trees. They weren't very big, but they were just enough to let a little light in. I took a deep breath, letting the cool night air settle me, and felt more sure of things than I had in a long time.

“You’re right,” I said quietly, my voice a little stronger. “I’m fucking terrified and I don’t know what to do with all of these feelings. I’m so lost and scared, Sam.”

“One step at a time, okay? You’ll figure it out eventually.”

I nodded, feeling gratitude I couldn’t put into words.

After a moment, Sam’s tone shifted, her voice taking on that playful edge I’d come to know and love. Did I love Sam? I couldn’t be in love with her, but I guess I did feel something akin to love. “So, I’ve got some gossip for you,” she said.

My curiosity sparked, tugging me out of the heavy thoughts weighing me down. Shifting, I bent over. Sam giggled childishly. I dipped my fingers into the river, feeling the cool water wash over them, and the residual ache from the spell was gone. I heard her shuffling around until she leaned in beside me, her warmth pushing back against the chill of the night.

Sam wasn’t as warm as me, and nowhere near as warm as the wolves, but I expected an air elemental to be freezing. She said when she “merged.” That’s what they called it when they became more air than solid. Merging with the atmosphere, or whatever Cadoc had said.

I rarely spoke with him, and when I did, I didn’t pay attention. He was nice enough, but boring to converse with. Sam said he wasn’t around much anymore since he was the official diplomat between Queen Nerezza and the Elder Council. Lorcan was their link with General Drystan, and Sam was Jarisa’s, the King’s Consort’s, closest friend. A few other quietus had joined us here in Foxglove, but they were the least experienced warriors they had. From what Sam told me, her king and queen were still wary of working closely with the wolves. Y/N fleeing only added to their suspicion. If she were able to come back with Naida or Khione with her, the rest of the quietus would come as well.

Where Naida went, it was far more likely for the fire dragons to come as well, though no one seemed particularly confident that would be the case. Fire elementals enjoyed keeping to themselves.

“What’s the tea?” I asked, my tone lighter.

“Turns out Ji-Hyun was the one who tipped Sol off about Bridd,” she said in a low, conspiratorial voice. “Taehyung only confirmed it when she backed him into a corner. She didn’t really believe him until then, but whatever he told her is what she must have told Jimin. I’ve met with Taehyung a few times and he seems too sweet to make up lies.”

“Why would he do that?” I muttered, not really expecting an answer that would make any of this better. “I’ve never understood his disdain for Y/N. No one she’s ever met has disliked her so quickly, and even if they did, they’d get over it once they talked to her. She’s quite likable once you get past the quick temper and awkwardness.”

Sam leaned in closer, her breath warm against the cool air. “Lorcan overheard Ji-Hyun arguing with his wife,” she whispered. “Ji-Hyun’s best friend died in the siege, and he blames your little bird for not warning them. He just assumed the worst from the beginning, and he’s too stubborn to squash the beef. He’s angry, Yoongi, and telling Sol was his way of lashing out.”

I clenched my jaw, feeling bitterness rise. Ji-Hyun’s grudge was like poison, and his need for revenge was threatening to tear apart everything we’d fought so hard to hold together. “Great,” I muttered sarcastically. “Just what we need. Another reason for everyone to turn on each other.”

Sam sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Exactly. Everyone’s already on edge, and Lorcan thinks Jimin doesn’t know yet. He’s been around his brother too often for him to think he went behind his back in that way.”

I stared out at the river, watching the water flow. I could picture Jimin’s face once he learned the whole truth of things—the anger that would rise up in him, fierce and unchecked. “If Jimin finds out,” I whispered, the weight of it settling on my chest, “it wouldn’t surprise me if he killed Ji-Hyun. And that would be the end of whatever stability we have left.”

“That’s why we can’t let it get to that point,” Sam said, her voice sharper now. “We have to handle this carefully. One wrong move, and everything could fall apart.”

I let out a long breath. “But what can we really do, Sam? The Parks aren’t exactly known for subtlety, and Ji-Hyun just has to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, and he’ll have to deal with Jimin and whoever else feels some type of way about Y/N leaving.”

“Maybe,” she admitted, her tone softening. “But we can watch, we can listen, and we can wait. If the opportunity presents itself, we’ll talk to him. Unfortunately, this is the smallest little village I’ve ever been to, and I doubt anyone can keep their mouths shut for that long. Wouldn’t surprise me if he already knew and was just saving face.”

I turned toward her. “It would explain why he’s staying away from his mom’s house.”

She nudged my shoulder, a smile clear in her voice. “Look at you being smart.”

A real smile crept onto my face. “No one’s ever liked me for my rugged good looks.”

“Well, then it’s a good thing you have both, Mr. Min.”

After a beat, I snapped out of the lovestruck, dumb, idiot stare I was in. Was I in love with Sam? No, Yoongi, you’re just infatuated with a girl who’s being nice to you. Not rocket science.

“So he’s punishing Y/N for something she couldn’t control?” I shook my head. “If you haven’t noticed, my jaw is still firmly in place.”

Sam nodded, her expression hardening. “Yeah, but he’s misjudged how this will play out. Callisto isn’t taking it lightly either. If she finds out about Ji-Hyun’s involvement, things could get… ugly.”

That made me laugh. “If there’s anything that girl can do, it’s shit-talk with the best of them. I miss having her at the house.”

“One of the more entertaining people I’ve met here,” Sam agreed. “The other morning she called Namjoon an ‘absolute walnut.’ And then when Ji-Hyun laughed, she made the funniest faux-surprised face I have ever seen and shouted, ‘Oh my God! It Speaks!’ Lorcan and I were cracking up.”

“Damn spitfire,” I chuckled.

“You’d think she was a dragon the way she talks to these wolves.”

“Brave little human.”

“Brave, indeed.”

The evening deepened, stars twinkling brightly above us. It was quieter than usual. The crickets were a small hum in the background, and the frogs were giving us some space. The birds were in the trees, sitting silently and watching. I wondered if Jin and his family had spoken with them. We’d know when something was nearby that way. It would be smart strategizing. I’d talk to my mother about that and see what she knew.

Maybe I could go with Thelma and see what I could do to help. Being Sol’s babysitter popped up in my head, but it didn’t feel like it would be much help. I glanced at Sam and felt my heart melting.

She really was the most important thing in my life right now.

“Thanks, Sam,” I murmured, my voice catching as I looked away. It didn’t feel like enough, but I meant it. “For sticking with me through all of this.”

She gave the back of my head a gentle peck. “No need to thank me, baby,” she said, her voice as steady as ever. “We’re in this together. Besides,” she added, a little smile creeping into her tone, “you’re the only thing that makes me want to come back to this shitty little village anymore. Honestly, I would have only come to see Joon and leave. Leave Cadoc to do all of the bureaucratic bullshit.”

A laugh escaped me, breaking through the quiet. “So we balance each other out, huh? Fire and ice?”

“Fire and ice,” she echoed, her eyes gleaming with that familiar spark of mischief. “But honestly, I think you’re more earth, and I’m made from… you know, air.”

“Smart ass.”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

And I did.

I stared into my drink, the amber liquid swirling in slow circles, like it was trying to keep up with the chaos in my mind. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was still there, still in that battle, still surrounded by everyone I loved. But it wasn’t real, it never had been. It was just a nightmare.

In my dream, I was the last one standing. Everyone else had fallen—one by one—until it was just me, surrounded by their bodies, faces twisted in pain, fading into the smoke and ash. I’d thought I could protect them, thought I could stop the inevitable. But then the elves charged, all of them, eyes cold and faces unforgiving. I fought, I fought until my muscles gave out, but it was no use. Alone, I couldn’t stop them. And I couldn’t save the people who mattered most.

I didn’t want to think about it. I didn’t want to remember how I felt, standing there with my sword in my hand, a useless piece of steel against the weight of the world. But it kept creeping back into my mind, dragging me back into the nightmare, every little detail too vivid, too real. I didn’t know how long I’d been walking, but somehow, my feet had carried me to the tavern in the middle of the night. The place was dark, almost empty, just the kind of place I could lose myself in.

I ordered a drink. And then another. And another. The whiskey burned going down, but it didn’t burn enough to erase the feeling of emptiness in my chest. The same emptiness that had been there in the dream, the same cold weight of knowing I was the only one left.

The tavern was its usual self—a loud, dim blur of voices and clinking glasses, the smell of stale beer hanging in the air. But none of it mattered. I could barely hear it over the pounding in my head. The world outside seemed far away, like I was in a different place entirely, a place where none of it had ever happened, where I hadn’t failed them all.

I watched the glass in my hand, the whiskey still swirling in lazy circles. No matter how much I drank, it wouldn’t stop the dream from coming back. It wouldn’t bring them back. It wouldn’t fix what was broken inside me.

Then the door swung open, and a familiar laugh sliced through the noise, grating and sharp. I glanced up to see Ji-Hyun stepping into the dim light, his mouth twisted into that smug, careless grin he always wore. He spotted me right away, and instead of looking the other way, like any decent person would, he headed straight for me. My chest tightened, and I could already feel my hand curling into a fist around my glass.

“Well, well, look who’s here,” he said, sliding onto the stool beside me without an invitation. “Didn’t expect to find you out, Yoongi.”

I forced the anger down, keeping my eyes on my drink. “I don’t expect to find you anywhere.”

Ji-Hyun laughed. “Cali keeps me on a tight leash, I’ll admit it. Got lucky tonight, though. She’s helping her momma knit some new clothes for the copiae, and I was able to sneak out.”

“Poor me.”

“I’m not that bad, hyung.”

The honorific was a surprise to me. As long as I had known the kid, he had been a walking dichotomy. Arrogant and condescending, but respectful and always keeping his manners. Still, he had never been quite as kind to the witches. I think our loyalty to Y/N didn’t make his life much easier, especially when his camp of dissenters quickly grew scarce and then disappeared altogether. He was the only person in town besides Bo who didn’t like Y/N, and even he sometimes was quick to criticize Bo’s more “ridiculous” reasoning for being so anti-Y/N.

Jealousy over someone else was petty. The death of a friend and three dozen village members was more than enough for Ji-Hyun’s open disgust at people like us who still loved her.

He was a very black-and-white thinker, and yet there was some space for nuance.

For example, he had never called me “Hyung” before, despite the fact that I’m three years older than him.

“No,” I took a sip of my drink. “You’re pretty fucking terrible.”

That only made him laugh harder. Had to admit, he looked a lot like his older brother when he did that.

“Only because you’re blinded by loyalty and I’m not,” he flagged down the bartender. “Not to Y/N at least. I am to my people, and I have a different opinion than everyone else.”

“Because you’re wrong.”

“No,” he stopped talking and gave Yala his order before turning back to me. “Think about it from my perspective. She saw the future, knew something bad was going to happen, and didn’t tell anyone but her loyalists. One of them being you. Don’t you see how that could piss off a guy?”

I had tried having this conversation with him before, but it had never gone this well. It was weird to think I’d thought this was going to be a fight. Maybe he was more like Jimin than I gave him credit for.

“She didn’t see the future,” I sighed, finishing off my glass. “Y/N can’t see the future. She was getting possessed by spirits who weren’t able to show her very much. It was vague, and she only told me because Thelma—the woman raising the real future-seer—came by and said something bad was coming. We should all be mad at Thelma if we’re using your metrics.”

“But she owed my brother that loyalty and respect, and she didn’t give it to him.”

Oh, that was fucking rich.

“You are such a fucking hypocrite,” I muttered, my voice low. I hoped he’d take the hint and leave, but he just laughed. “You don’t get to say shit like that and expect me to take you seriously.”

“Oh, I don’t?” He leaned in closer, his breath reeking of arrogance. “Last time I checked, I was free to say whatever I wanted. She wasn’t exactly the saint you all like to pretend she was.”

That was it. I couldn’t keep it in anymore. I straightened up, turning to face him, letting all the anger I’d been holding back show. “You’re one to talk. You want to talk about loyalty and respect to your brother? It’s your fault this entire shitshow went to hell in the first place.”

He rolled his eyes, leaning back, completely unfazed. “Oh, please, don’t put that on me. What did I do, exactly?”

I clenched my jaw, struggling to keep calm. “You told Sol about Y/N’s plan after you snuck around like the dirty rat you are. You went behind your brother’s back and fed lies to the most immature and naive person in this entire village to lie about his fiancé. It’s your fault the story was twisted, your fault she ran to your brother, and you sat back like a coward and let it happen. If you were so fucking loyal to your brother, you would have understood that he loved that girl and you would have been there with him.”

Ji-Hyun snorted, a bitter laugh escaping him. “Oh, so now I’m responsible for her choices? Bridd wanted to play hero. She got what she deserved.”

“What about when everyone said that about Callisto?” Ji-Hyun looked surprised. “Yeah, I heard all about your girl getting beat up by a few of the wolves in town after you mated with her. And you know who helped you out? Jimin. You are no better than a bully, and you ganged up on a girl who gave up her entire life and future to help your people, and then because you’re so fucking entitled, and it wasn’t good enough for you, you decided to ruin your brother’s life just to get back at her? You think we didn’t lose people? Cordelia was like a second mother to Y/N when she was younger, and she had to find her dead body. She saved Hoseok’s life!”

“And none of that would have happened if she had said something.”

And then I snapped.

My fist connected with his jaw, and for a split second, everything felt right again. Like I was myself. Ji-Hyun stumbled back, eyes wide with surprise, but it didn't last. His face twisted with anger, and before I knew it, he grabbed my collar, his grip like iron. Then his fist met my cheek, and the world tilted. Pain exploded, but weirdly, it felt good to feel something.

The tavern erupted around us—shouts, scraping chairs, breaking glass—but it all faded into the background. All I could see was Ji-Hyun, and the anger that mirrored my own. The satisfaction of hitting him still buzzed under my skin. I wanted to swing again, to make him hurt like I was hurting.

Then someone yanked me back. Strong hands pulled me away, and I spun around, fists still clenched. It was Jimin. His eyes were hard, jaw set in that way that meant he was beyond mad. "That's enough," he said, his voice cutting through the noise. It wasn't loud, but it didn't need to be.

He held my gaze, and I felt something inside me crumble. Disappointment. That's what I saw in his eyes, and it stung more than Ji-Hyun's punch.

Ji-Hyun wiped blood from his lip, smirking. "Keep your little witch on a leash," he spat before turning and storming out. His words hung in the air, heavy and poisonous.

Jimin's grip on my arm loosened but didn't let go. "What are you doing?" he asked quietly. I didn't have an answer. Couldn't find words that made any sense.

I pulled away, my cheek throbbing, and headed back to the bar. The room spun a little, or maybe that was just me. I sank onto the stool, ignoring the bartender's wary glance. My drink was still there, so I took a long sip, letting the burn distract me.

The whispers started then. People pretending not to stare while definitely staring. Great. Just what I needed.

Ji-Hyun's words replayed in my head. He'd called me pathetic. Said she didn't care about me. No matter how much I tried to drown it out, it clung to me like smoke.

Bridd would've smacked me upside the head for that stunt. Told me to stop acting like an idiot. She always knew how to pull me back when I was spiraling. But she wasn't here.

I felt the weight of Jimin's gaze before I saw him. He stood a few feet away, hands shoved in his pockets, expression unreadable. Part of me wanted him to say something—to yell at me, to tell me I'd screwed up. But he just sighed and walked away, leaving me with my tangled thoughts.

I stared into my glass, the amber liquid swirling like a tiny storm. Maybe Ji-Hyun was right. Maybe I was pathetic. A witch without magic is just... nothing.

The noise of the tavern pressed in—laughter, clinking glasses, snippets of conversations. It was too much. I needed air.

I slipped off the stool, the floor tilting a bit under my feet. Ignoring the curious looks, I headed for the door and stepped out into the night.

The cool air hit me, and I sucked in a deep breath. The sky stretched out above, stars scattered like thrown confetti. I walked until the sounds from the tavern faded, finding a quiet spot near an old oak tree.

I sat down on the grass, leaning back against the rough bark. The ground was damp and cool, seeping through my clothes, but I didn't care. Tilting my head back, I gazed up at the stars. They were blurry around the edges, but constant. Unchanging.

I closed my eyes, the fatigue washing over me like a wave. The fight, the anger, the emptiness—it all felt distant now. Out here, under the vast sky, I could almost pretend that things were okay.

Sleep tugged at me, and for once, I didn't fight it. I let the darkness wrap around me, pulling me under. Just for a little while, I could escape.

Taglist: @greezenini @adventures-in-bookland @kthstrawberryshortcake-main @zae007live @jimin-neverout @nikkiordonez12 @canarystwin @yamekomz @chimthicc @michiiedreamer @amorieus @mima795 @yunki-yunki-yunki

© chimcess, 2024. Do not copy or repost without permission.

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Likewise an iconic character. Let me tell you that the man was smooth. Even at the start when everyone had no CHARISMA skill due to my rules, he still managed enough rizz to catch Lilac's attention in an extremely chaotic household (linked are only a few of their greatest hits), and to emerge a surprising contender.

Hell, there were times when even this demisexual and dead inside Watcher was fanning herself and going "...Sir" 🤭

During the second round he rocked a cowboy get-up, weathered insults from guest star Leonardo Harper with aplomb and class, and solidified his strong position by finishing in second. After his third round date, he started this round in fourth place and thus with a really good shot of making it to the final three.

While on paper I think that he and Lilac had more summertime romance/"hot fling to get her back on her feet and believing in herself again after a bad breakup" vibes, it was potentially the method acting bug that did the most damage. The CLAIM TO BE CRIMINAL MASTERMIND interactions were seriously something else. And while the other pixels reacted negatively, he never actually lost relationship points due to it - although Delphine did develop a FESTERING GRUDGE.

However, if he was doing that and LYING ABOUT CRIMINAL CAREER with what felt like every other sentence (I swear that I am not exaggerating), he obviously had less opportunities to make his case to Lilac. I really did try, @igglemouse. I swear to the Old Watchers and the New 😅. I removed MISCHIEF as a liked activity. I added DECEPTION to his disliked conversational topics. I cheated down his MISCHIEF skill but the man was clearly going for that future role of his - and we have to respect the dedication (or something).

Of course, were this regular gameplay and he were my pixel, I would have just cancelled all those interactions and queued up a bunch of conversational topics not involving him proclaiming himself to be Michael Corleone. But before I started this challenge, I promised myself that I would not interfere with the game and dictate either the contestants or Lilac too much, otherwise it would be me choosing the winner and not her/the pixels themselves etc.

And so we fare the man, the myth, the legend (and the 'stache) well. But not before Lilac gets her revenge on all those MISCHIEF interactions.

So long, pardner.

@igglemouse, thank you so much for sending me such an unique concept of a character - and someone who was just so much fun (but perhaps hinting at some depth at the same time?). I swear that my recaps for his household days pretty much wrote themselves - there was never a dull moment with him about. Lilac and I both look forward to his future ventures, and wish him all our best.

For Mister's build, I kicked out Vanessa Jeong (listen, it's not my fault that Del Sol Valley has hardly any lots with which to work) and revamped what was clearly a build before EA started outsourcing them to creators. What's left is this bachelor pad.

Not really worthy of a large picture because the outside isn't very impressive. But the inside (or the back deck) is where the party happens.

I figure that at one point in its life, this was a modest family home before whoever's renting it to Mister (or even the man himself) knocked out the master bedroom and converted it to a home cinema, courtesy of that Don Lothario kit.

Also what was likely the second bedroom is now an ensuite and a gym. Even if Mister hadn't picked up the ACTIVE trait while in my save, you gotta maintain the six (or even eight?) pack.

But the kitchen is likely the original and is probably my favourite that I've built in a while.

since i knew that @igglemouse was incorporating mister into another save (and that she would be spoiled for the build gifts through jerrod's and forest's posts), i've already sent this to her. but i figured that i may as well show it off a little 😊

[polutrope]

Daeron's Foresight

Instead of working on one of my myriad ideas and projects that might actually yield a Product, here's an unsolicited overview of why I headcanon that Daeron is foresighted, or at least a bit of an oddball seer-type.

His mentor is (not explicitly in canon but quite naturally) Melian, not only the most gifted of the Maiar in "songs of enchantment" (also like Daeron) but one known to foresee the future and cultivate this gift in her mentees (e.g., Galadriel)

Association with Music (and water: "made lament beside dark waters") in Tolkien lends itself to greater access to the Meaning of the Universe™ past/present/future, given it all began with a Song.

This passage in Lay of Leithian (Canto V). Thingol has just summoned Daeron to ask him why everything has fallen silent in Doriath (it's because Daeron cast a spell of silence upon seeing Luthien with Beren).

... Daeron coming no word spoke, silent amid the woodland folk. Then Thingol said: 'Oh Daeron fair, thou master of all musics rare, enchanted heart and wisdom wild, whose ear nor eye may be beguiled, who all that passes in this land dost ever heed and understand, what omen doth this silence bear? What horn afar upon the air, what summons do the woods await? Mayhap Lord Tavros from his gate and tree-propped halls, the forest-god, rides his great stallion golden-shod amid the trumpets' tempest loud, amid his green-clad hunters proud, leaving his deer and friths divine and emerald forests? [...] Would it were so! An age now hath gone by since Nahar trod this earth in days of our peace and ancient mirth, ere rebel lords of Eldamar pursuing Morgoth from afar brought war and ruin to the North. Doth Tavros to their aid come forth? But if not he, who comes, or what?' And Daeron said: 'He cometh not. No feet divine shall leave that shore where the Outer Seas' last surges roar, 'till many things be come to pass, and many evils wrought. Alas, the guest is here. The woods are still, but wait not; for a marvel chill them holds at the strange deeds they see, though king sees not - yet queen, maybe, can guess, and maiden doubtless knows who ever now beside her goes.'

First of all, there's Thingol's intriguing way of addressing him, "who all that passes in this land / dost ever heed and understand / what omen doth this silence bear?" which gives strong "you have above-average insight" vibes (don't ask me why he doesn't ask his wife -- we all know there's something Weird going on with the Melian/Thingol/Insight situation). The last part is straight-up asking him to read an omen.

Then Thingol goes off on this tangent about Orome (Tavros) returning, and the hooves of Nahar, and oh that the Valar would come deliver them from Morgoth! and Daeron has this unhinged response. "He cometh not." Can you just imagine that three-worder landing like a brick after Thingol's florid speech? And he goes on to explain himself in these cryptic terms, "'till many things be come to pass, / and many evils wrought." I mean, sure, this could be humorously dismissed with a "No shit, Daeron" but I think he knows a little more about those Things and Evils than he lets on. Then he follows this up with a riddle -- very oracular behaviour -- about Beren's presence in Doriath.

Anyway, I just think Daeron is neat. And even neater if he knew all along, like Melian, that Something was going to happen with Luthien. But, unlike Melian, he does not handle its actual happening with the calm (if grief-laden) acceptance of a god who sang the world into being. He spirals, because his worst predictions are coming true and that means all the rest of it is going to come true also and he just LOSES it and wanders off on "strange paths". That's all we get of him in Silm, but in Leithian there's more. His behaviour is erratic, first "haunting the gloom of tangled trees" and getting enraged when he sees Beren and Luthien together; but then when he's about to divulge to Thingol, he sees Luthien's eyes and won't; then Luthien confides her hope to flee to him, and Daeron spills those beans to Thingol; then he regrets that and actually facilitates her escape. Then he joins a search party to look for her and ... disappears.

His is not the mere despair of a jilted lover: it is the despair of someone who sees the full horror of the future rolling in and can do nothing to stop it; nothing to stop the destruction and death of all that is beautiful (embodied in Luthien, but existing in everything) in the world.

[sodepope]

💜 Pastry Cookie headcanons because I love her 💜

- she’s a transgender woman and bisexual polygamous

- age is around late 20’s to early 30’s

- unlike most of the members of the st pastry order Pastry wasn’t born into it. Rather recruited as a young child. So unlike someone such as Black forest, she has some knowledge on the outside world and what life was like before the order. Though that wouldn’t stop her from having to re-socialize herself and learning how to be a functioning member of society if she were to leave the order.

- like her actual name, her true personality has been suppressed by the order. Though thankfully not completely. When she’s off duty she can actually be quite sassy and blunt. And speaks her truth to the point where it can come off as her having no damn filter and saying the wildest shit.

- she has a very shaky sense of identity even though her “identity” has been sculpted by reverend mother since she was a child. And this lack of a stable identity would only get worse if she were to leave the order. Like at some point in her self discovery journey she would go from “most religious person ever” to “the most atheist mf you’ve ever met”. She’s the kinda girl to go from one extreme to the next.

- Pastry (for better or for worse) is very good at hiding the fact that she is serverly mentally stunted due to the order.

- A massive hypocrite

- speaking of emotional underdevelopment and having no filter, pastry would unironically say some shit like “you’re hair smells different from yesterday” and never realize how weird it is until someone tells her to which she will end up feeling like the worst cookie ever for up to like a month.

- she has a very creepy ass stare, the blue eyes and giant eye bags under them don’t help of course.

- she could beat Rye cookie in a fight, both physically and via weapon. She might not look like it but she’s actually really strong and Pastry herself doesn’t even realize it. Though of course she is not invincible. And her long robes drastically hinder her from showing her true freakish strength

- further more, her slightly above average weapon and combat skills was one of the main things that helped her escape the order

- Speaking of the “looks can be deceiving” trope. Pastry gets hella bitches, even with her sopping wet cat looking self. She’s specifically good with the ladies.

- Since pastry’s fate is still currently up to interpretation, I believe she would eventually loose her faith and leave the cul-I MEAN order. This would happen before the events of “match made in oven” (aka the wedding episode)

- Pastry and Black forest knew each other since they were kids, and like everyone else in the order Pastry found Black forest a little weird and a bit too obsessed with the witches. However Pastry also found Black forest kinda cute and had a pretty big crush on her. But of course these feelings would never come to fruition. (….yet)

- So when she came to found out the Black forest would become so obsessed with the witches that she tried to marry them only to be held back by the very order who encouraged it. She was quite devastated and angry.

- Pastry also came to realize that she was an accidental enabler to Black forest’s delusion way back when they were kids which just made her feel even more horrible.

- if post-order pastry had the chance to, she would probably try to kill reverend mother. Her endless devotion to the order transformed into intense hatred and determine to purge the earth of that horrible cult’s existence.

- other then her crossbow, pastry can also handle other weapons with surprising skill. It’s probably one of the only things she thanks the order for.

- apart from her terrifying eyes that stare into the deepest darkest pits of your soul. Pastry’s overall vibe or aurora is pretty disturbing. Though this vibe of hers doesn’t affect everyone (red velvet, pomegranate, etc).

- would probably listen to girl in red and Chappell roan

- has a tiny ity bitty bit of anger issues, lowkey similar to hollyleaf from warrior cats…so yeah maybe not a tiny bit

- speaking of Hollyleaf she inspired half of these headcanons so…Hollyleaf is Pastry’s no.1 kin if the warriors series existed in the CRK universe

- overall just a very socially awkward and traumatized mess.

[nanamineedstherapy]

Ooga Booga Choso, Shoko & Yuki: The Great Gas Chamber Incident

Previous Chapter: Ooga Booga Suguwu gets mated to Female Mowgli after Neanderthal BL Betrayal (Tumblr/Ao3)

Summary: Prehistoric, period-accurate Neanderthal JJK daddies courting you with grunts, rocks, & zero verbal communication. Just prehistoric buffoonery. A/N: OOGA BOOGA TRIBE, WE MEET AGAIN. 🦴🔥 Today, we answer the age-old question: What happens when the tribe idiot becomes the greatest breeding champion in history? This fic contains Neanderthal romance, scientific horrors, male manipulator (accidental), and the consequences of trusting a man with no thoughts, just vibes. If you think you’re ready for this chapter, you are not. 🔥 Shoko Experimenting Again (derogatory) Yuki Kidnaps a Man Just to See If She Can No graphic smut bcs I want to keep it general audience-friendly. Also, I'm thinking of doing more JJK characters in this AU & have added a new header below for who all I have in mind.

The tribe fears them.

Not in a "They are strong warriors" way.

Not in a "They are violent like Sukuna" way.

Not even in a "They throw rocks like Toji’s wife" way.

No.

The tribe fears them because they are insane.

---

Yuki is too powerful.

She fights men for sport.

She picks up large boulders just to see if she can.

She disappears into the mountains for moons and returns with new ideas that make no sense.

One time, she tried to tame a mammoth.

One time, she tried to train a bird to deliver messages.

One time, she tried to invent "thinking."

The tribe does not trust her.

---

Shoko is also powerful.

Not with violence.

Not with weapons.

But with science.

One time, she bled a man just to see what happened.

One time, she collected mushrooms and fed them to Gojo just to see if they were dangerous.

(They were. He screamed for three suns.)

One time, she set a man’s broken arm, but before fixing it, she broke his other one so they’d match.

The tribe does not trust her either.

---

Yuki and Shoko have one issue.

They are both unmated.

They are both feared.

And they are both very interested in the same person.

A poor, unfortunate soul who is not ready for this nightmare

---

He does not want this.

He is not special.

He is not strong.

He is just a normal man trying to live.

And now?

Now he is being hunted.

By two of the most terrifying women in the tribe.

---

The hunt begins when the man wakes up to Yuki sitting outside his cave.

Just sitting.

Smiling. Waiting.

This is bad.

Then he turns his head and sees Shoko also sitting there.

Grinning.

This is worse.

He panics. (Why?)

Yuki grins wider. (Mate.)

Shoko tilts her head. (Experiment.)

The man whimpers.

---

Yuki lifts him effortlessly. (Strong mate. Make strong baby.)

The man squirms. (No. Put me down.)

Yuki grins. (No. I carry.)

She starts running with him.

The man screams.

The tribe watches.

Nanami sips water. (Unfortunate.)

Suguru’s feral mate cheers. (Woman too strong.)

Gojo cackles. (Yuki fastest hunter.)

Toji grins. (That boy dead.)

---

After Yuki drops him (too hard) back in his cave, Shoko leans over him.

She pokes his arm. (Hmmm. Bones strong. Good for future study.)

The man whimpers. (No study. Just man.)

Shoko grins. (No. Man is mystery. Need to learn.)

She pulls out mystery herbs.

The man screams.

Shoko tilts her head. (Why scared? I am healer.)

The man crawls away. (No. You both nightmare.)

---

The tribe is invested.

Gojo and Toji are taking bets.

Sukuna is laughing.

Nanami sighs. (This happens too much.)

Suguru’s feral mate is rolling in the dirt. (This funny.)

Toji and Sukuna’s mates grunt at him. (Accept courting.)

Meanwhile, Nanami and Gojo’s mates are busy chasing Suguru with a lizard the size of his body.

(Suguru is scared of Komodo dragons. He will take revenge by inventing dragon myths to get future generations to hate them too.)

---

One night, the man runs.

He sprints into the forest.

He thinks he is free.

But then—

He hears footsteps.

Fast. Heavy. Coming closer.

He turns.

Yuki is there.

Grinning.

Holding a big rock.

And behind her?

Shoko.

Holding mystery herbs.

The man screams.

And that?

That is the moment he realizes there is no escape.

Because Yuki and Shoko have chosen him.

And when Yuki and Shoko choose something…

They never let it go.

---

Choso is an idiot.

Not a normal idiot.

Not a fun idiot like Gojo.

Not a dangerous idiot like Sukuna.

No.

He is the tribe idiot.

No one listens to him.

No one takes him seriously.

He is Choso.

Choso’s life is simple.

He eats.

He hunts.

He sits by the fire and stares into the void.

He grunts things like, “Water is just sky that fell down,” and the tribe laughs at him.

He grunts, “What if fire is alive and we are its food?” and the elders banish him from meetings.

Once, he got his head stuck in a hollow tree for three days.

No one helped.

They left him there.

Because he is Choso.

Because he is the tribe idiot.

And yet—

Somehow—

These women want him.

But he’s not scared of the two chasing him.

He’s more scared of the one returning tomorrow from the forest.

Not because she’s strong.

Not because she’s insane.

No.

Because whatever she says is final command for Yuki and Shoko.

Not because she’s manipulative.

But because Shoko and Yuki are loyal beyond belief to her—and will slaughter tribes in her name if asked.

And after months of trying to mate, they’ve figured out they can’t get pregnant without a man in the equation.

---

You are part of a mission.

A sacred mission.

A desperate mission.

Because you, Yuki, and Shoko want babies.

And Choso is the only man left.

Toji? Unhygienic.

Gojo? Too stupid.

Suguru? Insane and running a cult.

Nanami? Too smart to be tricked.

Sukuna? No.

Plus, the you and the others respect their mates and have bonded over hunting and eating with them.

That leaves Choso.

Sweet, stupid, harmless Choso.

He is strong.

He is healthy.

He is cute.

He is so dumb he won’t even question what’s happening.

He is perfect.

---

You prepare a plan.

You and the girls bathe and wear your best furs.

You approach Choso by the tribe fire.

He is sitting, staring at a rock like it holds the meaning of life.

You clear your throat. (Choso. Mate us.)

Choso blinks. (Huh?)

Yuki crosses her arms. (Make us pregnant.)

Shoko readies the stone to bonk him.

He runs away.

---

Choso is suffering.

Not in a normal way.

Not in a “I stepped on sharp rock” way.

Not even in a “Suguru is preeching again” way.

No.

He is suffering in a “three women are trying to mate him and he does not know why” way.

Choso has never been taken seriously.

Not by the tribe.

Not by the elders.

Not by anyone.

He is Choso.

The tribe idiot.

The man who once ate dirt because he wanted to know if it tasted different than mud.

(For the record, it did not.)

So when three women—the most unhinged, scariest women in the valley—suddenly start courting him?

He panics.

---

You, Yuki, and Shoko decide to be subtle.

(You are not subtle.)

You bring him food.

He thinks you poisoned it.

You praise his hunting.

He immediately assumes you’re mocking him.

You touch his arm.

He runs.

It’s painfully difficult.

Because Choso is tsundere.

Choso does not trust you.

Choso thinks you’re lying.

Choso thinks this is a prank.

(Once, Gojo told him rocks could lay eggs, and he believed it for two years.)

So when you grunt, “Choso, we want to mate you,” he just—

Squints.

Crosses his arms. (Why?)

You blink. (What do you mean, why?)

(Why me? I am... Choso.)

You and the others stare at each other.

How do you explain this?

That every other man is taken?

That you need babies?

That you chose him because he’s strong, kind, and secretly a good man?

That you think he’s attractive?

Yuki sighs. (Choso. We like you.)

Choso blushes. (…Lies.)

Shoko rolls her eyes. (We want you.)

Choso blushes harder. (…Joke?)

You grab his face. Squish his cheeks. (We. Want. Your. Babies.)

Choso short-circuits.

---

It takes days.

Days of breaking his tsundere defenses.

Of feeding him.

Of dragging him into your warmth.

Of kissing him until he understands you’re serious.

Then, one night by the fire—

Choso gives in.

Choso accepts his fate.

Choso breeds all three of you.

---

Four moons later, Choso wakes up.

Looks at you.

Looks at Yuki.

Looks at Shoko.

Looks at his entire life decisions.

Smiles.

---

At first, no one notices.

Then Nanami does.

Nanami—who already has a pregnant mate—recognizes the signs.

He stares at Choso.

Then at you, Yuki, and Shoko, who are eating an entire bull by yourselves.

Then at Choso again.

And then—

Nanami just nods. (Smart.)

Choso is confused.

Then—

Other men start noticing.

And the questions begin.

Gojo squints. (Wait. Wait. You’re telling me... Choso... is the father?)

Toji crosses his arms. (You telling me Choso... did what we could not?)

Sukuna wheezes. (Impossible. He is... Choso.)

Suguru, eyes dark, voice serious grunts.—(What are your secrets?)

Choso sweats.

Because he has no secrets.

He does not know how this happened.

And yet—

Now, every man in the tribe wants to know his ways.

---

Choso is confused.

Not in a “why rock hard but water soft?” way.

Not even in a “why do people laugh when I talk?” way.

No.

He’s confused in a “how did I breed three women in one night?” way.

It had started when Yuki grabbed him by the shoulders and sat him down. (Choso. We mate. Now.)

Choso paniced. (Wait. No think. Must prepare—)

Shoko pushes him onto the furs. (You will be fine.)

Choso does not think he’ll be fine.

He has no experience.

He’s only been kissed once before.

(And that was because Ino tripped and accidentally kissed his forehead.)

You sit beside him, tilting your head. (Why scared? You strong.)

Choso blinks. (…Strong?)

Yuki grins. (Yes. Strong. Big. Healthy. Good for making big babies.)

You trace your fingers over his stomach; your gaze reverant.

Choso is feeling many thoughts.

The tribe laughs at him.

The tribe calls him stupid.

But you three see him.

You want him.

And now?

He’s flustered beyond reason.

Choso grunts. (Okay. I do it.)

The problem?

Choso doesn’t know how to mate.

He’s too careful.

Too gentle.

Too soft.

Yuki scoffs. (Faster.)

Choso freezes. (Faster?)

Shoko rolls her eyes. (Stronger.)

Choso stares.

Stronger???

Faster???

You squint at him. (You scared?)

Choso gasps. (SC—SCARED?? ME?? NO!!!)

And that?

That’s when everything goes wrong.

To prove his strength, Choso panics.

And goes too hard.

Too fast.

Too strong.

Shoko chokes.

Yuki wheezes.

You lose your breath. (WHAT THE FU—)

Choso doesn’t stop.

He’s in warrior mode.

Sweat drips.

Muscles flex.

His tsundere brain shuts off.

He doesn’t slow down.

He’s determined.

And in his panic-fueled, idiot-brained logic—

He accidentally breeds all three of you in one night.

---

Next day, Choso wakes up.

You, Yuki, and Shoko are asleep beside him.

Choso stares at the ceiling.

Processing.

Then—

Choso realizes what he’s done.

Choso panics.

Choso sits up, looks at his hands, and grunts—(…Too strong.)

---

Now everyone in nearby tribes knows.

But his own tribe is confused.

Because somehow—

Someway—

Choso has achieved what no other man could.

And he’s harassed daily for a ted talk on mating, because Nanami refuses to give one.

Gojo stares at him. (You. Got. Three. Women. Pregnant. At. The. Same. Time?? Tell me. I’ll give you shiny rocks.)

Toji crosses his arms. (How. I’ll give you cooked meat.)

Suguru grips his spear, staring into his soul—(Tell me your secrets.)

Sukuna wheezes. (Lies. Impossible. My cousin is stupid.) Then drags him aside. (Keep it in the family. Tell me.)

Choso doesn’t know his “secrets.”

Choso doesn’t know how this happened.

Choso just wanted to prove he was strong.

And now?

Now he’s the greatest breeding champion in the valley.

---

Choso is not free.

He thought he was strong.

He thought he was a warrior.

He thought he was a man of power, a man of legend, a man who had won.

But no.

Choso is none of these things.

Because Choso has three pregnant mates.

And now?

Now Choso is a servant.

---

Choso wakes up at dawn.

Immediately, he is given orders.

Yuki grunts first. (GO. BRING FOOD. BIG FOOD. IF FOOD NOT BIG, I EAT YOU.)

Shoko grunts second. (ALSO BRING HERBS. STRONG HERBS. MAY KILL YOU. MAY NOT.)

You grunt last. (BRING FLOWERS. PRETTY FLOWERS.)

Choso blinks. (…Why flowers?)

You grin. (BECAUSE I WANT.)

Choso sighs. (Okay.)

---

Choso returns with meat.

Yuki squints. (NOT BIG ENOUGH.)

Choso looks at the giant animal carcass he dragged back. (IT VERY BIG.)

Yuki grunts aggressively. (NOT BIG ENOUGH FOR ME AND BABY. GO FIND MAMMOTH.)

Choso internally screams.

Shoko walks up, sniffs the herbs he gathered. (SOME OF THESE CAN KILL A MAN.)

Choso nods. (YOU SAID STRONG HERBS.)

Shoko grins. (GOOD. I TEST LATER.)

Choso internally screams again.

You approach, holding the flowers he picked.

You smile. (Pretty. Good mate.)

Choso melts.

He is weak for you.

He has lost all dignity.

But if you are happy, then maybe this suffering is worth it.

---

Sukuna the Menace appears.

Sukuna squints at Choso’s suffering.

Sukuna grins.

Sukuna sees opportunity.

(HOW SAD. CHOSO NO MAN. CHOSO ONLY SERVANT NOW.)

Choso grunts back. (I AM MAN.)

Sukuna laughs. (NO. YOU IS LITTLE WOMAN. YOU DO AS TOLD. YOU RUN LIKE DOG.)

Choso grumbles.

Sukuna grins wider. (WHERE YOUR HONOR? WHERE YOUR STRENGTH? OH WAIT—YOU HAVE NONE.)

Sukuna snickers, fully entertained.

Then—

Then he makes a mistake. (WHAT NEXT? YOU MAKE FLOWER CROWN? YOU BEG FOR SCRAPS LIKE GOJO?)

Sukuna is smug.

Sukuna is evil.

Sukuna does not expect what happens next.

The pregnant army strikes back.

Yuki steps forward first. (SUKUNA.)

Sukuna blinks.

Yuki tilts her head. (YOU TALK BIG FOR A MAN WHO CAN’T HUNT WITHOUT HELP.)

Sukuna grunts. (I HUNT ALONE.)

Yuki grins. (NO. Your Mate hunts. You carry it back. Pretend.)

The tribe gasps.

Sukuna scowls. (LIES.)

Shoko steps forward next. (HMMM. I THINK SUKUNA NOT STRONG. I THINK SUKUNA JUST LOUD.)

Sukuna grits his teeth. (I AM STRONGEST.)

Shoko tilts her head. (STRONGEST? NO. IF STRONGEST, WHY YOU NO BATHE YOURSELF?)

Sukuna freezes.

The tribe gasps harder.

Sukuna’s own mate snickers from a rock, not helping.

Yuki smirks. (MAYBE SUKUNA JUST… NOT GOOD ENOUGH.)

Shoko nods. (YES. NOT GOOD ENOUGH. SAD.)

Sukuna glowers.

Then—

Then you step forward.

Sukuna braces for insult.

But you just look at him.

(…You lonely, huh?)

Silence.

Sukuna squints.

You tilt your head. (Want flower?)

Sukuna blinks.

Sukuna’s own mate is laughing.

Toji and Nanami’s mates are gossiping nearby, entertained.

Gojo and Suguru are throwing small rocks at him.

Nanami and Toji are drinking from a coconut, pretending to be gentlemen at a cricket match, but they are squating on the floor, and their loincloth barley covers anything.

Sukuna is realizing he has lost.

Sukuna leaves in shame.

Sukuna grumbles.

Sukuna’s mate does not follow.

Instead, she keeps gossiping with Toji’s mate.

(HE DESERVED THAT.)

Toji’s mate grins. (OH, ABSOLUTELY.)

Nanami’s mate nods. (FINALLY, PEACE.)

Sukuna sits alone, questioning his life.

Meanwhile—

Choso looks at his mates.

At his terrifying, powerful, unhinged, protective wives.

And for the first time in moons, he realizes—

He does not mind being a servant.

Because at least he is not Sukuna.

---

A few moons later, Choso returns with fresh kill to the cave.

His cave.

His home.

His sanctuary.

And the first thing he smells is death.

Not normal death.

Not “I hunted and skinned a beast today” death.

Not even “Gojo forgot to wash and now the river smells like wet idiot” death.

No.

This is worse.

This is something unholy.

Choso steps inside.

His three mates are on their backs.

Groaning.

Miserable.

Pale.

Like they’ve fought a battle and lost.

Like the gods themselves cursed them.

They grumble in turns.

They fart in turns.

It’s organized.

It’s a system.

Choso freezes.

Denial comes first.

Maybe they ate something bad.

Maybe they’re cursed.

Maybe Shoko did something again.

But no.

Shoko turns her head, stares at him with dead eyes, and grunts. (You.)

Choso blinks. (…Me?)

Yuki groans. (Your fault.)

You burp aggressively.

Choso squints.

What?

What did he do?

His mates groan like dying animals.

The cave is a war zone.

The air is unbreathable.

The tribe will never let him live this down.

As they grumble, fart, and roll onto their sides, glaring at him with the fury of a thousand suns, Choso is greeted by a wall of stench so potent it nearly knocks him backward.

You three are taking turns, as if it’s a competition.

One of you lets out a low, rumbling blast, and the other two groan in unison.

Choso stares, his expression a mix of horror and disbelief. (What going?)

Shoko looks up with watery eyes. (Choso… bad. The worst.)

Yuki clutches her stomach. (We’re cursed, my wives. Cursed by the gods.)

You point a shaky finger at Choso’s loins. (It was… that beast.) You manage to grunt before another fart escapes, shaking the ground beneath you.

His mates are suffering.

Not from pregnancy.

Not from sickness.

But from something far worse.

Gas.

Choso didn’t make a new generation of warriors.

He didn’t become the tribe’s strongest breeder.

He didn’t leave a legacy of power.

No.

He gave you three gas.

---

A/N: If you guys don't want Choso in poly, I can give Shoko & Yuki their own readers (could be male, gay, or GN) if you want. So let me know.

Next Chapter Ooga Booga Hiromi gets Mated to a Criminal - [Tumblr/Ao3]

All Works Masterlist

[reneesghostinthelivingroom]

hi there!! i saw the arcana on the fandom list so could i please (sneakily) request asra x mer!reader? like meeting for the first time maybe? thank you!!!

Maybe It Was Fate

|| magician asra x merfolk!nonbinary!reader

|| Warnings; reader's a merfolk, first time really writing Asra, short drabble

|| Summary; when Asra's on one of his travels, he meets reader.

Requests closed!

Started; November 19th

Finished; November 19th

Author Note; thank you for 700 followers‼️🫶

~~~

Asra had gone along one of his many journeys, looking for herbs and whatever else he may need. What he didn't expect to find, was you. A merfolk. He's heard of them of course, but he never expected to find someone quite like you. You were stunning from the moment he'd laid eyes on you.

You'd spotted the traveler walking by your lake and decided to say hello, not getting many in these parts of the forest. As you popped your head out of the water you gave him a wave. He smiled to you, seeming mesmerized by your presence.

"Amazing." You faintly heard him whisper before he walked closer to you. Sitting down at the edge of the water front. He had no real destination he needed to be anyway, why not stay and talk to the angelic merfolk? "Do you have a name?" Asra asked. Before pausing and tilting his head to the side just a bit," can you understand me?"

When you nodded, he smiled at that. Fascinating. "My name is Y/N." You told him.

"Y/N. What's it like living in the water?" He had many questions for you. He'd be here as long as you allowed him to be. So, Asra made himself more comfortable. His knees came up to his chest, arms folded over top. Then Asra rested his chin on the centre. The smile never leaving his lips. Love might be a strong word to use on someone he'd just met. But he did have a deep attraction to you.

"Better than living on land." You couldn't help but tease the traveler, whose name you've yet to learn. Asra laughed at that and nodded. Fully agreeing with what you were saying.

"Oh, I'm quite sure it is." He then also realized he never introduced himself, his cheeks turned flushed and Asra cleared his throat. Clearly a little awkward now," I'm Asra. The Magician."

"Magician?" Your eyes widened a bit. Now looking at him, Asra did have that mystical vibe. Even in the way he dressed. You've always wondered what magicians were like. There weren't many amongst your people but you'd heard the stories. The legends of great beings that could control the forces. Just as Asra had been intrigued by merfolk, you'd been intrigued by magicians. Maybe it was fate you'd crossed paths. "Could you teach me, Asra?"

Asra looked a little surprised by the request. Teach a merfolk magic? He wasn't sure if that had ever been done before. But he certainly wasn't about to waste an opportunity like this," of course I can." Asra gave you that smile of his. Little did either of you know, that in this moment... your lives would be changed forever.