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animemocha · 1 year ago

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Anime's Greatest Chad: The Epic of Gilgamesh (Fate)

Gilgamesh is known as mankind's first hero.

But his story isn’t limited to just the Fate series. In fact, it’s shaped our modern lives more than you could ever imagine.

If you’re here for a historically accurate depiction of the man who tried to conquer death, don’t leave. I’ve worked really hard to make this as accurate as possible.

And if you’re here for the story of the real anime Gigachad, and how he goes from an arrogant dictator to a benevolent king.

Then grab a drink and some snacks, because this, is the tale of the Hero of Heroes.

Roots of the King

Before we jump into the Epic of Gilgamesh, it’s worth taking a second to understand the roots of this iconic character and his influence on human culture and literature.

Mesopotamia was a region in 3100 BC, now covered by Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. It had its fair share of events, from the reigns of Sumerians and Akkadians to being eventually conquered by Alexander the Great in 332 BC.

But nestled within this timeline is a certain story that’s so profound, so raw, it's been echoing for millennia.

Now I know what you’re thinking.

"I'm here for anime, not a history lesson."

But the thing is, all evidence points to Gilgamesh actually existing 5000 years ago. And his legend is recorded in mankind’s oldest poem, the Epic of Gilgamesh.

The epic is thought to have been orally transmitted for generations before it was finally written down on clay tablets in the cuneiform script, which was one of the earliest systems of writing.

To put into context how old that is, it makes him almost 3000 years older than Jesus.

But I wouldn’t take EVERYTHING that follows as being literal. Just know that some of the stuff is actually reported to have happened.

The Hero of Heroes

Gilgamesh is known as the King of all Heroes because every single myth that followed, every story, every legend from every culture and every religion in every country, it all borrows inspiration from mankind’s first hero.

The strongest examples of this are in the Biblical tale of Noah and the Greek myth of Hercules. And his story greatly influences modern literature too, like The Lord of the Rings and A Game of Thrones.

The story of the Epic of Gilgamesh was discovered on 12 clay tablets found among the ruins of the ancient library of Ashurbanipal, the last great king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire.

These tablets, inscribed with cuneiform script, are dated to around the 7th century BC but are believed to preserve much older stories that were likely first told orally and later written down.

These ancient tablets provide the most comprehensive version of the epic, but parts of the tale also appear on other scattered fragments found at different ancient sites across the Middle East.

There are actually two versions of Gilgamesh in the Fate series and they’re technically different people.

Well, they’re not, but they kind of are.

Archer Gilgamesh

We’re in the year 2800 B.C., the Age of the Gods, where divine beings and humans walked the Earth together.

Some Gods were just, while others treated their subjects as slaves.

One day, a greater god called Sefar invaded the Earth, killing many of the Gods.

She was eventually defeated, but the damage was already done, and the rule the gods had over the humans had severely weakened.

In order to preserve their rule, the gods needed a keystone, a Wedge of Heaven that connected the rising humans to the fading gods.

That keystone was Gilgamesh.

Born from the Goddess Ninsun and the Human King Lugalbanda, Gilgamesh was two-thirds God, and one-third human, and ruled over humanity with the mission to observe and adjudicate.

The Fortress City

The city Gilgamesh ruled over was called Uruk, situated in present-day Iraq.

Yet, Uruk was far from ordinary.

It stood as a testament to human achievement, its towering walls not just architectural marvels but also echoes of the ambitions of its people.

Conceived under the watchful eye of Gilgamesh, these walls became more than mere defensive structures; they symbolised humanity's victory over nature. This audacious statement reflected Gilgamesh's own beliefs: that he stood above nature itself.

As evidence of its profound legacy, archaeologists pinpoint Uruk as one of humanity's earliest urban epicentres, with roots as deep as 4000 BCE. Its intricate temples, ziggurats, and canal systems all serve as relics of its storied past.

The Tyrannical King

This transcendence over nature, and the very walls that proclaimed it, became the lens through which Gilgamesh viewed himself.

To him, the limitations of divinity and humanity were but mere lines in the sand.

He believed that while no human could rival the gods, the gods themselves could never experience the complexities of human existence.

And since Gilgamesh was both human and God, he perceived himself not just above his subjects, but even the deities that breathed life into him.

His self-awareness was, in many ways, his crowning achievement.

Gilgamesh grew to become a cruel, arrogant, and oppressive tyrant who subjugated his people to forced labour and sexual abuse.

And just to be clear, I’m downplaying that a lot because even I don’t want to talk about some of the disgusting things he is historically reported to have done.

And it makes me wonder how he ever became a Heroic Spirit in the first place.

The Man Made of Clay

Naturally, the gods didn’t want this, but they couldn’t exactly do anything about it because, well, Gilgamesh just wouldn’t submit to them.

So instead, the King of God’s Anu, and the Goddess of Creation Aruru, created a monster out of clay called Enkidu, to punish the arrogant king.

But there was a problem.

You see, Enkidu didn’t have a soul, and so couldn’t make rational decisions.

So the gods sent a divine harlot to sleep with him. (And I’m not even joking.)

After this, Enkidu takes human form, and his final appearance is very similar to the girl he slept with. And that’s why he has such a feminine form.

(It’s definitely not because having more hot girls leads to more sales)

Noble Phantasm's

Before we dive into what happened between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, let’s talk about Gilgamesh’s powers, or more specifically, Archer Gilgamesh’s powers.

In Fate, heroic spirits have Noble Phantasms, which are special weapons or abilities that embody the legend of that hero. For example, King Arthur’s Noble Phantasm, or rather, Artoria’s Noble Phantasm (Again, because more hot girls = more sales), is Excalibur, the sword of promised victory.

Gilgamesh has a lot of Noble Phantasms, and I mean, A LOT. It would take me a decade to cover them all, but I’ll talk about a few.

Sha Naqba Imuru:

The first is his ability Sha Naqba Imuru, or Clairvoyance, which lets him see into the future and see the truth of anything he looks at.

So in a fight, he knows exactly who his opponent is, what their abilities are, and how best to defeat them. Or if he’s playing chess, then he knows the correct move every time.

This ability is pretty OP but the thing is, Gilgamesh barely uses it.

Why?

Because he’s an arrogant prick.

He believes himself to be so powerful, that he doesn’t even need it most of the time.

And uhm… he’s kinda right...

Especially when you learn about his next Noble Phantasm.

The Gate of Babylon:

During his time as ruler of Uruk, Gilgamesh amassed every single weapon on Earth and stored them all in his treasury.

And I genuinely mean, every single weapon.

And the Gate of Babylon allows him to choose whichever weapon he wants, whenever he wants, wherever he wants.

But that’s not how Gilgamesh uses it...

Every single weapon is fired out at a speed of Mach 10, and he has so many, that he could go his entire life firing them away without having to use a single one twice.

What makes this ability even more OP, is that these weapons aren’t just ordinary weapons. Every single one of them is a Noble Phantasm in itself. Artoria’s Excalibur, Lancer’s Gae Bolg, Hercules’ Nine Lives, Gilgamesh has all of these weapons in his treasury.

But how is that possible if these heroes came AFTER Gilgamesh?

Well. That’s because they’re prototypes.

I mentioned earlier that almost every legend told today is in some way inspired by the Epic of Gilgamesh. And in the same way, every weapon used today has a design that is somehow based on those in his treasury.

He owns every weapon that existed and owns every weapon that is yet to exist.

And don’t get me wrong.

While they’re technically prototypes, it is said that if you compare the original weapon to Gilgamesh’s prototype, the original will look like a fake, that’s how well-made the prototype is.

Not only that, but in a fight, the prototype will beat the original every time.

Now that doesn’t mean that if Gilgamesh were to use Excalibur and fight Artoria in a 1 on 1 swordfight that he would win.

He’d probably lose.

And that’s because he’s a jack of all trades but master of none.

Gilgamesh is a brilliant swordsman. But these other heroic spirits have spent their entire lives mastering a single weapon, and thus can use them to their full potential, which Gilgamesh cannot.

That being said. Gilgamesh DOES have one weapon that only he can use, one so powerful that it defies reality itself. Buuuuut I’ll talk about that later.

The Great Battle

Enkidu eventually confronts Gilgamesh outside of the Temple of Uruk, stating that he needed to be punished for disobeying the gods.

But Gilgamesh isn’t one to let anyone talk down on him.

So he engages Enkidu in a battle that lasts days on end.

And this was pretty new to Gil. It was the first time he ever came across someone equal in strength to him, which forced him to use his Gate of Babylon.

Gilgamesh was furious that someone had caused him to waste his weapons, he was humiliated.

But eventually, he stopped caring, and he even started to enjoy himself after finally finding someone worthy to be in his presence.

This battle lasted so long and was so fearsome that Gil exhausted every single weapon in his treasury, but by this point, Enkidu was severely weakened and Gilgamesh had won.

But instead of finishing him off, Gilgamesh extended a hand to him.

He saw Enkidu as an equal, and Enkidu ended up becoming Gil’s first friend, his only friend.

Friendship

One day, Gilgamesh set his sights upon defeating the Beast of the God’s, Humbaba.

But the thing is, the God’s hadn’t told him to do this, and he wasn’t doing it for the sake of his people either, because, well… he didn’t care about them.

Gilgamesh simply saw Humbaba as something that needed to be removed from the Earth in order to see out his mission.

Gilgamesh had always disobeyed the God’s so that he could be far removed from them, and he wanted his people to hate him so that he could be far removed from them, because that was the only way he could be truly neutral, because that was the mission for which he was born.

In this sense, you could argue that the reason that Gilgamesh was such an abhorrent dictator, was because he didn’t want to get close to his subjects, so that he could remain impartial.

(I don’t know how much truth there is to that and it could simply be a result of the story being altered as it was passed from generation to generation.)

Either way, seeing Gilgamesh’s resolve, Enkidu pledges his loyalty to him, and the two go on numerous adventures together, which ends with Gilgamesh becoming the wealthiest and most powerful king on Earth.

He amassed so much power that even the gods had no choice but to acknowledge it. One Goddess in particular, Ishtar, the Goddess of Fertility, asked Gilgamesh to marry her.

The King's Loss

Marrying a Goddess was actually one of Gilgamesh’s duties as it would see the continued reign of the gods over the humans, but Gilgamesh said no.

Enraged, Ishtar went to her father Anu, and asked him to unleash the Divine Beast Gugalanna on Uruk.

This divine beast devastated the lands for 7 years before Gilgamesh and Enkidu were finally able to defeat it. But this came at a price.

Ishtar asked the gods to sentence Gilgamesh and Enkidu to their deaths. While the Gods agreed, they couldn’t do anything to Gil, but they could to Enkidu, because he was their direct creation.

Enkidu’s clay body weakened and weakened until it would eventually return to the very Earth from which it had come.

Gilgamesh stayed by his friend's side until the very end.

While this event is not shown directly shown in the anime, it is mentioned in the original Sumerian poem from three thousand years ago, translated as follows:

“It saddens me. It saddens me, Gil. Who would understand you after I die? Who else would march by your side? My friend… when I think you will live on all alone henceforth, I can’t help but shed tears. But don’t be saddened. For I am but another of your treasures.” - Enkidu

It’s honestly a rather heartbreaking end to their friendship.

One would have thought that the arrogant and prideful King of Heroes would have had a rather stoic response. But history says otherwise:

"You do have worth. You alone have this worth. I hereby declare: In all this world, only one shall be my friend. Thus---not for all eternity shall his worth ever change." - Gilgamesh

And with this, Enkidu returned to the Earth, leaving nothing behind but Gilgamesh's thunderous cry.

And for those of you who have watched Fate Zero, you’ll know that Gilgamesh kept this promise, even thousands and thousands of years later.

The Herb

After Enkidu’s death, Gilgamesh realised something.

As he was one-third human, he too would one day die.

If this were to happen, he would not be able to fulfil his dream of watching over humanity until the end of time, and it also meant he would not be able to carry out his purpose as the Wedge of Heaven.

And thus, for the first time in his existence, the king of heroes felt fear.

And this brings us to the core of the ancient Sumerian poem.

Gilgamesh, wanting to beat death, set out on a journey to find the only treasure that he didn’t have in his vault—the Herb of Immortality.

What does this herb do?

Well, it’s in the name so figure it out for yourselves.

Gilgamesh wandered the Earth for several decades in search of this herb, and eventually, stumbles upon a wise sage in the underworld that guides him in the right direction.

Sure enough, Gil finds the herb and is absolutely euphoric, because he has just beaten death, and all that’s left for him to do, is return to Uruk, and see over his people until the end of time.

Before beginning his journey back home, Gil decides to wash off in a nearby spring, where he first places the herb on the ground. However, as fate would have it, a serpent stumbles upon the bathing Gilgamesh, and after seeing the herb, it eats it.

And a little fun fact. It’s thought that the Sumerians and many of the cultures that followed, believed that snakes have the ability to shed their skin because this serpent ate the herb of immortality, giving snakes the ability to be reborn.

Much like the biblical tale of Adam, Eve, and the serpent, this story serves as a stark reminder of life's impermanence and the inevitable reality of death.

By losing the herb, Gilgamesh confronts the bitter truth: immortality remains beyond human grasp.

After realising what happened, you’d think Gilgamesh would be upset, or that he would be outraged, but, he wasn’t.

He realised that death was unavoidable and that by dying, he wasn’t abandoning his duty, he was completing it, because it was the most human thing he could do.

He realised that you didn’t die because you were human, but you were human because you died.

And with his Sha Naqba Imuru, Gilgamesh was able to see into the future, and what he saw was exactly what he loved about the humans in the first place.

He saw the continued growth of the human race, the way their knowledge developed, and the way they used their resources to reach for the stars and beyond.

With this new outlook, Gilgamesh returned to Uruk as a changed man.

Caster Gilgamesh

While Archer Gilgamesh was an arrogant tyrant that did disgusting things, Caster Gilgamesh was kind, generous, and benevolent.

He loved his people so much that he actually gave away all the swords in his treasury.

You see, these two versions of Gilgamesh are still the same person. It’s just that Archer Gilgamesh is the version of Gilgamesh we see before Enkidu’s death, and Caster Gilgamesh is the one we see after the death of his friend.

And yes, technically, Caster Gilgamesh is weaker than Archer Gilgamesh, and the biggest reason for that is the fact that he gave away so many of his weapons, weakening his Gate of Babylon.

But Caster Gilgamesh also had a noble phantasm that Archer Gilgamesh didn’t, Melammu Dingir, or King’s Signal Cannon.

If you’ve ever seen the movie Three Hundred, it’s a lot like that. But except for arrows, he’s firing every weapon he has at his disposal.

As I mentioned, Caster Gilgamesh was much more generous than Archer Gilgamesh, and he gave away his treasures for them to be used in cannons, should the city of Uruk need protection.

As such, this Noble Phantasm is classed as an Anti-Army ability, firing every weapon mankind had in one go.

But if you think that’s powerful, there’s one more noble phantasm I haven’t yet mentioned. But this one didn’t belong to Caster Gilgamesh, it belonged to Archer Gilgamesh.

The Sword of Rupture

Imagine a weapon so mighty that it not only holds power beyond comprehension but also taps into the very essence of our universe's creation.

Enter Ea, the sword of rupture.

But is it even correct to call it a sword?

Ea is the pinnacle of Noble Phantasms and is the strongest weapon in Gilgamesh’s treasury and it is unique to only him.

You might think it kind of looks like a sword, but it actually isn’t. It was designed before the concept of a “sword” even existed and so, it’s in its own class.

To even summon Ea, Gilgamesh first has to unlock the depths of his treasury with a key that only he possesses, and after that, we see the mere act of obtaining Ea disrupts reality itself.

Designed intricately, each section of Ea represents the Heaven’s, the Earth, and the Underworld, with the sections rotating in opposite directions, echoing the universe’s vast expanse.

Gilgamesh claims that the sword "knows the truth" of the world where it once existed, and by using its power, it is able to bestow its knowledge upon others.

The weapon holds memories of a time even before the planet existed, a time when life, as we understand it, couldn't have survived. The memory of our universe's raw, primordial form, a chaotic blend of scorching heat and biting cold, of molten lava and dense gas, long before life as we know it began.

This primordial memory is embedded deep within our very DNA, a distant echo from eons past, now faded from our tales and consciousness.

Yet, to those who gaze upon the sword, this deep-seated, almost forgotten knowledge comes rushing back.

To Gilgamesh, Ea is more than just a weapon.

It’s an entity.

He treats it like a person. He talks to it, respects it, and unleashes its might only against those he deems truly worthy.

This isn't just any weapon; it's a creation from even before our planet's dawn, crafted by an unknown God and was once used to split the Heavens and Earth.

It is classed as an anti-universe noble phantasm with power unlike any other and its ability is called “Enuma Elish”, and to use the ability, Gilgamesh first recites an incantation, which is as follows:

“I will tell you of the beginning. Heaven and Earth split, nothingness congratulated creation, my Sword of Rupture cleaved the world!"

"Mortar of the stars, heaven's hell is the eve of creation's celebration. Now you shall die and be silent..."

This is actually another Babylonian tale from thousands of years ago titled “The Story of Creation”, buuuuuuuut I'll cover that another time.

I know that I’ve been describing Ea as a “weapon”, but it isn’t that at all. In fact, that barely scratches the surface of its true nature.

It's not an exaggeration when I say that Enuma Elish has the power to tear the universe apart. Yet, even such an unparalleled force had its moment of surprise.

(There is one recorded instance of it being stopped, something which shocked even Gilgamesh, but that’s a story for another time...)

Gilgamesh is only seen using this ability on two occasions, once against Rider and another against Tiamat, a primordial deity that almost destroyed the world and was so powerful, that even Gilgamesh couldn’t defeat her. Or rather, Caster Gilgamesh couldn’t. Because like I said before, Archer Gilgamesh is on an entirely different level.

Reunion

We see Gilgamesh use Ea’s full strength against Enkidu, not in their first battle, but rather, when they met again thousands of years later in Fate Strange/Fake.

Here, the world itself is sucked into the void created by the sword, and it begins tearing apart. But Enkidu has his own version of Enuma Elish and thus was able to hold the World together.

The battle is described as follows by those that observed it:

"I felt as if the World was born seven times, and destroyed seven times." - The Sacred Prostitute.

This meeting here is honestly, beautiful. And I know that’s a weird way to describe what is essentially a war to the death between mages, but that’s all I can say about it.

We know how much Gilgamesh values Ea. He is disgusted by the thought of someone unworthy even laying their eyes on it. And it’s so rare that we ever see him even using it.

But when he realises that his opponent is his first and only friend, he pulls out Ea with zero hesitation. [Say it with slight laughter]

In fact, this is the happiest we ever see Gilgamesh. He spends the entire battle laughing his heart out, and we see Enkidu, with a hand to his ears, admiring the sound of his friend's laughter as if it were a song.

It’s a tragedy that Gilgamesh will never be able to see Enkidu again. But that’s life. As sad as it is to admit, we all have people we care about that will be gone from our lives forever.

It’s no wonder that Gilgamesh’s greatest treasure wasn’t any of his riches, any of his weapons, the holy grail, or even Ea.

It was his friendship with Enkidu.

And with that, I’ve covered a fraction of The Epic of Gilgamesh. It took a lot of work and there’s a lot I couldn’t talk cover. I’ll probably make another post dedicated to Ea and another on Enkidu, but I’ll warn you, be prepared to cry.

psst... if you liked this essay, check out the full video essay on my youtube channel!

And I don't normally add this, but if I can be a teenie bit selfish on this one occasion:

Please check out the video (if you'd so graciously lend me a few minutes of your time) because it's by far the hardest I've ever worked on a video and I wholly believe the end result is really good. You can always leave a dislike and tell me how to improve if you don't like it lol

- love ya

youtube

#anime and manga #anime #gilgamesh #the epic of gilgamesh #fate series #fate grand order #fate stay night #fate strange fake #enkidu #Youtube

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blueiscoool · 2 years ago

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The Oldest Known Ancient Egyptian Mummy that is Covered with Gold Discovered

An ancient Egyptian mummy is the oldest covered with gold, but it's not the oldest ancient Egyptian mummy on record.

Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a series of tombs dating back around 4,300 years at Saqqara, including a sarcophagus holding the oldest known ancient Egyptian mummy that is covered with gold.

The record-breaking tomb had a sealed sarcophagus containing the mummy of a man that a hieroglyphic inscription identifies as Hekashepes, and whose remains were found covered with gold.

"When the sarcophagus was examined, it was found to be completely sealed with mortar, just as the ancient Egyptians had left it 4300 years ago. When the lid was raised, we found the mummy of a man covered with gold leaf," the team said in a statement posted on the Facebook page of Zahi Hawass, a former minister of antiquities who led the team that made the discoveries.

However, while other news outlets are reporting that this is the oldest Egyptian mummy known to archaeologists, that's not the case. Rather, "This mummy is the oldest complete mummy covered with gold," Hawass said in an email.

Many Egyptologists agree Egypt became unified around 3100 B.C., when the pharaonic state started. However, humans lived in the region as far back as 400,000 years ago. The oldest embalmed mummy in Egypt predates the pharaohs; the remains of a man who was placed in a fetal pose about 6,000 years ago. Meanwhile, the oldest known mummy in the world may be the 8,000-year-old remains of a man found in Portugal.

There is little information about Hekashepes, but it appears that "he was wealthy," Hawass said. Hekashepes' mummy was mummified using artificial methods, is intact and is covered with gold. There are older ancient Egyptian mummies — such as several mummies that date back more than 5,000 years at the site of Gebelein, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of ancient Thebes (modern-day Luxor) — but those are not covered with gold.

According to images posted online of Hekashepes' remains, it appears that his mummy is wearing clothes and doesn't have bandages, Francesco Tiradritti, an Egyptology professor at the Kore University of Enna in Italy who was not involved with these excavations, said in an email. The deceased seems like he was buried wearing a tunic with a belt and large necklace. This may be an attempt "to preserve as much as the living appearance of the deceased," Triadritti said, something that might shine light on religious beliefs at the time this man died.

Tomb with paintings

Another important tomb belongs to a man named "Khnumdjedef" who was an "inspector of the officials," who served the pharaoh Unas (ruled circa 2353 B.C. to 2323 B.C.), according to hieroglyphic inscriptions found in the tomb. His tomb was decorated with wall paintings depicting "scenes of daily life," the statement said. One painting depicts five jars lined up on top of what looks like a table.

From a released photo, it appears that some of the paintings were drawn with "elongated proportions," Tiradritti said. Paintings with elongated proportions became popular long after Khnumdjedef lived, during the First Intermediate Period (circa 2150 B.C. to 2030 B.C.), Tiradritti said. During the First Intermediate Period, a transitional time between the Old Kingdom and the Middle Kingdom, the region experienced a major drought, the central government in Egypt collapsed and the political structure changed.

The newly found paintings "are interesting to understand the evolution of [Egyptian art]," Tiradritti said.

More tombs

Another tomb found in the cemetery belonged to an official named "Meri," whose hieroglyphic inscriptions say held a number of titles, including "keeper of the secrets" and "assistant of the great leader of the palace."

Another tomb belongs to a priest, whose name may have been "Messi," alongside his wife. It contains nine statues, some of which represent servants and one that represents the priest and his wife.

Additionally, the archaeologists found a shaft 33 feet (10 meters) deep that had a stone sarcophagus belonging to a man named "Fetek" at the bottom. He was buried along with three stone statues depicting him as well as an offering table.

Royal transition

From the information released so far, "it looks like the Egyptian mission found a necropolis that can be related to the pyramid of [Unas] and his cult," Tiradritti said. Unas was the last king of the fifth dynasty and it's possible that the newly found tomb may shed light on the transition between the fifth and sixth dynasties of Egypt, Tiradritti said.

After Unas died, a pharaoh named Teti (circa 2323 B.C. to 2291 B.C.), who was not a son of Unas and may have married into the royal family, came to the throne, starting the sixth dynasty. "The reasons for a changing in the royal line is still only a matter of guess," Tiradritti said. The tombs may also help understand Egypt's economy at this time, Tiradritti added, noting that Egyptologists usually see this as being a time of economic decline for Egypt.

By Owen Jarus.

#The Oldest Known Ancient Egyptian Mummy that is Covered with Gold Discovered #Saqqara #Hekashepes #Zahi Hawass #archeology #archeolgst #ancient mummy #ancient grave #3ancient tomb #ancient artifacts #history #history news #ancient history #ancient culture #ancient civilizations #ancient egypt #egyptian history

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kylinboardgame · 4 months ago

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Few Deep Ideas about Board Games for Your Knowledge

Not only are board games entertaining, but they're also an excellent teaching tool that gives kids valuable life lessons. A particular kind of tabletop game is called a board game with Custom Wood Bits, and it usually consists of pieces or counters that are moved on a board by predetermined rules. For instance, although certain board games are more skill-based or turn-based, others rely more on players rolling a die, which is more dependent on chance.

Kinds of board games

Children's board games come in a wide range of genres and variations. While some embrace a particular subject and story, others have no theme and focus more on the gameplay itself.

Board games with an abstract strategy

Board games for cooperation

RPGs, or role-playing games

A Brief Overview of Board Games' History

Throughout history, board games have been played and produced in most civilizations. Based on historical records, board games date back to around 3100 BCE and were played in Egypt.

But backgammon, which was created in Mesopotamia more than 5,000 years ago, is one of the oldest known board games that are still played today. Chess, which originated in India and is possibly the most well-known board game ever, is another example of an old board game that is still played today.

Teachers may utilize board games with Custom Wooden Bits as a flexible tool to help kids learn critical abilities including problem-solving, cooperation, sportsmanship, motor skills, and basic social skills.

Children who struggle with any of the aforementioned abilities can benefit greatly from playing board games, which are also a great way to help teach certain themes and subjects to younger children.

Kylinboardgame offers a selection of kid-friendly board games that are an excellent way to promote early learning. They're a fantastic method to support your kids' learning at home without them even recognizing it.

Try out some of Kylinboardgame's amazing kid-friendly board games below, or browse the entire selection here, to help demonstrate to your kids how much fun board games with Custom Wooden Dice can be. Every board game has instructions to make sure you and your kids know all you need to know before you begin.

#Custom Wooden Bits #Custom Wooden Dice #Custom Wood Bits

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boardgameparadisesblog · 1 year ago

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What is the oldest board game?

Long before the digital age and the intricate designs of modern board games, our ancestors engaged in strategic play on boards etched into the fabric of ancient civilizations. In this journey through time, let's uncover the mysteries of the world's oldest board game.

Senet: The Game of Passing Through Origins: Originating in ancient Egypt around 3100 BCE, Senet is often touted as the oldest known board game in the world. The game held spiritual significance, as it was believed to represent the journey of the soul through the afterlife. Gameplay: Senet involved a board with 30 squares, each marked with symbols. Players navigated their pieces based on the throw of casting sticks, aiming to reach the last square while avoiding hazards.

The Royal Game of Ur: Mesopotamian Mastery Origins: The Royal Game of Ur, discovered in the Royal Tombs of Ur in Iraq, dates back to around 2600 BCE. Its intricately decorated boards and artifacts indicate its significance among the elites of Mesopotamia. Gameplay: With a distinctive board featuring a mix of squares and rosettes, players raced to move their pieces across the board using dice-like tetrahedral dice. The game's rules have been deciphered from ancient cuneiform tablets.

Mancala: The African Heritage Origins: Mancala is a family of board games with roots in Africa, with some variations dating back over a thousand years. The word "mancala" itself comes from the Arabic word "naqala," meaning "to move." Gameplay: Played on wooden boards or simply in the sand, Mancala involves the strategic movement of seeds or stones among pits. The simplicity of materials belies the deep strategic depth of the game.

Go: Ancient Artistry from Asia Origins: Go, originating in China over 2,500 years ago, is one of the oldest and most enduring board games in the world. Its strategic depth has made it a cultural touchstone in East Asia. Gameplay: Played on a gridded board, Go involves placing stones to control territory. The rules are simple, yet the strategic possibilities are vast, leading to an elegant and profound game.

Chess: Medieval Mastery Origins: While not as ancient as some others on this list, chess has a storied history dating back to the 6th century in India. Its evolution and spread through Persia and the Islamic world make it a cornerstone of strategic tabletop games. Gameplay: Chess involves two players moving pieces across an 8x8 grid, each with distinct abilities. Its enduring popularity lies in its blend of simplicity and strategic complexity.

Board games, as a testament to human ingenuity and creativity, have been an integral part of our cultural heritage for millennia. From the spiritual significance of Senet to the strategic depth of Go, these ancient games continue to inspire awe and fascination, bridging the gap between ancient civilizations and the modern tabletop.

#board games

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absolutelyfizzing · 3 years ago

Text

just like him

bucky x f!reader

description - bucky starts behaving like one of your exes which he promised he would never do.

warnings - some toxic bucky behavior, references to a toxic past relationship, negative self talk, self doubt, fem pronouns, I'm sure some spelling and grammar errors

word count - 3100

MASTERLIST

Your heart was in the pit of your stomach as you looked at your phone. The three bubbles on your screen told you that he was reading your messages. Then they disappeared but no message came after. He wasn't going to respond to you. The words you had just sent were staring at you on your phone, mocking you.

'When are you coming home?'

It had seemed like such a simple question but lately, it had become more and more loaded. You had been dating for a year but the last 2 months were tense. He had started going on longer away missions, staying at the compound later, getting drinks with the guys after a night on the job. You were always there to support him working or hanging out with friends but you hadn't seen him in seemingly weeks. Hadn't talked to him in days. The last time you slept in the same bed was 8 days ago and he had only been on a mission for 5 of them. The others he had stayed at the compound, away from you.

Up until this point he had kept you hopeful with his calls and texts. That he was 'coming home soon, doll' and 'it's just that work has been kicking my butt'. Now he wasn't giving any explanation. He was being short and curt and it almost seemed mean. But that couldn't be right. Not your Bucky. Bucky could never be mean to you.

And yet, here you were looking through the last days of texts where his responses left something to be desired.

'I'm tired, doll. I have to cancel tonight.'

'Not coming home tonight'

'Staying at the compound after mission, I'll probably be home in a few days.'

'Just don't have the energy to deal with coming home, might be back in a few days'

The last one stung. You knew that it meant 'I don't have the energy to deal with you'. It hurt. He was turning into the person he had promised he would never be.

When you had met Bucky, you were just coming out of a relationship that ended badly. He was a jerk to you and didn't respect you but you stayed with him for a year because you thought that's what love was. That it's what you deserved. Then Bucky came along. He was kind and sweet and promised to do everything different from how your ex did. To always treat you like a queen. But right now you felt like dirt.

Part of you was angry at him, that he was doing this, not responding or coming home. Another part of you was angry at yourself. You had to look in the mirror every day. You wouldn't have come home to you either. You hated how you sounded whenever you opened your mouth. You hated the way he looked at you if you asked about the fact you hadn't been on any dates recently. You felt stupid and insignificant. You knew that it wasn't really his fault at all.

How could it be?

It had to be on you.

So you were upset. You felt guilty. You packed a bag. You wanted him to have space if he needed it. You called him, knowing that he would let it go to voice mail and planning on leaving him a message.

'Hey, Buck... So I don't know what I did, I don't know why you're avoiding me but that's okay. I bet you want to be able to come home, you just don't wanna be around me which is totally cool and fine. No worries. Anyway, I'm headed out for a few days to give you some space so you can come home without me there. I can stay away longer if you need. I'm sorry again. I love you. Okay, bye.'

You felt the pit in your stomach grow at the message but what else could you say. You were trying your best to make sure to not make him guilty. You looked at the backpack in hand and left your home, locking the door behind you. You were headed to your sister's place. She would have an open room and would let you stay longer if you needed. You just hoped Bucky was okay.

Bucky's head hurt after the mission he had just endured. It was tiring, long, and most of all loud. He would have sustained ear damage if he had not been a super-soldier. Still, he felt exhausted. He glanced at his phone as he stepped off the jet, finally having service after the 5-day mission. He saw some texts from you and sighed audibly.

He was so tired. He didn't want to think about anything besides sleep. He opened the text, meaning to respond, but he forgot and fell asleep before he could.

He awoke 10 hours later. He looked at his phone and it was early morning. He also saw that he had a voicemail from you which was strange.

He took a breath. He knew he had been neglecting you recently and he felt bad about it. On the other hand, he was tired. He could only process about half the words you'd said. He'd have to listen to it again later. He didn't have the energy to come home and be comforted by you. He thought he might have a breakdown. So instead he stayed out. He figured you probably wouldn't mind, you never did. He had been harassed by Steve a few times. The two of you were close and he knew that Steve was starting to get fed up with his behavior.

You never complained though. Not to Steve, not to Bucky. He thought maybe one time you had gotten upset at the fact that you weren't going out together lately but bucky shot it down, tired from a mission and frustrated that you wanted him to go out again. He knew that it was more that you weren't spending time with each other that was upsetting you.

Sighing, he got out of bed and headed to the kitchen in the compound where he anticipated the team would be eating. When he arrived, he got a glare from everyone there. Well, this looked like it was going to be a good day.

"Good morning to you too." He grumbled and Natasha scoffed before leaving the room. Bucky gave Steve a questioning look but he didn't say anything back. Everyone else slowly left, not a word said to Bucky until just Steve remained.

"What's been going on with you?" Steve tried to be gentle.

"Oh, so he speaks." Bucky chuckled.

"I'm serious, Buck." Bucky looked up at him with a little bit of shock. He didn't know where this was coming from.

"Steve, I don't know what you're talking about."

"Y/N just left your home because she thinks you don't like her."

"That's not true," Bucky scoffed. That couldn't have been what your message said. Although at this point he had been too tired to really remember what your exact words had been. But that couldn't have been right.

"She called me last night Buck" You had called Steve? He tried not to be annoyed.

"And what did she say that's making you act like this."

"As I said, she thinks you don't want her around so she went to stay at her sister's house in case you wanted to come home without her there." Steve sighed. "She thinks you don't love her anymore and she's scared you're going to leave her so she's trying to give you space."

Bucky stared at his coffee for a moment. You thought he didn't like you anymore?

"Don't you realize what's happening?" Steve was trying to make Bucky connect the dots. "You're acting like Jackson. That's how you're treating her." At that, Bucky looked up at Steve with an offended look in his eyes.

"That's not what's happening," Bucky assured. He didn't know if he was trying to convince Steve or himself. His behavior was starting to dawn on him. He didn't know it was affecting you that much. You always brushed it off in front of him.

"Bucky, that's exactly what's happening. Exactly what you promised wouldn't happen is happening." Bucky shook his head. "You aren't talking to her about what's going on, you aren't hanging out with her anymore, and you don't let her know why or when you're missing an event. You are letting her think that it's her fault that you aren't seeing her."

"Steve, that's not what's happening." At this point, he was pleading. That couldn't be what was happening. He wouldn't have let that happen. He looked at his phone. He had to listen to your message again.

He let out a shuddered breath. Steve was right. You were blaming yourself for his absence. Assuming that you did something wrong. He knew that you did this with your ex because he had seen it happen. It had infuriated him that Jackson would let that happen. Let you believe that you were at all at fault. But now he saw what he was turning into. He felt a tear gather in the corner of his eye.

Was this really what he had done? Without even knowing it was happening? How could he have been so careless?

"I don't..." Bucky trailed off, a faraway look in his eyes.

"She loves you, Buck. Too much for her own good. You could probably do anything and she still wouldn't break up with you. It's your responsibility not to take advantage of that like every other person before you has done."

Bucky knew he was right. Steve stood and left the kitchen with a huff. Bucky stared at his phone. He had to call you. He clicked on your icon and let it ring, praying you would answer.

You were sitting in your sister's guest bed on your computer when he called. Your heart stopped. Either he would call and want to see you or he was calling to break things off. You would have done anything to keep him with you. That had always been a problem for you. So you answered, dreading what the call could be about.

"Hey, Bucky" You started. Hoping you didn't sound too surprised.

"Hey, doll." He didn't sound very happy. This was the call. Oh god. "How would you feel about coming back to the house so we can talk. I know you said you went to your sister's bu-"

"I can be there," you assured.

"Okay great." There was a bit of a pause and both you and Bucky held your breath, waiting for someone else to make the first move. Out of anxiety you just started talking.

"Ok well I can be back in like an hour," you started. "Or I could wait for a while longer if you wanted me to-"

"Come whenever you can. I'm gonna be home all day." There was another pause.

"Should I bring my stuff with me or.." You tried to communicate what you dreaded this was about.

"Yes, please do." He assured. Bucky paused again. "I love you." You let out a breath you hadn't realized you were holding.

"I love you too. I'll be home in an hour." You assured. Bucky hung up. The sick feeling in your stomach was slightly lessened but you still let uneasy. You weren't still sure that he wasn't going to break up with you when you got home. It had felt like there had been a lot of distance built up. A lot of him pushing you away. It couldn't just be over. Could it?

Bucky felt uneasy after the call too. He knew that you were trying to gauge whether or not he was ending things which made him all the more upset because of course, he wasn't going to. Is that what he had done to you? And why had you taken it? He was so angry with himself.

He didn't know what to do with the hour that was awaiting him before you got home. He busied himself with cleaning up and fidgeting but by the time the doorbell rang an hour later, he had driven himself insane. As he opened the door, he took in your appearance. He could see the concealer that you were wearing to try to cover up the redness in your eyes from crying. He could hear your heart racing wildly. He could tell that you were nervous from your fidgety hands. He was getting angrier and angrier with himself by the minute. How had he not seen this happening?

You could tell he was upset when he opened the door. He scanned you for a moment. You prayed he couldn't tell how the last 12 hours had been for you. You didn't want him to know you had been upset at him. He opened the door and gestured for you to enter. You obliged cautiously.

When you got inside, it felt strange. there was so much anticipation in the air.

"I'm sorry." You spoke before you thought about it.

"For what?" Bucky had a disbelieving look on his face.

"For making you upset. If I've been asking too much of you lately. For leaving if you didn't want me to." You rambled on a bit. Bucky fell to sit on the couch and his face went into his hands. He let out a shaky sigh. You stopped talking.

"Doll, you are not at fault in this." He mumbled and you frowned a bit.

"I could have-"

"No, this is not your fault." You waited for him to continue. "I cant believe I didn't even notice this was happening." You were surprised to hear that his absence hadn't been on purpose.

"It's okay," you reassured, genuinely believing it to be true.

"Why didn't you leave me?" His question took you aback. Did he want you to?

"Well yesterday I was trying to-"

"No, doll. I'm sorry I'm not being more clear. Why didn't you break up with me when I've been neglecting you for the last 2 months."

"Well, I just thought..." you paused for a moment and Bucky waited for you. "I just figured that you didn't want to be around me as much and I thought that made sense." He shook his head again and he looked slightly horrified.

"Honey, you deserve so much better than that. That isn't what was happening and I'm sorry I let you think that it was." He almost had tears in his eyes. "You shouldn't have taken this from me."

"I just sort of thought this is how relationships with me went, I guess." You had seen how Jackson had ended. If this was what happened to you and Bucky then it had to be something wrong with you.

"Hasn't it bothered you?" He asked.

"I mean yeah but I just... I didn't really want to bring it up and upset you even more."

"I haven't been upset, baby. I promise. Ive just been a clueless dick who wasn't paying enough attention to his girl."

"I know that you've had a lot going on and stuff though."

"Please don't try to justify it, doll." He sighed again. "You are far too good for me."

"Don't talk about yourself like that-"

"No, please listen to me for a second." He grabbed your hand to pull you in front of where he was sitting on the couch. You made the move to straddle his thighs so you were as on his lap, now feeling more comfortable and sure that he wasn't going to end things. His hands fell to rest at your waist. "This can't happen again. I love you so much and I have been so awful at letting you know that's the case lately.

You deserve to be treated like gold. You are the greatest woman I have ever known and I wish you valued yourself like that. You shouldn't have let me do this. I mean I shouldn't have done it in the first place but you should have left me when I wasn't treating you right."

"Why would I have ever left you? You're perfect, Buck"

"No, I'm not Y/N. I have flaws and faults like every other person and you have to know that you deserve the best I can give you. Anything less is an injustice on my part." You didn't speak after that. You were thinking about his words.

"Okay." You mumbled.

"Okay?" he questioned.

"Okay, I'll let you know when it feels like this is happening again." You mumbled. "Or I'll try to."

"If you feel like you can't tell me then tell Steve. Tell someone so they can get my ass in check or can get you to stand up for yourself, babydoll. You have a voice in how you get treated... you should at least." he whispered out, still feeling endlessly guilty about the slightly clueless look on your face.

There was a pause in the room as you both let some of the tension fall from your shoulders.

"Are you going to be home for a while?"

"Yeah honey, I took the week off and then I promise that any night I am physically able, I am coming home. If I cant then I will call you and tell you all about why. Does that sound ok?"

"Yeah that sounds okay."

1K notes · View notes

galactic-magick · 4 years ago

Text

I Choose You: Kyoya Ootori x Reader

Summary: Your parents and the Ootoris set up an arranged marriage between you and Kyoya for business reasons.

Words: 3100+

Warnings: swearing, angst

Author’s Notes: uhhhh so my hand slipped and I wrote a whole ass Kyoya fic cuz I love that bitch I’m not sorry. (btw normal text is present and italics are flashbacks. Gender neutral pronouns and language for reader!)

Your reflection in the mirror haunts you. It hurts. You can’t pretend it’s all a nightmare anymore, this is your reality. The reality you didn’t choose.

But maybe you would if the circumstances were different.

Servants, tailors, and seamstresses are fluttering all around you, making adjustments to your wedding ensemble. It looks perfect, more than perfect. It’s everything you ever wanted, and it looks amazing on you. You continue to stare at yourself in the mirror, knowing how proud your parents would be when you walked to the front of the wedding ceremony. They would be happy, even if you weren’t.

Your parents business has been failing for months now, and they needed to fix it fast. The Ootori family agreed to help if you married their youngest son as a symbol of the partnership. Of course your parents wouldn’t threaten you if you didn’t do it, but you knew how much they needed it. You’ve always known there was a chance you’d end up in an arranged marriage anyway, even if you’ve also always dreamed of love. You were willing to give up a love marriage in order to help them, and after all, you could certainly do worse than Kyoya. You knew he’d treat you well and provide for you, and quite frankly you couldn’t imagine him caring enough to hurt you or bother you.

“Thank you so much again for making this deal with us,” your father nodded.

“Of course. Your company has quite a few valuable prospects,” Mr. Ootori smiles.

You gazed at Kyoya across the room, who’s barely made any eye contact with you the entire time. You could tell he wasn’t thrilled about this either, but there was something else, something more than disinterest. Was it anger? Determination?

“Shall we leave them alone for a bit? They should get to know each other better if they’re going through with this, don’t you think?” your mother suggested, gesturing to you.

“Certainly,” Mr. Ootori sat up and left the room, your parents following soon after and shutting the door.

“So…” you started, trailing off. What was there even to say?

Kyoya shot up from his chair and began pacing around the room, settling for a few moments by the window but soon going right back to pacing. He chewed his pen a bit, occasionally scribbling things down on his notepad.

“Are you okay?” you asked.

He continued to ignore you, deep in thought.

“Look, I get that you don’t like me, but can we at least talk? I’m going to have to live with your ass for the rest of my life you know,”

“It’s not that I don’t like you,” his eyes finally met yours, almost so much it was frightening. “You’re quite attractive actually and I don’t see any reason we wouldn’t get along. But that doesn’t negate the fact that this was forced on us. We have every right to be angry,”

You were stunned that the first thing he said to you was so direct.

“I mean, I guess so,”

“My father doesn’t know how much power I truly have over his company. We could take it from him and make our lives whatever we want. We could continue to work together or we could separate if that’s what you desire. They’ll be sorry for forcing their will on their children,”

“What about my parents?”

“What about them?”

“They’ll go bankrupt without this deal. They’ll lose everything,”

“Their deal is with the company, not my father. Once I become the head I’ll make sure they get what they need,”

Damn, he really had all this planned out.

“How long will we be married before you do all this?”

“It will take at least a year, possibly two. Too quick and we’ll raise suspicion, too slow and we’ll miss our chance,”

You nod. It made sense, but you couldn’t help but feel cheated. He didn’t care about you in the slightest, he was simply using this unfortunate marriage situation for his own gain and revenge. What were you supposed to do for the short time you were married? Sit around his mansion and wait?

You huff, “Look, I’m glad you’re getting some good out of this, but don’t you think we should at least try to be friends? I’m not just going to sit here and be a tool for your masterplan. Whether you like it or not, we’re going to be partners for a while and I’d rather not spend it being bored,”

Kyoya blinked. Clearly he didn’t calculate any sort of relationship into his plan, and the fact you weren’t blindly going along with it confused him.

You roll your eyes, “Can’t we at least go out to dinner a few times? You know, talk a little bit?”

“That sounds dangerously close to a date,”

“So what if it is? You said yourself you think I’m attractive and you think we’d get along,”

“I suppose I did,” he smiled.

You decide to turn around, hoping not seeing yourself for a few minutes will distract you.

You sincerely hope everything will work out, hope that everything will turn out fine. You trust Kyoya, he’ll do anything he can to keep his word. Your parents will be taken care of. You will be taken care of. His excuse of a father will be out of the picture.

What will you even do when it’s all said and done? Go off on your own? Get more education? Travel? Find love with someone else?

The future’s never been more terrifying.

At least you won’t be miserable. You can tell Kyoya’s made an effort to care about you throughout your engagement, he won’t be an awful husband for the year or so you’ll be married.

But does he really care about you? Or he just acting like it because you asked him to?

Kyoya picked you up in his limousine for your first “date,” taking you to a fancy restaurant downtown. Surprisingly he was the one to initiate conversations during the whole thing, asking you about your life, your hobbies, your interests. You found you actually have a lot in common, and you end up talking for hours, literally until the restaurant closes and kicks you out.

“I would take you somewhere else, but I’m afraid it’s getting too late,” he said, opening the door of the limo for you to get in.

You frowned. You were actually having a really good time.

“Tomorrow?”

“Hmm?” he raised a brow.

“We could hang out again tomorrow?”

“Sure,”

You opened your eyes, awoken from some noise outside. You looked around, assuming it was just some branches brushing against the side of the house. You rolled over, trying to get back to sleep.

The banging starts up again, and this time when you sat up you could almost swear you saw a hand through your window.

You stood up, trudging over and opening it.

“Kyoya? What the fuck are you doing?!”

“It’s tomorrow,” he smirked. You gaze at the clock. He’s right, it’s nearly 1 AM.

“I never pegged you for the sneaking out type,”

“Well, I do most of my best thinking at night, so I like to sit on the roof or go for a walk once everyone’s asleep,” he took a look at you in your pajamas. “Would you like to accompany me?”

“Give me a sec,” you shut the curtains and slipped on some clothes and freshened up a bit. You returned and started climbing out the window, Kyoya helping you get down to the ground.

“Where would you like to go?” he asked.

“This was your idea,”

“I suppose so,”

He ended up leading you to a small park his family owned, with a little pond and some benches and trees. You sat down and looked around, listening to the distant sounds of the night.

“I misjudged you, Kyoya,”

“You thought I was an asshole, didn’t you?”

You laughed, “Yeah, just a bit,”

“I certainly can be, I won’t claim otherwise,” he sat down next to you. “But I’m not opposed to expanding my horizons. You offered a valid point. A friendship and partnership may very well be in our best interests,”

“Ugh,” you groaned. “There you go again with your best interests shit,”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re telling me that you’re only trying to be friends with me because it’s in your best interest?”

“Is that…not how friendships work?” he squinted. “I am interested in being friends with you. I am interested in being your partner. Why does that upset you?”

“Because you’re talking about me like my love and respect is something for you to take or gain,”

“I apologize,” he hummed. “I’m afraid I don’t have much experience in the type of relationship you want,”

“You’ve never had a real friend? You’ve never cared about anyone for who they were more than what they could give you?”

“No, I have. Just not many,”

You almost felt…bad for him. He was trying, at least.

“I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t be so harsh,” you looked at him. “I know we can make this work. We just need to be patient with each other, that’s all,”

“Alright,” he agreed.

You continued your conversation from earlier, and things felt good again. You really do get along well, it’s a shame you weren’t actually in love.

You check your phone, seeing a text from Kyoya sent just a few minutes ago. You open it, and he’s asking where you are because he wants to talk to you. You tell him no, not today, but he insists.

You stop responding, figuring no matter what you say he’ll come anyway. You didn’t tell him where you were, but a quick questioning of a few servants and someone would tell him.

You don’t particularly want to see him right now, not like this. This is your time to feel bad about yourself and lose your mind worrying about the future, and he’s not going to help that.

You don’t hate him, quite the opposite, but he’s only a reminder of what you have but could never be.

You and Kyoya have gone on several more outings over the past few months, and it’s getting closer and closer to the wedding. He’s taken you to all his family’s properties, resorts, parks, and more. You’ve gone to almost every restaurant in town (yes, even commoner ones, you both found it entertaining), and you’ve spent many nights walking around the city. You’ve spent days indoors playing board and card games and watching movies. You genuinely enjoyed spending most of your free time with him.

But tonight’s a bit different.

Tonight you won’t be alone, on your own terms. Tonight was the rehearsal dinner, and of course both your families were going overboard. Barely any of it was going to be spent actually rehearsing for the wedding. There’s going to be dancing, food and drinks, and basically a party all night long.

Everyone’s going to be watching you, everyone’s eyes are going to be on you.

You met up with Kyoya after getting ready so you could walk in together. You put on your most formal outfits, besides the ones for the wedding a few days from now.

When he saw you, he averted his gaze immediately as if he’d just caught you naked.

“You look good,” he coughed.

“So do you,” you laughed.

He offered you his arm and you took it, walking down the hallway into the ballroom.

You had to do an awful lot of greeting before doing anything else. Everyone wants to talk to you and congratulate you, even people you swear you’ve never met in your life. There’s a mix of family, friends, and other business partners. Some people were probably there simply because they could be due to their status, and had no interest in the celebration whatsoever.

When you’re finally free of conversation, you raced to the table to grab some refreshments. They prepared the best food possible, including some of your favorites.

Kyoya found you again just as you were finishing, offering his arm to you once again.

“May I have this dance?”

You almost choked, “You dance?”

“Of course I do. So is my fiancé going to refuse me or not?”

You smiled and shook your head, giggling a bit as he drags you to the floor.

No one was doing anything particularly complicated, just waltzes, and thank goodness that was the case. You could barely think straight from everything going on.

Surprisingly Kyoya wasn’t a stiff dancer, his movements were consistent but flowed perfectly with the music. He held you closer than you thought he would, but gently.

You felt your body heat up and chills in your stomach and down your spine. How are those two things even possible to happen at the same time?

Well, shit. You weren’t actually falling for him were you?

You thought these past few months would be tedious, but they’ve actually been some of the best of your life. Kyoya’s become your best friend, and gosh you want to spend the rest of your life with him. You understand each other. You both want to break away from your controlling families and finally find your own happiness. You can spend hours talking about everything and nothing. You can make each other laugh like no one else ever has.

Maybe this arranged marriage could become a love marriage. Just maybe.

But no. Kyoya made his intentions very clear. You doubt he’s developed the same feelings for you. He may see you as a valued friend, but he’ll fell nothing when you inevitably break off your relationship in a couple years.

Kyoya must’ve noticed you zoning out in thought, because he stops dancing and brings his hands to your shoulders.

“Are you alright? Do you need some air?”

You nodded, and he leads you out onto the balcony outside the ballroom, keeping a hand on your back.

You take a deep breath, desperately trying to compose yourself after your realization. Should you tell him? No, absolutely not. Bad idea.

Why did this have to happen? Now you were even more miserable. Were you really so weak that you had to catch feelings?

“It’s going to be fine, you know,” he assured you. “I know it seems overwhelming, but by the end of the week we’ll be on our own and they can’t constantly be on our backs anymore,”

“Yeah,” you sighed, your breath stopping in your throat. “Do you think anyone will notice if I leave? I’m exhausted,”

“They probably will, unfortunately,” he looked out at the view. “But we can stay out here until they notice,”

“Thanks,” you grumbled. Your head was throbbing.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

You managed to survive the rest of the night, barely.

You tried to get some rest, you have a fitting tomorrow, and then all you have to do is wait for the big day.

You’ve been standing here for at least an hour, and you’re starting to get irritated. How long does it take to fit something? It looks fine.

You turn around again and stop breathing for a moment when you see Kyoya in the doorway. His hair is ruffled and he looks like he didn’t sleep at all, but there’s a smile on his face.

“I’d like to speak to my fiancé please,” he says.

You look away.

“Absolutely not! Don’t you know you’re not supposed to see each other’s outfits before the big day?” one of the tailors pipes up.

“Well, seeing as I already saw it, I don’t think it matters,” he motions for them to leave. “You’re dismissed,”

He waits until they’re gone before he approaches you, but by that time you’ve fallen down and started crying. You’re shaking on the edge of the platform you were standing on, your hands covering your face.

“You’ve been avoiding me all morning. What’s wrong?” he asks.

“This isn’t how it’s supposed to be,” you sniffle. “For everyone else this is the best time of their life. But it’s not for me,”

Kyoya crouches down in front of you.

He doesn’t cut in, so you keep going, “Look at me. I look great, I look just like how I wanted to as a kid, but it’s all wrong. Everything’s wrong. I thought I was okay with this, but I’m not. I hate this. I don’t hate you, but I hate this,”

You keep sobbing, trying to pretend he’s not there watching you. It’s not too hard actually, since you can barely see through the tears.

“Well, I suppose this might be the worst time to tell you what I was planning to tell you,” he tries not to laugh as not to be insensitive, but it comes out anyway.

“W-What?” you rub your eyes, seeing him a little clearer.

“I know this won’t fix anything, but I want you to know I do genuinely care about you. It was never part of the original agreement or plan, but I’ve come to feel more for you than I’ve felt for anyone. I just…I want you to know that. You’re not a tool to me anymore,” he takes a deep breath, “I love you,”

You stop crying for a moment, too shocked for the tears to keep flowing. Did he really just say that?

“I understand that you probably don’t feel the same, which is alright. I will still honor our original plan, get you everything you wanted, and allow you to leave whenever you please. But if you’ll have me as your husband, a real husband, you’re welcome to stay,”

The sobs break out again, barely able to get out the words, “I love you too,”

“You do? Really?” his eyes light up.

You nod vigorously, beaming through the tears, “Yes,”

“But you just said you hated this? That you were miserable?”

“Only because I thought you didn’t feel the same,”

“Oh,” he chuckles. “Well then,” he takes your hand and places his other on your cheek, looking into your eyes. “Will you marry me? Please?”

You laugh, “I guess,”

He smiles and pulls your face to his, kissing you softly. You take the initiative to deepen it, slithering your fingers into his tousled hair. He’s the last to pull away, and immediately pulls you back for more, even when you can barely breathe.

You can feel him smiling against your lips, his thumbs wiping all your tears away.

You thought you’d never know what it was like to be truly loved.

But now you do.

More Author’s Notes: This is my first time writing for OHSHC lol. Might dabble in it more in the future cuz I had a blast writing this XD Hope you enjoyed and feel free to tell me what you think!

#kyoya ootori x reader #kyoya x reader #ohshc #kyoya ootori #ouran x reader #ouran high school host club

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cali-holland · 4 years ago

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Priceless- Tom Holland One Shot

Pairing: Tom Holland X Reader

Prompt: You’ve never liked people spending money on you or being at large parties, but Tom seems to forget that as he goes a bit overboard when celebrating your birthday.

Word Count: 3100

Warnings: swearing, mentions of alcohol

Masterlist Tom Holland Masterlist

*Gif is not mine*

A/N: I wrote this weeks ago and forgot to post it, my bad if it’s shit- it’s unedited; also I have no clue how much student loans are in the uk or if they even exist so i made it based off the us average and i’ll just stop rambling now oops

~~~

“Tom, this place is really nice.” You breathed out in awe of the dimly lit, but extravagant restaurant. While you felt almost embarrassed by your simple little black dress and non-designer shoes, your hands began to shake a little, thinking about how expensive this dinner must be.

“Anything for my special birthday girl.” Tom beamed, pulling out your chair for you to sit down.

“I wish you would’ve told me we were coming here. I would’ve dressed better.” You said quietly as you sat down in the chair, eyeing the women in fancy dresses at the tables surrounding you two.

“What are you talking about? You’re the best dressed person here.” He sat down across from you, adjusting his tux as he did so, and a sharply dressed waiter came up to the table, offering you two champagne immediately. Before you could kindly decline the offer, Tom insisted on the drinks.

“We’re celebrating tonight.” Tom stated, holding up his champagne flute out to you once the waiter had left. “To the best day of the year: happy birthday, Y/N.”

“Thank you.” You smiled, clinking your own glass against his before drinking the expensive liquid.

Being with Tom for the past two years, you were used to the sweet date nights and the amazing birthday gifts; today was just different though. He’d never taken you to such an expensive restaurant before, not one that is so pricey that they don’t even bother to add prices on the menu (which upset you because you couldn’t even choose the cheapest option). You loved your boyfriend very much and you were appreciative of all the romantic dates he took you on and of the incredible gifts he’d give you, but sometimes it concerned you how he’d so willingly spend his money on you. He’d give you a million dollars if you asked for it, no matter what day it was. That is exactly why he didn’t know about your student loans or any of your past due bills- you were a staunch believer in making your way on your own, and that meant not using your boyfriend’s seemingly endless cash flow to help yourself out.

Tom knew you weren’t a fan of him spending money on you, and he also knew you weren’t one for big parties or celebrating your birthday. The diamond necklace that sat on your neck from your last birthday was proof enough of how Tom used your birthday especially as an excuse to give you more expensive things.

“You know I’m paying you back for this, right?” You said as you looked over the menu. Tom laughed, shaking his head.

“You’re not paying for your birthday dinner.” He replied, taking your free hand and holding it in his.

“I’d let you pay for the full meal if we were at McDonald’s, not at some 5-star restaurant.” You stated.

“I think it’s only 4-star.” He joked, but his smile dropped when he saw your frown. Tom lightly squeezed your hand in his. “Let me spoil you tonight, please? Just for tonight.”

“You’re unbelievable, Holland.” You rolled your eyes at him, but still cracked a smile, your thumb gently tracing against the back of his hand.

“I love you, Y/N, but I’m paying for tonight.”

“I love you, too.” You smiled, and he leaned over the table to kiss you.

After a rather delicious five-course meal, you and Tom got into the car, and he took off his suit jacket. While he removed his tie, you took the opportunity to look at the dinner receipt from his jacket pocket.

“Wait, stop!” He reached to take it out of your hands, but it was too late because you had already seen the receipt.

“£400? Are you crazy?” You exclaimed, blinking to make sure you’d read the receipt right- that wasn’t even including his very generous tip (which you weren’t going to complain about that bit).

“Was it not a good meal?” Tom questioned, taking the receipt back from you and putting in his pants pocket this time.

“It was the best food I’ve ever had. I just wish you wouldn’t spend so much on me.” As he pulled out of the parking lot, you took out your phone, pulling up Venmo.

“No, you’re not allowed to pay me back.”

“Well, I said you weren’t allowed to spend that much money on me.”

“It’s your birthday, please let me spoil you a little.” Stopped at a red light, he turned to you and pouted. You sighed, locking your phone.

“For your birthday, I’m taking you to a ridiculously expensive restaurant too.” You pressed a kiss to his cheek before the light turned green and he had to start driving again. It took you a minute before you realized he was going in the wrong direction of your flat. “Where are we going?”

“I thought we could go for some drinks before going home.” Tom suggested, but something about his smile made you think it wasn’t a spontaneous thought.

“Yeah, why not?” You replied, not seeing the harm in just going with him. It’s not like you had a choice since he was already driving there anyway. You really just wanted to go home and have a nice night with him, but he was excited about whatever surprise he had planned for you and you weren’t going to ruin that for him- you already felt guilty enough about the dinner (although you did actually really enjoy it, all expenses aside).

“What are you up to?” You asked as he parked the car in front of a strange building. It was too dark for you to even try to guess what it was.

“Come on, love, you’ll see.” He smiled, getting out of the car and hurrying to open your door before you had the chance to. He held your hand, walking you up some sketchy looking stairs. It wasn’t until you got to the roof of the two story building that you really got confused. It was far too dark for you to decipher what was going on.

“Happy birthday!” A large crowd of people shouted, the lights kicking on to illuminate the roof. You smiled, speechless, seeing all the people cheering for your arrival. You weren’t even sure that you recognized a good amount of them.

“Happy birthday, darling.” Tom grinned, wrapping his arms around you. He gently kissed the top of your head, proud of his work.

“Wow, thank you.” You told him, sounding effortlessly enthusiastic about the party. Music started playing from the large speakers, and people started dancing along to the beat, getting back to their own conversations.

“Follow me.” Your boyfriend tugged on your hand, dragging you through the crowd to the far corner of the room, where a birthday cake was sitting in the middle of a large table. The cake itself was the size of a small table; in fact, you were sure it wouldn’t be able to fit on your own kitchen table. It was the most beautiful birthday cake you had ever seen for yourself. Covered in white frosting, it had your favorite flowers and lace all around it with “Happy Birthday, Y/N” written in your favorite color across the middle.

“Do you like it? I got it from the nicest bakery in town. My mum helped me with designing it, and I know we already had dessert at the restaurant, but you can’t have a birthday party without-” You cut off Tom’s nervous rambling by kissing him softly.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” You reassured him, giving him another kiss to calm his nerves and to calm yours as well. You already knew how expensive dinner was, and something told you this party and that cake definitely wasn’t on the inexpensive side of things. His heart was in the right place, but it was just too much for you. Needing another distraction, you spoke up again, “Drinks?”

“Right this way.” He led you over to the rooftop bar, ordering you both a couple cocktails. As the bartender worked on the drinks, Tom got a call and stepped out to the stairs for some privacy.

“If you’re the birthday girl, why are you looking so down?” The bartender asked you, a kind smile on her face.

“Is it wrong of me to say I’m not into big parties like this?” You replied with a small laugh, “I’m grateful for it, but it’s not my scene.”

“So I’ll make this extra strong for you.” She joked, but still had a heavy hand as she poured tequila into the mixture, “You know, you’ve got a pretty remarkable boyfriend there. I’ve worked here a long time and no one’s ever rented this whole place out.”

“I’m sorry?” You questioned, not sure what she meant.

“This is a rooftop bar. We don’t do individual birthday parties, but,” She trailed off whistling, “When someone offers up that much and they’re a celebrity, can’t exactly say no.”

She laughed and slid your finished cocktail over to you. You knew she meant nothing bad by her words, and yet you still felt your gut twist as you looked around the party at everyone socializing. It was a sweet gesture, yes, but did Tom really have to dent his wallet for it? With how much he was spending for today, you knew it had to have some effect on his wallet.

Just before you could take a sip from the cocktail, your phone dinged. You looked at it in confusion as a notification came through from your bank account app: “new transfer pending”. Your heart started to race, thinking someone was somehow scamming your money, but when you looked, you saw a ridiculous amount of money being transferred into your account with the memo: “happy birthday, darling”.

You shot up from your seat at the bar and marched off to find Tom. He was still at the stairs, having just gotten off the phone with a small smile on his face. He must not have processed the angry look on your face as he started, “Your birthday gift still isn’t here. I’m sorry, I really wanted it to arrive by today.”

There was a lace of sadness in his voice, clearly disappointed, but you couldn’t focus on that. Instead, you held up your phone, displaying the new transfer on your bank account. “What the hell is this?”

“That’s for your student loans.” Tom said, the happy smile returning to his face. “I don’t know how much you owe because you won’t tell me, so I just kind of guessed.”

“Tom, you can’t just give me 15,000 pounds!” You exclaimed in frustration.

“Is that not enough? I can-” He started, reaching to take out his phone again.

“No.” Tom paused at your harsh tone, “Stop giving me money. It’s suffocating me. The world already thinks I’m a golddigger just because I’m dating you and they know I can’t afford diamond necklaces.” You pointed to the shiny piece on your neck. “I know your heart’s in the right place, but I can’t keep feeling like this, like I’m your charity case first and your girlfriend second. I want to be with Tom Holland, the dorky boy from Kingston that I fell in love with, not Tom Holland, the celebrity that just flaunts his wealth every chance he gets. If you want to make me happy and make me feel special on my birthday, make me a cake yourself or something; I’d much rather have something priceless with sentimental value than have something expensive that you bought just because you could.”

It was Tom’s turn to be speechless now, completely taken aback by your words. You sighed lightly, stepping forward to give him a quick kiss.

“Thank you for tonight, but I think I’m just going to go home.” You left down the stairs quickly, calling for a cab as you did so, leaving Tom abandoned at your own birthday party as he tried to process how his genuine actions backfired so much.

You didn’t sleep well that night, too caught up in knowing you’ll have to talk to Tom about all this eventually. It wasn’t something that you wanted to break up with him over, unless it got too out of hand, like if another 15,000 pounds suddenly appeared in your bank account. As much as you needed the money and appreciated the thought, you couldn’t accept it. You loved Tom because he was so considerate and thoughtful, and you knew he was only doing this because of that loving personality of his.

It wasn’t until later that night that you started to grow worried about your relationship. Normally, if you two ever fought (which only really happened once and for some reason neither of you remembered now), it would take only a couple hours before one of you apologized, and it had been hours since you left Tom, hours since you last heard from him. You had texted him last night to let him know you got home alright, to which he replied later that he was also home, but there was no “we need to talk” text or call.

Just as you were about to go lose yourself in a pint of self-pitying ice cream, you heard a knock at the door. You were expecting Tom on the other side when you opened the door, but you weren’t expecting him to be holding a covered platter and a gift bag.

“Is it too late to celebrate your birthday properly?” Tom asked, hopefully. You smiled, stepping out of your apartment to give him a kiss.

“Come on in.” You replied softly. You opened the door further for him to step inside beside you. He placed the gift bag and the platter down on the coffee table in front of your couch.

“I’m sorry for last night. I overdid it. I just wanted you to feel special.” He said, sitting down on the couch and you sat down beside him.

“I don’t need a fancy dinner or a big party to make me feel special. You make me feel special whenever I’m with you.” You reassured him, and he picked up the platter, shakily handing it to you.

“I can’t promise it’ll be any good, but I tried.” Tom admitted sheepishly as you unwrapped the aluminum foil around the platter. You smiled in awe, looking at the two layer round chocolate cake on the glass platter, which you now recognized as Nikki’s. It was the exact opposite of the cake from last night- a messy frosting job with no flowers, lace, or letters. You could even see the cake sticking out from under the frosting when it was spread too thin.

“You- you baked me a cake?” You asked, looking over at him. You felt tears prick at your eyes and Tom let out a nervous laugh.

“You’re not supposed to cry. Does it look that bad?” There was a sense of worry in his voice, but he felt relieved as you leaned over to kiss him.

“It’s perfect. Thank you.” You set the cake aside to come back to it later.

“I didn’t make the frosting though. I tried, but it was too runny.” He stated, making you giggle.

“That’s when you add more powdered sugar.” You explained and he handed you the gift bag next. “Is this what was supposed to be here by yesterday?”

“Yes. It arrived this afternoon. There’s actually two things in there.” He replied, a smile playing on his face while he wrapped an arm around your waist. You reached your hand into the bag and felt around. You didn’t need to fully unwrap the tissue paper to know it was a jewelry box, your eyes subconsciously widened at the feeling.

“It’s not what you think it is.” Tom laughed, knowing you’d think it was a ring.

“Not like we don’t know my answer to that.” You teased as you took out the gift. You opened the small black box to see a thin silver necklace of your birthstone resting against the velvet backdrop.

“Now, if you don’t want it because of last night, I- I can take it back.” He offered, scratching the back of his neck. “I know you don’t want me spending excessively, but I saw this weeks ago-”

“Tom, I love it.” You gently took it out of the box, handing it to him so that he could put it on you.

“Okay, so the last one,” He started nervously, before rambling, “I’ve been working on it for a couple weeks, I just needed the one last thing to actually finish it though, so I couldn’t really do it until today. I can always fix it if it doesn’t look right. And, yeah, just open it.”

“Well, now, I’m intrigued.” You laughed, slowly pulling the last gift from the bag. Tom tensed beside you, but you were far too overwhelmed, holding back tears, as you looked over the blue photo album. You turned through the pages, taking in each photograph he had put in it, reading each comment he’d written under it. It was like a story of your relationship over the years, and there was still plenty of room left in the back of the book for the future.

“See, the book was late, and that kind of set me back. I didn’t mean to ignore you today, but between the book and the cake, I was preoccupied.” He laughed lightly.

“You’re by far the best boyfriend ever. I love you so much.” You turned to him, letting a few tears escape. He wiped them away, cupping your cheek and kissing you.

“Happy belated birthday, darling.” He told you softly once he’d pulled away. You quickly got up to grab a couple forks from your kitchen before sitting on his lap on the couch. You balanced the photo album in your lap, so you could continue to go through it, while Tom held the cake platter.

“Let’s see how good this cake is.” You teased, clinking your forkful of chocolate cake against his. Tom watched as you ate your forkful first. The sweet chocolatey taste you were expecting wasn’t there; instead it tasted bitter and almost like bananas. You swallowed it and smiled, trying to play it off, but Tom could tell.

“It’s shit, isn’t it?” He asked, putting a forkful in his mouth before you could respond. He groaned at the horrible taste.

“Did you store it next to bananas?” You laughed.

“Only for like a hour!” He defended.

“I think you put too much baking powder in here. It shouldn’t be that bitter.”

Tom sighed, setting the platter down on the table. You smiled at him, still laughing a little at the cake, “You tried, and I love you for that.”

“I love you too.”

~~~

Tag List: @viagracex @theamazingtomholland @harrisonosterfieldhazmyheart @joyleenl @t-o-m-holland @lonikje @sleepybesson @sunkisseddreamer @hollandsamor

Tom Tag List:@quaksonhehe @tomkindholland

#tom holland #tom holland fanfic #tom holland one shot #tom holland imagine #tom holland x reader #tom holland x you #tom holland x y/n #tom holland fic

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elsanna-shenanigans · 4 years ago

Text

December Contest Submission #15: You Are Not Dating

words: ca. 3100 setting: mAU lemon: no cw: none

Anna smiled and stared ahead, lost in thought. It wasn’t until she felt a finger poke her forehead that she returned to the present.

“Earth to Anna, come in, Anna.”

“Yes?” Anna guiltily turned in her desk to face her friends. She hadn’t meant to ignore them, but thoughts of spending time with her girlfriend tended to side track her.

“I asked if I could give your number to my friend, Toby?” Merida rolled her eyes, annoyed.

“Why?” Anna frowned in confusion. She couldn’t remember a Toby in their class and besides, she wasn’t interested in tutoring anyone.

“He thinks you’re cute and wants to ask you out.”

“But, I’m dating someone already.” Surely her friends remembered that. Wait, had she told them?

“WHAT?!” Three voices exclaimed loudly.

Apparently not.

“When did that happen?”

“Who are you going out with?”

“When did he ask you?”

“Does he go to our high school?”

“How did you meet?”

“How far have you guys gone?”

“SSHHH!” Anna looked around the classroom but no one was paying them any attention. Good. She beckoned her friends closer and whispered, “I’m dating Elsa.”

“WHAT?!” Again three voices shouted, this time attracting the notice of a couple of other students.

“SSSHHH!” Anna shushed them again and smiled nervously at the students watching them then turned back and glared. “Stop shouting.” Now she remembered why she hadn’t said anything.

Rapunzel leaned in and whispered, “Elsa Andersen? You’re claiming to be dating Elsa Andersen?”

“We are dating,” Anna sighed in exasperation. She really needed new friends.

“No way are you dating her,” Merida rolled her eyes.

“I am!” The two nearby students, again, looked over at the commotion. The redhead ducked her head in embarrassment and whispered, “Elsa and I are dating. Why don’t you guys believe me?”

“For starters, we have never seen you two hanging out together. Are you even friends?” Rapunzel raised an eyebrow.

“We eat lunch together every day.”

“Our cafeteria is tiny. Sitting next to each other isn’t hanging out,” Merida replied.

“What makes you think you two are going out?” Rapunzel asked skeptically.

“Because we are?”

“She is the most popular student here and a Senior. If you two are going out, why doesn’t everyone know about this?” Merida asked.

“Elsa’s a private person.”

“No one’s that good at keeping secrets at this school,” muttered Merida.

“She comes to my basketball games.”

“She’s in charge of the scoreboards, of course she’s at your games.” Rapunzel put her hands on her hips, clearly exasperated.

“We go home together everyday.”

“Isn’t that the only bus line that goes out there?” Merida asked.

“We-“ Anna closed her mouth. She wasn’t going to share that everyday Elsa invited her over to her house where they would talk and do homework together and half the time her girlfriend’s parents invited her to stay for dinner. Anna knew that Elsa liked honey in her tea after school, that she had been taking singing lessons for years and had a beautiful voice, that she loved playing video games even though she wasn’t very good at them, and that she laughed at her own jokes. The list of personal details only she knew went on and on and refused to share them with anyone else. Even her best friends.

“How long have you two been going out?” Kristoff asked gently, speaking for the first time.

“Two months,” Anna grinned goofily.

“Have you kissed yet?” He asked.

“…no.” Anna bit her bottom lip nervously. Could her friends be right? Could this all be in her head? No, Elsa loved her; she was certain of it.

“See?” Merida grinned triumphantly.

“We’re taking it slow.”

Three groans and a muttered ‘goddamn it’ were their only response. Before they could ask anything else, the calculus teacher walked into the room.

“Okay, class, take your seats and pull out last night’s homework.”

* * * * *

Anna glanced at the quiet figure next to her. On a typical bus ride home, after after-school activities, they would be laughing and chatting about their classes. But Elsa hadn’t said a word, just silently wrapped her arms around her middle and stared out the window.

“Elsa?”

She kept her head turned away, staring at the snow blanketing the town.

Completely baffled, Anna readjusted her knit cap and fidgeted uncomfortably.

The silence persisted while disembarking from the bus and as they walked home. Snow began falling again. Anna shivered in the cold and missed having Elsa’s arm around her shoulders, pulling her close and keeping her warm. But a distance stayed between them and her gaze on the icy sidewalk.

It didn’t take long to reach Elsa’s house where, silently, her girlfriend turned and walked up the walkway.

“Elsa, what’s wrong?”

Footsteps faltered on her front steps but didn’t stop. Before she could call out again, Elsa stepped through her front door, shutting it quickly behind her.

For the first time since they met, Anna didn’t know what to do.

* * * * *

Having calculus first thing everyday was bad enough, but it was particularly horrible that day. Laying her head on her arms, Anna closed her eyes and tried not to think or she would remember that morning and she was barely keeping hold of her emotions. Elsa didn’t respond to any of her text messages the night before or sit next to her on the bus that morning and she didn’t know what was wrong.

Did she do something to hurt Elsa? Did she forget something important? Did someone find out about them that shouldn’t have? Questions crowded Anna’s brain without an answer in sight. She decided to skip going to the cafeteria; it would hurt to watch Elsa sit with someone else.

* * * * *

Not caring if she got benched for tomorrow’s game, Anna skipped basketball practice. Whatever was bothering her girlfriend was far more important. On the top step of Elsa’s porch she stood, shivering in the cold and snow, determined to wait all night if needed.

The sound of footsteps walking up the path caught Anna’s attention.

Elsa froze when she saw her. Gazes locked for a few precious moments.

“Anna…” whispered so softly that if she hadn’t seen her lips move, she never would have known her name was said at all.

Anna took a step forward and the spell between them broke.

Pulling her keys out of her pocket, Elsa avoided her eyes as she climbed the steps to her front door.

“Go home, Anna,” the keys fell from her shaking hands.

“No.”

“Please…” Elsa closed her eyes and stood in front of her door, keys at her feet.

“What did I do?” Anna choked out, scared at the answer but needing to know.

Elsa’s backpack fell off her shoulder and landed in the snow. Bonelessly, she sagged against the porch railing.

“You didn’t do anything. I just…” Elsa wrapped her arms around her waist and turned to face Anna. “I just need some time,” tears fell silently.

Seeing her girlfriend in tears broke Anna and she crossed the small distance separating them. She held Elsa’s face gently and wiped the falling tears away with her thumbs.

“Please, don’t,” trembling, Elsa pulled away from her, “I… I… I need… some space.” Deep gasping breaths, clearly struggling to keep it together.

Tears fell from Anna’s eyes. “Please don’t break up with me,” she whispered, cold beyond the weather seeping in, chilling her to the bone.

“What?” Elsa’s brows furrowed.

“Give me a second chance,” Anna leapt at the opening and resisted the urge to touch Elsa again. “I-I’ll fix whatever I did.”

Elsa opened and closed her mouth, confusion painted on her face. “What are you talking about? We aren’t together?”

I’ve lost her. The world rocked under her feet. “I-I-I’m sorry. I…” Anna backed away, nearly tripping on her own feet. She needed out of there fast before she completely lost it. Snow began drifting down again, the cold not touching her with the realization she lost Elsa.

“No! Wait!” Elsa rushed around to block her escape down the steps.

“Please,” tears began to fall and she bowed her head. Anna wished to be home alone to cry in earnest. Torturous, happy memories played out in her mind’s eye. “Please, let me leave.”

“No. Anna, did…” Elsa ducked to meet her gaze and visibly swallowed. “Did you think we were together?”

Oh god, my friends were right. Anna’s head spun and she wished to disappear. Tears fell rapidly. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Chilled fingers wiped her tears away and cupped her face. “Anna, please answer me.”

“Yes.” Anna struggled to push the word through a closed throat.

Warmth enveloped her and she found herself in Elsa’s arms. Tears fell on her neck.

“Oh god, when you didn’t say anything I thought…” Elsa sagged against her and sniffed, “I thought you rejected me.”

“Huh?” Anna fought the urge to wrap Elsa in a comforting embrace, no longer trusting her instincts on anything.

“The letter.” Pulling back, Elsa wiped her eyes.

“What letter?” Unsure what was happening, Anna’s tears stopped and mind raced.

“I left a letter in your locker about…” Elsa’s tears stopped and she offered a watery smile. “About how I fell in love with you and asking you on a date.”

“I never got a letter.” As Anna wondered what could have happened to it, a falling snowflake landed on the back of her neck. She shivered violently.

“Anna, you’re cold!” Elsa quickly picked up their bags and her house keys out of the snow. “How long have you been out here?”

“I skipped basketball practice.” Teeth starting to chatter, Anna pulled her coat closed more tightly.

“That was hours ago.” She looked distraught.

“I-I-I n-n-needed-d-d t-to t-t-talk with y-you.” The cold wind bit into her and Elsa pulled her inside.

* * * * *

Anna shivered in front of the roaring fire.

“Come here,” Elsa settled in behind her and wrapped them both in a blanket. “I’ll keep you warm.”

Snuggling into the warmth, she finally stopped shivering.

“Why did you think we were dating?”

The softly spoken question pulled Anna from the light doze she slipped into and she stiffened.

“I don’t know.”

“Hey now, no going anywhere. Talk to me. Please.” Elsa tightened her hold, laying a chin on Anna’s shoulder. “Why did you think we were dating?” she repeated.

Face warming with an intense blush, Anna sighed before answering. “I asked you out and you said yes.”

“What? When was this?”

“The antique marble exhibit downtown.” Now that she thought about it, they had a wonderful time but maybe it hadn’t been a good idea for a first date.

“The marble exhibit?” Elsa sounded startled and Anna kept her eyes on the fire. “But that was two months ago.”

Anna nodded.

Strong hands moved her until she sat across Elsa’s lap. “Didn’t you wonder why we never held hands at school? Or why our friends didn’t know?”

“You’re a private person.”

Elsa rolled her eyes. “Not that private.”

“Didn’t you wonder why…” fingers gently traced her lips and deep blue eyes locked on her, “we never kissed?”

Unable to form a coherent thought, Anna stayed silent, buzzing with anticipation.

Lips she only felt in her dreams, pressed against hers softly.

Oh.

Anna hummed and tilted her head, pushing herself more firmly into Elsa. A slick tongue traced the seam of her lips and she eagerly opened her mouth to deepen the kiss. For long, rapturous minutes they explored each other’s mouths.

Slowly, without breaking their kiss, Elsa guided Anna to the floor and covered her body with her own. Kisses traveled down her neck and Anna tilted her head to the side, giving her girlfriend more room.

“S-s-shouldn’t we…” Anna whimpered, “we be doing our homework.”

“Later,” kissing back up her neck slowly, Elsa pinned Anna’s hands above her head. “I have kisses with my girlfriend to make up for.”

* * * * *

Hours later, a bright red Elsa returned to the living room from the kitchen, where she had gone to ask her parents if Anna could stay for dinner.

“They said it was fine.” She grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around them again.

Anna snuggled back into Elsa. “Are you alright?”

“Yup!”

Turning to see her, Anna raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“Umm… well,” Elsa drooped with a sigh. “I told my parents you’re my girlfriend now and they were confused.”

“Confused?”

“They thought we were already dating.”

Anna laughed.

* * * * *

Stating she did not want Anna to walk home by herself at night, Elsa escorted her the two blocks home holding hands the whole way. The temperature plummeted and snow continued to drift down in lazy fat flakes, but Anna didn’t feel a thing.

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning at the bus stop.” Anna squeezed the hand in hers and took a step back in the direction of the front door. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” Elsa tightened her hold.

“You have to let go,” Anna giggled.

A hard tug and she fell into Elsa’s arms.

“No, I don’t.”

Arms circled her waist and Anna wrapped her arms around Elsa’s neck.

“No, you don’t.” Warm lips and Anna smiled into the kiss, heart soaring with joy.

“Anna! You can kiss your girlfriend tomorrow! It’s cold out here, get in the house!” Her mother’s voice called from the front door. “And Elsa, you be careful walking home!”

Burying her face in Anna’s neck, Elsa groaned pitifully. “I think everyone knew we were dating but me.”

“We weren’t, though.” Head lowered, still incredibly embarrassed, Anna’s fingers played with the hair at Elsa’s neck.

“No,” Elsa kissed her gently, “we were.”

Anna smiled.

“But,” Elsa’s expression turned serious, “I want to redo our first date.”

“ANNA!”

“Coming, Mom!” A quick kiss. “And I’d like that.”

“This weekend, then.”

“Okay.” Anna practically skipped to the front door.

* * * * *

At the bus stop the next morning, Anna shifted from foot to foot in anticipation of seeing Elsa and pulled her scarf tighter around trying to keep the icy breeze out. Arms wrapped around her from behind.

“Good morning.”

“Hmmm,” Anna snuggled back into the hold. “Good morning.”

“Yes, it is.” Elsa placed a kiss on her cheek.

Anna turned to face Elsa. “I like this.”

“Where are your gloves?” Elsa frowned looking down at the bare hands between them.

“Oh, I forgot them in my locker yesterday.”

“Here,” Elsa grabbed her hands and placed them on her warm neck. “Shit! They’re freezing!”

“Sorry!” Anna tried to pull away.

“No no no no no,” a strong grip held her there. “You hate being cold.”

Anna hummed happily as feeling returned to numb fingers.

Elsa grabbed her right hand and slipped a still warm back leather glove on Anna’s hand.

“Wait-“

“You need them more than me.” Elsa slipped the second one on.

“But what about you?” Anna bit her lip.

“Don’t worry.”

Two hands slipped into the back pockets of Anna’s jeans and pulled her close.

“Elsa,” Anna looked at the other people waiting at the bus stop but no one seemed to notice them.

“Does this bother you?” Elsa frowned anxiously.

“No, I just thought…” she trailed off.

“For two months you thought I didn’t like PDA.”

Anna nodded.

“I do with you.” A gentle, chilly kiss, and she sighed happily.

* * * * *

Smiling so wide her face actually started to hurt, Anna sat, the letter found in the very back of her locker and now tucked safely in her backpack to be read later, and waited for the calculus teacher to arrive.

“Anna! Why didn’t you respond to any of our texts?” Merida, hands on hips, stood next to her desk.

“Why do we even need to learn calculus?” Kristoff moaned pitifully and laid his head down on the desk.

“Sorry.” Only now did Anna remember seeing the messages in their group text asking for help with the homework. “I was with Elsa.”

“Ugh!” Merida threw her hands up in exasperation.

“Sweetie,” Rapunzel laid a hand on her shoulder. “Do you still think you’re dating Elsa Andersen?”

By now they had attracted the attention of most of their classmates.

“We are.” Anna sunk down in her seat, withering under the stares.

“No, you aren’t.” Looking even more irritated than before, Merida stomped.

“Feisty Pants, we know you’ve had a crush on her forever but this is going too far.” Kristoff tried to smile encouragingly though he just looked exasperated to Anna.

Buzzing filled the room. Her friends had not been quiet.

“Did you hear that?” Anna heard a girl from behind her whisper. “She really thinks Elsa Andersen would give her the time of day.”

Laugher in response.

“Seriously? Why would she date her?” The deep voice from in front of the class didn’t bother trying to whisper.

“I know right? Elsa Andersen has standards.”

“Awww, I wanted to ask that redhead out.” It was now too loud in the room for Anna to pinpoint who was talking.

“You dodged a bullet there.”

Finally deciding that maybe she should pretend she was joking, Anna lifted her head and saw Elsa stride into the classroom.

Anna smiled at, happy to see a friendly face amidst all this chaos. “What are you-“ a pair of soft lips cut her off.

A bit dazed from the unexpected kiss, Anna missed whatever it was Elsa said. “Uhh… what?”

“I said,” Elsa smiled and leaned back only slightly, their faces still close. “I found your math notebook in my backpack.”

Only now did Anna notice the battered thing on her desk. “Thank you.”

“I won’t be at lunch.” Finger brushed lovingly along her jaw and Anna leaned into the touch.

“I have to go to the library and finish my homework.”

“Oh, right.” Anna blushed remembering the kisses and snuggles in lieu of homework.

Elsa’s smile widened and Anna’s blush deepened.

“I’ll see you at your game tonight.”

This time, it was Anna who leaned in for a kiss.

“Okay.”

Straightening up, Elsa strolled out of the classroom.

It was only after Elsa left that Anna realized it was dead silent. It stayed that way for several long moments before sound exploded.

“Oh my god, I’ll text Jenna and you text Kristy.”

“Holy fuck! They are dating!”

“Wha… bu… huh!?”

“Anna, we are so sorry!” Merida collapsed into a nearby chair in shock.

Kristoff opened and closed his mouth, completely speechless.

“Ummm…” Rapunzel frowned. “Isn’t your basketball game away today?”

“I told you guys,” she smiled at her contrite friends, “she comes to all my games.”

#elsanna #december 2020 contest #prompt: warmth #submission

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guigz1-coldwar · 4 years ago

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'Tribute' : New chapter for "Redemption in a Spirit in a Cold War" is out !

"Tribute"

"I'm just trying to find out who I am in this world and I know that you & my friends are behind me to help....as always !"

Chapter Summary : After learning from Woods of their new lead in Laos, Yirina & Park are on their way to get there but before....something needs to be made.....

To read it on AO3, click here !

Words : +3100

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

Well, I can say that our moment to have longer peace wasn't going to be fullfilled because of Woods's call to Park, they have found an lead for saving Adler and it's in the South-East Asia...in Laos where an man named 'Naga', an warlord has Adler but that was the only things that Woods told to Park, giving to her, of course, the location of an CIA safehouse that we will have to join him and his team, getting us finally back on the race to have Adler back with us....if only we weren't forced to do that...if only....

But, instead of directly pack up our things and go to the airport to have an private plane for us that will bring us to Vientane, we decided to stay for the day in Century House, preferring to take the plane for the next morning. We spent time with Zasha, not wanting to fully let them alone in here and it allowed me to meet the team they were going to work with, making myself some nice people to chat but not talking about myself to be honest. These people were really great to talk with, I know that Zasha will get along very well with them, I can be sure of it !

After that day, we returned back to the same hotel to spend the last night in London, giving me some time to write in my diary as it was an long time since I didn't write on it and in the early morning, it was time for us to get going, taking our own equipments and then, going to the airport to catch an plane to fly away from London to Laos but that wasn't going to be an direct fly to it because of the distance between the british capital and the laotian one and I wasn't catching up where the plane were going to stop as I decide to take another nap in the plane, just wanting to have some calm.....

"Why are we here, exactly ?" This was the voice of Zasha themselves adressing to me as where we were dressed in Perseus uniform in the middle of the jungle, in an sort of little military camp set up by the Perseus collective, seeing the flag of the group in our tent.

"Perseus said that he managed to have an contact with someone." I replied, looking myself through an mirror, checking up my face & hair at the same time...my hair as that time was very different to say. "He wanted to have me here." I added, sighing.

"We're here because he decide that he needed you ?" They demanded, sounding an bit confused, getting up from their chair to get next to me.

"Listen..." I started, removing myself from the mirror to face them. "Honestly, even me didn't want to be here, preferring to stay at the office but he said that my presence was primordial." I continued, looking around me and it was true that I was wondering why I was here. "I'm stupid to have accepted." I then sit up on an chair that was next to the mirror, getting my hands on my face. "I'm very stupid."

"Not at all, Yirina, you're not stupid !" Zasha affirmed as they start to move to stay near me.

"I can say the contrary, I brought you with me because I thought that you were going to get bored without me at the Lubyanka." I stated, my eyes focused back on them before I take an breath. "You can tell it to me : I'm stupid !"

"Yirina, I already told you, you're not like that." They reaffirmed to me as they decide to get away, going next to their bed....looks like we were sharing the same tent in that camp...."It's me that was stupid to have accepted."

"I'm sorry, Zed." I apologized to them because I was the reason they were here and I could see on their face that they weren't pleased to be here. "Don't worry, we will be away in an short time....at least, I hope so." I added, raising my shoulders.

"Yeah, let's hope so." They breathed as they were taking in hands an little bag.

"What's this ?" I demanded, very curious about it.

"Oh, that's something that Portnova did for me before I left with you : some snacks." They replied, getting out of the bag an little cake. "You want one ?" They proposed, handing to me this particular cake.

"No, thanks, maybe on the flight back." I politely refused, shaking my head on the same time.

"You're sure ? I might be having eaten the whole bag before we could step inside an plane." They scoffed, starting to eat some snacks from the bag, looking at them with narrowed eyes.

"If I'm paying you coffee, you're letting me some ?" I proposed, sounding like someone who is corrupting someone else.

"Why not ?" They whispered as they closed the bag to put it back under their bad, still having some snacks in mouth.....

"What are you talking about ?" Another voice suddenly came in the tent, discovering Stitch himself, entering our tent like that, without preventing us at all.

"Stitch !" I exclaimed, going up from my chair to face the man, wearing his usual mask and his hood above his bald head. "Why did you storm in here without saying that you were coming ?" I questioned him, a bit angry of his non-politeness

"Because I have to do this ?" He sniffed through his mask, rolling his only eye around. "It's not because you're considered Perseus little daughter that I have to politely tell you that I'm coming !" He added to his statement, making me clench my fists.

"I'm not his daughter, Stitch, don't ever call me like that again, understand ?" I pressed him and his only reaction was to breath away from me, not even scared about me before looking at something that was on an table.

"Hmmm, fine girl to say !" He said as he was moving to an picture....of Portnova and he literally took it in hand. "Wonder if she's free for some fun !" He laughed.

"Hey, back off !" Zasha stepped in, taking the picture back from Stitch's hands and looking very angry to be real. "You don't talk about my lover like that."

"Oh, because she's your lover ?" Stitch told them, never have flinched from Zasha as they were getting Portnova's picture back in their jackets. "Even if she is, it's not an problem !" He joked, making Zasha really angry but I decided to step between the two, not wanting to have troubles here and to save Zasha from him.

"Listen, Stitch..." I started, pointing at him with my left index finger and with the other hand, keeping Zasha under control. "If you ever put your hands on Zasha or Portnova, I will personally break your arms until you plead me to end you !" I threatened him directly, meeting my deadly glare before she sigh.

"Whatever." He snorted, slowly getting away from me & Zasha. "By the way, I was here to tell you that Perseus is awaiting for you near the helipad, Vang will arrive in a few moments." He finally told us why he was here before he could left the tent.

"What an fucking dick !" Zasha stated, giving their thoughts about Stitch and they were damn right about it. "You should have break your arms like you said."

"I know but it isn't the time for that." I whispered, seeing them calm down before I removed myself from them. "Okay, let's go meet with Perseus." I added before I move away from them to grab my jacket.

Once I did put my jacket on with Zasha awaiting for me near the tent entrance, we could finally go out of the tent, seeing some soldiers walking around and in an instant, we were on our way to join Perseus near the said helipad of the camp as Stitch told us and during the way to get to Perseus, I could see that some soldiers were looking towards us, probably astonished to see me there....because of my said nickname I gained years ago.....

Then, we arrived at the 'helipad' where Perseus, dressed in his usual uniform was awaiting for us alone, his hands in the back and looking at the sky as an american type helicopter started to slowly approach the camp, it was an helicopter dating from the Vietnam war, it seems.

"Yirina, here you are." Perseus sensed that I was arriving behind me with Zasha, peaking his head to look at me & Zasha. "You too, Zasha Smirnov." He added and Zed's eyes went wide as it was sounding like the first time that they were adressed by them with their full names.

"Perseus, who are we meeting, to be honest ?" I asked him as even me were kept in the dark about the concerned person.

"An drug warlord named Kapano Vang." He replied as the helicopter was slowly landing on the helipad, it was surely something belonging to this Vang. "I proposed that man to meet with us to discuss of an lot of things he could do for us in the future." He continued as the helicopter was finally landed, making me & Zasha discover an man with sunglasses, his face hidden by an green hood.

"You must be the mysterious Perseus ?" This man spoke up, getting out of the helicopter and approaching Perseus, me & Zasha staying behind him.

"And you, the famous warlord of the Golden Triangle, Kapano Vang." Perseus told him back, offering his hand for an shake and the two shook hands in front of us.

"It's better that you use my other name...Naga." Naga suggested to Perseus who nodded to him.

"I understand, my friend." Perseus said before he removed himself to let Naga see us for good. "This is Yirina Grigoriev, our 'Winter Soldier" and next to her, is her assistant, Zasha Smirnov." He presented and in me, I wasn't feeling great to be called by that nickname.

"Ah...some worthy allies as I heard...If you were working with the americans, your deaths would have been slow as you are facing some of my ferocious dogs, dismembering you part to part." Naga exclaimed, wanting to put some fears in us, seeing if we were going to flench from him but me & Zasha know well of it....I'm already hating the guy, seriously !

"Very funny, my friend." Perseus scoffed around as he was getting next to Naga, making him look around the camp as me & Zasha, stayed in place, wondering of why we were here before Perseus start to slowly walk away with Naga....

"I think it's the beginning of an beautiful friendship !"

"Yirina." I could feel someone shaking me gently as I was sleeping peacefully in my seat and I was already knowing that it was Park herself that was doing as we were the only one in the plane....if we don't count the pilots...."Yirina !" She said an bit louder, prompting me to open my eyes to see her, standing up in front of me.

"Hi, Park." I whispered with my voice, sounding low as I was awakening slowly from her shaking towards me. "Why did you shake me up ? You could let me sleep an little more."

"I know but there's something." She expressed as I was passing my hands through my face to clean up my eyes that was like dried up from the sleep.

"What ? We're at destination ?" I demanded but she shook her head at me.

"No, it's something else." She replied and then, I looked outside the plane, finding out that it was stopped in an airport, thinking at first that we were really arrived.

"Where are we ?" I asked, curious that our plane was on the ground....maybe it was one of our stops until we got to Vientane.

"Uhm...we're in Tel Aviv !" She told me, making my eyes go wide as I was looking outside.

"Why are we here ?" I exclaimed, an bit surprised to be honest before she took an deep breath from me;

"We...I decide that you wanted to do something important with me." She started, joining her hands together before looking outside at the city that was in the morning to say as we left London at 5 AM. "I think that you would like to visit Lazar's grave." She added, stunning me in my seat.

"You...you want me to see Lazar ?" I breathed, feeling weird in an sudden. "I...I..." I couldn't finish as I was in an loss of words, thinking about Lazar

"After Cuba 3 years ago , his body was....recovered and brought back to his family here." She looked back at me with eyes that was filled with tears, she was moved to be here and I was soon like her too. "I think that you wanted to pay your respects to him, you know ?"

"Yes...I think I wanted to to do that !" I admitted as we were talking about Lazar before I stand up too, biting my lips. "Do you...well, did you know that we could go there ?" I questioned her.

"As Tel Aviv was on our way to Laos, I thought that it would be time for you to do this." She responded, slowly moving her hands towards mine, joining them together. "With our work that was avoiding us to do that, now is the time." She continued, looking at our both hands joined. "So, you're coming ?"

"Yes, I have to." I whispered before taking an deep breath, looking at her with good eyes.

After some few moments, we decided to leave the plane, letting our bags in it as we didn't need them at all. Park did make an call to have for us an car that was awaiting for us in the parking of the airport the plane landed. She told me that our stop was lasting for an least one hour, giving us enough time to visit Lazar's grave as the maintenance crew were filling up the plane with fuel and then, we were off the airport.

But before going to the place Lazar was resting, Park decided to go to an florist to get some flowers and she did go alone in that shop in the middle of the city, letting me alone in the car for an few minutes with people around before she came back with some flowers that she gave to me and then, we were finally going to the cemetery Lazar is....I think that I would have to prepare myself to face that grave....

"You're ready ?" Park asked me before we could step out of the car after we arrived at the place and multiples deep breaths from me, holding the flowers in my hands.

"I am." I replied in an very low voice, nodding at the same time in case she didn't hear me saying it before we could go out of the car, nervous for me. "I was thinking : what are these kinds of flowers ?" I demanded.

"Well, these are orange roses." She responded, looking at the bouquet of flowers I was holding. "These....were Lazar's favorite one."

"Really ?" I breathed as we start walking inside the cemetery, following Park.

"Even if he was an fighter, Lazar liked these flowers in particular, it kinda representing him to be honest." She stated, taking an quick look at me. "Filled with desire...enthusiasm...everything that Lazar was dreaming of."

"I didn't know that he was into that." I said, astonished about Park's knowledge about flowers but also learning that Lazar was into flowers. "You're right about him, he was the best." I exclaimed, sure of my words and she nodded.

"Surely the best, I'm sure that an lot of flowers are representing him." She repeated as we were engaging ourselves in an alley and soon arriving into an dead-end until we arrived in front of his grave...Lazar's grave, it was so strange to seeing it, making some tears to fall from my eyes. I could see his full name : Eleazar Azoulay and his date of birth, October 25 1948...and his date of death...March 13 1981. "Hi, Lazar." Park waved at the grave slowly.

"Hey, Laz'." I did the same thing as her with my free hand in an low voice.

"I...well, Yirina came to see you, we didn't have time but here we are." Park started like if she was talking to Lazar himself through the grave and for me, it was normal. "Lazar, I....I'm sorry, you were an good man." She added, starting to be filled with tears before she looked back at me. "You might want to have an little talk, you know." She proposed as I was also filled with tears like her.

"Yes...maybe." I expressed, getting my free hand on her shoulder, trying to recomfort her as she was looking back at the grave.

"I...I will be just an few meters away..." Park told me before she start to slowly walk away and like she said, stopped herself at a few meters from me, she wanted me to have an moment with Lazar, so I faced his grave slowly, holding the bouquet of flowers.

"Laz..." I began before I decide to sit on the ground, crossing my legs and looking at the grave, with moved eyes. "I wish...I wish things were differents, an lot of things." I exclaimed, sounding sure of my words. "I wanted you to be there with you but...." I then stopped myself, trying to not think of that day. "I'm trying to say to myself that it wasn't my fault but there's always something that's saying that it's mine." I added before I looked at flowers, seeing the orange color of them, astonishing.

"You & Park, you...you were the only one who believed in me for real, you know ?" I affirmed after taking an few seconds to clean up my tears but talking again was making them fall for the second time. "For me, you were my brother and even if we knew each other for an few weeks, you did have an impact on me." I admitted, remembering the talks I had with him : always kind, generous, full of desire and enthusiasm like these flowers. "You were always there for supporting me." I looked at those flowers with great eyes.

"I'm...you know, I'm fullfilling the promise you asked...to take care of Park and to stay with her, I just want to make you know that I'm doing this." I spoke, peaking my head to see Park looking at me, proudly but also moved at the same time. "You were the best man I have met, Lazar, the very best." I added before I finally decided to put the bouquet of flowers in front of his grave. "I love you, brother....." I started as I was slowly getting up from the ground, still looking at the flowers.....

"And I'm missing you so much....rest in peace, Lazar."

#cod bocw #cod cold war #cod black ops cold war #cod cw #call of duty cold war #cod #call of duty #cod bell #black ops cold war #yirina grigoriev #fem!bell #helen park

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speedygal · 4 years ago

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Egyptian archaeologists working on the Nile Delta have uncovered dozens of rare predynastic tombs dating to the period before Egypt’s Pharaonic kingdoms first emerged more than 5,000 years ago.

They also found tombs nearby from the later Hyksos period (1650 to 1500 B.C.), when Western Asian migrants took over the country, putting an end to Egypt's Middle Kingdom.

The findings in the Dakahlia province north of Cairo could shed light on two important transitional periods in ancient Egypt, Egyptologists said.

The tombs include 68 from the Buto period that began around 3300 B.C. and five from the Naqada III period, which was just before the emergence of Egypt's first dynasty around 3100 B.C., according to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

#ancient egypt

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redpillklaudiaspiechowicz · 4 years ago

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Tattoos

“Humans have marked their bodies with tattoos for thousands of years. These permanent designs—sometimes plain, sometimes elaborate, always personal—have served as amulets, status symbols, declarations of love, signs of religious beliefs, adornments and even forms of punishment. Joann Fletcher, research fellow in the department of archaeology at the University of York in Britain, describes the history of tattoos and their cultural significance to people around the world, from the famous " Iceman," a 5,200-year-old frozen mummy, to today’s Maori.“

“In terms of tattoos on actual bodies, the earliest known examples were for a long time Egyptian and were present on several female mummies dated to c. 2000 B.C. But following the more recent discovery of the Iceman from the area of the Italian-Austrian border in 1991 and his tattoo patterns, this date has been pushed back a further thousand years when he was carbon-dated at around 5,200 years old. Following discussions with my colleague Professor Don Brothwell of the University of York, one of the specialists who examined him, the distribution of the tattooed dots and small crosses on his lower spine and right knee and ankle joints correspond to areas of strain-induced degeneration, with the suggestion that they may have been applied to alleviate joint pain and were therefore essentially therapeutic. This would also explain their somewhat 'random' distribution in areas of the body which would not have been that easy to display had they been applied as a form of status marker.”

“Tattooing has been practiced across the globe since at least Neolithic times, as evidenced by mummified preserved skin, ancient art and the archaeological record. Both ancient art and archaeological finds of possible tattoo tools suggest tattooing was practiced by the Upper Paleolithic period in Europe. However, direct evidence for tattooing on mummified human skin extends only to the 4th millennium BC. The oldest discovery of tattooed human skin to date is found on the body of Ötzi the Iceman, dating to between 3370 and 3100 BC. Other tattooed mummies have been recovered from at least 49 archaeological sites, including locations in Greenland, Alaska, Siberia, Mongolia, western China, Egypt, Sudan, the Philippines and the Andes. These include Amunet, Priestess of the Goddess Hathor from ancient Egypt (c. 2134–1991 BC), multiple mummies from Siberia including the Pazyryk culture of Russia and from several cultures throughout Pre-Columbian South America.“

Personally I chose tattoos as the thing that activates your powers because in a lot of sci-fi oriented media tattoos are often accosiated with magic so superpowers wouldn’t be a stratch from that. Also tattoos are and easy and modern thing all my characters could have on their bodies without sticking out too much or it looking out of place in the modern world. A simple tattoo would have them all be connected into a community of sorts, of people that have the knowledge of these superpowers and the ability to use them. I also already though of some ideas for the tattoo and decided I want the design to be really simple because I don’t want to repeat the same thing that happened in Tangled with the song activating the Sun powers in that story but it was never explained how did someone figure out a very specific song for this very specific flower that only existed by chance. Making the design super easy and something someone might actaully have on their body in the world right now would make more sense in my opinion because then you can make the guess these powers were discovered a long time ago simply by chance.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_tattooing

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/tattoos-144038580/

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floatingpetals · 6 years ago

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What Have I Done? || Ch. 10

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warnings: so this gets a little dark. Dark(ish)!Bucky, jealousy, angry sex

Word Count: 3100+

Summary: A bad break up between Bucky and his ex leads to a new friendship with the quiet tech he never had the chance to get to know. Relationships grow, feelings are caught, and boundaries are explored. Bucky thought he found his happy ending, but old memories haunt his future. He knows what he’s doing wrong, dangerous eve, but he can’t help it. Can he fix the wrongs he’s done? -a requested story for @iheartsebastianstan

A/N: It is done. At least this part. I started it forever ago and got stuck. But then I sat down today(5/2) and got it done in half an hour from 250 words to what it is now. Why am I like this? Anyways, this does get pretty... well I wouldn’t give much away but it does get a little dark so maybe a slight trigger warning? I don’t know, it’s nothing bad but underlying it can be. Either way, let me know what you think! Enjjoyy!!!

**THIS IS AN 18+ STORY, SO PLEASE NO MINORS! IF I FIND OUT YOU’RE UNDERAGE AND READING THIS I WILL HAVE TO BLOCK YOU. IF I HAVE TO KEEP BLOCKING MINORS I WILL REMOVE ALL SMUT AND THEN NO ONE GETS TO READ MY SMUT. DON’T RUIN THIS FOR EVERYONE ELSE.

Gif is not mine, credit to the creator.

Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Series Masterlist

It started off with small things. Y/N hadn’t noticed them at first, they weren’t anything bad. Or at least, things she thought was bad. Bucky was always touchy feeling. She knew that. It was his way of cementing the fact she was his. Y/N didn’t mind it, of course, she adored the attention he gave her. It was when he started growing possession that was the issue.

The first time he snipped, it sent her eyebrows to her hairline. Clint apparently got a little too close to her side in the kitchen. It wasn’t like he intentionally bumped hips with her the first time when he went to get a bag of chips from the pantry beside the fridge. Bucky spotted it, his chest tightening at her giggle and little stumble when Clint went back to teasingly hip check her once again. Bucky’s angry snap for Clint to back up made them both jump.

Clint sent him a quizzical look. It wasn’t like he overstepped some boundary, he and Y/N both had a sibling relationship. They did this. Y/N was just as confused. Bucky had seen this before. It wasn’t new. Bucky noticed their bewildered looks. His cheeks turned bright red and he muttered an apology before fleeing from the kitchen. That little outburst didn’t faze Y/N, even Clint forgot all about it a few days later.

However, it wasn’t the last time Bucky all but growled at anyone who stepped too close to her. Ryan, the older IT manager with three kids and two grandbabies that came up to help her with her hard drive malfunctioning. Logan and Jayden, the engineers that would sometimes come up to speak with Y/N and Tony about a job. He even snapped at Jason once again, despite knowing he was batting for the other team. It really was brought to her attention when Bucky lashed out at Steve for helping Y/N with her training.

Over the past few weeks, Y/N had been doing some defensive training with Bucky. She wanted to make sure if the time ever came to it, she could defend herself. Bucky was apprehensive, he didn’t like the idea of her possibly getting hurt. Yet he knew he couldn’t always be there to protect her. It took a little convincing, eventually, Bucky relented. The training had been going fairly well. Even though she wasn’t being taught anything crazy, Bucky made sure she could flip somebody over her shoulder if she needed it.

On that particular day, Bucky had been called into a meeting with Fury about his next mission. Still wanting to train that day, Y/N went off into the gym in search of a partner. There she found Natasha and Steve sparing on the mats and made her way over to them.

“Hey, guys!” She greeted. Steve’s eyes darted over to her, a grin spreading on his lips. Natasha saw the opportunity and knocked his feet out from under him. He hit the mat with a slam, the wind knocked from his lungs. Y/N winced. “Oops, sorry Steve.”

“Don’t be,” Natasha smirked, moving around Steve’s prone body to Y/N’s side. “He shouldn’t have let himself get distracted.”

Steve groaned, rolling over to his stomach before standing. He shook his head and scowled over at Natasha. She just shrugged and patted Y/N on the back.

“I’m gonna call it today. Have fun you two!” She waved over her shoulder, walking to the locker room. Steve sighed and rolled his shoulder. She giggled at the pout on his face. Clearly, her swift takedown stung his pride a little. Shaking it off, he turned to Y/N.

“How come Bucky’s not with you?” he asked. “Normally he’s attached to your hip.”

“He had to go in for a meeting.” She giggled. “Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to help me with my training since he’s not here.”

“Ah, you need someone to show you how to do it right, huh?”

Y/N rolled her eyes, grinning widely at the teasing grin stretched on his face.

“Sure. If that helps you sleep at night Rogers.”

“Not the most convincing thing that’ I’ve heard come out of your mouth, but it’s enough for me.” He gestured for her to stand on the mat across from him. Y/N bit her tongue from replying with a retort and rolled her eyes.

“Hey. I saw that.” Steve pointed at her, the smirk growing wider. Y/N raised a brow and cocked a hip.

“I wasn’t trying to hide it, but go off I guess.”

Steve scoffed and shook his head. Y/N was still the shy introvert he knew before she started dating Bucky, but she was vastly more open with the rest of the team since they started. It made Steve happy to know his best friend had such an amazing woman at his side. A stark contrast than Vivian ever was with him.

“Don’t give me attitude, princess.” He mocked. “Step up and get ready to get your ass handed to you.”

Y/N’s mouth fell open, taken aback at his cocky attitude. He motioned for her to stand in the spot across from him, adding extra flare to his gesture.

“You’re full of it tonight, aren’t you?”

“Just cause I wanna see Bucky’s handy work.” He answered simply. “Now, stop stalling.”

Y/N snorted and did as he asked, squaring up to face him. He started off easy on her, pulling his punches and letting her have the upper hand. Y/N wasn’t frustrated about that, she really wasn’t anywhere near his level. She was frustrated with how he was completely unfazed while she was quickly working up a sweat. He must have picked up on her frustration, not like she was hiding it on her face. Steve let out a breathless laugh and decided to kick it up a notch.

“Come on. You can do better than that.” He taunted, jumping from side to side on the balls of his feet. Y/N narrowed her eyes and bared her teeth at him before she kicked at his side. He caught her leg against the side of his stomach, caging it against his side in an iron grip. He tugged and hauled her forward. Since she was only on one leg, she couldn’t fight back as she stumbled on one leg. Steve grinned widely at her, more than aware she was stuck. “Not bad but might have to teach you a few tricks myself.

“That’s great.” She replied flatly. “Can you give me back my leg now, show off?”

He winked and started to let her leg slip from his grip. His hand just left her thigh when there was a furious shout behind them that started them both.

“ROGERS!”

Both Steve and Y/N’s head snapped in the direction of the booming voice, eyes wide at the sight of Bucky charging across the room. His face was pulled back into a vicious snarl, murder flashing on his eyes. Steve was shocked at the sudden aggression but still stepped forward to meet him halfway.

“Hey, pal, what’s up-?” He was cut off, stumbling backward when Bucky stopped inches from his face. Instantly his hands went up, stunned.

“What the fuck are you doin’ with my girl?!” Bucky snarled, baring his teeth.

“I-we were training!” Steve said, stumbling over his words. He shot a glance over his shoulder to where Y/N still stood unmoving. Her mouth dropped in shock at the display of aggression and possession Bucky suddenly was expressing. He’s never acted like this, especially not towards his best friend.

Bucky didn’t care who it was, it didn’t matter to him. His brain went into overdrive when he saw Steve’s hand caressing Y/N’s leg and how close their bodies were. It made his skin crawl and he saw red. Bucky grabbed the collar of Steve’s shirt and snarled with bared teeth in Steve’s face.

“Don’t you fucking dare touch her again,” Bucky seethed. Steve’s hand shot up in instinct once again, his eyes wide in horror. Y/N finally snapped out of her stupor and rushed forward. She grabbed Bucky’s arm, digging her nails into the flesh of his arm.

“Bucky! Let him go! We weren’t going anything wrong!” She pleaded. Bucky grits his teeth and shoved Steve. He stumbled back, barely catching himself from the powerful force of the shove. Bucky glared at him with his shoulder squared and arms at the side with fists, heavily breathing as the fury still coursed through his veins. Y/N struggled to stop shaking, the anger rolling off him in waves almost oppressive. Nervously glancing Steve’s way, she nodded her head once, hoping he understood. Steve’s face twisted in a scowl but stepped back to give Bucky more room.

“Bucky. All we were doing was sparing. Nothing else.” He tried to reassure Bucky, keeping his tone low and calming. Bucky’s lip twitched in a snarl, his eyes hardening at Steve’s words. Y/N gently tugged at Bucky’s hand, desperate to pull him away and take him somewhere else. He fought on briefly, decided to stare Steve down a moment longer before turning at heel and drug Y/N out of the gym by the hand. Y/N sent Steve an apologetic look over her shoulder.

Steve was left rooted in place, stunned and confused at the possessive behavior he just saw from his friend. Worry started to seep in. This wasn’t like Bucky, but he knew that look in Bucky’s eyes. He’d seen it before, years ago. Steve would need to keep a closer eye on Bucky, as well as warning the others of the latest development. This would only get worse.

~.~.~.~

“Bucky, wait!” Y/N gasped, her eyes shut tightly as Bucky sucked a dark mark on the side of her neck. She tried to center herself someway, raking her nails down the back of his t-shirt. Bucky snarled and grabbed her hands, pinning them above her head. He pulled back, glaring down at Y/N. She felt her heart skip a beat at the anger swirling in his beautiful blues, shock causing her to freeze.

“Not a fucking word.” He hissed low before dipping back down to her neck. Y/N’s mouth fell open, her voice catching in her throat when he bit down, hard, on the junction of her neck and shoulder. Her back arched against the bed, pressing herself up further against Bucky. He kept on his assault to her neck, ensuring her skin was littered with his bites, marking her neck as his. It was a fleeting thought, Y/N knew she didn’t have enough concealer in the world to cover up the marks.

He didn’t stop until he was satisfied, and even then, he was still spurred on my a deeply rooted possession. He let her arms go, but not before snarling at her to keep her arms in place. He eyed the tank top she wore, the memory of her wearing it when she was with Steve flashed across his eyes. Bucky grit his teeth and grabbed the hem of the fabric, tearing it like paper. Y/N gasped.

“Bucky!” She shouted indignantly. Bucky ignored and grasped her sports bar with his metal hand, that too suffering the same fate. “Hey! I get that you’re pissed but don’t go destroying my-.”

Bucky’s hand shot up and wrapped around her throat, his eyes flashing dangerously as if daring her to argue further. His hold wasn’t tight, but it was just sudden enough to surprise Y/N. Her breath caught in her lungs and her eyes grew wide when she looked up at the eyes of the man above her. He didn’t look like the Bucky she knew. There was something wild and disturbing in his gaze. He looked like a man on a mission, a man that was going to follow through with it no matter what the cost.

“I said, not a fucking word.” He snarled once again. Y/N nodded the best she could, her body began to tremble under his heavy frame. It seemed enough to placate Bucky if the low rumble that shook her body meant anything. He gave her throat a minute squeeze before letting her go. A steady reminder of who was in charge. She held still, watching as he lowered his head towards her breast. His nipped and sucked at her flesh, dragging his teeth against her nipple before he sucked it between his teeth.

Whatever fear she felt before fluttered out of her thoughts as he sucked and toyed with her breasts, her eyes rolling back in her head when his metal fingers tugged at her neglected nipple. She thrust her chest into his mouth, her fingers curling into the sheet above her head. She didn’t want to upset him further, she didn’t want him to stop, but she didn’t think she could stop her noises of pleasure slipping from her lips. Bucky smirked against her skin when she let out a low whine in the back of her throat. Just as he did with her neck, Bucky littered her chest with marks, some would take weeks to heal while others he made a note to replace over the next few days.

He dipped a hand into her leggings, groaning low in his throat at how slick she felt. He grunted and tugged off her leggings, underwear and all. He took in a deep breath, his mouth watering at the sight of her dripping between her thighs.

“Fuck, doll. Look at how pretty you are.” Bucky purred. He slid down the bed between her legs and threw one of her legs over his shoulder. She mewled softly, rolling her hips up in response to his warm breath against her eat. He chuckled and drug a finger between her folds, grinning wickedly when he caught her clit between his forefinger and thumb. She whined, rolling her head back and forth. “Got you all worked up, huh? I should just tease to the edge and leave you like that. Serves you right.”

Y/N gulped, shaking her head in response. She wanted to argue, to say she hadn’t done anything wrong, but Bucky hadn’t told her to speak yet. Bucky raised a brow, the grinning growing into a smirk.

“No? You really think you’ve earned the right to come?” He taunted. “I don’t think you do. Not after what you and Steve did.”

She whined again, this time hoping it was enough for Bucky to understand she wanted to speak. Bucky sighed and turned to bite gently on the inside of her leg, holding fast for a moment before he let go with a heavy groan.

“Go ahead.” He said irritated.

“Bucky, we weren’t doing anything but sparing!” The words flew from her mouth, both desperate for Bucky to understand and desperate to get this over with so she could finally come. “I swear! He just wanted to see what we’ve done training wise. That’s it. We’d never- I’d never do anything to hurt you!”

Bucky stared blankly over her hip, his finger mindlessly running up and down her folds as he mulled things over. Y/N twitched and whine with each pass over her clit, but otherwise bit her tongue. Whether he was doing this intentionally or not, Bucky had set a slow pace. It wasn’t enough to send her over the edge, but just enough to keep her there. It was torture.

Eventually, Bucky seemed to come to a conclusion. His eyes harden and he turned to stare up at Y/N.

“I don’t like people touching what’s mine.” He stated seriously. Y/N’s breath hitched in her throat. Moving with grace and purpose, Bucky climbed back up to come nose to nose with Y/N, his arm’s framing the side of her face to hold himself over her. His metal hand gently took hold of her chin, making sure she couldn’t turn away. “You’re mine. And don’t you ever forget it.”

Y/N’s back stiffened at the finality in his tone. He didn’t seem to notice her shift; he was too busy leaning forward to crash his lips against hers with a bruising force. He let go of her chin to slide between them, wrapping around his cock to lead to her hole. He moaned low in the kiss when his head slipped in. He pulled his lips away and buried his face into her neck just as he snapped his hips forward, filling her in one swift movement.

Y/N let out a startled moan, suddenly so full she felt like she was choking on air. Her hand flew to his back, gripping his shoulders for dear life. He grunted as she gripped him like a vice, an addicting and comforting hold that made his eyes roll back in his head.

“Fuck, doll.” He groaned. He paused only for a moment to hook her knees over the crook of his elbows before a flip switched inside him now that he was snuggling inside her, surrounded by her warmth. His hips worked on their own accord and began a rapid brutal pace, uncaring of anything but bringing himself and her to their release.

Y/N threw her head back, moaning out as he is cock slid along the spot inside her that turned her boneless. She could hardly keep up, her hips trying to meet with his but it was in vain. Bucky sucked and nipped at her neck once again, his lips muttering something hotly against her skin. She struggled to catch her wits long enough for her brain to register what it was he was chanting under his breath.

“Mine, mine, mine.”

His hand snaked between their bodies. He could feel his end coming close and he wasn’t going to let go until he felt her come undone underneath him. He wanted to watch her face twist in pleasure, a sight only he would ever be allowed to see. He rubbed two fingers rough against her clit, grinning widely at the squeal from Y/N’s mouth.

“Come for me Y/N. Come for me, now.” He ordered harshly. Y/N didn’t need to be told twice. She felt the coil snap inside her, her back arching on the bed and her vision turning white.

Bucky echoed her shout with a loud groan of pleasure as he empties inside her, coating her walls. Marking her, as his. Their harsh pants were the only sound in the room, both Bucky’s and Y/N’s chest heaving. He didn’t pull out, not yet. Instead, he rolled them over to their sides and held her close as his eyes slid shut in content.

Y/N sucked in air, her eyes closing tight as she settled against Bucky’s chest. The events from earlier were slowly coming back to her. She hadn’t had the time earlier to process everything before Bucky threw her on the bed and practically ravished her. However, now she had time to think it over and she was slightly terrified. Bucky didn’t act like the Bucky she knew. He acted like someone else, someone more terrifying.

She shifted, her heart rate picking up for a completely different reason now. Bucky grunted when she moved against, a tiny scowl passing on his face. He tightened his grip around Y/N, blissfully unaware of her tensing in his hold. Blindly leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her temple and whispered possessively against her crown.

“Mine.”

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes fic #bucky barnes #bucky x reader #reader insert #marvel fanfiction #marvel imagine #marvel fic #marvel #fanfic #winter soldier #winter soldier x reader #winter soldier imagine #winter soldier fanfiction #what have i done chapter 10

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blogunitedguidestravel · 4 years ago

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Egypt Packages

Egypt package

Explore the most famous archaeological sites in the world and discover the enchanting history of Egypt via our Egypt packages, visit Giza Pyramids, The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Or explore Luxor and Travel to Hurghada, Enjoy the stunning beaches of Sharm El-Sheikh, Or Try fascinating Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan, variety of Egypt Tours available on request and you need to try.

Feast your Eyes with The Beauty of Aswan City And villages via Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel

Scout the Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, Philae Temple. Go to Abu Simbel Tour From Luxor to visit Abu Simbel Temples And More with Aswan & Abu Simbel tour from Luxor.

Explore Egypt Christmas Tours 2020-2021, visit Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple in East Bank Luxor, the west bank Luxor. Scout Valley of the kings with its many tombs of ancient and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon.

Go on a fancy tour to Alexandria , is the second-largest city in Egypt and a major economic center visit Historical Destination such as Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Qaitbay Citadel, and library of Alexandria, and more via 5 Days Cairo to Alexandria Package.

Enjoy a lot of water activities such as snorkeling and swimming over one of the most beautiful sights of untouched corals with Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh Holiday, explore the underwater life with its exotic colorful types of rare fish and the marvelous coral reefs that you will never find anywhere else except in Sharm El Sheikh. You will spend amazing vacation in Sharm and try a lot of Water sports, swimming, snorkeling, diving, bask under the gleaming Sun. Moreover we also offer wide range of amazing Sharm El Sheikh Excursions where you can choose from amazing snorkeling trips and safari tours to explore the vast desert of Sharm and get to know more about the exciting life of Bedouin People.

Explore the underwater life with its exotic colorful types of rare fish and the marvelous coral reefs that you will never find anywhere else except in redsea . You will spend amazing 6 Days Cairo to Hurghada Package in hurghada and try a lot of Water sports, swimming, snorkeling, diving, bask under the gleaming Sun.

Start your New Year Vacation and visiting Memphis which is considered the king’s primary residence and it was the ancient capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom. The city was founded in the 1st Dynasty (3100 B.C) by King Narmar. Its ruins are located near the town of Mit Rahina, 20 km south of Giza. Take the steps that lead to scout around the first pyramid ever constructed in Egypt, Sakkara Step Pyramid which dates back to 2700 B.C. You will also visit mortuary complex that was constructed during the King Djoser in the third century and explore the archaeological site of Sakkara.

Discover the greatest achievements of the Ancient Egyptians while visiting the great Pyramids of Giza which were built from roughly 2550 to 2490 B.C and considered the last of the Ancient Seven wonders of the Ancient world. You will also visit Sphinx, Valley Temple and more with Cairo Tours Packages.

One of our Egypt travel packages

Egypt Christmas Tours 2020-2021

Overview

Realize your voyage Dream via Egypt Christmas Tours 2020-2021, Keep An Eye out for Egypt Christmas holidays, feel the Tingle of Excitement as you Discover the Beautiful Cairo, Visit Pyramids Of Giza and sphinx, watch the masterpieces of Tutankhamun In The Egyptian Museum, Go for a leisurely stroll in khan El Khali Streets, then Enjoy the scenery on board Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan, Relive an era of Luxor History, watch the beauty of Aswan, See the best of Egypt at your own pace, with your own guide on a flexible, and customized Christmas Tours in Egypt.

Day 1

Day 1 Christmas Egypt Tours package

United Guides Travel Delegate will pick you up from Cairo airport, it's your time to start Egypt Christmas tour 2020-2021, then you will be transferred to your Hotel in Cairo, relax and over Night in Cairo. you can enjoy dinner cruise within Oriental Egyptian and belly dancer (optional).

Day 2 Memphis,Saqqara and pyramids of giza

Enjoy your Breakfast in Hotel in Cairo, its time to unlock the secrets of ancient Egyptian history you will be met with our tour guide, You will be pleased by visiting Memphis city was the ancient capital of Inebu-hed then proceed to Sakkara pyramid which is considered the oldest step pyramids in the world, it was built by the architect Imhotep, contains six layers that are gradually decreasing in size. Then visit Pyramids of Giza, The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three ancient monuments in the Giza Plateau believed to have been constructed for the Pharaoh Khufu, The middle pyramid is the Pyramid of Khafre which was built for Khafre (Khufu’s son). The third and the smallest pyramid is the Pyramid of Menkaure (Menkaure was Khafre’s son), watch the striking view of the Sphinx a body of a lion and ahead of a human. you will proceed to have the lunch meal at a local restaurant return to Cairo hotel You can watch sound and light show at Giza pyramids and enjoy the opportunity at lighted pyramids and sphinx while wondering about people and projects from four millennia ago.

Day 3 catch your flight to Aswan

Once you wake up, Relish your breakfast, will transfer you to Cairo airport to catch your flight to Aswan. arrive Aswan Airport, transfer to your Nile Cruise to check-in. you will scout the great High Dam, which was considered to be an engineering miracle when it was built in the 1960s.proceeed to Philae Temple. It is famous for showcasing the "Myth of Osiris." The last spot will be Unfinished Obelisk is located in A ancient quarry in Aswan, it reached the height of 42 m and weighed 1200 tons. At the end of your tour, back to your Nile Cruise, Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 4 komombo Temple and Edfu

Enjoy your tasty breakfast on board, your cruise will sail towards Kom Ombo. then walk to explore Kom Ombo Temple. Then, sail again for a few hours enjoying fabulous scenic of the Nile and its Valley on the way to Edfu and scout Horus Temple upon arrival. It is one of the last temples built during the Ptolemaic era between 237 BC & 57 B.C. to be the official worship house of the sky god Horus and the best-preserved among ancient temples in Egypt. You will continue sailing until you reach the city of Luxor early this evening. you can enjoy amenities onboard such as the Galabyia party and overnight.

Day 5 Nile Cruise Tour, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple,

Early morning, Enjoy your tasty breakfast on board, scout Valley of the Kings, which contains impressively decorated tombs of New Kingdom Kings. Then, Continue to Hatshepsut temple once built by the female pharaoh who had to pretend she was a man. The last spot will be Colossi of Memnon, representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III from the 18th Dynasty. Enjoy your lunch on board. This afternoon. This evening, you will watch a Belly Dance & Dervish Show (in the Bar) Overnight in Luxor.

Day 6 Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, catch your flight to Cairo.

Check out after Cruise Breakfast, you will watch the glory of the enormous Pillars hall in the most significant temples in the world, Karnak & Luxor Temples, at the end of your tour transfer to Luxor Airport catch your flight to Cairo, arrive Cairo our representative who will transfer you to Cairo hotel, overnight in Cairo.

Day 7 Egyptian Museum,old Cairo and khan el khalili

Relish your breakfast in Cairo Hotel, Scout Egyptian museum which contains the world's most extensive collection of pharaonic antiquities, it houses over 250,000 genuine artifacts. exhibits cover a wide range as architectural elements, sphinxes, statues and statuess, domestic and funerary furniture and more, Then Next stop will be the Hanging Church, the hanging church (el muallaqa,sitt mariam , st mary)derives its name from its location on top of the southern tower gate of the old Babylon fortress. then Ben Ezra Synagogue and khan el khalili Bazaar where you can go shopping, buy souvenirs and enjoy walking through the oldest street in the world. Have lunch in a local restaurant, return to your hotel in cairo.

Day 8 End of Egypt Christmas tours 2020-2021

Have your final breakfast on us, and start bidding farewells to your travel mates. You will be transferred to Cairo international airport for departure, catch your flight to your home.

Included/Excluded

· Pick up Service From Your Hotel & Back

· 04 Nights accommodation in Cairo Luxury hotel on Bed & Breakfast

· 03 Nights accommodation at 05 stars Nile Cruise with full board including breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

· Domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan - Luxor to Cairo

· Transfer By air Conditioned Vehicles To Airport

· Qualified Egyptologist Guide.

· Main Entrance Fees for the Sites.

· Bottled water.

· All Taxes & Services.

· International Airfare.

· Egypt entry visa

· Gratuities

· Shopping

Email:[email protected]

#egypt travel #egypt packages #egypt travel packages #egypt

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regretsofaghost · 5 years ago

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Devotion Unspoken

Word Count- 3100

Idea stolen lovingly from @dickwheelie‘s post found here

https://dickwheelie.tumblr.com/post/186425585270

AO3 link-https://archiveofourown.org/works/20417147

It was a sunny day when Aziraphale decided it was time to finally do a tidy up of his shop, though not so much as to attract customers. He flipped the sign to closed and got to work, going to the depths of his shop and moving aside boxes of books he had yet to unpack. Looking through some of the old boxes that were filled to the brim, Aziraphale found quite an odd box that was hidden away.

The small box was made from a light wood and was covered with carefully written script with overlays of so many different types of flowers and other plants that it would take hours to figure out all the different species. The script itself was delicate but hardly looked like words at times. Aziraphale could see an angel here and a love there. Once opened, untying a lovely red ribbon that was surely made of silk and looked to have barely aged a day since originally wrapped around the box, in laid many different types of paper, covered from top to bottom with the same careful script as the box. From napkins to scraps to full lengths of paper, all of them looked to be equally old, and yet all of them had survived years of neglect. Aziraphale had no clue as to where these letters had originated from, for there were many who had entered his shop over the last few hundred years and if they didn’t look to be trying to buy a book, Aziraphale tended to leave them to their own devices.

One piece of paper fluttered to the ground, or well it was really a napkin, and Aziraphale quickly picked it up before it could blow away, despite there being no wind in his shop. He unwrapped the small square and found more of the same script, and finally read it.

June 7th, 1821

There’ve been many times I looked at you and was dazzled by your words, so softly spoken and delicate I wonder how you let me hear them. I’ve looked at you for so long with such longing I wonder if you just ignore it or if you’ve gotten your head stuck in your book for so long you forget I’m there. I wonder if it’s just God’s way of saying look at what you cannot have, for you surely cannot feel the same. It’s alright though, for if you allow me to continue to gaze at your lovely blue eyes, I can forgive most anything.

Carefully placing the letter back in the box, Aziraphale was surprised by the fluttering feeling in his own chest. In many ways, he could understand it. Being allowed to gaze upon something so wonderful that sometimes you wonder if you truly deserve it. He tried not to think of a certain demon at this point, placing the lid back on the box and carrying it to his desk. Excavating this wonderous box required a more concentrated gaze, and well, he couldn’t much do that on the floor could he.

Once placed on the desk, Aziraphale began to look at the box more closely, making sure not to smudge the careful drawings that appeared to have been done in pencil in contrast to the inked words. How many hours were spent on the box alone was a mystery, it looked like a courting gift? He slipped on his spectacles, enhancing his vision like a magnifying glass while they surely weren’t supposed to. He tried to identify the flora on the box, seeing acacia blossoms, camellia, azalea, daisies, daffodils, carnations, and so many more. Aziraphale was in awe really, the careful shading and sketching, the way each flower looked so realistic that if they had colour, they would look ready to fall right off the box. He couldn’t help but wonder why they weren’t coloured in, a though crossing his mind that it was a gift unfinished, perhaps the writer and artist passed before they could give it to their beloved. The thought saddened him, but there was little that could be done now, the letters were from two centuries ago.

Aziraphale removed the lid of the box and pulled free another letter, careful to not damage the fragile paper, a scrap that looked like it was taken from the back of a ripped book.

June 20th, 1820

The way you look at me causes my heart to ache so furiously that I am sure I am in the most blissful state of hell imaginable. You insist you are the good one, yet you allow such suffering unto me. Perhaps you rationalize it with the idea I am but a dastardly devil. I am a demon, but I find it is alright as long as you continue to come back despite it. It hurts to look and know you cannot return my feelings, from either your own stubborn pride or faith in heaven. You are the holder of my heart and I ache for you to allow me the privilege of returning.

-he pulled a cue card out next, enraptured-

August 27th, 1860

I wonder sometimes if you know how to affect me. If you were to know that with a smile and a simple please, it would get me to move heaven and hell for you. I love you more than anything in the world, and that is terrifying. The last time I loved something so much I was thrown out, cast away like what I thought and felt was blasphemy. It seems that’s all anyone feels these days, to love another man is punishable in Her eyes, as if She ever cared enough to have judgement on it. She no longer cares for me, but you would never believe that. You seem to believe I have at least a little good in me, and maybe I like that.

-next a piece of paper that was close to tearing, but a quick miracle saved it-

December 25th, 1845.

There are times when I look at you and hate you for the way you make me feel, how oblivious you seem to be with your reprimands and scoffs, sometimes I wonder if you truly hate me. Then you turn around and offer me a slice of cake, read me a passage in your book, give me such a soft look that I fall for you all over again. I know you don’t recognize what I feel, I know you refuse to recognize the love I feel for you as that. I wonder if you’ll ever notice that all the good I do is because of you. I wonder if you know you helped pull me back from the ashes of my fall, brushing off all the soot of regret and the dust of hate.

I love you more than I would like to admit, I love you far more than I feel you could ever love me, if you were ever to recuperate this love. I know you’ve had other lovers, the blush against your cheeks when you meet up with me after a rendezvous, the sly smiles at young men we walk by when we meet, the far too familiar greetings to others. I don’t mind. I can’t. It’s your life, you do as you please. It still hurts though, to be denied for so long due to our respective sides. There’s nothing wrong with such relations, we both know this, but with relations between us? I have fallen far below you and we both know if our relationship at this stage is ever found out it would be the end times for us both.

I wish for nothing more than the day we can meet, and I can pull you close in my arms, and kiss you with all the passion I have had to hold in. I’ve made many stars in my time, but you shine brighter than them all, my angel.

Aziraphale blinked a few times at the end of the letter, feeling only slightly overwhelmed. They were all surprisingly sweet, and quite sad. From the dates on the letters, they seemed to have been written over a lifetime, a lifetime of constant longing for someone he could never have. The letters were obviously never to be sent, none containing any self identifiers or envelopes with addresses and they were written on many things that wouldn’t be used for a formal letter, though maybe that was on purpose. They read like they would be prosecuted if the two’s relations were ever found out, presumably due to them both being men. They read like someone who was desperate for change but expected refusal. He picked up the next one.

April 16th, 1861.

Your hands look so soft despite how much you do with them. How much care you put into your craft never callousing your delicate fingertips. The tight curl your hair stays in despite fashion, along with your phrases. I can’t help but wonder what you’d do when it goes out of fashion, though knowing you as I do you probably wouldn’t care and continue. If I didn’t know you as well as I do, I would think you never worked a day in your life. The things I’ve seen you do with such little care for what they’d do to you, always needing me to run after you to ensure your safety. I wonder if you do it on purpose, just to stay close to me at times. We’ve went years without seeing each other, yet I continue to write to you. I wonder if you think about me as much as I think about you. If your mind wanders like mine does. I doubt the day will come that we can be frank with each other, but I still have some hope despite it all.

Looking through the box there were many along the same vein, lamenting about how little his subject seemed to pay attention, how he saw good in the writer despite the writer’s protests. It was bittersweet in a sense, both refusing to believe the other in any case.

November 16th, 1849

You held me last night, it was the oddest thing. The closest we’ve come before this was mere hand holding, which we quickly explained away before any implications could come about. Yet you held me close, such a loving embrace I don’t think I’ve ever felt before. Even Before, I don’t think anyone held me like that. With such love. It was due to me panicking of course, a bout which happens often after a visit. I’m not exactly what they want me to be as you know, they want bigger things, more targeted. They don’t understand people as well as you and I. The atrocities they can commit, the beauty in which they can create. I don’t think any could make something as beautiful as you though. You whispered in my ear like a lover, which I know we cannot be. It’s easier to think of excuses for our actions rather than reasons for them, it’s safer. There’s a deniability with excuses, and if you look too closely at our reasons you could see what those actions meant. You’d laugh if you heard me say that, sometimes I wonder if you think lowly of me. I try my best I hope you know, I try to keep us both safe.

You held me last night though, and I felt warm. I haven’t felt warm in so long. Not since I fell. You told me that it was to keep me out of trouble, but we both know better. I think that was the first time I’ve thought you could feel the same.

The bell of the bookshop went off, and Aziraphale jumped. He was engrossed in this love story over the ages, though by the dates it didn’t seem that this letter’s content went anywhere sadly. The footsteps were more concerning for now though, as Aziraphale did try his best to ensure no book sales happened, so he got up to investigate it. Thankfully, it was only a patron who came by occasionally to drop off books of interest, though they hardly brought anything Aziraphale wanted. Their interactions were normally pleasant enough at the very least, but today the angel’s mind was elsewhere. It was on those letters, those love letters that didn’t seem to ever be sent.

The writing wasn’t the best, it rambled and repeated itself, yet it was heartfelt. Aziraphale could feel the love on the worn pages, the crinkled edges carrying small doodles of flowers that were more than likely drawn while the writer was trying to think of how to word his next sentence. The drawings improved over time and looking back at the box he could see some of the more faded flowers were good but could be improved. A lifetime of love in a box, and Aziraphale kept wondering if the other man ever confessed. If either of the men ever confessed, for the angel was sure that the other man felt the same. He refused to believe the subject didn’t love the writer.

The angel grabbed the next letter.

September 20th, 1835

I dreamt of you last night. It was the most pleasant dream I’ve ever had. We held hands and walked together, we were allowed to kiss and hug and do all the mushy human things we are normally deprived of. You held me like I was important, and I don’t know if I ever felt like that. You know how Mother was, She insisted She loved us all equally, but it was clear She had Her favourites. I wonder sometimes if She sent me to work in a faraway place so She could forget She made me. I don’t even know if She liked the Garden I made for Her.

I dreamt of you last night and I forgot about all of this. All the pain and suffering we’ve been through in our long lives, it was like what others call heaven, though I don’t know anymore. You laughed at me when I told you this and kissed me again, insisting that I don’t think too hard about it. Heaven may not welcome me, but I still hope I don’t corrupt you so much it won’t welcome you.

Aziraphale sighed softly, running a finger along the careful lettering. He picked up the next letter, and then the next, then the next. He barely read the dates, all out of order yet it didn’t seem to matter. The letters came one or twice a year, all of them unsigned and covered with doodles. Some had sketches that were a lot worse than the flowers, others held such detailed scenery that Aziraphale would be looking more at the pictures than the words describing the writer’s love, his chivalry, the words that are thrown around that hurt the writer but never for long. It hurt the angel’s heart to know that the writer merely brushed these instances aside, but maybe he mentioned it and they didn’t happen again. He hoped at least.

He let his hand go to the box, looking forward to more, when he realized it was the last one. Aziraphale held it up, this one written on proper paper rather than a napkin or wax paper or book page, and was similarly covered in drawings that were so lovingly drawn that they still overwhelmed the angel’s senses. Aziraphale wondered how he couldn’t feel the loved box before today.

September 30th, 1862

My love I find myself yearning for you more and more each passing year, it’s quite inconvenient. I wish to tell you everyday but the threats in our lives seem to be coming around more and more often. I wish to tell you everything, but I still fear you will never see me as anything more than our first meeting. A demon meant to come tempt you away. Sometimes it seems like you can’t accept who I am but remain my friend for what I could become. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.

I am to meet you soon, we haven’t seen each other in a few months and call me sentimental but I already miss you. Can you imagine how long we used to go without seeing each other? That seems unthinkable now.

I hope you forgive me one day for what I must ask of you. I ask so little in return for what I do, and I never expect it to be returned. Sometimes it’s easier to remain hiding than it is to risk jumping over the edge in hopes someone will catch you my angel, but I am tired of hiding. I love you so much and I hope you’ll understand that I’ll never leave you as long as I can help it. I will love you till the world’s light goes out, along with all the stars in the sky. Please just trust me.

Aziraphale let the letter fall from his fingertips, letting out a slow breath. It was the last of the letters, and the angel didn’t know what to think of it. An ambiguous end, for it was unclear if the writer told the other man his feelings, his devotion, if the writer wrote another letter and sent that one to his beloved. If he died before he could finish his lifetime of love letters. It was clear that he was planning to ask the other man for something, perhaps his love in return?

The angel carefully placed each letter back into the box, retying the ribbon and placing it on a bookshelf, somewhere people could easily see it when walking in. Although the writer’s story was left unfinished, perhaps others who enjoyed browsing would take his words to lead their own actions. The date on the last letter nagged at Aziraphale though, he was sure it was important for some reason.

Going back to cleaning after hours of just reading, though that wasn’t unexpected with this principality, his thoughts were lost as he dusted just enough to not damage the books but leaving enough to deter customers. He brought out his storage and began displaying the newer books he acquired, his eyes wandering back to the box more and more often. When he remembered, he dropped a first edition of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

The letter’s date was one day before Crowley laid to rest for nearly a century, the day he had asked for the holy water that saved them both. Oh good lord.

#good omens #aziraphale #crowley #my fics

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popliar · 6 years ago

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jin ships fic links

disclaimer - this is all a bit random, I bookmark so many things and sometimes I don’t remember what I actually thought about them… But they are all readable and worth a click imo.

for @timesuck2000