#they need some sunlight and healthy food

[seeminglyseph]

Look, if anyone wants to pull a snit about realism and the historical significance of Lord of the Rings having to technically be a mythology for the English Area before we all warred our history out of each other, I’m bringing up that it would put us in a world where

“Po-ta-toes! Boil ‘em, mash ‘em, put ‘em in a stew!”

Cannot exist. I’m tired of making thoughtful answers to stuff questions. I require potatoes.

[deliciousangelfestival]

Another Ending - 1 | Bucky Barnes

Character: ex!Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader

Summary: It was supposed to be a short week watching over your niece, who loves romance books. She thought you were just a normal aunt, but it turns out you have secrets.

Tags: Spies, action, threat, offense, fight scene, violence, romance.

Chapter 1 , Chapter 2 , Chapter 3 , Chapter 4 , Chapter 5 , Chapter 6 , -

Main Masterlist || If you enjoy my work, please consider buying me a coffee on Ko-fi 🙏🏻

Thank you to everyone who has read this chapter. Leave a comment and Reblog, please. I'd love to hear your thoughts. ❤️

The weight of the assassin's body presses down on you, pinning you to the ground as his sword hovers dangerously close to your throat. Every muscle in your arms strains as you hold your gun up, barely keeping the blade away from your neck.

The cold metal of the sword gleams under the dim light, a stark reminder of how close you are to death. His eyes, hidden behind the mask, are unreadable, but you can feel the murderous intent radiating from him.

Sweat drips down your forehead, mixing with the dirt and blood on your face as you grit your teeth. With every ounce of strength, you manage to growl, "You're dead to me."

For a split second, you see it—hesitation. The assassin’s grip falters, his focus wavering. That’s all you need. With a desperate shove, you push him off, the sword sliding away from your neck as you scramble to your feet. Your heart pounds in your chest as adrenaline takes over, and you start running, not daring to look back.

The echoes of your past, the regrets, and the pain are left behind as you sprint away. You know that you’ve bought yourself only a few precious seconds, but at this moment, it’s enough. You leave the assassin behind, along with everything that once bound you.

🥀🥀🥀🥀

The lodge is warm and inviting, nestled comfortably by the edge of a tranquil lake. Large windows allow sunlight to pour in, casting a golden glow across the rustic wooden floors. The living room is cozy, with a soft, earth-toned sofa positioned near a stone fireplace. You push the sofa slightly, adjusting its angle to better face the window, where the view of the lake creates a peaceful backdrop.

As you finish, the sound of the doorbell rings through the house. You straighten up, smoothing a hand over your clothes before heading to the door. When you open it, a smile crosses your face.

Standing there is Lori Grant, your niece. She’s dressed in a green shirt and black pants, her short hair with bangs framing her face beneath thick glasses. A pink backpack is slung over one shoulder, and she’s dragging a suitcase that looks far too big for her small frame.

“Hello, Aunty,” Lori greets you, her voice bright with excitement.

“Where’s your mom?” you ask, glancing past her.

“She just left,” Lori replies, stepping inside and immediately struggling with the weight of her suitcase. She lets out a frustrated “Ugh” as it catches on the doorstep.

You can’t help but chuckle softly. “Let me help you with that.” Gripping the handle, you lift the suitcase easily, though you wonder why a 13-year-old needs so much luggage.

As you bring the suitcase inside, you ask, “Are you hungry? I bought some tofu for you.” Your older sister’s voice echoes in your mind, reminding you of the strict health-conscious diet she keeps Lori on. She’s made a name for herself online with her healthy recipes, and now she’s on a book tour promoting her new cookbook.

Lori looks up at you, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and hope. “Aunty, I’m so excited to be here. I can finally get away from the food my mom makes.”

You laugh, a warm, understanding sound. “Oh, thank goodness. How about fried chicken or lasagna?”

Lori’s face lights up, her hands clasping together as if in prayer. “Why not both?” Her eyes shimmer with anticipation, almost teary at the thought of indulging in something she’s missed.

“Yes!” you reply with a grin, already planning the feast.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

The two of you cook together, filling the kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of fried chicken and lasagna. The sizzle of the food and the warmth of the stove creates a cozy atmosphere, and before long, you’re both sitting at the table, enjoying the meal.

Lori, barely looking up from her book, eats with a hearty appetite, tearing into the fried chicken and savoring the lasagna.

You glance at her, amused by how engrossed she is in her book. It’s refreshing to see someone her age so absorbed in reading rather than staring at a screen. She’s been glued to that book ever since she arrived.

“Is it a good book?” you ask, taking a sip of your water.

“Yes. The best,” she replies without lifting her eyes from the pages.

You smile and ask, “What’s the book about?”

At that, Lori snaps the novel shut and looks at you with excitement blazing in her eyes, as if she’s been waiting for this moment. “Oh, Aunty, this is the best book! It’s full of adrenaline, mystery, and romance.”

You raise your eyebrows and nod slowly, recognizing the same spark in her that your older sister often has. “Let me guess, a royal romance?”

Lori shakes her head enthusiastically. “No. It’s set in modern day. It’s an enemies-to-lovers story where both are spies from different sides. They have to decide between love and their duty.”

You nod again, your expression thoughtful. “That’s impossible in the real world.”

Lori huffs, rolling her eyes playfully. “That’s why it’s fantasy, Aunty. Geez, you sound just like my mom.” She returns to her book, burying herself in the story again.

You chuckle softly, setting your glass down as you gather your plate and stand up. “Well, usually betrayal happens in those stories.”

Lori looks up, her eyes wide with enthusiasm. “That’s right! There’s a part where the male character betrays the female character.”

Your hand slips, the plate clattering into the sink, but thankfully it doesn’t break.

“Aunty, are you okay?” Lori asks, concern in her voice.

“I’m fine. My hand just slipped,” you say, brushing it off with a smile.

Lori gets up, carrying her plate to the sink. “I’m already done. I’ll help you with the dishes.”

“Thank you,” you reply, appreciating her help.

As you both wash the dishes, you ask her about life at school. Lori tells you all about her friends, her classes, and the things that make her happy.

“Do you have a crush at school?” you ask, a teasing note in your voice.

Lori hesitates, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. “Well… there is one boy. His hair and smile remind me of the male character from the spy book.”

You nearly drop the spatula but manage to catch it just in time. What’s gotten into you today?

“What about you, Aunty?” Lori asks, her tone curious.

“Me?” you respond, a bit caught off guard.

“While living in this lodge, have you ever met a farmer with a six-pack, a cute café owner, or a cool police officer?” Lori asks, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

You gasp, her question catching you by surprise. “Your mom mentioned you’ve become quite the chatterbox.”

“Aunty, your life is a dream. You have it all—except a boyfriend,” Lori says matter-of-factly. She doesn’t fully understand what you do for a living, but she knows from her mom and grandparents that you’ve traveled the world and are now enjoying the fruits of your hard work.

You place your hands on your hips, eyeing her with a mock sternness. “How long have you been staying with Grandma?”

“Three weeks,” Lori answers, wiping a plate dry with a clean cloth.

“That explains it,” you say with a chuckle, ruffling her hair playfully. Your mother has a habit of prying into your love life, and you’ve overheard her sighing over the phone, saying, ‘I’m afraid she’ll die single.’

“But seriously, Aunty, why are you still single?” Lori asks, her eyes wide with innocent curiosity.

You look at her, a sigh escaping your lips. “When you’re older, you’ll understand that life is complicated. There’s no guarantee of a happy ending.”

“Seems like you don’t believe in romance anymore,” she says, her voice soft but probing.

“Lori…” you begin, but her words strike a chord in you. Kids have a way of getting straight to your feelings. You head to the living room, trying to shake off the conversation and turn on the TV. With a sigh, you throw yourself onto the couch.

Lori follows you, still determined to rekindle your belief in romance. But then, something catches her eye. “Aunty, what’s on the second floor?”

“Just a storage room. Full of dust and spiders,” you reply, waving a hand dismissively.

“Can I go up there?” she asks, her enthusiasm barely contained.

“Go ahead,” you say, smiling at her eagerness.

As soon as the words leave your mouth, you hear her running feet thudding up the stairs. You shake your head, chuckling to yourself. What happened to the little girl who was afraid of spiders? Maybe the influence of that action-packed novel, the fantasy world, pulled her in.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

Lori’s eyes lit up with excitement as she explored the second floor, her steps quickening with each new discovery. It felt like a treasure hunt to her, the dusty corners and forgotten items fueling her curiosity.

She opened old boxes, sifted through forgotten knick-knacks, and rummaged through piles of clutter. Her heart raced with the thrill of the search, every creak of the floorboards adding to the sense of adventure.

Then, tucked away near the Christmas decorations, she spotted a plain, unassuming box. It didn’t look like much, but something about it caught her attention. With a soft gasp of anticipation, she opened it and found an old, bulky laptop inside. The device was covered in dust, its once sleek surface now dull and scratched.

“Wow,” Lori whispered, her eyes widening in awe. She lifted the laptop carefully and opened it, running her fingers over the keys. “Clicky, clicky. Love this keyboard,” she said, delighting in the tactile response of the keys beneath her fingers.

Unable to contain her excitement, Lori ran downstairs to find you, clutching the laptop in her arms like a prized possession. “Aunty, look what I found! This is so old, and I love the sound it makes!”

You glanced up and your eyes widened in surprise. “Where did you get that?” you asked, a mix of surprise and concern in your voice.

“Near the Christmas decorations. Can I turn it on?” she asked, her eyes shining with eagerness.

You shook your head, a hint of hesitation creeping into your tone. “It’s been a long time since I turned it on,” you admitted, memories flickering at the edge of your mind. You had pretended the laptop didn’t exist for so long that it had slipped from your thoughts entirely.

“I’ll throw it away,” you said, reaching out to take the laptop from her.

But Lori quickly pulled it back, guarding the laptop protectively. “Even if it’s broken, I could use this for throwback videos,” she argued, her determination evident.

You sighed, seeing the pleading look in her eyes. “Fine. You can have it,” you relented.

“Thank you!” Lori beamed, her smile so bright that any irritation you felt melted away. She hugged the laptop close and dashed off to the guest room, eager to play with her new toy.

Inside her room, Lori’s excitement was palpable. She carefully plugged the charger into the old laptop and pressed the power button, holding her breath in anticipation. But the screen remained dark, the laptop unresponsive.

Her enthusiasm waned slightly, but she didn’t give up. Determined, she searched online for ways to fix old laptops, flipping the device upside down to look for a serial number or brand name. But the markings were too faded to read.

Her hope began to crumble as she realized the laptop might never work again. With a sigh, she set it aside and opened her suitcase, revealing stacks of novels inside. This was the real reason she had wanted to stay with you—to immerse herself in her books without anyone bothering her.

As the night wore on, the clock crept closer to 10 p.m. You yawned, feeling the weight of the day settle in, and turned off the TV. Before heading to bed, you decided to check on Lori. When you peeked into her room, you found her already fast asleep, curled up with a new book clutched in her hands.

You smiled softly, understanding now what was in her suitcase. With a gentle chuckle, you carefully adjusted her sleeping posture and tucked her in, whispering, “Good night.”

As you left, you saw the old black laptop still plugged in, silently charging in the corner. It had been nearly seven years since you last thought about it. You shook your head, a mix of relief and resignation washing over you. It was better if that thing stayed dead, buried in the past where it belonged.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

The next morning, Lori woke up feeling cozy under the blankets. She glanced around, realizing she must have fallen asleep while reading her book again. The comforting silence in the room was a welcome change from the usual yelling of her mother.

This is why staying with you was such a great idea. She turned her attention to the old laptop, remembering she had left it charging all night.

With renewed hope, she quickly jumped out of bed and moved to the laptop. She pressed the power button, but the screen remained stubbornly black. Disappointment settled over her like a heavy fog.

Then, she heard it—the faint hum of the laptop’s fan. Her eyes widened, and a gasp escaped her lips. She clapped her hands together in excitement. “Yes!”

Just then, you called from the kitchen, your voice carrying cheerfully through the house. “Lori! You’ve woken up? I’ve made breakfast.”

“I’m not hungry yet,” Lori replied, her focus still on the laptop, waiting for the screen to light up.

“It’s bacon and eggs,” you added, a hint of a smile in your voice.

The mention of bacon and eggs immediately captured Lori’s attention. It had been ages since she’d had a breakfast like that. “I’m coming!” she called out, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Without another thought, Lori dashed out of her room, leaving the old laptop to continue its quiet struggle to turn on. Her excitement for breakfast had completely overshadowed her frustration with the laptop, and she hurried to the kitchen, eager for the delicious meal you had prepared.

After breakfast, Lori returned to her room, and her excitement about the old laptop reignited. As she entered, she was stunned to see that the laptop had finally powered up completely.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the outdated app icons, which looked dull and unappealing. Despite their lack of charm, something else caught her eye: the email application.

Curiosity piqued, Lori navigated to the email app and discovered a list of old emails. She wondered if the laptop could connect to Wi-Fi. To her delight, it could. She connected it and noticed a new notification. Her heart raced as she clicked on it, only to find a single new email dated five years ago.

“This is like something out of a novel,” Lori whispered to herself, her fingers trembling slightly as she opened the email.

Her gasp was audible when she realized it wasn’t spam or a work email—it was a love letter. She read the email with growing excitement:

Subject: An Apology and a Request

Hi,

I hope this message finds you well. I’ve been carrying a heavy heart and wanted to reach out, even though it’s been a while. I left the organization and have started a new life, but I’ve realized that it won’t feel complete without you.

I’m deeply sorry for everything that happened and for the pain I caused you. I know that I have no right to ask for anything, but if there’s any chance for us to meet and talk, I’d really like that. I’m not expecting anything, but I hope we can find some closure.

Yours,

B.B

Lori’s eyes sparkled with excitement. This was even better than the romance novels she had read. She couldn’t believe her aunt had an ex who had been missing her all this time and had finally reached out after five years.

Feeling a burst of inspiration, Lori unplugged the laptop and raced downstairs to find you. “Aunt! Look! Look! Someone sent you an apology letter!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

You were busy preparing to head out to your bee farm, dressed in your suit. The sight of the old laptop suddenly turning on and Lori’s enthusiasm about the email caught you off guard. You knew exactly who had sent it, and it brought a wave of mixed emotions.

With a sigh, you closed the laptop, noticing Lori’s disappointed look. You knelt to her level, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Lori, sometimes it’s best to leave the past where it is.”

“But…” she started, her voice trailing off.

You stood up, adjusting your head protection for the farm. “Just enjoy your time here,” you said gently, then headed out of the house.

Lori sighed, her heart heavy with the sadness in your voice. She could sense the pain behind your words and felt that maybe this person was someone special to you. A sudden idea struck her, and she rushed back to her room, placed the old laptop on the table, and began typing a reply.

With her knowledge of romance novels, she crafted a short but heartfelt response:

Subject: Re: An Apology and a Request

Hi B.B,

Thank you for your message. It was a surprise to read your letter after all these years. I appreciate your honesty and the courage it took to reach out. I’m still processing everything, but I’m grateful for your apology.

Maybe one day we can talk, but for now, I hope you find the closure you’re seeking.

Take care,

Y/N

Satisfied with her words, Lori clicked “Send,” feeling accomplished. She hoped her reply would bring peace to her aunt and the sender.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

A few days passed, and Lori grew increasingly nervous. She kept checking the email, but no new notifications appeared, only that eerie computer-generated voice. You noticed her restlessness; she fidgeted with her fingers and paced around the room.

“What’s wrong? Feeling bored?” you asked, trying to lighten the mood. “We could go out for a while, get some fresh air.”

“Eww… no,” Lori replied, wrinkling her nose at the thought of the hot sun and heavy gear. She enjoyed the freedom of staying with you, but she wasn’t enthusiastic about adventures.

“I’d rather stay here, curled up with my book—” Lori was cut off by the familiar, unsettling notification sound.

You flinched at the sound too, a chill creeping down your spine. Lori quickly ran to the laptop, her heart racing with excitement as she saw the red dot notification. She opened the email and skimmed the reply: "I received your message. We need to meet. I’ll find you soon."

“Aunty, look! This person wants to see you. Isn’t it romantic?” Lori said, her excitement palpable.

Romantic my ass, you thought, feeling a cold shiver as you read the email. You abruptly shut the laptop and started packing Lori’s things. Your sudden, frantic movements startled her.

“Change your clothes. Wear something practical and put on running shoes,” you instructed, your voice taut with urgency.

Lori’s eyes widened with concern. “Why? What’s going on?”

“Forget the books. We have fifteen minutes, Lori. Now!” You dashed to your room, grabbing essentials with swift, practiced motions.

Lori, bewildered but obedient, quickly followed your orders. Fifteen minutes later, both of you were ready and in the car. You sped away, your face set in grim determination.

In the passenger seat, Lori clutched the seatbelt tightly, her voice trembling. “Aunt…”

“Lori, did you not hear me? Some things are better left in the past,” you said, your tone cold and firm.

She nodded slowly, her anxiety mounting. “But why?”

Before she could ask more, a deafening explosion rocked the car. “BOOM!” The blast made Lori flinch as she turned to see your house engulfed in flames. Her face pressed against the car window, eyes wide with shock.

“Oh my God. Is that your house?” Lori’s voice was barely a whisper.

You kept your gaze fixed on the road, your face pale and determined. “This is the reality of espionage. The hardest part is when someone tries to kill you.”

Lori gasped, realization dawning on her. “You’re a real spy!”

You didn’t answer, but the silence was deafening—a resounding confirmation.

“And the person who sent the email is another spy!” she exclaimed.

“Yeah. But unlike the novels, we’re not looking to fall in love. We’re trying to kill each other.” Your words sent a shiver down her spine, the gravity of the situation settling in with chilling clarity.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

At the gas station, you and Lori were picking up essential supplies. Your disguise—a dark hat, sunglasses, and a coat pulled tight—wasn't exactly subtle. But Lori's eyes sparkled with excitement.

“This is so cool!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with admiration.

“It’s not,” you muttered, your voice strained as you tried to mask your growing unease. The thrill of the moment had been replaced by a harsh reality. “I’m taking you to your mom.”

Lori’s enthusiasm faltered as she noticed the tension in your body. “But Aunt… why are you running away if this person wants to see you?”

You sighed heavily. “Because—”

Your words trailed off as a shiver ran down your spine. You felt eyes on you and slowly turned to face the source of your unease. There he was, striding towards you with a purpose.

The man stood tall and lean, his dark hair tousled and his leather jacket catching the dim light of the gas station. His face was striking—handsome in a rugged, intense way. His presence radiated strength and determination.

“Bucky,” you whispered, your voice barely audible.

Bucky didn’t break stride or acknowledge you. His pace quickened, and your instincts kicked in. You reached for your gun, but before you could draw it, a loud BANG! shattered the tense silence.

“Kyaaa!!!” The sound of the gunshot set off a wave of screams from everyone inside the store, including Lori. The chaos erupted around you, but you and Bucky remained focused.

You threw yourself in front of Lori, protecting her with your body. Bucky did the same, his gaze locked on the threats.

“You—” you started, trying to catch your breath.

“We don’t have much time,” Bucky cut you off, his voice a low growl. He grabbed your arm, pulling you up, and snatched his own gun. Without another word, he started firing, taking out the shooters one by one.

You joined him in the fray, your movements sharp and efficient. Bullets flew and bodies hit the floor. Bucky’s sharp eyes and quick reflexes contrasted with your precise, practiced shots.

“Your aim’s getting rusty,” Bucky grunted as he took down another opponent.

“Shut up,” you retorted, focusing on the task at hand.

In no time, the immediate threat was neutralized. You both made a break for your car, adrenaline surging. Bucky took the driver’s seat, his expression grim and focused.

���Wait…” you began, but Bucky cut you off.

“Just put on your seatbelt first,” he said tersely, glancing at you with an intensity that brooked no argument.

You complied, snapping the seatbelt into place as Bucky threw the car into gear. The ride was tense, an awkward silence hanging between you and Bucky. Lori, however, was brimming with curiosity.

She tugged at Bucky’s leather jacket, causing him to glance at her. The way she looked at him, her eyes wide with awe, reminded you of how she had always romanticized the world.

“Are you the one who sent that email to my aunt?” Lori asked, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and expectation.

Bucky’s eyes widened slightly, but he didn’t respond, turning his attention back to the road.

Lori turned to you, her eyes glowing with revelation. “I get it. Both of you were spies! But you couldn’t be together because of your jobs! A forbidden love! This is so romantic!”

"!!!!!"

Your jaw dropped, and Bucky’s expression shifted to one of utter disbelief. The two of you exchanged a stunned look, unsure whether to laugh or feel embarrassed by Lori’s innocent but surprisingly accurate guess.

The air in the car seemed to crackle with the weight of her words, as the reality of your intertwined past and present hung in the balance.

Join the tag list:

@thezombieprostitute

@thetravelingtyper

@scott-loki-barnes

@mostlymarvelgirl

@dexter99

@seresingirlie

@missvelvetsstuff

@toldyouitwasamelodrama

@kjah97

@tfatwsoldir

@itsteambarnes

@thebadassbitchqueen

@hisredheadedgoddess28

@vicmc624

@natashasilverfox

@unaxv

@sapphirebarnes

@ilovetaquitosmmmm

@animegirlgeeky

@bellabarnes1378

Author Note: Hey friends,

If you enjoy my work, please consider buying me a coffee on Ko-fi 🙏🏻

Thanks a bunch for being fabulous followers!

[bogleech]

MORE SUNDEW KITS AVAILABLE! A tiny carnivorous plant swamp that should grow for you even if you IGNORE IT ENTIRELY, by which I mean the following are some jars I have never touched (let alone opened) in over six months to a year:

This is the scale of the little baby sundews I will send you:

Here's how the sphagnum moss can grow depending on conditions:

Tinier little plants and liverworts will also come in your moss! Includes instructions in the box but here's some FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Don't they ever need air?!

-No! Some plants can't handle but the processes of Photosynthesis and a symbiotic microbiome allow many plants to live in an airtight container as long as it holds any moisture.

Do I need to water these?

-No! If they're in a properly sealed clear container that never loses moisture, you will never have to water these. If you do need to add water for any reason though it HAS to be distilled, reverse osmosis water, or fresh rain water, not just filtered or purified water. Luckily you can buy distilled water by the gallon at any grocery store! This is the one rule you have to take to the letter; carnivorous plants grow in such a strict type of wetland, even water from most healthy natural ponds will kill them!

How often do they need to be fed?

-Technically never. As carnivorous plants they will grow bigger, faster and more colorful if you give them tiny prey, such as ants or fruit flies, and some people have success with crumbs of fish food, but be sure to remove any food that gets moldy. If you NEVER feed them, they will still grow anyway, just scrappier.

What about climate?

-Sundews are generally fine as long as they don't freeze solid or roast at over 100f for too long, but can still bounce back even from a little frost or a heat wave, basically more temperature-resistant than you probably are! What are their light requirements? -ANY light that plants can live on, including plant-friendly indoor LED lights! Sundews can make do just fine in fairly low to medium light, but also enjoy intense, full blast sunlight, which can even turn them reddish pink over time. As long as they aren't in total darkness, they should do alright! What about the mosses?? -Sphagnum moss grows right alongside sundews in the wild and enjoys all the same conditions!

What if it dies anyway?!

-Sometimes a sundew dies down naturally, especially after it produces a flower or under prolonged winter cold, but leave it be and you might eventually notice new growth. Here's one of mine that turned completely brown and rotten looking, then months later, every leaf sprouted a baby one:

[whumpsday]

Kane & Jim #56: Else

Chronological masterlist / Writing order masterlist

content: recovery and lots of it, angst, sickfic, accidental emotional whump, fear of starvation, vampire whumpee, whumper turned whumpee (turned caretaker), reunions

Whumpmas in July Day 18: "Or else"

i'm sorry for being so slow with k&j chapters! i'm going to try to be quicker with them in the future. here's one people have been waiting for for a very long time!

-

“You’re sick.”

Jim blinked, taken aback. “What?”

“You’re sick,” Kane repeated, taking another sip from the bowl. One of his last bowls before he was to start finding his own elsewhere. “I can taste it.”

“What? What kind of sick? Is it serious?” Jim asked with increasing urgency. Kane could see it in his eyes: he knew fear, and he hated to see it in Jim.

He wanted more than anything to reassure him, but he couldn’t lie. “I-I don’t know?” he admitted. “I don’t know much of human illnesses. You seem… fine?”

“Shit. Shit shit shit.” Jim grabbed his coat. “I’ll be back soon. I gotta… go to the doctor, or something. Door,” he warned.

“I’m sorry. I’m sure you’ll be okay! You can’t even feel it! You’re a healthy young man!” Kane assured him, ducking into the kitchen.

“Thanks for warning me!” Jim’s voice was laden with nerves. A flash of sunlight made Kane shiver, and he only returned to the living room when it was gone.

Kane knew what this meant: Jim would likely not finish out the week. This was his last meal given. He would have to go to vampire territory tonight, or else he would have nothing to eat come tomorrow. He had to find blood tonight, or else he’d starve. He’d go back to that horrible, empty state, always wanting, always in pain.

He knew Jim wouldn’t really let that happen, but it wasn’t fair to rely on him for blood forever, either. Kane had taken enough, with and without permission. It was Jim’s turn to rest.

Still, the fear of hunger never left him. It was a part of him now, permanently, no matter how much he fed.

And this meant one thing. The thing he’d been putting off and dreading since Jim set him free.

He would have to go to vampire territory and talk to his parents. He knew already that it would not go over well. Father would be either furious or crushingly disappointed that he’d allowed himself to be humiliated by humans, and he wasn’t sure which was worse. Mother would undoubtedly be the latter. He wondered, not for the first time, if they preferred him ‘dead’.

It shouldn’t matter. He knew now that they weren’t… good people. He could see that. He had a new family of sorts, now that Jim had taken him in.

But Jim wasn’t his legal next of kin, and Jim wasn’t the one he had to ask if he wanted his money returned so he could buy blood.

He could always get a job. But it seemed ridiculous to do when he had money sitting right there, and he would likely be found by his parents at some point anyway. There was no avoiding it forever.

Kane drank the bowl down quickly.

-

It was a flu, apparently. Nothing life-threatening, but it set Jim’s anxieties alight. His parents had died of illness, he explained.

While Kane had managed to catch it early, Jim started to devolve within a few hours of arriving home.

Kane knocked on his bedroom door. “Jim? Can I come in?”

“Ugh. Yeah,” he agreed.

Carefully balancing the tray, he entered. He found Jim curled up in bed, looking miserable.

“I’ve brought you lunch.” He’d been practicing his human food skills. He was still quite afraid of the stove, so though he used it when feeling especially brave, he mainly stuck to things that didn’t require cooking. He’d written down several combinations of foods that humans found appetizing, which could often be served in between slices of bread as a ‘sandwich’.

But he needed a tray instead of a plate, because despite his strength, he simply didn’t have enough hands to carry the six cups of water circled around it.

“Lotta water,” Jim noted weakly, grabbing a glass and taking a sip when Kane brought it close. His hand shook, the liquid threatening to spill. Kane watched it close, ready to steady it in a heartbeat if Jim needed him to.

He spoke gently, like he was worried speaking too loud would break Jim in his fragile state. “...Like I’d mentioned, I don’t know much about human illness. Most of what I know comes from you. I just remember… you wanted a lot of water, last time.”

He thought about that time a lot. How he was so close to losing Jim, because he was too proud to listen.

“Ah. Yeah.” Jim wouldn’t look him in the eye. “I remember.”

Kane set the tray down. “I should have taken better care of you,” he whispered. “I’m sorry. I mean–I shouldn’t have had you in the first place, but I did, and you were my responsibility, and I didn’t care for you like I should have.” A hint of tears in his eyes, he took Jim’s unusually-sweaty hand. “I’ll do better this time. Anything you need, I’ll be there.”

That earned a small smile from Jim. “Guess it isn’t so bad being waited on. ‘Specially because you can’t get sick, right?” The smile faded. “…Right?”

“I can’t,” Kane assured him. “You don’t need to worry. Just rest, and I’ll take care of anything you need.”

Jim huffed an almost-laugh. “You really changed, man.”

-

Liz did come over to visit come nightfall, which was good, since despite his promises, Kane had to leave. He didn’t like the thought of leaving Jim alone at night. He knew it made him scared, and Jim deserved to never feel afraid ever again. She brought a container of soup, a yellow liquid with colorful plants and large white orbs floating in it.

He waited, patient, until Liz emerged from Jim’s room. “Liz?”

“Hey. Thanks for looking after him,” Liz said.

“Of course!” The praise spread warmly through him. “There’s, um, something I wanted to talk to you about, if you have the time? Advice, I suppose.”

“Shoot,” she encouraged, flopping over on the couch.

Kane took a deep breath. “So, um, I assume now is a good time to start getting my own blood.”

“Yyyyeah.” Liz shot a glance to the stairs leading to Jim’s room. “I’d say that’s about right.”

“Blood… isn’t free. I have the money–had the money, but I’ve likely been assumed dead for many years. I’ll need to go to my parents to get it back,” he explained. “My parents are not kind people, I’ve come to realize.”

Liz raised an eyebrow, but politely refrained from making any comments about his former obliviousness. “You think they won’t give it back? Isn’t there, like, laws? This can’t be the first time this has happened with vampires, you guys are too good at not dying.”

“No! No, that’s not it, they’d give it back. It’s just, um, they’ll be… quite upset with me, I think. Especially my father.” He sighed. “I didn’t want to talk about it with Jim. I was worried he would feel pressured into giving me more blood than he’s comfortable with. I don’t know. It shouldn’t be as big a deal as it is. I’ve been through so much worse, I don’t understand why this is so terrifying. I suppose I’ve just never failed this badly before.”

“Hey, you made it out of five years with those monsters, alive. Bet there’s not a lot of vampires who could say that,” Liz pointed out.

“Ah, that’s just… not how Father would see it,” Kane said vaguely. Humans were supposed to be the weak ones. The fact that it took him five years to be freed, and he couldn’t even do it himself, would make him an utter embarrassment in their eyes.

And it was all because he couldn’t use persuasion. Everything they’d always believed about him, proven true.

Liz pursed her lips, lost in thought for a moment. “I don’t remember my parents that well,” she admitted. “I know yours suck pretty bad. I don’t think you have to admit more than you need to, right? Like, do they even need to know where you’ve really been? You could just make something up, for the sake of keeping the peace.”

“Make something up…” Kane murmured. He shook his head. “I’m not a very good liar. They’d see right through me. It’s fine, actually, the more I talk about it, the more I realize I’m being a bit ridiculous.” He forced a laugh. “It’s one uncomfortable conversation and then I can come back home.”

“You’ve got this.” Liz patted him lightly on the back, a modification from her usual clap she’d learned tended to scare him. “You’re tough.”

Kane certainly didn’t feel ‘tough’.

“Thank you. It was nice to at least… get it out of my system. Oh, and congratulations. Jim told me about you and Laken.”

Liz smiled. “After what happened, I just knew I had to say something, you know? If they could just be taken from me at any moment. Stuff happens. People die. I didn’t want something to happen to one of us before I could tell them how I feel.”

She stood. “I can give you one more night’s worth, maybe two. If you need some time to think about it and all.”

Kane startled. He and Liz had grown far more amicable over the past months, but he hadn’t expected this from her.

Maybe he should have. It wasn’t the first time. He thought of Jim, on that first night, vehemently denying Liz’s offer to provide blood, vowing to do it himself.

“...Thank you. That means so, so much to me. It’s alright, though. I’ll go tonight,” he decided.

“Good luck. We’ll be here when you get back,” she promised.

And that was all he really needed, in the end.

Kane got up, heading to the door with a quick glance back to make sure it was alright. For the freedom he’d earned, he hadn’t gone more than ten feet from the house since he’d returned with Laken. But of course, Liz made no move to stop him. “I’ll see you soon.”

-

The night was as beautiful as ever, even in the cool autumn air. He liked it better this way, in fact. It made it more comfortable to wear more clothing, the long pants and long sleeves and jacket he liked, especially when he ran. When he went this fast, he hardly felt the cold, and his mind was occupied elsewhere.

What if his parents made demands of him in exchange for their help? What if they expected him to return to vampire territory, to isolate himself out of the way in a socially-acceptable manner? Now that he’d tasted true companionship, he almost couldn’t bear to give it up. And what about Jim? Ever since Laken’s abduction, he’d been more scared at night. The very least Kane owed him was his protection.

His petty worries disappeared the instant he realized he could hear a vehicle coming closer.

Kane ran faster, opposite the sound. He’d likely been pushing fifty miles an hour before, and could make sixty if he tried–but he was out of practice, and the vehicle was faster.

A glance behind him showed moonlight glinting off a silver crossbow.

“I have permission!” he wailed as the off-roader gained, heart threatening to burst from his chest. This couldn’t happen, not again, no. Jim and Liz wouldn’t even think to look for him until a day had passed, a day that could easily be spent baking in the hot sun. “Liz Lieberman granted me permission to cross! Please, I didn’t do anything! Mercy!”

“Kane?” an unfamiliar voice called. The vehicle caught up to him, but there was no attack. “Oh shit, it’s you!” the driver said. “It’s so dark, I almost didn’t recognize you from the picture Laken showed us. Thanks for bringing ‘em back.”

Kane slowed, just a bit. “What?” he squeaked, tears streaming down his face.

The hunter in the passenger seat elbowed his partner, making quick movements with his hands that Kane could not understand. A signed language of some sort, he assumed. Though he didn’t know much about such things, other than that spoken orders under persuasion often didn’t work on humans who utilized it.

“Uh, my partner wants to know if you’re good? Like, you’re alright?” The driver asked. “Did we scare you? Sorry. Just, uh, you know, gotta be quick with the other guys. One second wasted and you miss ‘em, and that’s someone’s whole life, y’know.”

“Oh. Um, yes, you’d–you’d frightened me. I’m sorry.” Kane wasn’t quite sure what he was apologizing for. “Am I… free to go, sirs?”

“Yeah! Yeah, you can go… sir? Shoot, don’t let us keep you,” the hunter assured.

The one in the passenger seat made more hand-signs, waving him goodbye after. “Nice to meet you!” the other translated, finally driving away.

Kane picked up speed again and didn’t stop until he was sure he’d left the border far behind. He collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.

He was so close to going back to the pain. If they hadn’t recognized him, he would have been skewered with silver–likely soon killed, not tortured, given they were from Liz’s guild, but still, he would have died in pain. No matter how hard he breathed, he felt like he couldn’t get enough air, and he wasn’t sure if it was that he’d been sprinting for too long or the sheer horror.

He wanted Jim. He wanted Jim to hold him and tell him everything was alright, that he was safe, that no one was going to hurt him. But Jim was miles and miles away, and could not help him here.

And he couldn’t cry on the ground forever. He was burning moonlight, and he needed blood.

Kane forced himself to his feet and wrapped his arms around him. If he squeezed his eyes tight, he could pretend he wasn’t alone, for just a moment.

After a minute like that, he started running once more.

-

By the time Kane reached his parents’ estate, he’d mostly calmed down. It was hard to feel as though hunters would ambush him out of nowhere when he went deep enough into vampire territory to see buildings and people. Any hunter here would be apprehended in seconds.

He touched the gate, brass-coated, though he knew there was silver underneath. There seemed to be some sort of electronic device attached to it, a new addition since his last visit, but he wasn’t sure how to use it. He could climb it, or simply shout, and one of the staff would likely hear him. If he wanted to be extra polite, which he did, he could simply stand here until someone came or went and ask to be let in.

And then that would be it. Kane would be standing face-to-face with his parents. He would accept Father’s ire without complaint. He’d had worse, he reminded himself, even when it came to the comparable. The hunters had spit on him while calling him worthless, ground his face into the floor while forcing him to decry himself as beneath them. It had been so much worse.

His hand shook against the gate.

You’ve really changed, man.

Had he? If he was still back here, ready to take whatever judgments his parents threw at him, debase himself and eagerly beg for their forgiveness, had he really changed? There were humans in there. Captive, hurt humans who he could never in a thousand years be able to free if he tried, locked away in their quarters. What happened to all his regrets? His vows that he would never associate with anything of the sort again?

What would he have done differently here before, if he’d realized back then everything he knew now?

Kane left.

-

It took him a bit to find it, he hadn’t been to this town before, but it wasn’t far, and he knew the address.

There was a different kind of dread this time. If he was rejected here, it might be even worse than his parents. But as he rang the doorbell, he knew this was what he had to do.

The man who answered looked almost exactly the same as the last time he’d seen him, thirteen years ago. The same dark skin, perfect hair, typically garishly-colorful shirt.

Bellamy’s eyes went impossibly wide, as though he’d seen a ghost.

“Kane?”

taglist in reblogs, chapter 57 coming july 30th :)

edit: sorry i was wrong about july 30th. it's coming thoooo i promise

@whumpmasinjuly

[prettieinpink]

HOW TO CREATE AN ENERGISING MORNING ROUTINE

WAKE UP EARLIER. Waking up early looks different for a lot of us, and i’m not going to reccomend waking up at 5am for a lot of us. Whatever time you wake up now, I would suggest waking up 30 minutes or so earlier and see how you feel. 

If you feel like you really need those 30 minutes to sleep, then use it sleeping. Whatever time makes you feel like you are at the best, is the perfect time for you. It does take some trial and error to find this time, but it’s worth it. 

Another thing, I generally wouldn’t suggest waking up past 10am. If you sleep in a little too much, you do become a bit sluggish during the first hours of your day, but whatever works for you. 

SUNLIGHT FIRST THING. Going outside, a hot girl walk or simply opening your windows to allow the sun to come in helps our body to become awake. Natural sunlight is a sign to our bodies that we need to start the day. 

This also promotes a healthy rise in cortisol to support our mood, focus and energy. This natural increase in cortisol helps with melatonin production in the evening, which improves the quality of your sleep.

Exposure to unnatural light can disrupt this rhythm, so it’s best to stay away from any devices and turn off of your lights before and after you wake up. Ideally, an hour after you wake up, should be spent device-free. (aside from alarms or setting habit tasks) 

NO PROCESSED, CAFFEINATED OR SUGARY FOODS, before you have a proper meal. When we eat these foods before a nutritious meal, it can lead to a spike in cortisol and blood sugar levels first thing in the morning, which leads to crashing in the afternoon after the spike goes down. 

When we eat after we wake up, it stabilises our blood sugar levels and replenishes ourselves after our fast. If need to be, meal prep the night before so you can have a quick and easy breakfast. As long as it properly fuels your body. 

GENTLE EXERCISES. You’ve just woken up, so you don’t want to rush your body into something too hardcore until you feel like you’re fully awake. Gentle exercises could mean stretching, a light walk or if you’re feeling a bit energised, pilates. 

SET INTENTIONS. Set the theme for how you want to feel at the start of the day, during and end. It doesn’t have to be something productive, but a feeling that you want to achieve and maximise and use that feeling in what you do. 

For ex. In the morning, I want to feel calm. During the day, I want to feel productive. At the end of the day, I want to feel accomplished. 

SHORT TO-DO LISTS! To-do lists that are more than 3 major tasks usually are unmanageable. While you can break down those 3 major tasks, try to avoid having more than 3 major tasks. 

If you do have more than 3, consider moving them into a different date if its not urgent or cutting that task completely if its not urgent and unimportant. How you assess the urgency and importance of your tasks is up to you, as you know what productivity means to you. 

Remember the basics as well, such as hydration, mindfullness, and at least one fun activity in the morning. Thank you so much for the support, even while I was a bit inactive <3

[juniperdugong]

Forgot Your Lunch - Scoups

WC: 1023 || Genre: Fluff :) ...Angst :( || Happy (late) Birthday to this very handsome man!! ❤

A/N: If this does well maybe a pt.2 with what happened? (I totally don't have a whole story in my head about this fic alr...and this totally wasn't meant to be a teaser but got out of hand)

Some songs that inspired this fic!

Those morning hours, right before the sun shines in all its splendor, when most people are still resting their tired brains, and when quietness feels like a warm welcome to the day.

These were Seungcheol's favorite hours. The slivers of warm orange sunlight peaking through the curtains illuminating the space, giving the house a different type of glow. He relished in the fact that no one, not even you, was awake during this time. It gave him all the pleasure of gazing at your sleeping figure and giving you a few feather-light kisses before he actually got started with his day.

Seungcheol had gotten really into cooking when you two got together. Watched the tutorials, wrote down the recipes, and did a lot of the grocery shopping when he had the time - he even asked for help from Mingyu when he was really struggling. All of this effort put in for one simple goal - to be able to make your lunches for work.

He took great pride in making sure your lunch was not only healthy and balanced but nice on the eyes as well! Presentation was half the battle of cooking in his (humble) opinion.

Today wasn't any different, after haphazardly washing up he waltzed into the kitchen and chose a fitting playlist for such a joyful morning. He knows what to make, one of your favorites, a very simple and delicious spread of kaarage, a rolled omelet, rice, and a mix of fruits and vegetables cut up in the cutest little shapes! (Never forgetting the homemade spicy mayo, of course.) It's a specialty of his - and more than that - it was the first lunch he made you that you had raved about to your coworkers, only boosting his ego evermore.

Humming along to the music he went through the motions of washing and cooking the rice, setting out all the ingredients he'd need, and placing all the dishware on the counter in an assembly line. The few times that you'd woken up early enough to witness this practiced scene you'd have to admit that it was impressive the way he had gotten it all down to a T. Like a drill sergeant he would lead the charge in the kitchen, at least in the mornings, and if you ever dared to lift a finger…the earful you'd get before work- But what else can you expect from the most loving husband in the world AND the leader of one of the top kpop groups in history?

It's like everything, all the problems and worries, drifted away during this time. The sole issue in Seungcheol's entire world being what you would eat for the day. It was his way of showing you that he still cared and that he was still very committed. With a job that kept him away from you for such long periods of time and that took up all his energy and attention when he was home, it only felt right to do something as small as wake up before you and devote some time to you - even if you weren't always there to see it.

It would be a very hard task to try and tear away the smile that grew from him as he carefully assembled the different pieces of your food into a bento box. The only change in expression coming from the way his brows would furrow and his mouth would form a pout when he was ultra-focused with a knife or when he was gently making the finishing touches.

He took the chicken from the hot oil and placed them on a paper towel-lined plate - he knew how much you hated the excess oil when you ate. Turning off the stove in a swift movement he turned his attention to slicing the egg roll into perfectly proportioned pieces that you could eat in one bite. Then the fruits and vegetables - today's variety, some blueberries, leftover chocolate-covered strawberries, and a small salad with cherry tomatoes, all served with a small toothpick - he took note of that little comment you had made about how eating things with a toothpick makes the experience a bit more fun.

With a little jaunt in his step, he moved to put the puzzle together in an eye-pleasing manner. And once he was satisfied - he stepped back from his masterpiece. His gift to you. He looked at the clock-

8pm.

Oh.

It's night time.

That's right.

He stilled completely, coming back to reality. He left the kitchen with a ruffle to his hair. Dragging his feet into the bedroom he let his hands roam around the cold sheets, desperately searching for your warmth - your figure.

This was your bed too! The one you shared. C'mon, you remember, right? You're supposed to be here.

He looked out the window, no slivers of sunlight. Just the light pollution of a bustling city.

It's late and you're supposed to be home now, works done. It's supposed to be done.

He balled up all the sheets in his two fists and knelt on the bed. Gritting his teeth through tears that didn't dare hold back his emotions. And he punched that mattress so damn hard he could swear it felt like a human fighting back against him. The tangling of the sheets feels like Seungkwan and Dino holding him back from doing something else to hurt himself. He screamed so loud that his throat hurt, and he choked himself with the sound until red and veins popped. Drunk on something akin to anger but closer to loneliness he headed face-first into a pillow - but oh it was yours. The one you laid on just a few days ago. His tears and snot smeared across the blank canvas created a gross mirage but he didn't care. He let himself sit there, inhaling everything you left. Wailing into your remnants - curling up into your side of the bed, what would always be your side of the bed.

You forgot your lunch. It's here with him. "So come back, y/n. I'm really fucking sorry."

A/N: Hey guys...been a minute (a few days) And I come back with this- I do really like this though. Love me some happy memories and train wreck tbh. Let me know what you lovelies think! Have a great weekend or week, depending on when you see this. (protip DO NOT read this while listening to "The Place Where He Inserted the Blade" almost shat tears) Please Reblog and Comment if you enjoyed ! (They act as power-ups for me)

Taglist (OPEN): @bemybabiibish @bath1lda

[cacklingskeleton]

Human Husbandry Guide For Vampires

A guide on how to take care of your human friends, lover, and minions for vampires that are out of touch with humanity. (Disclaimer: this is not a hunting guide, this is for humans you intend to keep alive and healthy. See our companion book for hunting humans.)

Humans will not disintegrate in sunlight, and can be used for errands during the daytime. However their skin can still take damage on especially sunny days. Make sure they wear the proper protection cream if needed.

Humans can not be sustained on blood, and have much more varied diets than us. Most can forage for food themselves, but make sure to keep at least a little human food in your lair. (Note: human food can expire, canned foods, dried foods, and honey are recommended for long term storage)

Humans must bathe regularly to keep healthy and clean. Most can handle this themselves if given the proper facilities, but some might need reminders or persuasion if in a poor emotional state. Try to refrain from using hypnosis unless absolutely necessary to keep the humans trust.

Humans are much more delicate than us, and can not reliably survive long falls or extreme force. Refrain from doing anything too dangerous with your humans unless you're a skilled necromancer.

Humans can only lose about 14% of their blood before their health declines. Make sure not to feed on them for too long or else they will require a transfusion. Space out your feedings to every few days and help them recover afterwards. (Note: it is recommended that you either feed on multiple humans or drain one that is not yours between feedings to keep yourself well feed)

Most humans do not react well to death and gore even if they understand the nature of vampires. Make sure to keep your humans out of the room when you drain someone and dispose of the leftovers, unless they have stated they are comfortable with it.

Humans are social creatures that cannot withstand decades of solitude like us. Even the most independent of humans will require a little bit of affirmation. Make sure to regularly converse with your humans and tell them how much you care about them if they seem unhappy. It is also encouraged to keep at least two humans to keep them from getting lonely.

Humans might also require physical affection depending on the nature of your relationship. A human you're romantically involved with will usually respond very positively to cuddling and romantic affection. A human you're friends with might also respond well to physical affection but make sure to learn what they're comfortable with.

Humans can be easily seduced by the allure of vamprism. Ones you have only recently met might already offer themselves as potential blood dolls or fledglings. Make sure to throughly explain the ramifications of these decisions and state your boundaries, in order to prevent future emotional turmoil.

Humans do not have long lifespans, living to around 100 years if not killed. Prepare yourself for the emotional toll of losing a human you're attached to, as not every human will agree to be eventually turned or resurrected as an undead creature. Respect their wishes on this in order to prevent drama or vendettas being formed against you.

Turning a human is a huge commitment you will need to make sure you're prepared for. A fledgling will need a lot of guidance and reassurance once turned, and usually will go through some existential phases. Most won't be ready to be independent until about a decade, but will usually keep in touch if they don't stay with you. (See our Empty Coffin Syndrome book if you struggle with this phase)

Thank you for reading this excerpt, and congratulations on obtaining your human companion. Humans can improve the mental well-being of their vampiric companions and help them with their dark bidding if needed, even against their own kind. Plenty of humans will willingly betray their fellow man in return for vampiric companionship, and possibly make good potential fledglings. Our full book can be found at any cursed bookstore or dark library you can find, or that will find you.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Called to Duty 3

Warnings: non/dubcon, pregnancy, abandonment, and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Characters: Captain Syverson

Summary: You struggle to move on from the biggest mistake of your life but find it hard to forget among the whispers of a small town.

Part of the Backwoods AU

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging.

You’re tired. You’re always tired these days, but you gotta do what you gotta do. That’s going to be your life from now on. Not what you want, but what you need.  

You wait in line at the grocery store. Their in-store sourdough isn’t as good as the bakery but you can’t spare the extra dollars. You have your essentials; chicken, rice, some broth for those days when you can’t quite keep solid food down. Some fruits too for the mornings, and a sneaky pack of cookies. 

The woman behind the counter packs up here bag. She rubs her hip as you swipe your card, as if she can feel your pain. You suppose she has few aches and pains from years of standing behind that till. She hands you your receipt and asks if you need help. It’s two bags, nothing too heavy. You slide them into the rolling bag you dragged down with you and head out. 

You’re almost breathless as you get through the front doors. You get dizzy spells but the doctor says it’s just a dip in your blood pressure. You sit on a bench outside the grocery store and rub your stomach as you wait for it to pass. 

As you close your eyes against the springtime sunlight, a familiar tone nestles behind your ear. The timbre sends a shiver up your spine and your hug your middle out of instinct. You don’t look over as Thor’s rolling baritone wafts through the air. 

You stand and pull your bag in the other direction, as fast as you can. The wheels hit a line in the pavement and twists, the handle falling from your hand. It clatters to the ground and you hurried scramble to pick it back up as an apple rolls close to the top. You squat halfway and lift the handle, glancing over as silence pervades. 

Your eyes meet his and you cringe. You quickly turn away as he pulls the phone away from his ear and tilts his head. You touch your stomach again. Did he notice? Did he care? He hadn’t before. 

“Eh, been a while, kitten,” he purrs after you as his footfalls quickly descend, “where are you off to?” 

You ignore him, turning towards the curb as you look up and down the street. You need to get out of here. He stands beside you and you flinch as he puts his hand on your lower back. 

“Why’re you running away?” He says. 

You scoff, “don’t tell me I’m the one running away.” 

You drop your arm and drag the bag off the curb and across the street, as quickly as you can move yourself. You know he’s following. You know him better than he thinks you do. You turn down towards the pharmacy. 

“You look good. Healthy,” he remarks, “you’ve... filled out.” 

“Get away from me,” you hiss. 

“Don’t be rude. I’m just checking in on you, as any good person should.” 

You stop short and face him defiantly. His cheek dimples and reflects a memory back at you. The day you told him. The day he asked who you thought the father was. The day he shrugged off his responsibility on the back of rumours. 

‘Couldn’t possibly be mine. How could you know for sure? How could anyone?’ 

That grin. That taunting grin. 

“You shouldn’t be worried about being a good person, you should be a good father,” you sneer, a crack in your voice. “And you are neither.” 

He laughs, “you always were dramatic, kitten, but the way you meow for me... I hear the hormones make you wild--” 

He reaches to touch your cheek and you swat him away, “don’t.” 

“One last time, for old time’s sake,” he coaxes. 

“You are so gross,” you snip. 

“You can’t be mad at me because you opened your legs--” 

You push him. Stupidly. You shove him in the stomach with one hand. He barely reacts as you turn and stomp away with your groceries rolling at your heels. 

Your eyes sear hotly as you swallow back the protest. It was only him. There was no other possibility. No one believes. Who knows who she slept with? She was always down at the bar, wasn’t she? 

“I miss those claws, kitten,” he calls after you. 

You grit your teeth and storm towards the brick facade of the pharmacy. You shake as you try to fish out your keys. You let go of the rolling bag in frustrating as you dig down in your purse. The cart falls over again and your keyring jangles out onto the pavement with it. 

You let out a grunt and stand, staring at the catastrophe as the apple rolls out of the bag. You lower your head and steel yourself for the reach. Even at four months, with just a bit of belly, everything is so uncomfortable. 

A thick hand scoops up the keys then the apple. Sy hooks two fingers around the handle of the bag and stands. You look at him, lip quivering, and quickly bat away your tears. You dab your eyes with your knuckles. 

“Here,” he stands the bag up and drop the apple inside, then holds out your keys. 

You sigh, “you.” 

He frowns as you take the keyring, “me? I was only helping--” 

“Yeah, because you feel bad for me. Please,” you shove your keys in the door, “don’t.” 

“Feel bad? No. That’s not why... I... people should help each other. Especially those in need.” 

“Yeah, yeah, I need to close my legs. I need to figure it out,” you huff and pull the bag through the door and shove it through, “thanks. I’m good.” You take a step inside and stop, angling back to him, “you forgot your stuff at the pharmacy. They’re holding it at customer service--” 

“It’s yours--” 

“Stop,” you put a hand up, “okay? Just stop. You can go get your money back then.” 

His thick brows draw together and he grazes his hand over his buzzed hair, “I saw you talking to Thor.” 

You snort, “yeah, I ran into your buddy. So what?” 

He crosses his arms and shifts his stance, his works boots dragging loudly, “you’re mad at him.” 

You close your eyes and suck in a breath, “I don’t want to talk about this, especially with you. Fine, go back to him, tell him how pathetic I am--” 

“Why would I do that?” He sounds genuinely confused. 

“I’m not stupid. You were always down at The Horn together. Whatever this is, I’m not falling for it.” 

He squints then looks past you. Your turn and inch the door towards the frame. He steps forward and slaps a hand against the other side, holding it open. 

“He is not a man or a friend if he’s done this to you,” he says. You arch a brow as his blue eyes meet yours, “you deserve better.” 

He eases the tension in his arm as you lean on the door. He lets it snap shut and you wince at the click. You grasp the latch but don’t turn it as you listen through the wood. The friction of his hand drags down the wood. 

“I will give you better,” you barely make out his mutters as the tread of his boot scrapes on the pavement. You twist the lock and fall back against the wall. What is he doing? It has to be a trick. It has to.

[khaire-traveler]

🩺 Subtle Asklepios Worship⚕️

Take your medications, if any; take medications if you need to (headaches, stomaches, etc.)

Try herbal teas as remedies for MINOR health issues (nausea, stomaches, etc.)

Try to visit the doctor when needed and if able

Take care of your physical health

Exercise; get some movement throughout your day, even just stretching

Have a candle that reminds you of him (no altar needed)

Keep a picture of him in your wallet

Wear jewelry that reminds you of him

Have a stuffed animal snake or horse (potentially a rooster; doesn't seem to be a confirmed sacred animal; horse is due to Chiron)

Have symbols of his medical staff (a single snake wrapped around a stick), centaurs, stars (specifically his constellation Ophiochus), or healing (anything you associate with it) around

Take regular breaks from screens

Take a walk/hike outside, especially under the sun when you can get some Vitamin D

Try to eat healthy if you can; eat fruits and veggies, drink milk or calcium-rich drinks, eat fish or protein-rich meats, etc.

Drink herbal teas or natural juices

Try to take care of your hygiene; take regular showers, brush your teeth, wash your hands, use moisturizer, etc.

Eat three meals a day

Try to work on maintaining a regular sleep schedule

Engage in relaxing or calming activities before bed or when you're stressed

Have a morning and night self-care routine

Be gentle with yourself, especially when you're having a difficult time

Practice mindfulness; try meditation if you can

Keep your space clean; make it comfortable and physically safe for yourself

Remind yourself that healing, especially mentally, is rarely a linear path

Look into healthy coping skills for any anxiety, depression, trauma, etc. - anything that can improve your mental/emotional well-being

Prioritize your own well-being

Practice compassion, especially toward yourself

Spend time with loved ones and pets

Try to feed your pet healthy foods; make sure to keep any pets healthy (measure their food intake, give them regular exercise, groom them regularly, etc.)

Support others who are going through a difficult time IF YOU CAN; sometimes we're not well enough to help, and that's ok!!!

Keep a self-care/self-love journal

Take a self-care bath/shower, especially with herbs

Try eating healthy snacks, such as nuts, seeds, berries, or granola

Learn about healthcare, anatomy, or any medical conditions you or loved ones have

Learn your rights when it comes to healthcare as well as your options; educate yourself on HIPPA (if in US)

Support healthcare, humanitarian, or homeless shelter organizations

Cook a meal for someone in need

Cook a meal for a loved one or pet

Donate clothes, food, hygiene kits to homeless shelters; donate warm clothes in the winter

Sit outside, especially in sunlight, for a while; meditate if you're able or do something relaxing, such as playing an instrument or drawing

Feed neighborhood cats, dogs, birds, etc.

Grow your own herbs or produce

-

This is my list of discreet ways to worship Asklepios! I hope it helps someone out. I may add more later on. Take care! 💚

Link to Subtle Worship Master list

[cursedkeyboard]

BIG BROTHER'S HERE ● Older brother!Suguru & Baby sibling!Reader

You've been having nightmares about monsters lurking in your closet for a couple of days now. Suguru, your older brother, knows something is wrong with you.

Pairings: Platonic Geto Suguru & Baby sibling!Reader

Warning: Not proofread. Expect mistakes and edits!

If there's one thing Suguru had always been sure of, is that he knew you

Your parents had you when he was nine, most ten, so innocent and excited to be a big brother

He got to see you when you were just a bundle of hospital cloth, loud whines, and large eyes

No, really, your eyes took half of your face

You were the cutest thing he'd ever seen

From that day on, Suguru had sworn to be the best big brother to ever exist

He'd teach you everything he knew, help you with anything you wanted, and always protect you

Family and friends even called him your "second dad" whenever they saw Suguru putting you to sleep or feeding you or playing with you or...

Yeah, the kid loved being glued to you

Sure, he still had friends and his own interests like any other kid his age

But Suguru would rather be caught dead than to give up chances to spend time with you

He even begged his parents to let him take you outside in your stroller for sunlight and fresh air

It took then a little bit, but they eventually allowed him

Their neighborhood was safe, there were rarely any kidnapping cases around, and they only let him once you were one and he was eleven

As you grew up, Suguru definitely honored his promise by being the closest person to you

Always near, always helping, always nurturing

He knew your favorite type of baby food, the exact warmth you liked it at, the blankets you favored and the toys you never allowed anyone to take

Suguru would take naps with you on his chest, sing you to sleep when you woke up screaming, and play with you until you exhausted yourself

He was always there for you, especially when your parents were busy

So much so, in fact, that your first words weren't mama or papa

It was gu–gu

Yeah, some could say you were just being a baby and babbling, but he knew better

Because you had looked up at him, grabbed his hand with your tiny ones, and said it with a big smile

Don't tell anyone, but he definitely cried while hugging you

You'd eventually be able to say Sugu, then Suguru when you learned to roll your tongue, but Suguru would always hold that memory dear to his heart

And so, years passed quickly

Perhaps too quickly for your big brother, who would always feel his heart ache a little when his baby sibling didn't need help to do basic things anymore

But he was happy, overjoyed, that you grew into a happy and healthy child, always so energetic and ready for any play or challenge

Of course, you two had your disagreements at times, because kids will be kids and Suguru reached puberty when you were four and learning how to be bratty and contrary

However, compared to so many other siblings in the world, Suguru was proud to say you were definitely the closest of siblings

There wasn't a single thing he didn't know about you

That's why, now that you were seven and learning taking a more introverted personality like his own, your big brother immediately knew something was wrong with you once you started getting sleepier throughout the day

Blinking slowly, barely eating, nodding off whenever the two of you watched cartoons

And, now seventeen and keenly aware of so much evil in this world, Suguru immediately sought to fix the problem

The moment Suguru picked you up from school he knew he was going to talk to you about what was happening. It didn't seem to be the kids or teachers in your school, since the moment you walked out and saw him you were smiling and happy like aways, that rush of energy still in you from playing with your friends.

"Suguru!" You called out for him, quickly saying your goodbyes to the kids around you and running towards your tall big brother who stood out in the middle of all the waiting moms. "You're early!"

Suguru picked you up the moment you got close enough, making you squeal and giggle as he settled him on his broad back, smiling softly at how your small hands settled on his shoulders.

"We got let out earlier," He explained and waved a quick polite greeting at your teacher before leaving, beginning the trek back home. "Satoru wanted to go to the arcade but I missed my baby today."

You giggled again, a sound that never failed to make Suguru relax and forget all his troubles, if only for a moment, and rested your head in the crook of his neck. "'Toru is a big baby, not me!"

"Hmm, maybe you're both babies?"

"No, not me, 'Toru," You shook your head and Suguru avoided people walking around easily, being so tall and nimble had its advantages. "I'm getting bigger and bigger, and Toru acts like a child when I do not."

Well, he couldn't argue with that.

Instead, Suguru started asking you about your day like he always did and, like he expected, you couldn't even make it through half of your rant about the teacher taking away the yellow sharpies from everyone before falling asleep on his back, completely out.

Which, that in itself wouldn't be bad, but you used to spend hours after school talking his ears off, drawing, and insisting to watch cartoons. He sighed and moved you to his front, hugging you to his chest protectively, so worried he could feel a headache stab the back of his head.

Suguru was a special grade sorcerer, top of the class, and the most reliable when it came to problem solving skills, but most of all Suguru was the best big brother there is and he was going to fix whatever was wrong with you.

Like he always did.

That day, after you napped for a couple of hours, Suguru sat you down on the couch once he made sure you ate and showered

While he detangled your hair from the mess it had became in School, he started slow

Asking you if there was anything going on these days

If you were having any troubles in school

Maybe a bully or a new interest that was keeping you up?

It took a bit of digging, because Unfortunately, you two were very much alike

Which meant you also hid your anxieties and problems, even if Suguru always ended up finding out anyway

With a couple of deep breaths, you explained why you hadn't been able to sleep these days

Every night for the past week, you were getting nightmares

Nightmares about monsters, hideous creatures that would suck people's happiness then eat them bit by bit

And every time you woke up gasping and afraid, the door to your closet was open the slighest bit

Hesitantly, like you were afraid of being called a liar or made fun of, you told you brother you swore you saw something inside

Watching you. Waiting for something. Hungry.

And Suguru?

Not once did Suguru stop gently brushing your hair, keeping his hands steady and movements soft, which had a calming effect on you

But god, he could feel his body shaking under his skin

Fury threatening to bubble and spill over

Because those vivid nightmares, your exhaustion, the way you always looked so drained each morning...

He knew exactly what that meant and he couldn't possibly be angrier

Instead of scaring you with the face he was doing, Suguru started drying your hair, and once you finished talking, he hugged you close, comforting you

"It's alright, little one, I got you, big brother's got you."

That night, Suguru easily convinced you to have a sleepover in his room, full of your favorite stuffed animals and blankets

And when you were all tuckered out after talking tons and watching your favorite movie, snoring softly under Suguru's heavy covers, the teen left his room quietly

Slowly, he made his way towards yours

Shadows followed his every step, licking at his feet and dancing with each breath he took

The air shifted as he made his way inside, closing your door behind you, like it knew he was there

He pulled the door to your closet open, his movements ghostly as rage made his purple eyes almost glow in the night

The curse inside, a weak, puny thing he hadn't been able to sense, trembled under the taste of his erratic cursed energy

So pathetic and small

Fucking inconsequential

That thing dared to mess with his baby sibling

Make his baby sibling lose sleep as it sucked happiness and energy

So he did it slowly

Ripped it in pieces, bit by bit, until it was but a splatter on the floor

That night, he went back to his room after washing his hands and face, heart beating fast from the hatred coursing through his veins

Suguru lifted the blankets and tucked himself by your side, pulling you gently until he was curled around you

Then, only then, as you slept fitfully in his arms, safe and peaceful, he was able to calm down and relax

He would do better, grow stronger, kill every curse that dared to step food in a 100 mile radious of you

But Suguru knew there needed to be change

Curses had to disappear completely, one way or another

And Suguru would find a way, if not for the safety of his friends, then for yours

He would never let anything hurt you

No matter the cost

[the-dumpster-fire-of-life]

HEY! (I love the new look of your account!!!) could you make a Tokio Hotel x fem!reader with a tired look? (dark circles under the eyes, pale complexion generally tired look, "dead eyes") practically zombie look🧟‍♀️

(as a bitch with this look, I understand)

Bill Kaulitz

Bill I feel like would be obviously concerned

But more like firm with wanting you to get better

Even if it's not a health issues, he worries it's about your mental health, like depression or something

Even if it's not he wants to make sure that you're okay

He loves you man and does not want to see your health deteriorated

He's not overly protective, just careful and understanding enough to get his point of wanting a healthy partner across

Your dark circles, he saw them grow, worried him a bit because of lack of sleep

He saw your messed up sleep schedule and was like

"Nah, we're sleeping now."

Does whatever he can to help you sleep now, even if it means staying awake for hours

Your pale complexion didn't worry him to much, just thought you needed more sun

Unless he found out it's about something else

He is constantly scolding you for your habits and always trying to help you

He can't have his bae wandering around like a zombie

Tom Kaulitz

I feel like he would cover up his concern with jokes

Like little small teasing about your dark circles, or your tired look

If you need extra sleep, or if you're not getting any at all, he's obviously gonna be like

"How the hell do you even stand up?"

He's so concerned but in adoration on how you're even still functioning

Your sleep schedule is horrible let me tell you

He would do anything and everything to help you sleep

Bendaryl, melatonin, letting you sleep on his chest or hugging you to sleep

He is not above making you lay down and keeping you there to make you sleep

It's all out of love though

He makes excuses to bring you into the sun to give the skin at least some sunlight

He doesn't mind your complexion, you look beautiful but he heard it could be some health issues

Isn't totally worried, or concerned, but just thinks he needs to help with that

If your tired look, or actions or looking like a zombie the things that worry him the most

He thought it was you were tired and needed something to eat

But he noticed you never really did any of that

So he would buy you food, set it in front of you and be like

"Eat." and he would sit next to you eating his own stuff, at least making sure you have a little bit in your stomach

He's not forcing you to eat it all, just wants to make sure you're okay

Gustav Schäfer

He noticed immediately how you acted and looked

I feel like he would ask questions on how you got so pale or the circles under your eyes

He doesn't pressure you, just tells you he wants you to be healthy

He starts off slow with helping you

Letting you sleep in more, or helping you sleep a little better with sleep aids, or just by being there

He still thinks you look pretty but again, concerned on how pale you are

"...there's a thing called the sun, yknow-"

He didn't understand at first, but he's getting the hang of it

He lets you run rampant and free but something he will not let you do or witness you do is destroy your health

He asks if it's a mental health issues, or if it's just how you look

I personally think he loves your dark circles

He thinks you look pretty with them

Idk I just feel like it

Your zombie look actually kills him sometimes

You wander around like nothing looking dead inside

He knows you're not because you look at him with love but he just finds it surprising

Especially if your clothes and hair help that zombie image

He's not above doing your hair for you, simple styles though

Or just helping you pick a less zombie like outfit

Georg Listing

He thinks ya lot hot man's

Out of everyone I feel like to Georg your looks just make you hotter in his eyes

But again, if it's health or mental health he will do his best to help

He won't overprotect you or force you to do stuff ya don't want to

It's mainly just making sure you ate or taking some small walks in the sun, when it's not so hot, to get you some vitamin D

He knows the circles under your eyes are dark due to not good sleep, but he doesn't really know how to help with that

When you guys can he will let you sleep in, turn off your alarm and everything and make sure to keep everyone the fuck away from you so you can sleep in peace

He don't play about his bae

If you like wander around zombie ish, he's gonna be following and holding your hand

With half lidded eyes and a dead look in them, you can sometimes worry Georg like that

Especially with the dead look in your eyes

He wants to make sure you're okay mentally and that does not help, dude

Your pale complexion didn't worry him much

He just gave you some sunlight, make sure you ate and that's all he could do much

He doesn't want to change you, just wants to make sure you're healthy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taglist: @billsjum6ie @bigbootahjudy @dead-tapes @ilovebill-and-gustav @r3dheadedw0rld @kiwitsune @V4mpyboyy @novaaisstupid @billybabeskaulitz @yas-v @iischafer @dilfverz @ahswhore0 @graciegizmo3184 @sweetpuffy12 @elenacgn08 @80s-tingz @ryiana @yuriayato5 @juliarc28 @bunnysenpai31 @banshailey @bellastoner420 @victryzvv9 @Hvvrtbrvken @Yukkimy00 @stxngnr

[kissofthemis]

Hello, may I request headcanons for the NXX boys when they hear reader (who isn't mc) that usually only addresses them by their last name calls them by their first name for the first time, while giving a heartfelt compliment with the softest and sweetest expression?

Bonus if they're normally shy yet silly in general. Another bonus is if they did it without realizing it and immediately fluster when they realise what they did, and puff their cheeks when in denial when called out upon.

Thank you!

"Thank you so much! Luke, you're a lifesaver!"

A wave of relief washed over you as Luke repaired the final piece on your drawer. You still weren't sure how you'd ripped the cabinets clean off their hinges, but all that mattered was that your friend Mr. Pearce, antique repairer extraordinaire, had come to your rescue.

Mr. Pearce.

Luke Pearce.

You hadn't realized how casually his name had slipped out of your mouth until it was too late. "I... Um... Mr. Pearce! Thank you!"

Humbly you bowed your head. You could feel the heat rising in your cheeks, and you could only imagine how much you resembled a boiling lobster right about now. Cautiously, you tilted your chin up just enough to get a peek at the brunet's face, only to find...

That he looked just as flustered as you.

His gaze darted to the floor. "L-Luke..." He stumbled over his own name, and you could have sworn you saw him bite his tongue in his own embarrassed frustration. "Luke is fine. Great, actually." He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Because... we're friends, aren't we?"

His eyes flickered back to you, aglow with the warmth of a fireplace but the intensity of a bonfire.

"At least, I've been trying to put down clues that show you I consider you a dear friend."

~♡~♡~♡~♡~

"You tend to these all by yourself? I can tell how much love you pour into your garden, Vyn!"

Awestruck by the vast array of flora and foliage before you, the words fluttered from your lips before you had a chance to truly think about them.

Of course, you meant what you said! When Dr. Richter had invited you to see a garden, you were excited at the prospect of going to fancy botanical gardens. When he mentioned it was his own personal garden, a healthy dose of curiosity sprouted alongside your eagerness to see his home. Now, upon seeing how beautiful his "humble" garden was, you were impressed and delighted.

But as a moment passed without any response from the gardener himself, you began to worry that you'd said something inappropriate. "Don't tell me, is Dr. Richter bad with prai--"

You clapped your hands over your mouth and began bowing rapidly, bobbing up and down and up and down.

"Dr. Vyn! I mean, Dr. Richter! I'm so sorry! That was super informal and super rude of me! Oh, Dr. Richter, I can't apologize enough!"

A gentle hand came to rest upon the top of your head, stopping you in your tracks.

"Now, while I'm qualified to treat them, I'd appreciate if you didn't give yourself a concussion from whipping your head up and down so many times." He chuckled softly as you rose to a full standing position again, then gave you a gentle pat.

"Raised them with love, you say?" he murmured. "I don't know if I'd put it that way. I'm simply following standard guidance and instructions for each and every species of flower." He pursed his lips for a second, then continued. "But if tending to flowers is anything like tending to people in need of tender love and care..." He turned to look at you, and his golden eyes glinted in the sunlight.

"Then I'm sure you have quite the green thumb yourself."

~♡~♡~♡~♡~

"This is the best grilling I've ever tasted in my life, Artem!"

You had barely spared a second to sing the attorney's praises before digging back into your meal.

When you'd fallen ill with the latest seasonal flu, you had messaged him as a courtesy to let him know you wouldn't be able to meet him this weekend as planned. You certainly hadn't expected the star of Themis Law Firm to offer to bring you some food. You were less prepared when he said he was going to cook it himself, asking for your favorite foods and flavors.

Least of all did you expect his food to be so delicious!

'Never judge a book by its cover,' you thought as you devoured another spoonful. 'I just didn't expect Mr. Wing of all people to have the time to learn to cook so well!'

You peeked up at him, concerned that he hadn't responded yet. He probably wasn't the type who received compliments often; he seemed like the type who intimidated others. Respected, but never appreciated in this way.

"Your cheeks are really red. Are you catching a fever from me?"

Wildfire had spread across his face, from the tips of his ears to the tip of his nose. If he got sick because he was taking care of you, you'd never forgive yourself!

"You... perhaps need more rest," is all that he said in response. "But..." He smiled gently at you.

"If a flu is what it takes for you to loosen up around me, I can't truthfully say that I'm upset about it."

~♡~♡~♡~♡~

"You designed this? Marius, you're a creative genius!"

Your jaw dropped as you absorbed the details in the painting before you. The effect was almost reminiscent of a stained glass window, with the way the colors and strokes created a mosaic image. You could easily see this hanging up in a museum or even a church.

But like a dog who received one treat and was desperate for more, the painter turned to you with big, pleading eyes and whimpered, "I couldn't hear that. Could you repeat it, please? For me?"

He wasn't usually this pathetic. "I said you're a creative genius!" You folded your arms over your chest. "Don't make me take back the genius part."

"No, no~ Before that."

Before that? What exactly had you said that brought this CEO to wag his tail so desperately?

Realization struck you like lightning and you spun away from him instantly. "Mr. von Hagen, it's very unprofessional to tease me like this!"

You could almost feel the mood shift as Marius deflated behind you. "Aww, you were being so friendly a minute ago," he whined. "Even calling me Marius~ Marmar~ Mariri~"

"I didn't use any stupid nicknames!" you protested, whirling to face him with flustered tears stinging your eyes. "You're such a pain in the neck, Marius!"

He perked up immediately. "Oh! There it is again! We are close, aren't we?" He leaned forward, the corners of his mouth turned up into a cheeky grin as he batted his eyelashes at you.

With a huff, you shifted your attention back to the painting. "On second thought, I think this is too abstract for the exhibition. I guess Pax can't host it after all."

"Whaaaat? Now that's just too cold!"

[being-addie]

Little Ways to Love Your Life

I love performing little rituals to enhance my life. It's infinitely satisfying and it reminds me why living is so beautiful, on days when I start viewing the world through a pessimistic lens. This is your reminder that there's so much beauty in the mundane, just start looking for it :)

Here's some things I do that make me love my life just a little bit more:

Wake with the sun:

There is nothing better than opening your eyes to golden sunshine on your face. The golden hour has this quality that makes you feel like royalty.

Move your body:

Give your body a dose of endorphins by doing some exercise! Go for a hot girl walk, hit the gym for a sweaty HIIT sesh, or just groove to some Just Dance. I promise it will make you feel like you can conquer the world.

Smell sweet:

Put on a playlist and sing as you shower. Lather yourself up with sweet-smelling soap, and after you step out of the bath, slick on some vanilla scented moisturizer, and perfume. Don't forget deodorant! Make sure to stick with organic products because chemicals can irritate your skin.

Food = love:

A full stomach is a happy person. Make yourself a cup of coffee, and a hearty breakfast. Take note of the way milk swirls into the dark coffee, how the egg sizzles in the pan. Allow yourself to just exist in the moment, where you are taking care of your mind and body.

Self-love:

While I eat healthy 90% of the time, on days I really need to feel excited, I go buy a pain au chocolat from my nearest artisan bakery. It's one of my favourite foods to indulge in and it always makes me smile. Likewise, buy yourself something nice. It could be a new shirt, a bouquet of flowers, or designer chocolates. Indulge in yourself. You deserve it.

Look at beautiful things:

I don't mean window shopping or aesthetic Instagram pictures. Go out and observe. Look at the shape of the clouds, and how the trees dance in the wind. Pet that cute dog. Smell the wildflowers. Disconnect from the online world, even if it's for half an hour. Give yourself that much time.

Take pictures:

Screw retail therapy, taking aesthetic pictures is my new thing. Take so many pictures. The way sunlight filters in through your window, a cat stretching, a close-up of a flower, your Starbucks mocha latte. Unleash your inner photographer.

Pursue your hobbies:

When I'm down I play the piano or whip out my glue gun and craft my worries away. Doing something you love instantly puts your brain in a good mood. It could be tennis, gardening, quilling, birdwatching. Whatever you love. Do it.

Restrict your social media:

I was unknowingly comparing myself to all the girls I saw on Instagram and it was so detrimental to my self-esteem. I ended up deleting the app. I'm currently planning on reinstalling it by July next year. Delete the apps that do not make you feel good. You will have more time to dedicate to work, hobbies, family and relationships.

Finding joy in the mundane is the most healing thing you can do. Make your routine special, and switch it up once in a while. Don't shy away from your dream life, because you DESERVE it. You deserve EVERYTHING you ever want, okay? Now go get it. xoxo

<3

[zhonyua]

bittersweet memories

modern!au neuvillette x fem!reader

context: neuvillette works too much and your daughter misses him.

content: fluffy, angst/comfort because i live for it, ooc neuvillette maybe.

notes: you and neuvillette are married and have a daughter named "kiara", neuvillette's job subjects aren't mentioned.

neuvillette is a busy man. he spends most of his time working. that can be a little stressful for him, but the person who suffers the most from it, it’s your daughter.

she’s eight years old, and sometimes she just misses her daddy so much, that you need to be creative to distract her.

well, you can’t blame her. when neuvillette leaves for work, she’s still sleeping, and when he comes back home, she’s already sleeping. they just spend time together at weekends and, sometimes, and even that can be hard when neuvillette needs to work extra hours.

you’re always explaining that “it’s not daddy’s fault”, but she’s just a kid after all.

that’s how the whole house ended up stressed.

you woke up with the sunlight, invading your room through the windows, bothering your eyes. you patted your side at the bed, noticing the empty spot there. sighing, you realized that you didn’t see your husband leaving again.

after some minutes of laziness, you got up. you made the bed and dressed something more comfortable than your pajamas. finally, you went to the kitchen, not before checking your daughter at her room, who was sleeping soundly.

you began to prepare your breakfast, distracted by your thoughts. you checked your phone a couple times to see if your husband had sent any message to you, but the only thing he said was a “have a good day” and an emoji.

soon, you heard small steps approaching the kitchen and you smiled without noticing. you felt a pair of small eyes staring at you and you noticed kiara peeking at you from behind the wall. she looked adorable with her little pajamas and her messy hair.

“good morning, sleepyhead.” you said, with a warm smile. as soon as she noticed that you saw her, she ran towards you, making you pick her up quickly and carefully so she couldn’t fall and hurt herself.

“good morning, mommy.” she said with a sleepy voice. her small arms wrapping around your neck as she buried her face on your shoulder.

you chuckled at her cuteness, putting her down to sit at her chair on the table. you kissed the top of her head, nuzzling her hair and messing it even more.

“are you hungry?” you asked, chuckling when her eyes shined and she nodded eagerly. you put the breakfast on the table, organizing everything so it would look more appetizing. kiara's little eyes looked hungrily at everything.

you prepared her plate, putting a small amount of the pancakes on it, pouring some syrup, making sure that it would look like a spiral on top of the pancakes, because you knew she liked it. you patted her head, before warning her to be careful while eating, so she wouldn’t choke or get her clothes dirty.

then, you prepared your own plate, before joining your daughter at the table. she was munching her pancakes with her eyes closed, while savoring the sweetness of the food. you couldn’t ignore the fact that she looked exactly like your husband. the same white locks and peaceful eyes. It was like having a small version of neuvillette.

after you two finished eating, you started to get her ready for school. she was a well-behaved child. she let you dress her and brush her hair, while you two talked about casual things like a little friend at school or a different bird she saw outside.

finally, she was ready, dressed with her school uniform and with her backpack.

“honey, smile for the picture.” you said, grabbing your phone. you had this healthy habit of taking pictures of her everyday and sending them to neuvillette, so he could feel closer to her. kiara looked away, shyly, but smiled softly at your phone, because she knew that her daddy would be proud to see her so obedient.

you sent the picture to neuvillette, but of course he didn’t see it. maybe he was too busy at work.

you took your daughter to school, then you went home again.

your days were a bit boring. you spent most part of the day alone. some times you hung out with your friend, lumine and some times you just stayed at your house watching movies.

you lived a “princess life”. your husband worked really hard to give the best life ever to you and your daughter. you couldn’t be more grateful for him.

that day was just a normal boring day. soon, it was time to get your daughter at school, and you was anxious to be with someone at that lonely house.

she came the whole way home talking about school, her friends and her teachers. you listened carefully to everything she said and even chuckled when she talked about some funny stories she heard.

when you two got home, she looked around the house, as if looking for something, but then she sighed. you noticed it quickly and your frowned.

“what is it, dear? what are you looking for?” you asked, putting her backpack away and getting even more curious when she pouted.

“i thought daddy was already home.” kiara said in a whisper, looking down at the floor. you sighed, before kneeling down in front of her.

“oh, my dear. i already told you daddy just gets home when it’s dark outside, didn’t i?” you spoke in a soft tone, caressing her cheek. she nodded sadly.

“i know…” she said, her happy smile disappearing almost instantly. you knew you had to think fast of a way to distract her.

“hey, what do say about watching a movie?” you asked, lifting her chin and looking at her eyes carefully. she nodded, but she still looked upset.

you wondered why she had changed her mood so fast. you walked to the living room, setting everything up to watch your movie together. the little girl followed you, sitting at the couch with a sad pout.

you sat next to her, resting your hand on her shoulder.

“hey.” you called her, smiling softly and reassuringly. “what’s wrong, my love?” you asked in a soft tone, as if asking in a higher voice could make her even more sad.

she looked down and got silent for a moment, before speaking again. “today at school, my friends were talking about their dads.” she started, with a low and slow voice. you held your breath, already imagining what she would say next. “they said that they do all sorts of things together and that they see each other everyday and every time!” she said, looking at you with wide eyes. “how is that even possible?”

you swallowed hard, not knowing what to say without hurting her feelings.

“hm, you see, maybe their dads don’t need to work like your daddy do.” you said, carefully, measuring your words. you could see the tears forming on her eyes and your heart skipped a beat.

“i wish daddy didn’t work.” she said, a heavy voice and tears rolling down her cheeks, as she looked down. you instantly got worried, pulling her closer to you.

“oh, my love, don’t cry.” your voice sounded hurt to see your little child like that. she looked so upset. you pulled her into a hug and she buries her tiny body on yours, sobbing softly and quietly.

“does daddy not like being with me? is that why he works all the time?” she sobbed into her words. you squeezed her a little tighter, caressing her back in a soothing way.

“of course not, my dear. he loves you so much.” you said and you felt how her sobs got louder. “he loves you too much, that’s why he works a lot.” you kept saying, and she grabbed your shirt firmly.

“then, why?” she asked, her voice breaking. she looked so hurt and upset that she didn’t even look like an eight years old child. “i miss him. i miss daddy.” she kept sobbing and saying things like that, while you kept trying to soothe her.

after a few minutes, she stopped crying and you noticed that she fell asleep in your arms. you stroked her cheek with your thumb, your heart heavy. your daughter was breathing more softly now, her little hands grabbing your shirt, but softer than before.

you carried her to her room, very carefully so she wouldn’t wake up, putting her on her bed, covering her with her soft and warm blankets. you kissed her forehead, before leaving her alone with her dreams.

you knew that you couldn’t talk about that to neuvillette. he would be totally devastated. you decided that you wouldn’t comment about that to him.

the night was already settled. you were sitting on your couch, watching a movie, when you heard the door opening. you tilted your head to look at the door and you saw a familiar silhouette, putting his shoes aside.

you quickly walked towards him, with a smile on your face. neuvillette put his suitcase down, to hug your waist and nuzzles his nose on your hair.

“welcome home, love.” you hummed, placing a kiss on his neck and feeling how the spot warmed.

“hello, my dear.” he said, pulling away to look at your face. his smile disappeared as soon as he laid his eyes on you. “is something wrong?”

ah, right. you almost forgot how observant he was. his examining skills were insane. just a few seconds and he could sense that you weren’t fine. you tried your best to smile.

“hm? what do you mean?” you asked, innocently. His eyes narrowed even more. you gulped.

you couldn’t tell him about what happened, he would he heartbroken, but you couldn’t keep lying to him, because you knew you wouldn’t convince him.

“it’s kiara.” you said, biting your lips and looking away. “she had a rough day at school. you know, kids stuff.” you decided to change the truth a little.

neuvillette sighed, clearly upset. “i wish i could stay with her.” his voice sounded a bit hurt. you knew how he craved to be with your daughter, to hug her and to tell her that everything was going to be okay.

you put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly. “it’s not your fault.” you said, giving him a soothing smile. he smiled back at you, placing a soft kiss on your forehead.

“i'm going to see her, alright?” neuvillette said, before pulling away from you and walking towards the girl's room. he always did that, even if she was asleep.

when he entered the room and saw kiara sleeping so peacefully, he felt a familiar peace inside his chest. he slowly sat on the edge of the bed, watching his daughter's features, as if he wanted to remember every single spot on her cute face.

he caressed her hair, very softly so he wouldn't wake her up, while smiling softly. he leaned closer to her, placing a kiss on her forehead before getting up and leaving the room. he felt his heart sinking on his chest. neuvillette knew that he was loosing his daughter's childhood, but he was doing it for her.

you were in the kitchen, warming up the food for him, when he came in. you felt his arms wrapping around your waist, while he rested his chest on your back. the sudden touch made you gasp and giggle at the same time.

"hey, i almost burnt myself." your voice sounded playful, but neuvillette looked at you with concerned eyes.

"oh, i'm sorry." when he was about to let go of you, you grabbed his arms, wrapping them around you again, but now with you facing him.

"i'm just kidding." the smile on your lips made him relax again. you noticed how his eyes seemed tired. he stared back at you, noticing that your eyes still had a hint of concern. neuvillette leaned in, touching your lips with his. it was just a simple brush of lips, as if you two were teenagers having their first love.

you wrapped your arms around his neck, sighing and smiling between the soft and quick kiss. when he was going to pull away, you pressed your lips together again, making his eyes widen for a short moment, before closing again. you couldn't deny that you missed moments like this.

his hands rested on your waist while you leaned in even more to his touch. when you were about to deepen the kiss, he pulled away. you looked confusedly at him, your eyes half-closed.

"are you feeling that smell?" neuvillette asked, sniffing the air. the realization immediately hit you, making you turn to the oven to save the food that was almost burning up.

"ah! ...ah." you said, looking at how the food was starting to look disgusting. you sighed. "well, it's useless now." you were about to discard the food when a pale and large hand held your wrist.

"wait, don't do it." neuvillette grabbed the food from your hand and poured some things on it, like spices and other things like that. "there it is, now we can eat it." he smiled, proud of his work.

"are you sure? i can make a new one." you said, looking at the food with unsure eyes. in response, neuvillette grabbed a spoon of the food and took it near your mouth.

"prove it." he said, still holding the spoon. you looked at him and sighed, taking the spoon in your mouth. your eyes widened a bit when you noticed that it was still good.

"hmm! you're right, it's good." you chuckled, seeing how neuvillette smiled softly at you. "alright then, you should eat it. you must be hungry after all your work today."

you stayed with him while he ate, talking about your day or about something new kiara learned. he listened carefully to every word, while eating and flavoring the food you made for him. when he finished, he washed his dishes and turned to you. you looked up at him, smiling softly and playfully at the same time.

"thank you for the food, my dear." he said, kissing your forehead and resting his lips a little longer there. when he pulled away, he had a sad smile. "i wish i could eat with you every day." you knew he was talking about kiara too, and your heart sank.

you knew that both of them missed each other, and you didn't know how to solve this problem. you reached your hand to caress his cheek and he leaned into the touch.

"she misses you too." you started, measuring your words exactly like you did with kiara. "but she knows that you're working this hard for her." seeing your soothing smile, he leaned in even more in your hand. "and besides, we can always spend time together on weekends, right?"

he nodded, leaving kisses on the palm of your hand. "i know." he said in a whisper. he really was like his daughter. you felt like you just had a deja-vu.

you pulled him to a hug, wrapping your arms around his waist. you felt his arms wrapping around your shoulder, squeezing you as if you were a plush. "she loves you, you know?" you whispered in his ear and you felt how he squeezed you even tighter, but not too much. "and she knows you love her too."

he pulled away, looking at your eyes. his hand reached your cheek, brushing his thumb against your skin in a calm and soft way. "i love you." neuvillette's voice made your heart beat faster. "i love you too." you answered, chuckling while trying to hide your red cheeks.

"i'm sorry, my dear, but i'm afraid i can't stay awake much longer." neuvillette said, his sentence being cut by a yawn. you chuckled and patted his shoulder. "alright, alright. go ahead, you need to rest." you said, pushing him in a playful way towards the bedroom.

in a few minutes, neuvillette was already snoring softly on his bed, sleeping so tightly that you could think he had fainted. you were next to him, playing with his white hair, brushing your fingers along his scalp. kiara wasn't the only person that missed him, but you didn't want to complain about that, so you always kept that feeling on your chest. that feeling that you knew it would break his heart if he knew about it. you sighed, burying yourself on his arms and he instantly hugged you, still asleep. soon, you fell asleep too.

the next day, you woke up with a familiar voice calling for you. you slowly opened your eyes, still a bit drowsy. when you saw neuvillette, gently shaking you and whispering your name, you knew something was off.

you sat up on the bed, feeling dizzy because you did it too fast. "what happened?" your voice sounded worried and neuvillette rested his hand on your shoulder.

"don't worry." his voice sounded soothing and you tried to calm down. "it's kiara. i think she has a fever." he helped you get up from the bed and walk to kiara's room. "i came to see her before leaving for work but her face feels hot." the two of you entered the girl's room.

she was sleeping on her bed, her blankets wrapping around her. she had an annoyed expression on her face, as if she was feeling very uncomfortable. you carefully touched her forehead with the back of your hand, feeling how warm her face was. she was really with a fever.

"i need to go to work but, maybe i can take you two to the hospital?" neuvillette looked worried. he wanted to take care of kiara but he couldn't miss work.

"don't worry, i'll take care of her." before you could even finish your sentence, kiara opened her eyes slowly, looking around the room. at the moment she saw neuvillette, her eyes widened.

"daddy?" her voice sounded low because of the fever, but even though, she tried to get up and reach for neuvillette. he immediately got closer to her, sitting next to her on her bed.

"hey, dear." his voice sounded soothing but his eyes were concerned. kiara quickly hugged him, tightly, as if she didn't want to let him go. neuvillette caressed her hair with his hand.

"daddy, i missed you." kiara's voice sounded muffled because she was burying herself in neuvillette's arms. he looked surprised by her reaction, but he kept caressing her hair. "please, stay here today." her request broke neuvillette's heart into tiny pieces.

"oh, my sweetheart, you know that i can't do that." she hugged him even tighter when he said that. "please." she asked again and a small sob escaped her lips. neuvillette's eyes widened and he pulled away from her, looking at her face.

tears started to form in her eyes and fell down her cheeks. the moment that you were eagerly trying to avoid was happening right in front of you. you checked neuvillette's reaction and he looked completely shocked.

"don't cry, my baby." he brushed his thumb on his daughter's cheeks, wiping away her tears, but she just sobbed even more. "please, daddy, please." she grabbed him by the coat, desperately trying to convince him. it was truly a heartbroken moment.

"my love, you know that daddy needs to work." you tried to intervene, but kiara shook her head, ignoring your words completely.

"no!" she yelled, sobbing and trying to hug neuvillette again. "no... i want daddy here. i want to stay with him." neuvillette looked up at you, without knowing what to do. you saw that his eyes looked upset and hurt. you knew that he hated to see kiara crying, specially because of him.

"my love, please listen." neuvillette tried to speak, but kiara kept yelling at both of you. you knew you had to scold her for screaming with you two, but you also knew that she was hurt - and sick.

you sat next to them on the bed, but kiara tried to move away from you. "kiara, we can spend time together on saturday. you know that, right?" you spoke in a soft tone, hoping that she would listen to you, but she shook her head again.

"no, i want it now! i want it today!" she yelled at you and you didn't know what to do anymore. kiara turned back to neuvillette, looking at him with her eyes wet from tears. "please, daddy. i love you, i need you." it was really shocking to see an eight year old kid saying those things, and you knew neuvillette felt the same, because he looked devastated.

"i love you too, dear. i love you so much. please, listen to me." he placed his hand on her cheek, trying to calm her down and make her listen. she couldn't stop sobbing and her voice sounded low and broke when she spoke. "i can't skip work today." she started to panic again but he said a simple "shh" to keep her quiet. "but i will come home earlier so we can do something together, how does that sound?" he looked at her expectantly.

she stayed quiet for a moment, sobbing more softly now, then she looked up at him again. "do you promise?" she asked, in a whisper.

"of course i do." neuvillette smiled reassuringly. kiara sighed and nodded, hugging him again and closing her eyes. "but you'll have to promise that you'll obey your mommy and be nice, okay?" he asked, feeling her little nod.

they pulled away, neuvillette kissed kiara's forehead and smiled at her. she smiled too, but she still looked a bit sad. her eyes swollen and wet from the tears. "i'll go to work and you'll stay here with mommy, alright?" kiara nodded again, pouting very slightly but a lot more calm now. neuvillette got up from her bed.

"good." he said before kissing your cheek and giving you an understanding smile. "i love you two." he said, and you two answered an "i love you too" before he left for work.

you sighed, looking back at the sad little girl hugging herself on her bed. you sat next to her, placing a hand on her forehead and feeling that it was still warm. "are you calmer now?" you asked in a soft tone.

"i'm sorry, mommy. i yelled at you." she said, without looking at your eyes and pouting embarrassedly. you chuckled, caressing her hair. "it's okay. i forgive you." you got up, fixing her blankets around her body and giving her a little kiss on her forehead.

"now, i will give you some medicine so you can get better when daddy gets home, okay?" you said and it looked like that made her a little better, because she smiled weakly at you.

you prepared and gave her medicine, taking care that she would stay with the proper amount of blankets covering her and that the towel cooling her forehead would stay in the proper temperature all the time.

the day passed quickly. when the night was already setting, kiara was already feeling better, sitting on the couch and glancing anxiously at the door.

you were sitting next to her, caressing her hair and trying to calm her down. "hey, come on. be patient." you said in a playful voice and kiara pouted in response. she sighed, looking at her hands, while playing nervously with her fingers. you noticed that.

"what's wrong? why are you feeling so anxious?" you asked, in a soothing and calm voice, trying to look at her eyes. she looked away, shyly. she didn't answer, instead biting her lips trying to calm down. "dear?"

she leaned her head on your chest and you hugged her in response. "i'm nervous." she said, in a whisper, and you felt even more confused. "nervous? why?" you asked, playing with her hair with your fingers. she looked up at you and you saw pure concern on her little eyes.

"do you think daddy is going to like to spend time with me?" she asked, looking at you with those innocent and worried eyes. you couldn't hold your chuckle. "oh, my dear, of course he will." you said and she looked at you expectantly. "he loves to stay with you, but you know it's not his fault, right?" she nodded very slowly. "don't worry. i'm sure that you two are going to have fun." you kissed the top of her head and she gave you a small smile.

at the exact moment, the door opened. kiara quickly turned to look at it, her eyes shining and bright. when neuvillette appeared from behind the door, putting his shoes and suitcase away, kiara jumped out of the couch, running towards him. he immediately dropped his things on the floor, holding her in his arms, preventing her from falling.

"oh!" he let out, startled by the sudden embrace. "kiara, be careful." his voice sounded worried but as soon as the girl wrapped her arms around him in a tight and desperate hug, he smiled, hugging her back.

he picked her up, easily, tightening the hug and kissing her cheek. "are you feeling better now?" he asked, walking towards the couch. kiara nodded, burying her face on his neck. neuvillette sat down on the couch, while kiara kept burying herself into the hug even more.

you, that was sitting on the couch, gave a little kiss on neuvillette's cheek. "i guess someone was excited to see you." you said in a playful voice and kiara hid her face, embarrassed. neuvillette chuckled, hugging kiara even tighter in a soft embrace.

"i missed you too, sweetheart." his voice sounded so sweet while he looked at his lovely daughter. it was clear how much he loved and missed her. "so, what are we going to do?" he asked, looking at her and giving her a reassuring smile. "we can do whatever you want."

kiara looked up at him and she looked unsure, as if she thought about lots of possibilities but none of them looked good enough. she looked down, unable to hide the sad pout forming on her lips. "i don't know." her voice sounded like a whisper.

neuvillette kissed the top of her head. "don't worry. we can think about something now." his voice was so soothing, that even you calmed down when he spoke. you looked at your husband with loving eyes. he was everything you ever asked for.

neuvillette and kiara had fun together. they watched movies and played silly board games, until both of them fell asleep on the couch. kiara leaning her head on her daddy's chest, while he hugged her protectively.

you couldn't take so much cuteness. of course you took lots of pictures before, carefully, waking neuvillette up.

"my love, wake up, you can't sleep here." you tried to whisper in the most low tone you could, so you wouldn't wake up kiara. neuvillette blinked a few times, before looking down at kiara and smiling softly. he kissed her forehead, cuddling her on his arms and picking her up.

"i'll take her to her room." he said to you and left with his daughter in his arms. it took him a few minutes to come back and he had a tired but happy look on his face. you were sitting on the couch and he sat next to you, leaning his head on your shoulder.

"so?" you asked, giving a kiss on top of his head. he looked up at you, pulling your face so he could give a quick kiss on your lips. "it was nice." he said after pulling away. "i should have done this before." his voice sounded a bit guilty and you quickly hugged him.

"you're a great father. you know that, right?" you whispered to him and he smiled softly. "and you're a great mother." he said back to you. you looked into his eyes, smiling proudly of you for having such a perfect family.

his hand reached to cup your cheek, and he leaned in, kissing you in the sweetest way. you sighed between the kiss, leaning in so you could get even closer to him.

"i love you." he said against your lips, and you smiled. "i love you too." it was your turn to make him smile.

you were just two silly lovebirds, sitting on the couch and saying sweet nothings to each other, until you eventually fell asleep in his arms.

you knew that the next day it was all going to start over, but you didn't care. you had the best routine, the best family, the best everything.

you couldn't be more grateful.

[chaos-bites]

☀️ Subtle Baldr Worship 🌱

@broomsick helped a lot with this list!!!

Drink herbal tea or tea that you like; raise a glass to him!

Take an herbal or relaxing bath/shower

Grow your own herbs or produce

Collect flowers; press flowers; decorate with flowers; make a flower crown

Have a candle that reminds you of him (no altar needed)

Keep a picture of him in your wallet

Wear jewelry that reminds you of him

Have a stuffed animal of animals that you associate with summer; keep childhood stuffed animals or ones that comfort you

Have symbols of sunrises, sunsets, summer, flowers, citrusy fruits, or anything you consider beautiful around

Decorate using fairy lights or lanterns

Practice writing if you'd like (poetry, stories, etc.); read your old writing, and celebrate any improvements you notice!

Sketch or draw - any sort of creative expression

Practice forgiveness and compassion, especially towards yourself

Set time aside to relax and decompress

Take a walk/hike in nature/a forest, especially on a sunny day

Meditate or sit in the sunlight

Fall asleep/meditate to the sound of birds or ambient forest sounds

Eat fruit, especially citrus fruits

Nurture and express your wonder towards the world around you; let yourself view the world from the perspective of a child; find the beauty in every day things

Practice emotional regulation as well as feeling your feelings

Find healthy emotional outlets; drawing, boxing, dancing, singing, etc.

Cloud-watching and star-gazing

Camp in the forest; sit in nature for awhile

Listen to music that calms or comforts you

Spend time with loved ones or pets

Support humanitarian or environmental preservation organizations

Cook yourself a delicious meal

Cook a warm meal for someone in need

Donate clothes, food, blankets, hygiene kits, etc. to homeless shelters

Take care of yourself physically and emotionally

Exercise; get some movement throughout your day, even just stretching

Play with your pets

Engage with childhood media/activities

Keep a self-care/self-love journal

Keep a personal diary filled with both positives and negatives; sketch in it, add stickers to it, make it your own!

Make a list of things you enjoyed and things you disliked about the day at the end of it

Make your space comfortable for you; make it your own!

Hang your accomplishments, drawings/paintings, or creations on your walls

Celebrate your achievements, even the little ones

Dance to music you enjoy, especially if it makes you feel lively

Light a bonfire for him; sit alone or gather around it with loved ones

Make s'mores or similar treats on a summer night

Tell stories around a fire

Try new things; take risks, and go outside of your comfort zone; be spontaneous

Visit an amusement park, local fair, or local festivals; engage with celebration and fun!

Learn about the local flora and fauna

Learn about herbs and their different properties/usages, especially in a Norse/Viking context; try to use them in those ways

Clean trash in your neighborhood or environment; recycle if you can

Feed neighborhood birds, cats, dogs, etc.

Practice mindfulness; try meditation if you can

Try bird-watching or wildlife watching

Practice open-mindedness; try to comprise with others; agree to disagree

Honor your ancestors or passed loved ones; learn about your family history

-

I may add more later on! For now, this is my list of discreet ways to worship Baldr. I got a lot of help from @broomsick who is extremely knowledgeable on Baldr and other Norse gods. I recommend checking them out if you have any questions! Thank you, and I hope this post helps! 🧡

Link to Subtle Worship Master list

[would-this-pokemon-be-a-friend]

Would Nincada be a good pet?

As seems to often be the case for bug pokémon, nincadas are a curious case. On one hand, nincadas are pretty low-maintenance and safe. On the other, adopting one as a pet comes with a pretty heavy commitment, and they won’t provide the social element that many owners are looking for in a pet. Whether or not a nincada would make a good pet really depends on the owner.

Nincadas may be larger than real-world bugs, but they are the perfect size and weight for a pet. Their housing needs, however, are a little more complicated than some pokémon. Nincadas live almost their entire lives stationary and under the ground in burrows (Ruby). In order to care for one, you would need to provide them with a safe burrowing place where they won’t be bothered by any natural predators. You won’t have to worry about your nincada wandering off, thankfully, so long as you provide what they need for their burrow so that they don’t feel the need to scavenge for food or water. Wild nincadas make their homes in the roots of large trees, using their claws to dig into them to create shelter and acquire both moisture and nutrients (Sapphire, Emerald). If you already have access to a satisfactory tree, then you’ll already be all set. It’s possible that an artificial analog, with a means to provide the nincada with the nutrients they need, could provide them with a sufficient habitat, but a tree seems to be the most straight-forward option when available. Since nincadas get everything they need from their tree-burrows, caring for one is as simple as keeping their tree happy and healthy. Because of this, their ease of care after the initial introduction to their new habitat is very low.

Like I said before, nincadas aren’t very social pokémon. They live nearly their entire lives underground, since bright sunlight makes them uncomfortable (Sapphire). Over time, this species has become almost completely blind, relying on their sentisitve antennae to feel their way around in the dark (Emerald, FireRed/LeafGreen, Diamond/Pearl/Platinum). If their needs ar being met, you’ll probably rarely see your nincada, let alone interact with them. This will be a deal-breaker for owners that are interested in friendly, sociable pets, but that’s not all pet owners! If you are fascinated with bug-type pokémon, or enjoy caring for pets for the routine, a nincada might be great choice for you.

I would be remiss when discussing nincada to not bring up a big wrinkle: adopting a nincada means, inevitably, adopting a ninjask (and, provided they have sufficient space, a shedinja). Nincadas are a pokémon species whose entire lifestyle is geared towards evolution. Due to this, I would not recommend giving a nincada an evolution-preventing stone, as it may be detrimental to their long-term mental health. Of course, this is a complicated issue, so I would recommend consulting with a pokémon veterinarian should you adopt one. Generally, however, every healthy nincada owner should be prepared to care from a ninjask somewhere along the line. This is not always a quick process. According to the pokédex, some nincadas spend upwards of a decade preparing for evolution (HeartGold/SoulSilver). This means that caring for a nincada is a big commitment that should not be taken lightly.

In an effort to keep this already too-long post as brief as possible, I’ll just say that nincadas aren’t very dangerous. While moves like Metal Claw can really pack a punch with their tree root shredding claws, their lack of vision and underground lifestyle means that they pose very little threat to humans, so long as you keep your distance and handle them sparingly and carefully.

Overall, a nincada’s viability as a pet depends on the potential owner. If you are interested in a low-maintenance pet that keeps to themself, they might be just right for you. Just keep in mind that adopting a nincada is no small responsibility! While it can take up to ten years, your nincada will someday become a ninjask (and, quite possibly, a shedinja). I haven’t covered ninjasks on this blog yet, but I have covered shedinjas (linked below), and I think it’s fair to guess that the intensity of care your pet will need along the line will be far greater than it is now.

The Shedinja Post: