#they should have paraded her around the town for that entire outfit

[abrandnewshadow]

04/12/1997 christina ricci on goth talk (snl sketch)

[myhockeyworld87]

Not So Dangerous Liaison - Sidney Crosby - Part 27

Word Count: 3,429

POV:  Reader

Warngings: Language, NSFW, Smut

Notes:  Here we are again. I think you all might kill me in future chapters so for now, let’s enjoy this one...haha. As always love your feedback and Happy Reading! Let me know what you guys think.

Not So Dangerous Liaison Masterlist

It was less than two weeks after your conversation with Mario that you and Sid were traveling to Los Angeles for the All Star game. Geno and Anna were supposed to be with you, but because of an injury, they had to back out. It was better for him to rest up anyhow. For Sid, it was more work than fun, though he did have a more carefree attitude than when he's normally on the ice. The two of you did sneak in some nice alone time over the few days.

Once you were back in Pittsburgh, it was business as normal. Well, maybe normal wouldn't be the right word for you, as you were busy helping with the Stadium series game that would take place at the end of February against the Flyers. Your hours were a little later when you were in town, which Sid didn't mind as he just spent extra time on the ice or watching films while he waited for you. You insisted that you could just take separate cars, but he wouldn't hear of it. It was really quite cute of him. 

The days leading up to the game were packed. The guys were doing media and squeezing in practices with their new equipment, while you worked behind the scenes with the rest of the crew setting things up. You wanted Heinz Field to feel just like PPG Arena did for them. The weather had everyone in a tither as Pittsburgh had got a bit of a warm front. Days leading up to the game saw temperatures in the seventies which was almost unheard of, for a February in Pennsylvania. In fact, on the day of the family skate, you were all literally wearing jeans and lightweight sweaters as you stood around watching the guys practice. 

"Will you hold Scar for me?" Vero asked. You were watching the guys practice with the ladies today, instead of by the bench. It was a rare occurrence that you got to take a game in with them, so it was a nice change of pace. She handed baby Scarlett off to you while she bent down and put on Estelle's skates. 

"Hello, sweetness," you said to the one-and-a-half-year-old, kissing her little cheeks in the process. "Do you see daddy out there?" You pointed out where Marc Andre was and Scarlett smiled. 

"Hi, daddy!" She yelled, but you weren't entirely sure he could hear her, as he was all the way down in net. "Unc Sid!" She exclaimed when Sidney came by and tapped on the glass. 

"Hi Scar!" He waved at her then gave you a look. One you weren't entirely sure you'd ever seen, before skating away leaving you to wonder what was going through his head. Practice ended soon thereafter and you all joined the guys out on the ice. Though most of them shed their pads due to the heat of the afternoon sun. 

"Ice looked a little slushy," you commented to Sid when he skated over to you.

"It's not bad. They said the temperature's supposed to drop tonight and tomorrow so we'll be ok. Come on." He grabbed your hand pulling you out onto the ice with him. It was something you still weren't comfortable doing. Sid could literally skate circles around anyone, while you still had to concentrate if you wanted to go backward. He recognized that and always made sure he held onto you so that you wouldn't fall. "You looked good out there." He said offhandedly as you made your way around the now shiny surface of the ice.

"Huh? I wasn't doing anything. I'm pretty sure I should be saying that to you."

"That's not what I meant."

"Obviously," you said hitting him playfully and losing your balance at the same time. Sid righted you with ease so that to the casual onlooker they never would've seen you stumble. 

"I meant holding Scarlett."

"Oh well, she's easy to love that's for sure. I'm going to miss them when they go." With the expansion team coming to Vegas, it was already widely known within the team that Flower would be the member they would choose. It was crushing, not only to you but to Sid as well. Your friendship with the Fleury's was one of the things you both treasured most; they were the reason you were with Sid right now. And while they would always be some of your best friends' things wouldn't be the same in Pittsburgh without them. 

"I know," Sid replied wistfully. "But we've still got them for now." You skated around a few more times, before he let you go, only so that he could wrap his arms around your midsection and skate with you from behind. It was definitely intimate and you were surprised with all the media around that Sid was into such a public display of affection. Sure there had been the parades, but usually, he tried to keep your relationship out of the public eye if he could. "I just think you really looked good." He whispered in your ear.

"You've seen me in this outfit before."

"Not that, you know…" You had to crane your neck back to look at him, but you noticed he was turning a bit red and it had nothing to do with the unseasonably warm temperatures. "Holding Scarlett." He finally spit out. "It makes me think about having our own."

"OH!" The word came out a little louder than you intended. Of course, Sid had confessed that he wanted kids with you. It just seemed like something that was further away in the future and not something that he'd been thinking about recently. 

"I know you're going to tell me it's too soon, and maybe you're right. I just can't help but think about it on days like today." You looked around then, watching all the guys skate with their significant others, some with kids while others had kids on the way. You could see the allure. As the two of you continued to glide around the ice, you let your mind wander to what it would be like. It was easy to picture, especially after watching Sid this summer with his Little Penguins camp. He'd be holding your son's or daughter's hands, much like Flower was doing now with Estelle, helping them navigate the ice. When Sid's hands tightened around your waist you couldn't stop yourself from wondering what it would feel like to be growing his child inside you. You found yourself relaxing more into Sid's embrace as you daydreamed about your future. 

"It's definitely a nice picture," you finally sighed, letting him know that you weren't opposed to the idea.

"Yeah, yeah it is." His voice took on a dreamy quality and you knew he was imagining the same thing as you. It seemed like one minute you were caught up in your little fantasy and the next you guys were having to leave the ice and it was back to reality. Not that your reality was a bad one, you still had Sid and for now, that's all you needed. 

Sid was right temperatures definitely cooled down. By game time the following day, it was barely thirty degrees and falling. You were bundled up in a coat with the team logo on it along with a matching tossle cap on your head. Sid had been mad that you hadn't worn the one all the ladies got with their guys' number on it, but you had insisted that when you were on the clock you were rooting for the entire team and not just him. At the moment you were wishing you had it so that you could put it on top of your current one. Your teeth were chattering and you kept bouncing on the balls of your feet to keep you warm. 

Midway through the first Sid scored, which had you jumping up and down and cheering along with the team as well as the thousands of fans in the stadium. It did little to help get you warm and you were practically running to the locker room tunnel by end of the first. You grabbed a cup of hot tea while the players went over the first period and where they could make improvements. It went pretty much the same way in the second, even though Nick Bonino scored early the Flyers were able to cut the lead in half with a goal from Jakub Voracek. Again, you raced off to get warm as soon as the horn sounded. 

Your feet were numb by the time Cully scored a goal early in the third, and though the Flyers scored on a power play, Chad Ruhwedel sealed the Pens victory with over five minutes left in play. The stadium erupted with the win, though it did little to warm you up. You stayed long enough to watch the team skate around in their little victory lap, then headed back down to the nice warm locker room. 

Of course, Sid had to do media, which meant you were there even longer. He was afforded the luxury of a nice hot shower before the two of you headed home. "Can you please turn the heat up?" you whined once you were in the car. "I'm freezing."

"It was a bit cold out there, eh?" Sid commented as he turned the heat on your side of the vehicle to max. 

"Ya think? I thought I was going to freeze to death when the snow started to fly."

"Babe, it's all part of outdoor hockey." He grabbed one of your hands in his. "Fuck, you are cold. You should've worn thermals or something."

"Trust me I will next time. I think it's just worse because of how beautiful it was yesterday."

"Well, as soon as we get home, we'll get you in the tub."

"Uh, yes, please." The ride through the city, while mostly traffic free, seemed endless. 

"Head upstairs, babe and I'll bring you up a cup of tea as soon as I get rid of my gear." Not having to be told twice, you made your way up to your shared master bath and started running the water. You hated stripping out of your clothes, as it felt like the only warmth your body had at the moment but as soon as your toes touched the steaming water, you sighed as the warmth heated your skin. You were fully immersed up to your neck by the time Sid came up with a steaming mug full of tea. "Better?"

"A little," you answered taking a sip of the drink he'd prepared perfectly for you before setting it back down on the ledge of the tub. "Still a bit chilly." 

"Well in that case." Sid started to strip out of his clothes. Divesting himself of his suit that he'd worn to the game. He folded it over the chair you used to put your makeup on, so that it didn't get any wrinkles, then made his way over to you and the tub. "Scooch up, babe." You did and he scooted in behind you, easing you back against him once he was comfortable in the water. His arms wrapped around you instantly and you felt engulfed in his heat. "This better?"

"Mmm much." You were completely content wrapped up in your boyfriend's arms with the water lapping around you both, so you rested your head against his chest. "You played really well tonight," you mused shutting your eyes and just giving yourself over to the warmth that was Sid.

"It was a lot of fun. I love playing outdoors. It's so authentic." Only Sid would put it like that, but you knew what he meant. "Though I wish you would've dressed warmer baby."

"I'm fine now." You took another long sip of tea, the temperature perfect. 

Sid kissed your temple. "Good, can't have you getting sick on me." 

"God no, I'll have to sleep in the guest room, if that happens."

"Why?"

"I'm not going to be responsible for getting the star player sick." You told him, turning your head so that you could look him in the eye. "You will not be missing a game because of me."

"I'd still probably end up missing a game because I wouldn't be able to sleep without you in our bed." His arms tightened around you, almost as if you were going to run off to the guest room right then. "But we're not worrying about that now, because we are definitely sleeping in the same bed tonight." His lips captured yours then, stealing your breath away and heating your body all the way to your core. You could feel his erecting grow against you as the kiss went on. It was nothing to reach behind you and wrap your fingers around his length. He moaned into your mouth, before gently sucking on your bottom lip as he broke the kiss. "You know two can play that game." His hand stole down your stomach and slipped between your folds, the water making it easy for him to caress you there. Your hand stuttered on his cock as he slid two fingers into you. Sid took the opportunity to grab your wrist with his free hand so that you could no longer manipulate him as you liked. "Lean your head back and enjoy this for a bit."

"But…"

"We'll get to that." He told you as he settled you against him once again. He shimmied his legs so that they were in between yours but only for a moment so that he could spread yours wide; your legs now splayed on either side of his. Sid's fingers continued to toy with your pussy, alternating between pumping in and out of you and rubbing circles on your clit, while his other hand tweaked your nipples into taut little peaks. Before you knew it you were panting with need, the chill of the evening game completely forgotten as Sid stoked a fire deep within you. His lips came down on the nape of your neck, his tongue driving you wild just as his fingers were. It was all too much as the water gently lapped at your skin. You felt your body gently rise into his touch, yet he held you firm working you towards that peak you craved. It didn't take long for your orgasm to hit. It washed over you like a wave cresting on the sand as your body trembled, this time not from the cold but the pleasure of Sid's touch. "You're so fucking sexy when you cum." His warm breath sent a shiver down your spine.

You were so sated you almost didn't want to move, but then you wanted him to experience the same ecstasy that you'd just felt. "We should…" you went to tell him that you should move to the bed but Sid had other plans.

"We'll be fine here, just kneel for a second." Your legs were already on either side of him, so it wasn't hard. He adjusted himself a bit, sitting more upright in the tub, before bending his knees slightly for you to lean against. You turned your head to the side to see him stroke himself a couple times, before lining himself up with your pussy. "Now just come back a little." You did as instructed; your pussy engulfing his cock as you basically sat reverse cowgirl on him. With his knees bent you leveraged yourself against them and started to ride his cock. "Fuck baby, you feel so good." His hands were on your hips making sure you wouldn't slip in the tub, but controlling your pace as well. 

Water sloshed against the sides of the tub, some of it spilling over the sides. "Oh shit," you moaned out knowing that you were making a mess of the bathroom floor. 

Sid could see where your thoughts were going. "Forget it, (Y/N). We'll get it later." He accentuated his words by thrusting up deep inside you. The action making you groan with desire. "That feel good, baby?"

"Yes," you cried out as he hit your g-spot again. "Right there," you panted and he hit the spot over and over again until you were convulsing around him in your second climax. 

"Jesus, (Y/N)," Sid moaned as your pussy gripped him like a vice. The grip he had on your hips tightened as he rammed into your cunt. He was so close to falling off the edge and cumming with you but he wanted to hold off, make it last longer, give you one more orgasm before he sought his own pleasure. Sid slowed his thrusts then, as you relaxed momentarily against his knees. "So fucking beautiful." It took you a moment to catch your breath before you started to move again. His thrusts weren't as deep as before, giving you a moment's reprieve before he went at it again. You knew Sid, knew he could keep up this leisurely pace all night if he wanted. The water was cooling though, and even though your body was still on fire after two orgasms you had no wish to be cold again. It was then that you decided to move your hips, rocking in a motion that you knew would drive him wild. And it did. It wasn't long before he was bucking up into you again. The water going everywhere now. Some of it even hitting his designer suit which rested across the room on the chair. "Fuck, (Y/N)," he hissed out and you could tell he wouldn't last much longer at this pace. He let one hand snake around to your clit. His fingers applying just the right amount of pressure there, as he rubbed circles into the little nub. 

"Sid, I'm gonna…"

"Yes, baby, yes," he groaned on the verge of hitting his peak as well. You were both there with a few thrusts. His hot cum filling you up as you quaked around him. The pleasure so intense you swore you saw stars. Sid collapsed against the back of the tub and while you wanted to follow, the position you were in did not make it that easy. It took a little maneuvering on both your parts, but soon you were back to lounging against Sid.

"We should get out." The water was definitely cooled now and this time you shivered from it.

"You still cold?"

"A little."

"Well, let's get you in bed then." The towel you had laid out was completely soaked, so you just laid it across the floor as you moved to get out of the tub. "Careful," Sid warned as you stepped out onto the shiny marble floor. You moved quickly yet cautiously to the cabinet and grabbed both of you a towel while laying down a few more to soak up the water. 

You'd just finished wrapping the fluffy white towel around your body when Sid scooped you up and headed towards the bedroom. "Sid, stop! I need to clean up that mess."

"It'll dry." He must have been anticipating how the night would go for the bed was already turned down as he placed you in the middle of the mattress. He scooted in behind you, discarding his towel in one swift motion, before sweeping the covers over both of you. His hands made quick work of ridding you of the wet cloth that was helping you dry. "They say body heat is the fastest way to warm someone up."

"Hmm, is that so," you said turning in his embrace. 

"Mmmhmm. I'm sure I read it somewhere."

"I'm sure you did. I'm just wondering what else this book said."

His hands were roaming up and down your back and gliding across the globes of your ass. "Oh, lots more."

You kissed his neck wanting to return the favor he had given you a while ago, then you moved to his chest before saying, "such as?" You continued your path downward over Sid's abs.

"I'm sure there was…" he sucked in a breath as you placed a warm kiss on his pelvis. "Fuck I can't think of a word." 

You grinned up at him from beneath the covers. "Let me see if I can make you forget all together." Sid lost all train of thought as your lips connected with his cock. The night continued on like that for a few more hours before the two of you were so sated you could do nothing but sleep. 

[sirthisisa-wendys]

The General (part 9.5): Geto Suguru x Fem!Reader

synopsis: it’s over. the ruse is up.

wc: 2.1k

tw: none

masterlist

“Have you ever considered just not going to meet the Prince and remaining in your rooms?” Kaori wonders as you sharpen a blade with a rock. “I mean, I’m sure he wouldn't bother you if you assumed the appearance of an invalid. How about getting out of town for a week?” 

She’s tried everything to get you to reconsider your stance on killing Prince Naoya. Any theory, any loophole, any cop-out; Kaori’s said it. But you have no choice. Geto has to be avenged, and the only way you can manage vengeance is killing the man who sent your lover to his death. 

“Listen, we have only a couple of days left. We can use poison, strangulation, accidental drowning, and straight-up murder - which I think is the messier of the bunch.” Toji ticks off methods as he watches you work away at the blade with determination. “I vote we poison his food, and if that doesn’t work, smothering can go a long way.” Megumi peers into the little pond in front of him as his father discusses treason, entirely uninterested in anything but finding another frog to play with. You envy the child and wish that you could take his place, forgetting everything else except the current pursuit of a frog. But your frog is much more elusive, slippery, and well-guarded.

“We have to drug the guards first,” you note, and Toji grunts affirmatively, biting his lip as he stares past you, deep in thought. You look at the scar on his mouth and squint, wondering if you’re just now noticing the pink-ish raised mark or if you’d seen it before, but never noted the way it looks against his tanned skin in the sunlight. You look away before anyone can accuse you of staring, but make a note to ask about the injury later. 

“How can you be assured that none of this will affect your parents?” Kaori wonders, and you look at her with a pensive stare. 

“I’m sure it wouldn’t affect them. They know nothing of the plot and I--”

“If you’re dead, you can’t defend them,” she reminds you, and for a moment, you reconsider the plan altogether. 

“Toji, do you think you could get my parents out of here safely?” 

“I can’t guarantee shit,” he replies, resting his chin on his palm as his green eyes focus in on you again. “But I can sure as hell try.” He adds when you give him a defeated look. You respond to his addition with a half-smile, and he rolls his eyes at the sight, huffing out a short breath. 

_______________________________________________________________________

“Try and hit me,” Toji encourages you, and you reach a hand out to slap him across the face. But you miss entirely and stumble forward, almost face-planting into the ground. “You can’t put all of your force in your upper body like that.” He chastises, stepping in front of you again. 

“Give me a rake and we’ll see about that,” you counter, earning you a loud laugh. Toji takes his stance again, hands prepared for a fight. 

“Come on, little girl, put up a serious fight. You don’t need a rake.” You inhale deeply, centering yourself with one foot placed behind you at an angle and one foot in front, planted firmly into the dirt. “Hit me.” 

The roundhouse kick narrowly misses Toji’s tan face, and his eyes widen as your heel barely scrapes his nose. 

“I said hit me, not kill me!” The bodyguard gripes, and you laugh at his overly-surprised expression and step back, holding your stomach as you bend over in a fit of giggles. When you stop and straighten back up, you catch Toji staring at you in wonder. 

“What?” 

“Your laugh… I’ve never heard you laugh like that before.” At the mention of your enjoyment, you hum thoughtfully, realizing, yes - you hadn’t laughed so heartily in a long time. But in his moment of unguardedness, you shoot your hand out - the fist making contact with his gut immediately. He grunts, holding his abs and wincing a little. “You… fucking... bi--” Before he can finish his sentence and grab you, you take off for the hill behind the house, laughing as you run with all of your might.

But Toji catches up to you easily, grabbing your elbow and making you tumble to the grass, then roll back down the hill in his arms. As you roll - and scream - grass and dirt and wildflowers are kicked up and tossed into your hair and clothes, dirtying your face as well. When you stop though, you’re on top of Toji, and his arms are crushing you against his chest protectively. 

“You can let go now,” you groan, and he opens his emerald eyes, staring right into yours with an intensity you’ve only seen on one other person’s face. “Toji…” you whisper, and his face changes again, now softer and much more… relaxed, if that was even possible. He blinks, and you pause, recognizing the meaning behind his looks. “Fushiguro, I--” He lets you go immediately, clearing his throat and standing. 

“We should get back before dinner. I’m fucking starving.” He saunters off with his hands in his pockets, not even offering to help you up off of the ground.  

_______________________________________________________________________

The moon hovers precariously in the night sky, illuminating the garden directly below it and bathing you in moonlight. You’re only a few hours away from meeting Prince Naoya, and it’s the thought of seeing him face-to-face that keeps you up tonight. What would he look like? Would he know who you are? Would he ask you any questions about Geto? 

Your eyes rest on the reflection of the moon in the fountain, Toji’s old dagger resting in your lap. 

“It ain’t much,” he mumbled when he handed it to you. “But if something happens, whether it’s with the food or the smothering... You’ve got this dagger.” Then he showed you how to murder someone quickly by using a pillow and your dagger, aiming precisely for the open space between his ribcage. “Stab once, pull it out, and run like hell if you want.” 

You inhale deeply, filling your lungs with fresh air. 

“Cold out here,” Toji mumbles, rubbing his arms as he walks out of the house barefoot. “Can’t sleep, y/n?” 

“No,” you admit, then jerk your chin at him. “You?” 

“I don’t get much rest these days,” he replies, sitting beside you at the fountain. “Worried about tomorrow?” You look over at the green-eyed man and blink, your blank expression telling all. “Well, I’m not. You’re going to be fine.” 

“And what will you do when you have to watch me be executed?” you tease, but Toji’s eyes fall to the fountain, eyeing the moon’s reflection. 

“It’ll be sad. But I understand why you have to do what you’re doing.” 

“Toji Fushiguro? Sad?” You laugh, but he gives you a withering look instead of laughing along with you. 

“Listen, I’ve made a lot of off-color remarks, but I meant what I said. You’re a great person, and I would hate to see your life go to waste over some petty vendetta.” His mumbling catches you off guard, but you say nothing in response, opting to look down at the dagger instead. “But, you’re determined to pursue your lover into the afterlife; I get it. You must really be in love with him.”

“I am,” you reply, still not looking at Toji.

“Well, since you’re going to die tomorrow, I might as well be transparent with you,” Toji whispers. “You know, looking after you was a pain in the ass at first.” You frown at him, wondering what kind of comment that is, but he continues anyways. “But you grew on me. Shit, watching you for these months has become enjoyable, more exciting than the idiocy I used to do before. Y/n… I’m--” Toji swallows hard, then raises his eyes to meet yours. “I’m... going to miss you.” Toji leans in slowly, placing a rough hand on your right cheek before kissing the other cheek with a tenderness you always knew he held deep inside. Once he pulls away, he stands, raking his hands through his short hair and sighing before walking back into the house. But you’re left outside, wondering what could’ve been if you weren’t so hell-bent on bringing your dead lover justice. 

_______________________________________________________________________

The sounds of horses, bells, cheering, chants, cacophony… too much noise.

You can hear it all from your position in the kitchen. The village is louder than it’s ever been before, and all the noise provides the perfect background noise to you and your mother’s preparing food for the six of you already living in the house and about thirteen guests- the seven guards, the four servants, a royal advisor, and finally, Prince Naoya. The resulting feast will outshine any feast your mother has cooked before, and you know that the village will speak of the honor bestowed upon your house and the cooking from it for at least a day. 

The next day, they will be lamenting the loss of the eldest son of the Imperial Court, and rejoicing upon your execution. Just like they celebrated Geto’s death. 

Wherever you are, I hope you’re happy, Su, you pray as you peel a leek with precision. Only a few more hours and Naoya would be within your reach. 

First, you’d drug him with a powder Toji had acquired in exchange for… something unmentionable that he wouldn’t divulge. Second, you would help the prince off to his bed as the drug took hold of him and tuck him in. Then, you’d smother him to death. If that didn’t work - “and there’s a chance that it might not”, Toji warned - you would stab him in the heart. Death would reach the Prince’s soul before the morning light. And you would be ready to die the next day, all to meet Geto in whatever world he had passed on to.

An icy hand grips your heart as the hours pass.

The thought of rejoining your lover - feeling his arms around you, touching his hair, looking into his black eyes - is more than enough for you to pretend everything is alright. All you’re doing is making the most of the last few hours you have with your family, Kaori, Toji, and Megumi. The small child is parading about in his newest outfit, displaying his hakama and haori for all to see and coo over. Toji wears a matching outfit, the clouds and animals drifting about his black haori reminding you of a zoo display and of the days you wish you could have. 

You’re wearing your best kimono - the peach one Kaori dressed you in the day you left the camp; Suguru’s mother’s kimono. It’s all too beautiful, really. Everyone is dressed up like royalty, but you’re the only one who came dangerously close to that life and escaped by the grace of a certain General who had your heart. Now, you would murder royalty and die as much of an outcast that Suguru was. 

After you wash your hands in the fountain, you place the dagger inside your kimono and look at yourself in the mirror for the last time. Color had returned to your cheeks over the past few days, and a certain look in your eye had become commonplace. You had something to live for, and these days would remain in your memory as the best days you’ve had since Geto died. 

“They’re coming up the path,” Kaori hisses as she walks past you, ushering Megumi and Toji to the door behind your mother and father. “Come on.” You follow them obediently, standing behind your father and mother as the procession winds its way down the road. While soldiers, musicians, villagers, everyone is parading in front of the carriage carrying the murderer of your lover, you look to the ground and clench your fists. Your resolve steels itself in your spine as you hear the procession get even closer, the clanging making your jaw tighten and your knees tremble. Too much noise, too much noise, too much noise for a man who slaughtered innocents.

The music dies down when the carriage comes to a halt, but the sound of children excitedly squealing nearby. You keep your eyes downcast, not daring to look the spiteful man in the face or attract attention to yourself. The echo of children’s excited chatter stabs you in the heart even deeper - how could children be excited by this killer? - and you try to block out the memories of Itadori, Junpei, and Nobara, but to no avail. 

You’re trying so hard that tears are streaming down your face, and mucus gathers in your nose as you begin to cry quietly. Megumi reaches up to grab your hand tenderly, holding it in his five little fingers as you hear the door to the carriage swing open slowly. You avoid looking, and sniff so hard you almost miss the first words out of a certain blue-eyed bastard’s mouth: 

“Whoa; watch your step, Yuji! You don’t want to fall in front of Lady y/n, do you?”

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TAGLIST: @kamisamaundercover​ @jotazinha​ @just4readingfics​ @mxhi​ @sammytamaki​ @brownskinnedgirll​ @keelyshayee​ @leanne-tamashi​ @vabybizzle​ @amaris9​ @fuegy-fuegy​ @ambiguous-something​ 

[crimsonheart01]

I Promise (Angel Reyes x Female!Reader)

A/N: Shout out to one of my day ones @chaosinourbones​ for this request! Love you boo!! It’s been a hot minute since I wrote for my other tall boy. Let’s hope I do him a world of justice. Enjoy some angsty fluff with our boy! 

Prompt: 22. “How can you possibly look good with snow in your hair?”

Word Count: 2.3K words

Playlist: I’ll Be Home - Meghan Trainor [Spotify] [YouTube]

Warnings: None (surprisingly) 

"I'll find my way back home And light up every tree We will hang our stockings for you and one for me 'Cause Santa called to make sure I'm prepared He said, 'Pack your bags and tell them you'll be late'" I'll Be Home – Meghan Trainor

He checked the time on his phone once last time before reaching out for the double doors in front of him. He shook his head in disappointment at himself. He hadn't meant to lose track of time, but he had a hard time coming up with an excuse to slip away from the boys. Irritated with himself, he closed his eyes for a moment before gripping the handle tightly and propping the door open. He ducked into the gymnasium as quietly as possible. He thanked whatever gods there were that the whole room was covered in darkness, allowing him to post up against the wall unnoticed.

He gazed around, taking note of the varying ages of those in the audience. He smiled. The turnout was amazing. He knew how important this project was and how much effort she'd given to it. Seeing how many people came out brought out a feeling of pride for his community. This was what holidays were supposed to be like.

Tucking his hands into his pockets, he felt the sensation of someone watching. Turning his head, he found his Pops watching him with a keen eye. He smirked at the old man and nodded in greeting. They both turned back to the front of the gym as the lights on the stage flickered between reds and whites. He grinned at the spectacle of the moment.

The stage had been decked out in a perfect replica of a winter wonderland. No doubt to set the scene. He watched as dozens of kids lined the stage and began to sing out loud and proud. He couldn't stop the chills that covered his arms and the broad smile that grew. It wasn't every day that they got to see a production of this stature. It didn't matter that it was just the local community center's holiday concert. Seeing everyone come together to put it on was where the real magic was.

He leaned back into the wall, getting comfortable and enjoying himself. He knew he'd missed the first half of the performances, but he was happy to say that he'd been here for the second bit. It was better than not making it all, a promise he made sure he kept. His gaze roamed over the crowd, and he spotted her almost immediately.

He held back a chuckle at her outfit. She had chosen to go the authentic route with a long-sleeved Henley shirt and puffer vest. He noted the thick wool mittens she wore and the matching wool headband. There was no doubt in his mind that she was sweating, even with the air conditioning pumping through the vents. She took no shortcuts, always going that extra mile to make sure everything fit the scene.

He watched as she mimed the dance moves to the kids, keeping them in step. He let out a quiet sigh as he appreciated her. They were still relatively new in their status, but he knew she was the one. At least, he hoped so. Maybe it was the time of year that had him feeling this way, but he couldn't help but want to parade her around town. Show her off to everyone and anyone.

He'd yet to properly introduce her to the club, unsure of how it'd go. She was nearly a polar opposite of everything that they were. She was his angel. He rolled his eyes as he made the comparison. She should have his name, not him. In his opinion, she was much too good for him. He still couldn't fathom why she gave him the time of day in the first place, but he wasn't going to question it too much. He had her now, and that's what mattered the most.

The concert continued, and he watched with a strong emotion of pride the entire time for her and their community. They did it! They pulled it off. When the finale finally hit, he stood up to his full height and clapped along with everyone else, even letting out a few good-natured hollers in her honour. Once everyone was back up on stage, taking a bow, confetti and fake snow began floating all around them. The crowd roared with awe and wonder.

He found himself staring at her, melting at the smile she was sporting while she stood there. She'd outdone herself. Everyone would be talking about this night for weeks to come.

He kept himself sparse as the auditorium emptied. Finding an available seat off to the side and stretching his legs out in front of him, all while he admired her from afar. He wasn't interested in interrupting her, not while she was being congratulated by everyone, young and old. He carried around a specific reputation, and he wasn't ready to sully hers.

He ran a hand through his hair, knowing full well she'd tell him he was ridiculous. She never saw a problem with who he was. She knew he lived a very different life, that there was a lot of danger in his way, but she didn't believe that reputations determined who they were. He wanted to believe her, but there was always that voice in the back of his mind telling him otherwise, telling him that it was too good to be true and to take advantage of what he had with her before it was gone.

He was broken out of his thoughts by a hand resting on his shoulder. He glanced up to see Pops watching him and where his eyes had been glued a moment before.

"This who you've been hiding?" Felipe surmised.

Angel furrowed his brow, "No one's hiding anything."

Felipe stared at his son, his eyes telling him that he understood the situation exactly. Angel scoffed and shrugged the old man's hand off him. He shook his head and swallowed, attempting to ignore the sympathy in his father's gaze. Felipe took the hint and took a step back. Both men looked back up to the first row of seats, where she was standing and speaking animatedly with a few parents.

With a deep inhale, Felipe nodded and turned, "Give yourself the benefit of the doubt."

Angel clenched his teeth at the words of advice, annoyed at his father’s perceptiveness, but nodded his head as his father walked away. He wasn't hiding her, far from it. He was keeping her safe, at least that's what he was trying to convince himself of.

~(MMC)~

She'd spotted him as she took the stage in the encore and was overjoyed that he made it. She knew there was always a chance that he'd get caught up with the club, but she was happy to see that he found a way to make the event.

As the night wound down, she found herself expecting him to seek her out but instead, she found herself tugged from person to person while he kept his distance. She sighed internally, knowing that he was still in a questioning stage of their relationship. She'd hoped that by now, he'd understand that she wasn't afraid of him or who he was. She knew people had their own opinions, but she knew him better than them. That's what mattered to her. Him. Not everyone else and their beliefs.

She breezed through the stragglers wanting to get their thanks in, and in no time, it was just her and the lone Mayan in the gym. She stood facing the double doors, flattening her palms against each one, ensuring that they were closed. She heard the creak of the chair as he stood up and listened to his footfalls as he went. It took her a minute to realize he was walking away from her by the echo of his footsteps.

Creasing her eyebrows together, she spun around only to endeared by him further. He'd taken that moment to approach the stage and take in the full effect of the décor. She let out a small chuckle as she watched him run his hand through the mess of confetti and snow on the platform. He pulled his hand back and brushed his hands together to rid himself of the flakes.

She took stock of him as she stepped down the middle aisle, noting that he'd chosen to leave the kutte out of his outfit for the evening. It touched her in a way she wasn't expecting. She knew how much the club meant to him that it was his life. The fact that he chose to appear as something different for her production had her chest swell with emotion.

As she neared him, she reached out and toyed with the sleeve of his flannel. Her touch was light but enough to alert him to her presence.

"You made it." She smiled up at him.

He turned towards her and immediately slung his around her shoulders, pulling her into his side.

"I promised, didn't I?" He quipped, but she could hear a subtle tone of frustration. 

Not wanting to dwell on anything negative, see pressed a quick kiss to his cheek before linking her around his and pulled him in the direction of the steps leading onto the stage, "Come on, take a closer look at everything."

They ascended the stairs together, and she talked him through all the details of the decorations and set up. He kept up with her, asking a few questions here and there but for the most part just admiring the whole thing. She lead him to the middle of the stage, where the spotlight was still shining. Slipping her arm out from around his, she pointed up to where the blankets that held the snow were housed.

They both looked up as she explained how they managed to get it to float instead of just dumping it down on top of everyone. She even chuckled as she noted there were still a few swirls coming down. When she turned back around to face him, she laughed. He arched an eyebrow at her, and she stepped in closer to him. She grinned at him, and he couldn't help but respond in kind.

Reaching up, she thread two fingers through his hair, "How can you possibly look good with snow in your hair?"

His eyes shot upwards even though he knew he wouldn't be able to see what she saw. Her fingers daintily plucked out a few of the fake snow pieces, and she let them crowd the palm of her hand. She held it out for him to see, and he chuckled. He lifted his hand to cover hers, twining their fingers together. She smiled down at the sight.

Using his other hand, he lightly tapped underneath her chin, signalling her to look up. She accepted the gesture and glanced up at him. His dark eyes reflected the bright lights above them and took her breath away. His thumb brushed across her chin, and she bit down on her lip as he licked his. He bowed forward slightly as if he was waiting for her to deny him before clearing the distance between them and pressing his lips to hers.

His kiss was tentative giving her a chance to react to him. She smiled against his mouth and fell into him. She caressed one hand up the center of his chest before fisting the fabric of his shirt in her hand. At her reaction, he let go of all his hesitance and dipped her back, pushing everything he was feeling into their embrace. She clutched at his upper arm with her other hand and let him hold her in his arms.

There was a strong need in his kiss. His passion seeing itself through and making itself known. She poured herself into the moment, wanting him to feel everything she was experiencing by being here with him. He made a small noise at the back of his throat, and it sent a wild thrum through, causing her to hold him tighter. She wanted him to know how much she cared for him. All of him. Everything that he came with.  

Losing himself in the moment, he pulled her back up, their heated connection lost for a moment and spun her around. The remnants of the snow swirled around their feet, and she laughed at the momentum. This was her Angel. This was the man she'd fallen in love with. As the dust settled back around them, she looped her arms around his shoulders, resting her head against his chest.

The sounds of the janitorial staff broke them out of their spell. With a sigh, she loosened her arms around his shoulders and looked towards the doors. Her arms fell away from him, but she made sure to catch one of his hands in hers. She led him off the stage and towards the front of the room.

"I only need to pass over the keys and discuss the finalities with the clean-up crew, and then we can get outta here, alright?" She glanced over her shoulder back at him.

He grinned back at her and nodded, "Sounds good querida."

He tugged her back to him before she was able to break away and kissed her soundly. She felt his smile through the kiss. She pulled back and gave him one last chaste kiss before spinning around to talk to the staff that had shown up. However, she made sure to never let go of his hand as she did so. He was hers, and she was his. Everyone was going to know. She'd make sure of that.

[nafeary]

Can I have some really short headcanons with MC spending time with the Ikevamp boys?

✧✎ A/N: Hiii sweets! As I’m dealing with pretty heavy topics right, both in life and writing (my cheating!mc headcanon, oh my), I decided to make this short fluffy one first. Make sure to drink water and to sleep well :))))

Also, these kept on getting longer (and longer and longer)... I dunno how that happened 🤷‍♀️

Napoleon Bonaparte

While you enjoyed accompanying the former emperor and Isaac to teach the children in town

Or going for tranquil evening strolls

Or watching him spar with Jean (HOT)

Both of your favourite past time by far was you waking him, and the cuddling that would always follow (among other... activities *wink wink*)

He’d nuzzle up against your neck, enklindling giggles from you as he protested about you wanting to help Sebastian with breakfast

You couldn’t bring yourself to care too much (sorry Sebas)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Music is the centre of his life; but so are you

He had to learn to give you the attention you deserved, and he’d often wonder if you were were truly content with sitting beside him as he played

You’d love to watch the genius in action, humming and singing along when you happen to recognize his songs

If you don’t already know, he’d teach you to play the piano and the violin

And despite being the ever strict instructor, you’d often catch his tranquil simper as his hands would ghost over your own

Leonardo Da Vinci

After all your chores would be completed, you’d hunt down the Renaissance man

Which would be quite time consuming, as he could be anywhere. Literally.

Once you succeeded in your mission, you’d sit beside wherever he decided to sleep this time (sometimes with one of your heads resting on the other’s lap) and you’d talk. As simple as that

You were, of course, aware of the scientist’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and you were more than glad to tell him about everything you knew about your time in detail

In return, he’d find a way to charge your phone, as you always expressed the desire to show him actual pictures of your old life

Curious boi is impressed

Arthur Conan Doyle

If his girlfriend were to be a social butterfly, you’d probably enjoy tagging along with the third wheel Theo to their regular bars, sharing embarrassing anecdotes of each other

Both of you could often be seen taking Vic for a walk, and Arthur would, no fail, try to get your attention away from the dog acting as his love rival

You could only roll your eyes at his histeronic behavior as he pulled you close, hiding his flaming cheeks at your teasing

If you tend to be more quiet loving, you’d indulge in some alone time in his room [goddammit, not that type of indulging]. As you listened to his calming puffs or air, he’d sometimes ask you to read some of his drafts

Whatever the case was, it would always end with Arthur sweetly pecking your purses lips, a smile gracing his handsome face

Vincent Van Gogh

Wanderlust is a mutual feeling you two shared, and Theodorus had to come to terms with the fact that you two could disappear for hours to end

As soon as you two would find a stunning location, he’d unpack his painting supplies while asking you questions about your old life

You two preferred to stay until the sun would retire for the moon to reign, so that the artist’s canvas had the chance to dry

Sebas would always prepare some snacks for you two upon Comte’s suggestion (because Sugar Daddy takes care of his kids)

As the picnic blanket lay beneath you two, Vincent would pull you close, basking in the serene serenity of your embrace

Thedorus Van Gogh

Baking!

Whether you know or don’t know (in which case Sebastian would gladly help you out) how to cook, the others would find the resident couple in the kitchen as Theo judged your pastries

Of course, he might be mean about it, but that was just apart of him that you’ve learnt to live with; after all, you weren’t perfect either

You discovered that he preferred his sweets... well, sweet, so you have grown used to making two batches of every dough/custard/anything, really: one for you and the other residents, and one solely for him

He’d sometimes saunter behind you, swiftly swiping some saccharine cream onto his finger from a bowl you were currently using. Before you could utter your protests, he’d paint your lips with it, a smirk parading across his cheeks

Successfully shutting you up with a tooth rottingly sweet kiss, he’d say, “Your creations are quite delicious, wouldn’t you agree, knabbletje?” [Would you look at that, Food Play!Theo has returned]

Your knee joints were seemingly replaced by the jelly chilling in the basement

Dazai Osamu

When he’d require inspiration for his novels (or simply felt trapped in his own misery), he’d find himself looking across the vast expanse of le Comte’s land

And somehow, he’d find you more than often amongst the flowers, waving at him to join you

He’d assist you as you cared for the flowers, watching your lithe and nimble hands as they practically danced across the fields

A few butterflies would appear, and he somehow had the ability to make them land on his finger as he explained each of their meanings, explanations spanning from eastern culture to Native American even

You’re always so fixed on the little butterflies resting on him, the writer can’t help himself but kiss your forehead, the subsequent crimson staining your face eliciting such a calm expression from him that you can’t help but smile at his joy

Isaac Newton

As you were both more than busy during the day, you’d vacate your time as the first stars speckled the horizon, Isaac busying himself with mapping the stars

You’d sometimes ask him to teach you, but you tended to zone out as the lectures became more and more scientific and “can you please repeat that in English”-like

Despite the ire lining his voice when he noticed your blank stare, his pouting made it rather apparent that he didn’t mind

He’d scoff whenever you’d start with astrology. “But you’re determined, just like a Capricorn.” “That doesn’t mean anything.”

As more and more stars would appear, you’d catch yourselves gaze more into each other’s eyes than the sky, alabaster rays illumining your loving eyes

His research would be entirely forgotten as your head rested upon his shoulder, liking the prospect of your figurative weight resting on him

Jean d’Arc

You want to watch him spar

Soft boi doesn’t want you to watch him spar

You want to try using his foil

Soft boi doesn’t want you to try using his foil

More than adamant about not revealing his dark side (you couldn’t care less, him sparing was hot but you didn’t know how to bring that up)

As such, you’d ask him to go shopping with you, arguing that his presence would act as the perfect protection

Foolproof way to persuade the stoic soldier: Volume I

You’d enjoy spending time with him in quiet cafes, enjoying him struggle to contain his expressions of content upon trying all the delicacies

Stone on the outside, panic in the inside when you decided to lower yourself onto his lap, telling him that no one could see you two (soldier life did not prepare him for his flirty amour)

William Shakespeare

Stabbing is his favourite past time

To Theo’s disgust, whenever you and and his broer would visit THE creep, he’d often return alone, relying your wish of staying at his mansion for a little while longer

He’d be besotted by all the stories you relayed to him, all the anecdotes of modern life

As you saw his latest works, you were glad he wasn’t using the residents for his drama anymore

He also liked dancing with you, in the moment the clock would hit midnight. As you would both sway beneath the moon’s embrace, he had never felt more at peace

Comte de Saint-Germain

Sugar Daddy likes buying you stuff, that’s it. That’s the headcanon

Jk, but he genuinely enjoys the prospect of shopping clothes with you

He’d even draft some on his own (I mean, have you seen his fashion style? Yes babayyy). If you were a fan of design, you’d both make outfits for one another

Would buy you the best silk if you wanted it... would buy you holo fabric from the future if you wanted it

After your shopping would be done, you’d walk along the Seine, reminiscing about the times none of you have gotten to life in

He enjoyed having you in his office, allowing you to vent about noble ladies that thought they could do as they please and parade around your man

As your ire left your ears fuming, he’d muse how scrumptiously adorable your jealousy it

He’d probably lift you ontop his desk to show you that you had absolutely nothing to fear— if you get what I mean ;)

...What are you talking about? I wasn’t talking about that 🙄. He’d simply show you all the designs you’ve made together smh

Sebastian

Vampires were goddamn lucky creatures. They, unlike him, didn’t have to deal with those horrid muscle cramps

However, his pain was more than familiar to you. Thus, one evening, you proposed as you prepared for bed if he’d like a massage from you

It would... sometimes lead to other acts, but that’s a story for another time 🙃

...I- that’s- I was talking about him massaging her... I should probably omit these insinuations

Now, you’d also spent time by adjusting your (and Dazai’s) favourite Japanese dishes with ingredients the 19th century France granted

This would oftentimes lead to questionable results, but you two would laugh it off with mirth enjoying your company

I am physically unable to write a Theo without foodplay, or Dazai without angsty undertones

[enixamyram]

Curious Archer Pride (Short)

"You... You look amazing..." Robin practically whispered.

Alice grinned widely, taking hold of the silky material of her dress, pulling it up and performing a low curtsey at her wife. The dress itself had been made by a local store but the design had been entirely Alice's. It had a wide layered skirt with a tight torso and short sleeves that hung just off of her shoulders, but the most important part of the dress was the colour. The entire outfit was dyed to be diagonally striped with all the colours of the rainbow. Perfect for Storybrooke's Pride.

"Thanks!" Alice said, standing and doing a twirl so her skirt flared out around her and showed the rainbow design flashing as if by magic - though this was one of the few things that wasn't actually magic, just cleverly sown together material.

"Uh, but where are your shoes?" Robin blinked at Alice's naked toes.

"Oh, well I couldn't find any to go with the dress so I just figured I'd leave them." Alice shrugged, walking over to her. "We're gonna be on a float the whole time anyway!"

Robin nodded, glancing down at what Alice affectionately called their Forever Float. It was relatively simple, until it started moving. Once the wheels began turning, Alice would activate the spell which would reveal small cartoon figures running along the sides, visually telling their own love story to the world. It would start with a female archer catching a young woman in a cage and end with their wedding ceremony on the docks.

"Come on," Robin said, taking her hand and guiding her to one of the chairs before picking up the brush from the second. "We better hurry if we want to be ready. What do you want? A flag? A heart? A book? Any letters?"

"All of them!" Alice said immediately.

"You only have so much face to use," Robin laughed, but proceeded to use the paint to carefully add each pattern to any bit of skin available to her. In the end she wrote LGBT on Alice's forehead, put a heart on her left cheek, a flag on her right and then wrote Pride on either side of her exposed shoulder. "Done."

"Your turn!" Alice said, standing and pushing Robin into her seat.

"I'll just have the lesbian flag," Robin said.

"Okay, shut your eyes." Alice commanded.

Robin did as she was told and tried to resist the urge to frown when she felt the paintbrush stretch from one side of her face all the way to the other. In only took her a few seconds to realize Alice was not going to be limited to just one section of her face. By the time she was done, Robin knew what to expect and when she opened her eyes and checked the handheld mirror she had brought with her. In the mirror, she saw that Alice had painted the entire of her face in the lesbian flag colours.

"Oh! One more thing!" Alice said.

Before Robin could ask what, Alice had leaned forward and pressed a firm kiss to her cheek. Robin opened her mouth to complain about only getting a cheek kiss when she felt a familiar warmth rush over her face. When she next looked at her reflection, she saw Alice had left a clear lipstick mark on her cheek which flashed from gold and silver every time Robin smiled.

"God I love your magic," Robin laughed, standing and catching Alice in her arms. Ignoring the face paint - Regina has supplied it so Robin doubt it would smear - she pulled the other girl into her arms and pressed a firm kiss onto her lips.

When they pulled back, they were both breathless and giddy. Robin was grinning so much, the kiss mark on her cheek was almost blinding as it flashed between the two colours, fighting in order to keep up with her smile.

"You guys almost ready?!" Ruby shouted, rushing towards them with a clipboard in hand. Every year she said organizing the event was just too much for her and yet every year she still insisted on being in charge anyway.

"We're ready!" Alice announced, moving the face paints and supplies behind the chairs so they were hidden from view. "Let's get this float on the road!"

Robin grinned again, taking Alice's hand and standing in front of the chairs. They would be going throughout the whole of town so the chairs were provided in case they wanted to sit for a few minutes should they get tired but Robin wasn't actually planning on using them. Instead she firmly planned to dance with Alice for the entire of the parade, thrilled at the idea that their love - along with the love of their LGBT friends and family - would be the centre of attention.

"Happy Pride, Alice," Robin said softly.

"Happy Pride, my love," Alice smiled, leaning forward and sharing one more quick kiss just as the parade began.

[justsomefluff]

Hello I was wondering if you could do an ateez reaction to going to a fashion show with their girlfriend 🥺❤

here it is!! sorry it’s so late!! I hope you enjoy! <3

Hongjoong:

Okay so Joong is the type to pretend he doesn’t want to go

But then love every second of it

And after your first one, he’s gonna beg you to go to more shows with him

Like every time a model comes out wearing something new, even if the entire look is hideous, he’s gonna complement something about the look

Because he knows how hard the models and designers work to make all this happen

And if there’s a look he really really loves, he’ll look at you and be like

Im gonna buy that for you

Suddenly showering you in complements

“Babe, you’d look so beautiful in that”

“Babe, you’re the most stunning person in here”

NO FAX, JUST PRINTER

And at the end of the night, you’ve both compiled a list of colors and styles you would like to see on each other

So you decide to make each other outfits for the next date you go on

And its just so cute bc Joongie really does draw inspiration from everything he sees

So he totally writes a song about this experience with you

Seonghwa:

Seonghwa is not shy about his love for fashion

Like he has his own sense of style, and he loves choosing things that he feels will express his personality

So when you guys get the chance to go to a fashion show together

OH BOY GET READY

He’s gonna grade every look under his breath on a scale from 1-10

And then he’ll tell you what he likes most about each style that is presented

He tries not to be too critical though bc he knows that everyone’s tastes are different

Will also ask your opinion on the outfits

Like “ooh what do you think of that one? I really like the textures on it!”

You will both choose your top two outfits 

like you choose them so that you have one you want just for yourself and one that you want for him

And then he does the same

You typically choose similar looks because you know each other’s style super well

And Hwa is totally the type to surprise you by buying you one of the pieces he had seen you eyeing more than the others

“Just as a thank you for coming with me :)”

Yunho:

His crackhead comes out in full force at fashion shows, believe me

I mean seriously

Every time something comes out that he doesn’t like he insults it in a really funny way

And you’re sitting in the front row so your literally biting your lip so hard to not laugh in front of all these cameras

Like a model comes out with a bunch of feathers on her outfit and Yunho’s just like 

“Heads up, everybody, Chicken Little has just hit the stage!”

Or if he sees something particularly revealing he’s like

“Wouldn’t you love to see me in that, baby”

Like would you just hush already lmao

He takes a picture of every single look that he finds funny, just so he can send them to you later with a funny caption

But he also sees one he really loves

Will take a picture of your side profile when you aren’t looking

And the model is coming down the runway in the background

He will save that picture as his background as a reminder that he is going to get you that outfit someday

But he will try not to let you find out that he was so soft about it lmao

So he tries to keep you from seeing his wallpaper

He really wants it to be a surprise, but he also cant stop looking at the picture and imagining the moment you are finally able to put the outfit on

Yeosang:

(he’s so cute I cant breatheeee)

Yeosang will sit pretty silently through most of it

But do not be fooled

NO MODEL IS SAFE

He is judging and critiquing every single look like it is his JOB

The most stone cold poker face you will ever see

Will only crack a smile if you whisper “you’d look so good in that, Sangie”

But when you finally leave he will show you any of the pictures he had taken and start a legitimate conversation about how you liked or disliked each look

Has a grading system lmao

Like you have A-F grading scale, but also categories that each look has to fulfill

Color, texture, fit, overall flow of the patterns and clothing items, etc.

And you can play along for a while before you’re finally like 

“YEOSANG, WE ARENT JUDGES ON NEXT TOP MODEL”

“We could be”

Like boy if you don’t-

But then he gives in and he’s like “just tell me which one you loved the most and I’ll tell you if it was good or not”

So you do and he’s like “THAT WAS THE WORST LOOK OF THE ENTIRE NIGHT WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT”

And then that launches a playful debate about who has better fashion sense

But overall you both had a really good time and plan on making this an annual tradition

San:

(he’s so breathtaking here im sorry I mean cmon his hair matches his sweatshirt)

This fashionista here

Sees the artistry in every look and compliments literally everything

Very genuine in his appreciation for the work that has been done

Spewing compliments the entire time

“Omg look how intricate all the stitching is.”

“That fascinator is so stunning, look at all the colors wow”

And it’s so cute to just watch him

Like he’s assessing all the models with the biggest doe eyes

He really is like a little kid at Disneyland for the first time

Just so excited and appreciative of every little thing

“I wish our next comeback could be so beautiful like this!”

“Sannie, your comebacks are always beautiful”

“BUT LOOK AT ALL THIS ELEGANCE!!”

It’s just so adorable

And when the designer comes out at the end of each parade of models, you can bet San is cheering the loudest

And he’ll be so inspired and as his makeup noonas to try and replicate some of the looks he had seen

Gets hella motivated and literally starts drawing up ideas that he has for costumes and things

He’s just a sweet baby who sees the beauty in everything and wants to make beautiful things too

And he will always ask your opinion on his drawings

“Do you like this one? Do you think it could work?”

And of course you tell him all of them are fantastic bc they are

And you guys work together to make some of his outfit dreams come true

Mingi:

At fashion shows, Mingi thrives bc models tend to be really tall for some reason

As a short person, I am offended by tall people’s clothes

ANYWAY

Mingi is just looking at the pants like “I bet those would actually fit me on the first try”

And then he’s like “baby, I could be a model”

And you’re like “I already knew that, you’ve always been pretty”

He gets blushy aww

“I’m pretty” UWUUUUUU

And now that you’ve got him going you cant just let that blush fade away I mean its too cute

Don’t squander this opportunity to make our baby blush even harder

So literally every other model your whispering “you’d look better in that”

“You’d be the best model here, Minnie”

And eventually he’s smiling so big and blushing so hard that he’s like “stoop my cheeks hurt”

So you settle for giving him a lil smoochie on his cheek

But then he shall take his revenge

Starts complementing you even more than you had complemented him

Thus begins a complement war

By the end, both of you realize that you’ve ignored the last two sets of models and had just been telling each other how much you love each other over and over

Get a room you guys I mean really

Wooyoung:

Wooyoung is a giggly mess

The entire time

Because he thinks every little thing is funny

A model’s makeup is too extreme? He’s laughing

Someone’s hair is too wild? He’s laughing

Someone looks like they rolled straight out of a dumpster? he’s laughing and saying “thats you”

Like SHUT UP lmaoooo

He’s also laughing bc he’s imagining the members in all of the ugly outfits

Like “lmao imagine Hongjoong wearing that big ole hat”

“Imagine Seonghwa wearing those balloon shorts”

Like he’s so annoying lmao

But it does have you both laughing hard enough to get dirty looks from other spectators

Once he eventually calms down and hushes himself, he actually starts getting into it and thoroughly enjoys watching the way the clothes flow when the models walk and stuff

He finds it genuinely interesting to see how each artist has fit the clothes to each specific model’s body type

But he will still fit in some snide comments here and there to make sure you’re fully entertained

Bc if he’s not laughing… is it really Wooyoung

Jongho:

Okay Jongho is definitely into fashion

Whether he is obvious about his affinity for cool clothes or not, he’s into it okay

And he evaluates every look in terms of “would I look good in that? Would bae look good in that? Would any of the hyungs look good in that?”

Very thoughtful baby

Will take pictures to send to people and be like “this reminds me of you”

Will say it directly to you too

He is also kinda cheesy and poetic about it

“The bright pink reminds me of how happy you make me”

“That blue is like the sky when you’re around: cloudless”

Eventually you’re like “oh shut up ya freak” lmao

And then he’s laughing bc he’s embarrassed that he said all that

He’s like “why am I so cheesy”

And you low-key love it so you just smile at him

But then he keeps taking pictures of the models and eventually starts taking pictures of you bc he just loves you and finds you so breathtaking awww

At the end of the night he’s so sweet to you and thanks you for coming with him and hopes you had a good time and-

You just kiss him and tell him you had a lot of fun and you should definitely do it again next time there’s a show in town

He definitely agrees bc he really just loved sharing that experience with you

[disenchantedhq]

It was a royal decree heard in the four corners of Auradon, and even to the dreary world locked behind the enchanted mirrors; The Shadowborn would be free to live in the light and splendor of Auradon so long as they forsake their villainous forefathers and abide in righteous civility. 

The declaration was made during the height of Queen Belle’s Ball — the first event of Auradon’s yearly social season. A time in which the wealthy and opulent members of Auradon’s high society come together to introduce their progeny of age and see to illustrious matches being had, the social season is dotted with many a festival, gathering and celebration. None is as talked about as Queen Belle’s Ball. Taking place the first evening of spring, following the assemblage and parading of eligible young bachelorettes to her Majesty the Queen, it is the first official gathering of the upper class. It is during this celebration that the esteemed ‘Diamond of the First Water’ is declared, the incomparable bachelorette of the season who is most likely to find a pair far sooner than the other maidens in society. It is also during this event that the eligible male heirs and bachelors of Auradon’s upper crust get to lay their eyes upon the young women from which they can court and eventually make wives. To some it is a time honoured tradition that allows the proper mingling of their noble houses and keeps the court full of honourable and worthy members of society. To others it is no different than parading heifers at market. Whatever it means to you, the social season is good for that primary reason — the socialization of Auradon’s finest young adults. 

So shortly after declaring that the young Lady White would be this year’s incomparable maiden, it was soon revealed as well that Her Royal Highness, Princess Emma of Auradon, would be given the honour of making her first royal decree. As it is expected the Princess would marry soon and will eventually take her father’s place as ruler of Auradon, King Adam thought it wise to give his daughter the chance to enact a new law to give perspective to what sorts of changes she could implement in the country once she had risen to Monarch. The decree had been met with some criticism, even hostility from members of other noble houses who petitioned tirelessly in the days following to see it reversed. But to others the decree showed that their future queen had the sort of compassionate soul that could move people and change them for the better. Whatever the feelings were, King Adam signed what would he known as Princess Emma’s Shadow Decree into law the day following the Queen’s Ball. The new arrivals would soon be ushered into Auradon City at noon, exactly one week after Queen Belle’s Ball. 

Carried on horse drawn caravan which paled next to the well fitted coaches and carriages of the elite, they were presented by Fairy Godmother and the good Aurorian fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, in the Auradon City town square, lined up in the shadow of a large statue of His Majesty King Adam. Staring up at the scowl on their monarch’s face, many thoughts filled the minds of the twenty eight gathered youths. Trepidation. Anxious excitement. Anger and vengeance. Mixed emotions flowed through the group of young adults as they were paraded like exotic fowl before the crowds which gathered in Auradon to see the faces that resembled their most horrid nightmares. The procession met with a royal assemblage as King Adam, Queen Belle, and Princess Emma herself warmly welcomed each Shadowborn individually. King Adam shook their hands and clapped a hearty hand on their backs, all smiles and loud laughter as he declared them new members of the United Kingdom of Auradon. Soon after they were shuffled back into their caravans and taken to the slightly more rundown neighborhood of Auradon Proper known as “Low Town”. Here the cobblestones are wet with defecation and piss, the alley ways lined with ruffians and whores, the only brothel in Auradon hidden in rundown buildings by the docks. 

There is a small block of Low Town which is decidedly clean, but still not as well manicured as Evermore Parkway, the Garden District where the nobility’s city houses are located. Standing across the street from each other stand two decently well kept boarding houses. One is called ‘Mrs. Potts’ Home for Respectable Young Ladies’ and the other bears a worn sign that reads ‘Cogsworth’s Home for Decent Gentleman’. Split between (Auradon observed) gender roles, a portion of the group was ushered with their belongings into one house and the other into the other one. They were introduced to small rooms, two person a bedroom, and given their daily itinerary. Washrooms open at 6 am, breakfast by 7:30, chaperones prepared to walk any Shadowborn through the ton available as early as 8. Visitation was limited to the drawing rooms and would be available to calls from 9 am to 5 pm in the evening, with supper served in the common dining halls at 6 pm. Every other night they would travel to the other boarding house for supper, unless given an approved note to leave to the ton for the evening. 

The rest of the evening could be spent in the common areas or their rooms doing whatever they pleased, so long as it was righteous and not destructive to the property. Bible readings would be had in the drawing room at 9:30, optional given some’s demonic origins. Lights out by 10. The group was allowed on chaperoned tours of the delights of Auradon the following day, seeing the enchanted park, strolling down the Rues where colorful shops lined the streets, wide windows displaying their inventory. They enjoyed a meal at The Maldonian’s own restaurant, Tiana’s Place, the second location outside the original Bayou de Orleans’ location. They even toured one of the great mansion homes of the elite, with the promise to not touch anything nor to speak to any house members should they show their faces. They did not, of course, but one never knew. Hour by hour they were shown to the world that they could freely live in, should they prove after one season that they could be law abiding citizens. A thought met with mixed response, surely. 

As all of Auradon became restless to see their new arrivals shown in society, a glittering invitation made itself known to the manicured houses of Evermore Parkway and the two boarding homes in Low Town. A Fête. Her Royal Highness Princess Emma of Auradon was to throw a Grand Fête at her Majesty Queen Belle’s Country Chateau, just an hour carriage ride outside the city. And to add to the scandalous excitement of such an event, the invitation declared that this party would be had in honour of the Shadowborn who have come to live in Auradon for the season. An assemblage of nearly five dozen were expected, with members of the aristocracy and the newly appointed citizens making up the attendance. Per the invitation, the evening would begin with a five course meal after sundown, followed by an intimate concert by the infamous Auradon opera singer Madame de la Grande Bouche, and a dance during which the royal orchestra would perform. Rooms were prepared for all to stay the night, with the morning containing festivities as well; a morning picnic by the rose beds followed by croquet on the lawn and walks through the lush labyrinthine gardens. A charming welcome to the new citizens, and another fancy gathering for the young elite, it seemed as though the royal family was hopeful that this gathering could be the start of a fruitful season. 

As a golden sun sets behind Bald Mountain and Olympus in the far distance, carriages jostle and shake as they make their way down the dirt country roads towards a fine chateau. It was once the home of an imperial family, now a relic of the past rebuilt and outfitted to her majesty the Queen’s liking. Outfitted with scarlet velvet couches, deep purple and emerald drapes, glimmering golden frames housing portraits of the royal family members both past and present, the largest library in the entire country, and all the glitz and glamour expected of the monarchy, the home opens its doors to the masses as their carriages tumble down the gravel path to the front. As the carriages round the bend, soft and faint music can be heard from the open windows of the chateau. Footmen and attendants await the guests, helping them up the grand stair case leading inside. A soft spring breeze, carrying the scent of ruby red roses and lavender, wafts through the hall as they are ushered family by family towards the grand hall. There a footman announces each guest, and an attendant leads them to the long and vast table adorned with glittering cutlery and massive displays of food far more fresh and exotic than the Shadowborn have ever seen. Almost five dozen places have been made, place cards at each spot with a name elegantly scribbled on it. The royal family split up the elite and Shadowborn, assigning them to sit by each other in hopes of the mingling helping the new citizens fit into society. Parents are notably missing, though the only daughters of the elite come with chaperones in the form of close family friends or court members escorting them for propriety’s sake. They seat them separately, so as not to interfere with tonight’s purpose. 

You find your name on ivory card stock and take your seat, heart thrumming with some emotion. Could it be excitement? Nerves? Fear? Anxiety? Whatever it is, you take a moment to look around and take in the grandeur and splendor of the Queen’s Chateau, listening to the dulcet sounds of the orchestra from the adjacent ball room. You watch as the rest of the evening’s large party settles into their chairs, maybe even casting a smile or glance at the stranger seated beside you or across from you. Everyone waits in silence until Princess Emma picks up a utensil or her glass, and with her silent permission you begin to feast. A low hum of conversation begins traveling down the table as goblets are refilled with sweet wine and servants present each new course of the fabulous meal. The night has barely begun, and there is much excitement to be had. 

How might the first chapter of your fairy tale commence? 

Now with all that having been said, I am so happy to announce the opening event for disenchantedhq: PRINCESS EMMA’S GRAND FÊTE. As has been mentioned before: this event will begin on Wednesday, April 7th at midnight MST and will continue until the following Saturday, April 17th at 11:59 pm PST. The event itself will take place on the in world dates of: the evening of April 3rd, 1825 and the morning of April 4th, 1825. You will get the chance to roleplay interactions taking place during both the evening and morning festivities. 

As decided in the discord, the event will be performed partly on discord and the dash, with the former being used for more group wide interactions and the latter being favored for one on one interactions; such as dancing, conversation at dinner, walking the grounds, etc. Discord may also be used for one on one interactions if it is more suitable for the writers involved. Following the events end on April 17th, a summary of the notable and relevant moments will be written up and displayed on our discord, and all group wide interactions will be archived. In the days leading up to the event, there will be some light group plotting in the ooc chat on discord. This event will not feature heavy plot lines, but instead will serve as a way to introduce the characters to each other and begin interactions. 

The coming days will also feature new information released on the main, such as the aforementioned flatmate arrangements, the map of the Evermore Parkway noble homes, and the table seating at the Grande Fête’s banquet. Some of this information will be moved onto pages on the main for future reference. Stay tuned for all relevant updates on the main!

As always, have fun and please reach out to me via discord or the main should you have any questions or concerns. I will respond promptly. 

Can’t wait to start some IC interactions with everyone!

[datleggy]

I enjoy sending you prompts. I hope it’s ok that I’ve spammed you today ahaaaa. What about a firefam adventure to LA Pride? 🥺 would they be there to rep the LAFD in the parade? Or for fun? Sometimes when I wanna make myself go 🥺 I think about Athena & Bobby giving out mom and dad hugs 😭*cries in pansexual*

late drabble reply :) thanku for the prompt <33

this turned into a (shockingly cathartic---for me anyway) accidental coming out drabble and i have zero regrets (happy ending of course)

tw: homophobia, tw: abuse, tw: shitty buckley parents

-------

Buck isn’t on shift that weekend, which is why, he tells himself later, he never bothered to check the work schedule. Or else he’d have known that the 118 would be the ones on duty to put out any “fires” that might arise at LA’s Pride Parade this year.

He knows Hen isn’t going this year because Karen’s out of town with Denny visiting her mom, and they normally go together, so Buck shakes off his anxieties over seeing someone that might recognize him and finally accepts Michael’s invite.

It’s a nice sunny day, so Buck wears a pair of pink light joggers, his white converse, and a white, short sleeved tee with a rainbow on the front. Michael laughs when he asks “Is this too much?”

“Buck, trust me, if anything, you’re overdressed.” Michael sees the uncertain look on his friends face and frowns sympathetically. He knows the feeling. “Hey, look at me,” he puts a steady hand on Buck’s shoulder. “I know it’s scary at first, but I’m here, you’ve got me, alright?”

Michael’s presence alone is reassurance enough, and Buck lets the older man lead him into the crowd and introduce him to some friends of his.

It’s incredible. Everyone is in fun and colorful outfits, there are streamers and glitter and body paint, people holding signs, holding hands, dancing, laughing, smiling---Buck doesn’t know exactly what to call this feeling he’s experiencing, but he knows he likes it. A lot.

He’s having an amazing time, his face now covered in face paint, a pink feather boa around his neck, and so much glitter on his shoes he’s not sure he’ll ever get all of it out, when he hears a very familiar voice call his name. He freezes.

“Buck?” Bobby calls a second time, coming closer.

Buck turns around, his heart dropping to his stomach. “Oh uh, hey, um, w-what’re you doing here?” he stutters, wiping his sweaty palms on his pants when he notices Hen, Chim and Eddie walking over, too. Shit.

“We’re on tent duty over there.” He points to the Med tents nearby.

Michael comes back from getting them waters and immediately swoops in for the rescue. “Bobby, that you? Your team working the tent today, huh?”

Bobby greets Michael with a warm smile. “Yeah, is this your first Pride?” he asks, curious. He knows Michael only recently came out in the last couple of years.

Michael shakes his head. “Second, actually. But it’s my first one since my breakup with Glenn,” he shrugs, “So I invited Buck as an ally to tag along.”

Buck nods, holding himself perfectly still beside Michael, grateful as all hell for the support. An ally. Duh. How did he not think to say that?

Bobby looks a little sad but fixes his expression quickly, faking a smile. “That’s nice. We were just taking a little break, but we should start heading back to the tents.” he nods at the two. “Have fun.”

Michael nods, waving goodbye as the team start to walk off.

Hen stays behind a moment and looks at Buck, who still looks like a deer caught in headlights. She doesn’t say anything, she knows words probably won’t suffice in this case. Instead Hen steps forward and wraps her arms around Buck, tight. When she pulls away Buck’s eyes are bright with tears he refuses to let the light of day see and she feels a tug on her heart strings. “See you later, Buckaroo.” she runs back to the tents afterward, not entirely prepared for all the questions.

“Why wouldn’t he tell us?” Chimney wonders, pacing the tent.

Hen rolls her eyes. “Well it’s not any of our business.”

Eddie folds his arms over his chest. “I’m his best friend.” he’s pouting, and he knows it, but he really didn’t think they kept any secrets between them.

Bobby purses his lips. “Michael said he invited him as an ally---we shouldn’t jump to any conclusions.”

Hen nods in agreement. “Exactly.”

“Do you think Maddie knows? I mean, if he is.” Chim mulls it over. “Oh shit, did I ever say anything offensive that might’ve---”

Hen raises an eyebrow at him, “If you ever did you already know I’d have kicked your ass two times over.”

It’s in that moment that Buck chooses to step into the tent, somehow managing to make himself look small, the way he’s standing. He’s washed the face paint off, shaken away the glitter, and the fuzzy boa is nowhere to be seen.

“Buck,” Bobby stands up, concerned, “You alright?” He looks pale.

Buck bites his bottom lip. “I’m not here because I’m an ally, I’m here because I’m bi or pan, or,” he shrugs, “I don’t really know, but I’m not straight. And um, look, the only reason I didn’t say anything is because I grew up in kind of a small town and when I told my parents they didn’t take it well, they’re really religious and they didn’t want the neighbors or anybody at church to talk.” he doesn’t tell them about the way they treated him after he came out, and he certainly doesn’t talk about what his dad did to him when he caught Buck out in the barn making out with Marc Jacobs from the hockey team, at age fifteen.

“I knew you guys wouldn’t care, but I just---” Buck looks down. “I didn’t want to risk it. I’m sorry.”

Bobby looks sad again, and he is, for a lot of reasons. “Son, don’t be sorry. I’m so so proud of the person you are Buck, and I hope you are too.” he moves forward and opens his arms. “C’mere.”

Buck hesitates only half a second before he practically throws himself into the Captain’s waiting embrace, knocking some of the breath out of Bobby, but Bobby doesn’t care. He holds Buck as if he were his own, and when Buck buries his face into Bobby’s neck and sniffles, his shoulders shaking slightly, the rest of the crew join in.

They surround Buck on all sides, with love and affection, understanding and acceptance. This is his family and now they know, and they still love him, and that is something so new and foreign to Buck that he can’t help but cry.

“We’ve got you.” Eddie tells him.

[sanderssidesfanfiction]

If There’s a Place I Could Be - Chapter Thirty Seven

If There’s a Place I Could Be Tag

June 6th, 1986

Remy wasn’t entirely sure what his mother was glaring at the TV for. He was watching it play some boring news station or another, and there were a lot of people shouting, throwing things and picking fights, while rainbows and dozens of flags with different colors flew around in the background. His mother cursed under her breath, but Remy heard her.

Why was she so angry? Usually she didn’t get this mad, even if people were fighting. “They’re clearly wrong, why are they fighting against the truth?” his mother muttered.

Fight against the truth? Remy didn’t know what that was supposed to mean. What did rainbow flags and fighting have anything to do with truth?

  June 11th, 2001

Remy’s first impression of Pride was that it was incredibly overwhelming. Remy’s second impression of Pride was that it was making Emile let loose, something Remy wasn’t sure was even possible until this point. Remy’s third impression of Pride was that it. Was. Awesome. Like, completely off-the-chain awesome.

People were surrounding them on all sides, some with pride flags, others with pins and badges, and some dressed like they were just going out on the town for a day. But all of them were happy, and laughing, and joking, and Remy wasn’t sure he had ever encountered so much positive energy in one place before.

Emile was standing next to him, beaming. He was currently looking around, for what, Remy wasn’t sure. Remy just hung next to him, unsure of where to go. He definitely enjoyed this, but he was so completely out of his element.

“Come on, girl, anywhere you want to go first?” Emile asked with a grin.

Remy’s cheeks dusted pink as he shuffled on his feet. He was wearing more feminine clothing today, his reasoning being that no one at a pride parade would care about whether or not he dressed masculine. He could probably go full drag and no one would bat an eye. But still, Emile calling him “girl” did something to his emotions that he couldn’t describe. “I’ve never been to a pride parade before,” he said. “I don’t know what there is to go to.”

“Okay, fair enough,” Emile said with a grin. “Why don’t we just look around at some of the stalls?”

“Okay,” Remy said, following Emile over.

He was surprised by how much of a social butterfly Emile was being. He was waving and high-fiving anyone in the general vicinity, yelling, “Girl, same!” whenever someone showed off bisexual colors, and generally putting himself out there in a way that Remy had only done anonymously in clubs before. Here, he supposed things were a little anonymous too, but it was still in broad daylight, where people could see them.

Emile walked up to one of the stalls, chirping, “Hi!” to the people on the other side.

Remy looked at the banner on their table and saw it was something for Catholics who were LGBT, and Remy inwardly shook his head fondly, because Emile wasn’t the most devout, but he did occasionally go to Mass. Of course he’d like people who were affirming in his faith. Remy looked around the other stalls curiously as Emile talked. He wasn’t really religious himself; he had too many bad experiences with his family’s church growing up to really put any trust in a higher power. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t curious about which denominations might be accepting.

Emile took a little pamphlet from one of the people and came over to Remy. “See any churches you like?” he asked.

“Not really religious,” Remy shrugged. “Bad experiences.”

Emile winced. “Yeah, understandable. Should we move further in?”

“Yeah, let’s do that,” Remy agreed.

They walked down the street and Remy looked around. There were a few big name corporations advertising here, but not very many. There were stalls for small book companies, and...he paused. There was one for a queer comics startup! “Emile!” he exclaimed, eyes lighting up. “Comics!”

Emile laughed and followed Remy over to the stall as Remy looked at the different illustrations they had. So many cool superheroes, and then some more realistic-fiction looking stories, and some high fantasy and sci-fi was scattered in there too. “Woah,” he breathed.

“You like comics?” the woman behind the stall asked with a small smile.

“Like is an understatement,” Remy said, eyes never leaving the pictures. “Are you guys selling these?”

“These comics are purely for display,” the woman said. “But we are starting up subscriptions as we’re gaining traction. We’re in a couple comic stores around, where do you live?”

“Uh...” Remy blinked, forcing himself into the present. “Fairview.”

The woman nodded. “We’re in the comics store there, yeah. That’s about as far out as we’ve gotten, though.”

“Hey, if it means I get to read you guys, then it’s fine by me!” Remy exclaimed.

The woman laughed and offered him a bookmark. “Here’s a little information on us, and our company name, of course. I hope you like what you read from us.”

“Definitely,” Remy said.

He was still starry-eyed and Emile gently dragged him away from the stall. “They have queer comics, Emile! Like, I know there’s some queer characters in bigger comics, but these stories...they have main characters who aren’t straight! Can you imagine?!”

Emile laughed. “Hopefully one day they’ll have cartoons like that, too. Then maybe I can understand what you’re feeling a little better.”

Remy was almost hyperventilating. “Pride is amazing,” he said. “I love this. Can we come back next year?!”

“We definitely can,” Emile laughed.

They continued to walk, Emile constantly chatting and greeting people still. Remy got a few nods, and he shyly returned them, holding onto Emile’s hand.

“Hey, girl! In the leather jacket!” a voice called from behind them.

Remy turned in surprise as another person who was wearing a full-on dress in light blue, pink, and white walked over. “I really dig your outfit, girl! You look fabulous!”

“Oh! Uh, th-thank you,” Remy stammered out, nowhere near his usual confident self.

“She and her pronouns for me. You?” she asked.

“Uh...” Remy hesitated. Why was he hesitating? What was so hard about this? “He and him, I guess?”

The woman looked him over closely. “It’s okay, girl, we all have to figure ourselves out in our own time. He and him work for you, that’s great, but if you ever want to switch it up, know that you can do that, you know?” she asked.

“Uh...yeah,” Remy said. “I...I don’t think I’m transgender, but uh...I don’t always like being called sir, you know? Sometimes it’s fine, others it’s just...suffocating.”

“Gender roles are suffocating girl, I getcha,” she said, nodding. “Nice to meet you. Tell your cutie of a boyfriend that I like his enthusiasm.”

Remy smiled and nodded, and she moved on. Emile turned to look at him. “Who was that?”

“Don’t know,” Remy said. “But she liked your enthusiasm.”

Emile laughed. “Oh! Well, that’s sweet of her!”

“She also called you a cutie, in case you missed it,” Remy said. “And she’s not wrong.”

Emile laughed, blushing. “Well, I don’t see what either of you see in me, but if enough people say I’m cute, then I guess I’m doomed to be cute forever, huh?”

“Not forever,” Remy said. “And some people might find you hot. I like it when you wear those skinny jeans. Those look really good on you.”

“Remy!” Emile hissed. “That’s not helpful!”

Remy laughed. “Oh, come on, Emile! You know it’s all in good fun!”

“Do I, though?” Emile asked.

“I should hope so,” Remy said. “After all, you’re the one who jokingly called me ‘hot’ first.”

“You can’t prove anything,” Emile said. “Plus, I’m pretty sure you’re the one who thought of me as hot first.”

“Yeah? I thought you were hot the day I dropped out of college and saw you in those skinny jeans for the first time, Emile. I’m not talking serious, I’m talking jokes. Get with the program,” Remy teased.

Emile snorted before clapping a hand over his mouth, shoulders shaking. “That early? Really?” he asked.

Remy shrugged. “What can I say? I know how to make anyone look good.”

“Shut up!” Emile laughed, starting to walk away.

“You know I love you, Emile,” Remy said. “It doesn’t matter whether or not you look hot, because I love you either way.”

“And I, you,” Emile said, kissing Remy’s nose. “Which is why I argue you don’t need that leather jacket everywhere you go.”

“Excuse you, that’s not to make me look hot, that’s part of my aesthetic!” Remy protested.

“Either way it’s unnecessary, Rem,” Emile shrugged.

Remy pouted. “You’re no fun,” he declared.

“Well, I do try,” Emile said. “It’s my mission to make sure you know I’m a stick in the mud, after all.”

“But you’re my stick in the mud,” Remy said.

“Oh, you better believe it. I’m not leaving you for anything in the world!” Emile said.

Remy laughed and his stomach held butterflies. “You mean that?”

Emile paused. “Yeah, of course I do,” he eventually said. “Barring some unfortunate accident, a messy fight, or any more drama from any sides, I don’t see myself leaving you.”

“Like, never?” Remy asked. He didn’t know why he was pressing this issue, but something inside him just wanted to be absolutely certain that Emile was certain.

Emile looked down at the ground, shuffling on his feet before he kissed Remy softly, sweetly, and with so much adoration Remy was practically drowning in it. A few people around them cheered or whistled, but Remy paid them no mind. His only focus was Emile, when he pulled apart, resting his forehead against Remy’s as he murmured, “Like, never. Never ever.”

Remy wasn’t entirely sure how to respond to that, so he blurted, “That’s gay, Emile.”

Emile laughed. “I love you too, Rem. Where do you want to go next?”

“Uh...food place, maybe? I could use a snack, if not lunch,” Remy said with a shrug.

“To the food trucks!” Emile exclaimed, causing Remy to laugh as they walked hand-in-hand.

Emile swung their hands lightly forwards and backwards as they walked, and Remy grinned. Emile, even when somewhat muted and calmer at pride, was still incredibly happy, and bubbly, and alive. He loved it when Emile seemed to come to life in a whole new way that Remy hadn’t seen before.

“What are you thinking about?” Emile lightly teased.

“You,” Remy said honestly. “You’re just...so alive. You’re completely in your element, and you’re so friendly and happy. You’re like a puppy experiencing grass for the first time. And it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Oh, shut up,” Emile said, blushing. “I just really like Pride.”

“Yeah, I got that,” Remy said, nodding. “I don’t know why, it just seems to be something you’d like.”

Emile laughed and kissed Remy’s cheek. “It’s pretty great to not worry about PDA.”

“True,” Remy agreed, taking half a step towards Emile.

Emile squeezed Remy’s hand. “I’m super glad you came with me.”

“I’m super glad I came with you too,” Remy said. “Because I’m pretty sure Pride wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Emile grinned. “I mean, I’m sure you could have some fun without me...”

“But why would I want to?” Remy asked. “You make Pride fun...or more fun at any rate.”

“You mean that?” Emile asked.

“Of course,” Remy said. “I’m not sure I would want to go at all without you. You just make it...special.”

Emile squeezed Remy’s hand again as they approached the food trucks. “You flatter me,” Emile said.

“I’m speaking the truth,” Remy said. “Don’t sell yourself short, Emile.”

“Come on, what’s so fascinating about me that I make Pride more interesting?”

“You come out of your shell, like, entirely,” Remy said. “I’ve never seen you be so comfortable around a group of certified strangers before.”

“Well, the fact that I know they all at the very least support the fact that you’re gay and I’m bisexual and we’re dating helps,” Emile said simply. “I can go up to people and talk about you without having to just use your name and hope people assume I’m referring to you as a girlfriend.”

Remy sighed. “Yeah, I know you’ve felt weird about me visiting you at work because of that. Most everyone at my jobs know except for the managers, so as long as we don’t do obvious PDA we’re usually in the clear. But not having to worry about that at all is...”

“Freeing?” Emile offered.

“Yeah,” Remy agreed. “It’s definitely freeing.”

Emile grinned. “Aw, Remy, you like me!”

“Shut up!” Remy laughed. “You knew this for literal months!”

“You like me! You like me!” Emile repeated, practically bouncing up and down.

Remy sighed and rolled his eyes, but inside, he was smiling. When they first met, he would never have thought he could have ever made Emile as happy as he was right now, let alone enjoy it. But he was never so happy to be wrong.

[dakotacrisis]

Bright Beginnings

This is a spin-off chapter of my other fic: Transferred. If you haven’t read it then this may not make a lot of sense. At some point while writing Transferred Kagami and Marinette went from friends to awkward flirting dorks and I do not regret it one bit.

---

It was the morning after the fundraiser and Marinette was among one of the first awake. Marinette and Kagami were still cuddled together on the couch. Chloe was curled up in bed and Aurore was spread starfish on the floor. Sabrina was the only other one awake. They made eye-contact and Sabrina waved before returning to her phone.

Marinette’s leg was asleep and she wanted to brush her teeth and get something to eat but she also had a very warm and adorable fencer using her as a pillow. So suffice to say Marinette wasn’t moving. She did free one of her arms to brush the hair away from Kagami’s face.

“Hm?” Kagami’s face scrunched up as she awoke. She looked up at Marinette and gave her a sleepy smile.

“Good morning,” Marinette whispered so not to wake Aurore or Chloe.

“Mornin,” Kagami yawned, “Sorry for falling asleep on you.”

“Don’t be.” Marinette said. Kagami’s face went pink and Marinette suddenly became aware of just how intimate a position they were in. Kagami nestled on Marinette’s chest with their legs woven together and arms wrapped around one another.

“Marinette?” Kagami asked, “Are you doing anything today?”

“Not anything I couldn’t put off till tomorrow.” Marinette was hoping Kagami couldn’t feel how fast her heart was beating. “Why?”

“I was thinking that, if you wanted to, we could--”

“Sweet jeebs,” Aurore stretched awake, “Who let me fall asleep on the floor? My back is killing me.”

“Hey! Some of us were still trying to sleep!” Chloe snapped. “Whatever, everyone up. Let’s get some breakfast up in here.”

With a sigh Marinette and Kagami untangled themselves and ordered breakfast. Housekeeping came by to clean up their junk food mess from the night before while the girls ate breakfast. Marinette herself nibbled on some strawberries while most of the others slathered croissants and toasted baguettes in jams. Honestly, if they weren’t fresh from her parent’s bakery she couldn’t eat them. Having bakers for parents had spoiled her for store bought pastries.

“Kagami, you got a little jam right there.” Marinette pointed out a spot at the corner of her mouth.

Kagami wiped the opposite side. “Did I get it?”

“No. I got it,” Marinette grabbed a napkin and wiped the jam away, “There, all better.”

“Thanks.” Kagami smiled softly.

“Oh, what was it you were asking me earlier?” Marinette asked.

“Right,” Kagami shifted in her seat, “I was wondering that if you weren’t doing anything today if maybe you wanted to hang out. I know we spent all last night together but my mother let me have the entire weekend off so I was hoping we could go out. Just the two of us.”

“I’d like that. I’ll have to stop by my house to change and drop off my dress but after that I’m all yours.” No way was Marinette going to parade around the city with a case of slept in hairspray head. Not if she was going to be spending the entire time with Kagami.

“I need to stop at my house too. How about we meet at the park near your house around noon?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

After breakfast wrapped up the girls changed out of their pajamas and collected their outfits from the night before. Marinette raced back to her house so she had time to get a shower and pick a cute outfit. Trying to run while carrying a garment bag holding a huge ballgown wasn’t easy but she made it work.

She barely said hello to her parents before she was upstairs. She tossed the dress across her chaise and hopped in the shower to get rid of the post-party grime. When she was done she went immediately to her closet and rifled through what she had. She wanted to look cute but also casual. It was a shame it was too cold for sundresses now.

Wait! She had a sweater dress that would be perfect for a chilly autumn day on the town. She grabbed the comfy red dress and slid it on. To make sure she was warm throughout Marinette also put on some fleece lined black leggings and black boots. There. Casual and cute.

She grabbed her purse and went to go meet Kagami.

Why was she so nervous all of the sudden hanging out with Kagami? They were friends. They put aside their feelings for Adrien to get to this point. There was virtually nothing to worry about. If that were true though then why was her heart beating so fast when she thought of being alone with her? It felt like when Marinette got sat next to her on her first day at Lycee Carnot. Except it wasn’t out of awkward jealousy. It felt like a lot more was on the line.

Stop it, Marinette! She chided herself. You need to get out of your head. You are just hanging out with Kagami. You’ve done this a plenty of times before now.

“Marinette, over here!” Kagami waved from the fountain.

Marinette was stopped in her tracks when she saw Kagami waving. She looked so pretty! She had on a white turtleneck and dusty rose peacoat, blue jeans, and tan ankle booties.

Marinette didn’t even know Kagami owned anything pink. She was sure that she wasn’t a big pastel kinda girl. Regardless, it looked great on her.

“Hey,” Marinette found her tongue as she approached Kagami which was hard since upon closer inspection she could see Kagami had also done her make-up before coming out. Just some tinted lipgloss and mascara but now Marinette was kicking herself for only putting on eyeliner. She could have gotten away with some color on her lips at least!

“You look good,” Kagami said.

“Thanks. You look perfect.” Again Marinette wanted to bury her face in the neckhole of her sweater. What kind of a response was that?

“Thank you,” Kagami fidgeted with the buttons on her coat. “So, um, what did you want to do?”

“Whatever you want to do.”

“How about we take a walk and see if anything else comes to mind while we do.” Kagami suggested.

“Good. Yeah. Let’s do that.”

The girls left the park and started to walk around the city not talking about anything in particular. Mainly they reminisced funny moments from the party and sleepover last night. Kagami didn’t know it since she was the first to fall asleep but Marinette had kept the others from writing on her face afterwards. It was traditional sleepover antics but Marinette fought back the girls’ permanent marker attack.

“My hero,” Kagami laughed.

“All in a day’s work, madame.” Marinette gave a mock bow.

“Watch out!” Kagami pulled Marinette out of the way as a couple of kids on scooters rocketed past them. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” Marinette had been so caught up in her little bow she hadn’t noticed the scooterers. Kagami had pulled Marinette toward her to keep her from getting run over and had yet to let go. The proximity sent a ripple up of warmth up her spine. “Guess you were my hero this time.”

“We all have our moments.” Kagami let her go. Her gaze lost again to the ground. “That being said you should probably stick close. Don’t want you accidentally getting run over by a rogue biker next.”

“I think that would be for the best.” Marinette wasn’t going to miss an excuse to stay even closer to her.

They continued on their walk. Their hands kept bumping together as they walked before Marinette had enough and grabbed Kagami’s. When Kagami looked at her Marinette gave a tiny shrug. “I thought that if someone was going to try running me over you could pull me to safety easier this way.”

“Good idea.” Kagami relaxed a touch as she wove their fingers together.

A thought from last night dug its way back from Marinette’s memory and poked at her brain as if to say, ‘Hey! Remember me? Remember how beautiful you thought Kagami looked last night?’

Can you not do this right now? Marinette shot back at the voice in her head.

‘Afraid not!’ If voices in Marinette’s head had facial expressions she’d be a hundred percent sure it was smirking right now. ‘Remember how you thought her lips looked good enough to kiss? They still look pretty kissable now too, huh?’

Please stop. I’m just trying to have a nice day out with my friend.

‘You are really going to try and say she’s just a friend? You’re holding her hand. You can’t stop looking at her. You woke up this morning cuddled with her. This is not typical friend behaviour!’

Not necessarily…

‘You can’t procrastinate on this, Dupain-Cheng! You like Kagami! Admit it!’

Of course I like Kagami. She’s talented, passionate, smart, brave…

She’s also really cute and kind. She has a great sense of humor and always makes time for her friends even if it may be hard to do. When she was thinking she made little humming noises and had a habit of fidgeting and tapping her foot when she was anxious. She also always seemed to smell like green tea and fabric softener. It made Marinette want to curl up in her warm arms and take a nap.

Oh...oh no.

‘Finally figure it out? You big bi-disaster.’

We are not putting a definitive label on this right now but disaster-bi will suffice for this freak out. Do not panic, Marinette! You have a crush on Kagami. A realization that was thrown into the blinding light of day with warm morning snuggles. Keep calm. Do not let your freak out show on your face or else Kagami might start asking questions. Smile and continue walking.

They stayed out all day walking around the city and talking. They stopped for lunch at a little cafe and stopped in the used bookshop next door to see if they had any interesting titles. “You find anything?” Marinette found Kagami sitting on the floor in a little nook of the bookshop. A stainglassed window sent hazy sunbeams of yellow, orange and green around the cozy corner.

Kagami snapped her book shut when she saw Marinette sending dust dancing through the air. “Achoo!” Kagami sneezed.

“Oops, sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.” Marinette sat down next to her. “What were you reading?”

“I think I know where Nanette’s moms got the name for their cafe.” Kagami handed her the small purple book. The gold lettering on the front read: Winking Violets by Nanette Sabot.

“And who they named Nanette after.” Marinette opened it. “What’s it about?”

“I had to look it up on my phone since it doesn’t have a description in the book. But apparently it is about these two women that grew up together as friends. One had to be taken far away to a warmer town during the winters because of her weak constitution but always promised her friend that she would return in time for the violets to bloom. So throughout the years the girls became closer and closer and their field of violets grew with them. Until--do you mind if I spoil it?”

“I don’t mind.” Marinette assured her. “I have a feeling I’m gonna end up sad.”

“Oh yeah,” Kagami sighed, “The day before the weak girl was supposed to return home after the winter a harsh frost covered their field of violets killing all the blooms in one day. The next morning the other girl received a letter telling her that her friend had died. Overcome with grief the girl wandered the now barren field until she found one small violet still clinging to life amongst the frost. She dug it up and carried it home where she kept it warm and watered. When it was strong enough the girl took the bloom and brought it to her friend’s grave where she planted it. That way her friend would never miss the violets blooming again.”

“That is so sad!”

“But still very sweet. It’s the kind of love you dream of having with someone.”

“I guess so,” It might have been the light playing tricks on her eyes but she could have sworn Kagami was blushing.

“So,” Marinette handed her the book back, “Are you gonna buy it?”

“I think I’ll regret it if I don’t.” Kagami looked back at Marinette. Her big brown eyes sparkling in the light. “Amongst other things.”

“Meaning?”

“I am not an indecisive person.”

“I know.”

“Which is why the fact that I’m hesitating right now is very unlike me.”

“I thought you just said you were gonna get the book.”

“Oh Marinette,” Kagami cupped Marinette’s face in her hands, “You silly scatterbrain. I’m not talking about buying the book.”

Her hands were so warm and her face was so close. What was happening? Scatterbrained was right. Marinette couldn’t keep two thoughts together right now.

“Oh?” Marinette finally murmured. Truly a stimulating and literate response.

Kagami giggled which sent another wave of butterflies loose in Marinette’s stomach. “I know this might seem sudden and I might be making a huge fool of myself but I need to say this. I really like you. Not just as a friend. Is that okay?”

“Mhm!” Marinette nodded. “Very okay?”

“You’re sure? I know you tend to overthink things--”

“All I’ve thought about doing since yesterday is kissing you.” Marinette confessed in a rush of words.

Kagami stared back at her wide eyed. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have just blurted that out like I did. It’s just that you’re really pretty today, you’re really pretty everyday, but today even more so. You looked gorgeous last night too. I like being around you and find myself looking for more and more excuses to be next to you. You’re one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met and I would gladly do most anything to make you smile cause I love seeing you happy. Now I’m scared that the second I stop talking you’re gonna freak out and walk away and I--”

Kagami silenced her with a quick kiss.

“I really wanted to kiss you too.” Kagami said.

Marinette could only smile before she went in for another kiss. This one longer and sweeter than the first. She could taste the faint sweetness of the creampuff they had ordered at the cafe on her lips.

“I guess this means neither of us have to worry about competing over Adrien anymore.” Marinette chuckled. Her forehead resting against Kagami’s.

“I’d say so.” Kagami laughed too.

“Ahem,” the bookshop owner peeked their head around the corner, “You girls find what you were looking for?”

“Yes,” Kagami and Marinette stood up, hands holding tightly to one another, “I think we have.”

---

Transferred:

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)

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@ladylb @immatureidiot101 @lady-flora-of-slytherin @shamefullove @zazzlejazzle @heredemaquam @kristycocopops @schrodingers25 @sublimemagazinestarlight @crazylittlemunchkin @daydream-wannabewriter @trainflavor @never-neverland @mochinek0 @persephonebutkore

[drasnianfrank]

So to pick up from my previous post, on what the Toll by Cherie Priest, could’ve written instead of and start by focusing on the two cousins who raise a seventeen year old boy and eventual become ghosts that murder monster ghosts. (I wrote some more and I’m not sorry about how it got a little long

So let’s just start by outright changing it that Cee and Dee are lesbians, childhood sweethearts even! Sure the town can say they’re “cousins”, but everyone knows they’ve been married since they finished college and every year they do a “small party, just for a few friends” which is totally not celebrating their wedding. If the author is feeling particularly progressive, they both should be black, with long descriptions of their awesome hair and what kind of skin lotion they use (both have very different answers). Obviously, they would still be witches, voodoo practitioners, shamans, herbalists and the occasional exorcist or at least ghost rustlers. They’re known as the Aunties in the community. 

And yeah, there’s still something weird about the bridges. Only, you have to cross them in the right order and there’s a toll. It’s usually not a life, though. Like a whole a person doesn’t just disappear after walking the seventh bridge. A whole life is usually too much, even for an insatiable, metaphysical maw of darkness. People lose other things, limbs, body parts, memories, the ability to smell roses, because, here’s the Key, there’s a reward for what’s taken. Equivalent Exchange  You cross the seventh bridge and you lose something and you get something in return. Sometimes it’s money, a better position at work, an object that you always wanted, a person you’ve hated finally receives his just reward, the perfect slice of key lime pie, you know the usual. At least that’s what’s the rumors concerning the Toll. 

Now the Aunties, they are gatekeepers, the protectors, the keepers of Lore. If you want to walk to the Toll, you gotta talk to to them. They know the walk and ways and the trades. But you know that doesn’t sit right with other families in the town. Doesn’t matter how pale one of them looks, doesn’t matter that the other has helped with love matches and births of nearly every family member, they’re too damn ‘uppity’ (now you begin to understand why it’s important to talk about skin color in the south). So they send the oldest boy to learn the secrets of the Toll, with the Lore the Family has gathered. He goes to bargain, goes down the right bridges during the right time, with a companion to help. His cousin, butter couldn’t melt in her mouth, sweet Jessie, follows. Only, when the dawn breaks the next day, he’s not back, only Jessie. Jessie doesn’t say what happened, cries in her family’s house and then, dry-eyed, goes to the Aunties, and demands pleads to be an apprentice. 

Dee and Cee, they see that this wisp of a girl with blonde hair and cold eyes, is ambitious and mean and cruel and they should say no. But they can’t because they don’t own their house, or the land surrounding them, and their family and friends don’t own their houses or land. But you know who does? (Remember, racism is a theme in Southern Horror, its invasive in everything). And they agree, because what else can they do but agree? After all, any person who sacrifices their own cousin for ambition needs to be carefully dealt with. They also know they need an heir, and really, ambition is not a sin in their eyes for a girl. Ambition can be a good thing if used properly and they think, they hope, they can use it to help others. So they promise to teach her magic, the power of “voodoo”, and birth control, and herbs, and secrets of the swamp. 

Years pass, as they do. Jessie goes off to college and spends breaks with the Aunties. She still keeps that sweet smile and that vicious ambitious streak seems to have entirely disappeared. Dee and Cee start to relax, teach her a bit more of the darker shades of magic, mild curses and love “potions”. Jessie leaves for a year abroad, a whirlwind affair in Paris, London, European hotspots. 

A week later, Cee finds a baby in the swamp. The baby is almost hidden in a willow tree, almost as dark as the shadows she’s sleeping in. No boy but a little girl, barely a day or two old. These things happen in the swamp, people abandon trash and unwanted items. It even isn’t the first time Cee has found a baby, though usually they’re near dead, about to become part of the ghostly parade around the swamp. (Did I not mention the ghosts? No creepy dollhouse full of ghosts here, there’s ghosts in the Swamp, lynched men and drowned women, lost souls who never found their way out, you know the usual). This little baby though, whether luck or some kindness by the mother, was washed and swaddled and somehow still alive by the time Cee found her. The baby opens her big eyes and Cee gets the same feeling she had when she saw a long-limbed girl jump down from a tree and gave her the biggest, toothiest grin, like it’s love and destiny rolled into one. 

So Cee and Dee raise their swamp baby, Cameron. And they love her but also, raising a baby is hard! There’s doctor’s appointments and diapers and toys and outfits. Family and friends bring food and advice (a mix of helpful, impractical and bizarre). Cameron grows up and things get a little easier. She’s regularly underfoot though, helping in her own way, and once she starts talking, is always asking questions. Ten years pass, then another five. Cameron is almost eighteen and Jessie returns. 

And now, now, we get to heart of the plot. Jessie has spent almost twenty years in Europe, honing her spite and malice under a sweet disposition. She knows old magic, older than any the old Aunties that still stuck in a dying swamp have. But oh how she wants still. For all her searching, The Toll is the only on that will give the most for what she wants for the least, at least if she can finally find out it’s secret. 

Cameron, though, does not want power. Okay, well yes, she does because really she’s almost an adult and curfew is for babies. She has been trailing her Aunties since she was able to carry stuff, watching them help people in the town, black and white, human and animal. Of course she’s a little odd too. Many of her friends were ghosts, she has an affinity to math, and has absolutely no belief in a higher Power. Sunday mornings before church become regular spectacles. 

So Jessie Returns. She assumes she will resume her rightful place as apprentice and instead there’s this small, pudgy girl, running roughshod over the property, knowing more about voodoo and magic and curses than she does. This little tramp, with no family to her name, a trash baby that no one wanted. How could the Aunties pick her over Jessie? 

But they do because Cameron has ambitions, personal, but also ambitions for her community, to make it better, healthier, happier, but Jessie has only had ambition for herself. And the Aunties care less about an heir and more about a guardian, someone who will tend their garden when they leave. 

The Aunties refuse to let admit Jessie as their apprentice, after all she learned all this high falautin magic in Europe, what does she need for a pair of backwater hicks? There is some truth to that but Jessie does not care for someone else telling her no. And Jessie, who is not the leader of the Family (if she had married the boy who disappeared those oh so many years ago, she might have been), still uses her persuasion and her privilege to let loose a much personal, much more chilling, set of of horrors. Fiery crosses appear on lawns, debts are called to people who can’t afford, jobs are suddenly terminated without warning or payment. The Aunties’ community begins to fracture. 

But, eventually, when it looks like the Aunties will have to give in or leave their home, something Changes. An operative from the The Family, not under Jessie’s orders, asks for a Deal. The Family’s business is suffering. A quiet boycott against the family has finally started to impact them and for every fired employee, five more have quit and no one else will work. Jobs aren’t getting done. Lawyers and officers and news people keep calling. 

A deal is made and Jessie is told to back down, to wait and let people stop getting so riled up. 

Jessie does not care for this decision and rages against. She begs, bargains, then threatens her own family, calling them cowards. They remain unmoving. Money is stronger than blood in this regard. 

Jessie, full of rage, decides that damn the Aunties, she will call on the Toll herself. On rainy, dark night, the last night of Mardi Gras, she begins to cross the bridges. The Aunties sense Jessie going on The Walk but they have their own troubles. Magic eventually calls for it’s payment, as does age, and Dee has found a lump on her breast. She and Cee go to the hospital, leaving Cameron to take care of the Toll. Cameron knows how the Toll works, even before the Aunties told her. It’s just math after all. 2=2. 6x3=3x6. And so she too, walks the bridges. 

Each sees a different type of nightmare as they walk. The monsters are the easiest, twisted monstrosities for all that they are. For Jessie, the worst is her the ghost of her cousin, looking at her with that same dumb, shocked expression when she bargained using his life. Cameron walks past fiery crosses, dead bodies, grieving families. 

Both arrive before the Seventh Bridge at the same time. There is a conversation. It lasts three sentences. “What an interesting viewpoint” and “bless your heart” might have been said. Then they run. 

Jessie knows she will win this. She’s tough and mean and stronger and older. But no matter how fast she races over the land, it is Cameron who is always ahead of her (with her dreadlocks flowing her behind). It is Cameron who crosses the bridge first. 

Cameron feels the pull of the Toll, the tantalizing taste of power, of ambition, of taking what should be rightfully hers. There’s the offer. Have what your heart desires and loss only a small thing, an insignificant thing, you’ll barely notice that it’s gone. Cameron, though, her goal, her desire, is for her family to be safe. She wants the lump in her Auntie to not be cancerous, she wants her Aunties to feel safe at home, she wants her family not to be afraid anymore when a group walks by their houses. And oh, does she want too, she wants to be famous and be powerful and make sure nothing ever hurts her community again. But the price for such an ask is one she can’t take. She instead, she wants an answer to a question she had been reading about in one of the math books. 

For her, the Toll is a gentle breeze, the sound of cicadas, the smell of sparklers and the taste of home made pecan pie.

Jessie enters and Wants And Wants And Wants. She craves the power and ambition. At seventeen, she only had the broad shape of what she wanted. As an adult, she can describe the form and material of her desire, down to perfect detail. She bargains that her childhood memories, her emotions, hell, even her right leg, one of those should cover her desires. 

The Toll goes silent. 

It is the silence before a storm, the inhaled breath. And for once, Jessie realizes that she has made A Mistake. 

See, here is the trick about the Toll. It only gives what you didn’t have. Jessie wanted Power and Ambition and Everything. She already had it. So, the Toll took, and took, and took. Jessie asked and what she was given was a new body, a stone body. She became a solid rock. Helpless, powerless and part of nothing. She will the spend the rest of her days howling inside a rock that only she could hear. 

Cameron went home, bruised and a little bloody because she slipped and fell on the road and scrapped her knees. She got an answer to a question but forgot what the question was. 

Dee’s lump was benign. Cee declares it was a high Power, Cameron argues that most lumps are benign anyway. The community slowly rebuilds itself, though the power from the boycott remains. And eventually, Cameron faces the real choice. Become the next gatekeeper of the Toll or move to a different life, a different place. And that’s where you, dear reader, get to decide on what choice she should make. 

Anyway, so that’s what’s The Toll should’ve been about.  

[alishbakhanus]

Traditions, superstitions and protocol of a wedding

There are many couples who wonder about the traditions, protocol and superstitions around a wedding. Through this article we are going to shed some light on these issues. Although they are popular questions in our society, their meaning is sometimes confused or their origin is completely ignored.

There are many traditions that we all know about the ceremony. For example, regarding the organization of our big day, details of the costumes or the celebration. All of this is still latent in 2018, however, most date back to the Middle Ages .

There are also some superstitions that surround the celebration of marriage and have the most diverse origins and foundations. It is important that you know all of them, either out of curiosity or to take it into account on the day of your link. Take good note!

Popular beliefs dating back to the Middle Ages

The most deeply-rooted popular belief dates back to the superstitious middle Ages. We refer to using “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” on D-day:

– Something old. It symbolized the bride’s connection to her past and represented the continuity of her marriage. It used to be some jewel of the family. You can ask for this garment or object from a deep-rooted relative.

– Something Borrowed. He was referring to the belief that happiness could be attracted by using something from a friend who was happy. The borrowed symbolized friendship, obtaining happiness on loan (it used to be a jewel or simply a handkerchief).

– Something blue. That color represented the fidelity of the contracting parties. It used to be the garter on the bride’s leg.

In superstitious towns of the middle Ages, the night before the wedding had to be spent each at home or at the home of their respective parents. This even if the couple already lived in the same address

Since ancient times, to ward off evil spirits it is customary to make very loud noises. This custom is still present in some Western countries. Sometimes the bride and groom will honk their car horn and make a lot of noise.

The tradition of throwing rice or other grains after the ceremony in the church represented, the offspring. Something that we continue to see in our days very frequently.

The importance of clothing and details

We are going to review some traditions, superstitions and protocol related to the nuptial act.

First of all there are some issues related to clothing. For example, the groom and the bride must have a coin in their respective shoes to attract good fortune.

Does that sound familiar to you that the groom cannot see the bride or her dress before the ceremony? It is popularly believed that if the couple breaks this tradition, the marriage will not come to fruition.

Last but not least, it is believed that the groom should wear the perfect tie. Wearing it crooked means that you will be unfaithful to the bride. And nobody wants that bad start, right?

The color of the wedding dress

A very important symbolic issue is the bride’s dress. In Europe and throughout much of the world, white is the most appropriate color. Originally, it symbolized economic power and social status. This was because obtaining a white dress with the qualities of this outfit was worth a lot of money and was not easy to obtain. Curious, right?

Another fact that you may not know is that yellow, which is common in many countries such as the United States and England, is identified with the god of love and abundance. And the red one? It symbolizes that the bride is not a virgin.

There is nothing written about colors, but it is true that black is a not very recommended color. It is traditionally used as a mourning garment. However, this popular belief is invalidated in links of the “gothic” or even thematic type, since in color it fits well with the style of this subculture.

The headdress

The tradition of the bride wearing a headdress on her wedding day comes because in ancient times it was customary for women to wear a garland of flowers .

Some brides opt for tiaras or crowns, a tradition that comes from the use that royalty made of them. Its use served to distinguish the queens or princesses.

The veil

Originally, the bride wore the veil as a symbol of youth . Catholic brides use the veil as a symbol of purity . Because of this, sometimes the bride chooses it in two layers. The objective is to arrive at the altar in a veiled manner and for the groom to reveal it when it is handed over to him by his father or a close relative if he has died (such as a grandfather).

In Western culture it is customary for the bride’s veil and dress to be white, but this has not always been the case. In some places the colors yellow, blue and black have been used for the veil in honor of some people or gods:

The bride’s handkerchief

In ancient times, European farmers believed that tears at a wedding represented good luck and that it would cause it to rain heavily on the fields. Years later, the belief was maintained that if the bride cried on her wedding day, she would not cry again for her entire life.

The bouquet

Flowers represent emotions and merit.  They carry a message of fertility, flourishing and generosity. Superstition says that the lucky one who catches the bride’s bouquet will be lucky and will be the next to marry.

The Red carpet

The red carpet that is placed in the church at the entrance of the procession represents honor and respect. The petals that the pages fan, opening the way for the bride, symbolize a sweet and full future.

Bridesmaid

Most of the religions in the world within their ritual practices of the wedding ceremony include the figure of the maid of honor. A girl  (generally under 12 years old) with a direct blood link from the bride , who is in charge of opening the entourage and accompanying her to the altar . On some occasions she is accompanied by a page.

Generally, when there is no girl in the bride’s family who meets these characteristics, another girl is resorted to more distant in the level of consanguinity or simply an infant outside the family.

The Wedding March

The Bridal March is a hymn that is traditionally played when the bride enters the ceremony site . Its use is widely spread in Western countries.

The author of the Wedding March was Felix Mendelssohn and the play is part of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written in 1826 from the homonymous play

The one composed by Mozart, who appears, can also be used as a wedding march . Although it is very rare, many grooms prefer it for their celebration due to the more cheerful nature of its melody. On the other hand, the very fact that it is less frequent is an incentive that attracts more than a few couples.

The request for a hand

The request of hand has its origin in the consent that the brides of his father needed to be able to contract marriage. Somehow the daughter’s marriage was ‘negotiated’ or ‘arranged’. At present, although we go through this formality, it is only an act of a family nature without any other type of claim or request for permission.

The meeting takes place at the home of the bride’s parents. According to the protocol, they are the ones who have to bear the organization and expenses, if any. It is a tradition that the groom sends that same morning a bouquet of white flowers to the bride.

Although the main reason, at present, for the request for a hand is the mutual knowledge of the families, there is a tradition that is the exchange of gifts between the couple. Now, only the bride and groom give each other gifts. No gift of any kind should be made by parents or siblings. The traditional gift for the bride usually consists of a ring with a small (or large, if possible) brilliant or any other type of ring. The usual gift for the groom is usually a good watch, although there are other less traditional possibilities such as cufflinks or an elegant tie pin.

The Catholic religious ceremony

The first person to arrive at church should be the groom. When the bride arrives (who will have been helped to dress by her mother and sisters), she will be escorted from her home to the church by her closest male relative (usually the father) and will start the way to the altar while the march begins to sound nuptial. The procession will be opened by the maid of honor and the page, followed by the bride on the father’s arm.

As a general principle, men give the Left arm. The exception occurs in the case of military personnel, because they carry their saber on the left. If one of the parents is military, the other will do the same and offer the right arm as well.

The tradition that the bride is to the left of the groom is due to the barbarian bride and groom placing their kidnapped partner on the left. In this way, his right hand (with which he wielded the sword) was free to act in case of attack.

During the bride and groom’s parade in the church, all the guests must stand up and direct their gaze towards the bride and groom. The bride will advance toward the altar to the beat of the wedding march.

Upon reaching the altar, where four seats with their corresponding kneelers will have been placed (there may be variations), the groom takes the bride and places her on his left. The father stands to the groom’s right and the groom’s mother to the bride’s left.

During the liturgy, the importance of Christian marriage , its purposes, etc., is expressed . It basically consists of the reading of a text and the preaching of the homily .

Validation of marriage

Immediately after the celebration of the wedding, the parish priest must register the link in the ” Marriage Book ” of his parish registry, where the names of the spouses, witnesses, the place and date of the celebration and any other information will be recorded. serve as useful and complementary information.

The priest will deliver to the newlyweds the ecclesiastical certification with the data required for their registration in the Civil Registry , and in any case, within a period of 5 days, he will transmit the certificate of the canonical marriage to his manager for timely registration, in the assumption that this had not already been carried out at the request of the interested parties.

Therefore, a marriage celebrated in accordance with the norms of canon law produces full civil effects from the moment of its celebration. However, for their full recognition, their registration in the Civil Registry is required.  This will be practiced by the spouses with the certification that the priest gives him or by sending said certificate that he must make in the Registry within 5 days.

The act of signing the registry puts an end to the wedding ceremony.

Next, the spouses walk slowly out of the Church as the wedding march sounds again. The groom offers his left arm to the bride, both beginning to walk down the aisle towards the exit, smiling at the assembled (but without waving and without speaking to them). In the most usual case of being the godparents, the newlyweds are followed by the father of the bride, giving his arm to the mother of the groom, and the father of the groom giving his arm to the mother of the bride. Until the end of the exit parade, guests should not leave the church. At the time, the correct thing is that they do it through the side aisles and not through the central one.

After the inevitable rain of rice at the exit of the temple and after receiving the congratulations of those present, the newlyweds will go to their car and will be the first to leave the place.

Courtesy: best shadi halls in Lahore

[cayenne-twilight]

A fic about Uncle Randall interacting with Flora and/or Kat and Alfendi?

Flora peered dreamily out the car window, as she usually did when she could actually convince the Professor to take her places. Three days ago she organized a persuasive presentation proving that she was responsible and capable enough to accompany him on his trip to the city of Monte D’Or. It took informative posters on an easel and ten minutes worth of speaking, but soon enough Flora was packing her bags. Of course, by the Professor’s earnest recommendation, she regretfully pruned her luggage down to one suitcase and one duffel bag. Packing lightly may be befitting of a gentleman, Professor, but not a lady. Am I supposed to wear the same outfit in the morning AND the evening?

She watched the view transition from the metropolis near the airport to rusty desert. Apparently one of the Professor’s secondary school friends built the city, and the rest of their clique lived there as well. He always associated with the most curious people. Flora couldn’t help but imagine what the Professor must have been like as a teenager. Was he already obsessed with being the perfect gentleman, or did he act a tad immature at times like Luke did? Was he in the robotics club like she was now? And what sort of friends did he spend time with? She heard him mention some names over the phone with Emmy, but what were they like? She imagined a bunch of history nerds discussing the Azran over tea. Did they all wear top hats as well? Flora suppressed a giggle at the mental image.

“This is no Laytonmobile, but it has been keeping up just fine,” Layton said. The rental car was a much more modern model than his beloved little Citroen. With its neutral paint job and contemporary luxury features, the Professor almost seemed out of his element driving it. Flora would never say it out loud, but she preferred this car to his usual rickety ride, although she could admit it had its own brand of charm.

“So you’re visiting your old friend to share your findings on the Azran?” Flora asked, hoping to get more out of him than the last two times she asked this question.

“In part. Ever since- well. For the past few years my good friend Randall has had an aversion to the Azran despite his interest in the civilization in our youth. Recently, though, the spark seems to have reignited. I’m bringing over the thesis I published as well as Desmond’s, who turned down the invitation to come here seeing as his relationship with Randall is rocky. (I believe I will force them to reconcile one of these days.) The timing of it all is really quite queer now that neither Desmond nor I want anything to do with Azran research.”

“Wow. It took you two whole years to get your paper published and you aren’t even interested in the topic anymore?” Flora couldn’t imagine what it must be like to be so spontaneous. If she were to write an entire academic thesis, it would be on a topic she would never get tired of learning more about.

The Professor said nothing. He just drove on along the dusty road until Monte D’Or was visible in the distance like an island surrounded by all this empty sand. As they pulled closer Flora marveled at the flamboyant hotels and casinos. Up until recently she felt like a tourist in her own city, but this was the real deal.

Flora sat on a couch in the Reunion Inn lobby while the Professor checked in and arranged for their luggage to be brought up. She could hardly call this an inn. The establishment Beatrice ran was an inn. This place was massive enough to house all the residents of her little village.

“Now that that’s settled, my dear, let’s head down to the Ledore mansion to say hello. I’ll introduce you to my old friends.”

Flora nearly fell over because of the way she was trying to absorb every detail of her surroundings. She heard there was supposed to be an absolutely darling parade on this street at night, and she asked if they planned on watching it.

“Ah, I remember the parade from the last time I visited. They run it once a week, but it feels awfully special when you’re a tourist. Of course we’ll see it,” Layton said.

He rang the doorbell to the mansion, and a woman with blonde hair done up in curls answered, “Hershel!”

“It’s good to see you, Angela. Have you three been well?”

“Yes, of course. And you must be Miss Flora,” she said, extending a hand. Flora shook it. “I’ll call Randall and get Henry to set the kettle for tea. Make yourselves at home.”

The Professor took a seat on the expansive couch, sorting through the folder he brought along, while Flora examined a curio cabinet set into the wall. Randall must collect these pieces of archeological memorabilia, all sorts of carved pots and ancient coins and whatnot. She remembered talking to Luke’s father about how there was more of this stuff out there than one might think, hence how much of the museum’s collection was archived.

“HERSHEL!” a man with slicked back red hair and glasses entered with his arms outstretched. The Professor turned his hug into a handshake.

“I must admit, I missed this Randall,” the Professor said.

“And which one might that be?”

“The one that would rather excavate cities than bury them-“

“Oh bug off, Hersh.” Randall turned to Flora. “You must be the girl from the robot town.”

“Um. Yes I suppose that is me.”

“I’d love to visit one day. How do they work? I hear they’re indistinguishable from humans! Are they modeled after the ancient golems?”

“Leave her be, Randall. So what have you been up to these days? Not farming, I presume.”

“No, not quite,” he laughed. “That’s just the thing. Angela and Henry have the mayoral duties covered, and I don’t think they would want me to intervene anyways. And I’d make an awful stay at home husband.”

“He would,” Angela and Henry said in unison. Henry carried a platter with tea to the coffee table and poured five cups.

“You haven’t done the one thing I asked you to do today,” Henry said.

Randall stared blankly. “And what might that have been?” He smiled like a child caught in a lie.

Angela facepalmed. “Do you even enter the kitchen? The sink is piled up with dishes. I hate to grill you in front of guests, but if you won’t help out around the house in the slightest, you better get a full time job.”

“Yes, about that. I was thinking of curating the Monte D’Or museum. We have an impressive painting gallery, but I think it could do with a more historical exhibit. The city itself is quite new, but the area is rich in Azran history.”

“Well I think that’s a splendid idea,” Layton said. I do hope my research will be of help to you.”

Layton left with Angela and Henry to their office where they showed him the building plans for a new designer brand shopping mall. Randall remained on the couch, essays in hand, until his attention span promptly gave out ten seconds later. He looked to Flora, who was inspecting a still life on the wall.

“You haven’t even touched your tea yet,” He said.

“Ah. I didn’t realize Henry brought some for me too.”

“How’s Hersh been as a dad?”

Flora looked a bit startled. “A dad? Gee, I don’t know if that’s quite right. He’s more like a foster parent, really. I’m not sure how much you heard about his trip to my village, but when he arrived to solve a treasure hunt he wasn’t expecting to bring me home instead.”

“I did hear about the hunt your father arranged. I’m sorry for your loss, by the way.”

“It's been sort of a long time, but thank you.”

Randall’s eyebrows arched since Layton told him the Baron was recently departed. He didn’t pry in fear of touching on a sore subject. “Have you been liking the city life more so than the village?”

“I’m glad the Professor lives on a relatively quiet street, and I do like secondary school more than reading textbooks on my own. Quite frankly, it’s been hard for me to adjust to social situations, but I like working with my classmates more than studying alone.”

“And I gather you’ll be going to college not too far from now. Do you know what you’re going to take in uni? Not to alarm you, I’m sure you get asked that a lot these days.”

“That’s tricky. I was thinking maybe software engineering? Or robotics. Or perhaps criminology as well? I’d like to take some sort of design course if there’s room in my schedule, but at this rate there might not be.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out soon enough. You know, I don’t believe I actually ever finished my compulsory education because I fell into that chasm. No matter, trade skills served me well enough.”

“You what?”

“Look, it’s already gotten dark out. We should leave right about now if you want to catch the parade.”

Flora, Randall, Layton, Angela, and Henry left the mansion and made their way to the crowded sidewalk of the boulevard where many visitors awaited the procession. The sound of brass instruments pealed from the distance, followed by the drumming and jangling of marching band music. Flora clasped her hands and leaned forward, trying to gauge where the start of the parade was.

Squadrons of dancers and acrobats dressed up as suits of cards waltzed around the pavement, doing flips and spinning batons. The crowd cheered as they quickly assembled into a human pyramid and gracefully collapsed like dominoes. The marching band followed, and Flora had to cover her ears when they were right in front of them. Four floats rode by, driven by characters resembling the jacks, queens, and kings of each suit. They waved and popped confetti at the viewers. Finally, the giant clown balloon glided forward, attached to an equally large float. It looked like a tiered cake, with dancers standing on each level moving in perfect unison.

“You know, the performers on the clown float are all animatronics,” Randall yelled over the blaring band.

“For real?” Flora responded. “But they’re moving so naturally! It’s hard to believe they’re not human!”

“You’re one to doubt it, having grown up with robots. The float is actually an optical illusion in a sense. In reality, dancers on the top are a lot larger than the ones on the bottom, and same with the height of the platforms, but because of our perspective they look the same.”

“Really?” Flora shouted. “That’s so cool! Can I get a closer look at them another time?”

“Of course!” Randall yelled back. “I can take you to the garage tomorrow.”

The eardrum-shattering upbeat music faded, and the crowd began to disperse.

“Did the parade meet your expectations, my dear? Layton asked.

“I believe it surpassed them!” Flora responded.

They parted ways with Randall, Angela, and Henry and headed back to the Reunion Inn for the night.

“You told me you and Randall used to be best friends, but you drifted apart.”

“Yes, that is true. Why do you bring that up?”

“Well I think you should mend that friendship. He seems like a swell guy after all.”

Layton smiled. “Is that so? In any case, you are correct. I should make an effort to reconnect with him. Maybe I should challenge him to a sparring match like those from our youth. He was awfully quick, but now that he’s rusty I bet I stand a good chance.”

“Randall fences?”

“Yes. In fact he’s the one who got me interested in the sport myself. He also sparked my interest in archeology.”

“Wow. I didn’t realize the impression he made on you was so big.”

“That’s not all, he also introduced me to the world of puzzles.”

“RANDALL is the one who got you hooked on puzzles?!” Flora exclaimed. She should be trying to make friends like these in secondary school herself. Even if it’s just through impact on one’s character, friends really had the potential to last forever, huh.

@101flavoursofweird

[purpletimepiece-au-ahit]

What if Conductor wrote his own dairy the same way hat kid dose?

This is just an idea and i'm not of a great writer but i hope ppl will still enjoy

Chapter 1 Mafia Town

ACT 1 : Welcome to Mafia Town

So I guess this is where my journey starts. In ****************. However a bunch of Mafias who call them self ”Mafia of cooks” has taken over the island and has renamed it ”Mafia town”. I’ve only really heard of ************** in geography lessons when I was young. But from what I remember this island used to be very peaceful…

ACT 2 : Barrel Battle

I helped a little lass that has a mustache? she got herself caught by the mafia and I shudder to think what they might have done to her if I had not come. She was quite rebellious towards the mafia. she also said she was willing to help me get more time pieces if I help her take down their boss. I’m not certain I should be trusting her though…something about her tells me that I should beat her up but I can’t do that! She might not even be double digits jet!

ACT 3 : She He Came from Outerspace

I had to wait for that mustache girl to get herself done before we would face up against the boss of the mafia here. It was absolutely pouring there that day! And slippery. I slipped into a puddle of mud even. Not seconds after I got up from the mud I saw the mafia that was around me looked scared. That’s when I got an idea. I ran towards the goons and they ran like scaredy cats. Oh how I couldn’t help but to laugh.

ACT 4 : Down with the Mafia!

I knew I shouldn’t have trusted in that red-hooded peck neck….after defecting the boss the red lass got a bit too curios of the time pice. She was quick to find its actual power these hourglasses holds. She got obsessed and planed for the BOTH of us to be ”crime fighting time travelers”. That’s just too much for me. This is already enough this journey I’m gonna need to do. She robbed me as well! I should’ve just taken her out right then and there…

ACT 5 : Cheating the Race

HA! That peck neck riding on a rocket thought he could beat me? Well I have something myself that will make it balanced! I don’t like cheating but since it didn’t involve with movies and the bird movie award I was fine with it.

ACT 6 : Heating up Mafia Town

I leave Mafia town for 1 day and the entire island is half submerged in lava. That red lass is nothing but trouble. And might I add there are faucets all around the island that primarily controls the island’s volcano and its lava flow… I have no idea if they excited before or after the mafia took over…either way, I hope the next place ill be going to after will be bit cooler.

ACT 7 : The Golden Vault

I’ve noticed these tickets that’s been flying in the wind all over the town, As to why they were all just separated from each other is beyond me. I took the time to gather all of them, Most of the vaults contained pretty useless junk but attest the last one had a time pice in it.

Chapter 2 Battle of the Birds

ACT 1 : Dead Bird Studio

I’ve seen myself in movies before but what was odd this time is that I could interact with myself? The other me sees me just as the little hat lass, I don’t know if I should be thankful or if I really wanted to find out how I really would react if I were to met a doppelganger of myself. That would make into an interesting movie but for the first time in my directing career I just can’t figure out how that would be done without it being flawed. No one can imitate me better than myself and only myself. I also found out how the lass was able to infiltrate so deep into the studio. I’m paying these owls too much for hardly any work from them.

ACT 2 : Murder on the Owl Express

This is one of my best works I done in my career of directing movies. It easily bested Groves’s movie 10 times. Even from the kid’s perspective it was like a real detective case going on. I’m really proud of how it turned out.

ACT 3 : Picture Perfect

Ugh, I remeberd I was gonna need to be on that peck neck’s movies as well. I would just steal the time pice but that penguin just won’t stand still. However I got the chance to ruin his movie. By swearing! That’ll show him! if he really wants a chance to stand aginst me he gotta turn that age restriction up a bit.

ACT 4 : Train Rush

If it wasn’t for the fact I got the little lass’s energy I would in no way been able to reach at the end in time. I’m not as youthful anymore…I still feel as though I didn’t put enough action into this movie. This is one of the only times’s I’ve actually been uncertain in this movie. My acting was on point as usual it was really the recording process I was uncertain with. The exploding train movies are really hard and risky to make as I have a REALLY limited amount of times I can retake senses to none at all. Thankfully no one else will be reading this. Maybe I should start writing on a diary more often….

ACT 5 : The Big Parade

Okey, I’m actually happy that others see me as the little hat lass and not as myself. I had to wear a parade leader outfit and lead a goofy parade. I’m too pecking old to be doing something like this. He tried making it a bit more exciting with fireworks but really? Its a bloody pecking parade…

ACT 6 : Award Ceremony

THAT NO GOOD DIRTY PECK NECK CHEATED THE AWAERD CEREMONY! I know for sure that I had the most score! That must be how he won the award 42! If there wouldn’t be so many birds in the ceremony I would’ve beaten up DJ Groves…

ACT 1 : Dead bird studio?

How do I start with this…? I first got a phone call from myself when I used the audio changer in the murder on the express owl. CONFIRMING that Groves did rigged the ceremony. he then hinted me to get down into the basement. After searching around there for a bit I did find an elevator that I had no idea we had. Not only that while I was reaching the basement I could her that peck neck talking through the vents and walls. I couldn’t really make out what he was talking about but I was certain he was talking about the time pieces. That’s when I found him. With all this time I’ve worked in the same building with him I’ve never seen or even heard him like this. He has gone mad, he was desperate and he was out for blood. He even used my own BOMB to try to end me. Thankfully this timeline me came and saved me to beat down that pecker…for someone that made family friendly movies he was a real good fighter ill give him that. Oh! This might make a good movie aginst him…that was at lest the last time pice of that place, I should be almost done now right…?

Chapter 3 Subcon Forest

ACT 1 : Contractual Obligations

Before I never really thought much about the Subcon forest. the forest was rumored to be haunted and that who ever enters it never comes back. It has been proven to be true when some bodies where found at the very edge of the forest but it could very much be some deadly diseases there or they could’ve gotten poisoned. I never had any business to do with the forest and thought I never would till today. I never believed in ghosts or really anything ”super unnatural” it never has the same rules, there were just too many different variant for the same thing! No one I’ve met has been able to prove to me that ”magic” is real. Well I guess the time pieces’ would count but the kid uses it like it was fuel to a machine, I don’t know. One really popular rumor was there lived a soul stealing ghost there. I thought to myself it was all just some hoax. it was till I actually got into the forest that things changed. I got caught and not long after the rumor of the soul stealing ghost proved to be true. I was able to keep my life but at the cost of having to do some of this ghost’s bindings and my soul. I must say without my soul I feel so…empty…no fear, no worry, I don’t even feel a hint of anger…

ACT 2 : Subcon Well

It was quite important that I get the ”cleaning the subcon well” contract done as it will give me an item that I must have if I wish to complete the train rush movie. I found out that the hook shot is something that hat kid did not have at the beginning. If I’ve known that I would’ve allowed her to borrow my hook shot badge that I ”own” for the movies but to be honest it might not be in a good condition now as it has been years since I myself last used it

ACT 3 : Toilet of Doom

So that shadow thing that is called ”Snatcher” just let my soul escape. I know now that he didn’t eat it right after and just kept it which is weird. I don’t see any reason why he would really but anyway. It then when on to posses an outhouse and cause a lot of ruckus. It really made A LOT of ruckus, probably because its my soul…But I was able to defeat it at last and ”Snatcher” took back my soul.

ACT 4 : Queen Vanessa

Okey, this time even without my soul I felt an aura of fear. I felt overwhelmingly cold but I could feel a sense of unease…the entire village and the mansion was in a sphere of ice. Incased in an interval winter. Vanessa herself was a danger, a psychopath!….or a sociopath, what’s the difference even? She would’ve killed me either way if she found me. Not to mention there were quite a few ice sculptures. Showing these last victims their last reaction before they met their end…She already knew I was in the mansion. I however lived to write about this another day…

ACT 5 : Mail Delivery

So, after having kill off some spirits, fight my own soul, rob some demon’s home I gotta now deliver stolen mail to this ghost’s minions? Also, after I’ve been doing all this stuff the girl had to do I feel quite bad that the lass had to endure this to get these time pieces’. having her soul tacken and do all these contracts. The lass’s just a kid for crying out loud! Well she has the appearance of a young lass but she could be older then I thought…she is very smart and skilled.

ACT 6 : Your Contract has Expired

I knew that I would have to fight this pecking contract ghost noodle someday! I’m certain he wouldn’t give me my soul back or even give me the last time pice willingly…when I had defected him he gave me a chance to leave but this was without the things I wanted. When I thought I had no other choice then to just sign it I realized that fool had already stamped the contract. Which meant I could do some ”adjustments” to the deal. Again, Pretty clever there lass!

Chapter 4 :Alpine Skyline

First arrival

I landed on some mountain tops. The place looked it had once people living or to the very lest came around often but was now abandoned. However a seemingly endless line of banners append at the very top. It then took me to a much more lively place. ancient people and goats has been living on the very top of these mountains for what they say ”thousands of years”. For them the air is thin but somehow for the kid and now me its perfectly fine…there was also a lot of strange flowers growing all over the place. What’s more concerning is that the people nor the goats have no idea what they are…

The Birdhouse

this was the biggest bird house I have ever seen! It was HUGE. There were also a lot of ”odd” birds there. but those exploding eggs must be the most gruesome scenes I have ever witness In my entire life. They give me shivers when ever I get too close to them so they became ”active” . Far too extreme to even mention in my movies but maybe if I were to tone down the details then just maybe I could use it for a horror movie…

The Windmill

okey I thought the giant bird house was huge but this windmill might as well count as a mountain it self. Claiming the bloody thing wasn’t easy either, I can’t fly as easily and as great like I used to anymore.

The Lava Cake

this civilization is really impressive. Somehow they stacked lava like the cake on my wedding I had many years ago I think its called a ”pillar cake”?. I’m quite surprised I didn’t burn most of my feathers when I traversed it…now I really miss my wife…

The Twilight Bell

that giant bell transferred me somewhere. I don’t know to where, haven, hell, limbo or the void who knows! But I was certain I wasn’t in the land of the living…

The Illness has Spread

okey, these strange purple flowers has certainly proven to be a threat! And since they didn’t turn me to a mindless raging zombie I was the only one that could take down these flowers before they would spread furtherer. I’ll write this again, the things this kid has been though…

Attic cruise

ACT 1 : Bon Voyage!

I was able to see my grandchildren again after this long journey I had to do. It is still really nice to see that they’re all fine and are just the cutest things in the entire world. I get why now why the caption really doesn’t like his crew. They broke the time piece. The kid still doesn’t understand how time hasn’t completely broken down or to the very lest changed something as it should have. It is easily fixable so that’s a relief. But what if something has changed or it did rewind and we just don’t know. Oh god I start to sound and think like the lass now.

ACT 2 : Ship Shape

First time i’ll go on a vacation and not drink. They won’t even allow me since to them I look like the lass. I also found out while the other me is all drunken out that the little rascals are still able to escape. Ugh, I’m the only one that can keep them all in the same place…

ACT 3 : Rock the Boat

I had a feeling it was the kid that crashed the boat but I wanted to believe it was the crew. I had to then save the crew and the passengers. Well those that didn’t directly dived into the icy cold water first….Thankfully none of my grandchildren did. I got worried when I only found 4 myself but found out the rest was saved by the crew members…also saving myself felt a bit weird. It’s also now I realized I got sobered up quite quickly.

Nyakuza Metro

Main station

out of all places the MOST timepieces landed on. Had it be Nyakuza Metro!? The pecking place where there are nothing but cats!? I know I don’t look like a bird for others but I hope they don’t sense it…

After

great. Getting these time pieces’ might get harder now since someone with a high amount of power named ”Empress” wants these hourglasses as well like always….

Yellow overpass

good news, they don’t know or they don’t care that I’m not a cat. However I was forced to wear this hoodie and this stupid scribbled medical mask. I guess it is not great inhaling these weird smells…I don’t even know where they’re coming from or what they actually would do. either way I need to wear these to show I’m in this ”gang”

Yellow overpass manhole

there are all these stickers around the metro. Most of them depict the hat lass but some depict as Snatcher, Groves, lass’s friend which I can’t remember their name and even me. As to why and who made them is a mystery. But I still feel as though I need to collect them.

Green clean

I thought the lass’s rumba was weird but the rumbas in the metro are way scarier. They even chase you if you’re dirty. I found that out the hard way…

Green clean manhole

the lass couldn’t help herself but to play ”dress up” with me since there are so many cats that sells these customizations like other hats and dyes. Some I actually liked. They fitted quite well on me while others….I’m just never gonna touch those ever EVER again…

Bluefin

huh. A poster of my newest movie ”PECK NECK” was on the walls here in the metro after the ”shipwreck incident”. a waste of advertisement money if you ask me but maybe these cats will actually be interested in watching a bird movie. But I doubt it since they’re mostly only interested this overly obnoxious animated genre called I believe ”anime”? Well they just don’t know about the true art of real movies! Then again it is getting my interest….

Pink paw

there’s A LOT of fast food stations here. I know that it’s the biggest (and only) metro on the planet but still. All the joints doesn’t smell great either. Well it is fast food. its not supposed to be great, its supposed to be fast. The coffee is okey at lest.

Pink paw manhole

well this was new, well kinda. I had to collect over 100 of these electrical pons to get the time pieces. I didn’t want to since the empress’s gang just takes it away from me as fast as I get it and brings it back to her. The money’s nice but I’m certain that they’re counterfeit. I think I’ll need to come up with a plan to get them all back. I guess for now I’ll get the rest…

Rush hour

HA! They thought they could just steal from me? i’ll just steal it all back! But I’m actually relived I was able to get out of there alive and to never have to return to that metro again. The only train i’ll be seeing is my own.

Final boss

The red hooded lass stole all the time pieces that I have collected. Well I guess it is time that I go best up the peck neck once and for all…this journey has been…well fun actually. I’ve run into a lot of conflicts and obstacles but I’ve been able to get around those. I was able to see more of the planet I’ve been living on. For most of my life I’ve just been in that desert and the studio. Finally getting somewhere else, Somewhere different was really refreshing…I actually hate that this adventure is gonna end now so soon. I want more…but at the same time. I miss my grandchildren, my train, making movies and dare I say it? even arguing with DJ Groves…I should really stop stalling right now. I best take out that peck neck as fast as possible now. Its time that I fix this mess and get back home soon…

Community map

how the peck am I gonna write about this adventure I had today?? I think I’ll just leave it blank. Hopefully its nothing far too importent to remember for later…

[tobethefairybest]

Fantasia

Late birthday gift for @sweetmemories2606​ Late happy birthday and happy Mescana day! ^^

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This fic takes place after the end of the manga and before my oneshot 'First Christmas'

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''I'm off to the guild!'' Cana yelled from the door opening, ''I'll see ya later!''

Mest barely processed all of it, having just woken up. ''Yeah, sure,'' he mumbled. ''see you later.''

He dragged himself to the kitchen. He needed his coffee first, or he wouldn't be able to function properly in the morning. Having an apartment in the heart of the city was convenient but a true night's rest was rare.

Cana had been leaving early this entire week to help out at the guild. Today was the last day to work on the Fantasia parade wagons. Tomorrow they would traditionally ride down the streets of Magnolia with all the Fairy Tail wizards on top of them. A yearly event that was organised by the citizens of the city to thank the wizard for their service.

Everyone, but for him. He had never felt the urge to be on the extraordinary parade wagons, let alone wave and show off to the crowd all evening. He left that for the more expressive side of the guild. Besides, what business did he have in the parade after being gone for ten years? None of the public would recognize him anyway.

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''I can't believe we're done!'' Cana said as she high-fived Lucy. ''Time for drinks!''

It was the end of the day and after a week of hard work, the guildmembers had finally finished all the costumes and wagons. They raised their glasses and cheered.

Cana cheered along, but as soon as she sat down, all she could do was staring down her glass.

''What's the matter, Cana?'' Mirajane asked from behind the bar, ''you seem so lost in thought the last couple of days.''

''It's nothing,'' she quickly replied, but couldn't escape her friend's piercing glare. She knew there was no escaping her interrogations.

She sighed. ''Fine. Mest doesn't share my enthusiasm for the Fantasia parade and it bothers me more than it should.''

''You really want him here, hm?'' Mirajane smirked.

''Of course I do! This is our first Fantasia parade together!'' her voice almost cracked.

The guild's bartender leaned over to her. ''If you come with me to the archives, I might be able to explain why he isn't here with us.''

Cana looked at her with a puzzled look. How could a room full of old books and records tell her why her boyfriend was reluctant to take part in an annual festival?

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''I'm home!'' Cana yelled as she closed the door of Mest's apartment behind her. He should already be back from the Magic Council by now. She practically jumped around the corner. ''I've been helping out Mira in the archives today and guess what I found out,'' Cana said as she grabbed for something in her bag.

He looked up from his afternoon coffee. ''An actual correct financial record?''

''I found the Fantasia parade pictures from back when you were in the guild before you left. And guess what, you're not in any of them.''

''So?'' he said indifferently, ''I don't like the parade, I told you so already''

''I think,'' Cana said as she casually threw the picture on the table, ''you envied the others because you don't have a physical magic power to show during the parade.''

''How do you mean? I'm one of the strongest wizards in the guild,'' he said.

She planted her hands on the dinner table, leaning in to him. ''You can't cast your magic like the elemental wizards as Gray and Natsu can.''

''So what if my magic is invisible?'' he said irritatedly, ''can you imagine how I would stand there on a Fantasia-wagon? I'd just wave and smile and the crowd will whisper things like: 'who on earth is that?' and 'isn't that the drunk spy who caused the war?' So, no. I won't take part.''

A silence filled with tension followed.

''Will you do it for me then?'' she quietly asked.

Seeing her all let down like that he couldn't help but feel guilty. Who was he to ruin her fun?

''I-I guess I could try to teleport from wagon to wagon, but-''

''You'll be the first to see my parade outfit,'' she said with a sly smile and leaned over further over the table, her last word came out as a whisper; ''tonight.''

He sighed hopelessly. Oh, how she could turn him into a mess.

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The colourful lights and upbeat music almost dulled his senses. He kept waving at the endless crowd. The entire town must have been present at the parade.

He felt less uncomfortable than he imagined beforehand, but still had the feeling he was both underdressed and underperforming. With very exaggerated arm movement he landed on a wagon behind him with teleportation and bowed to the cheering spectators.

He turned around to sheepishly laugh at Cana. ''What am I doing?'' he chuckled.

''Having fun!'' Mirajane answered from the wagon before them.

''See?'' Cana said as she cupped his face between her hands and pressed a kiss against his lips. ''The guild isn't complete without you.''

He smiled. ''I don't think it'd be complete the guild either,'' he said before kissing her back.

The crowd started cheering louder and Cana was pretty sure it was mostly because this was their first very public appearance as a couple, but she didn't care.

This was their first Fantasia together, and no one would ever take that away from her.