#this has been the one thought I’ve had constantly for the past 2 years

[unoislazy]

Spar With Me

(Part 2)

Mizu x Reader

Summary: Not much sparring actually happens this time. But you still somehow wind up in an embarrassing position.

Disclaimers: light language, has not been proofread, shorter and way more embarrassing than the last chapter

Part One

Part Three

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Some time had passed since the incident between you and Mizu. Neither of you had really said more than two words about it to each other or to anyone else. You said what you needed to and that was that in your eyes.

Although it remained awkward for a while, you two continued to get to know each other despite Mizu’s initial reluctance. He didn’t seem all that interested in talking to you at first, but after a while he eventually started answering back and making conversation.

“So… where did you grow up?” You asked, trying to start up a conversation as you all sat around the campfire that Ringo had set up. The small flames gave you a slight bit of comfort and warmth to counter the freezing cold that almost fully engulfed you. Your eyes shifted from the fire to look at Mizu, who yet again was simply staring ahead.

What was he thinking about? You wondered.

“Kohama.” He answered, then looked towards you. You smiled at the answer before replying,

“I’ve never been there before. What’s it like?” You asked. Normally you wouldn’t ask about people’s past, especially not someone who clearly had a rough one. But alas, there’s only so much you can get from a person without knowing what happened to make them who they are today.

Mizu’s eyes looked towards the fire, his chest moving heavily as he took a deep breath in and released a quiet sigh.

“It’s a nice place, especially this time of year. The people there are…” He hesitated to finish his sentence, luckily he didn’t have to because he had been interrupted by Ringo who came running back with a bunch of ingredients in hand.

“I have enough to make food for all of us!” He cheered loudly despite Mizu’s countless warnings for him to be quiet. You smiled at Ringo before looking back to Mizu who seemed to be lost in thought yet again.

For a man so serious about not getting distracted, he sure did get lost in thought quite a bit.

“Where did you learn to fight?” You asked pretty out of the blue, you didn’t know what compelled you to ask but you did. The man couldn’t help but let out a slight chuckle at your persistent questions. You were probably the most curious person he knew, well second to none other than Ringo of course. You constantly asked him questions, which sometimes he had to admit got a bit annoying, but he couldn’t help but enjoy having someone to actually talk to.

Mizu had gone so long living his life in solidarity that he had almost forgotten what having someone who cared by his side felt like. Last time he had that was well…

He didn’t want to remember.

“I was taken in by a blind man when I was very young. He taught me over the years.” He answered simply. You couldn’t help but absentmindedly scoot closer to Mizu, extremely interested in the fact that he had actually begun sharing parts of his life.

He noticed but didn’t think much of it.

“He made swords for the samurai who came to him but not every man who came left with a sword. He was very particular about who was worthy enough to wield a sword, and there was a reason for it. He even taught me how to make a sword of my own.” He shared, you glanced over to his katana that lay next to him on the fluffy snow. He gently picked it up, his long fingers caressing the outside of the sheath before ever so slightly showing the blade.

It shone a magnificent color, even in the shallow light of the fire, the design on the sword was more than enough to cause you to flat out gawk at it.

Sure you had seen him use the sword, and sure you had used swords of your own but there was a clear difference. None of the swords you used were yours, you were simply being a resourceful fighter when it came to it. Mizu’s sword however, it was clear that this was his sword.

You gently reached out your hand towards the sword, to which Mizu had cautiously pushed it towards you. Your fingertips gently glided atop the unsharpened edge of the blade. The metal was smooth and very cold. It nearly sent a shiver down your spine just by touching it. It didn’t take you too long before you took your hand off and looked back up at Mizu.

“Would you… teach me how to use one?” You asked. He turned to you with what you could almost make out as a surprised expression.

“I thought you already knew how to?”

“I know the basics… but I don’t know how to truly wield one.” You explained, earning a slight nod of acknowledgement from him. However, before he could just get up and offer to spar with you, he looked down and realized he was still drenched in blood. He had gotten into a massive fight not too long before you made camp and you supposed he had just forgotten given everything else going on.

To be fair, you too had stopped noticing after a while.

Without really another word, Mizu stood up and began walking away. He stopped just by some trees before stating , “I’ll be back.” And then off he went into the forest.

You had to admit he was quite an odd man, well other than his eye color and lack of stories to tell. He may have been odd but you couldn’t help but find him even the slightest bit attractive. When fighting, you couldn’t help yourself but to stare and watch as Mizu would masterfully take down several people at a time, all while making it look almost effortless. He seldom laughed or smiled but when he did it was like the gates of heaven had opened upon you just to shine a single beam of light through the form of his smile.

And his eyes. The one part that many people hated about him, yet you found them the most intriguing. His eyes were such a rare and striking blue, sure they came about due to a very upsetting reason, but they were beautiful nonetheless. They complimented his features in a way you couldn’t describe and it was upsetting to you that he couldn’t see just how beautiful you thought they looked.

Oh who were you kidding, you were in real deep when it came to feelings about him.

Ever since the last time you had sparred, you began to feel very different about Mizu. Ever since you had been held down underneath him.

It was such a simple thing really and it very quickly became less important than the true outcome of that exchange. But you still remembered it. The embarrassing yet… warm feeling you got as you stared up at him that fraction of a second before noticing his eyes. And even then that feeling didn’t go away.

He had only pinned you down for at most forty seconds, and yet that was the part that stuck with you the most. It was…

Not important.

None of that was important. You need to snap out of it, he’s not interested remember? He doesn’t need distractions, and you need to stop thinking about him.

You continued to argue with yourself, struggling to take your mind off the man before deciding, maybe you should just take a walk to clear your mind. How harmful could that be? A nice walk through the snow covered forest bathed in moonlight. Sounds relaxing just thinking about it.

You stood up quite abruptly which might’ve startled Ringo had he not already been preoccupied with cooking the food.

“I’m going to go take a walk really quickly to clear my head.” You explained earning a quick nod of approval from Ringo. With that you began to make your way through the forest.

It was just as peaceful as you had assumed it would be. You could still faintly hear the crackling of the fire as you walked in a random direction. You looked up, glancing at the snow covered trees which glittered in the moonlight. A light breeze made its way through the forest, rustling some of the trees and ever so slightly causing some of the snow to fall off of some of them.

You continued on, listening to the crunch of the fluffy snow beneath your feet as there was not much noise happening elsewhere. That was, until you heard the faintest noise of running water.

A waterfall would be a pleasant sight to sit at would it not?

Without thinking, you began to make your way towards the running water, your hands rubbing together to keep yourself warm as you neared the sound. The water sounded closer and closer until you had heard what you thought could be something in the water?

“It’s probably just an animal.” You thought to yourself as you continued to pass by many trees with not even a sense of fear of who or what could be in the water currently. You confidently made your way towards the pool of water, not realizing that you were also making a bunch of noise on your way, you haphazardly stepped on sticks and snow without another care or thought in the world. The only thing on your mind was relaxing by the water.

And there it was, a wide open pool of water with a waterfall. Just like the snow, the water glittered and glistened in the moonlight, giving it a dark blue hue as it rippled from the waterfall. You approached the edge of the water, wanting to merely lightly glide your fingers across the surface but as you had begun to walk towards it you had noticed something not too far from the edge. It was hard to tell what it was from the distance you were at so you walked a bit closer to it so you could possibly get a better look.

Once you had gotten close enough to it, you carefully picked up one of the pieces and that’s when you realized…

These were Mizu’s clothes.

Oh god.

You quickly dropped the piece of clothing right back where you found it, standing up and spinning around and very quickly being met face to face with Mizu himself.

Or… herself?

You tried not to look but your eyes acted before your mind could stop them and you had already seen parts of their body that maybe you shouldn’t have.

What is more important here is the fact that they were holding their sword right up to your face.

“Holy shit Mizu! I'm sorry!” You exclaimed, quickly slapping a hand over your eyes and turning back around to give them even the slightest sense of privacy.

“I just heard a waterfall and wanted to check it out, I didn’t even think about the fact that you could’ve been here and-“

“It’s fine.” You heard them answer from behind you. The sound of their sword being sheathed also gave you a new sense of relief but you continued to face away. “I heard you coming from a mile away and thought you were someone else.” They explained. You nodded, acknowledging that as a valid answer as you continued to face away from them.

“You are just full of surprises.” You said with a laugh, thinking that the situation was quite silly despite being absolutely mortified that you had accidentally breached someone’s privacy so heavily by accident.

Mizu didn’t really make a move or say anything before you continued,

“Your secret is safe with me. And next time I’ll wait for you to be done bathing before I go on my walks.” You joked trying to lighten the situation. You heard a lighthearted huff from behind you, recognizing it as a quiet laugh before hearing Mizu near you from behind.

“My clothes.” She stated pretty bluntly before you finally looked down in front of you, realizing you were pretty much blocking the very narrow path from Mizu to her clothes.

“My bad, I’ll just… get out of your way.” You said, absentmindedly backing up. Unfortunately because you couldn’t see where you were going you had bumped into Mizu as you walked back, causing you to practically leap forward in response.

“Sorry! Sorry, I’m just… bye.” Was all you could manage to say before you very quickly made your way back to camp.

How the hell were you supposed to face her now? This entire time the guy you had a crush on turned out to be a girl, which you didn’t mind in the slightest, but within the same time as that realization you also saw her naked, and then also bumped into her?

Why did you always end up in embarrassing situations, especially with her!

You finally made your way back to the camp, Ringo had just finished up his food as he looked up at you.

“Oh you’re back! How did your walk go?” He asked cheerfully, handing you a bowl of food.

“Kill me.”

[artists-ally]

{She Gets The Flowers, Right?} Reader x Lucien Vanssera {Pt.2}

Welp. Here we are. Didn't know this was gonna happen. I had ZERO INTENTIONS of writing a part two but I basically got cyber bullied into making another so here ya go fuckers. Someone literally threatened to stop taking their meds so to whoever that was I hope you get to keep your kidney! Enjoy! This part is inspired by this song.

Word Count: 6,111

Warnings: ANGST (yall thought you’re gonna get a happy ending? HAHAHAH) Some pretty negative self talk.

Tagging: @bubybubsters @cyrygher @thelov3lybookworm @bigcreatorwombatdreamer @anuttellaa @lookingforamissingpage @thehighlordishere @crazylokonugget

Summary: In the days and weeks that follow your downfall with Lucien, he has no fucking clue how to go about life without you. He can’t cope. And he desperately wants to fix everything with you.

~~~~~~~

LUCIEN’S POV

I have made the biggest mistake of my entire life. I thought that would be reserved for not being able to protect Jesminda. No. This… this is… I don’t even know.

I’m just standing on the sidewalk, staring at our- her home. At the rustic, auburn door we painted. At its brass knob, at the rusty, creaking hinges that would ring through the house when someone came in. At the little potted plant in the corner, the vines spilling out of it. 

I’ll never be back here again. 

I’ll never get to hear her laugh.

I’ll never get to taste her new recipes.

I will never be able to take all that I said back. That is the most haunting feeling of it all.

I’m an awful person. After all she’s done for me. After saving my life– on more than one occasion– I went and did nothing in return. I gave her nothing for her endless kindness. All I was capable of doing was destroying the one person in my life who has given me everything I’ve ever wanted. 

Unconditionally. She always loved me unconditionally. How could I have been so blind and naive to it? How did I never see it? 

Gods every single time she made me something to eat, a recipe to try… she was basically shoving the bond in my face, hoping I would see it. And I never ever considered it. I was so lost in Elain. Lost in the fact that I finally had feelings for someone after Jesminda… Not once did I think it could be Yn. 

I don’t deserve her. I never did. I was a bitter, rotten shell of a man when she met me. She dragged me by the arms to her house to fix me. She thought I was worthy of being saved when my own father thought the opposite. Yn put me back together. She made me who I am. And this is the thanks I give her?

Elain has said all of ten sentences to me in the past year. I haven’t been able to do anything but replay every single one of them in my head. A thousand times– a hundred thousand times. I wish I couldn’t. It’s exhausting. Constantly thinking of her. But I don’t have a choice. 

I like the feeling of being able to feel again. But at the cost of Yn? At the complete sacrifice of all I’ve known for the past century? My rock? My best friend? Nothing is worth more. 

But it is far too late to do anything about it. I’ve lost her.

I want her back. 

Yn did things to me that no one else could. She just seemed to know when things were wrong. She always knows what to say, when to say it, and how. She never tells you what you want to hear, it’s always what you need. She is the most well rounded person I’ve ever met. She’s never afraid to feel her emotions. 

I envy that skill.

I’ve always hid my feelings deep down. It took years to decipher them again. But it was Yn who made me do it. She always fought for me, fought me for me. Yn never let me do it alone. Refused to, actually. Was there every step of the way and never told me I was taking too long or wasting her time. 

I get it now.

And there is nothing I can do. I have nowhere to go. Tears scald my eyes as I trudge down the little path that we beat into the grass. Day in and day out. 

I remember when we picked this place. We had only been in Velaris for a week or two when we stumbled across it. It was run down and needed a new roof. As a thank you for keeping Feyre safe on our journey across the Courts, Rhysand gifted it to us. Complete with a new roof, new furniture, a new kitchen for Yn to cook in. And he let us be. Well, let her be. I still had my debts to pay off. 

And then I met Elain and… fuck. Everything went to shit after that. 

There is no way of processing all of these emotions at once. These very real feelings I still have for Elain. And these all-of-a-sudden very fucking real feelings I now have for Yn. It’s how I imagine imploding feels like. My body wants to cave into itself and never fold back out. 

I pray to the Cauldron that I do self destruct. This feeling, a mixture between irrational rage and betrayal… I don’t wish it upon another living soul. And Gods know I’d sell mine to change everything I’ve just done. 

I don’t even know how I ended up at the Town House. All of a sudden I was just standing in front of it. I normally resent coming here, but for some reason I was relieved to see the bricks and busted up cobblestone sidewalk. Maybe no one would be here; Rhys was more often than not at the River House with Feyre and Nyx, indulging in the life of parenthood. Nesta and Cassian were probably somewhere in the House of Wind with Elain, Mor at Rita’s, Amren with Varian, and who the hell knows where Azriel is.

I can’t wait to be alone to scream. 

Fuck, the door is locked. Of course the door is locked, no one’s here. It takes every bit of control in my shiver-ridden body to not rip the door off its hinges. And it takes even more control to not collapse against the door and break down for the whole street to see. 

The lock clicks and the door opens. 

I force myself to appear relaxed. I wipe my tears and brush away my loose strands of hair. No use. My face is probably as red as the burning self hatred inside my twisted heart. 

“What are you doing here Lucien?” The High Lord asks. 

I gulp. Of all the people, it had to be him? At least it’s not Azriel, I think. I might hate him more than I hate myself. For actually getting Elain’s attention. Yn was right, I am selfish. “Sorry, didn’t realize you were in.”

“Did you leave something?” I don’t move, and I stay deathly still. Rhys looks me head to toe, and I know he can scent me from a mile away. “Lucien, what the fuck did you do?”

“Stay the fuck out of my head,” I snarled, pointing a finger at his chest. 

“I don’t need to read your thoughts. Your face says it all.”  Rhys crosses his arms over his chest, “Look, we’ve all told you that Elain is hard to reach these days. She isn’t worth-”

“This… this doesn’t have anything to do with Elain.” I lied. He seemed to know it. “Can I just come in?”

Rhys just steps aside, shutting the door behind me. “I don’t really have time for-”

“I fucked up.”

“Clearly.”

“Rhysand,” I said. So full of disgust. He looked at me with a blank expression. One I have seen too many times to not know what comes next. I eased up my tone. “Is anyone else here?”

“No,” he answers, moving around me and heading into a study on the other side of the living room. 

I can’t help but think of how we all gathered in that living room a few months ago for Solstice. Exchanging gifts and drinks and smiles and stories. I vividly remember making Yn laugh so hard she tipped her head over the arm of the couch, sending her wine tumbling to the ground. The stain still on the small rug almost makes me smile, and it almost makes me burst into tears. 

“I ruined everything in my life. Yn’s gone.” I could feel the air freeze around me. “Not like, gone gone but she’s… I don’t think I’ll ever be seeing her again.”

“So this is because of Elain.”

I bit my tongue so hard I thought I’d bite it off completely. But I sighed, the tears coming with it. “Yes.” A really long pause. “She told me I’m-”

“You’re Yn’s mate?”

“Yes.”

“And you never knew because you were so focused on Elain.” “Is that supposed to be a question?”

“It was, but you just gave me your answer,” Rhys sat. “Do you want me to keep guessing or are you going to tell me what happened?”

I took the biggest breath I could, steading my words. “I missed the opening of her restaurant because I was with Elain.”

Rhysand looked at me with such revulsion that I thought he might put me through a wall. Those wicked, violet eyes could’ve boiled my bones. For a split second I wished he would. I could tell he wanted to say something, but I don’t think there were enough words in the world for how much of an awful person I was. 

“There are things in this world that we sacrifice in this world Lucien,” Rhys said.

Hesitantly, “I know.” 

“And Yn gave up the biggest of them all. She shut her mouth to let you be happy. She did what I did for Feyre until she realized what situation she was in. You are one spineless bastard for doing anything but giving your life to her.”

“I know.”

“Have you any idea what you’ve done to her? She gave you everything you could ever ask for. From the moment the two of you stepped in my Court I could tell she only had eyes for you. When you are in the room you’re the only one she looks at. How could you have not known?”

“I don’t know…” “Yes, you do.”

I plunged my nails into my palms. “For Cauldron's sake Rhysand of course I know.”

“Then why did you continue to ignore Yn?”

“Because I couldn’t ever let myself think a female like her would like such a broken, dismantled and lost soul like mine.” Rhysand stared at me. “When Yn pulled me from the border to fix me, she spent every waking moment of her life stringing my mind and body into one piece. If I let myself think for even a second that it was anything other than kindness, I would’ve gone mad.”

“Would it have been so terrible to love her?”

“I’ve always loved her. I just never thought I’d be allowed to love her the way she loves me.”

“Because of Elain?” “Because of Elain.”

Rhys blew out a breath, sitting down on the corner of his desk. “So, let me see if I have all of this correct. You wouldn’t let yourself fall for Yn because you thought you were unworthy. Instead, you sabotaged both of your happiness for Elain simply because she was your mate and you just wanted to feel something?”

“It sounds so much more fucked when you say it outloud.” I rubbed my hands over my tired, burning eyes. “And it’s not just because she’s my mate, Rhys. I genuinely like her. She’s… she has the potential to be so sweet. I’ve seen glimpses of it, heard stories from Feyre and Nesta. Why won’t she let me see?”

“You are still clueless, aren’t you?” He scoffed. “Here you are, a ruined man because you drove away your best friend, and you’re still worried about someone who doesn’t want you. Pathetic. You are a selfish son of a bitch.”

“I can’t just ignore Elain. It’s impossible to think of anything else but her and how I can help her.” “Lucien,” Rhysand stopped me from going on another tangent. “Maybe start considering that she doesn’t want you.”

“What?” My lip trembled. “N-No she… we have a bond. It’s there she just needs time. I’m her mate, she’ll want one eventually.”

“Just like Yn will want one?” His eyes were as viscous as the tone of his voice. “You are doing the same thing to Yn that Elain is doing to you. You understand how that feels. Now imagine that Elain was the one you found on the border of the Spring Court and you spent decades nursing her mind back into her body. Recreating her personality and passions. Wouldn’t you be a little fucking irate if she started showing interest in another male after all you did for her?”

I froze.

This was so much deeper than I ever thought it could be. But I could see it. Bringing Elain back to herself all for it to be thrown away by another male. Azriel filled that roll, and I was filled with raw fury at the mere thought of that happening. 

“So now you see what Yn has been dealing with. And Gods, Lucien, she has been dealing with it for a long while. What you did was wrong, unjust, and unfair. And for you to be with Elain on the day of her grand opening, where all of us just were, is… that may be unforgivable.”

“I don’t deserve to be forgiven for what I’ve just done…”

My shoulder hunch, and my chest cracks. I am a bleeding mess of tears. I can barely stand as I openly sob in front of Rhys. I’m surprised when he shoves a chair under me instead of letting me crumble to the floor in my self induced agony. And I’m even more surprised when he puts a hand on my shoulder. 

It’s Yn. It’s always been Yn. There is nothing in this world that can compare to her or her kindness or her love. What a fool I have been to not take the hand that was given me. What a selfish, self-serving waste of a man I have been to her. 

I can’t take it. I have to have her back. I have to fix this. I have to. I have to. I have to. 

I stand. “Woah, what are you doing?” Rhys tried to get me to sit down. 

“Yn- I have to fix this with Yn-”

“No,” Rhys slams me back into the chair. “You are not going to march back over there.”

“I have to,” I yelled. “I can’t let her kick me out without her knowing that I’m sorry. That I’ll do anything she wants me to to win her back. I can’t be without her, I need her.”

“She kicked you out?” I nodded. “You’re not going anywhere. She clearly doesn’t want to see you. Nothing you could say to her would suffice. Especially right now. She needs time. She needs space. If I find out that you go back to your- her house, I’ll drop you back in the Spring Court, do you understand me?”

I nod viciously. 

“Good,” Rhys let out a heavy breath. “You can have your old room back. Nothing in it but a few storage boxes. Everything is otherwise untouched.” Great. My old memories to haunt me. Just what I needed. For a very short week we stayed here. Yn’s room was right across from mine. Just another reminder of everything that’s happened between now and then. 

I slump in the seat, letting tears trickle down my nose and onto my knee. Watching them evaporate and dry, just for the material to be soaked again. “I’m so sorry Yn…”

I heard Rhys whirl around, and I could feel the tension across the room. He probably thinks I’m mad. I might as well be. 

More footsteps sounded than people in the house and Cassian walked in the room. Luckily I was facing away from him. “Don’t tell me he’s a part of our special detachment.”

I rolled my eyes. Cassian, ever the charming.

“No, he’s… well, he’ll be living here for a little while.”

“Do I wanna know?”

“It’s none of your business,” I snapped. No one spoke. I sighed for what felt like the billionth time today. “Sorry.”

“What happened?” Cassian asked, coming to stand next to me, his body reeking of sweat and dirt. All I had to do was lift my head and I think he understood enough. That or Rhys told him. “I won’t say anything cause I’ll probably just make it worse.”

“Probably,” Rhys nodded. 

“Probably.” My eyes burned, so did my skin. “I have to get all my stuff out tomorrow. She told me to.”

“Then you’ll do it tomorrow. Not tonight, tomorrow. Respect her wishes, or I will make you.”

“I heard you the first time.”

“We’ll be back,” Rhys grabbed a few things from his desk then ushered Cassian out the door. “Don’t do anything. Just stay here.”

It could’ve been twenty minutes or two hours until I finally moved upstairs. Forcing myself to not go to Yn’s room was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. All the conversations we had, all the plans we made. It’s where she first got the idea of her restaurant. She literally had a dream and made it a reality. 

I’d be lying if I said I told her how proud of her I was. I never have. Why have I never told her that? Could I really have been that caught up in Elain that… Wow. It’s funny how you only realize after the fact. 

My bed caught me as I collapsed into it, tucking my knees into my chest. I am such a loser. Pathetic. Just like Rhys said. My heart would burn up and die at this rate. It was a mystery how I hadn’t burst into flames yet. 

There are so many things I need, and Yn takes the top of the list. She had always been everything I needed. When I needed comfort, I went to Yn. When I needed solutions, I went to Yn. When I needed answers, to be heard, to be validated, to be loved… who was I supposed to go to now? Definitely not Rhys or Cassian, and certainly not Elain.

Maybe for the first time ever I wanted nothing to do with Elain. I didn’t want to see her. I couldn’t care less if I ever saw her again. Her presence in my life has done nothing but tear my other relationships apart. 

She’s the reason I’m here in this mess.

_____

At some ridiculous hour of the night– morning? Is that the sun?– I heard the door open. I shot up, then deflated down. I wasn’t in my bed. I wasn’t at home. And that wasn’t Yn walking in the door. 

Every thought and emotion rushed back into my head, creating an endless tangle of thoughts. The next more horrid and self destructive than the last. I deserve it. 

Missing the opening of her restaurant, Latibule–an ancient word for refuge or safe place–was the biggest mistake of my life. I will never be able to make that up to her. I turned her biggest accomplishment into a slimy, diseased memory. I ruined what was supposed to be the best night of her life.

I’ve let her down in a way I’ll never be able to repair. 

Even Rhys and Feyre were there last night. And I wasn’t. Nesta and Cassian. Azriel, Amren, Mor… they were all there, supporting her. And I was with Elain. She probably wanted to go, and I was there, holding her back. 

I need to get out of this room before it crushes me whole.

I could see the sun just barely peeking over the Sidra when I stepped outside, cloak wrapped tightly around my head and shoulders to keep out the early morning bite. 

There wasn’t a soul around, Velaris still blissfully asleep besides this one small corner store that sold hot tea and pastries all hours of the day. Rustling in my pocket was just enough for a peach turnover and a cherry blossom tea. 

The bell chimed above the door as I walked in, knocking my boots against the step to not track dirt in. 

“Early start to the day, Luc?” Ms. Immy smiled from behind the counter, polishing a few mugs before moving to come to the display case, packed full of delicious goods, savory and sweet. 

“Unfortunately,” I sighed. “Couldn’t really sleep.”

“Well I am glad to have you in, the usual?”

“That would be great, Ms. Immy.” 

The lovely owner of the bakery was Ms. Immy. One of the older members of the Night Court but as wise as they come. She’s the kindest, most gentle fae to roam Prythian. With her soft, sage green eyes and long, slender ears adorn with piercings, Ms. Immy was by far one of my favorites here. 

The kettles whistled behind her as she dipped a tea bag into my mug. Ms. Immy always had designated mugs for her regular customers. Mine was made of green clay, mostly green with a white oval on the front with two lines of flowers. In the center of it all was a simple fox. She once told me that I had the spirit of one of those extinct creatures in the human lands. That I was reserved, and at my core I fiercely protected those I cared about.

If only I had been able to protect Yn from myself.

Her mug had been one crafted of the moon and the stars. With all the constellations of the Gods being lifted into the air by the magic of the Cauldron. Ms. Immy had told her it was a visual representation that Yn was a great reminder of the past to the current world. That she was lost art that was to never be forgotten. 

There is nothing I want more than for the rest of the world to be loved as fiercely as she had loved me.

“Here is your tea, Lucien,” Ms. Immy set the mug on the counter, pushing up the glass case and plucking a peach turnover out. “And for you as well.”

“Thank you,” I tried to smile. I stared at the blackberry tart next to the peach turnovers. Yn’s go-to. It made my blood run cold. 

I put the coins in her hand before I could begin to cry again and scooted out the door as another person was coming in. 

The table and chairs outside were hard and covered in a light mist. It creaked as I sat, just as it always did. I should've sat anywhere else, but my body naturally drifted to this exact spot. It had a good view of the street so Yn and I could watch the people walk by. Pretending we know every bit of their personal lives and beyond. Make up extravagant stories and adventures for the most boring looking individuals in hopes they may one day get to go on them in another lifetime. 

Gods she is everywhere. She’s in the tavern across the street, in the stones on the ground that we used to kick on our walks. She’s in the sunrise, the same color of her heated cheeks filling the sky. There is no escaping what used to be my whole world. 

Silently, I let a few tears roll down my cheeks. I ought to be ashamed of showing so much emotion in public, but for some reason I can’t find the will to care. 

The door chimes and footsteps go back down the street. The door chimes again. 

“My fox boy,” Ms. Immy says so softly I almost don’t hear it over the roar in my ears. “What troubles you so badly you can’t sleep?”

I bite my lip to keep from making any embarrassing noises. “I don’t know how to fix something that I’ve done.”

“You missed the opening of Yn’s restaurant.” She says. 

I nod. “How did you know?”

“Because I did not see you there, fox boy.”

“She kicked me out, Ms. Immy. I deserved it, every bit of what she said was true.”

“I think that is true, Lucien,” Ms. Immy came and sat in Yn’s spot, folding her hands in her lap, letting out a breath of air as she extended her old, feeble legs. “Nobody is happy with what you’ve done but-”

“I didn’t mean to blow her off Ms. Immy I just-”

“But,” she cuts me off with a pointed look. “I think you are a very lost soul. For the first time in your life you are truly free. No High Lord to obey, no throne to fight for, no war to fight in. Just a High Lord to serve and to respect. You have everything you could ask for, and yet you have no idea what to do with it.”

She’s right. She’s always right. “I want to fix it. I have to.”

“I am afraid that may not be what the spirit of the Gods wants.” Why is it that I get called fox boy and Yn get’s called something as majestic as ‘spirit of the Gods’? “If those are her wishes, you are going to respect them. Eternally.”

“I will go mad. If I don’t have her by my side for the rest of my life I will go mad.” “So you share a bond with her as well?” She asks. 

“I don’t know. All I do is that I haven’t stopped crying and shaking at every reminder of her. No matter how small. Life without her in it is meaningless to me. Afterall, she is the one who gave it back to me.”

“And a good job she did, fox boy,” Ms. Immy smiled softly. “You are a good male who has been blinded by instincts. While it is not your fault, it has become your problem. And by the looks of you, it seems like it has become quite the ordeal.”

My shoulders dropped as I put my head in my palms. I breathed. “I don’t know how to function without her. She has been there, every day of my life, for nearly seventy years, Ms. Immy. We did everything together. Our mornings were spent as one, our evenings, all the restaurant planning and-and brunches here with you-”

“Breathe, Lucien-”

“How am I supposed to just pack up my things today and move on? H-How am I supposed to just carry on as if she never existed in my life? The thought of not being able to see her every day makes me want to peel the skin off my flesh.”

Ms. Immy looked at me, the hard lines in her face becoming more defined. “Listen to me very carefully, fox boy. What’s done is done. You cannot go back in time and take back what you said. The worst of it is over. Now comes the long process of trying to piece your life together. Whether Yn will be able to help you will depend on what you decide to do in the next several days. If you follow her wishes of moving out and staying clear, there could be a chance in the future. But, if you neglect her wishes, as you had neglected her to lead you to this moment, then there is no hope.”

If you neglect her wishes, as you had neglected her to lead you to this moment, then there is no hope… Words have never stunned me quite as forcefully as Ms. Immy’s had. The true gravity of the situation has set in, if it hadn’t already. One wrong move and she’s gone. For good.

“There is a reason why you are my little fox, Lucien,” Ms. Immy stood, taking my cold mug that I hadn’t touched. “They were intelligent, cunning creatures, just as you are. Do not let your instincts guide you to a decision. Let your heart and the facts do it for you.”

“The facts? What facts?” “The fact that you have screwed up. The fact that Yn has made a decision for you since you were incapable of doing it yourself. It is truth, and it hurts, but it has to for change to come.” And then she went inside. 

I sat with those final words for far longer than I anticipated. It was long enough for people to begin leaving their homes, the streets beginning to fill with people. 

Yn would be out of the house by now, opening for the restaurant’s breakfast hours. I could go now. Or I could stay here and try to blend into the hundreds of faces passing in and out. But I need to move. Yn might come in for her apple cider and blackberry tart. If I saw her right now I’d surely do something stupid. 

As I walked, the clouds blocked out the sun and it began to drizzle. The drizzle turned into a steady rain, then a downpour. I was soaked through my cloak and boots, water seeping in and out with every step. My hair stuck to the back of my neck. 

I kept my head down as I walked, afraid of being recognized. If Ms. Immy had been there to not see me at Latibule, who else? 

The cobblestone ended and mud replaced it. I knew where I was.

The old, beaten path dared me to go up to the house. It beckoned me. From here, at the bottom of the hill, I could see several boxes stacked up outside the door, the disposable brown material soaked through with the rain. She was serious…

Some part of me– the extremely selfish part– has been secretly hoping that she’ll tell me she made a mistake and that she wants me back. But I think those boxes are a not-so-gentle-shove in the opposite direction. 

The key in my pocket might as well have been the key to another universe, because when I opened the door it was like I entered a whole new world. One without me in it. All the pictures of us, all the paintings Feyre had done for us, were off the walls. All the plants and trinkets and decorations I gifter here were piled in the corner for me to collect.

How could so much damage have been done in just a few hours? 

One by one, I packed away the things into the soggy boxes. I moved from room to room. Silently. Hoping this was all a dream only to be launched back into reality with every memory that surfaced. Every possession I had given her in the last seventy years was piled here for me to take. 

She wanted no trace of me here. And I didn’t blame her. I don’t want any trace of me either. 

I must’ve stayed there for hours– crying, packing, reliving moments I had long forgotten only to cry again– because it was close to sunset now. Every trace of me was packed up; all those pictures, all those trinkets, all my clothes and bathing goods… everything I owned fit into these boxes. Everything except for the one person I didn’t want to do life without. 

But Rhys and Ms. Immy are right. If I try to do something now, to get her back, I’ll ruin any real chance. That is something I can’t afford. 

To an immortal, a few months or years equivalates to just a few minutes of human life. But if it takes years for Yn to accept me back in her life…

Besides the clothes and membranes from the Autumn and Spring Courts, I discard everything. I will tear myself to bits if I don’t get rid of them. Will I regret it down the road, probably, but I can’t have them. 

The two boxes and bag of clothes I carry from her house to the Town House are water logged and falling apart. It’s a miracle they didn’t unravel completely. Just add more humiliation to a High Lords son dragging boxes and bags through the street. I deserve all the stare’s and hushed questions. 

Nothing could’ve prepared me for the sights of Rhys and Cassian helping me carry them up the stairs. 

“I don’t know how you’re feeling but-”

“Don’t,” I pleaded. “Just… just don’t. I don’t want your pity, Cassian.”

“I am probably the last person besides Azriel who would pity you, Lucien. And I had no intentions to belittle you for what you did. I was going to offer you a spot in my training ring if you ever needed an escape.”

His kindness shocked me. I can’t say I know the Illyrian well, but this gesture spoke a lot to his character. So I sighed, of course I thought he was going to be hostile to me. Everyone should. “Oh.”

“Training starts at eight and goes to one. Come well fed and in something warm. The top of the House is colder.”

Neither of us said anything else as he left me to unpack.

______

Some weeks later I had taken Cassian up on his offer. Him and Nesta were great at kicking my ass and telling me about it. This side of both of them was far different than the ones I had seen. Here, Cassian wasn’t a prick. He was an instructor, teaching me how to defend my life and my honor. Nesta was… less Nesat. She channeled this otherworldly presence and became one with her weapon.

Me on the other hand… it was far more difficult. Fighting and battle wasn’t rooted in my blood like it was for Cassian. It was much harder for me to get it but I sorta did. Sorta. 

“Just keep working on that footwork and it’ll help with the sword placement. If you’re solid by the end of the week, I’ll put a real one in your hands,” Cassian grinned, chucking me my practice weapon. 

It brought a quick smile to my face. As fast as it was there it was gone. Like most these days. 

When I got home, I rifled through my closet. Brown and green and cream colored shirts after another. Where was that Night Court Blue one I had gotten a long time ago? I could’ve sworn I plucked it from the pile on the floor- no, that was a towel. I was planning on wearing it to dinner at the River House tonight for Mor’s birthday.

Oh, Yn has it. I had given it to her to wear for a meeting with a realtor when looking at properties. She had tucked it into this black leather skirt.

I’ll swing by on my way to the party to get it. Mor always liked the color on me, and said it brought out the fire in my hair. She’ll appreciate the gesture.

After a shower and some other outfit choices, I can’t help but want that blue shirt. I’ll just go get it.

Through the falling leaves, I make my way down the street, across it, and to the meadow. There are six or seven houses with smoke billowing out of their chimneys. But there, right in the distance, is her house. She’ll be at her restaurant tonight so I know I’m safe. 

I scurry up the path, still worried about being seen for some reason. 

Has it been easy these past couple weeks? No. I haven’t been able to think of anything but her. Or dream of anything but her. It’s awful. Not her, but the fact that somehow, someway, she is still everywhere I am. In those memories in the darkest part of the night. The darkest part of my mind reserved for her and her only. 

I hadn’t dared to go visit Elain. I don’t feel the need anymore. Which is relieving and frightening at the same time. It’s like there is a gaping hole in my heart that nothing will fill. Not even training. It proves a good secondary distraction, but nothing can suppress the primary guilt I feel every waking–

What is that smell? I stopped just shy of the door, key in hand. It wants to smell like the rest of the smoke and ash wafting into the air from the nearby cabins, but it’s… more alive? What if she left the stove on? Or a candle? There are hints of woods mixed into it, but not the type of woodsy scent from pine or maple logs. 

I jam the key in as fast as I can to unlock the door. What if she left the fireplace burning or had an electrical fire or-

In the span of five seconds, three things happened. One: Yn was here. And she looked so beautiful. Her eyes are bright and full of color. Two: she was being held by someone, his hands on her cheeks. Three: boiling rage shot through when I realized who it was.

Eris.

~~~~~~~~~

Part 3

[chevelleneech]

The whole AYS show seems like Jimin is trying to make things go back to how they were in the past with Jungkook (i.e., in 2020/21), and Jungkook is just going along with it for the sake of it and trying to enjoy it. Now, either they are holding back in these episodes or something, but there, I cannot see even the slightest bit of affection, which can be classified as romantic or maybe romantic in any sense. They just seem like 2 bros (not in a homophobic way, but in a bestfriends for a decade goofing around way) hanging out. He is enjoying it for sure, Jungkook I mean, but he is definitely not the one putting a lot of thought, or some actual good conversation during trips, its like going through motions because someone invited you. Its mostly jimin trying to make the atmosphere feel good.

Also, another unpopular opinion is that they, in Sapporo episodes, just feel sadder? anxious? or, um, discontent (most probably because of the military), but it probably would have been better if they went to Sapporo without cameras again.

I disagree. Your opinion is yours, but I think they appear to be having fun, and ignoring how much Jungkook is laughing and literally saying out his own mouth that he’s happy, makes no sense.

Is it possible Jimin is trying to rekindle something? Yes? But we don’t know that. They haven’t talked about anything of the sort, so I don’t see the point in letting that color your view of the show. I’ve said it before and will say it again, it’s fine to have your theories and such, but you can’t slap them on what we’re being shown and decide that’s what it is.

Yes, I think they’re dating so my opinions on how they act are biased in that regard, but I am also able to watch the show as it is. Dating or not, Jimin and Jungkook both have been happy in each episode we’ve seen them spending time together in. The very first one is the only one where, imo, we saw hesitancy or nerves more like, but they also gave an explanation for why. They hadn’t seen each other, JK was working, and Jimin planned it yet wasn’t sure it was a good idea.

That latter bit alone insinuates to me that they had something deeper prior to hiatus, and were nervous about being together again in a serious one on one type of trip, but by the end of Connecticut they seemed fine. Constantly pulling on the “JK seems to be going along for the ride” thing is again, very Tkkr minded. Jimin planned it and JK said yes, so yes, technically he went along with it. However, Jungkook said himself by the end, he wanted to keep doing it. Jungkook said himself, he wanted to go back to Tokyo/Japan in general with Jimin, because they had such a good time the first time (GCFT).

I get it, you guys want a reason to explain away emotions of theirs you don’t understand, but what’s the point? They are telling us they’re happy. They’re telling us they’re having fun. They’re telling us the memories they’re making together will be what they think back on once enlisted. You’re digging for reasons to claim they’re not being truthful, and that’s why a different version of the show is forming in your head.

I’d also like to state a strong opinion here, that plenty of people hate to see discussed: Jungkook’s personality has always been “disinterested”, and it is likely because he’s neurodiverse. Solos of other members, and JM and Jikook antis alike have been saying the same thing over and over for years about how he acts rude, drifts off, is selfish, overly competitive, etc., as a reason for why they think he dislikes Jimin, dislikes this or that member, is actually in love with Tae, and so on.

Jungkook has even said these things about his personality, and it’s been co-signed by the other members. So while it’s possible he’s never been checked for anything, the truth is whether he knows or not, the parts of his personality you all keep harping on as proof of him “going through the motions,” are common amongst people with autism and ADHD. It’s why fans with them have said for years he reminds them of themselves or people they know. It’s why I say it.

I’m not diagnosing him, but he does share traits, and it isn’t new. Jungkook has always had moments of appearing standoffish and unbothered, yet when he talks about things he did during those same moments, he recounts them with positive words and smiles. Not only that, but every person who has ever had anything to say about JK, has used positive words to discuss him. They say he’s quiet and shy, then proceed to talk about how kind and present he is, meaning when JK is doing things he considers work, he dials in. He puts in effort to always be present and in the moment. Which he and the others had also already told us he does. Jungkook has to put in effort and be very interested in something to get it done. When he’s not working, he has trouble focusing on things that don’t hold his attention fully.

So it is impossible to decide he’s not having a good time with Jimin, just because the same personality he’s has over all these years, remains his personality. You guys just keep ignoring the fact that he has told us it takes effort for him to focus on things. It’s either that or you guys choose to use it against one specific person, which is Jimin.

You like to believe his lack of overt excitement and interest is because he doesn’t want to be with Jimin, when he is telling us that isn’t true. Jeju showed us a lot as well, of how completely blind almost, the members are to JK’s personality, and various other travel shows of theirs have told us the same. They don’t blink twice at his ticks and stims, they don’t really scold him for his dry and blunt reactions and responses, and they laugh off his competitiveness.

Jungkook, and I say this kindly, appears to be a lot to handle. He has a very polar opposite type of personality. When he’s dialed in, it’s difficult to get him to take breaks, to stop criticizing himself. When he’s playing games, he gets really into them and is loud and has a desire to be the winner. When he’s in a quieter mood, he seems to not speak at all and zones out, and wants to be left alone. That is a lot to adjust to, because from all we’ve seen, it doesn’t seem to happen once in a blue moon. It’s a day to day thing, if not hour to hour.

I even recall a time back in 2020 I believe, where it was talked about Jungkook was overstimulated by something during a rehearsal, to the point where he couldn’t participate in their dress rehearsal. He had to keep on the same clothes he’d been wearing and sweating in all day. I don’t remember which stage it was, or else I’d be more specific, but yeah.

Point is, I think the members know who he is, and I think JK has shown us who he is plenty. The members have also shown us who they are, and it seems they all have taken time to learn how to best support each other and their needs, whatever they may be. And speaking specifically of AYS, I simply do not think Jimin would bother rekindling old times if he knew Jungkook truly wasn’t wanting to do it. He’s known him for too long to push his boundaries that way, knowing it would be easily seen in camera how disinterested he’d be. Nor do I think JK would have planned Sapporo if he didn’t really want to do it.

Again, even if we ignore him possibly being neurodivergent, his personality remains what it is, and the members know him. So why force him into something, knowing he’d have to accommodate or makeup for JK’s lack of interest? It doesn’t make sense to me.

Now, I know I got a tad off topic and long winded, but I feel like what was said was necessary. Jungkook isn’t acting any different to how we know him to act, and he is repeatedly voicing his joy as he spends time with Jimin. Ignoring the literal words coming out of his mouth in favor of deciding he is feeling something else, and then taking that something else as reality… that’s on you.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for "forcing" my best friend to break up with his boyfriend?

🧸

I (22 cis m) and my best friend 'A' (21 ftm) have been friends since we were 10 years old and I love him more than anything. He’s genuinely the sweetest, most thoughtful, and funniest person I’ve ever met. He means everything to me and we’ve been there for each other through the hardest times of our lives so far and I plan on staying until the end.

It’s always been us two. Btw, everyone mentioned here uses he/him pronouns exclusively.

A has been with his boyfriend (21 cis m) for about 2 years now, and from what he told me, things were going great. Even if I’m not too fond of his boyfriend. A few days ago, we got pretty drunk at a friend’s housewarming party. A and I live together, and as soon as we got home, he suddenly started rambling about how he wishes his boyfriend cared about him the same way I do.

Legit felt like I was in some dumb romance movie for a moment there. I felt a little uneasy and asked him to elaborate. In short, his boyfriend essentially treats him like a doll instead of a person with real emotions. He feels as though his boyfriend just uses him to get his daily fix of physical affection and sex, that’s it. The only positive thing his boyfriend can say about A is that he’s cute, which boggles my mind. It’s true but there’s so much more to him as a human being.

A is an incredibly talented artist, super kind, super emotionally intelligent, and has a plethora of interests he loves to infodump about. I’m trying my hardest not to make this entire post about how amazing he is. He’s helped multiple friends clean their depression apartments and took them out to get fresh groceries etc. because it’s basic decency to him. He has such a big heart and holds so much love in it for everyone in his life. Being around him is just so easy and makes life worth living.

He’s just an incredible person all around and every single person that has him in their life recognizes that, except his boyfriend. They’ve had issues in the past because they’re not sexually compatible, which led to some miscommunication and made A feel like he was coerced into things he didn’t want to do. He just did them to make his boyfriend happy. He does a lot of things for his boyfriend, actually. He’s constantly buying little gifts, remembering what he likes, and plans cute dates for them to go on. His boyfriend does none of these things.

I want to mention that A has bpd and avpd. He has an intense fear of rejection and will do everything in his power to appease others so they won’t leave him. I always take the time to reassure him that I love him for who he is and not what he can give me. Basically just making sure he feels loved. Keep in mind, his boyfriend is aware of this but he just gets annoyed when A seeks reassurance from him. His behavior has made my blood boil several times in the past already, but I always kept it to myself for A’s sake. If I was vocal about disliking his boyfriend, it probably would’ve caused A a lot of distress and emotional turmoil.

Still, I don’t think this relationship is healthy for A and I know him well enough to know he won’t break it off on his own. It’s just his combo of personality disorders that makes it impossible for him. I told him about my concerns and he agreed, but said he feels bad for his boyfriend since he apparently doesn’t have any friends outside of A. From my POV, it just looks like his boyfriend knows A is out of his league and is grasping at straws to make A stay with him out of pity.

This is where I might be the asshole. I got a little frustrated and raised my voice, which I severely regret. I don’t want to blame it on the alcohol but it definitely had a hand in it. I finally told him about all these grievances I have about his boyfriend, how much I dislike him and how A deserves so much better, etc.. At one point, I essentially gave him an ultimatum. It’s me or his boyfriend. I didn’t really mean it, it was just a heat of the moment thing I spat out. I would never leave him like that.

A started crying and begged me to calm down, at which point I realized how shitty I was being and immediately began apologizing. We hugged, I comforted him, and we spent the rest of the night cuddling and talking about how he could approach the breakup.

Now that I’ve sobered up I feel like absolute shit. I know it’s not my place to tell A what to do with his romantic relationships, even if I’m his best friend. Plus, I want to be 100% honest here and say I might have romantic feelings for A. I think I have for a long time, but I always wrote it off as intense platonic love. So I may be biased in this whole conversation about his boyfriend.

I didn’t say these things because of that. I genuinely think his boyfriend is a huge dick and full of shit, no matter how sweet and loving he pretends to be. It’s all in the way he treats A. He’s one of those guys that paint their nails (nothing wrong with that but you know the kind of guy I’m talking about), pretend to be feminists, and steal their romantic partner’s personality to seem cooler. He even asked A to stop taking testosterone because he didn’t like how hairy A was getting or some shit like that.

He’s pansexual but has only ever dated girls and started dating A before A began medically transitioning. There’s obviously nothing wrong with that and changes nothing about the fact that he’s pansexual, he just pisses me off when he criticizes A for being 'too masculine'. You can have a preference for feminine people but don’t make that shit your partner’s problem when they just want to pass.

I feel like A’s boyfriend just thought A would always stay the smooth, baby-faced twink he was before going on testosterone and now makes him feel guilty for looking like a grown man. Some people don’t know how to appreciate hairy tummies.

Sorry for making this so long but I just want to be as honest and informative as possible to get proper opinions on the issue. A is now dead set on breaking things off because he now knows that I actively despise his boyfriend and he always puts my opinion above everyone else’s.

Was I in the wrong for doing this or am I just protecting my best friend? I’m glad he intends on ending things but I feel a bit like a conniving snake considering everything. It feels like I’m taking advantage of his mental state even if I’m not doing it consciously.

[binniebakery]

Thornless Rose (1/3)

Prince!Yeonjun x Princess!Fem!Reader, strangers (one-sided enemies??) to lovers, Fluff! ♡ Summary: marrying oranada's "evil" prince was not on your bingo card for the year but hey we thug it out (im not good at summaries) ♡ Warnings: arranged marriage, mentions of minor character death (i swear the fic is not angst, pure fluff) more warnings as the fic goes on! ♡ A/N: Okay so this idea popped into my head, and who better fits this than yeonjun!! THIS IS JUST THE INTRO/PART ONE SO PLEASE STICK W ME HERE I PROMISE MY MAN WILL BE IN THE NEXT ONE!! this is my little valentines gift for you all!! I'm going to try to upload a part everyday until valentines! enjoy!! (always looking for feedback so pls lmk if theres anything i need to fix thanks!) ♡ Read:2/3 here! ♡

To say you were enthusiastic in the slightest to meet your so called “betrothed” would be the biggest lie to be told in your kingdom’s history. Then again, when did your opinion ever matter when it came to what you wanted? As a princess, the next in line to be queen to be exact, your kingdom always came first anyway. Your parents always did what was best for you and your citizens. “Y/n, you know your father will be most displeased if you decide to pass this opportunity. You’re his only daughter you know.” Your lady-in-waiting pleaded with a nervous smile as you sat on your bed next to the large luggage beside you, filled with clothing and necessities for your week-long trip. The thoughts of uncertainty that clouded your brain quickly were pushed aside the moment she entered your bedroom. After all, the full day trip that was ahead of you gave you plenty of time to think of what was to come. “I know but why must I be paired with someone I’ve never met. I’m sorry I know you mean well but I don’t want to be constantly reminded of my duty miss Yuri.” Sighing, you stood up and rubbed your temples in an attempt to relax yourself. Since your mother’s passing the amount of stress that has piled up in your life has you wishing you could escape it all. So when your father pulled you to his quarters a month ago for the first time since her passing to tell you that you were leaving for a week to meet your new soon-to-be husband and soon-to-be-king of your kingdom, things seemed to look up as you were a hopeless romantic yourself. Sure, you’ve never met this person, but surely he couldn’t be that awful of a husband right? Wrong. The moment you were sat down and your father mentioned the words “Prince of Oranada” your world once again went spiraling. Of course, you couldn’t have one good thing! “Look, I know there’s rumors and you may have your own assumptions but know that this is for the good of our kingdom.” Your father began as you bit your tongue for the sake of hearing his argument. “Oranada has been closed off for a decade now since the war, they keep their relations private but I’ve only heard positive things-” “Father you can’t be serious! Sure they’re wealthy and I’m sure they have wonderful combat strategies passed down from generations but have you forgotten that the prince- and pardon my language- is possibly the most spoiled and narcissistic person on this damn planet?!” You stood from your seat, hands slamming on your father’s desk. Normally it was out of place for you to lash out at anyone, especially your father but this was just the cherry on top of all that had been happening to you the past year. You have heard more than your fair share of the rumors from Oranada. The king and queen were known for keeping a neutral stance in politics, the same as your kingdom. Oranada was actually a very well-respected kingdom, they had very close connections and often chose peace. That was all fine to you except the fact that when war broke out on that side of the land, a lockdown was immediately issued and the entire kingdom was closed off.  When said lockdown was placed, surrounding kingdoms were shocked to see that the entire time the king and queen had a son. Prince Yeonjun was a secret kept from the world. Apparently, the prince was only put under light to the public when the king and queen announced that their son was now a part of their kingdom’s decision-making. Immediately the day after he was found guilty of sentencing a man to the death penalty as his first rule. The news spiraled and thus Prince Yeonjun became the tyrant son of the once respected king and queen of Oranada. Oranada decided to close their borders before an official statement could be made. Since then the kingdom has been closed off, leaving the rest of the world to create buzz around it.

“Y/n! I beg your pardon?! I know very well that you know better than to lash out in such an unruly manner.” He spoke through his teeth, attempting to remain composed yet his voice was loud and stern. “Now sit down and you’re going to allow me to finish otherwise I will send you there without any previous knowledge.” As he was the king you had no choice but to sit down, at least not without an annoyed huff. “Apologies father… please continue.” You stared at the wooden floor beneath you, the red oak wood now the most interesting thing in the world to avoid your father’s intense stare. The king sighed as he continued. “As I was saying, you may have your thoughts on the situation, or on the prince, but I promise you that I won’t just let you marry anyone for any reason. Since your mother’s death.. I realize I am getting old. You’re my only child and I need you to realize that you’re old enough now to marry. I only want the best for this kingdom and I know you do too.” You looked up to see that his eyes had softened, voice now more your father’s than the king of your kingdom. “I’ve thought about this for a while, this is our only choice. I’ve actually been able to get into connection with the king and queen themselves, and they’d be absolutely delighted to have you over and introduce you both. So I will be sending you over in about a month and you will be spending the week with your fiancé.” Your eyes widened, not only had your father pulled strings to get into contact with a kingdom that was nearly impossible to get a hold of for the past ten years but the stage was set. You were now engaged and had no voice in the matter. The following month consisted of constant pleading and back and forth with you and the king. You understood it was your duty to find a proper suitor for not just you but your kingdom. Yet, it was so unlike your father to pull the rug from under you like this. Thus here you were, 10 minutes before your departure and you wanted nothing more than to just vomit rather than go on a day-long journey across the land. “Princess, please, I promise things will go fine! After all, once you return, you may have your mind changed.” Yuri said as she kneeled before you while adjusting the arrangements of your travel dress. You could laugh at her comment, you really could. “And you expect me to ignore the fact that I could be marrying a crazy man, a murderer even?” You sighed as you patted the spot next to you for Yuri to sit. Aside from your mother, Yuri had always taken care of you and now that the queen has passed she was the only motherly figure you had left. She was only a few years older but was mature and kind, she was an older sister to you. Running her fingers through your hair in an attempt to relax you, Yuri searched mentally for a proper response. There was no convincing you really, even she knew chances were slim that things would end well.

Suddenly, a knock on your bedroom door shook you from your thinking. “M’lady, are we ready for departure?” Your father’s assistant could be heard. He had been entrusted to accompany you and Yuri on your journey. “Yes! All prepared, we’ll be down in a second!” Yuri chirped as you both immediately stood to your feet. “Just look on the bright side, be positive and things will go your way, M’lady.” She smiled endearingly as you sighed in defeat. “After all, when have I ever been wrong?” You chuckled as she placed her hands on the wooden doors of your bedroom to open them for you. Was it too late to hide under the covers like you did as a child when it stormed? “Hmm, I could think of a few times.” You poked her side jokingly as she rolled her eyes. With uncertainty and fear, you tilted your chin high, and thus your journey to Oranada began.

[beigetiger]

I get that other people might not see them in the same way, but Fletcher and Valkyrie are really, REALLY sibling coded to me (and for unrelated reasons, I hated them dating and am glad they broke up).

There is, of course, the playful and affectionate way they treat each other in phases 2 and 3. They’re silly, joking with each other, giving each other advice, and exchanging snacks. Stuff like that, it makes them SO fun to watch and I need more content that just is the two of them hanging out.

But the other part, and the aspect of their relationship that I’ve been thinking about nonstop for the past twelve hours, is the fact that they were both kind of adopted into the same abusive circle of adults when they were teenagers, and they were pretty much raised side-by-side for two years before Fletcher peaced out. Valkyrie showed up first because her uncle died and Skulduggery thought she showed potential, and Fletcher showed up later due to dire circumstances (and then nobody really bothered to get rid of him).

And that’s why I think they started dating, too. Not necessarily because they would’ve formed a healthy relationship in any way, but because they were LITERALLY the only child that the other was hanging out with. Everyone else was decades, if not centuries, older than them. And that’s not exactly a healthy basis for a relationship, so it does stand to reason that they would inevitably break up (which, GOOD). They’re also both in a better place (somewhat) as adults, which is why they then have a healthier form of interacting with each other.

Another thing about their relationship, and something that has stuck out to me since BOOK THREE, is the way that the adults around them treat them. Valkyrie is the parentified golden child, the one who’s so young but already so capable and mature, of course not taking into account the sheer amount of abuse she went through in order to act like a full-fledged adult at the ripe old age of FUCKING FOURTEEN.

Fletcher, on the other hand, was considered a failure and a fool, only useful for his teleportation ability. But if you actually look at his behaviour, you’ll realize the only crime this teenage boy committed was…acting like a teenage boy. By that point in time, the only other child present already acts like an adult, and so he’s considered the worthless and immature one, ESPECIALLY by Skulduggery, which totally doesn’t have any negative effects on Fletcher at all.

Because that’s ANOTHER thing, the fact that Fletcher considers Skulduggery to be something of a father figure. It’s implied by Valkyrie all the way back at around book four (I think) and is all but confirmed in book fifteen (UtE). Fletcher had daddy issues before, but they are CERTAINLY worse now. Skulduggery is really not vague about Valkyrie being the favoured child, and he constantly belittles and insults Fletcher, both to his face and behind his back, all the way into Fletcher’s adulthood. He doesn’t really care about Fletcher. CADAVER never cared about Fletcher, he simply acted like it to get Fletcher to trust him more. And so Fletcher actually leaving at eighteen, at refusing to be a soldier after the war is over, to instead become a TEACHER and generally avoid talking to Skulduggery, is fantastic! He’s growing as a person and is learning to cut one of the more toxic people in his life from it as much as possible. He gets to be his own person and love his own life without Skulduggery’s judgement hanging over him.

But VALKYRIE still isn’t free of Skulduggery, and he will pressure her into doing stupid shit. Such as, for example. Sniping a fascist while he gives a speech. Valkyrie agrees to it against literally all of her better judgement, and her trying to convince Fletcher to help them only leads to a confrontation between the two, where Fletcher brings up the scathing words of their shared grandfather-figure Kenspeckle and says that he was right. About Skulduggery, about Valkyrie, and about their relationship. The man who helped them both, who died when they were only teenagers.

The scene does such a good job highlighting their shared history and their lives as teenagers. They spent years growing up together, and that’ll always be there, even as they go down very different life paths.

There’s also something to be said about Fletcher having to repeatedly watch his sister figure turn into a god, as well as slowly lose her humanity over time because of the bullshit Skulduggery is making her do. Just like Kenspeckle said would happen.

[celestialbeomgyu]

BABYLON | part nine

Beomgyu x f!reader

summary - After a mutual friend returns home from travelling, exes y/n and beomgyu are reunited two years after a terrible breakup to help plan a welcome home party for their friend. Will they put their issues aside and welcome each other back in, or will they both want answers for the situation that has been ruining them for the past two years?

master list | previous part | next part

part nine - fuck you choi beomgyu!

2 years ago…

Y/N had just arrived home from the store, she’d been out doing the weekly shop and of course, buying treats for Moon.

It was quite late now, approaching dinner time, and y/n was ready to start cooking dinner for Beomgyu and herself as they’d both agreed on homemade pizza after ordering take out the last 2 days on the run.

Beomgyu was no where to be found which was not unusual, it was quite common for him to be upstairs either sleeping in their bedroom or gaming in his office, he would sometimes sit playing games with kai until early hours in the morning. This didn’t bother y/n of course, she loved seeing him happy even though he’d constantly be screaming “DIE YOU FUCKING FUCK” whilst playing his games which he claimed where ‘calming and relaxing’.

“Hi baby” y/n said to Moon who was relaxing on the couch, she walked over and gave her a scratch behind the ears and fed her one of the treats she’d just bought for her. Moon had been Beomgyu’s idea, they both knew they weren’t ready for children but their house was feeling a bit lonely with just the two of them until Beomgyu suggested getting an animal, with them both agreeing on a kitten.

“Now where’s your dad? i cant hear him snoring or screaming” y/n asked Moon, obviously not expecting an answer as Moon just stared at her and wondered why the head scratches had stopped.

After putting away everything she’d just bought, y/n thought she should probably go and find her boyfriend and let him know that she’s home and ready to start cooking whenever. She ventured upstairs to find his whereabouts and checked the bedroom first, she already knows he wouldn’t have been in there because the door was wide open, and Beomgyu never sleeps with the door open saying “what if someone comes in of a night and tries to kidnap me? i wouldn’t hear the door unlock”.

After that, she knew that the only place he would be is in his office. As she was about to turn the handle and open the door, she heard his voice, and it sounded like he was answering a call.

“Hi mum! how are you doing?” y/n heard him say to what must’ve been his mother on the other end of the phone. Y/n decided to wait outside the door so that she didn’t interrupt his phone call.

“She’s fine i guess, i’m still nervous to tell her” y/n couldn’t hear what his mother was saying on the other end of the call, but she could guess that Beomgyu was talking about her, what exactly was he nervous to tell her about? Y/n decided to stay outside the door and eavesdrop to maybe try and figure out what he’s talking about.

“Yeah i know that but how do i go about it, i’m scared she will get upset” beomgyu said with a hint of nervousness in his voice. Now y/n was scared, it was clear that Beomgyu was going to tell her something, and he was going to do it soon, and by the sound of it, it doesn’t sound good.

The worst was running through y/n’s head, is it really that bad? he’s scared that she’s going to get upset? they’d been together for four years already, it was very rare that they struggled to communicate with each other.

“Well she will be pretty pissed i took so long” he said with a nervous giggle. Y/n would’ve gave anything to hear was his mother was saying. She was starting to panic with him saying she will be pissed and upset. What on earth was he planning on telling her?

“I’m just not sure how to do it though, what if i just blurt out how i’ve never loved her”

what. the. fuck.

Was that really it? he was asking his mother advice on how to break up with her.

It was all making sense now, saying how he hasn’t done it yet because he’s nervous, and how he’s scared she will get upset.

Y/n was shaking, why was her boyfriend of four years talking about how he’s never loved her. Tears ran down her face but she wanted to continue listening to the call to see what else he had to say.

“I know i know i might just have to wait a little while to calm the nerves, i just need to do this the right way” was he being fucking serious? there is no right way, not after y/n had heard the conversation, she already knew it was over for the both of them.

“yeah i really hope so, the last thing i need is to keep this weight on my shoulders, the sooner i do it the sooner i’ll feel a million times better about this, i’ve been meaning to do it for too long now”

How long had this been going on for? How long had he been lying to her? How many times had he lied next to her in bed, kissing her goodnight and telling her how much he loves her? All for it to be a fucking lie.

“Thanks a lot mum, you’ve been a big help with this, i’ll see you and dad next weekend yeah?”

“You too mum, love you” was the last thing Beomgyu said before ending the call. Y/n could hear him stand up and make his way towards the door so she ran, ran into their bedroom to grab a bag which she started throwing some clothes and pyjamas in for a night. She couldn’t see what she was grabbing through the tears but it didn’t really matter, she just needed to get out of that house.

“Hey you didn’t tell me you where home?” Beomgyu said as he walked through the door of the bedroom “wait what’s up? why are you crying”

Y/n just stared at him, was he being for real? “are you serious?”

Beomgyu had never looked so confused in his life “well yeah, i’m seeing why you’re crying? did something happen whilst you were out? you can tell me you know”

He walked towards y/n to try and comfort her but she just pushed past him and stormed out of the bedroom.

“Y/n what the fuck?” beomgyu said angrily as he followed her out of the room and down the stairs “i get that you’re upset but i’m just trying to help”

“Yeah sure you are!” y/n shouted, not bothering to hold back the tears as she fumbled with her car keys “don’t fucking follow me Beomgyu, i don’t want to see you”

“Y/n i haven’t done anything? i just wanted to see if you where okay and suddenly i’m the problem?” he shouted back. Was he seriously acting like he hadn’t done anything wrong?

“Beomgyu you cant be serious right now!” y/n choked out, she couldn’t believe that he was lying straight to her face, he knew exactly what he’d done.

“You’re acting absolutely insane y/n! you where perfectly fine before you left earlier on and suddenly you’re packing a bag and leaving?” tears started to stream down Beomgyus face as he screamed back. He reached out to y/n to try and stop her from leaving but she was already out of the door and unlocking her car.

“Fuck you Choi Beomgyu! Just leave me alone!” y/n shouted back before slamming the car door and driving off, she couldn’t even look at his face as she drove out of the drive way, she needed to forget about him.

After all, he never loved her.

tag list - @prettyrenjunn @ssukiyakii @beomtasticc @20-cms @dejavu-jun @kth988 @luvtyunn @woncheecks @haeryna @mitchloveswriting @beomfrost @wondersgyu @joonsvision @mwahvvis @herebyaccident0 @seongminloverrr @hyunj00 @sweetstraberrybear @binluvsu

[lyssophobiaa]

Scrolling through your tumblr and saw that you’ve defended the homocide sys in the past, I thought you should see this and know they’re not a good person and haven’t changed one bit since your friends with them

https://www.tumblr.com/menacing-manicotti/765457317119524864

BTW: I AM Colby

As it stands, we’re not friends. I am sick to death of constant accusations, it has happened three times last month and this month alone, all three times I have had very clear context to what I was talking about.

Examples + more under the cut

(Ex: I was talking about Fortnite and how I couldn’t just pause mid Battle Royale, just light heartedly talking about how my friend wanted me to pause the game, I even sent a VIDEO of it. Cavalry accused me of talking about them, despite both me, Lucas and my sister all talking about Fortnite and losing our kill count because of the inability to pause online games, I was sending VIDEOS of me talking to my friend and telling her I couldn’t pause the game until the match was over and asking if she could just wait for me to finish or die before we went out anywhere.

Cavalry took this as me indirectly shit talking them and only backed off when someone else said “What does Fortnite have to do with you gang” (not exact words, I’m paraphrasing)

Ex 2: My sister and I were ranting about an ex friend IRL regarding the way she constantly carries on about her mother and how she’s generally just ungrateful to everyone, Cavalry once again accused us of talking about them, I offered to SHOW them the conversation we were talking about as I had screenshotted it since this friend was a notorious liar, they refused to see it and continued to accuse us of targeting them, despite me offering multiple times to show them the text messages we were ranting about.

After this, I blocked Cavalry, as these three situations are only from this year alone, they have done this SO many times over the years I’ve known them.

Eventually they apologised, I thanked them and unblocked them and that leads to—

Ex 3: This current situation, I said approximately two things regarding prosthetic arms, as my friend Kaiden, who HAS a prosthetic arm was talking about his and how it made some things awkward. I then went to sleep because it was almost 11 PM, at 12:31 AM Lucas replied to Ryder (Who has their own prosthetic also) and spoke about how his uncle had a prosthetic leg and how people could always tell and treated him differently because of it. Lucas is also a robotics engineer and frequently talks about this stuff anyway so it was nothing out of the ordinary.

My friends continued the conversation, when Kaiden woke up he related his own experience back to what Lucas shared about his uncle, screenshots of that were shared in the post you linked me. Keep in mind that by this point, I WAS STILL ASLEEP. It was 11 AM, I had said NOTHING on this topic besides “Most prosthetics are robotic” and then “They also have their own issues because of that”

However I woke up to Cavalry accusing me and my sister of targeting them, I told them I would screen record or even screen share all of my shit since they were so adamant I was talking bad about them behind their back (again despite having no part in this discussion) and I did, I screen recorded my disc DMs, Twitter DMs and TEXT messages to finally prove I have not once talked bad about them or shared their shit around to bad mouth because I’m sick of being accused of it, but by this point they’d blocked me and left the server.)

I have screenshots (and screen recordings) of the whole exchange starting YESTERDAY, showing that I sent two messages and then went to bed, yet my sister and I were still accused of talking shit about them. It seems like a minor occurrence but when it happens consistently over the years and you have to walk on eggshells regarding what you say when one certain friend is online, it builds up and becomes exhausting.

Each and every time I have been able to prove that I have not been nor have I spoken badly about them, however they couldn’t do the same as I’ve been shown multiple screenshots of them talking badly about me and I’m quite sick of it. I am tired of defending them and fixing their stupid online mistakes for them just to have them accuse me of shit that they’re doing over conversions I was not even INVOLVED in, they can fix this one on their own and as I said on disc, they are BLOCKED and will remain blocked until they can apologise and learn from their mistakes.

[polin-erospsyche]

Bridgerton Season 3 Part 2 Thoughts

Alright, it’s been a few days since the end of Season 3 Part 2 of Bridgerton, and I’ve had some time to think about all of it and rewatch the show. I have some thoughts. I’m not sure how much this will add to what everybody has already said, but I’m hoping that by writing this, I can free myself from the torment that is my Polin obsession. There are a few points I’d like to hit on, so this will probably be separated into parts.

1. The Break Between Part 1 and Part 2

I’ll start this whole thread with what seems to me like a big reason for which Part 2 was received the way it was in the fandom: the break. Of course, that is not to say that Part 2 was perfect. It wasn’t. I think by now we all agree that something was missing from it. Some used the word “lackluster”; others deemed it “disappointing.” However, what seems interesting to me after having spoken about it with some of my friends who watch it but are nowhere near as invested is that they overall enjoyed Part 2. Some even thought Part 2 was better than Part 1, with more solid storytelling. I personally have come to the conclusion that it is overall a great season and a very entertaining one. With its flaws, of course, but then again, no season of Bridgerton so far was ever perfect.

The difference, then, to me, between casual viewers of the show and the fandom, and maybe what could explain the difference in the level of disappointment we felt after Part 2, is the break. How we lived the break more specifically, and the AMOUNT of media we consumed during it. In effect, this break was essentially a great idea and the worst mistake Netflix could have made. A great idea because it caught a lot of people’s attention. With nothing to do but to wait after that carriage scene of all scenes, the only place to turn to, if you couldn’t get it out of your head, was online with the fan community. And god knows we were fed. Constantly and very, very well. With drops nearly every day, interviews, stills, and everything else, we had plenty to interact with. On top of that, you add fan theories and possible spoilers and a constant assurance that this season would get “very steamy, the steamiest,” and you end up with a lot of hype around Part 2.

I truly believe we might have been disappointed if we had gotten the whole season in one go, but the fallout might not have been as bad because they simply wouldn’t have had the time to build so much hype around it. That was the stupid aspect of putting a break in the middle. Nothing, I think, could have come close to what each one of us hoped and prayed Part 2 could be. It is the eternal problem of expectations vs. reality.

One last thing that I will add to this is the reputation Bridgerton has built for itself over the years. Bridgerton, when it was first released, was new, thrilling, a show that bent convention of traditional historical drama, a show that was steamy. We had a lot in terms of intimacy scenes in Season 1. Then Season 2 came, and fans were disappointed. Then Season 3 rolled along, and fans are finding themselves equally disappointed (now I see there are actually wars being fought over which season between 2 and 3 was the least steamy or showed the least amount of nudity, and I just sit here rolling my eyes because is this really necessary? Anyway, I digress. This is not the point here). We, as a fandom, have come to expect more nudity, more steaminess, more focus on the main couple, and each season for the past two we get disappointed. Season 1, no matter what you may think of it, and Queen Charlotte both delivered, I would say, in terms of focus on the main couple and steamy scenes. That is because both of them had fewer things going on in them, fewer side plots. My friend said something to me that made me laugh: she said that if you expect a romance show focused on the main couple above all else, you will inevitably be disappointed. However, if you make your peace with the fact that the format has changed somewhat, then it’s actually great fun. I personally think that the problem is the format has changed, but Bridgerton is still being sold to us on its original pitch, and if the original pitch is to be kept, then the 8-episode format is nowhere near enough to cram everything in, ending up in a weirdly paced show with disjointed scenes and a disappointed fan base.

Now that the problems have been laid out, and despite the flaws, this season still remains so beautiful, especially due to the complexity in both Colin and Penelope individually and as a couple (which I cannot wait to discuss!). It is worth sitting with it and taking it as a whole and not as a Part 1 and Part 2 😊

[twistedtummies2]

Top 15 Portrayals of Peter Pan

A while back, in 2021 - in celebration of the 110th anniversary of “Peter Pan” - I posted a list of my favorite portrayals of the villain of the story, Captain Hook. Earlier this year, I updated that same list. I said then that, even as a kid, I always liked Hook more than his nemesis, the titular Peter. While this is true, I do think it’s important to state that, as much as I may love the dastardly pirate Pan battles constantly…this does not mean Peter is a bad character. I think that Peter Pan gets a bad rap a lot nowadays, mostly because, if you read the original book…Peter is kind of a little psychopath. He’s sort of a little tyrant, threatening to kill or banish anybody who doesn’t do what he wants, and refusing to listen to reason when people try to help him or keep him under control. And that’s the entire point: Barrie’s story originally didn’t HAVE Hook. The original idea behind what would become “Peter and Wendy” was that Pan was a representation of both everything good AND everything bad about childhood: he is not necessarily EVIL, but he is stuck perpetually in a state of infantile, underdeveloped youth. He’s brash, cocky, and has a LOT of power that I don’t think even he is fully aware of. There’s a lot of mystery surrounding Peter, which actually makes him more fascinating to adults than I think many might realize. Peter’s arc in the story is one of coming to grips with emotions he’s never experienced before, and taking up a kind of responsibility he’s always tried to deny in the past. He’s much more dynamic and more interesting than many people give him credit. I’ve been in a Peter Pan mood lately, so I decided…what the heck? I might as well give a bit of a spotlight to some of my favorite portrayals of the Boy Who Never Grows Up that have come around over the years. (On that note, there has long been a tradition, particularly in stage shows, of women playing Peter, so there will be some ladies included here. Don’t you dare whine about it, they’re absolutely awesome.) Some of these versions stick to the ambiguity of Barrie’s original, while others make Pan either more heroic or more villainous depending on interpretation. There’s a lot of ways you can go with the idea of an eternal child, both idealistic and cynical. So, think Happy Thoughts, everyone, and don’t forget the pixie dust! Here are My Top 15 Favorite Portrayals of Peter Pan!

15. Sandy Duncan, from the Styne-Charlap Musical. (The most famous stage musical version of the story; Duncan first played Peter in a 1979 Revival of the show on Broadway.)

14. Greg Tannahill, from Peter Pan Goes Wrong.

13. Petermon, from Digimon: Ghost Game. (Yeah. Peter Pan as a Digimon. That weirdness speaks for itself.)

12. Mia Farrow, from the 1976 TV Musical.

11. The Version from “Peter and the Starcatchers.” (I’m referring specifically to the books; there is a stage version based on the first book, but I haven’t seen it for various reasons. I love the original books, though. This is probably one of the “nicest” versions of Peter on the list, for lack of a better description.)

10. Robin Williams, from Hook. (Come now, you all knew he had to be here somewhere.)

9. The Version from “Alias, Hook.” (Without going into detail, this really shows how scary a Barrie-accurate Peter can be without much real change.)

8. Charlie Rowe, from SyFy’s Neverland.

7. Betty Bronson, from the 1924 Film.

6. Robbie Kay, from Once Upon a Time. (By far the most evil version of Peter Pan ever made, at least that I've discovered.)

5. Mary Martin, from the Styne-Charlap Musical. (She originated the part on Broadway, starting in 1954.)

4. Cathy Rigby, ALSO from the Styne-Charlap Musical. (She’s been playing the role off and on since the 1970s - no joke, look it up - with her most recent stint being in 2015. She was in her sixties then! Talk about Never Growing Up!)

3. Jason Marsden, from Peter Pan and the Pirates.

2. Jeremy Sumpter, from the 2003 Film.

1. The Disney Version. (Originally played by Bobby Driscoll; this one wins out mostly just because this is the first version I think of when I think of Peter as a character, and because I think the various spin-offs and such have really helped to make him a more likable protagonist over time, while still keeping him true to his established persona.)

[despicablebisexual]

Out of Touch by Hall & Oates

part 1, part 2, part 3

Jotaro Kujo x Ex-wife!Reader

You and Jotaro meet for the first time in six years. When you try to dodge the encounter, he convinces you to sit and drink, and have a nice talk.

warnings: alcoholic consumption

Spring of 2003, Tampa, Florida

“Mom~”

You turned on your side, hoping for another five minutes of sleep.

“Mom~”

You ignored Jolyne for another second or two. The girl quieted down for a second and you thought your prayers had been answered and she had retreated from your room. Just as you approached the edge of unconsciousness, a heavy form jumped onto your stomach and woke you.

“There you are mom!” Jolyne, your strong willed eleven-year-old said.

“Hi, Jojo,” you smiled weakly, a bit winded from her jumping on top of you.

“I’m hungry,” she declared. 

You looked over at your bedside table where the clock laid. 7:14 am. So much for sleeping in on a Sunday. 

“Okay,” you took a second to rub the sleep out of your eyes. “I’m up, I’m up.”

You shooed her off you so you could climb out of bed and make your way to the kitchen, her quickly running past you.

“Can we have pancakes? Ooo what about waffles though! Can we have both?!”

You laughed at her indecisiveness. “How about something a little healthier?”

“But mom,” she groaned.

“Hey! We gotta keep those muscles strong! You can’t do your best if you don’t eat well,” you reminded her.

When she was eight, Jolyne had come home from elementary school whining about how all the other girls in her class played softball and she wanted to too. You were hesitant at first, telling her that just because everyone else is doing something, doesn’t mean she has to do it. After a few weeks insisting she should be allowed to play, you finally agreed. Jolyne had always been a rambunctious and active kid, so you reasoned that sports would be a good outlet for her to let out that energy. After she had a few recurring disciplinary incidents, softball was sounding even better. 

To your satisfaction though, after most of the girls quit, Jolyne kept going. After one season, you became a full fledged softball mom, wanting to constantly show up to support Jolyne. She was currently in her third season on her travel team.

The only gripe you had about softball was that it never dwindled her energy, in fact, she seemed more lively. Considering she was up this early the day after she had an all day tournament, you could only sigh. At least she wasn’t getting into as much trouble.

A knock pulled you from your thoughts. “Jojo, can you go get the door?”

“On it mom!” she yelled over her shoulder. A few seconds later and you heard the familiar squeal Jolyne let out whenever your current boyfriend, Anthony, arrived. He liked to stop by in the mornings often.

“Oh shit,” you muttered, hurrying to grab the leftover wine bottle and glass you left out from last night. You did a quick breath test and attempted to fix your flyaways as Anthony came into the kitchen.

“Hey pretty lady,” he said, swooping in to steal a kiss.

“Gross!”

You laughed at Jolyne’s antics. “I was just getting ready to start breakfast, you hungry?”

“I would love to but I’ve got to get to the firehouse, lots of paperwork to do. I just wanted to stop by and say hi.”

You hummed as Anthony turned around to start play fighting with Jolyne. You turned back to contemplate what to cook. The longer you looked at the contents of the fridge and pantry, the better pancakes sounded. Looking over at Jolyne’s bright smile, you gave in and reached for the pancake mix. While you prepared the batter, you sent Jolyne and Anthony to run outside and retrieve yesterday’s mail. Anthony carried her outside on his back.

Alone, your thoughts wandered over your two year relationship. Anthony was a very attractive man: tall, dark, and extremely handsome. He worked as a fireman, which matched his heart of gold he seemed to have. You two had met when you and Jolyne moved from northern Florida to Tampa, him introducing himself at the bar your new neighbors had offered to take you to. After just sitting around and getting to know the local gossip, you had gotten up to order a drink from the bar. When some asshole bumped into you and spilled your drink all over the counter, Anthony, who had been friends with the culprit, offered to buy you a new one. 

Although back then it had been four years since you and Jolyne’s father, Jotaro, divorced, you were hesitant to accept Anthony’s invite to go out for coffee. After your close neighbor had incessantly annoyed you about it, she eventually convinced you to go out with him and the rest was history. Completely ignorant to the world of stands and evil, he was a nice place to take sanctuary in.

“Mom! You got an important letter from your job!”

“Hm?”

You turned back from pouring the batter into the pan to see Jolyne handing you a letter while still hanging from Anthony’s back. The letter was addressed to Y/n L/n from the Speedwagon Foundation. Worried about the contents, you tore it open and began reading.

“Well, what does it say?” Anthony asked.

You sighed a breath of relief. “They’re giving me an award for my recent research publication.”

“Woah, no way! Congrats babe!”

Anthony kissed your temple while you let the growing anxiety fade away. You honestly had been expecting it to be a letter detailing a new stand user issue. While you did work in the Speedwagon Foundation’s research sector, they also had you hunt down concerning stand users. Having been doing so since you were seventeen and went on the 50 day journey to Egypt.

“When are they giving it to you?”

“This Saturday, 7pm.”

“It’s a date then!”

**********

“Thank you so much for watching her. It’s not often I get invited to 21+ venues.”

“It’s no problem, y/n, really! We love Jolyne like one of our own.”

Your neighbors, the Williams’, bless their hearts, were about the only family that you had ever trusted to watch Jolyne. Being a stand user as well as working in a dangerous research field, you had a penchant for attracting all sorts of evil. When you gave birth to Jolyne, there had been complications with the delivery and you ended up having to be rushed to a nearby emergency room instead of going to the Speedwagon Foundation like you planned. Everything was going well until Jotaro ended up facing off with a stand user impersonating a night shift nurse. He ended up nearly beating the woman to death, and ever since that day, you had been living life constantly looking over your shoulder for Jolyne’s sake.

After divorcing and moving to a new area, you were hesitant to let then five year old Jolyne play with other children or go to their houses. After thoroughly observing and testing your neighbors by running background checks and consistently bringing out your stand at random intervals to see who would look, you concluded that the Williams’ were not stand users and that their daughter did just want to be friends with Jolyne. It worked out in your case because you soon had friends to rely on, and could find a babysitter with ease.

Now getting ready for the banquet tonight, you stood in front of the mirror doing your makeup just how you liked it. While adding finishing touches, your cell started ringing and Anthony’s contact ID popped up.

“Hey babe.”

“Hey, y/n! How are you beautiful?”

“I’m good, just getting ready for the ceremony.”

“That’s great… Hey listen babe, I don’t have much time to talk but I can’t come tonight. I’m sorry for the late notice but one of the guys’ wife is having their kid and he needed someone to take his shift. It’s gonna be overnight so I won’t get off until about 8am.”

You frowned as you looked down at your nails. You already didn’t want to be heading out anyway for a silly award, but now that Anthony wasn’t coming, the desire to stay home was sounding really appealing.

“Y/n?”

“Hey sorry, spaced out.”

“Are you mad?”

“No, no. Don’t even worry about it. I’m just gonna go, get the award, and come home. I’m not feeling staying out tonight.”

“Alright, well stay safe. Have fun and call a cab if you drink anything.”

“Okay, dad,” you teased him.

He laughed. “I love you.”

“Love you too.” 

The phone beeped when you hung up.

**********

“Right here is fine, thank you.”

You handed the cab driver some money before shouldering your purse. The foundation had rented a banquet hall for the ceremony. Along with you and your research team, a few other people were also receiving awards tonight. Consequently, the crowd was extremely large as people from all over the company (lots non-affiliated with the stand research division) were gathered for the big event. Dinner would be served at commencement, then some words from the current CEO, awards next, and finally happy hour. You planned to slink away immediately after you got your award.

“Y/n!”

You turned to look for the source of the voice and found a few of your colleagues from your research team standing around a table right up front and center waving at you. It seems like you all were the big honorees of the evening. 

“Hello, congratulations everyone.”

Lucas, a fellow from the team, came up with a waiter following him with a tray of champagne flutes. The drinks were quickly dished out. 

“Congratulations to you, our fearless leader, who without you, we would have never got the funding.”

You snorted. “Well it’s easy to bust balls when I know all the higher ups. That’s one thanks I can give to my ex-husband.”

A few chuckles could be heard before the emcee asked people to take their seats. You turned around to quickly down the champagne before sending a silent plea to the waiter for another. The drinks could at least help with your nervousness. 

**********

“Wow, no one told me I’d have to speak!” you nervously chuckled.

“Um, I’d like to thank my team. Everyone here did so much investigation, tests, wrote up reports. They seriously put in the overtime.”

Your eyes scanned over the large crowd watching you. Your team was the last to be awarded, so everyone was patiently waiting for you to wrap up so cocktail hour could start.

“I’d also like to thank my daughter, Jolyne. I can’t tell you how many times she made me coffee in the dead of night while I stayed up working.” That remark earned you a chuckle from the audience. You felt a little looser knowing you made them laugh. As you looked around, your eyes landed on a familiar pair of blue ones way in the back of the hall leaned against the wall, staring you down intently. You swallowed thickly, not believing it to be the last person you’d ever see here.

“Uh, thank you for the award.”

You briskly walked off stage and back to your table, already grabbing your purse and other belongings. The emcee got back up to announce the bar was once again open, and cocktail hour had begun.

“Y/n, wait!”

Lucas reached out a hand to stop you from rushing off. With a small amount of shame, you turned back to see your team staring at you rather quizzically. 

“Why don’t you enjoy a couple drinks with us?”

You silently prayed for whatever entity resides above to strike you down right there. While you really wanted a drink right now, you’d rather do it alone in your house where you could wallow in the silence between sips.

“I really need to-”

“Come on, one won’t hurt!”

Lucas and the rest of the team flagged down the waiter for a round of a stronger drink this time. By some sick and twisted fate, your evening was just beginning.

**********

“You’ve got to be kidding me! You’re not even drunk yet?”

You smiled at Melina, another girl from the team, as you nursed your beer. A few rounds of shots had been dealt and the rest of the team was pretty drunk. You on the other hand, better at pacing yourself than them, were just beginning to feel the buzz. The alcohol had done well to soothe your anxiety, but the nagging feeling of being watched remained.

“I’m going to grab another drink,” you announced.

Making your way through the throngs of people, you arrived at the bar and flagged the bartender down.

“I’ll take a shot of tequila, thanks.”

“Wanna start a tab?”

“I’m paying for her,” a booming voice said as a debit card was slapped down.

The bartender quickly disappeared to run the card, and you contemplated running when you realized who was standing beside you. 

Swallowing your anxiety, you refused to make eye contact with him. “You didn’t need to do that.”

“Call it a gift for your award.”

“The only gift I want from you is to leave me alone.”

Jotaro sighed next to you, leaning on the bar so he could stare down at you. You still refused to look at him.

“Don’t make this difficult, y/n.”

You snorted. “Where have I heard that line before?”

Distantly, you recalled the night he placed the divorce papers on the table and announced he would be staying at a hotel while things finalized. He had told you the exact same phrase while you ugly cried and interrogated him. The whole night was underscored by Jolyne sobbing away in her room.

The bartender arrived with the shot and set it down. You quickly picked it up and slammed it, setting the glass back down.

“Thanks. See you around.”

You set off to leave, but a strong arm pulled you back. 

“Jotaro,” you warned.

Jotaro dropped your arm before sighing. He took off his signature hat to run his hand through his hair. “Can we just talk?”

You stared at him in surprise. On the outside, he looked like the exact same Jotaro you once knew. Donned in his signature flashy style with a face that could kill. But his eyes held an emotion that wasn’t the normal fire in his soul. For a second, when he asked you to talk, he almost looked mournful, like he was trying to save something. In all the years you had known Jotaro, he was never once concerned with matters of the heart. If anything, he would rather get pummeled over and over again than admit he had feelings. You glared at him before sitting down on the barstool. 

“One drink. You have the time it takes me to drink one drink.”

**********

“What’s that supposed to be?”

“Tch. Don’t play dumb y/n.”

You looked down at the small black box Jotaro had placed in your hands. Never one for lots of words, Jotaro had just explained he had a gift for you before putting the case in your hands, a small engagement ring looking back at you.

“I’m asking you to marry me?” he said, his hands shoved in his pockets and eyes casted to the side.

“Why?” you blurted out.

Jotaro sighed and took his hat off. In a rare moment of vulnerability, he kneeled down in front of you while you sat on the bench in the park you two were at.

“Because you’re the only person in this fucked up world I could ever love; I could ever trust. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Jojo…” you started as you teared up.

He caught you as you practically fell into his arms while repeating yes. 

**********

What was supposed to be one drink, quickly turned into one drink and a shot. Then Jotaro ordered another shot for the two of you, then one more for good measure. You weren’t stupid, it was easy to tell when someone was building up liquid courage.

The conversation first began with him asking how you and Jolyne had been. You rolled your eyes and told him ‘fine,’ stating that she was making friends and a star on her softball team. Jotaro remained amicable in spite of your passive-aggressiveness. The more he got you talking about your daughter, the more you began to open up to him. It was nice to know he still wanted to know about her, even if it was the bare minimum. As the night went on, he somehow convinced you to show him a few pictures of her from your phone and you two quickly began reminiscing on the days when she was just a toddler and barely walking around. Eventually the conversation shifted to his life and search for the stand arrows. He told you about his uncle he discovered and you gasped at the revelation that Mr. Joestar had cheated on Suzi Q, the woman who became like another grandmother to you when you and Jotaro were married. When you two came home from your first semester away at college and announced you had gotten eloped, Suzi Q and Jotaro’s mother were the only people to support you initially. It hurt to know she had been emotionally backstabbed.

“He’s lucky he’s an old man now, or else I’d seriously kick his ass for doing that to her.”

For the first time in a long time, most definitely due to the fact that he had been drinking all night with you, Jotaro laughed. And when he laughed, the whole room shook with him. It was the first time you had heard it in years and it put a loopy smile on your face while you laughed with him. When he realized how loud he was, catching the eyes of a few others, he quickly quieted down, a twinge of embarrassment and anger easily seen on his face. Upset he stopped laughing and worried he might cause an uproar (being the hothead he is), you reached over and placed a hand on his. He looked at you with surprise, before turning up his hand and offering you his palm. He smiled as you giggled at the action. 

As the conversation progressed, it was clear that you were both exuberantly drunk, but it didn’t stop you from ordering one last drink.

“You sure can put them away now. You used to puke after two shots back in college.”

You snorted. “I’m well practiced now.”

You looked down at the time on your phone, not realizing it was soon approaching 11:45pm. Looking up and around, you noticed how the hall had seriously cleared out, most of the initial crowd gone.

“Shit, it’s late.”

You stood up and looked at him, a bit sad this night was coming to an end. The alcohol had opened up all the scars on your heart and reminded you of how much you missed him, but the small-voiced rational part of your brain was reminding you that things couldn’t stay like this.

“I’ve got to go. It was nice catching up, Jojo.”

Wanting to leave on a positive note, the drunken devil on your shoulder convinced you to lean in and give him a chaste kiss on the cheek. Completely normal, right? 

“Y/n, wait.” 

Jotaro grabbed your waist and pulled you further into him, your chests colliding. He was still sat on the barstool, so you were somewhat even in height for once, meaning your breaths mixed in the air. It was a familiar position that had both of your hearts pounding rapidly.

“I’ve missed you calling me that.”

His hand was heavy on your waist. Not wanting to lose balance in your stupor, your arm landed on his shoulder. 

“You used to tell me you hated being called Jojo,” you whispered teasingly.

He huffed and looked down. “I was lying.”

He looked back up to you with eyes as deep as oceans. “I don’t want to be anything except your Jojo.”

You softly gasped and he took it as his chance to pull you in for a soft kiss. Your lips barely moved against each other, just savoring the fact that they were once again reunited. 

Once upon a time, Jotaro would have handed you the world on a silver platter. It wasn’t by coincidence that you got married so young. You two were passionate, devoted, in love, but seasons change and people do as well, and Jotaro could no longer fill the superman-esque job he had been born into. At this point, it had been six years since you two divorced. Both twenty-six then and thirty-two now, he felt more like a stranger than someone you used to love. After having had so long to contemplate your relationship, you wondered how much of it would have happened if you two had never went on that journey. Seeing so much horror at seventeen scarred you two, and you definitely had a relationship built upon a trauma bond. You questioned often if it was ever love, or just comfort in shared pain. 

Now though, so many years later, with your lips pressed together, there was no mistaking the spark between you two. All the misery you’d experienced in the world of stand users was flushed away at his hot touch. Even if it was just momentary, you knew he could love you the same way again.

“Let me take you home,” he breathed over your lips.

One look into his pleading blue eyes and you knew without a doubt there was no coming back from this.

[luminouslotuses]

watched the video and. i have thoughts

the most glaring issue i noticed right off the bat was how he went through various controversies from the past first. clearly he’s doing this to make sure everyone knows what his intentions are, which– sure, would’ve been good after each issue had happened 1-2 years ago, but it’s just that this is completely irrelevant to the allegations. that’s what everyone is here for and wants his actual response to, which he knows, but he pulls this shit anyway; and he still acts self-righteous while going through them.

i’m not a liar– here’s some instances of me lying about things i’ve done in the past. this was a very good and detailed video, but he’s highly critical of me. i do not support nsfw art of minors, that’s disgusting (but it’s fine to make sexual jokes about minors in my own minecraft server!). i can’t post any photos without people saying i’m gross or weird!

the “examples” of fan & friend relationships that are shown in a following segment also bothered me. why would you bring these people, who– despite you being on good terms with in the past have clearly distanced themselves from you recently– into this dumpster fire of a situation?? again, dream with this recurring theme of constantly bringing up people he used to be friends with as either an attempt to garner sympathy or to make himself look better.

when he gets to the allegations, i feel like he’s taking a roundabout way to actually address them. at one part he says how it’s difficult to prove what actually happened without there being evidence, then gives an example saying “prove to me you didn’t sext [insert anybody here]”. thirty minutes into the video and he’s still managing to somehow sidetrack from the matter at hand, even if just for a moment.

then there’s the segment where he’s talking with his mom about him barely leaving his house between 2021 and his face reveal, which lasts for a minute and half. you’re not missing anything if it’s simply summarized as such: he rarely left his house. maybe, for the sake of clarity, he could provide a few examples and move on, but nope. he had to stretch it out for as long as he possibly could; and not to mention how despite the video being “SERIOUS” and “NOT A JOKE” he’s chuckling and laughing with his mother, which feels like such tonal whiplash compared to the heavy topics that are (and should be) being discussed.

i. don’t even want to get into the cantu situation too much or it’ll give me a headache but i do have a couple things to say. overall both dream and cantu aren’t good people and while it’s shown more clearly by cantu in this specific instance, it’s obvious by now that dream’s not a good person either. the other thing is that the editing in the video is very poppy and unserious, which– god, AGAIN, this video is supposed to be about serious topics! being discussed in a serious manner! and this is literally the opposite of that.

all in all it’s good to finally hear what he has to say that’s not in a rushed, emotionally-driven or standoffish tweet. and, yes, no original evidence was concrete. yes, dream might not be a groomer. but it’s fucking pathetic it took him this long to make a clear response. he’s not trustworthy, he should definitely not have the platform that he has, and his reputation is irreversibly damaged from this. there’s no going back now.

[doctorofmagic]

Doctor Strange and the supernatural characters pt 2 - Jericho Drumm

Much to my surprise, being a doctor is not the only thing Jericho and Stephen have in common. As I went through his chronology, I noticed they’re quite similar in many aspects, whether magical or personality-wise.

I’ve always loved the concept of Doctor Voodoo and had read some of his adventures, but this time around I made a complete reading and he’s still one of my favorite magic users for many, many reasons.

But first, let’s dive into his past real quick to learn more about his story, motivations and powers.

Jericho Drumm and his twin brother Daniel were born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The twins were separated when their parents died and Jericho decided to pursue a career in the USA as a pyschologist and scholar (some writers will give him another field of expertise, but it’s commonly accepted as canon that he has a doctorate in Psychology), whereas Daniel stayed and became a houngan (a voodoo priest). Upon learning that Daniel fell ill, Jericho returned to Haiti. Daniel claimed that Damballah, the loa known as the evil serpent-god, cursed him. Before dying, his twin asked Jericho to go to the jungle and meet his mentor, Papa Jambo, in order to learn magic. Jericho, at that time, did not believe in the supernatural and confronted Damballah, being defeated by forces he did not understand yet.

Papa Jambo, then, accepted Jericho as an apprentice and taught him voodoo magic. As a last attempt to defeat Damballah, Papa Jambo performed a ritual to summon Daniel’s spirit so they could become two men in one. The ritual was successful, leaving the V symbol imprinted on his forehead and the white streaks on his hair. Papa Jambo then passed away as a result, leaving the mantle of Brother Voodoo to his disciple Jericho.

He then confronted Damballah once more and defeated his enemy, whom would be later retconned to be a random evil spirit instead of the loa himself, since the loa are not considered evil spirits.

And here’s a quick disclaimer: there are lots of misconceptions and stereotypes when it comes to Haitian voodoo in the Marvel universe, mostly because it’s a real religion and many stories were not written by poc. I made a quick research but just to point a few: voodoo dolls are considered a myth, although some are used in New Orleans voodoo for tourism [1]; the term used in Sorcerer Supreme to describe Brazilian voodoo refers to the religion as "macumba”, which is a pejorative term. The Brazilian equivalent to Haitian voodoo is called Candomblé Jeje [2]; Marie Laveau is often portrayed as a evil voodoo witch, but she’s celebrated in New Orleans for help, healing and empowerment [3].

Disclaimer done, so back to Jericho. For a while, he stayed in Port-au-Prince, having his own Sanctum and accepting the help of a butler (pretty similar to Wong in his first years). He then later moved to New Orleans, fighting many enemies and teaming up with many popular heroes, such as Moon Knight, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Blade, Black Panther, Luke Cage and so on.

When Stephen considered himself unworthy of his title, the Eye of Agamotto elected Jericho as the next Sorcerer Supreme. And here I need to point out that, in my humble opinion, Jericho was nerfed from what he used to be as a magic user. I consider him waaay more powerful back then, even without the power of the Vishanti at his disposal.

When it comes to personality, Jericho has the very same introverted personality as Stephen’s in early comics, as well as the formal rhetorics, rational thoughts and kindness towards civilians.

Slowly, the readers realize that he’s also lonely and afraid of relationships, constantly pushing people away.

One may arguee that he’s been involved with many female characters, the most important being Wanda, and I agree they’re super cute together. Sadly, for editorial decision, Jericho was pushed away to hint a comeback for Wanda x Vision. Monica Rambeau was also interested in him for a while, but that writing is TERRIBLE, portraying him like a clingy (and kinda stalker) pretendent. I’d say Jericho takes things veeeeery slow because he’s afraid of relationships, as pointed out earlier. On top of that, I super hc him as aroace, because it’s rare to see him in a romantic light. It’s up to each person’s interpretation, of course.

Moving on -- and since I’m comparing him to Stephen -- let’s also talk about guilt and sense of duty. Jericho as Sorcerer Supreme is as stubborn as Stephen: he doesn’t rest, he feels responsible for every mystical issue AND is compelled to sacrifice himself in order to fulfill his role.

That’s why he ends up killed in the first place, after all. Thankfully, Doom brings him back to life (AND WE LOVE TO SEE IT).

In addition to the previous relationship Stephen and Jericho built through the years, we also have now a delicate matter, which is Daniel. Daniel was really mad at Stephen and blamed him for Jericho’s death. Since then, the spirit of Jericho’s brother was used as bargain in Savage Avengers, and to be honest, I don’t know how to feel about it, but it’s canon now, so... If Jericho is better off without his brother, so be it.

In conclusion, I do believe Jericho is a very important figure in Stephen’s life, not only as a co-worker at Strange Academy and former mentor, but also as a friend. Not to mention that he’s amazing as a stand-alone character, with a rich lore and so much potential. I find outrageous how little Jericho is used in comics. I need him in a solo title or at least in a one-shot with Zoe!

Bonus: The Vishanti and the Three-Who-Are-All

Although the Three-Who-Are-All had their debut in Werewolf by Night, Jericho was directly involved in their prophecy, joining Jack Russell and his allies in order to defeat a great evil. They're not as powerful as the Vishanti -- nor as important -- but it’s curious to see that the concept of a trinity is the same.

[Part 1]

Special thanks to Val, he’s the only Jericho stan I know out there and we only have each other to cry over him haha love u <3

[crescencestudio]

“Would you choose me in every lifetime?”

Announcing “intertwine,” a short visual novel coming to otome jam 2023 🪡

Hi my friends 💖 I’m adding some Alaris updates under the cut to reassure you of development in case you’re worried about otome jam + Alaris!

I’ve been going back and forth on whether to post this or just keep it to myself, but I thought for the sake of transparency, communication with fans, and just normalizing the harder parts of game dev, it would be better to talk about this.

This is NOT bad news about Alaris, so please don’t freak out! But as you all may or may not have figured from my devlogs, I've been struggling with working on Alaris for the past... 2 months? I've made progress on it as much as I'm able to, but I've often found myself coming up against a creative wall and/or burnout. And I often feel like I'm disappointing you all because of it. There are a couple of internal deadlines I had set for myself that I just haven't been reaching lately, and while I know no one is actually rushing me, I feel like I'm dropping the ball.

This is common for a lot of indie developers, but I'm a solo developer. While I have a small team who helps me polish Alaris (i.e., editors, BG artist, GUI artist), at the end of the day, I'm the one who is in charge of everything. I don't have a separate person who can handle building out the art assets, or someone who oversees the writing, etc. And so, to feel like I'm making sufficient progress on Alaris, I'm constantly working on it, whether that's reviewing edits, creating CGs, writing the script, approving art assets/creating briefs for those assets, etc. And I do have a day job haha.

For most of Alaris's development, Alaris was my creative hobby, so I didn't really mind putting so much work into it. But lately, I think because I've been revamping the demo, I feel like I've been in this ~game dev thang~ for two years with no complete product to show for it. And having to go back and redo the demo two years into development is like an extra knife to the gut since it feels like... backward progress almost? Even though I know that's not true.

So while an otome jam project might feel inappropriate given I have Alaris to work on, it's something I've wanted to do since becoming a game dev. And after some encouragement from dev friends, I decided to take the leap because having a different creative outlet might resolve some of my struggles with Alaris. Getting to have one complete project would also be a super huge motivation booster for me!

I'm super happy to say that intertwine has been just what I needed. I've felt more motivated to work on both intertwine and Alaris and my dissertation lmao. As I've mentioned, Druk's route has been giving me a hard time, but I recently made a lot of progress on it. Overall, the creative process has just been coming to me more smoothly. So I'm excited to bring you all a complete game by the end of June as well as, what I hope to be, a lot of really nice progress on Alaris <3

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Kicho's Main Story Ch. 12 Part 2 Romantic

These translations are not intended as a replacement for the game. Please support Cybird by buying their stories. Spoilers under the cut. Expect grammatical errors.

Sorry, the lines are all over the place.

Mai: "The wind feels nice today."

Kicho: "You're right. The sky is clear too."

He nodded as he rowed the small boat.

After our reunion, we came to the lake to avoid being seen.

Mai: "I never thought a boat rental service was available in this era."

Mai: "Did you know? There are boats shaped like swans you can row with your feet back in the future."

Kicho: "I've never been on one, but I've seen it. I think they are called swan boats."

Kicho: "Putting a large bird afloat on a lake is a playful idea."

Mai: "True."

Chatting casually, we turned our gaze to the scenery.

The beautiful sparkling water was like it had been sprinkled with diamonds, reflecting the magnificent mountain range backed by large clouds.

(I feel like it's been a long time since we've spent time together.)

(I've been constantly trying to keep myself busy ever since we got separated.)

I met his eyes as I turned my gaze back to him.

Mai: "..........."

Kicho: ".........."

Neither of us managed to say a word as we stared at each other.

(I want to ask him a lot of questions right now, but I can't.)

(I'm afraid that if I start talking, our time here will be over.)

Kicho: "Let's go over there."

Mai: "Okay, I'll row this time."

Kicho: "No, it's fine. Let's talk more about the future instead."

Mai: "The future?"

Kicho: "Even if we knew the same world, we've seen and felt different things."

Kicho: "The stores you liked, the songs you liked, etc."

Mai: "I understand. I have lots to tell you then."

He started rowing again, and the boat glided along.

As if to bid our time, we continued to talk about other things, swallowing what we wanted to hear from each other.

Mai: "I had an experience like that, and after that, I got hooked."

Kicho: "I see. Liking more stuff is a good thing."

After getting off the small boat, we continued to walk side by side along the lake.

(What else?)

(Right. I should tell him that the teacup he has looked like the one in the coffee shop near my house.)

I turned to him as the next topic popped into my head.

Mai: "Oh..."

I stopped dead in my tracks when something caught my eye.

Mai: "Look over there."

Kicho: "Hmm? Yeah, it's beautiful."

The setting sun, descending over the mountains, cast a dazzling light.

The lake, the shore, and the spot where we were standing now were all tinted with gold.

Mai: "Time flies so fast."

Mai: “It’s natural to have fun times, but I think it’s the same when you’re in pain.”

Mai: “It may seem like the moment felt long, but when you look back on it, it all flew by so fast.”

Kicho: “You’re right. There’s the present. Next thing you know, the present has turned into the past.”

Mai: “That’s why I want to stay close to the people I love.”

Kicho: “Mai…”

I clenched my fingertips, unable to take the hand close to mine.

(I know because I've spent years living it.)

Moments like this are fleeting.

Soon night will come, and then, if I close my eyes, the morning will come.

No matter how much I treasure these moments and wish to keep them forever, time moves on so easily and cruelly.

Mai: "Kicho, I..."

Mai: "I don't want us to be apart."

Mai: "I want to talk about these things tomorrow and the day after."

Kicho: "..........."

Mai: "I want to be by your side like it's natural.”

Kicho: "Mai."

He hugged me, and though the distance between us disappeared, my heart ached as I heard his low voice.

Mai: "Don't you feel the same way?"

Kicho: "I can't tell you. Anything I say will just hurt you."

He pulled away from me and gently took my hand in his.

Kicho: “Sorry.”

Mai: “Why are you apologizing?”

Kicho: “Because I’ve come to a point of no return.”

It looked like he was carrying all the shadows alone as he stood against the setting sun, smiling gently.

Kicho: “I’m glad to hear your stories. I know there’s still a place for you outside of this place.”

Kicho: “Be sure to return to your original time, Mai.”

Mai: “You know that a wormhole is going to appear?”

Kicho: “Yeah. I was able to observe it a while ago.”

Kicho: “I checked on you today, and you don’t seem to have those symptoms, either.”

Mai: “Yes.”

Mai: “Does this mean the future is coming back?”

Kicho: “That’s right.”

Mai: “Kicho, what on earth did you do?”

Mai: “I heard at the castle that you and Motonari attacked the trading post and took it back.”

Mai: “You’re putting yourself in danger by doing that.”

Kicho: “Does that mean the Oda forces are going to invade Sakai?”

Mai: “...........”

Realizing my slip-up, I quickly covered my mouth, but it was too late.

(He doesn’t seem surprised.)

(He was working intentionally for this.)

Mai: “If that were the case, what would you do?”

Mai: “I know you’re not my enemy, and you’re not a liar. But I don’t know what you’re doing and your purpose.”

Kicho: “There are things you don’t need to know.”

Mai: “I already know. I know you’re going to start a war, even though we’re supposed to have the same goal.”

Mai: “If you do that, more lives will be lost again.”

Kicho: “...........”

Kicho: “It’s a necessary sacrifice.”

Mai: “Kicho...”

(I think we’ve had this exchange before.)

Desperately trying to reel in the memory, he slowly released my hand and whistled, and a white horse came running from somewhere.

Mai: “W-Wait! Let’s talk more properly.”

Kicho: “Neither I nor you have the time.”

He mounted his white horse and gripped the reins.

Kicho: “Thank you for keeping the past me alive until this day.”

Kicho: “Please be yourself, even in the future.”

Mai: “Kicho!”

I tried to stop him, but he turned his back to me and galloped away on his horse.

Eventually, his back became smaller and soon got swallowed up by the sunset.

(Why did you say that one last time?)

(I’m not yet ready to say goodbye to you in this life.)

Sitting there helplessly and with no strength, I carefully clutched my still-warm hands and tried to wipe my teary eyes roughly with my sleeve.

???: "Don't do that."

Someone suddenly grabbed my wrist to stop me.

Mitsuhide: "Doing that will cause extra swelling around your eyes."

Mai: "Mitsuhide..."

Mitsuhide: "Did something happen?"

Mai: "That's..."

I couldn't say anything and only stared into the setting sun with my mouth slightly open.

Even though I knew it was impossible, I couldn't help but look for Kicho in it.

Mai: "No, nothing."

Mitsuhide: "I see. Then I won't ask any more questions."

Mitsuhide let go of my hand and sat down right next to me.

Mitsuhide: "By the way, why are you here? Taking a walk?"

Mai: "Something like that. Why are you here?"

Mai: "I heard you're tracking down Motonari and Kicho."

Mitsuhide: "Then, you also heard about the attack on the trading post."

Mai: "Yes."

Mitsuhide: "I've received some information on the matter, so we need to get back quickly."

(I wonder what information Mitsuhide prefers to say in person instead of writing it down in a letter.)

Mai: "Um, can I ask you one thing?"

Mitsuhide: "Of course. I've actually been looking for you."

Mitsuhide: "You are, after all, an important person in this scheme."

After saying that, Mitsuhide stood up and looked down at me.

Mitsuhide: "It'll get dark soon. I'll tell you about it as we return to the castle."

Just as he said, the sun quickly set, and the area grew dimmer as we walked the less crowded street toward the castle.

Mitsuhide: "First, the rebels' movement is slowly changing, probably due to the rumor."

Mai: "Rumor?"

Mitsuhide: "Yeah. They call it a rumor, but it's actually true."

Mitsuhide: "They say the rebellion was caused entirely by Kicho."

Mitsuhide: "Those people who got robbed by the rebellion and the rebels are now directing their anger toward him."

Mai: "I see."

(Ranmaru was talking about this.)

(As I thought, it had something to do with Kicho.)

Mai: "So, where did this rumor come from?"

Mitsuhide: "I have no idea, but merchants, traveling entertainers, and civilians know this rumor."

Mitsuhide: "It's spreading at a frightening pace."

Mitsuhide: "As expected. He was doing the job perfectly.”

Mai: "I thought you had no idea."

Mitsuhide: "It's just speculation."

Mitsuhide: "But you probably know who could do something like this without me telling you."

Mai: "I do."

I didn't want to nod, but one face popped into my head.

Mai: "Why does he always put himself in danger like that?"

Mai: "Why is he directing their negative emotions at himself and then trying to sway the Oda forces?"

Mitsuhide: "You heard it too. You heard the cry of one of the people before he left."

(Is that...)

------------Flashback------------

Old woman: "Ha! That's ridiculous. You're going to control this place?"

Old woman: "It's useless. Just look around you. It's never going to end, no matter what anyone does."

Old woman: "All these people are killing each other without knowing who their enemies are and their purpose."

---------Flashback Ends---------

Mitsuhide: “This conflict he has sown in Japan is already out of control.”

Mitsuhide: “Sometimes, justice is necessary for peace, and to achieve justice, the existence of a common enemy is essential.”

Mai: “Is Kicho trying to do that?”

Mitsuhide: “I’m just speculating here.”

Mai: “You’re right. This speculation is as close to the truth as you can get.”

Kicho knows about the future, and he also knows what this turbulent world looks like.

(On that day, the turbulent world was shaken by a single bombardment of Azuchi because the opponent was Nobunaga, a man of great influence.)

(Then, if Nobunaga defeated everyone's enemies who are shaking Japan…)

Mitsuhide: "In every generation, sacrifices need to be made to change something."

Mitsuhide: "That man is probably planning to die."

Mai: “………..”

I felt dizzy upon hearing it.

Mai: "Kicho's going to die? Why would he throw his life away for nothing?"

Mitsuhide: "It wouldn't be in vain if it's the only way to achieve his goal."

Mitsuhide: "I said that, but I don't know what will actually happen. He might just end up imprisoned."

Mitsuhide: "But I'm sure he's already made up his mind."

Mai: "Oh no..."

I was so shocked that I couldn't speak, and the tears, threatening to spill earlier, were gone before I knew it.

Mitsuhide: "Mai. Kicho told me that you're from the future."

Mitsuhide: "Is there any way for you to return there?"

Mai: "Yes, there is."

Mai: "I need to decide tonight what I'm gonna do, but I don't plan on leaving."

Mitsuhide: "That won't sit well with that guy."

Mitsuhide: "To save your life, that man chose to continue being a demon and sacrifice himself."

Mitsuhide: "Don't let his feelings go to waste."

(For my sake?)

(Is Kicho going to give up his life for me?)

I shook my head again and again like a kid upon realizing that the choice he had kept from me for so long was a cruel one.

Mai: "But because of me, the life of the person I care about most is in danger."

Mai: "I won't accept that, ever."

Mitsuhide: "..........."

Mitsuhide didn't say anything and just quietly lowered his eyes.

Mitsuhide: "The rest is for you to decide."

Mitsuhide: "I'll leave for Sakai as a member of the Oda army, no matter what happens."

Mai: "Okay. I understand."

(Right. Even Mitsuhide has something he has to go through.)

Mai: "Sorry for getting emotional. Anyway, let's go back to the castle quickly."

Mitsuhide: "Yeah."

Feeling awkward, we returned to the castle, and I stayed in my room.

(I guess I never really understood Kicho.)

(Even after spending so much time with him today.)

------------Flashback------------

Kicho: “There are things you don’t need to know.”

Mai: “I already know. I know you’re going to start a war, even though we’re supposed to have the same goal.”

Mai: “If you do that, more lives will be lost again.”

Kicho: “...........”

Kicho: “It’s a necessary sacrifice.”

---------Flashback Ends---------

(I finally remember.)

(The first day we met, when I tried to stop him from getting the weapons, he had the same look and said the same thing to me.)

(I said something awful to him.)

Alone in the quiet room, impatience slowly grew in my heart as the clock continued ticking.

(What's the right thing for me to do?)

Mai: "Oh..."

Previous Part╏Masterlist╏Gacha

[postmodernbeing]

𝕺𝖚𝖗 𝕾𝖎𝖑𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝕷𝖎𝖓𝖎𝖓𝖌 - Chapter I

𝔓𝔞𝔦𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤: Ominis Gaunt x Female Reader (fluff, the slowest of burns and angst but not really because I’m too soft for that. Also, the plot is plotting, so be patient)

𝔖𝔲𝔪𝔪𝔞𝔯𝔶: After your 5th year in Hogwarts things got complicated between the Sallow’s twins, and somehow Ominis and you grew closer for the very same reasons. You both tried to face your 6th year making amends between them while solving mysteries inside and outside the castle... Like the unusual lights that appeared inside the Black Lake, or the secret conspirancy against Headmaster Phineas Black that somehow seems related! Looks like this year will be as eventful as last one. Except this time, you can count with stronger friendships and an -almost- unconditional companion, your dearest friend, Ominis.

𝔚𝔞𝔯𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰: Mentions of physical and verbal violence, spoilers if you haven’t played/watched HL. Also, English is not my first language, so I'm sorry in advance if there are spelling or grammar errors. And lastly but no least: this is a safe space for anyone regardless sexual orientation, gender expression or any other preferences of self-representation. You're seen and worthy of respect and love.

𝔚𝔬𝔯𝔡 ℭ𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔱: +3k words.

Masterlist | Chapter 2❈✧

𝔑𝔬𝔱𝔢𝔰: The events occur during the 6th year for MC, Sebastian and Ominis. Anne does return to Hogwarts as a special request from the Ministry (by influence of Mr. Gaunt, Ominis’ father), so she gets the chance to study her 5th year and take her O.W.L.s while receiving special care in the Hospital Wing. Also, MC is a Slytherin, I thought that would complicate things and constantly summon tension in their dynamics because of the whole “So close yet so far” situation, so naturally I went for it. Also, I'm trying to alternate the narration with personal journal entries and letters between characters. Hope this provides authenticity to the storytelling.

Chapter 1. Talking in whispers

September 1st, 1891 – Feldcroft

Weather most certainly has been unusual these past few days, but it’s not the only oddity in my journeys lately. As my return to Hogwarts approached, I began to notice that with the stormy days, came a deep uncertainty about what our sixth year may uphold. I must admit, I’ve grown rather anxious in the worst of ways. In the past, my friends -the Sallows’ twins- had received me in their home so I can keep the distance between my extended and even my nuclear family during the summer. Nonetheless, with their uncle passing, I felt as if my presence could draw in indiscretion. Anne tried to shove that thought off by keeping her invitation to stay at Feldcroft. I know she does trust me and we’re close friends, but it just wasn’t the same without Sebastian. From whom actually, I received constant owls since she stopped answering his letters, incessantly asking if she could ever forgive him and the extent of his regret.

I must say, I thought about stopping answering him too, but a good friend in common reassured me it was best to keep an eye on him, and maybe, with our return to the castle, we could try make amends and start over new our friendship. This friend of mine… I’ve talked about her in this very journal of mine, yet I’ve not dare to register her name or make grandiose descriptions about her character. Until now. I owe her keeping my sanity during this summer and I’m deeply thankful for her friendship since last year. During the holidays we were able to catch up with what was her first year in Hogwarts and the way she had to stay put between classes, combating poachers, ashwinders, defeating Rookwood and ending Ranrok’s rebellion, and if that wasn’t enough, she watched Professor Fig die in combat. Never occurred to me that that much of a burden she had to carry and kept silence about it. Now that we’ll see each other again, I’m truly eager to tell her how fond my admiration for her has grown. It’s actually funny when I think that one of our firsts interactions was me getting angry because Sebastian showed her the Undercroft. Who would have guessed how valuable has she become to me in the past few months?

I, too, owe her taking care of Sebastian. Since he couldn’t get home, she made sure to keep him company, she even found them both a job and a place to stay with Sirona  Ryan during the summer at the Three Broomsticks. Ms. Ryan said it was like watching herself during the time that she, as student, started attending tables at the mythical establishment. My dear friend speaks highly about Sirona and her great generosity and thanks her constantly. I shall do the same on behalf of them if I’m ever at the Three Broomsticks soon.

Enough of the labors of my magic quill on this journal for now. As I recite these lines, my travel to Hogwarts has come to an end. I’ll meet Anne there. Perhaps my anxious trembling gives me a truce when I’m in my friends’ company once more.

-Ominis Gaunt

While Ominis made his way to the castle you and Sebastian were frantically packing your belongings back in your shared piece at The Three Broomsticks. It was rather small but enough for two individual beds, a small table, and a private bathroom. With a single window that stand between beds, it casted an invisible division in the rather cozy room: your side fairly tided and organized, and Sebastian’s, well… it was utterly chaotic but none of your problem. Sirona had wished to provide you with the best room she rented but Sebastian and you insisted the small one would do. Besides, it was sufficient for the time that you’ll work there. But back to the present, you seriously needed to focus since you were minutes away from the sorting ceremony for the new students and of course, the welcoming feast.

- “Remind me to never stay up late the night before classes.” – Sebastian said as he tried to dry his hair from the shower he just took. He woke up a couple of hours ago and his suitcases were nowhere close to be finished.

- “I can only try but I’m sure you’ll complain and convince me to let you be” – You said with a laugh as your belongings were finishing being arranged. Not that you carry much with you since most of your priced possessions were reclused in the Room of Requirements inside the castle. Note to self: See Deek immediately to check on the recently rescued beasts that he wrote you during the holidays about.

- “And that’s why we make a good team, my dearest friend.” – He answered playfully. That’s most certainly true. As summer went by, Sebastian and you grew even closer. The care you put in your interactions with him in his darkest of moments… he’ll be forever thankful for it. In retribution, he cultivated his patience for Anne’s response. Sebastian promised himself to make all the possible effort into righting his wrongs; first and foremost: by staying out of trouble this year. Ominis and you decided to not turn Sebastian in and he won’t spoil what could be his last chance before it’s too late.

- “Well, I think I’ve finished with my things. I’m going downstairs to check if Sirona needs help with anything before we leave.” – You said as your suitcases disappeared from the room and reappeared in the cart that waited for both of you outside the establishment. Dispersed thoughts ran in your mind on your way out, and a quite annoying anxiousness traverse your body as you thought about the ceremony close to begin back in the castle.

- "Well, this explains why there’s a cart pulled by thestrals outside my property. What are you still doing here? I thought you’d be long gone by now.” – Sirona asked you warmly when you entered the cellar.

- “After all you’ve done for us, you wouldn’t believe I’d leave without saying goodbye, don’t you Ms. Ryan?” – She laughed at the formality.

- “Since this very moment I remove all work responsibilities and primness from you, young lady”. – She then embraced you. – “Promise me you both will take of each other, and in case trouble appears you’ll run to me and your professors”.

- “Needn’t worry, Sirona. You have my word. And since you seem to need me no more…” – You said dramatically, and she laughed out loud. – “… I say we’ll see you soon enough for some butterbeers.”

- “Can’t wait to have my two best employees back with gossip from the big old castle. Please do give Mirabel my greetings.” – And with that last exchange you headed outside and found a now quite eager Sebastian to leave.

Hogwarts rose proudly, enigmatic, and ever long charming. From its stained-glass windows light was casted and somehow it seemed as if some idyllic glow radiated around the entirety of the castle. You then wondered if would ever be possible to -someday- admire it without loosing your breath. Not even rain spoilded its sight. Your contemplation was interrupted when you felt Sebastian’s leg shake with anticipation. You could only bring your hand to his shoulder. - “Sebastian, it’s going to be alright. I won’t leave your side and I’m sure Ominis is equally avid to meet again.” -

- “I know that, thank you. It’s just… I know Anne is going to be right there and I’m frankly overwhelmed. As much as I deserve it, don’t want to feel her disappointment all over again.” - Sebastian had to turn his head so you didn’t see him sheer a tear.

Absurd, really, since you’ve already cried together countless days and nights when facing the death of Solomon since the very first moment until this. Although you couldn’t blame him, deep down he wished to look put together for Anne, to prove her that even if the road was long, he was willing to redeem himself.

With a sigh he claimed: - “I think we’re here. Ma’am, allow me.” – And then he offered you his hand when getting off the cart.

Rain stopped for a few moments, the moonlight pierced throughout the clouds illuminating the Black Lake and all of Hogwarts’s gardens, meanwhile fresh air filled with petrichor surrounded your senses. As you began walking towards the entrance few familiar voices could be heard, and the very same scene repeated itself everywhere: friends reuniting, young lovers embracing, professors joyfully giving their warm welcomes. That’s why you couldn’t help but to spare a thought for Professor Fig and Miriam, wondering what could have been. Soon enough you reunited with Natty, Poppy, Imelda, Garreth, Leander and Amit in the Great Hall only after waving, yelling salutes and being held in group hugs for a while.

- “I certainly knew people talked about you and your prowess, ‘Hero of Hogwarts’, but never occurred to me you had that many friends.” – Pointed Sebastian.

- “Oh, and I never thought I get to see you jealous, my dear companion.” – You both had to laugh.

Something was true, even though you cared deeply about all the friends you’ve just greeted, you could only worry deep as you search for Anne and Ominis proved infertile. Sebastian was about to call your name only few seconds before Professor Weasley asked to put you aside, to talk about something important, she said.

- “I’m glad to see you reunite with so many friends. During holidays I wondered if you were doing fine with, well… Professor Fig’s passing. I know you both were close, and he was equally your mentor as a friend too.” – You could feel your cheeks covering in shame. Of course you were doing fine with all the work, Sebastian’s company, Sirona’s wisdom, Ominis’ letters, and the occasional visit from your other friends on your days off. Somehow that kept the guilt away for a moment, but it always came back. Guilt for not being smarter, faster, stronger enough. You knew it was unfair blaming you, the only way to prevent something like that from happening, was to practice even harder, expand your knowledge and discipline. But your strength should emerge from guilt? One must be careful when dealing with it. – “...If you need anything please come to my office. Asking for help takes courage and I find you are one of my bravest students. I’m quite aware you’re not only dealing with the departure of Eleazar, but also Sallow twin’s situation keeps you worried, isn’t it? Please, try not to push yourself too much.”

Just like with Sebastian a few moments ago, before you could say anything Professor Weasley only winked an eye leaving you alone again. - “What was that?” – Sebastian approached again.

- “I sometimes forget that Professor Weasley is highly informed about most things that happens to students and the castle. Don’t think she knows the details, but just in case… we ought to be more discrete.”- You finished saying but Sebastian already had his mind somewhere else. Sighing again he implied:

- “No pressure, but you’re the key to whatever happens right now…” – Then you saw them, already sat in Slytherin’s table. Oh, you could run to them and just hug them so dearly, so warmly; but you knew that rushing could ruin things. With both your stomachs turning and chests burning, Sebastian and you started walking towards Ominis and Anne. Earlier it was decided that you would only sit close enough so Ominis can notice you nearby, but Anne wouldn’t have to see Sebastian right away. Patience was crucial.

Whilst houses were sorted between the newest students and announcements were made by Headmaster Phineas Black, Ominis could hear you speak trivialities with other people, he then noticed your proximity. You’ve had explained him in a letter that this was a temporary precaution for Anne. The real confrontation would have place at the Undercroft a few days from now. Although he was convinced it was for the best, he couldn’t shake a certain feeling which his words failed to describe. He only wants this to be over so you could all be friends again. Alas, if he could only see the way you’re looking at him right now, his heart would break for he can’t endure watching his friends afflicted. Ominis might not say it very often, but his actions prove it. All he wants is to protect you all.

- “Before I finish, I must insist you to stay away from the Black Lake until its fauna irregular behavior gets back to normality. According to recent reports, the lake’s not safe, that’s why I’ve decided to prohibit any club’s or extra-curricular activities involving the lake. Violating this rule will imply detention. In exchange, and since Professor Kogawa convinced the Ministry on a quite elaborated trial, this year's quidditch season might be resumed… for now.” – Headmaster Black concluded and automatically Sebastian looked at you as if he was thinking ‘We should investigate’ while the Great Hall filled with both confused and excited conversations between students. Then, Ominis turned to your direction assuming you would read his expression ‘We promised no more recklessness this year’. You three can read each other’s minds, really.

The rest of the feast passed with no remarkable events, although you wished the distance between Ominis’ seat and yours could simply narrow for some support with the growing tension would be appreciated. Silence reigned your lips until it was time to head to the common rooms. Which reminded you... sleep would certainly be a challenge since you shared room with Imelda and other two girls that happened to be strangers to you. Can’t deny that you wished there was a way to beg Anne to forgive Sebastian, turn back in time, for things won’t be the same ever again. What does it take to right the wrongs? What about the irremediability of death itself? Students started to rise from the benches and walk their way out and that was the signal you were hoping for what it felt as breathing again.

Sept. 1st, 1891 – Hogwarts

I wish I could write about anything that didn’t involve fear and solitude. Even though I counted with Ominis’ company during this past couple of months, I just missed deeply my twin. Of course, my mind would be long lost without my friend’s aid, but it feels as merely a reflection, some sort of fog from what was life before. My uncle’s belongings are intact, and I intend to not touch them, not now or ever. Seeing Sebastian again was… meaningful, in a tragic – dreadful way. And watching him so close to this girl, the ‘Hogwarts’ savior’ some say, was somewhat unsettling. Not that I don’t consider her a friend, I’m just quite conflicted. We’re not particularly close and she couldn’t stop watching us, which was quite uncomfortable. I rather not think about this anymore. As I write this journal entry, my roommates are getting into bed. My 5th year feels already wrong. All my life I took classes with Sebastian beside me. I’m not ashamed for staying behind since my health was compromised, and I owe Ominis a great deal since he talked to his family about my situation and appealed to his father’s scarce generosity so he could convince some Ministry authority to take me back into Hogwarts and receive decent treatment. But what does shame me is to think about the great cost that my friend would have to pay to his family for asking that favor. He even confessed before sending the letter “I wonder if they know I’m still alive”, so I’m aware his efforts were significant. It’s also no secret that his little sister started her first year last September and completely ignored him every time she’d ran to him. Merlin, his cousins won’t even talk to him even though they were sorted into Slytherin too! I can’t imagine being oblivious to my own brother. Well… I might actually have now.

Don’t want to think, don’t want to feel right now. Rather sleep.

   -Anne Sallow

You seriously needed to rest. Tiredness showed in your whole face, but it just felt wrong in a moment like this. So, you sat right next to the chimney where you talked to Sebastian on your first day and stared into the fire, thinking ‘What a day’. This started to feel quite nice. You could listen to the music from a distant record player paired with the sound of droplets falling into the tinted-glass roof that the common room has indicating rain arrived once more. As for the sight in front of you, the light casted from the fire was certainly a contrast from the Black Lake that rose meters from your seat. You always wondered what would happen if the glass simply broke, but then again… enchanted castle, it’s less likely to happen. The absurdity of the thought was interrupted by the echo of steps, at first you assumed it was someone who had to leave their chambers for a midnight visit to the bathrooms, but you started to worry when the steps seemed to approach you on a faster pace, and what was that? Were they were calling your name? It was merely a whisper that sends shivers down your spine. Quickly you took the wand in your pocket and casted lumos until the figure responsible showed in front of you.

- “[Your name]? Is that you?”

- “Good heavens, Ominis. You scared me, I thought…”

- “Do forgive me, but to be fair… imagine if it wasn’t you and now someone else knows I’ve been searching for you this late at night. I was the one nervous. Prefects will take any excuse to send people to detention. Power-sick people.” – He chuckled at his own observation.

- “Searching for me, Ominis? Is everything alright?”

- “Yes, of course, relatively I suppose. Sebastian told me back in our room that you probably would be here since you had trouble sleeping lately.”

- “Well, as a matter of fact I have. As this day got closer and closer.” – Ominis’ frowned and wondered what you meant by that.

- “Do you mind if we sit?” – You asked before he could open his mouth questioning you. You headed to a bigger sofa leading Ominis with your voice while extinguishing the fire. Both decided it was time to talk about the circumstances in which your welcome to the castle occurred but got interrupted after his tongue slipped and almost told you about what he had to do to make Anne return. You knew Ominis is not a good liar, and even if he was, “You’ll break down all my efforts into deceiving you”, he said.

- “You must tell me. We’re a team now, Ominis. I know last year we had our differences, but if I can help you in any way. Please…”

- “Although I appreciate your interest, this is simply not the moment nor the place for me to tell.” – You noticed that he got closer to you and whispered softly, – “I might not be able to see it myself, but I remember a few students pointing the chattering that the portraits in this area have every now and then about the private lives of anyone they get to eavesdrop. Now, the paintings are not the one’s I’m worried about, but if what you said about Professor Weasley means she’s somewhat aware of the situation, well…” – He was right, lights were dim, but you could point the sleepy faces in those portraits. You understood that it was something serious and must take precautions when speaking about anything that involves the Sallow’ twins.

- “Ominis… I might have an idea. Let’s meet up again tomorrow on that wall in the Astronomy Wing from which hangs that big ancient tapestry. Do you remember where? Climbing the stairs in the Defense Against the Dark Arts tower?”

- “Yes, yes, I do recall where. But… it’s just a corridor. Won’t be easier for prefects or professors to notice us?”

- “I promise you, they won’t. But I can’t give you many details, alright? Also, I think is best if we don’t tell Sebastian or Anne about this.”

- “I’m not sure, last time we played hiding things from each other, well… ‘that’ happened.”

- “It won’t be like that, Ominis. I’ll make sure of that. Think about this as we’re making extra efforts into bringing our group of friends together.”

- “Alright, you’ve convinced me. Although you never seem to have trouble archieving that.” – You smiled at his remark and with that said your goodbyes both finding your ways into your rooms. Most certainly, you thought again: ‘What a day’.