#this is what the Elusive Dark Teal was for

[yarnnerd]

Progress on my current project: a teal Star Trek TNG jumpsuit

[greenthena]

Oh me? Just cataloging snakey stuff

I'm currently diving down lots of costume rabbit holes (snake holes? sounds wrong...) in the GO universe. My thoughts for today are about Crowley and how he expresses his snakey-ness through the ages. Might I tempt you down this rabbit hole?

Starting off in Eden. It's a very small detail and barely even visible in this screencap, but you can see deep red embroidery "V" shapes on the shoulder of Crowley's tunic here. They're very scale-like and quite subtle. This "V" scale shape is a patterned motif we'll see throughout the early years (really during the B.C. years) of Crowley clothes. Also, Crowley's hair is almost Gorgon-like, the curls resembling the bodies of serpents.

For the Flood sequence, I had a little trouble finding anything snakey. Crowley's hair is less defined (though glorious! love the plait!) so I'm not as tempted to describe the style as Gorgon-esque. But if you zoom into the robe to get a good view of the texture...

...you can see the herringbone pattern in the weave of the fabric. Herringbone is basically a series of upright and inverted chevrons, that continue the "V" shape motif of snake scales that we first saw on the Eden robe's embroidery. Elusive little reference, but pretty clear once you see it. Also note the unfinished hem at the neckline of Crowley's robe, compared to the smoothly stitched and tied neckline on Aziraphale. Undone versus all bound up.

Bildad is just my favorite and I will gladly ramble indefinitely about everything from the Job minisode. *exhale* Bildad's tone-on-tone black robe has both diamond and stripe-dash designs, which are common patterns for snakes in nature. We've also got the belted sash at the waist, with an unusual use of teal (not a color we associate with Crowley). The unexpected color choice draws attention to the chevron motif, which we've now come to associate with Crowley's snakey-ness in the B.C. flashbacks.

And here's an additional Bildad. I make no apologies.

For the Golgatha sequence, Crowley presents as female, wearing a head covering. The robe looks to be the same as what she wore in the Flood sequence, with the subtle herringbone pattern. It's a heavy scene and the costumes are appropriately subdued.

Sidenote: I want to point out here that through the B.C. flashbacks, Crowley's costumes are consistently very textured compared to Aziraphale's. All the fabrics used are earthy and nubby and just very tactile, even when Crowley is playing the part of a wealthy Shuhite. Aziraphale's fabric choices, in contrast, are polished and almost shining. His accessories are metallic and golden and very much of Heaven. But if we look closer at the texture of his garments, even Aziraphale may be minutely subverting Heaven's uniform. Compare the slub texture (and even the unfinished neck hem in Eden) of Aziraphale's robes in the following images...

...to the perfectly smooth fabrics on the robes of other angels...

Gabriel and Muriel wear Heavenly robes of flawless weave. They're smooth, they're perfect...they're exactly what you'd expect. But not Aziraphale. He is, even back in Eden, drawn to the subtle variances and imperfections of Earth. His garments have texture and substance in a way that we just don't see with the rest of the Heavenly Host.

We now resume your regularly scheduled programming in the years of our lord. We're in the A.D.'s bay-bee!

Crowley's Rome ensemble is so confused and blundered. I read a meta that argued, and I agree, that we're to interpret this as, "This is Crowley's first visit to Rome since the crucifiction and he's just mish-mashed all the styles into one, regardless of gender or whatever." I'm good with the interpretation. In terms of seeking out the snakes, though, we've got a few candidates. First, the dark red linework embroidery at the hem of the toga(?). It's got an undulating pattern that we can read as a literal snake, or simply as a variation on the chevron theme. Either way, it reads as snakey. We've also got the snake brooch--on the nose, but why not? Finally, and this one took me a while, and I'm not certain I'm fully on board, but I'm kind of thinking of Crowley's silver laurels as snake scales. I mean, yes, they're Roman-ish, but very out of place in the context of having a quick drink. You don't wander around the streets of Rome proper wearing silver laurels. Maybe snake scales? This isn't a hill I'm willing to die on.

The big take away from the Rome costume is that this marks a change in Crowley's expression. Prior to this period, he's hidden his snake scales in the weave and texture of his garments. Going forward, we're not going to see any more distinct "V" embroidery or snakey textural patterns. Crowley's style is shifting and becoming more luxurious. But first, Wessex.

GO costume designer Claire Anderson said that for the 537 A.D. Wessex sequence, she was not going all in for historical accuracy. She was compiling armor pieces that looked snake-like. Cheers to her, because poor Crowley just looks like a very uncomfortable and damp serpent. Really like the individual plates on the pauldron and the gauntlet. Very scale-like. The chain mail, itself, can also read snake scales, though I'm hesitant to make that comparison since Aziraphale's armor also includes quite extraordinary amount of chain mail.

A moment of appreciation for Aziraphale's cape, if you will.

Once we reach the Elizabethan era, Crowley really hits his stride in terms of fashion. The lines of his doublet are angular and pointed. The collar is lifted up toward the sky, like a snake periscoping in the grass. But the thing I really see in this costume is the excessive use of velvet. It's the perfect fabric to evoke snake scales. If you've ever been fortunate enough to pet a snake, you'll know that running your hand from the head toward the tail is smooth, but in the opposite direction it's rather rough. (Also, don't, because snakes really don't like it--unless they're shedding...) Similarly, if you run your fingers in one direction of velvet, it causes the fibers to lay flat and smooth, but brushed the other way, the fibers stand up and become rough. Just like the scales. It's also just a very luxurious fabric that begs to be touched. Almost like a temptation, you might say.

In Crowley's Edinburgh costume, the most obvious expression of snake scales can be found on his interior waistcoat. The texture of the fabric, however, does not mimic the "V" pattern we've seen in the B.C. era, instead expressing the scales in the black and red checkered motif. Not super subtle, but nothing about this costume is. I love it so much. Not Bildad-level, but still.

The Holy Water Incident has one glaring snake reference, though not really in the costume itself. Crowley's carrying a walking stick (probably recovering from that post-laudanum punishment) and it's got a little snake head. Not much needs to be said here, as it's pretty obvious. It's a snake. You're welcome.

I'm actually going to end this post here, with our final snake reference being the elongated "S" on Crowley's tie. He's very up to date with the fashions of the era, but still manages to incorporate a clear symbol of his serpenty-ness.

So, yah. Snakey scales though the millennia. I want to do an in-depth look at both Crowley and Aziraphale's costumes in the modern era and really pull them apart piece by piece (not like that...) to find all the angelic and serpentine easter eggs Anderson included. Until then.

[beebotea]

hey, are you listening? — part 08

pairing : college au!xiao x f!reader . summary : in which uni students decipher vague tweets and emotions... + ie: second-year students y/n and xiao are forced to work through their term project (and feelings) as their friends attempt to meddle with their love lives ‘for the greater good’ . cw : swearing, slut-shaming, suggestive, reader she/her pronouns .

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08. house visit

act 1, scene 1

“My, my, my! Aren’t you up and early today. What, got another date with Xiao again?” Hu Tao walked into the kitchen where Y/N was preparing breakfast for her and her roommates. The brunette teasingly winked at her roommate who’s cheek had started to heat up again.

“Well no… but yes. He invited me over to work today. I can ask if you wanna come.”

“Oh I knew it! There’s absolutely no way you’d wake up so early just to make us breakfast. And I won’t be able to come. I signed up for peer mentoring so I have a meeting later today.”

“C’mon, 10 a.m. isn’t that early.”

“Uh, for you it is! Sometimes you sleep in until 1 p.m. on Fridays…”

“Fine, fine, I surrender,” Y/N chuckled, rolling her eyes as she lifted her hands up in surrender. “Do you want to call Yanfei up? The food is almost ready.”

“She’s in the washroom right now I think. Oh man, the food smells so good! You haven’t cooked us breakfast in forever.”

Yanfei joined the two at the table and the three girls chatted away on what’s been happening in their separate classes as of late. Despite always texting the girls and seeing them everyday for dinner, their studies and work often limited the time they had to spend together.

It was more surprising that Y/N was yet to spill the beans on her recent study sessions with the elusive Xiao from their ethics class.

“So, how is he? Have you cracked the shell yet? I haven’t really talked to him much since middle school, but our families keep in touch.” Hu Tao asked, taking a bite out of her food.

“You made him sound so much more intimidating than he actually was.”

“No, Hu Tao’s right. I remember that guy barely talking to anyone all of high school. The only reason why people knew him was because he was pretty…” Yanfei chirped in.

“He seems really nice to me… a gentleman too.”

Hu Tao choked on the juice she had been drinking. “Pfft. What? Xiao? Gentleman?”

“Yeah! He’s really sweet!” Y/N continued to detail the events of her meetings with the dark teal haired boy. From his first acts of chivalry, to how he took care of her at the cafe and even how he nailed her order twice! Her best friends couldn’t seem to bring themselves to believe her, insisting that maybe Xiao hit his head one day and had a whole personality change.

“Or who knows? Maybe his cousin is right and he does feel something for you. But it’s only been a few days so who am I to say?”

—

act 2, scene 1

The door opened to reveal Xiao, wearing a tank top and sweats.

“Hey, come in. Sorry if it’s a bit messy, we’re cleaning up a bit.”

“Oh, hey Y/N! I haven’t seen you since the party! How have you been?” Kazuha called from within the living room. Y/N looked behind Xiao to see the platinum haired boy sweeping, wearing what looked like a cute pink cleaning apron.

“Hey, Kazuha— why are you dressed like that?”

“He’s a little silly like that.” Y/N looks over and spotted Heizou, leaning on the kitchen counter, chuckling as Kazuha side eyed him.

“Heizou, hi!”

Not long after did a fourth voice follow, signaling the entrance of the indigo haired pain-in-the-ass.

“Hope the door didn’t hit you on the way in, Y/N.”

“… nice to see you too bestie— Hey! Don’t touch me!” She yelled as Scaramouche teasingly ruffled her hair.

Xiao swatted away his cousin’s hand and grabbed his project partner by the shoulders to shift her away from the boys protectively.

“I’m done my part for cleaning so she and I will be studying in my room.”

“You mean our room?” Scaramouche chided.

“You’re not allowed in there when she’s here.”

“Hey! I paid for most of this dorm!”

“Please, Scara. It’s a school project.”

“I’ll be quiet and not bother you guys I promise.”

“Fine. Finish cleaning up first.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Scaramouche was shooed away to do his chores by Xiao’s two other roommates as Xiao lead the way to his shared room.

He gave her a small bed-desk for her to put her things on top of while he worked at his own desk.

“I’m not gonna lie, we already got through a lot of the first part of this project and the first check-in isn’t until a week from now. Do you want to just finish everything for the check-in today so we can focus on other things next week?”

“Sure,” he shrugged, staring at their extensive amounts of research and notes that have been compiled into the document from the last few days.

The two powered through the next few hours finalizing the first report of their three-part project. Xiao’s three other roommates occasionally popped in to check on them and bring various cups of water, and teas. In Scaramouche’s case, it was often to bother either of the two and steal a few crackers. In the end, they successfully finished the draft.

“Oh man, my back hurts.” Y/N stretched in her spot as she closed her laptop.

“You should’ve told me. I would’ve swapped seats with you.”

“Nah, it’s alright. I didn’t want to ruin the momentum we had.”

Xiao looked at his clock. 4:49 p.m. “Do you want to see the Pokémon game? How long do you plan on staying?”

“Of course I want to see the game! I can leave whenever so it doesn’t really matter to me. Why? When do you want to kick me out?” Y/N raised her eyebrow teasingly at him.

He let out a chuckle. “You can stay for days if you wanted to and I still wouldn’t mind your company.”

“Ha ha very funny. I’d miss Yanfei and Hu Tao too much of you kept me hostage like that.”

“Do you want to at least stay for dinner? I’m sure the guys won’t mind and I can walk you home after.”

“Sure, why not.”

—

act 2, scene 2

the three friends have been p much attached by the hip since high school

chef scaramouche is canon I promise

xiao (and a few of the other anemo boys) play(s) league. make of that info what you will.

—

taglist  —

@ashhh-14 @sanghyuksgasolinestationscream @yuminako @bananasquash​ @scaramoo​ @lovely028 @apinu @yukii-1 @ttalgi @yelleloww

—

[salparadiselost]

A Quick Review of the Faie Auricula ("Itty Bitty") species

Hello and Welcome to the first step of owning your first Faie Auricula, or as most people call them, Itty Bitty! Now, we are sure you have many questions, but hopefully, we can clear some up and get you on the road to bringing your best friend home! First things first, what is an itty bitty?

Faie Auriculas are a tree-dwelling, mildly magical creature that initially came from the forests of North America and Europe. They are a semi-quadrupedal, semi-bipedal species that use their powerful hind legs and hooked claws to climb trees. In the wild, they live in large family groups and nest in tree hollows, often foraging for food at night. Their natural predators are owls, wild cats, and wolves, all of which wouldn't hesitate to hunt a bitty that strays too far from their hollow. Today, bitties don't have to worry about such scary things because bitties were domesticated many centuries ago. Originally, bitties were the pets of kings and queens and royalty often sent their knights on months-long expeditions to capture elusive bitties. As time passed, though, bitty craze spread to the masses and the demand for them grew despite the difficulty in acquiring them. Today, bitties still have the reputation of being a "rich man's" pet despite the great efforts to make them more accessible.

Why do they have such big eyes? One of the most notable features of a bitty (and one of the reasons they are so irresistibly adorable!) is their large eyes! Their eyes originally evolved to help them see in the dark and protect them from predators, but now they are mainly used to endear them to their human owners. A bitty's eyes are large from the very beginning and bitties grow into their eyes as they age.

The most common eye colour for a bitty is green or yellow. Teal eye colour is slightly rarer, and the most coveted eye colours are deep blue or purple. These colours are extremely rare in wild-type bitties, but through selective construction, the eye colour can be achieved.

What is selective construction? Selective construction is the magical process in which bitties are reproduced. Selective construction is a necessity in creating pet bitties because natural bitty reproduction is still a modern mystery!

Despite centuries of research, humans have never been able to breed bitties together, but groundbreaking research from Drake Industries discovered how to magically construct bitties. The magical construction process is a secretive, patented process so no details are known to the public, but we do know that construction requires material from at least two bitties to be viable.

Selective construction gives bitty owners the wonderful opportunity to choose which traits and behaviours they would like to put in their bitties! Prospective owners may choose traits such as eye colour, coat colour, coat length, coat texture, coat type, and tail type. Some traits are pricey than others, though, so be careful to keep track of your budget while ordering your bitties a la carte.

What should I know before my bitty comes home?

The most important part of owning a bitty is to be ready to love your bitty!

Bitties are an extremely social species and require lots of attention from their owners. They will need attention for at least two hours a day and it's highly recommended to give them outside time at least three times a week.

Bitties often are easily crate-trained due to their natural affinity to tree hollows, however, bitties will often grow unhappy if they are put into a crate for more than five hours a day. If you think that you will need your bitty to be comfortable in a crate, make sure to order a bitty constructed with a calmer temperament and train them early in their lives to be okay with being alone. Despite their high social needs, though, it is not suggested to adopt more than one bitty at once. If a bitty is adopted with another, they may try to bond with the other bitty instead of you! It's important to place yourself as the most important aspect of their lives as early as possible. When your bitty is older you may slowly introduce another into your household, but if the other bitty is an itty (a juvenile bitty that hasn't become bipedal yet) make sure it remains isolated until it is fully attached to its owners.

If all steps are taken to appropriately care for your bitty, you should expect to enjoy your bitty for approximately 12-14 years! As your bitty becomes a teenager, you should expect your bitty to start "slowing down", which means your bitty is entering its final stage of life. When you see that your bitty is slowing down, be sure to contact your vet to arrange end-of-life services for your friend. Although it is sad, slowing down is a painful, drawn-out process and it is much kinder to arrange these services for your bitty. Additionally, by arranging your services, you will be given the option to recycle your bitty into another construction for your next bitty! This gives you the ability to keep what you love about your bitty (and improve the parts that you don't love). I know you don't want to think about this now, however, it is best to know beforehand!

We are so glad you're starting the exciting journey of ordering a bitty! Please be sure to email our customer service department!

With Love, Drake Industries Building Your Best Friend from the Very Beginning - Excerpts taken from "A Quick Guide for Caring for Bitties" from Drake Industries

Written by: @salparadiselost Art from: @jube514

[viiktorious]

⧼   sean teale, cis man, he/him   /   achilles come down by gang of youths + viktor - latin origin meaning 'champion' you were named with the intention that no matter what the situation you're in you'll always come out on top. it's a heavy burden to place on someone's shoulder, and you felt the weight at a very young age. lucky for you you've always shown promise and talent. the sky blessed you with the innate ability to fly across it with ease, to do what many non-magical men can only dream of. it's a blessing and you've taken it with stride. it fills you in ways nothing else seems to do. with a broom and golden in your hand you've become victorious; family - a sacred bond. the reason you exist and the collection of hands that molded you into the man you are now. in an environment where the pull of darkness is like a siren song they are the reason you have not been led astray. the past, the people you've lost have become the guiding light in your life. friends - the family you make. the reason you know that sometimes some bonds are just as strong as the pull of the blood coursing through your veins. blood you would readily spill if those bonds were ever endangered. fiercely loyal to a fault. you'd put your life on the line for anyone that earned a spot within your heart; love - old english, german, latin or ancient greek. to love is to care. filial, platonic or romantic. the latter... for you? unknown. more elusive than a golden snitch. it is something you dream about, to have what so many before you were able to obtain. the path of a victor is lonely it seems.  ⧽   ━━   hey, isn’t that VIKTOR KRUM? i read a daily prophet article on them, once ; the THIRTY TWO year old pure blood WIZARD is a DURMSTRANG INSTITUTE alumnus who has gone on to be a WORLD CLASS QUIDDITCH PLAYER & TEMPORARY HOGWARTS CO-COACH. i’ve heard they can be quite LOYAL & HONORABLE, but i don’t know… they came off very CLOSED OFF & SHORT TEMPERED in that interview. it really is hard to know what to believe these days though, isn’t it?

he's an only child and it shows. his parents ( aleksander and stefania krum ) spoiled him quite a bit, but that love also came with very high expectations for viktor. their affection seemed to be a little bit transactional, though i don't believe they did it intentionally and had his best interest at hand... but he realized at a young age that if he got good grades then soon after he would get a new broom, or the toys he'd been eyeing at the store on their last outing. it was sort of a 'win-win' situation but also an incredibly heavy burden. though it was also partially self-imposed. ( he was a little bit too proud to not strive to be the best in everything he was involved in )

he's very much an example of 'only child syndrome' with certain traits ( most of them not good ) though mainly the difficulty to socialize, the inability to share, the perfectionism, introversion, sensitivity to criticism, and as he grew up... the loneliness. which honestly didn't get any better once he started to show some real talent for quidditch, but it seemed like besides his teammates everyone only wanted to get close to him for their five seconds of fame and he honestly hated that.

the fact that he seemed to be a bit of an outlier in durmstrang, a dark arts institute with igor karkaroff as a headmaster during his schooling, also didn't make things any easier. the people he actually trusted were very few, he was able to count them with one hand. his short temper made him very ... use fists first, ask questions later ... so you know, not the best way to make meaningful connections !

then his last year came and we all know how that turned out, but basically: visiting hogwarts ( good ), meeting hermione ( very good ), befriending harry ( also very good ), being selected for the triwizard tournament ( not in his plans but why not ? new experiences and all ), being manipulated like a puppet with the imperius curse by a death eater, forced to torture cedric diggory with the cruciatus curse and then getting stunned and disqualified ? ( 0 / 10 quite frankly very awful, would NOT recommend, still have nightmares about it ).

after that i like to imagine he graduated and started trying to live his best life as a quidditch player then fast forward to fleur's wedding ... someone he ✨ trauma bonded ✨ and kept in contact with ... getting ambushed and attacked by even more death eaters ? click here for his reaction !

feeling that attack a little bit too personal he decided to stay in britain and help the order of the phoenix as much as he could. i don't think he was heavily involved in the second wizarding war, not in the front lines and definitely not nearly as much as he would have wanted to be. but he did provide aid, and a safe heaven to those that needed to get out of britain and had gotten hurt somehow. ( he was a pretty good healer, almost had to be with how accident prone quidditch players are ) but he did his best to help as much as possible. i have more Thoughts here and Possibilities but i still need to unravel them some more. him not being heavily involved also meant he didn't find out about many things until way after the fact ( mainly harry's "death" ) he only stayed until the funeral and then promptly went back to bulgaria to try to keep on living despite everything that happened.

back in bulgaria... home doesn't feel like home anymore. so he dives into his passion full time, not being one too in tune with his emotions he decides to do his utmost to ignore and move on. and it does work for a few years at least, but the universe has a funny way of repeating events and he gets word of what's happening again. and so he takes a "break" from his quidditch career and contacts professor mcgonagall for a position as a temporary co-coach... though his intention is more being involved, actually helping this time and hopefully protecting those he holds dear.

aaaaand... this is where we are now ♡

[noxtms]

dear sam ; we are pleased to inform you that your application for VIKTOR KRUM has been accepted to 𝐧𝐨𝐱 ! sean teale is now taken. you have twenty four hours to submit your account, or else your role will be reopened !

⧼   sean teale, cis man, he/him   /   achilles come down by gang of youths + viktor - latin origin meaning 'champion' you were named with the intention that no matter what the situation you're in you'll always come out on top. it's a heavy burden to place on someone's shoulder, and you felt the weight at a very young age. lucky for you you've always shown promise and talent. the sky blessed you with the innate ability to fly across it with ease, to do what many non-magical men can only dream of. it's a blessing and you've taken it with stride. it fills you in ways nothing else seems to do. with a broom and golden in your hand you've become victorious; family - a sacred bond. the reason you exist and the collection of hands that molded you into the man you are now. in an environment where the pull of darkness is like a siren song they are the reason you have not been led astray. the past, the people you've lost have become the guiding light in your life. friends - the family you make. the reason you know that sometimes some bonds are just as strong as the pull of the blood coursing through your veins. blood you would readily spill if those bonds were ever endangered. fiercely loyal to a fault. you'd put your life on the line for anyone that earned a spot within your heart; love - old english, german, latin or ancient greek. to love is to care. filial, platonic or romantic. the latter... for you? unknown. more elusive than a golden snitch. it is something you dream about, to have what so many before you were able to obtain. the path of a victor is lonely it seems..   ⧽   ━━   hey, isn’t that VIKTOR KRUM? i read a daily prophet article on them, once ; the THIRTY TWO year old pure blood WIZARD is a DURMSTRANG INSTITUTE alumnus who has gone on to be a WORLD CLASS QUIDDITCH PLAYER & TEMPORARY HOGWARTS CO-COACH. i’ve heard they can be quite LOYAL & HONORABLE, but i don’t know… they came off very CLOSED OFF & SHORT TEMPERED in that interview. it really is hard to know what to believe these days though, isn’t it?   [   sam, twenty six, est. she/they  ]

[sloan-baux]

The sailor shut the gate behind him and slid to the floor, his back brushing against the wooden surface as he shrunk. A wail escaped him when he touched down on the cold stone. As he sagged his head, sweet rainwater began dripping from his hair mixing with the salt that crusted his skin. He hugged himself tremulously, vicious cold permeating his bones. The ruined castle might have been a suitable hideout but was no refuge against the elements. Heat was escaping him, and so was lucidity.

His recent memories were akin to a nightmare, intermittent and unreal, made of visceral impressions and warped images.

A storm at sea, the towering forms of black waves backlit by lightning.

A deluge of seawater, screams, and a shower of wood chippings.

A desperate grasp on his forearm, slipping, nails under his skin, fingers against fingers rummaging for a grip.

Dark silence, the weight of the depths pressing against his orifices.

Squelching and scurrying across a waterlogged path, chased by eight-legged abominations, an image that tasted like panic.

A lithe, white-gloved hand proffered. This last one was very vivid, and it gave the man a pause.

Timidly he lifted his gaze to find a girl connected to the offered hand, her form adorned in a velvet mousse of a dress, gaudy with creamy frills and bows, a bold expanse of skin covered only with lace, magnificent gems illuminating her.

"Come. Dance." A crisp, zesty accent savored her jingling voice, one that the sailor had never heard before. Wary, he took her hand, and so they danced.

Elusive lights played teal and blue against the checkered floor they glided through, masked figures rushing by in their periphery, spiraling in concert with the doleful music that sounded wrong, backward, like the strings and flutes were not releasing, but sucking in the discordant notes that already saturated the air.

"Why are you sad?" The girl inquired, she cocked her head, looking to meet his downcast eyes.

"My crewmates. They're all dead." The sailor responded, "Only I survived, and I'm lost on this forsaken land."

"Dearest. Nothing is ever lost here." she placed a hand on his cheek.

"Come. I have something to show you!"

They drifted towards what seemed to be a pool of opaque light across the foyer, slowly ebbing as they approached, revealing an ornate tall gate. As if the castle made an inviting gesture, the gate opened and sounds of carousing and playful bickering flooded the hall. Along came a gust of warm air laden with bitter hops, sweat notes of port wine, and the savory scent of roasted pork.

The sailor's eyes grew, he smiled, then laughed.

"Captain! The boys! They all survived too?"

The girl didn't answer. She returned his excited look with a rueful smile and poked her head toward the commotion.

"Go to them now."

This is my drabble (again, not 100 words but at this point breaking rules is my love language XD) for the card Opulent Foyer requested by @iljodjeshi. This one is definitely more chill than the previous one, but hey I write whatever the card brings out of me 😊.

I still have Deny for @furtiveseal (I might be able to use my WIP for this) and Practical Perfectionist (gonna be spicy!) for @flowingmoons coming up but feel free to suggest more. Although I'll probably have to slow down with them because I should work on my WIP instead. XD

Anyway, if you've liked this feel free to check out another card I did, Solitude:

[unbloomingmoonflower]

prelude

image was created by a very dear friend when I first started my Tokyo Ghoul fanfiction. The character is my OC, Hanami Makine.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The sky was an endless azure, no traces of the fluffy white clouds or even the thundering storm clouds that rumbled throughout the night. The sun shining so strongly in the heavens and the cooling breeze made the morning much more bearable to be about.

Makine Hanami wished there were more patches of grass to curl her toes in at Kamii; the dewy feeling of wet grass after a storm gave her a sense of peace, something that had been elusive of her for quite some time. Wet concrete would have to be a close second against her bare feet.

"Hana-chan, every time I find you, you have your shoes off after a storm. You're the only weirdo in this entire place!"

Mizuki Yuna walked toward the sky-gazing brunette, teal eyes glittering in amusement in spite of her stern tone. She tossed her black hair over her shoulder, her lips curved into a smile as Hanami turned her crimson gaze to Yuna instead of the sky. "Do you think the souls of the dead fall back to earth when it rains?" asked Hanami, pushing a lock of light brown hair behind her ear. It was a thought that often plagued her every time the rain came down. Yuna wouldn't have been surprised if Hanami had been out on her porch all night, just watching as Tokyo was cleansed in the storm.

Yuna knew her best friend, however; there was a reason she posed the question. "I'd like to think so," she answered, softly, before she linked her arm with Hanami's. "We can talk more about that later. I have a surprise for you!"

Hanami raised an eyebrow, knowing Yuna understood when she made the facial expression.

Yuna grinned. "Get your shoes back on and follow me."

Hanami shrugged blithely, slipping her slightly damp feet into her sandals and adjusting the strap of her bag. Yuna's grin widened as she grabbed Hanami's hand and tugged her along. "Yuna," Hanami managed, managing to keep her stride in spite of Yuna's grip on her slender wrist. "What is this surprise?"

"Well, since I am bad at keeping anything a secret, I have friends for you to meet!" replied Yuna giddily, her eyes bright. Hanami narrowed her eyes slightly as a soft frown crossed her features. Yuna had been Hanami's only, dearest, and closest friend; she hadn't bothered making any others, as new people seemed to bother her. Yuna glanced at Hanami over her shoulder, a smile still on her face. "Hana-chan, you know I wouldn't introduce you if they weren't nice guys," she said, her voice soothing. An assurance, Hanami knew, because Yuna was right. She would never expose Hanami to anyone she thought was a bad person. "And besides!" continued Yuna, teal orbs twinkling in mischief. "One of them is shy like you. You two would get along fantastically!"

"You're the only one in Tokyo that would ever say fantastically, I know it," murmured Hanami, but her soft tone bore no malice or frustration toward Yuna. A giggle bubbled from Yuna's lips and she quickened their pace. "You love me, Hana-chan," she cooed.

A soft smile curved Hanami's lips. "Yeah, I know."

"Hey, Nagachika!" Yuna had tugged Hanami to the large courtyard where students would mingle in front of the student café, calling out to the blonde standing at one of the numerous tables where a raven-haired male sat with a book. The blonde grinned brightly, so much so that Hanami was strongly reminded of the girl holding her by the wrist. "Hey, Mizuki, it's about time you showed up!" he said by way of greeting, raising a hand. His brown eyes were bright, but Hanami could see that he wasn't only as bubbly as he appeared. "Is this that friend you were telling us about? She's a looker!"

Hanami blinked in surprise before she turned a cautious gaze at Yuna, who laughed. "I told you she was cute, didn't I?"

"You got me beat. You're right, she's cute!"

"Hide, I think that's making her uncomfortable," the dark-haired boy spoke then, his tone soft as his grey eyes flickered to Hanami, a shy, but reassuring smile gracing his features. Yuna grinned, gently tugging Hanami over to put her on display, Hanami stumbling slightly at Yuna's action. "This," Yuna announced proudly, "is my very best friend, Makine Hanami. She's in the Pharmacy Department and just too damn shy for her own good!"

"Yuna," muttered Hanami, heat rising to tint her pale cheeks pink, but Yuna merely beamed at her as she gestured grandly to the boys. "Hana-chan, these are the friends I was telling you about! The blonde here is Nagachika Hideyoshi-kun--"

"You can call me Hide, though!" Hide interjected with a grin.

"—Yeah, Hideyoshi is a mouthful, his words not mine; and that gentleman over there with the book is Kaneki Ken-kun, Hide-kun's best friend!"

Kaneki waved shyly and Hanami found her gaze drawn to him. His own cheeks were tinted pink, but Yuna said that he was shy, hadn't she? There was an earnestness in his grey eyes that Hanami couldn't help but meet his gaze; however, there was something else, something familiar.

"You're the famous Hana-chan that Yuna-chan talked about," Kaneki murmured, the smile more polite now. "It's nice to finally meet you."

Hanami nodded, averting her eyes. Her tongue dried inside of her mouth, her heart pounding up to her throat. Yuna pouted, grabbing onto Hanami's arm. "Hana-chan, now isn't the time to be shy and quiet! You need to break out of your shell!" she chided.

"This is like looking into a carnival mirror!" laughed Hide, rubbing the back of his head. "Spitting image of how I act with this guy!" He jabbed a thumb in Kaneki's direction, but the raven-haired boy seemed rather used to Hide's antics. Hanami sighed, gently prying herself from Yuna to sit on the bench opposite of Kaneki.

It was then that Yuna had the mischievous glint in her teal eyes. "Hey, Nagachika-kun, come with me for a sec. I forgot something back in the classroom," she said. Either Hanami was imagining it or Hide had the same mischievous glint that Yuna sported in his eyes. "Sure thing," he replied. "Yo, Kaneki, keep Hana-chan company, will ya?"

"W-Wait a second!" Kaneki shot to his feet, a deep flush tinting his cheeks, but Yuna and Hide dashed off before he could finish. Hanami watched as he sat back down, apparently embarrassed by his own behavior as he rubbed a hand against his face.

The brunette's eyes flickered to the tabletop, discomfort gnawing at her innards. Damn it, Yuna. She had never been alone with anyone besides Yuna, much less a male student at Kamii University. Kaneki seemed just as uncomfortable at being alone with her and Hanami was with him.

After a few heartbeats, Kaneki sighed heavily and closed the book his was reading. Hanami's eyes darted to the cover. Dear Kafka...? she thought, frowning softly. I wonder what kind of book that is...

"Hana-chan?" Kaneki's voice broke her reverie and Hanami's head snapped up from the book cover, quickly enough to startle the boy. "I-I'm sorry if that was too informal of me!" he backtracked, another flush blooming on his cheeks, his eyes widening in his flustered state. "You just looked interested in the book title so I thought—"

"I-It's fine." Hanami finally found her voice, her low murmur silencing Kaneki's harried flow of words. "You can call me Hana-chan if you want to; I don't mind very much."

"Oh." Kaneki's entire body sagged with relief as though Hanami had lifted a heavy burden off of his shoulders. "Do you know of Takatsuki Sen's work?" he asked, looking rather eager all of a sudden with bright eyes and a ready smile.

Hanami slowly shook her head. "I...didn't read much as a child, but I was always fascinated by books. I was always curious about the stories behind the cover," she answered, the words burning her tongue so much she wished she could chew it off. "You seemed rather enthralled by the book. Is it...is it good?"

"Yeah. There's just something about her writing style that just draws me in." Kaneki looked at the book fondly before, so suddenly yet so minutely, sliding the book toward her. "You can borrow it since you look very curious about it. I won't spoil anything for you so that way you can enjoy it."

Hanami's eyes widened, wringing her hands together against her lap. "I couldn't, it's your book-"

"Exactly, which means I can lend it to whomever I want." Kaneki smiled at her and Hanami felt her heart jump to her throat again. "It'll be nice if we both can talk about the book after you finish reading it."

Hanami's heart raced, Kaneki's words and actions bringing a lump into her throat, as she reached for the book he so kindly pushed into her direction. Her fingers gripped the book gingerly, lifting it from the table. "Thank you," she whispered, holding the book to her chest as though it were a crying child. "I'll take care of it while it's in my care, I promise."

There was a kindness in Kaneki's grey eyes that nearly stopped her heart. "I know you will, Hana-chan."

Hanami barely remembered Yuna and Hide returning after that moment. She pondered on that strange sensation as she sat on her bed inside of her apartment, the walls a shield for her solitude as moonlight streamed through the windows. Time seemed to stop during the briefest exchange with Kaneki that resulted in Hanami having a possession of his in her care for the time being. Red eyes fixated on the cover, the words Dear Kafka drawing her eyes as though it were a magnet. The index finger of her right hand slowly traced the words before it slid to the corner, lifting the cover to open the book.

There had to have been something wrong with her; Hanami's heart had never galloped so furiously from within her chest like this. Even though the book was likely sold by the truckload in bookstores, owned by thousands, there was a strange feeling of intimacy that weaved through her blood. But why? Something as innocent as lending a book to someone shouldn't have invoked such a strong reaction...

Hanami shook her head, trying to calm her erratic heart before she wound herself up further. Instead, she turned the page of the book, diving into its pages, lulled by the words, the eloquence that spoke to her on a molecular level. It was as though in some way, the book reached deep into the chambers of her heart and took root there, beating every syllable, every imagery, and every emotion into her body.

And her heart beat its thanks for the person who opened this new world to her until she could no longer keep her eyes open.

It had taken Hanami a week to finish Dear Kafka; and yet, finish was the wrong world to use. She had finished the book the day Kaneki lent it to her, but she couldn't help reading it again. However, this book didn't belong to her and it was time to return it.

Inhaling shakily, Hanami walked through Kamii's large campus, already used to the mingling students and the numerous departments for fields of study. She didn't have class on this bright Tuesday, but she wanted to see Kaneki to return the book. She gripped the strap of her bag, keeping it steady on her shoulder. Thanking him is on the to-do list today, she told herself. She was at this school without Yuna to do the talking for her. She had to show her gratitude on her own.

Crimson eyes darted around the university before landing on at a nearby table with chairs on opposite sides of each other. Occupying one of the chairs was unmistakably Kaneki Ken, another book in his hands, and Hanami felt the creepings of disturbance in her heart. How she could recognize him after a few encounters was astounding to her—and bordering onto disturbing.

This is no time to be scared. Hanami strode over to where he sat, ignoring the dregs of nervousness that knotted the pit of her stomach, quiet as a mouse. Strangely, as though he heard her footsteps, Kaneki lifted his head from the book and his grey eyes widened in what Hanami hoped was happily surprised. "Hi, Hana-chan. What are you doing at Kamii? I thought you didn't have classes today."

"I don't—wait, how did you know that?" Hanami asked, tilting her head with a slight frown.

A light pink hue dusted Kaneki's cheeks as he averted his eyes bashfully. "I asked Yuna-chan."

"You...asked about me?" Warmth seeped into her chest at the notion. The only one who truly wondered of her whereabouts had always, always been Yuna.

"That's okay, isn't it? I know we don't know each other very well right now, but..." Kaneki trailed off nervously and Hanami almost wondered if the poor boy ever talked to any girl outside of Yuna, even when their interactions were minimal. Her mind nearly ran off with the thought before Hanami jerked herself back into why she was on campus in the first place.

"Actually, I came by hoping to see you. So I can return your book." Hanami opened her bag, pulling the book out carefully, before handing it back to Kaneki. The raven-haired male took it from her and gently placed it atop his open book before his eyes flickered to her shyly. "Did you like the book?" he asked.

Hanami beamed a soft smile at his question. "I loved it. Thank you for lending it to me."

"A-Anytime!" Kaneki smiled back, gesturing for Hanami to take the seat across from him, which she did without hesitation. "If you ever feel like borrowing another book, I've got plenty that I can lend you."

"I couldn't ask that of you. It'd be much better if I had some of my own." Hanami placed her hands atop the table, lacing her fingers together. The warmth was still spreading within her, but it was coupled with a nervousness she couldn't truly comprehend. His kindness overwhelmed her and caused her to lower her eyes, but yet that something that caught her when they were first introduced still nagged at her. It was familiar, but from where...?

Kaneki looked at his books, smiling softly as though those novels were his most treasured companions. "It'd be nice, though. I feel bad, in a way; you haven't read a book even though you wanted to."

Hanami shook her head, shivering as a slight breeze caressed them, her hair shifting with the wind. "That's not your fault. Everything was just..." she exhaled heavily, wishing she could just swallow her words, "...complicated."

"I won't ask if you don't want me to."

"Thank you for that."

Silence hung between them; however, unlike the uncomfortable silence of their first meeting, the current silence was full. Warm, even.

"Hana-chan?" Kaneki's voice was soft, his grey eyes trying to catch Hanami's downcast gaze. Nervousness crawled up her throat like bile and Hanami forced herself to raise her eyes. She inhaled deeply in an attempt to calm her nerves. Nagachika Hideyoshi was right, she thought dryly. She and Kaneki were too alike for their own good.

"Can I ask you something?" she asked softly.

Kaneki nodded, his expression shifting minutely to attentiveness. "Sure."

"You're always alone, aside from hanging out with Nagachika." Hanami's eyes narrowed softly at the dark-haired male. "Why is that, Kaneki?"

Kaneki averted his eyes, a light shade of pink dusting his cheeks. "I'm not that social. Hide understands me the best, after all; we've been friends forever."

"Well then," Hanami rest her elbow against the tabletop, propping her cheek against her palm. "Is it all right if I try to understand too? Since you and I are alike?"

Kaneki blinked in surprise. "But you're never alone. You're always with Yuna-chan!"

"It's the same way as you and Nagachika. Yuna just knows me the best." Hanami smiled softly. "She isn't scared of me because of my eyes."

"Why would your eyes be scary?" Kaneki's eyes widened slightly in surprise that matched his voice. "Your eyes are really pretty."

Hanami recoiled, her eyes widening as her hand slowly dropped from her cheek. "What...?"

Kaneki's cheeks turned redder, as if he just realized what he had said out loud, but it was too late to take the words back. His eyes darted to the table, no doubt avoiding her gaze so that he could say what he wanted to. "Yuna-chan told us that you were really sensitive about how people treat you after seeing your eyes. I thought she was just exaggerating until we actually met," he murmured. He took in a breath before he lifted his eyes to meet her surprised ones, grey clashing with crimson. "I think...I think your eyes are really pretty. They're unique, like you."

There it went again. Her heart was hammering in her chest and heat was rising to her cheeks, tinting the pale flesh pink. Her head was spinning and her blood zoomed through her veins. She had to go, to run before this strange sensation completely knocked her off of her feet. Hanami pushed the chair back, getting to her feet. "I...I have to go," she stammered, gripping at the strap of her bag as though it were her lifeline as she quickly turned away to leave.

"Hana-chan, wait," Kaneki called to her, his voice pleading, and Hanami dared to look back. He was on his feet and she could see his eyes trembling, as though he was afraid he'd scare her off. There was something else in his eyes; a flicker.

A shadow. Just like her eyes.

Cheeks darkening into deep red, Hanami tore her gaze away and ran, as fast as she possible could. She didn't understand why her heart beat so furiously around Kaneki.

But it scared her.

"Hana-chan?" The loud knock rang off of her apartment door and Hanami curled up in her bed, cotton sheets wrapped tightly around her. She knew it was Yuna; her best friend was the only one who knew where Hanami lived.

"I'm coming in," announced Yuna from the other side of the door and Hanami could faintly hear the jingling of keys. While she was thankful that she made the spare key for Yuna in any event of Hanami being sick to go to class, she partly wished that was the only reason her friend would just enter. Hanami heard her door swing open and Yuna coming in, shutting the door and locking it behind her. The sound of something heavy hit the wood floor and Hanami peeked toward her bedroom door as Yuna strode in, donning her lavender sweater and blue jeans. She bounced onto Hanami's bed, splaying herself on the mattress at Hanami's feet. "You feeling okay?" she asked. "You haven't been in school for a few days."

Hanami curled further inside of her blanket, her fingers clutching at the material for anchor. She remained silent, knowing Yuna would continue her thought and surely enough--

"Hide-kun and Kaneki-kun asked about you. Kaneki-kun more so; did something happen with you two?"

Hanami buried her head inside of her blankets. Of course Kaneki would ask; she was the run who ran off as though the devil had come for her. He had done nothing wrong.

He'd done nothing but compliment her eyes, the only part of her that she hated the most.

"Hana-chan?" Yuna's voice was gentle, the mattress creaking as the dark-haired girl turned to recline on her side. "What did he do?"

"He didn't do anything to me," whispered Hanami, but she didn't dare move; Yuna knew her the best and even if Hanami chose to lie, her friend would see the truth.

"Then what happened?"

"My heart just...it races when I'm near him. Ever since we met and it scares me." Hanami was surprised she could get all of that in one breath, much less in a sentence. She didn't dare poke her head out to see Yuna's reaction to her words, but Yuna released a sigh.

"Hana-chan, I think you're in love."

"What?"

"It's either that or you're terrified of Kaneki and that boy is hardly dangerous."

Hanami poked her head from her bundle of blankets, glaring slightly at Yuna. "Hardly dangerous is an understatement."

"Fine, he's dangerous for you since you have a crush on him." Yuna smiled at finally seeing Hanami's face, nudging at her foot with a knee before her expression became serious. "I'm happy for you, though. This is the first time you've genuinely liked a guy since you came to this school and all this started because of a book."

"It started because you introduced us," retorted Hanami, plopping her head on her pillow. She was silent for a moment before she continued. "He has the same eyes as me, Yuna."

"The same eyes? You don't think...?"

"I don't know. I don't want to ask because we're not that close. But I recognize that feeling I get around him now."

"What feeling?"

"Loneliness."

Yuna was silent as Hanami's words sunk in. The ravenette knew what the brunette meant; being friends for so long, how could she not? Yuna flopped onto her back, staring at the ceiling before she spoke carefully. "Hide-kun told me that Kaneki-kun was going on a date tonight, Hana-chan."

Hanami inhaled inaudibly, but not once did she make a move to show how the news affected her. Why should she be bothered? Because of some small possibility of having a crush on him? He was free to date whomever he pleased!

But why does it bother me? Hanami wondered, as a strange, sick feeling oozed into her heart, winding its stalks within and around the organ. She recognized the ugliness of jealousy; she felt it before. However, she never felt it whenever it came to "having a crush" or remotely "love". She doubted it was due to either of those reasons.

"Hana-chan?" Yuna's hand landed on Hanami's leg in comfort and Hanami could only sigh again.

"Whomever he's going out with tonight must be really pretty," she mused aloud, her eyes staring at some corner of her apartment without really seeing it.

"You're not upset?"

"Why would I be? And don't say because of a crush."

"That was exactly my reason, but since you so adamantly deny that it's a reason--"

"Because it isn't a reason."

"My point is, I'd be upset if my crush dated someone else. It'd mean I missed out."

Hanami rolled her eyes before proceeding to bury herself back into her bundle of blankets. She bunched herself up into a ball, cursing herself within for running away and cursing herself for how easily swayed her heart appeared to be.

Yuna opted to stay the night, something Hanami never refused and with her mind jumbled as it was, it was quite needed. While she and Hanami were about to stream a low-budget horror movie after a hectic dinner and playfully fighting over who would take a turn in the bath, both in their pajamas and bundled with blankets, Yuna's cellphone chimed loud enough to tear through the drywall. Frowning, Yuna tossed off her blanket with gusto, bouncing to the edge of the bed to dig into her bag before finally pulling out the ringing smartphone from its hiding spot. "Huh, it's Hide-kun," she announced.

"So answer it," Hanami replied, bringing her knees up to her chest, her back against the wall. Yuna nodded, accepting the call and pressing the phone to her ear. "Hide-kun? Hi, what's up?" she greeted.

She was silent, listening to whatever Hide was saying before she suddenly let out a sharp, "What? When?"

It was barely a second before Yuna replied, "We're coming. We'll meet you there, just keep us posted if you make it there before we do."

"Yuna? What's wrong?" Hanami tilted her head, concern brewing within the depths of her stomach, mingling with the sensation that something was wrong.

Yuna turned her teal eyes toward Hanami, her expression grim with worry. "Hana-chan, get your shoes on. We're going to the hospital."

Hanami's eyes widened. "Hospital? Why--"

"Kaneki-kun was in an accident, Hana-chan. We have to go."

Adrenaline fired through Hanami's body, propelling her from where she sat. Her mind was centered on getting to the hospital as quickly as she was physically able; she was barely aware of jamming her feet into her shoes, barely aware that Yuna seized her hand. All Hanami knew was that she was running, her heart pumping into overdrive, and she only prayed that when they arrived that they wouldn't have to attend a funeral.

It was mere minutes and yet each second dragged in its own eternity before Hanami zeroed in on Yuna's voice calling out for Hide, right as her eyes focused on the worried blonde, standing outside of the hospital. He chewed on his lower lip, brown eyes drawn with so much concern that Hanami felt a lump in her throat. He gave a brisk nod, leading them inside of the hospital to sit at the waiting room.

"Hide-kun," Yuna murmured softly, "how is he?"

"Dunno. He's been in surgery for a while." Hide collapsed onto a chair, scrubbing a hand over his face. "He put me as his next of kin, so all I know I know is that he was in a real bad accident and they're giving him a transplant."

"From who?" Hanami managed to find her voice, ice sheening her blood.

Hide shrugged. "From what they could tell me, the girl he was with when the accident happened."

"Jesus," whispered Yuna, teal eyes loading with tears. "I can't even think of how...God, Hide-kun, I'm so sorry."

Hide shook his head. "Let's just hope he pulls through. If we lose hope, he might wimp out on us," he replied, trying to keep his voice strong, but Hanami could hear the tremors of worry. She lowered her gaze to the pristine tile floors, a low droning aching on her ears.

"He was worried about you, Hanami." Hide's voice caught Hanami's attention as crimson eyes flew to meet concerned brown orbs. "You weren't in school today. Even excited about his date as he was, all he could talk about was hoping you weren't sick."

"Why?" Hanami wished she could suck the word back into her mouth as soon as it passed her lips. Her expression crossed into a soft frown of confusion. "We aren't close, not like you how and he are. I..." She trailed off, biting down on her tongue mercilessly in hopes of tearing it off.

Yuna watched her with concerned eyes, but Hide spoke softly. "He cares about you, whether you two are close or not. You bonded and that's what's important. If you didn't care about him at all, you wouldn't be here, right?"

He hit the nail so blatantly on the head that Hanami couldn't even find it in herself to refute his statement. Her vision watered, blurring, until burning tears trailed down her cheeks and her hands covered her face. Deep within the recesses of her heart, Hanami prayed.

She prayed to whatever god existed that Kaneki Ken pulled through.

[ramenaddicted]

Coffee (Grimmjow x Reader)Drinktober Day 1

Hidey ho! It is me your most elusive and shy blog owner. This is my first piece for my Drinktober menu. This one is a little over seven hundred words, on to the prompt/theme. I chose Bleach as the base, Grimmjow as the mixer and for the garnish I chose fluff. thus coffee was born.

Content Warning: Some cursing, reader is female, and Grimmjow calls reader names.

My day starts at seven o'clock. I drag my body from my comfort prison known as my bed and fire up my shower. As the rivulets of water fell on the shower floor, my mind slowly replays my day from yesterday. Again my day started at seven o'clock in the morning. The sky is still a tad dark with little bits of light trying to peek through; I can hear the sound of the garbage truck making its weekly rounds, but the plush softness of my blankets slowly pulls my body and mind back down into the bed.

"Are you gonna get that?" An unfamiliar raspy voice asked.

I live alone, I sleep alone and wake up to the cruel colorless, and desolate sky alone. So when I hear a deep raspy voice, tinged with annoyance because of my alarm; I did what any person would do... scream.

"Hey, hey… it's too early in the morning for that-quit hitting me!"

Not listening to the man that made a home in my bed,I screamed louder. The pillows were my only weapon against the intruder; smacking and colliding with his face until he fell on the floor. Now here we are standing on opposite sides of my bed; the intruder is a tall well-built man with teal hair.

"Y/N, what is going on?" He barks while pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Who are you and how did you get into my house?!"

"It's me, Grimmjow, you're boyfriend!"

Small slivers of sunlight start to peek through, slowly illuminating my bedroom. With the help of the artificial light I can see on his well-toned chest a long and deep scar; trailing from his neck down to his belly, painful.

The chaotic scene only grew worse when I tried to run out of my bedroom only to slip and hit the floor hard. Once again my visit was taken by the cold, cruel, colorless sky.

My thoughts dissipated after my shower; when I stepped out and dried off, the familiar smell of coffee wafted through the air.

Ah yes, Grimmjow is making coffee. My boyfriend.

After dressing for work I followed the scent of maple and cinnamon. Standing in the doorway to my kitchen I see Grimmjow frantically pouring two cups of coffee. Exhausted teal strands decorate his forehead as he concentrates on using the can cool whip. He curses when coffee splatters my countertops instead of making a small ring of the creamy delight.

A small giggle escapes my lips, when I tried to cover my mouth, all sounds in the kitchen ceased. Grimmjow looks so cute when he's angry.

"Good morning, Grimmjow."

"Good morning, woman."

Pointing to the can "you're squeezing the wrong side of the nozzle."

I gingerly grabbed the can of whipped topping and squeeze the nozzle on the left side of the can and viola, whipped topping slithered out and I got a nice little circle on my coffee.

"Do you want some?"

He grumbles and mutters some profanities while drinking his black coffee. The kitchen is filled with bright sunlight as the clock shows nine o'clock. I calmly sip my lukewarm coffee when Grimmjow asks a question.

"You wanna talk about yesterday morning?" He seethed while never taking those beautiful eyes off me. I could have sworn I saw his pupils turned into slits while waiting for my answer.

"I told you yesterday, I'm not used to waking up with someone. I'm used to being alone." I replied, we've only been together for a couple of weeks, and Grimmjow is more passionate than he lets on.

Yesterday morning there was a huge misunderstanding; the night before I cried to Grimmjow about work and family problems. He had the bright idea of staying over, which was fine. However, Grimmjow was supposed to sleep on the couch, and I'm a heavy sleeper, so Grimmy poo thought that sleeping next to me would relieve my anxiety? stress?

When actually he kick-started my fight or flight response and beat him with a pillow.

"Grimmjow, again I'm-

"I'm always gonna be right by your side, stupid." He grunted before he planted a chaste kiss on my lips.

The scent of maple and cinnamon faintly lingering as he pulled back and kissed my hand.

"Buenos días mi corazón."

[flowerwrites06]

diamond trail finale — myg

Plot: The theft of his most elusive and mystery possession leads to a web of trickery that threatens every large syndicate in the country. (alternative: Yoongis’ prized possession is stolen but he’s not the only gang leader being betrayed)

Pairing(s): Mafia Boss!Yoongi x Consigliere!Y/N

Rating: G | PG | M | R 18+

Type: Drabble | Oneshot | Two Parter | Series

Word Count: 3k+

Genre: Mafia | Marriage | Mature Themes/Fluff/Smut

Tags & Warnings: criminal activities, mentions of past abuse (outside of the pair), explicit smut (spanking and very brief anal play), mild violence, coarse language, prostitution, slightly more graphic physical violence in this part (it’s brief but beware) 

Authors Note: here's the finale peeps! hope you like how I ended everything off! as usual, let me know what you think of this story and a like/reblog/comment go a long way!

Nectar Oak still had the same atmosphere as it did all those years ago. The smell of allspice flowers and jasmines, plumes of smoke flowing out of the customers’ mouth as their wallets emptied and cheeks glowed from excitement. All the workers held themselves up with the elegance of a geisha despite knowing they’d never be considered to such a standard. You looked up at the height of the building. How much bigger it looked when your mother used to hold your hand walk you around the streets just for some fresh air.

You felt like a ghost eerily wandering the place an old part of you died. You didn’t miss it but you could feel her. The innocence of hoping that you’d never have to work here and the relief of finding a better life. Not the best life. It was still filled with tears and suffering but at least here, she was in power. And she had the people she loved.

Silk red robe draped upon your form, resemblant of a traditional hanbok twisted and ‘modernized’ to create an erotic appeal. Golden vectors curled to accentuate your waist, the band covered your torso to enhance the curve of you breasts and you hair loosely tied by a gold clip encrusted in emeralds. You habitually touched your finger but found it empty, a small twinge of anxiety grew heavy in your chest.

*With a deep reluctant breath, you pulled off your wedding ring, hugging it to your chest before carefully placing it in a jewelry box for safe keeping.

When Yoongi saw you, a cold wave washed over him. Like the cruel turns of time twisted back to those days where he felt the walls closing in on him. Preventing him from holding onto his parents’ legacy for his mother and building his own family. His heart already dropped into the pit but he still noticed the ache. “Let’s get this over with.” He muttered under his breath.*

The owner of Nectar Oak became one of your connections. A solid reminder that things were not as it used to be. You talked to him like you were his equal rather than a worker. He also had enough brains to know he wasn’t talking to a random worker anymore. He was speaking to someone who could break his business in a blink. The thought of it caused sweat to drop on the sides of his temple.

“You know how to promote me, Jung,” you spoke as you two sat in his office. “Just do what you do best and your building will stay safe and funded.” A smile tugged at your lips, sadness gripping your gaze but you knew well to hide it from the likes of his kind.

Yoongi secluded himself in one of the courtesan rooms. He sat on the velvet couch, shirt sleeves rolled up and a cigarette between his fingers, burning eyes fixated on the cameras set up inside Nectar Oak. Particularly targeting you and Jungkook.

The man-child arrived in a half hour. Exactly on time. Black dress shirt and his cheeks sucking in an almost burnt out cigarette, dark hair messy and damp with the look of someone who was given everything he wanted. He blew the plume of smoke as he eyed the courtesans dressed in coloured silk.

Jung, the plump owner of the courtesan house pranced over to Jungkook with a jovial smile. “Welcome, sir!”

“Jung.” Jungkook grinned, leaning against the emerald marble counter. “What’ve you got for me?”

“Only the finest, Master Jeon.” Jung chortled, grabbing the hardcover book designed in teal and gold vectors. Inside were different pictures and descriptions of all the patrons that lived in the current courtesan house. “We have your favourite selections of curvy and petite as you well know. There’s also the special treatments if you require a little more spice.”

Jungkook scanned the book with an air of a teenager seeing a picture of a naked woman for the first time. Hungry eyes finally stopped and stared at one picture. “Who is she?”

“Uh—oh, she’s not quite available yet, sir.”

Hunger turned to determination. “Why not?”

“Well—see her prices—she’s one of our most risky patrons.”

“You’re saying I can’t afford her?”

“No, no no no!” Jung chuckled nervously without hitch of losing his act. “It’s just—only a select amount of customers have actually been able to have a session with her. She has her own ground rules, you see and some extremely challenging—eh—punishments if those rules are abided by. Experienced employee benefits.”

Yoongi had to hand it to him for his marketing skills. Anyone like Jungkook would love a challenge if someone thought they couldn’t do it.

“I’ll take her,” Jungkook said. “Whatever the price.”

“Oh, sir—”

“I don’t like waiting, Jung. Let’s not taint this friendship we have, hm?” Jungkook narrowed his gaze.

Jung let out a shaky breath and nodded. “Of course, sir. I will call her down.” He pressed on one of the buttons at his desk.

Yoongi heard the buzz from the vanity table where you sat.

You stood up from the chair, walking out of the room without sharing a glance at Yoongi so you could steel yourself. The time for softness wasn’t now.

Walking down the wooden stairs, even the echoes of your shoes were too familiar. Time rewound, bringing you right back where you started. No. You mentally shook your head and raised your chin. Your presence lit up the room, silencing the younger members and alerting the other customers. The silk train left behind exuded an air of magic, like wildflowers growing at your every step.

All the illusion of a trained courtesan in this country.

Jungkook stared at you, hunger burning in his eyes as he stamped the cigarette on the silver ashtray lain on the counter.

“Master Jeon,” you said, bowing in front of him. “Pleasure to be of your service.”

“Pleasure is all mine,” Jungkook spoke with the delicacy of a lover but the fire of a conqueror. “Jung here holds you to high regard in this establishment.” He walked close to your form until he towered over you, feeling the filmsy satisfaction for seeing your gaze lift for him. “I’m excited to see what the mystery is all about.”

You side-eyed Jung with a calculated smug smile, reddened lips and eyes moist. “He’s an enthusiastic man but not a liar, I assure you. One doesn’t make a room stand still like this without having a few skills under her skirt.” Your cheeks glowed like polished jewels.

Jungkook chuckled under his breath. “That’ll be all, Jung.”

Jung bowed with a wide grin and walked away.

You held onto Jungkooks’ hand. “This way, sir.” Nervousness faded completely as the mission at hand became your first priority. The scent of opium was thick around Jungkooks’ form as he shifted closer, nudging his nose in your hair slightly. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Master Jeon.”

“Oh? Nice things I hope.”

“Tales of conquering the higher ups and standing up for the street dwellers.” You looked over your shoulder. “You’re a hero amongst the whispers of the alley.”

If confidence had a physical form, it’d be like gold oozing down Jungkooks’ ears and mouth like tears and slobber after sex. He was young. His nerves were easy to tug and manipulate to your whim. “Do you think I’m a hero?”

You hummed with a cheeky shrug. “I like physical proof of things rather hearsay. Lingers more on the mind.”

“I can fix that soon.” Jungkook moved his hand over to your waist, squeezing and digging into the skin. You tried not to wince. “And when I’m done with you, you can watch the chaos I created soon.”

“Chaos?”

“I’ve achieved a magnificent feat of having the Queen of Gae Pa herself…” He pressed his lips against your ears. “…giving herself over to me.”

A tiniest twinge of anxiety tugged at the back of your mind but you stayed steady. “Was I really that obvious?”

“If I could steal all of the most powerful gangs’ precious items, I think I could recognize your face.” Jungkook traced a finger down your cheek. “Must say you’re a thousand times more beautiful than your pictures.” He moved his fingers down to the curve of your breasts. “Your daughter looks just like you.”

The anxiety that tugged now flooded your entire body, hot rushing in then freezing. All in confusing pattern until your head started spinning. Glossed eyes blinked slowly and your chin raised, staying strong.

“I have my own spies too,” Jungkook whispered. “There’s alleys and streets everywhere. Enough sorry souls to do anything for a new life. You understand that, don’t you?”

You swallowed the lump in your throat. “Do you have her with you?”

“Oh no…I’m not that evil.” Jungkook jutted his lips out. “She can stay happily in that cute safehouse. Except there’s eyes always on her.”

You took a deep breath to calm your nerves. A neutral expression on your face. “What’s your negotiation?”

“Nothing special. Just for all the Dons to pledge themselves to me.” Jungkook shrugged. “Especially Don Kim and your husband.” He tilted his head. “You also know just as much as I do that I have every measure possible to ensure they won’t say no.” Palm traced up her back to her neck. “And I also require your mind. Despite my little street friends running around, you have the most connections known to the underworld. Your body could be a wild bonus.” He smirked.

You raised your chin, breath sucked in and stuck in your throat. “I don’t want to talk in the hallway. Everything is being recorded.” You spoke under your breath.

Jungkook hummed as you brought him towards the bedroom.

Yoongi refrained from trying to break another mug of coffee. Instead he listened carefully. Anxiety shook through his body hearing a stranger—no, their fucking rival—speak of their daughter. But he knew what had to be done. Eyes sharp, he flickered his gaze over to the corner of the courtesan room. The bed adorned in red and gold silk sheets held a figure, both arms tied to the bedposts and his mouth gagged with cloth, stained with the blood from his fresh glistening wounds.

He stood up from his chair, hands dug in his pockets as he examined the heaving body. “You’re up, Kim.” A sinister smile flashed to Taehyung. Silent reminder on who held one of the underworlds’ pillars. The lead alpha of this country. That same terrifying individual now stood here, heated with anger and the urge to protect his family sent sizzles throughout the room.

Taehyung blinked slowly as the realization hit him.

Jungkook wasn’t coming out of here unscathed.

***

It was the best news you received in a while. They found him. Kim Taehyung.

Your notes at the auction managed to help the spies track down the buyer. Apparently they wanted to be rid of it after hearing of the murders in the other gangs. They kept it hidden in their backyard instead of displaying it. You took it off their hands and sent it to Jwi Pa.

Despite their current clean slate, the gang still had the best trackers. You needed them to find the elusive auctioneer. The moment they saw the ledger in your gloved hand, they were putty. Any request and they would abide.

Kim Taehyung lived in a private estate personally gifted by Jeon Jungkook once he rebuilt Mal Pa to its former glory. As soon as his location was exposed, it took only a couple of minutes of breaking through security and having the man in their grasp. Jungkooks’ weak spot.

Nor Yoongi or Namjoon were happy to see him. Both of them failed to push back their punches but they knew enough to keep him alive.

“There’s a high chance Jungkook will know my face,” you said.

“So send someone else,” Namjoon suggested.

Yoongi tightened his jaw, not wanting to admit the truth that was right in front of him. “She’ll know what to do better than anyone.”

“You have so many talented spies!” Namjoon gestured wildly. “Fucking hell, I hate that I’m the one who has to admit it.”

“A scenario, Namjoon.” You intertwined your fingers together. “If Jungkook sees through the operation, what do you think they’ll do to a faceless spy?”

“If it’s her then Jungkook will be distracted.” Yoongi curled his fingers into tight fists.

“Well enough for me to actually bring him to the room whether he finds out or not.”

Namjoon let out a frustrated sigh. “Why is it so annoying that it’s a good idea?”

“For the first time, Kim, I agree.”

You gave them both sharp looks. “We end this now. No hitches.”

***

Opening the door, Yoongi noticed your glossed eyes. He wanted to hold you right there and then but there was still work to be done. Yoongi knew partly you were maintaining an act. It wouldn’t finish until the curtains were closed.

“Don Min!” Jungkooks’ lips stretched ear to ear. Expression bright and confident of the achievement right in his grasp. In a split second, his gaze flickered over to the tied figure. The golden tones of his skin lost its vibrancy, grin disappeared and his eyebrows in the realization of the bleeding man. “Tae—”

Taehyungs’ groans and screams muffled by the soaked cloth. Eyes flooded with tears as Namjoon closed the door behind Jungkook. There was no way to escape.

Jungkook looked over his shoulder. Both the leaders of Gae and Sutal Pa together in the same room. Caging him in. Namjoon had a satisfied smirk, dragging the stone mallet towards him.

Out of instinct, Jungkook pulled the gun out of his holster and pointed it to your chest. A sense of accomplishment rushed through him when he saw Yoongi raise his gun frantically. He could do this. All that progress to come this far from a street rat to a gang leader. It couldn’t all end here in a second. It was too quick. He needed to breathe. "Want to see which bullet reaches first?”

Taehyung protested through his cloth, struggling out of the rope.

You pushed Jungkooks’ hand to the side with your left hand, causing a stress shot to speed past your shoulder. Right ear ringing, you used your other hand to reach for the grip. Gun now in clasped in your hand, end of the barrel pointed at Jungkooks’ heart.

Yoongi didn’t hesitate taking a shot at Jungkooks’ leg, causing him to drop on his knees with a pained grunt.

Namjoon chuckled with a raspy tone, raising his stone mallet. “What a good day.” He slammed the mallet on Jungkooks’ calf. The crack and scream that came afterwards was one that could haunt you at night. But it was nothing new in the underworld. You try to break the underworld pillars, they’ll break you back ten times worse. It was the law in this hell.

You watched Jungkook thrash on the ground, blood darkening the wooden floor. Mixed with Taehyungs’ loud sobbing. It was a nursery rhyme of nightmares. Melodies of suffering that will melt into the walls of the courtesan house. No one will speak of it but they’ll know. They’ll never forget.

***

The new dawn arrived golden and the birds sung the continuous reign of Gae and Sutal Pa. Mal Pa was once again broken down into chaos as their usurper leader stepped away from his position and hid away after the two gangs made their example clear. Taehyung, still healing from his own wounds, opted to stick by Jungkooks’ side. The new looming darkness over their faces were hard to miss.

“If it’s worth anything, Jeon, you did good.” Yoongi stood over him on the stretcher. “Just not good enough.”

Jungkook stayed silent, gaze averted to focus on Taehyungs’ shirt. “Might not be me but someone else’ll come back to do the same thing. You can’t reign forever.”

The diamond ending of every underworld devil. Every gang had it. That one day when everything falls apart before their eyes and there was nothing to do about it. A fate worse than assassination.

Sun peaked through the buildings, framing Yoongis’ silhouette and casting warmth on his cool cheek. “It’s true. But when it does, it’s gonna be by my hand.”

Jungkook blinked over at him in confusion.

Yoongi smirked, gently tapping his shoulder. “Get well.” That day for Yoongi wasn’t to be shut down by another gang or a new leader. But to throw the match in himself and see it all burn. The beautiful end to his diamond trail.

Jungkook and Taehyung were moved to secluded area, away from any kind communication with the underworld.

Street dwellers will be loyal to anyone that could promise them something good. Now that Jungkook couldn’t provide it anymore, they scurried like rats under Yoongi or Namjoons’ wing. The underworld, even in the top ranks was cruel and brutal, leaving no mercy for even the good-hearted.

When you arrived back to the manor, the first thing was to remove the god awful dressing from the courtesan house. You draped back into your work dress, letting out a sigh of relief that it was all a play.

Namjoon paid a small visit to cast a farewell. Shaded eyes scanned across the mansion, admiring the architecture and paintings. Or just staring at them to avoid eye contact with Yoongi. “So European.”

“My mother grew up travelling between France and Italy,” Yoongi said. He dug his hands into his trousers. “She really liked all the architecture of the old buildings.” His heart swelled remembering the years after their father passed away. They found a new venue and spent over a year just working on the house. It was the most time they had ever spent alone without any kind of distractions from their father.

“I hope you don’t mind me asking—what happened to your mother?” Namjoon asked. “She was quite young when she married.”

Yoongi hummed, a sad smile tugged on his face. “She wasn’t well for a long time. Since she gave birth at a young age, the stress of it had lot of side effects in the long term. She held out long enough to ensure that I wouldn’t have to live with my father alone.”

Namjoons’ expression softened. “I’m sorry. Having a good family member in the household is already a rarity in itself. I can’t imagine losing them.”

In the small silence, you stepped down the stairs. You met the two men with a kind smile, fingers intertwined together. “Nice to see you two playing nicely.”

Yoongi smiled. “Of course.”

You, Namjoon and Yoongi padded outside of the manor into the afternoon light. The black SUV glinted and the guards looked like insects scurrying to their positions so that Namjoon was protected.

Pausing at the end of the entrance stairs, Namjoon turned to face the two of you. “It was fun working with you—just lighten up a little more.”

“Not a chance,” Yoongi stated plainly. “But—it was good not being at war for once.”

Namjoon smirked, eyes flickered to you with a softened expression. “Good day, my lady.”

You nodded in acknowledgement as the male turned on his heel and climbed into his SUV. A sense of relief washed over your form. Yoongi took your hand and escorted you back into the comforts of the manor.

“The diamond gun is back in its original place.” Yoongi let out a long exhale, emptying his chest of the anxiety. “I can take a fucking nap now.” He wrapped his arms around your waist, burying his head in the crook of your neck. A silent reminder that nothing was lost in this fight. You were safe and your childs’ location was still unknown to everyone else. “I know what you were doing.”

“You did?” A smile stretched across your lips.

“Taehyung was just a final tick.” Yoongi led you over to the couch, settling down with a deep sigh. “Jungkook was more terrified at the fact that Namjoon and I actually worked together.”

“If you two fought then both the pillars would’ve been crumbling. Easy for Jungkook to break.” You traced your fingers across his raven fringes. “Maybe you two should stop bickering so much. Just in case another street dweller comes in to hurt you.”

“One step at a time, my love.” Yoongi smiled, throwing his head back against the couch. “How’s Jewel?”

Jewel was her nickname. Her eyes shone even when there was no light reflecting off them. Maybe it was just their rosy lenses but you didn’t care. “She’s been moved to another safehouse. She says she’s happy.”

“Good.” Yoongi nodded. “That’s good.” He held onto your hand and kissed it. “We’ll all be together soon for the holiday. I promise.”

“I’ll make sure of it.” You raised a brow.

Yoongi loved his new family.

<< prev chap | 

[dansnaturepictures]

19/09/22-Farlington Marshes and home

I enjoyed seeing Starlings, Collared Dove, House Sparrow looking lovely in the buddleia with bits of purple still one I took the third picture in this photoset of and notably for the first time I believe Jackdaw on the balcony feeders today, as well as Goldfinch adult and young and sedum, hebe, fuchsia, dahlia, black-eyed Susan and other flowers in the back garden with sunflower and other flowers looking nice on the balcony today. There are nice bits of colour on the buddleias at home still. It was nice to see a white butterfly I believe Small White out the window and a Rusty Dot Pearl moth which I took the second picture in this photoset of in the living room too another great new moth for me this year it is a nice one. I also liked taking in the green grass and basal growth on a tree out the front with noticeable dandelions on the green seen from home that have been springing up nicely again lately which the first picture in this photoset shows, during the sombre time watching the fitting and beautiful send off to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on this historic day.

We then went to Farlington Marshes as we did last Saturday and like then it was a good day for seeing ducks and waders. There was an especially delightful array of ducks with a fair few orange Wigeons around clumped together on the lake always a spectacular sight, with Mallard, Gadwall and Teal mixed in and some splendid Pintails one I love seeing here and at other places in the season. We got good views of Shelducks including I believe a youngster flying as we walked round to the cottage. Near there whilst chatting to someone looking for the Garganey we saw here a week and two days ago to all of our delight this smart and quite elusive bird flew out right in front of us, what a moment. A great intimate moment seeing this lovely bird only the second time I’ve seen one in flight. A fair few Redshanks and Greenshanks together on the lake made nice sights with very pleasing views of both gently flying in. Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit which I took the tenth and final picture in this photoset of with Teal the godwits a nice bronze colour and Snipe were other great species to see to make me feel immersed into this coastal marshy habitat. It was a nice mindful walk being embraced by nature.

It was nice to see dragonflies probably Migrant Hawkers well again this afternoon.

It was a good walk for plants with clusters if not a sea of gone over teasel with hogweeed at seed and shadows of dock too adoring the car park I took the fourth picture in this photoset of some of the teasel. Scabious along the road, fleabane, ragwort, chamomile shining in the sun which I took the fifth picture in this photoset of, hawksbeard or ox tongue looking lovely, a little bit of yarrow, a bit of wild parsnip or fennel still in colour I’d not seen any for a while, a couple of types of thistle with one plant with four bits of purple flowering among fluffy clocks of it and nightshade and others making nice pretty sights too. Fluffy old man’s beard alongside pretty red hawthorn berries looked nice near the end of the walk, with rose hips and blackberries looking nice here today too. There were beautiful views of reedbeds, water glowing blue in the sunlight and distant countryside here today with striking sky scenes seen too. I took the sixth and eighth pictures in this photoset of views and seventh and ninth pictures in this photoset of the sky. There were pretty sky scenes on the way home and at home tonight too, it mostly clouding over to create gloomy scenes this evening felt quite autumnal with it getting dark earlier and earlier in evenings now. 

Wildlife Sightings Summary for Farlington Marshes: Two of my favourite birds the Little Egret and Shelduck, Garganey, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Pintail, Coot, Moorhen, Canada Goose with the immersive sight and sound of them flying up from a field in numbers and some coming down onto the lake others over, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing, Snipe, Grey Heron well again this week, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, a nice few Swallows again, Starlings gathering nicely, Linnet I believe, possible Migrant Hawker, Brown Rat and it was great to hear the sharp bursts of sound of a Cetti’s Warbler calling from within the reedbed at the lake.

[divinaes-bookofsecrets]

Private. Hello there I would like a spirit guide reading please -Rochelle (RS) ♉️

Hello 👋hi 👋 (🌺Rs)Rochelle are you a 🐂 ♉?

Really ... if I guessed you correctly you are Taurus in your natal birth chart (I am an aspiring astrologist and zlso do in-depth Astrology Reports based off of your natal birth charting so please do nog hesitate to ask for That next !

Your SpiritGuide is Cressida

💎🦋Galactic-Arctic Fox🦋💎

She is a mystical interterrestrial being from a galaxy through another realm not too far away but just out of reach !

Cressida has been with you since 2018 and should remain by your side as a companion, spiritual guardian 🙏 ✨ and your synchronicity lessons for the rest of your life.

Why is Cressida with me and trying to help or heal my situation and past situations or for future situations anyways? Well.. heres an in depth description of what this particular animal spirit totem means ..

Whats Cressida doing? How can I place her in my life and recognize her?

🦋Whether the White Arctic Fox appears in dreams, visions, waking life or synchronicities, it is a sign and message that you are to keep going, amid the test of your nature and character. Some powerful forces are working on your behalf to sort things out in a favorable outcome or way soon. Whatever you may be going through will soon pass. These tests and trials have made you stronger, and giving in is for the weak. You should realize how far you have come. You will be arriving to a place of rest and completeness soon. 🦋The Arctic Fox is a sign to trust yourself, above trusting anything or one outside of you. At least for the purpose of clarity. IN other words, it is time to pause, breathe, and receive insights from your oversoul or higher self. As a seeker of truth, you cannot allow someone or something else to dilute what you sense. Take time out to refuel so that you can come from a place of neutrality.🦋 You will need to be stubborn in a forthcoming opportunity and trust your instincts. Even if you collaborate with others, or cooperate with them, you must keep your eyes open as no one can look out for you the way that you can for yourself. In other words, watch your own back. Don’t give that responsibility entirely to others.🦋 The Arctic Fox teaches us that, we are only beings and we are all doing things to survive. Your trust is only owed to a higher source. You can cooperate with others, but the key is to look out for yourself always. Don’t just expect others to put you first. 🦋Always follow up, and if possible do things yourself when it comes to projects that require your creativity. The White Arctic Fox is a message that you want others to be better than what they are showing you. In other words, you are looking at the aspect of how a person can be and not what or who they truly are. If you are a part of a group of people who are being intentionally deceptive, it is best to clear up your acts now rather than later. 🦋The Arctic White Fox is about seeing beyond what we are shown, and hearing beyond what we are told. Your psychic senses will be heightened at this time.💎 Pay attention to what is being revealed. 🧿

⚠️This message isn't, obviously resonant with all whose paths it crosses, as perhaps you may come into contact with someone of this vernacular, mastery or skill. Therefore, it is a sign from the universe that you're meant to work with such a person. ⚠️

🦋What does She look like? 🥀

Her fur is multidimensional and is actually the softest known material other than silk in this universe and all other universes including hidden realms..

Since she is a Galactic Arctic Fox you'll expect to see that she looks rather like a regular Arctic White Fox from our home planet Earth🌍But has different highlights and dimensions to her skin and her fur body. She has *fur tattoos* which are blue-- they represent the Element Water(do you have a lot of water 💧in your natal birth charting , I suspect you do 😉 )Her fur tattoos are like a war paint that was branded onto her when she became fully mature and with the seasons her other markings show up - each season - has a different shade of white to blue hue or even teal like transference that takes place , its quite magickal to see.

What is Cressida's personality like?

🦋Cressida has a strong, but warm and gentle but also courageous and brave personality and soul as a Galzctic Arctic Fox 💙 ❤ 💖 She conducts herself with a sense if integrity in every situation(no matter what!) 🦋Integrity is a personal trait that has strong moral principles and core values and then conducting your life with those as your guide.🦋 She has a lot of compassion for all of humanity but especially you (Rs) ♉ This character traits example feels deep sympathy and pity for the suffering and misfortune of others, and you have a desire to do something to alleviate their suffering..She sees that you may be suffering maybe and has messages for you just about to come up .. old on we need to finish her character profile (bio)

🦋Cressida is an honest Galactic fox just as much of them are but there are more certainly the few bunches who are so mischievous that they are notdared to be messed with (worse than the worst fae)

🦋She has strong reliability. This SpiritGuidr's character quality can be consistently depended upon to follow through on your/her commitments, actions, and decisions. She does what she says you she will do.🥀🌍(88% of the time)

😷She hopes you wear a mask because she is very worried and concerned about your welfare during this coronairus. Please don't fall asleep 😴 🙏 😫 😪 😩 😭yet 😴you'll miss her message for you... im going to stop talking zbout her personality there id so much lol.

What is my SpiritGuide messages?

Cressida has a numerology message she has been sending you many other synchronicity but she asks that you pay attention next for the number # 536 if you haven't seen it by now already...

WHATS IT MEAN ANYWAYS?

Number 536 is a blend of the energies and attributes of number 5 and number 3, and the vibrations of number 6. Number 5 resonates with major life changes, making important choices and decisions, promotion and advancements, adaptability and versatility, personal freedom and individuality, life lessons learned through experience and resourcefulness. Number 3 offers assistance and encouragement, communication and enthusiasm, growth, expansion and the principles of increase, broad-minded thinking, self-expression, talent and skills. Number 3 also resonates with the energies of the Ascended Masters. Number 6 relates to love of home, family and domesticity, honesty and integrity, responsibility, compassion and empathy, finding solutions, grace and gratitude, the ability to compromise, emotional depth, provision and providing and the material aspects of life.

Angel Number 536 brings a message from your angels to maintain a positive attitude in regards to your monetary and financial circumstances as changes are taking place that will ensure that your material and monetary needs are met. Your positive affirmations, prayers and optimistic outlook have manifested opportunities to attract prosperity and abundance into your life. Trust that your Spirit Guide(s) especially Cressida.. will surround, support and guide you through these important changes.

Number 536 is a message to trust that the changes you may be going through are happening for your highest good. These changes may involve your career choices, your place of residence and/or an important relationship. Your angels support you through these changes and offer guidance and assistance to make transitions easier. Trust that these changes will have positive effects on your life and will ensure a continued supply of abundance to meet your daily wants and needs.

Number 536 encourages you to move forward with positive plans and ideas as they will prove to be most beneficial in all ways for yourself and your loved ones. 

Spiritual Messages...

Cressida wants you to be inspired, creative and most of all live out your destiny!!

🙏 Please take this advice seriously! You need to think about:

Surrounding yourself with people who reflect the character traits you want to embrace.

🦋They will inspire and motivate you to build these traits in yourself.

🦋Try to avoid people who have a weak character and make bad decisions.

🦋When you live your life being true to yourself and honest with others you manifest positive energies and desired results and outcomes. Speak your truths with gentleness and love and accept others with grace and understanding.

Monthly Message from your Spirit Guide ✨ 💛 ❤ 💖

A creak you hear in the dark could be the settling of an old house, or it could be a burglar creeping on the stairs. Loud voices you hear coming in through the windows could be your neighbors arguing, or it could be those same neighbors sharing good news. The lamp going out on your nightstand could be a sign that electricity has shut down, or it could mean you need a new bulb. There is often more than one way to interpret something, and usually there's nothing to worry about. Remember that today, Taurus, if you are tempted to follow worrisome thoughts. It's more likely there's nothing to worry about.

🦋🌍🦋

This is a great week(jan 11th to jan 17th) for you to finally finish one or two of those big projects you put on hold a while back. You may have thought you would never be able to get to them, but if you actually put this into your schedule and get started, you should see that it will all fall into place, and you'll get everything else done that needs to be done. This is also an ideal time to complete important conversations that were left dangling, maybe because there was no answer at the time, or because someone was being elusive about responding. You should find it easier now to get answers and receive honest reactions. Crossing all of these things off your long list will give you a great sense of satisfaction. You may even find that because of this efficiency, you will be inspired by a new idea that allows you to tap into a talent you have not used lately, and that would be a great idea. You have been very assertive in trying to attract an investor, team member, or partner for some project you want to take on. However, you are advised now to take a wait-and-see approach and be patient. What you need will materialize if you kick back a bit and let it come to you.

Thank you for meeting your Spirit Guide!! If you have any questions, concerns, or additional specific questions to ask your Spirit Guide you can always Astral travel and speak to her directly but; if you prefer that I take another independent in depth dive into your world I will 🌍🦋 🌎 I will answer up to 2 questions per ask Thanks for allowing this experience to take place, please 🙏

🦋Like && Share this post 📫 ✨

Much Love😍 ❤ Divinae

[sword-and-shield-writings]

Hey! Good luck with your super cute blog!!!! ABout the request: How about a SFW fluffy OneShot for Raihan who has a crush a t the cute female reader who works at the local Pokemarkt, but she is very very shy; How would he go about that?

Aaa thank you boo!! And this is the most adorable thing ever SJDKFSDHJG I love this so much <3 <3 <3 Hope you enjoy~

Art of The Hunt

Fandom: Pokemon Sword + Shield Rating: SFW Style: Oneshot Details: Raihan having a crush on a uber shy Fem!Reader who works at the local Pokemart.

His large hands held onto the small basket filled with pokemon care materials, it was so small compared to him it was almost laughable. Without thinking twice his hands reached instinctively for the top shelf for a box of the new Duraludon Polish for his ace, half-lidded teal eyes looking around the Pokemart lazily - he had been there so many times he didn’t even need to look for what he was grabbing, for he had something else on his mind. Or rather, someone. The tall bachelor of Galar, the Dragon Tamer of this vast region found himself gravitating toward a quiet soul that was hiding behind the protection of the Pokemart till, her eyes shifting from the keypad and the checkout display. Arceus she looks adorable today... Raihan mused to himself as he stood there on the other side of the Pokemart. The only time he ever thanked Arceus for his tall height was when he realized he could subtly look over the shelves of the Pokemart on his toes to see the young lady crunching numbers and flustering over greeting and waving goodbye to the customers as per her contract with her boss. 

She was like a little Deerling, so beautiful, adorable and will shy away from even the slightest and insignificant thing like eye contact or a stray compliment. A small smile played on the Gym Leader’s lips as he moved closer to the counter, lining up behind the small number of people lining up there. It was late in the evening, hardly anyone was in the Wyndon Pokemart and yet even when he desperately needed something from there he would wait until the wee hours of the night to catch a glimpse of the shy young lady. He could catch his heartbeat quicken when he opened his cabinet and realized he had run out of berry ingredients for his curry and would wait for hours until the hour hand on the clock hit 8 so he could get on his Flygon and get what he needed and then some. Right before it was his turn, he glanced down at a pack of bubblegum - he didn’t normally chew gum but every time he managed to snag an encounter with the elusive beauty she always smelled as if she was chewing this brand of bubblegum all the time. 

“H-Hello sir! Ho -” the young lady chimed softly before she froze and a blush crossed over from cheek to cheek, head tilting up to see the dragon type gym leader. Raihan smiled lazily as he gave her a playful yet lax salute. Her eyes widened as she continued, Raihan chuckling to himself as she did, “... H-how are you today...? Had a p-p-pleasant shopping... experience...?” She meekly asked, feeling her cheeks redden as she reached out for the first of many things Raihan “needed” to buy.

“Hey there.” Raihan hummed in his deep baritone voice, a small laugh hiding behind his words as he looked at her red cheeks - they might as well be little Cherubi, “And yes, a very nice experience. I love shopping here at night, there's hardly anyone around.” His eyes glanced over at the lady’s fingers, he wanted to hold onto them and see if they were really as soft as they looked. She nodded her head shakily and Raihan could practically hear her shaky breathing. 

“T-That’s good to hear s-sir.” She stammered - she only reason why she took this position was that she didn’t want to perform manual labour to stock the shelves and she didn’t want to wander about the mart and offer her services. Serving at the till would mean the least amount of contact and talking and social interaction besides the occasional small talk she had to make to upkeep a good impression for the Pokemart. 

“You can call me Raihan if you want.” He smiled softly, leaning down, “Everyone does, it’s no biggie. I shop here all the time, you can call me by a first name basis.” He smiled at her as she nervously looked up and he caught a glimpse of how beautiful her eyes were. They would be even more beautiful under the moonlight, on a walk with him after a nice dinner date.

“O-Oh, okay then... Raihan...” She murmured, her cheeks still red as she started to quickly check out his products. He shoved his hands in his pockets lazily as he watched her check them out, one by one, how she nervously pursed her lips as she checked the price stage with the check-out display, how she nervously tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Everything about her drew him in and yet he was so far away from actually getting to know her. However, he was determined to try and make a start on it that evening. “T-That’ll be $126.50!” She chirped as she put them all in a large plastic bag.

Rahan nodded his head, taking out his credit card and shuffling through his pants pockets for a pen - he always had one on him just in case a fan wanted a signature on their shirt or Pokeball. As the flustered lady swiped the card on the machine and shakily gave it back to him, she turned her body around to wait for the receipt, trying to stay calm. Swiftly, Raihan shuffled his hand through the bag for the packed of bubblegum and started scribbling on it.

“He-Here you go si- I mean, Raihan!” The lady managed out as she tore the receipt form the little printer and turned around to find him... gone. A small exhale left her lips as she leaned against the wall behind her, fanning herself. “O-oh jeez...” She muttered, patting her cheeks to cool them off. Her eyes scanned her work station, moving to clean it like she did after every other customer to maintain the cleaning policy they had when she caught sight of something - a stick of bubblegum from her favourite brand. She looked around, seeing if Raihan was anywhere around but to no avail. Shoot, did I forget to put this in?? Oh, my boss is gonna kill me! She fretted as she picked it up... and saw something on it. It was small and in dark blue writing. She brought it close to her face to read it and her eyes widened in surprise and her blush darkened further (if that was even possible).

“Here’s my number if you’re interested, no pressure :) Enjoy the gum <3 - Raihan″

As the young lady started to freak out behind the till, the tall man chuckled watching her from afar, sitting on top of his Flygon. His pokemon looked up at him expectantly before he placed his large hand over its head, “Alright, alright, let’s go home.” He murmured before his pokemon took off into the night silently, sporting him away from Wyndon to Hammerlocke. He was a patient man, he had to be to handle dragon types, and it was certainly needed in the art of the hunt. If he didn’t get her that time, he’ll try again. Eventually, he’ll be able to coax that little Deerling out from the shrubs. Eventually.

[sasuhinasno1fan]

Cats and crystals- Lukadrien June Day 27

Fueled by tiredness and the desire to post something for the ending days of @lukadrien-june since come Monday my summer job officially starts and I plan on washing my hair tomorrow which is an all day affair so we’ll see if something get’s posted tomorrow. I got inspired by @write-it-motherfuckers prompts, the first chunk of this actually taken from one of their prompts with changes for Adrien’s gender and such. The other was the possible werecat one who gives them precious stones. It was almost the cat who gives it’s new owner it’s past owners necklace but I couldn’t come up with much. A lot of supernatural cats, wish I had more time. Anyway, please enjoy Cats

Ever since he was little, Adrien always had a strange affinity for cats. No matter where he was, they seem to drawn to him. It isn’t uncommon for strays or other people’s pets to approach him when he was out and about. He’d even watched the big cats at the zoo’s react similarly, bounding over to the glass and rubbing against it insistently. Don’t even get him started when he had a photoshoot with lions – his father didn’t want to but the photographer insisted it went with the theme and had signed so many agreements that the designer would sue him to high hell if anything happened to Adrien. They treated Adrien like he was a cub, messing up his hair and growling at anyone they thought was bothering him until he would pet them mimicking their noises.

It didn’t surprise anyone that when he finally moved out of his father’s eyes, he ended up with quite a few cats living with him. He had been unable to send them on their way, when they were so in need of some love. He grew up with scatter giving of love from someone who was supposed to take care of him, he didn’t want the same for them if he could do something about it. That’s what brought him here, buying a massive amount of cat food at 3am on a Sunday.

As he turned from the now almost empty shelf, ready to go in search of the last few items, he ran straight into a broad chest. Looking up, he stammered a flustered apology, heart pounding with fright. For a moment, he swore their eyes flashed, pupils pulled into slits, but the second you blinked, they were back to normal, or as normal as teal green to aqua blue eyes could be. Ok, maybe he shouldn’t be so judgemental. Marinette’s eyes seemed to be different shades of blue based on her mood and the sunlight reflecting off of them. but he could have sworn the person’s eyes went from blue to green, almost the green some of his kitties’ eyes were, and back again.

The person in front of him, a guy, had dark hair, streaked with so much blue it almost looked like the black had been added in, not the other way around. The small exposed holes of his gauges were mostly hidden by his hair and the hood of his oversized sweatshirt. He wasn’t saying anything, more so staring at the necklace around Adrien’s neck.

There was one particular cat that Adrien took care of but didn’t live with him. The cats didn’t mind the cat, but they never stayed. Only stuck around long enough to beg for pets, steal human food from his plate and give Adrien precious stones and crystals. He was not kidding, he had a ruby, emerald and onyx hidden in his apartment, the crystals taking up residence on the counters and ledges of his home. The one around his neck was a chrysoprase, already held in a next of firm cord, dangling from a piece of soft cord that didn’t irritate his neck. He’d been so moved by the gift; he rarely took it off.

“Um?”

That seemed to break whatever spell was on the guy as he looked up and at Adrien. “It’s pretty, the necklace.”

“Thanks. Um, I’ll see you around.”

Adrien quickly left the aisle, trying to calm his still heavily beating heart. It wasn’t until he was in the taxi heading back home, he realised something. That particular teal green he swore he saw, was the same colour as the eyes in his gift giving feline visitor.

                                               ___________________

Loud chorus of meows followed him as he refilled the many water fountains for the cats. Most of them followed him to the bathroom and wouldn’t stop bothering him to turn the sink on so this was his solution. He was sure they were also hungry. They always were. A knock echoed and Adrien let out a groan. He was sure it was one of his neighbours coming to tell him off for the loud meowing. He quickly opened the door, stopping at the sight of the guy from the pet store. The one with the eyes.

This time he wasn’t mindless staring at him. He looked embarrassed.

“Hi, um, do you think you could help me? I locked myself out of my apartment. I live across the hall.”

So, this was the elusive neighbour he had. He met all his other neighbours, who all wanted to meet the former model but not this one.

“Do you need me to call the landlord?”

“Could you? I only planned to be out for five minutes, so I left my phone.”

“Sure. Um, why don’t you come in?”

His first sign something was up was the fact that the cats didn’t all scatter to their favourite hiding places when a new person came in. instead, they all gathered at his feet. He took no time leaning down and petting as many as possible.

“Weird, they love you. Usually they all run away.”

“Guess I’m lucky. I’m Luka by the way. Adrien, right? Sorry about startling you at the store.”

“Oh, that’s ok. Um, I’ll go call the landlord.”

His next clue something was up was when Luka quickly found the snacks. His cats were smart, with enough effort, they’d be able to get treats all the time. Adrien had them hidden in a tin in his pantry, yet Luka knew exactly where to look.

“Landlord said he’d be right up. How did you find those?”

“Oh, they kept pawing at the door. Is it ok?”

“Sure, that’s fine.”

His next clue was when one of the cats, Mikki, went missing when it was time for Adrien to cut her nails. Luka eyed the clipper distrustfully and seemed to inch his way to where his keyboard was leaning against the wall. It wasn’t until the landlord arrived and Luka had to go, he found Mikki hiding behind his keyboard. Either he had a stalker or Luka was more intuitive to cats than he was.

Later that night, his usual visitor came by, a new gem in their mouth. A blue tigers eye. The blue and black of the gem reminded him of Luka.

“I swear his eyes were the same as yours, just for a moment. Impossible I know, but still.” The cat just seemed to have a Cheshire like smile on their face.

What really and truly tipped him off was when he had a dinner with his father. It was part of their deal for Adrien moving out, dinner with him every Friday. He hated it. He’d spend the day cuddling any cat that came by, hoping something would happen so he wouldn’t have to go. He’d actually spent the day cuddling his usual visitor, loudly complaining how he didn’t want to go to dinner with his father and how none of his friends were free that night but he even though he told them not to cancel their plans to help him, he just wanted someone there to distract him. The cat disappeared, leaving a kunzite crystal and minutes later, Luka knocked on the door.

“Hi?”

“Hey, um, I was passing by your door and I happened to hear you complaining about dinner with your dad and I wanted to offer some help, as a thanks for helping me?”

Thing was, Adrien had been doing most of his complaining in his room. He didn’t know if it was his overactive imagination that cause him to think that, but the only thing he could think of was, was his usual visitor and Luka connect? Was Luka a werecat?

Common sense should have told him to say no, slam the door closed and never interact with him again. But Adrien didn’t usually lead with common sense. It was what got him all the cats in his apartment.

“Sure. We’re having salmon tonight according to Nathalie. That ok?”

“Sounds perfect to me.”

[ends-of-the-wayward-storm]

The Big Four--Through Moonlight--Book 1

Chapter 13--Of Moonbeams and Trees

_______

Summary

Why something decided to bring so many different people together from so many different places was beyond them. But it had to be for good reason. And that reason just happens to be an elusive enemy who is searching for a powerful artifact, one with an unfathomable amount of knowledge.

There was definitely one thing in question, however—was this enemy the real deal, or something else?

(AO3 version) (First chapter)

_______

She knew something was off here. She just couldn’t put her finger on it. Everything seemed too quiet, and that was with the snoring.

She really should get some sleep. They covered quite a bit of ground today, but they still hadn’t found Hiccup and Toothless. Someone must’ve taken them, but she couldn’t figure out who. Maybe it was because there wasn't anyone that could’ve taken them. Alvin was their ally now and Dagur was taken care of.

There has to be something I’m missing.

A twig cracked, and Astrid sat straight up. The dragons didn’t even budge, so either they were really tired or she was hearing things. Regardless, she skimmed the area for movement, but nothing seemed to be—

There! She heard something! Something close to a yak with a cold. Or . . . maybe it wasn’t a yak to begin with. Whatever it was, she definitely heard it. And yet the dragons didn’t.

Frowning, Astrid grabbed her axe and briskly snuck off toward the source of the sound. For all she knew it was probably nothing and she was overreacting. But she couldn’t sleep, so finding out the source of the noise was better than nothing.

She kept her head on a swivel as she made her way through the woods. Now she could hear voices, but most of them were faint and unfamiliar. There were accents that didn’t sound like the ones she knew, and judging by what she could hear of their tones, they seemed to be discussing something.

Then she heard it—a sound she knew.

“Toothless.” Astrid picked up the pace, and the conversation got louder.

“. . . really don’t know much about her, then.”

“Hiccup!” What in Thor’s name was he doing out here? And who was ‘her’?

She stopped near a small pond. No one seemed to be around, but she could still hear people. She could still hear him. “Hiccup?”

“We still have our advantage in numbers,” a girl’s accented voice pointed out.

Squinting, Astrid could see movement in the moonlight shining down onto the water, and she skeptically stepped closer to the pond.

“But her magic might be stronger than we think,” a girl in a blue dress said. “We can’t underestimate her.”

Magic? Astrid could see a group of people in what looked to be a cave with a waterfall. Most of them wore clothes like nothing she’d ever seen, and there was some black animal laying down next to . . . some horned animal. And yet none of them seemed to notice her.

“So what’s the plan?” a girl with short black hair said.

“If we do come across her, maybe we can get some information out of her,” Hiccup said.

“Hiccup!” Astrid said. “What are you doing?!” But he didn’t hear her. “Toothless!” The Night Fury didn’t hear her either, appearing to be oblivious to her.

Why couldn’t they see or hear her? She was right in front of them! Or . . . maybe she was hallucinating.

Astrid rubbed her eyes with her arm. The group was still there in the moonlight. Hiccup was still there. Why am I even seeing this? How am I even seeing this?

She shot a look over her shoulder. No one was coming, and she had been pretty loud. Upon facing forward however, she saw that Hiccup, Toothless, and the rest of the group were moving on. “Hey! Get back here!”

Something in a man’s hands—a jar—flashed, and the man looked at the jar. “Something’s wrong.”

The group turned to him, and the man turned toward Astrid’s direction. Everyone’s eyes followed his line of sight, and Hiccup and Toothless ended up looking right at her.

“We’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Astrid said. “Where have you been?!”

“Didn’t we just come from there?” a girl with extremely long hair asked.

“Yes, but it seems like the moonbeam senses something,” the man with the jar replied.

“Ugh!” Astrid racked her brain. What she was seeing was real. But Hiccup couldn’t see or hear her, and neither could anyone else. It was like she was invisible. What’s going on?

The beam moved toward her, making her take a step back. She looked up at the trees only to find no one in them, no one who could possibly be making that light move. It moved again, just stopping right before dry land. Astrid cautiously took a step forward, and she extended her hand to—

~ ~ ~

Astrid flinched as she found herself in broad daylight. A silvery light very similar to the one she saw darted away at the corner of her eye, and she sat straight up, spotting it right before it disappeared.

“Wow. You were completely out,” Tuffnut said. “Almost thought you had died in your sleep or something.”

“Totally possible, by the way,” Ruffnut added.

So it was a dream. . . . Astrid thought.

“Are you okay? You look a little . . . bewildered,” Fishlegs said.

“I’m fine.” But Fishlegs didn’t seem convinced.

“C’mon, Fishlegs, you should know a girl like her needs her beauty rest,” Snotlout pointed out.

“I don’t think we’re looking hard enough,” Astrid said, completely ignoring him.

“I think we’ve been pretty thorough, Astrid,” Fishlegs said.

“But we haven’t checked any caves.” From the corner of her eye, she could tell Meatlug didn’t seem to like that idea.

“Why would he be in a cave?” Snotlout asked.

A weird dream. “Just a hunch.” Astrid mounted Stormfly. “Let’s keep searching.”

As the Riders took off, Stormfly gave Astrid a concerned look.

“I’m fine, girl. Just . . . confused.”

~ ~ ~

She huffed as she briskly walked through the lush autumn woods. There was no way she was going back into that frozen wasteland. She swore she almost died out there. But if her bracelet said she had to go back, then she would have to go back. Speaking of. . . .

She held up her arm. Her bracelet was a teal color now. Finally. She thought it would never turn a different color besides blue. I can’t have any room for setbacks.

So far she hadn’t run into those people she had encountered. Which meant her snow monsters must’ve dealt with them. Or they survived by some miracle. Either way, there was no one stopping her, and she wanted it to stay that way.

But he did warn her about people who would try to stop her.

I’ll show them not to underestimate me.

Her foot caught on a root, and she fell face first. Biting back a curse, she sat herself up despite her body’s protests. She needed to keep going. She needed to get that book. She couldn’t stop.

Brushing her dark hair out of her eyes, she placed her hands on the ground. What if she came across that group again? She’d need her magic, and she was sure she still needed some more time before she was at full strength. And if it came to it, she might need to change forms.

Sighing, she leaned against a tree and looked up. Making more creatures would help her with numbers, but she’d been making them every chance she got. Surely there were enough to deal with any possible enemies.

And once she had that book, she wouldn’t be taken advantage of ever again. She wouldn’t be used anymore. But who’s to say the man she was working with wasn’t using her now?

She balled her hand into a fist. This time for sure, she knew this would different. Even if he never showed his face or said much about the book, other than it was her key to a new life. Or rather, a new strength against those who would oppose her or even think about casting her aside.

“Ahhh! Smell that fresh air! Doesn’t it just feel amazing?”

Immediately she looked in the direction of the chipper female’s voice.

“Yeah, not a big fan of the underground,” a boy said. A creature growled as if to agree.

Getting onto her stomach, she slowly crawled toward the voices. Below her and coming out of some sort of doorway in a rocky wall were several people and a few animals. Among them was the group from that snowy wasteland.

They’re still alive, she thought.

She analyzed each of them carefully. Every person was unique, each with their own look and mannerisms. The one beside the lizard was missing part of his leg. That would probably be difficult to replicate. More than difficult. In fact she had never done it before. She might not even be able to do it.

“What do you think that moonbeam sensed?” Rapunzel asked. The spell caster furrowed her eyebrows. Moonbeam. Moonbeams were just lights. They couldn’t do anything.

“Maybe it was the book?” Varian asked. The spell caster stifled a gasp. All of those people were looking for it. No. She couldn’t let them get it first.

“Wouldn’t it have gone crazy?” Anna asked.

“Maybe,” Eugene said. “But whatever it was, it left.”

She needed to move now. That book was too important.

She crawled away from the group and looked to her bracelet. Its color changed ever so slightly, so she moved to her right. It changed again, this time becoming a tad greener. She couldn’t be spotted. She couldn’t.

“So what do you suppose this book looks like?” Chane asked.

“Old,” Merida said.

“Might be pretty thick, too since it’s got information since . . . forever,” Kristoff said.

“I think we’ll know it if we see it,” Cassandra said. “Or at least, I’m assuming.”

Toothless abruptly looked right, and Sven and Angus’s ears rose. The group gradually came to a stop as the dragon sniffed the air, and the scent he caught wasn’t familiar.

“I swear if it’s more of those monsters,” Régine retorted under her breath. The animals’ gazes were set above everyone, and Toothless didn’t seem to like the new scent.

Upon noticing his friend’s hard expression, Hiccup mounted Toothless. “Lead the way, bud.”

Toothless raised his wings and flew off. Behind them, Merida mounted Angus to keep up with him, and Toothless scanned the area. It wasn’t long before he spotted someone with dark hair running on the hill above everyone.

“Hey!”

The girl ignored his call and ran faster. She tore through her knowledge of magic for anything that could help her get away. She needed to get that book, and she would do whatever it took to get to it.

Muttering a spell, she tossed her hand toward the trees and directed them at the boy. By her command the trees snapped to life and whipped their branches at Hiccup and Toothless. The duo pulled back, but the branches managed to wrap around Toothless’s legs.

“Guys she’s here!” Hiccup warned before Toothless fired at the restraints.

“Yah!” Merida urged, and she sped forward with most of the others following. Elsa froze the branches around Toothless, enabling him to easily yank free of them. More of the branches grappled onto Toothless, and a few even wrapped themselves around Elsa.

“Hey!” With her ice sword, Anna sliced Elsa free, and a shot from Toothless disintegrated another branch. Kristoff kept any branches from getting to Anna and Elsa, but one managed to latch onto his arm. Retaliating, Anna freed him as Elsa froze the trees, stopping them from moving.

“Thanks, guys,” Hiccup said. “Uh with all due respect, Your Highness. And Your Majesty.”

“Just Elsa and Anna is fine,” Elsa said. “Let’s catch up with everyone else.”

The spell caster glanced down to see the group being lead by Merida. The two of them made eye contact, and the spell caster raised boulders to hurl at the group. Long locks of golden blonde hair suddenly shielded her targets from view, and the boulders were surprisingly but safely caught without much of a problem.

Something thumped behind her, and she looked to see Hiccup and Toothless rapidly coming toward her. She muttered another spell as she raised her arm, bringing more branches to life to scoop her up. Hiccup watched her go up and behind him before Toothless swiftly turned around, but tree roots sprouted from the ground to tie them down.

“Hiccup!” Merida exclaimed. She loosed an ice arrow at a branch supporting the girl, making her slip. The next instant Rapunzel swung up with Cassandra, and immediately the latter went to free Hiccup and Toothless.

Rapunzel whipped her hair at the enemy only for the girl to roll out of the way. Angrily she muttered a spell, and the trees once again lashed out.

“Hang on!” Elsa quickly crafted a staircase as the spell caster used the trees to get herself to the other side. Merida fired an ice arrow at a branch, forcing the spell caster to cling to another branch. Another arrow sent her to the ground, and she abruptly sat up only to lock onto a nocked arrow pointed right at her.

“Don’t—move,” Merida threatened.

The girl glared at Merida, keeping her eyes trained on the redhead even as the rest of the group gingerly came toward them from atop the slope. Her hand curled into a fist, and she narrowed her eyes before spitting out a spell. The ground shook as the trees groaned, and the trees all began to fall onto the group.

“No!”

The spell caster scrambled away the instant Merida took her eyes off of her. Angus whinnied as Toothless tried to shield as many people as he could with his wings. A flash of golden light surrounded everyone as it spread out, and the group shielded their eyes. The ground trembled as the trees crashed down, and then all became still.

When everyone opened their eyes, they found themselves protected by not only Toothless, but Rapunzel’s glowing hair.

“Wot is. . . !”

“Your hair just. . . .” Régine started. The glow faded away as Rapunzel’s hair dropped to the ground, and the group was absolutely silent.

“Everyone okay?” Rapunzel asked. Everyone managed to murmur replies.

“Did your hair just . . . move on its own?” Hiccup asked.

“Yeah. . . . It . . . does that sometimes.”

“Wait. Where did she go?” Elsa asked.

Merida scanned the area and spotted the culprit attempting to climb up the other slope. But before she could even get an arrow out, a shot from Toothless was fired right above the spell caster. She fell back onto the ground, and before she knew it Rapunzel had wrapped her hair around her. Desperately the spell caster squirmed to free herself as the rest of the group went back down to Merida and Angus. But the spells from earlier had taken most of her energy.

“You are definitely not getting out of that hair,” Eugene said. “Trust me.”

“Well, we got her,” Kristoff said. “Now what?”

“Now, we get some answers,” Hiccup said.

_______

(First chapter) (Next chapter) (Previous chapter)

[motherofwoofers]

Chapter 4 of I'd Rather Be Hibernating

With Chapter 17 up and running on AO3, here is chapter 4 on tumblr:

There were few options Viperion could take.

He couldn't show up at a hospital, risking her identity, with the questions. His own identity didn't matter to him currently, though he knew he would never shirk the responsibility. There would be too many questions, too many things he wouldn't be able to answer. Couldn't.

Home was too far.

The weather too cold.

His powers too limited in time.

Spinning, Viperion, searched the roof around him, looking for the roof access door. Decisions and options were flashing through his mind as he spotted it and sprinted quickly. Marinette's body was tucked up as close as he could gather her to his chest. As close to his heart as he could bring her.

The handle was stiff, locked. A muttered *sorry* to those who were listening and he twisted the handle. He thanked Sass for his powers as the handle and lock mechanism ripped from the door, and he wrenched it open, barely pausing.

Viperion slinked as quickly down the stairs as he could, moving into the apartment complex below. The chiming from his bangle rang through his head like a klaxon alarm. His panic grew. Decisions needed to be made. They needed to be made quickly. He wasn't Ladybug. He couldn't just glance at things and *know* what to do. He was slower, a thinker, a planner who read the situation.

He needed to read the situation. Needed a solution. Needed it now.

A thought struck like lightning.

It wouldn't be his best moment. But it wouldn't be his worst.

Making sure no one was in the hallway just beyond the service stairwell, he shut the door quickly.

"Sass, scales off," he whispered, a bursting teal light filled the small space. Sass dropped like a rock. Luka shifted quickly, Marinette shuffling roughly as he managed to catch Sass on her chest. The small snake kwami squinted at him, unable to fully open his eyes.

"Sass, I need you. I'm so sorry to do this. I know you're exhausted, but we need to hide somewhere," Luka pleaded with the kwami, though he knew the small god would do whatever was in his power to help. Sass's slitted eyes shifted rapidly to Tikki just beside him, and he reached out with his small arms immediately. Searching her small form, then glanced back to Luka, a determined expression coloring his face.

"Howw can I help, Lukaa?" He floated up slowly until he was eye level.

"Can you find an empty apartment for us? Or even one where someone isn't home? We need to get them warmed up quickly. I can deal with the backlash later."

Without a hint of hesitation Sass phased through the door, zipping down the hall as he dipped into every home, searching. Racing back to the service stairs he beckoned for Luka to follow. As quickly, but quietly as possible, Luka dashed down the hallway, taking a right corner swiftly after Sass. He paused anxiously at a door while the small kwami phased through to unlock it from within. His heart pounded in fear and anxiety. Glancing around once more to make sure no one was watching, then slipping into the apartment.

The cold small bundle in his arms pulled at his heart strings. Her heart beat was slow, breathing more shallow. The paleness of her skin in stark contrast to the raven black hair. Luka took a moment to listen and assure himself that no one was home in the somewhat clustered apartment, before he shut the door with a click.

Without the added threat of being seen and removed from outside, he was able to think more clearly. Calm his heart and search his brain for what he was supposed to do. The cold was stunting his thoughts, causing jerkier movements, which he knew weren't ideal for Marinette's condition. He found a full size bed in the only room and carefully pulled back the covers and slid her in. The comforter wasn't enough, but he tucked her in as well as he could. Then he tore through the house finding any blankets he could, and towels when the throws ran out.

Luka layered everything as best as he could, searching her face and body for any signs that she was slipping further.

Then he sat on the bed next to her. Face in his hands. Fingers in his hair. Deep breaths turned into ragged gasps, which turned into shaking sobs.

So much. So much had happened in such a small span of *time*.

The elusive mind-numbing concept of time. A power no mortal should ever have control over. Control wasn't the right word. He couldn't even think of the right word. Perhaps a burden. Or a curse. It wasn't a gift Sass gave him. But the proverbial world on his shoulder. A titan forced to carry it for eternity. Or Carry it until the world no longer needed him. Until the world could carry on, spinning through space as it always had.

Luka squeezed his eyes shut, straining against the onslaught of his panic. Deep breaths through the nose, out through his mouth.

He was so cold. So panicked. So lost.

And part of his heart lay behind him, melody slow, pulling at him desperately.

It was enough to shake off the worst of the darkness that always followed him now. Yanking at the laces of his boots, he kicked them off as well as he could, then shrugged out of his outer jacket. It was cold and stiff and held no heat to share, so he tossed it to the ground. He undid the zipper of his inner coat next then slid it off his arms, letting the hiss of cold touch his skin. The apartment wasn't cold. The heating clearly on, but he was cold-blooded now it seemed.

Finding a way to bury under the covers, he moved the warmed jacket over Marinette's body, tucking it around her torso and up to her neck. Then he curled into her. One long arm helping to pull the vast weight of the blankets over them, leaving just enough of a gap for fresh air, the other sliding under the pillow that supported her head. The long silk lengths of her hair trapped beneath. With a memory of his sister flashing through his mind about hair getting caught under her petite girlfriend, he tugged Marinette's hair out gently, pushing it off to the side.

She had let it grow out the last year or so. The twin tails no longer present. Now she wore a messy bun almost daily. *Not enough time to deal with it*, she had said at one point. But that she loved having the length to work with when she dressed in her own designs.

Luka loved it. Loved the way it framed her face just right. Or the adorable dishevelled look she wore so often nowadays. It was soft between his fingers, catching on the string dug calluses. He shifted closer, burying his face into the crook of her neck, wrapping himself around her, hoping with everything he had, that she would be okay. He could feel Sass bundling with Tikki, somewhere within the layers of blankets above them, but he was too cold to know. Too numb to the outside world.

All he could think of was her body pressed to his. The fierce and powerful delicate-ness that was Marinette.

Think of her body shattering.

Breaking.

Bleeding.

Spilling to the ground in a discarded heap.

The thick *slunking* sound of flesh hitting a hard surface.

The tang of blood. So much blood. Filling his sensitive nose.

He could still smell it in his memories now. Sickening him.

Could still hear her screams.

Screams of pain. The strangled keening of those last moments.

They echoed in his mind. In that dark place only he held.

Tears slid down his face, running over his nose to catch in the other eye. He held her close, breathing her scent. Breathing life into her. The hand he had wrapped around her waist, moved up. Thumb brushing along her cheek as he cried. Marinette's skin still cooler to the touch, though he could feel her breathing steadying.

Luka held her face as he cried. As he shed tears that no one else would ever see. He let his calm demeanor fall. Let himself feel the pain. Let it wash over him. If he bottled up too long, it would call to him. The terrible serenity of that spiral into darkness. Into numbness.

But if he could still feel. He could still fight it. He could hold on. He could hold on for them all. Stay strong for his family, his friends and team. Stay strong for himself. Stay strong for *her*.

He held her face while he cried into her neck, letting it all out. Letting the soothing scent of everything that was Marinette envelope him. The undercurrent of baked goods chased with something light and sweet he could never place. Chat had pinned it down at some point, or so he claimed. But Luka couldn't recall the memory clearly. He had attempted to avoid the passing discussion, as he had long ago accepted where he stood in her life. Close. Dear. Loved. But not the chosen one to be *in* love with. Small dates. Shared cuddles and deep conversations. But she had pulled away. And not just from him, but Adrien and all the other boys. Becoming the Guardian, dealing with the rest of what life threw at her, had added untold stress to her own shoulders. Stress she couldn't share with anyone as a civilian. Stress she *wouldn't* share as a heroine.

So Luka was what Marinette needed from him. She gave him as much as she could. As much as he let her see at least. He kept the rest buried. It wasn't her burden to bear. And even when he had tried to move on. Had kissed other girls. Climbed out of a boy's bedroom window before his father could find them... Marinette was still deeply rooted.

A base line he couldn't deviate from.

A heart beat he couldn't avoid syncing with.

When the tears ran dry, he brushed them away from her skin and his own, before sliding his arm beneath his jacket and over her body. He held her there, arm wrapped securely around her waist, and let her rhythm lull him into sleep.

Into the dreamless peace of a warm bed in the dead of winter.

---chapter 1-17 on AO3----