#too much birthday era about to look like a picnic

[romulussy]

and when roman outsources his desire for daddy's love to mencken because logan is dead and gerri no longer fits the substitute role but mencken does not actually care for him so it's a messy manipulative death spiral that makes him so so soooo much worse. what then

[hayffiebird]

Taste of Strawberries, chap. 41

Hayffie Post-Mockingjay Multi-chapter, Rated M

Four years have passed since the end of the war when Effie returns in to Haymitch’s life once again. An old friendship is renewed. Will it lead to something more?

Meanwhile Panem has entered a new era. The rebellion’s over, the borders are open but in the shadows, anger and mistrust are smoldering. Something that will affect Haymitch and Effie’s life in a way they never saw coming.

Author’s note: TRIGGER WARNING for mentions of suicide and life’s general awfulness à la young mentor Haymitch. So, yeah. This lil’ chapter is hella depressing.

Chapter 41

Piece by piece

June wouldn’t look at him – not once – as she tied balloons to a nearby tree. Floating ones of every color, just outside the cream colored party tent. The helium canister stood by her feet. A big cylinder thing, gray as stormy seas. If anything it looked like the bombs that a Capitol hovercraft might drop.

Course, he knew better than to blurt that out.

The party tent was anchored at every corner, accompanied by more of June’s floating balloons. Tethered to the ground and tied up with ribbons. The sidewalls had all been removed, leaving the waterproof ceiling above, just in case of rain.

The garden table was set up with the plump coffee pot and matching china. Pretty glasses with soft yellow napkins. Frog green plastic plates and sippy cups for the birthday kids along with a stack of gifts.

Sitting in a bucket of ice was a bottle of (obviously) alcohol-free apple cider and over by June’s apple tree: Effie’s picnic blanket spread out in the shade – just in case it didn’t rain.

 “You did it wonderful out here”, he told the blonde woman’s back. “Sincerely.”

Nothing. Not even a sour: “I didn’t do it for you.” If Annabel’s patience was wearing thin, he was one drunken stupor away from making June an enemy.

Not that he wasn’t used to it. Making enemies.

Her silence. Her body language. He knew it all too well. Used to get it all the time back home. Not so much anymore. Post-rebellion.

“Because you helped put an end to Snow. An end to the Games”, Effie said but that wasn’t it. He hadn’t redeemed himself. The supposed thawing of District 12 toward him was all due to the depressing fact that almost no one survived the fire bombings.

But in the glory days – the hateful glances, the cold shoulders, even confrontations was all part of his everyday life. Took only a few seasons.

For about a second after his Quell, him actually winning breathed a sense of hope into the district. Not only because of Parcel Day - those monthly food packages sent in the first year. It was the fact that Twelve finally, finally had a mentor now. A mentor clever enough to win one of the hardest Games in history. Surely it would make a difference? Surely!

Course, it didn’t take him long to prove them wrong and all that hope and optimism turned cold and bitter as a winter storm. It wasn’t just that they resented him for not doing enough. He was also their living breathing reminder of the Games. Past and future.

And as the dead children under his care accumulated he spent less and less time outside the house, unable to look at the young faces of towners and Seam kids alike, wondering which one was next.

That and their loved ones. Families, friends, sweethearts of the kids he failed to bring home. They shouldn’t have to endure his presence more than absolutely necessary. Not if he could help it.

Like the funerals. Few things on this Earth could compete with his hatred for the reaping but those god awful double funerals were definitely up there.

As the mentor, he was expected to attend. And he did, the first couple of years.

Dandruff wasn’t present of course. You didn’t escort dead children back. It was just him and a handful of mourners, carefully selected. All presided over by an armada of peacekeepers, armed to the teeth.

The Iron Maiden and later old Cray held a speech over the small-sized coffins but it was never really about the dead, or the living. More like … sitting round the table and now let’s all give thanks to our lord and savior president Snow.

You’d think there’d be flowers. White, perfume-reeking roses, reminding you of who ran this show. But of course not. Snow wouldn’t waste a single bloom on something as unimportant as a dead tribute. Not even the local wild rose that Katniss might encounter out in the woods.

The last funeral he ever went to was before she and Peeta were born. Effie must have still been a child.

Dandruff reaped a couple of Seam kids that year, just like she did most seasons. 15 year old Laurel and Douglas – just twelve. None of them made it past the bloodbath.

Their families weren’t to go near the coffins to say a final goodbye or put down a daisy. They were just an audience. A class of school children and like the dutiful crowd they kept their expected distance while the Head Peacekeeper ran their pathetic charade.

Lauren’s parents, her brothers and sisters all sobbed together. Silent ones so as not attract the attention of those rifles. Douglas’s mother seemed in chock. Her eyes stared at nothing, bone dry, while her husband - face sunken, a head shorter than her - cried for the both of them.

Haymitch kept his distance at the scene, like he always did. Out of respect for the families. Their pain. But his eyes had flitted to Douglas‘s father at one point and right in that moment Tucker looked at him.

The coal miner knew the mentor would be there. Or maybe not. The funerals were never aired. Not unless there was a special year, like the Quells. Either way he looked stunned, staggered. Like coming out of a dream.

And then, rage took its place. There was no other word for it. And he left his wife’s side. Elbowed himself right through the crowd. Haymitch knew what was coming. Could have deflected it. Easily. After his time in the arena he had reflexes like a wild rabbit. But he didn’t and Tucker struck him to the ground. His body had barely hit the dirt before the man was all over him.

Hand clenched into a fist he punched his face, over and over. Busted his lip up, his nose, his eyebrow – all the time hollering the same thing.

“Murderer! You murderer! Child-murderer!”

Tucker never got to finish the job. Later that same day, only hours after they buried their son, wails could be heard from the coal miner’s house. Peacekeepers arrived to learn the cause of the racket and found Tucker in the bedroom covered in blood, holding his dead wife’s body.

The realization that her only child was gone must have finally hit her. She’d cut her wrists open with her husband’s shaving knife.

The peacekeepers wanted to retrieve the body but Tucker, mad with grief, wouldn’t let them anywhere near Eliza. Teeth bared he fought their every attempt until they shot him.

Square in the chest.

That night, Haymitch got himself drunk for the first time. The Hob was closed but he found his way into the Seam, guided by whatever moonlight he could make out through his one good eye. Knocked on Ripper’s door. Asked for a bottle of white liquor.

The one-armed woman hesitated, reluctant to sell to someone still so young. But her gaze travelled across his bashed, beat up face. His eye swollen shut. The gashes, the crusts of blood, the red and purple bruises.

Finally she nodded.

The liquor burned just as much as he remembered – from that one time with the butcher’s. A beverage so vile no one with any sense left, or choice, would drink it willingly. But he powered it down.

Every drop.

Sip by sip, mouthful by mouthful – even when he gagged on it, even though he knew he’d puke himself into another nosebleed in just a matter of hours.

He did it anyway. To rid himself off their faces. Their voices. If just for a little while.

Laurel, dead. Douglas, dead. Eliza bleeding out in her husband’s arms. Tucker with a hole in his chest.

Murderer! You murderer! Child-murderer!

That was the last time he ever went to a funeral. They could put him in chains, throw him in a cell, flog him or just shoot him on sight like they did Tucker. He didn’t care.

And as time wore on, he spent less and less of it outside the Victor’s Village. He reckoned there’s where he’d do the least harm. He actively pushed people away, alienated himself from the rest of the community.

Stopped spending any real time with Sae and Hazelle and all the rest. Was rude and hurtful on purpose to keep people at a distance. Like Tessa when she arrived at his door step, wanting to treat his face with her soothing herbs and salves.

He shut her out. Shut them all out.

So they’d be safe.

He drew a deep soundless sigh. Stared at the tiny lady bug crawling up a purple ribbon.

He meant what he told June. And he wanted the twins to have all this. And yet ... the whole thing felt increasingly unreal. Presents, balloons, birthday cake.

Why did he get to be here celebrating his kids growing up when so many good, decent, innocent people were all just bones in the ground?

It wasn’t fair and he didn’t deserve it.

Any of it.

[falling-pages]

Over and Over, Again and Again: KyoHaru (commission)

The absolutely lovely @ouranbound commissioned me for her birthday. This was so much fun and I just melt every time I read it 🥺 thank you so much sweetheart, I hope your day is magical!!

Info on commissions here (updated!)

-

Despite the heat, despite the outdoors, Kyoya considered it a lovely afternoon, if only for two reasons: he had a book in his hands and Haruhi’s head in his lap.

-

Kyoya Ootori x Haruhi Fujioka

Genre: Fluff

Contains: first I Love Yous, established relationship

Warnings: Mentions of alcohol, but no drinking

-

Kyoya did not like being outside. It was often hot and sticky, the sun too bright and burning his skin, or too cold and blustery, the wind too harsh for his delicate constitution. Even refraining from walking to work, using his own driver to commute the blocks. It was silly, yes, and quite wasteful, but he had the money, and all that money allowed him to demand comfort. He never could understand why the others seemed to strain at their leashes to go outdoors--Mori and Hikaru organizing hikes and fishing trips, Tamaki and Kaoru scampering after them. He couldn’t find pleasure in swatting at the sweat running down his back, or cleaning his glasses every few minutes. The outdoors were quite insufferable.

But Haruhi liked the outdoors, and he liked Haruhi.

He supposed it was because of their different upbringings. While he had all the luxury of indoor pools and air conditioning, she didn’t. The outdoors were free; a simple space where commoners could exist without the expectation of spending money. Unlike any mall or restaurant, beneath the sun, the air cost nothing.

So he put up with it whenever she requested it. Her cool touch was more enticing than air conditioning, anyways.

He began to regret it, though, when their wine was no longer chilled. They had arranged a lovely picnic, lounging in a field his father owned. There were plans to develop it, one day, but for now it remained wild. A place where lovers could stow away amid the tall grass waving in the wind.

They sat in the shade of a lemon tree. Remains of rei-shabu and morokyu were stowed away in their picnic satchel, next to the ice pack. Their glasses were still filled with strawberry wine, though their minds and stomachs were too content to have more.

Despite the heat, despite the outdoors, Kyoya considered it a lovely afternoon, if only for two reasons: he had a book in his hands and Haruhi’s head in his lap.

It would have been lovelier in late May or early June, but he had been so busy with the end of the fiscal year. He was afraid of Haruhi’s impending disillusionment, with their relationship still so new, but if she was ever discontent, he knew she would tell him. Dating him had not turned her into a placated doll, as he had feared. He still took care of her, showering her in wealth whenever she asked, but it was rare; mostly, she just wanted to spend time with him, and he just wanted to take care of her, making sure her stomach was full and loans paid.

Not to say he didn’t spoil her, though. He had bought the very dress she was wearing, a strappy yellow thing with magenta stitching. And the gold earrings, shaped like roses on dangling stems, which laid so artfully on the backdrop of her velvet brown hair splayed against his thigh. Her hair was long enough to begin curling slightly at the ends, whenever it wasn’t done up in her tight law school bun.

It was rare he saw her like this, heart unbound and carefree. Her skin was soft beneath his fingertips as he ran them against her cheek, half dreaming, half admiring. She slept in his lap, tuckered out from their afternoon. Lips red from wine pulled back slightly, a whimper on the tip of her tongue. For a moment, he feared had awoken her, hand frozen on her jaw, but she turned her neck back into his leg and resumed her breathing.

He sighed in relief. He had already ruined much in his life. The peaceful portrait beneath him was too pure to interrupt.

Once she was back asleep, he gave one last glance to her blushed cheeks and held up his book. It was old, a brown cover etched with gold, antique and clearly made for a bygone era, tattered pages though born on a press just a few years ago. Kyoya felt like that sometimes. An anachronism of his own kind. Set in one spot and lost to the pages of history.

But not here. A butterfly landed on Haruhi’s nose. Instead of swatting it, he watched, breathed in the life bellowing into his bones. In the world, at work, with his family, his soul felt ancient; his shoulders shook with the weight of an old-world empire. But with her, he was fresh, bathing in the fountain of youth. He was no longer an Atlas, cursed with the weight of the world; he was Dionysus with Ariadne--his shining jewel in the sky.

The love he had for her transcended space and time, yet she was blissfully unaware.

Tamaki’s advice echoed in his ears. He had to tell her eventually, else he’d lose her. Trained in all things etiquette, he still stumbled over even the most human of phrases.

Kyoya shook his head. The day he listened to Tamaki’s advice would be the day he’d resign from the Ootori group. As he returned to his book, his focus shifted. Some old French thing on culture, it mocked his feelings with dry phrases and tiny text. Tamaki had taught him enough French to get by, but reading it was another matter. It was to better himself and improve his chances with foreign business relations, was what he told himself, at least.

Haruhi’s ease and fascination with the language certainly had nothing to do with it. Nor did the jealousy in his palms when he would watch the two he loved most converse and giggle without him.

Some time after he resumed scanning it, regretting how he left his translation dictionary at home, Haruhi awoke. Not with a sigh or startle, as he was accustomed, but silently, with a breath, as if he were the bridge in which she crossed from one world into the next.

She laid still and watched him read, brilliant mind sweeping over each and every word. From the angle of his head tilt, she could see his eyes behind his glasses, a sharp, rare, deep black. Nondescript, and beautiful, the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen--above Tamaki’s lavender, Mori’s silver, the twins’ bronze and amber. She loved them because within their deep pools of tar, she saw her future.

Haruhi didn’t know for how long she looked at him. She had just started to fall back asleep when he spoke.

“I can feel you staring at me,” he murmured, not even taking his sight from the page.

She stayed focused on the smooth, pale skin of his jaw. It clenched and unclenched periodically, whenever he came across a phrase or word he didn’t know. She could have offered her help, but his lap was just too comfortable.

“I like the view,” she shrugged.

When he set the book down, eyes widened, she already knew what he was about to say.

“Out of all the sights, of the trees, flowers, and fields surrounding us, you think me more admirable?”

She was the lawyer--she was the one used to provoking confessions from people--but his cunning as a businessman made the words drip from his lips like honey, accentuating even as he dipped his head down to hers. Haruhi scrambled to shift her weight to her arm, propping herself up to meet his lips. And yet he hovered, smirking as he watched her mouth chase his, quieting her displeased whines with a chuckle.

“What, no answer?”

He was the devil in disguise, with a voice so silver and smooth, and she knew it. But if he were the devil, she was his Persephone--his lips were her pomegranate, and she bit.

She mustered her frustration into finally catching him in a kiss, swatting at his chest when she tasted his beleaguered smirk.

“You know my answer,” she retorted. “I choose you every day, over and over again.”

“I know,” my darling.” He removed his glasses, the only barrier between them, and pressed his forehead to hers. “And for that, I love you.”

He said it. It wasn’t how he planned on saying it, but it was there, suspended in the air by wires thin as twine. Her hand stilled in his hair, but she didn’t remove it.

“That’s the first time you’ve said it,” she breathed, an elation and joy she didn’t know she missed bubbling in her chest.

Kyoya opened his eyes. They had clenched shut on instinct, as protection, so he wouldn’t have to see the way she rejected him. But her calm voice coaxed them back open, and they settled on her lazy smile.

“It is,” he affirmed. “I thought...I thought you knew. It’s been so long.”

They had been dating for three months, yet known each other for nine years, and Kyoya had loved her for most of that. She had loved him for only half that, that she knew, but their affection was ancient, the kind read about in archaic stone tablets. The kind that would wait forever and ever to be discovered again and again.

“I do,” she whispered. “I love you, too.”

And just when he thought his back would break from carrying the world, she kissed away his pain into an immortal love.

-

[honeybeesiness]

all of your writing has a very warm feeling to it, it's like actual honey for my soul, i love it! if i could, could i ask you for some century egg x reader headcanons, please? i hope you have a wonderful day!

i know this one took awhile but!! we don't talk about that!! i’ve been in a writing flunk for awhile; it happens a lot to me but i try my best to be consistent ;;‎. i just don’t want to let any of y’all down. ‎‎

and thank you very much! y’all are so nice, i– ‎‎‎

when i saw the word "despair" in century’s bio, i was like, "👁️👄👁️ junko enoshima" ‎

Dating Century Egg is like....

‎

....The transition from Winter to Spring. Due to his years of unwanted captivity, Century Egg has grown lonely. The corpse of his previous master wasn’t the most ideal company, so he would definitely cling to you. However, there is a bit of hesitance to it. The last person he deeply cared about trapped him in confinement for hundreds of years, so he would be worried that you might do the same when you die. Due to this fear, he is always reluctant to do much of anything with you. Even getting him to hold your hand can be a slow process, so please be patient with him. It might not seem like it, but he’s trying really hard to not be as skeptical as he is. This also means that Century Egg would be a better fit with someone who is kind and gentle rather than someone who is sharp-tongued and hotheaded. While he is not the type to break down and cry easily, he doesn’t want to be rushed and would prefer to take his time in getting both comfortable and used to you. That desire can also imply a sense of "never being ready"-ness, and what I mean by that is that Century Egg might inadvertently be continuously pushing off and delaying the end result by saying that he’s just not comfortable or "ready" yet. Like I mentioned before, it’s not just a slow process, but it can be tiring as well, especially since you never truly know when he’s fully adjusted to the world and you yet. While he might have forever, you certainly don’t, so you don’t want to waste the precious time you have waiting for something that might never arrive. But just know that Century Egg never means to push you away or postpone any sign of significant advancement. He’s just afraid, that’s all. ‎

....A breath of fresh air. Century Egg has an interesting perspective of the modern world, and that is because he’s viewing the time period through ancient eyes. Even though so much has changed between then and now, Century Egg is able to spot and point out areas that he remembers from his time accompanying Xuan Wu. He always has something interesting to tell you about each individual spot and will happily indulge you if you’re willing to listen. Century Egg also likes to buy you things and give you gifts! Since he’s not very used to customs of the modern era, he has a tendency to mimic what others are doing because that is most likely accurate in this time period. If he sees other couples giving gifts to one another, then he’ll do it too, but observing people’s behavior doesn’t necessarily give him all the information he needs. This means that he’ll buy you a lot more stuff than what is considered the normal amount, and those goodies will vary heavily since he’ll buy you anything that he thinks you might like regardless of whether you actually like it or not. It just shows how often he thinks of you, though! What Century Egg also does is pay attention to you when you’re out and about. If your gaze lingers longer on a cute shirt or the newest edition to your favorite book series, then he’ll catch on immediately and commit the item to memory so he can buy it for you when he’s able to. With that being said, Century Egg usually goes overboard with presents on your birthday or on Christmas (If you celebrate it, that is.). ‎

....Becoming human once again. Century Egg has a tendency to be robotic when it comes to his actions. He'll listen to every word you say without a single hint of doubt and he'll follow through with every instruction you give him. While this quality has its benefits (i.e. deliveries, housework, airship shipments), it can be frustrating. A part of being an individual means thinking and behaving for yourself rather than obediently following along to what you're told without any second thoughts, and Century Egg seems incapable of doing so— At least at the moment (And even though I mentioned above that Century Egg would have a lot of hesitance when doing things with you, that only applies to being intimate with you.). But like I mentioned above, his compliance can have his benefits. Even though he’ll do it without hesitation, Century Egg actually enjoys going out on deliveries for you and making sure that your restaurant is in ship-shape. To him, managing these sorts of things helps shave off some of the workload for you, because the last things he wants is for you to overwork yourself. It isn’t a very good feeling to see you stressed out or exhausted, so he’ll what he can to make sure you don’t end up that way. He’s reliable and responsible, so you’d be in good hands if he were to ever take up the reigns. Breaks are important, and you should always make sure to not bite off more than you can chew. ‎

....Spring’s first flower. Century Egg enjoys beautiful weather, and is perfectly content with sitting underneath the shade of a tree to stare at the clouds. He would be happier if you were with him, and if you decide to tag along sometime, the two of you could have a picnic! He’d very much like that, but if you decline, then that’s okay! Maybe next time. Contrary to his rather gloomy disposition, Century Egg’s favorite season is spring. It’s cool (but not too cool) and all the blooming flowers are really pretty to look at. He’ll take you on walks through public gardens, insist on planting flowers in your front or backyard, and he’ll buy you lots of bouquets too! Might want to get a few more vases while he’s in this springtime mindset! The flowers aren’t the only things he likes about spring, however. Like I mentioned above, he likes the cool weather that comes with it, but he also likes the rainbow of colors that this season provides. Being confined and being forced to view a limited palette of colors most of his life really makes him appreciate the beauty of the world a little more, and he would feel more inclined to not take life for granted. He’ll appreciate it while it lasts and, well, his lasts forever, so he has all the time in the world. This thought is also a gentle yet dreadful reminder that your time on earth is limited and that you won’t be able to spend forever with him no matter how much you want to. It’s unfortunate, yes, and inevitable as well, but instead of moping over it, Century Egg is intent on making your life as enjoyable and as exciting as possible. You don’t need to worry about a thing, because Century Egg’s got it handled. Your life is valuable, and so Century Egg will do as much as he can to protect it.

[dinglemingle]

What are 5 of your fave underrated or not talked about a lot robron scenes??? Hope you’re having a great day love! ❤️❤️

Hello love! Hope you’re well ❤️ Sorry for the late reply I really couldn’t pick this was a struggle™

There's so much content to choose from so this was hard,but i’ve narrowed it down to just the 5 (there were so many others though) They're in no particular order,and I have to be honest,despite being here for around 5 years now,I know nothing about anything so forgive me if some of these aren’t underrated.

1) Katie's funeral. Makes me FERAL! The whole episode,but especially this scene. I adore the angst of it all. Such husband power couple vibes despite the fact they're arguing. Iconic

2) LOOK AT THEM! ANGST!!! Right at the beginning of the affair (that wasn't even really an affair yet) the yearning coupled with the tension. The period where they kinda hated eachother but also really wanted eachother is just A+

3) Okay more light-hearted! Ripping off Mandy (it's what she deserved) Personally I really enjoyed the little mini sls where it's more chill and fun and they're criminals together. Also sex on the money how very them

4) In a very similar vein, smashing Al's car (again, it's what she deserves) Marlon and Robron? Yes please my faves. Also just helping out family is quite a nice thing,imo they were kinda isolated sometimes so I liked seeing them with the better members of the Dingle family who they don't interact with as often. (Also Al is the king of wooden planks and a smug prick so...)

5) Okay now I feel like this isn't underrated at all but I love it too much not to include. To be honest,I almost didn't because I refuse to believe that Ryan left and I physically can't watch the last few eps because they hurt too much,that being said this moment is just so soft! Aaron's bittersweet smile,he knows they're leaving everything behind,but he's got Robert and that's enough. Rob's little sway,he knows he's gonna give himself up,he knows this is one of the last proper moments he'll get with Aaron,so he's savouring it completely. It's heartbreaking but also incredibly loving. The calm before the storm if you will. And I'm a slut for Aaron comforting Robert.

Honourable mentions to The first hug, during affair era after Cains aneurysm. Robert just pulling him in, Aaron being all wtf is this. The fact they were so obviously in love then wow (This nearly made it in but I couldn't find the gif because this hell site hates me)

The weed SL because what even was that! Specifically Roberts little riddle because he's a shit and I love him for it. Robron v Ross adds 10 years to my life

The wedding 1.0 head kiss because I'm soft for head kisses

Winning the pub quiz (I was so tempted to include this you don't even know) Again I love light hearted little things and them being quiz connoisseurs is a testament to the power they hold. They own Emmerdale wbk

The picnic!! Love a good picnic, love a good clothes swap,win win

Aaron's 2017 birthday kiss (in the bar before they go do the whole roulette thing) it's just a simple kiss but it shows so much and Robert looks so in love. (Also the suit and Rob chewing out Chrissie we stan)

All of these could have been included if I'd done this on a different day,but I'd already put it off too long because I'm ridiculously indecisive.

Anyways...I drag on I'm sorry ahh. Thanks so much for the ask :)

[bittersweetmelxdy]

Gavin’s Birthday 2020

Around the World Challenge

So, this is the fic I’m THE most excited to post for this month, and I really hope you all like it as much as I loved writing it. 

Words: 3,087

Blinking your eyes blearily, you nuzzled into the warm embrace encompassing around your figure. The strong chest against your back, and the arms protecting you even in the depths of his slumber. You smiled, and gently and slowly tried to shuffle your way out of your husband’s embrace, lifting his arm inch by inch and you breathe a sigh in relief at the sound of his steady breathing. As you were about to place your foot on the floor of the room, you were suddenly pulled back onto the bed, letting out a yelp in surprise as you landed back in the arms you had just spent so long trying to escape from.  

“Gavin!” you called, giggling as Gavin sleepily nuzzled his nose into your hair.

“It’s too early.” his voice was still husky from sleep, and you shivered as his voice rolled down your spine.

“Come on, Gavin, I thought you wanted to get there early.” you lifted his left hand placing a few soft kisses atop his shining silver wedding band adorning his ring finger.

“Yeah, but I didn’t think it’d be this early.” he pushed his face into the crook of your neck, his lips brushing butterfly kisses along the length of it.

“If you let me go, not only can I make breakfast for us, but I can also make lunch for us too.” you turned your head, nose bumping against his.

Gavin sighed, as if you had told him to carry the weight of the sky, before kissing your temple, “Why did I marry a producer who insists on doing set visits personally?” he sighed, letting go of you reluctantly.

You spun around cheekily winking at him, as the shirt of his you wore to sleep, brushed against your thighs as you danced you way into the bathroom to get ready. As the shower was heard running, Gavin brushed his hand through his brown tresses waiting until he heard it shut off again signifying you had finished,  his actions only accomplishing to further the appearance of his bedhead, as he joined you in the bathroom to brush his teeth. Once you both were finished, you left to get dressed and Gavin showered, allowing the warm water to wash away the last bits of sleep from his demeanour. He threw on his clothes, and whilst he towel dried his hair, making it stick up in various directions, he heard you knock on the door and he opened it to let you in to complete your skincare routine. He watched as you laughed whilst patting you moisturiser into your skin, and after raising his eyebrow in question, you reached and pulled out a brush and handed it to him pointing at his hair.

“Might want to fix that before we set out.” you rose unto your tip-toes and kissed his cheek before walking out of the bathroom and heading downstairs to start cooking.

This wasn’t the first time you had done an international shoot, in fact as your company had flourished in the last few years, even surpassing the level it was at when your father was in charge, you and your team had been to various worldwide locations to shoot and worked with a multitude of actors. However, Gavin knew how special this project was to you, you had always loved any form of historical drama regardless of the culture it was made to reflect, so when your team was given the opportunity to film a perfume commercial that was meant to embody the regency era of England, you jumped at it. Gavin smiled, remembering how you were so excited for the project that you had come to the precinct on his lunchbreak, not even being able to wait until you got home, and thrown yourself into his arms babbling about how excited you were. When you had blinked your bright eyes up at him, the lights in them sparkling as you asked him to accompany you on the set visit, how could he say no?

So here you both were, in a rented holiday home in the Lake District about to visit an old estate for the purpose of work. And Gavin would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy opportunity of having a spontaneous adventure with you. He had mentioned to you that way back in his family history there had been a couple of members of the Bai family that had been living in England around this time, but they were only very distantly related to him, their only connection being their shared last name, so at your curious expression he could only fold and apologise for not knowing too much about them. You had taken it into your stride and shrugged saying you didn’t expect him to know everything, but it was interesting that he had some connections to the distant land.

By the time Gavin had got himself sorted and ready, you were placing breakfast on the table, and had started to prepare a small picnic for lunch. Joining you at the table, Gavin sat and listened as you told him about the estate in terms of architecture and the gardens and land surrounding it, but you paused at one point, voicing something you found strange out to your husband.

“You know, they weren’t initially going to let us film?” you told him, as you sipped your tea.

“Really?” Gavin paused, tilting his head in indication for you to continue.

“Yeah, strangest thing is... they only agreed when they heard my name.” You said scrunching your nose.

“Your name?”

“I know, real strange isn’t it? Maybe my Dad had more connections internationally than I thought.” you left it at that, standing up and shrugging your shoulders, collecting the dishes and moving to the sink. However, in contrast to your blasé attitude, Gavin felt a strange feeling in his chest, like a longing for memories he didn’t even know he had lost. Shaking his head, he put it from his mind and stood to help you finish with your preparations.

In the car, as the two of you reached the gated entrance of the estate, both of you felt a sense of familiarity creeping through you, that only got stronger as you parked the car and walked the stone stairs up to the large solid oak door. As Gavin raised his hand to the handle of the door, he paused as you laid your hand atop his and he turned his head to hear what you had to say.

“Gavin?” you whispered, “am I crazy if I tell you that this place gives me the same feeling as our home?” you look troubled, and Gavin, pushing aside his own strange feelings for this place, raised his other hand and caressed the back of your head, pulling you close so he could kiss your forehead gently.

“You’ll never seem crazy to me.” and with that you both entered the house.

The caretaker of the house, met you both excitedly, stopping to gasp slightly at the sight of the two of you, in the entryway and ran through the itinerary of the day. He would take you through the grounds, gardens and ground floor for the duration of the morning, and then you all would make your way to the second and third floors in the afternoon after a break for lunch. You nodded, your figure almost bouncing in excitement, and Gavin kept his arm around your waist, as if worried if you would run off if he let go, whilst he carefully looked around the house. This place just made he feel off, and he didn’t like it, but until he could tell why he was happy to follow you around.

The caretaker walked you around the garden talking about the various families that had graced his walls but after running up to present day, he asked if you would like to know more about what they call the estate’s ‘greatest love story’. Gavin, didn’t care too much for it, but you, being an absolute sucker for a good romance story, agreed immediately, and Gavin could see the wheels turning in your head as you wondered if you could use the story as the premise for the commercial. The caretaker got a strange gleam in his eye at how excited you were to hear the story, and Gavin’s brows only furrowed further.

“Well, let me see if I remember correctly,” Gavin rolled his eyes at how this man stalled the story just to keep you captivated as you all walked through the orangries, “The estate had stood empty for several years, then the King at the time gifted it to the General, a man who had been treated poorly by his family and had entered the army to break away from the abuse and neglect from his father.”

Gavin’s steps faltered, feeling empathy for the man who had a life so closely related to his less than stellar childhood. You looked up at him, leaning into his embrace to providing him with a sense of comfort and the caretaker continued,

“He had been in love with the only daughter of a simple gentleman farmer, since his was a child, however the only way he could marry her was to negotiate her father, effectively forcing her into marriage.”

“How sad!” you gasped, feeling the same anguish the girl would have felt, however, you thought your feelings were simply arisen from empathy.

“Don’t worry Miss.” the caretaker placated you as you entered the rose garden, “The general’s doted on his young wife greatly, making sure her favourite foods were served at meals, allowing her the freedom to persue any hobbies she took a fancy to, he even planted this rose garden for her, which is in direct view of the master and mistress’ chambers. The girl in fact had been in love with the general since childhood as well, but due to social etiquette of the day, they were unable to voice their feelings.” your eyes shined at the mutual pining from both parties, and even Gavin couldn’t help but become invested in the tale.

“So, when did they finally confess?” the question unexpectantly came from Gavin, as you all walked in the ground floor, and the caretaker paused the story to tell you about the rooms you were walking through, only answering Gavin’s question when you were all back in the entryway, at the foot of the grand stairs.

“Ah, well interestingly enough, from the accounts we’ve read, what caused them to finally confess was the lady tried to ride a horse and broke her foot. Well, I’ll see you both in an hour, feel free to sit anywhere in the gardens you please.”

The answer given by the caretaker was like a lightning bolt to you and Gavin, somehow the words “broke her foot” set off a storm of emotions in the two of you. As you both went back to the rose garden and sat on the grass, silence stretched between the two of you as you dwelled on those words, both eating lunch complacently. For you, you felt a phantom throbbing in your ankle, you felt a wave of anguish wash over you and brief flashes of a grand room, a view from the window, a man reading aloud from your bedside, dresses and furniture around the floor, tears obscuring your vision, all filled your mind. However, the face of the man, was blurry, but you felt you should know him, like you had seen it so many times before. Gavin was having a similar mental trip, however his memories were a little different,what he saw was, a black stallion being petted by a lady in period clothing, her face fuzzy and unrecognisable, himself slamming a door open hearing pictures rattle in their frames, sitting on the floor with the unknown lady staring at the sky, fear at seeing her throw clothes into a trunk chaos around her and a kiss like the floodgates opening. Like with you and the unknown man, Gavin felt like he knew the lady, like he would know her anywhere, like she was someone he couldn’t forget. Your soft voice broke the silence eventually.

“I’m glad they finally told each other their feelings.” you voice was barely above a whisper, almost lost in the summer breeze. “This garden is beautiful; it really shows his feelings.”

“Yeah, he must have really loved her.” Gavin agreed with you, and after looking at you and seeing the emotional turmoil you felt he opened his arms and you crawled into them.  

You sat between his legs as they bracketed your figure, and wrapped your arms around his neck, resting your ear atop his chest right where his heart was. Listening to his steady heartbeat, you focused in on it allowing the steady thrum to calm your nerves. Gavin simply say, arms wrapped around your frame, one hand on the small of your back and the other in your hair, caressing the back of it, allowing you to calm down in your own time, your presence also helping to calm him down and ground him as well. As the sunlight warmed your entwined figures, the gentle summer breeze allowing the fragrance of the roses to dance around you.

After lunch the two of you made your way back to the house, fingers interlaced tightly as you both walked back to the house. Entering the house, you both made your way up the stairs, to the third floor. The caretaker was waiting for you at the top, and as he guided you through the nurseries and attic rooms, he spoke no more about the tale of the general and his love, and only offered you basic information on the furniture and paintings that adorn the ornate rooms. The second floor was primarily the guest wing and the family wing, connected by the family portrait gallery. Each of the guest room and sitting rooms, featured a pastel palette, the furniture pieces light and bright as to not overpower the room, and you took pictures on your phone to send back to the company so that you and your team could use them to create a moodboard. Once back at the stairs the caretaker stopped, and whilst smiling invited you and Gavin to walk the rest of the gallery and the family wing by yourselves. You thought it was strange, but the house was so interesting to you that the opportunity to walk through the house at your own pace. You and Gavin walked through the portrait gallery towards the family wing, taking note of the families shown on the wall, and you squeezed his hand excitedly reading one of the name plaques.

“Gavin, look!” You drew him closer to one of the pictures, “It says Bai, it’s your family!” Gavin nodded and squinted at the features that vaguely represented his own.

You and Gavin paid closer to the next set of paintings until the final one made you both stopped. Gavin’s eyes widened and your breath hitched, there encapsulated in the medium of oil painting, was two figures that looked exactly like you and Gavin in period clothing. Gavin stood behind you in his military clothing, and you were sitting just in front of him, the look shown between the two could only be described as pure and unfailing love. You noticed there was a larger plaque under this portrait, and you drew closer to read it, once you realised what it said, you turned to Gavin with tears shining in your eyes. His eyes filled with worry and he brought you into his embrace rubbing your back in soothing circles.

“Love, what did it say?” he drew back so he could see your face.

You sniffed, and Gavin’s hand cradled your face, his thumb brushing away the stray tears, “It has our names, General Gavin Bai and his loving wife (Y/N) Bai...”

“What’s written in the information panel beside it?” he prompted carefully.

Your voice dropped to a whisper, “It says that the promise these two made in on their favourite place, the shared balcony in the master and mistress’ chamber. Gavin do you think that’s us, in our past life?”  

“If it is, then we fulfilled that promise.” Gavin kissed the crown of your head, and then he took your hand and in a role reversal, he was the one leading you towards the master’s and mistress’ chambers.

The mistress’ chamber was full of light colours and golden gilded edges, the room making you sigh as you felt a sense of familiarity. You itched to reach out and glide your fingers atop the oak tables, and the edges of the furniture. But the red corded ropes, prevented you from advancing towards them, and Gavin squeezed your hand in understanding. As you both passed through the connecting door, you noticed the difference between the two, where the mistress’ chambers were light, the master’s chambers were darker, full of darker tones and the only thing that tied the rooms together apart from the shared balcony, was the golden gilded edges of the furniture. You and Gavin passed through the room, knowing that the furniture may not still be the original that was their when you both were living there in your past lives.  

Then you reached the balcony, stepping out onto the balcony, you both felt the summer breeze wash the scent of the rose garden onto the balcony. You walked forwards, letting go of Gavin’s hand and running your hand across the stone railing. Coming to a stop as your hand hit the cold sensation of a metal plaque. You waved Gavin over and when he reached you, you both leaned down to read the panel.

“In every lifetime, I will find my way back, to love and protect you forever.” you both spoke slowly.

“Gavin...” the emotions welled up inside you and you traced your initials reverently, and then threw your arms around Gavin’s waist, nuzzling your nose into his strong chest, breathing in his scent, and being so thankful for the man by your side, “We kept our promise, didn’t we?” you looked up at him, eyes shining brightly.

“Yeah, we did.” Gavin spoke, voice was thick with emotion, and then leaned his head down, and the two of you shared a love-filled kiss, in front of the rose garden, unknowingly copying a pose the two of you had shared countless times in your past lives.

[quindolyn]

Congratulations on 200 baby you deserve it! Please can I have a marauders era ship and a lightning era ship if you are still doing them?

- I am the impulsive friend

- I have a bit of a breeding kink

- I’m good at baking

- I’m a Sagittarius sun and moon and an Aries rising

Love your writings 😫😫

Hi! I am still doing them! Thank you so much, I love you so much and am glad you like my blog!

Because of the breeding kink, I did male on both, if you want female please send in another ask, it’s not a problem at all, will not count towards the total number of these I'm going to do. 

Marauders Era: 

I ship you with:

Remus Lupin!

Remus and you balance each other out, he makes sure you don’t do anything too impulsive and rash and instead helps you think through things before you jump head into something. You also help him get out of his head a little bit and take breaks from his routine. You going up to his dorm and stealing him from his homework to go have a picnic at the Black Lake where you talk him into going skinny dipping with you which ends with the two of you in the showers holding each other while the water warms your skin. Remus is great in bed, there’s no telling me otherwise. He too has a breeding kink that spikes right before full moons, when you guys graduate from Hogwarts he talks about actually getting you pregnant, and after discussion, you guys decide you want to try. He’ll fuck his cum back into you to make sure it stays in there. When he does impregnate you he gets so happy and loves when you show off your baby bump because he gets all cocky. He did that. That’s his pup you’re swelling with.

Remus can also bake super well so the two of you have little bake-offs where Sirius, Lily, and James are the judges. Sirius makes the two of you wear little chef’s hats and for Christmas, one year James embroiders your names on aprons for the both of you. You always try to sabotage each other by switching out each other’s sugar for salt or something and whoever wins gets unlimited kisses but it’s not like you guys ever limited kisses in the first place. Because the both of you are both so good at baking birthdays are wonderful because the other spends a lot of time making a cake that’s not only really good but looks super pretty. You both make cakes for your friends’ birthdays, whenever your group has a dinner party you guys bring dessert, Jily has you bake their wedding cake and when you two get married you have a really hard time finding a bakery you like because you spend the entirety of the cake tasting talking about how the two of you are better bakers and how it’s too heavy, or too dry.

and...

Golden Era:

Bill Weasley!

I saw this headcanon not too long ago that was basically that Bill is a problem child and just complete a pain in Molly and Arthur’s asses which is why they have a “jail” option on the Weasley family clock. I’ll try to find it because it was amazing but if anyone knows what I’m talking about please send it to me! He’s just very impulsive too and you guys would have so much fun getting into trouble with each other, ending up in jail after sneaking into a nearby muggle town while at Hogwarts, waiting for Molly or Arthur to come get you guys out.

There’s no telling me that Bill Weasley doesn’t have a breeding kink, you don’t grow up with 6 siblings and do not want a big family. He would have so much fun trying to get pregnant, he wouldn’t get discouraged no matter how long it took to get pregnant, and if you did he’d tell you that it’s all going to be okay because one way or another it’ll work itself out and in the meantime, you guys get to have a lot of fun trying. Where Remus likes to try to fuck the cum back into you Bill likes to make you lie on your back as he holds your legs in the air watching the cum in between your legs, once he thinks enough is in there he’ll lean down and lick the excess out. 

Bill can cook but his baking skills leave something to be desired, he loves to sit in the kitchen and watch you as you bake, talking to you about your day as you futz around the kitchen. You call him your professional taste tester and let him lick the spoon and the bowl, though he can’t help much with the baking process itself he likes to clean all the dishes when you’re done with them so he can do something to help you.

[fullsunalicia]

oh could you please write like a soulmate au for chenle? i just watched this video on yt 'chenle is an angel' and honestly its giving me major chenle feels because hes so sweet and caring and cUTE?? if its not a bother and if you arent busy hehe

pinky promise — ZCL

a long time ago, long before the symbols on your wrists appeared, chenle gave you a promise. no matter what, he’ll love you forever, whether that’s going to be in a familial sense or romantic. you would never have thought that chenle would break it.

soulmate au — when you turn eighteen, a symbol will appear on your wrist that matches the one your soulmate has.

gladly bubs! honestly this is chenle’s era, look at him go,,,, i love him so much sigh

Promises are sacred. In this friendship, they’re not shallow words that are easily spoken. Whenever Chenle and you lock pinkies, the next thing that’s going to be promised is of utmost importance.

“I promise to tell you the truth.”

“I promise to take care of myself.”

“I promise to love you forever.”

Your eighteenth birthday is supposed to be a day you get excited for, and not a day you dread. Yet, you’re the one who’s going to lock herself into the room for the next seven days, and if you want to cry on your birthday, you will do it.

Zhong Chenle has broken his word, and your heart with it.

❀ ❀ ❀

You met Chenle in kindergarten. Rosy-cheeked and a big grin on his lips, he had offered to push you on the swings. He always made sure you didn’t fall, and when you did, Chenle was always the fastest to grab some bandaids. At that age, boys tended to be disgusted by the other gender, but Chenle had always treasured you as much as any other friend. You shared sweets with him, and you already began exchanging birthday presents at age seven. Toys turned into handwritten letters and bracelets you made yourself, and flowers were replaced with real jewelry Chenle bought you with his pocket money.

At age thirteen, you bought him a proper bracelet, not one you made yourself. It wasn’t much and couldn’t compare to the ones Chenle always got for you, since your family didn’t earn as much as he did, but when you told him that you saved up your pocket money and even helped around in the neighborhood to gain some, he had burst into tears and held you close for the longest time.

It was the first and last time you ever saw Zhong Chenle cry.

He was not the type of child to spill tears; always happy, constantly loud. His good mood radiates and affects every person around him. It’s funny to watch him panic when you start bawling, since you’re a big crybaby and Chenle is a stone when it comes to feeling upset. He just doesn’t see any reason to do it. If something upsets him, he works on it.

Tears don’t get you far in life. It’s what Chenle was taught, drilled into his head since he first stood on his own two legs. Even now when the stress bursts open his temples and weighs on him as heavy as an anchor, he’s just unable to do it. He clutches to you like his own personal life ring, fingers leaving scratch marks on your arms and back as he tries to get a grip on reality. Never once do tears pool in his eyes. It’s just not him.

At age sixteen, Chenle bought you roses. He was just a little older than you, barely being able to call himself that with the few months he’s got on you. You’re younger than your shared friend Jisung, but it’s not fair he plays the ‘respect your elders’-card every time you get cheeky with him. On that day though, Chenle had given you the roses and held your hands tightly, his face unusually serious, almost scary.

“You’re younger than me, so I have to protect you. I have to show you how a boy should treat you so you’ll never let anyone trample over you.”

Pinkies interlocked, Chenle promised to never let anyone hurt you. He started showering you with presents and bouquets, even though you begged him not to waste any money on you. Your words fall on deaf ears - he doesn’t accept the ‘your friendship is the biggest present’. He has to show you. Windows are left open in the middle of the night so Chenle can climb in, because you don’t want to be alone. When your parents start fighting, he starts taking you out to do all the things they usually don’t allow you. Stay out until the sun rises. Skip town and go to a fair. Go on your first party and get a taste of alcohol, but only this sip - Chenle still deems you too young.

You don’t know when your friendship had shifted into something more, but there comes a time where Chenle stops looking at you as his baby that he has to protect and starts recognizing you’re becoming a woman. Hands start hindering you from getting to your first date; he claims your boy is nothing but trouble. Cute outfits are snatched out of your hands just so he can pull his own hoodie over your frame, because “it’ll be cold outside and I don’t want you to get sick”. Chenle stops making his friends sit on each other’s lap in a full car so you have a seat for your own and begins sitting you down on his own lap, legs spread, hands on your waist.

When you look Chenle into the eyes, you don’t see the innocent toddler that used to put Spongebob bandaids on your nose, but a grown man. Chenle, who fills out his baby face features. You still pinch his cheeks, but it’s not the same when both cheekbones and jawline are sharper than in your childhood days. Veiny, big hands that cover your own. He even thinks about going to a fitness center, but you can hinder him from that by luring him with cuddles.

The moment this boy - or man, whatever - starts gaining muscles, you’re seriously going to lose it. You have to postpone that for as long as you can. There’s still that selfish wish inside you that craves for Chenle to stay the friend you made in kindergarten, with a soft tummy and dimply cheeks. It’s childish, but you don’t want him to grow up and be noticed by even more fans who will for sure fall in love with him.

Of course you’re happy for him. You attended lots of showcases and concerts, and Chenle always laughs and says you’re the loudest one to scream. Every album is bought yourself, no matter how much he wants do it for you. Very often, you end up going with his parents to support him at an event. It seems like with every comeback, Chenle drifts out of your hold.

Age seventeen, Chenle makes you a promise that changes your friendship forever.

Surrounded by several plates of sweet and sour pork, dumplings and spring rolls, Chenle and you are seated on the ground inside your room. The window’s wide open, the nightly breeze making you shudder every once in a while. In the past few weeks, he’s been busy preparing for a comeback, and had practically jumped at the chance to have a free day. As soon as he had told you about it, you grabbed your keys, gotten some takeout and took the bus to his place. With a big grin, Chenle shared some information with you about the music video(even though he was technically not allowed to), going so far to ask you to only look at him during the music video or he’ll get jealous.

You rolled your eyes at that, but he was only halfly joking. Not that you knew that.

“How’s school going?”

You sigh. “Sucks without you, of course.” Chopsticks clatter on your plate as you let go and lay back, looking for comfort in the blanket your best friend had given you. He’s got the best view of the house - the city’s skyline is clearly seen even from your seat on the ground, the pale moonlight filling his room with a ghostly ambience. Outside, you can still hear people chattering away, even though it’s late in the evening. “But atleast I don’t have to worry about exams anymore. We’re all just waiting for summer break. It sucks to be stuck in a classroom when it’s a thousand degrees outside and we’re not even doing anything productive. Why would I go to school to watch a movie?”

“Be patient, you big baby,” Chenle giggles. He stuffs his mouth with a dumpling and follows your gaze, before he looks at your face again. You may not notice it, but Chenle stares at you often. There’s something so angelic about your features, the soft slope of your throat ... When he closes his eyes, he can vividly picture you. You’re unforgettable. Born out of stardust and sunlight, you are the single most beautiful thing Chenle has ever laid eyes on.

No money in the world would ever be enough to match your worth. That’s why he will treasure you forever. It’s a silent promise, the only one he never speaks aloud.

A yawn tumbles from your lips, and you wrap yourself tighter into the blankets. Why cuddle the blanket when you can cuddle him? “Whatever,” you mumble, unknowingly answering the question he posed in his mind. “I just want to get the hell out of school and visit the ocean again.”

“You want to visit your grandmother?”

You hum. “Yeah. It’s been so long since we last went. I didn’t even get to swim that day.”

Chenle remembers. It was cold and the wind was freezing up your cheeks, almost hurtful to the touch as he had pressed his hands against them. You shared a picnic there, but your mother forbade you from entering the water. That day, he had discovered that you’re even pretty when you pout. He clears his throat. “I’ll take you,” he says then.

His heart jumps in the most lovely way when you reach for his hand. He mimics you, gripping it tightly as he inches closer to your tired body and presses your hands against his cheek. Even though the darkness casts shadows over your pretty face, the dim light makes your eyes shine like jewels. “You’re busy,” you remind him, but there’s a big, grateful smile on your lips as you take in the view infront of you. Does he make your heart skip like you do to him? What galaxies do you find in his eyes? “You can take me when you’re not busy promoting another album. I’ll go with my cousins this summer.”

“Let me take you,” he complains, but Chenle knows just as much as you that he won’t be able to. When you pull him closer, his fingers move on instinct to untangle the blankets enveloping your body so he can pull it against his own. You’re frail and precious, but that doesn’t stop him from holding you as tightly as humanly possible. When your hands bury themselves in his dyed hair, his eyes slip closed.

In moments like these, he can pretend you’re his and he’s yours and there’s not a worry in the world. Someday though, you’re going to find your soulmate and leave him forever. And he can’t even get mad about it; how could he get mad over something that makes you happy, when it’s all he wants in life?

“(y/n).” Chenle breaks free of your embrace and holds up your hand so he can lock pinkies. You follow his quick movement with your eyes, suprised about his sudden actions. “I want to promise you something.”

“Hear, hear.” You’re joking, but there’s just a slight hint of nervousity hiding in your voice. He doesn’t have the time to ponder over that.

Chenle looks you in the eyes and sees the woman he wants to marry someday. The woman he’s never going to have. “(l/n) (y/n), I promise to love you forever.”

❀ ❀ ❀

You had left Chenle’s house that evening with thousands of questions swarming your mind. After he promised you, he returned to finishing his dinner and even offered to take you home, but you had needed the fresh air and alone time to think about what he said. Why would he say something like that, when his soulmate mark already appeared? Does he want to break your heart that badly?

A summer at the seaside will help clear your head. It’s not like Chenle confessed to you - in a way, it was just like any other promise he’d made you. This isn’t the first time where he had been overly affectionate with you. You’re reminded of the last summer where Chenle was so hellbent of proving you how a real boyfriend should treat you, and you almost want to start crying again.

What guy that was in love with you would show you how another guy should do that?

When Chenle comes to help you pack your bags for Busan, he never mentions the promise. Like always, he makes fun of you and your bad habits, since you tend to pack last-minute every time. Your grandmother would be disappointed Chenle wouldn’t accompany you both, but it’s not like you can tell the guy “hey, stop being an idol for once and come chill with my grandma”.

It’s a four-hour-drive by train. Chenle insists on buying you snacks while you wait for said train to arrive at the station, and your best friend returns just before your transportation means arrive. “I’m going to miss you,” he says, and you wish he wouldn’t say that. It tugs at your heartstrings, since they’re tied around Chenle’s mere existence. Every step away you take away from him hurts. You don’t want to go without him.

But you don’t say that. Instead, you tell him: “I’ll miss you, too. I’ll show grandma your music video.”

“You better - she’s my biggest fan.” Chenle hooks an arm around your waist and pulls you close. You want to scold him not to do that in public, but his lips are already on your cheek. It’s a pretty quick way to shut you up, and he enjoys the way you blush. Unbothered, Chenle lets go and stuffs your bagpack with the many gummybears and chips he bought. “Text me when you’re there. I don’t want to find out over the news that you turned into a zombie.”

“Please leave the corny jokes to Jeno, Chenle.”

That makes him laugh. He grips your hands for a last time. When he offers you his cheek, you can’t help yourself, leaning forward to leave a peck there on instinct. It hurts. But you stay quiet.

“See you soon, (y/n)ie.”

❀ ❀ ❀

What a blatant lie.

When you reach Busan, several trends are already taken up by Chenle and the most recent scandal. You should’ve known. No, you knew you should have stopped him, and yet you selfishly decided against it because you did everything for just a slither of his attention. The place where his lips had met your skin still tingles, the effect not numbed by the tears running over them.

The public eats the rumors up; they’re all very excited to trash you for being close to their precious Chenle, and it doesn’t take long for his company to react. This is what you feared. This is what you’ve been trying to avoid for so long, and now it’s caught up with you.

He ignores all of your messages. Not a single call goes through. That evening, you’re contacted by his manager. He tries to formulate it as a plead, but you know it’s an order.

“Please refrain from meeting Chenle ever again. He has a dating ban until he finds his soulmate.”

The words are like a slap to the face. Your grandmother doesn’t question it when you leave the house to walk to the beach, at the very spot Chenle and you hang out at every time you’re there. There’s a bench in which Chenle carved in both your initials, and you can still hear yourself beg him not to do it because he’d hurt himself.

Of course that idiot cut himself several times. But it’s impossible to get mad at him when he smiles so sweetly at you and hugs you so tight you forget all about your worries.

He’s never going to hug you like that again.

The sea shells you find prick tears at your eyes, since they’re the same ones you used when you were younger to create the necklaces you gifted him. You shatter them inside your hand, matching the state your heart is currently in.

You curse the universe for giving you Chenle when he was never yours to begin with.

❀ ❀ ❀

Days stretch into weeks as you wait for any sign of life from Chenle. With every day that passes, the pain grows bigger, eating away at your heart and mind as you cry yourself to sleep. You tear out all of the birthday presents you’ve gotten from Chenle in plans of being rid of them forever, but it feels like such a betrayal to yourself that you end up cowering over them, violent sobs wrecking your body. You’ve never been away so long from Chenle, and it hurts. It hurts to reread the many letters and hear his voice whispering the words. Looking at pictures seems almost impossible when it feels like salt being strewn into a deep wound.

The closer your eighteenth birthday looms, the more you feel like vomitting.

You don’t want a soulmate if it’s not going to be Chenle. Your Chenle, who laughs so loud the entire street hears him. Chenle, who taught you how to play basketball despite you being so clumsy. Chenle, who composed a song on the guitar for you as a seventeenth birthday present. You’d rather die than look at anyone else the way you used to look at him.

You know hearts can’t physically break, but your chest hurts so much. With your best friend gone, it feels like someone ripped a huge piece out of it and left it to bleed out. And it feels disgusting.

In the last hours before your birthday, your thoughts keep drifting back to Chenle’s soulmate tattoo. You’ve never seen it, but you know it took him a longer while for it to appear. Usually, when the clock strikes twelve on your birthday, it’s supposed to already be there. It only takes longer when your soulmate lives far away, or you’re not the same age.

Despite rejecting the idea so much, you wonder how it’s going to be for you. You’ve seen several soulmate patters; the intricate lines connecting to form a heart on your parents’ wrists, or the balloons tied together on the skin of Chenle’s parents. Jisung’s small smiley, right over his pulse artery.

Your parents cheers flood your room as midnight signals the end of your seventeenth year of life, but the missing person is felt by everyone. Instead of Chenle, Jisung is the one to burst through the door to give you a present and a hug you desperately need.

It’s not the same. It’s not your childhood best friend of fourteen years, but you’ll take anything that eases the loss of him.

Your soulmate mark doesn’t appear until lunch, where your mother slides you a piece of cake over the table and promises to celebrate your birthday properly when she comes back from home. Your dad’s already long gone.

There’s another promise ringing inside your head while you stare at the dessert, but before you can cry over that, too, it knocks quietly at the door.

It’s unusual for your mom to forget anything. She’s very tidy, a born perfectionist. She never let you forget your school stuff on purpose, no much how you begged her to let it slide just this once. You swing open the door, ready to tease her for being forgetful, but your mouth falls open instead of speaking.

Chenle doesn’t let you recover from your shock. He pushes you inside, locking the door behind him. His hair is disheveled, his cheeks a fiery red - did he run here? “What the hell?” you gasp. “Chenle, what are you doing?”

“I ran several blocks to escape the dreamies and came here because I couldn’t stay away from you.” Your best friend topples over as he tries hard to catch his breath, and you turn to fetch him a glass of water. You’re stopped before you can make a single step, familiar arms wrapping around your middle to keep you there. How long has it been since you’ve last hugged him? You almost forgot his heavenly scent; the mixture of way too expensive perfume and chewing gum. Chenle raises his head to look you in the face. “I made you a promise, didn’t I?”

“You disobeyed your management just to show me your stupid soulmate tattoo? I don’t want to be the reason you get into trouble again...”

“Did yours appear?”

Your breath hitches. For a few seconds, you just continue looking at him, the familiar teddybear eyes that have watched you your entire life. Making sure you don’t trip. Watching you get home safely. “Yeah,” you finally whisper, and you let him hold your arm besides yours.

His fingers are trembling, almost as much as yours. You don’t dare hope, but it’s impossible to do so when Chenle is right here and your heart yearns for him so much, it almost jumps out of your chest. “(y/n),” he says. His voice is the remedy to the pain blooming inside your chest. “I gave you another promise. And I don’t intend going back on that. That’s why I’m telling you again, (y/n), that I love you with all my heart. You are in my heart, been there since the day you gave me that necklace you wasted all your money on even though I’ve got enough to cover us both. I’m so in love with you, in love with your flaws, your mistakes, everything that makes you you. I’ve loved you long before I even knew what love was. It doesn’t matter what’s on your wrist, (y/n), because I’ll love you for eternity. I’ll love you until I die and I’ll love you even after.”

And then he tugs down both of your sleeves.

Despite revealing the soulmate marks, you still look at each other for a long time, imprinting the other’s face into their minds for maybe the last time in long. You think about Chenle’s laughter and how easy it was to laugh with him. The sweet, dark chocolate brown color of his eyes, how you can look past them and right into his soul. And you think about how Chenle never cries, and yet the tears spill past the rims of his eyes to leave wet tracks over his milky pale cheeks.

The pattern matches. Several points, connected by thick lines. A star constellation. You can even name it - Cassiopeia, lover to King Cepheus, a love story written in the sky.

For a long time, you both don’t move. And then you jump straight into Chenle’s arms, you almost knock him over and make him slam his back straight into the door, but he still laughs and wraps his arms around you. You can’t breathe because of his tight embrace, but you don’t care, you don’t need to breathe when this is the single most happiest day in your life.

“I didn’t bring you a birthday present,” Chenle whispers, and you draw back to cup his face. Every single cell inside of you screams for you to kiss him, but first, you have to thank your soulmate.

“You’re the birthday present, Chenle.”

The universe’s apology comes in form of a sweet kiss, one that’s long overdue since the day Chenle sent you off to Busan. This time, you’ll return to your grandmother to introduce her to the love of your life.

[venhedish]

I unleash the Fanfiction Asks upon you!

👻 👀 🖊️ 😈

OMG Tumblr ate my response before I could save the draft. Pulling my hair out jfc.

👻 What is one WIP you think you may never pick back up? @hotgirlsummersam and I started co-writing a fic for Dean's birthday back in January, but we didn't finish in time. Who knows if it'll ever see the light of day. It's a Stanford era fic about Sam getting Bobby to call Dean about a haunting on campus that just so happens to coincide with his birthday. Here's a little snippet from one of my sections (I wrote Sam, Kal wrote Dean):

Sam spent the rest of the night fitful and on edge. He kept sliding out of bed and staring out the window as if Dean might be waiting there on the pavement below. When he did finally sleep, his dreams were gauzy and oppressive, rumbling with the deep bass of the Impala's engine. He’d wake over and over and think the noise was real, like a kid who’d woken up early on Christmas in time to sneak down the stairs and see what Santa left the night before – jangling with an excitement that almost bordered on nausea.

But it wasn’t real; it was just the distant sound of the freeway, or the old radiator kicking into life, or the muffed music from the dorm below shaking through the walls.

He climbed out of bed for the last time around 3am, giving up the ghost. Instead, he sat in silence at his desk in the dark, sweat clinging to his chest, and wondered if what he was waiting for would ever actually come to pass – if he’d feel better or worse when it finally did.

👀 Do you have any WIPs that you would never let see the light of day? If yes, what are they about? Not really, no. I tend to get around to publishing most of the fics I actually start writing, but I do have one that I ended up being really unhappy with that won't ever go anywhere. It's about Sam being wistful about the past while he and Dean investigate a string of cattle mutilations. Here's like the only section that has any redeeming qualities:

Which is the reason why he’s staring through the dusty windshield at the haphazard pile of about ten dead cows just inside the barnyard of Happy Moos Dairy. He’s wearing a suit that’s already making sweat collect in damp patches at his armpits and the small of his back; It’s July in New Mexico and the shitty SUV doesn’t have AC. There’s a laminated ID in his left pocket that identifies him as DVM Michael Aday, bovine specialist, CDC (Dean had snorted as they worked the alias up. “Dude. Get it? It’s Meatloaf!” Sam had tried to explain to him that they were dairy cows, but it didn’t seem to matter). In the right pocket, there's a pair of blue nitrile gloves and a container of Vicks to help with the smell. He frowns in deep dissatisfaction.

🖊 Post a snippet from a current WIP. Sorry in advance for how long this snippet is, but I'm just really vibing with this fic! I have no idea when it'll be done, but I think it might be my favorite thing I've ever written when I finally finish it! (This is a gen/pre-slash story about being an outsider and losing the last shreds of your innocence as the world puts you in terrible situations. And even still, finding love and beauty in the moments in between.)

That night, as he lay awake in his bed listening to the soft sounds of the crickets in the long grass outside, he rolled over to face the shadowy figure of his brother across the room. There were other empty bedrooms in the house, but not a single one of them batted an eyelash when Sam and Dean ended up together in the little loft at the top of the stairs that had an old porthole window overlooking the forest.

“Hey, Dean?” he whispered into the quiet.

Dean didn’t answer at first, but Sam saw him shift, settling back to look up at the ceiling with an arm flung over his head. “Yeah?”

“I found a cool place out in the woods today.”

Dean adjusted his pillow. The breeze rushed in through a missing pane in the window. “Oh, yeah?”

Sam wished he could go down to the store and buy a packet of those little glow-in-the-dark stars. It would give them something to look at when they talked like this. “Yeah,” he said. “A tire swing. Right out by the creek. It gets wide there. We could swim.”

“Sure, kid,” Dean said. Something in the attic moved above them. A squirrel, maybe. “After work, if you want.”

Dean was working at the Blockbuster in town. For thirty hours a week, he was gone – renting Titanic to old ladies and pornos to their husbands. He’d never been away so much before. Last summer, he’d just mowed lawns a couple mornings a week, but now he had a real job, and Sam was left all alone until sunset just about every night. Dad was in the house a lot, banging around under the sink or drinking beer on the porch, but he was also down at the bars just as often. And when he was home, he didn’t want to be bothered unless it was to run drills. Sam never wanted to run drills, so he avoided their father like the plague.

“Yeah.” Sam shifted until his position matched Dean’s, staring up at the ceiling and listening to the animal noises above them. “Or maybe one day when you’re off. So you can see it during the day. We could bring lunch.”

Dean huffed quietly. “Pack a picnic in that little basket on the bike, go for a swim? Sounds real good to me. Not Wednesday, though. Taking Faith into the city to see Blair Witch. She’s gonna need somebody to protect her after, so I won’t be around.”

Sam could hear the husky curl of his brother’s words and rolled his eyes. “You’re so gross, God.”

Dean laughed and turned his head to look in Sam’s direction, even though it was too dark for him to really see. “Just you wait, Sammy. Another six months and you’ll be worse than me. Us Winchester men can’t live without good pussy.”

“Ugh!” Sam grabbed the pillow from behind his head and chucked it straight at his brother. “Quit it, Dean!”

Dean grunted as the pillow hit him in the face. He did this sometimes, grossed Sam out with sex talk, tried to make him blush. Sam hated it almost as much as he hated running drills.

Sam let his head thump back against the hard mattress. “Just another reason I know we can’t be related. I’ll never be gross like you.”

Dean made a show of tucking Sam’s discarded pillow under his own and plumping it up. “Yeah, yeah, purity boy. Don’t get your panties in a twist. I know you'll actually be a virgin for the rest of your natural life, don’t worry.”

Sam sighed so loud the rustling of tiny paws in the attic stopped for a second. “You better quit or I won’t show you the tire swing.”

Dean laughed again. “Okay, okay. I take it back. You’ll get it on at a respectable age and never use the word ‘pussy’ in your life and marry the first girl you kiss just to be safe. That better?”

Sam turned over on the bed, uncomfortable without his pillow, and faced the wall away from Dean. “Just shut up and go to sleep, Dean.”

He could hear his brother adjusting in his own bed before settling down again. “Night, Sammy.”

He closed his eyes tight and let out an exasperated breath. “Night, Dean.”

😈 Is there anything you enjoy doing that you think your readers hate?

Making you cry. 😢😘

[cartoonfangirl1218]

Anniversary

Happy Birthday @pizza-n-sunshine! Its a day early here but over there, it’s your birthday! I hope you have a wonderful time with your family and friends and perhaps some Pan dulce while you’re at it. You’ve been such a wonderful friend, a leader almost as you created such beautiful fanfics that undoubtedly brought a smile to my face or occasionally pulled at my heart. You’ve helped host and edit one of the most rocking podcasts, and what’s more. You’ve been unfailingly kind, open hearted and sweet to everyone looking to squeal their hearts out over this wonderful show. An era may be over, but your magic within and your light will always shine so bright. Enjoy!  Elena took a deep breath and peeked from the corner of her eye. Mateo was sitting silently, crossed legged and breathing deeply to the sounds of Flo singing around the courtyard, sniffing the flowers and generally dancing with delight over the bright sunny day.

Or more likely Mateo was meditating in spite of Flo's cheerful singing. 

The fluffy alpacamundi was truly adorable and sweet, she had been a manifestation of all of Elena's happiness after all, but meditative and staying quiet were never one of her key traits. 

Speaking of manifesting Elena's happiness. 

She peeked out of the corner of her eye at Mateo's blissful face. It seemed he reached his peace. Elena felt the familiar flutter in her stomach even though she had been lucky enough to see his face every day for the past six years now. But she could never get enough of it. 

The crookedness of his lips when he felt a bit uncomfortable that made her heart go out to him, but as adorkably endearing. The soft brown curls that Elena loved running her fingers through, mussing it a bit, making him look untamed. Which reminded her of his eyes. 

His beautiful expressive hazel eyes and how his feelings shone out of them clear as the sun. The mischievous twinkle, the wicked glint at night, the tenderness....Ah the tenderness she loved. For even though she was a strong queen, she prided herself on the fact, she was able to let go around him, and for that she was grateful. 

He would never see it as a weakness or see her as less weak. He just held her, and she reveled in that affection. Yes, he was also a manifestation of happiness.

 Not that she created him. But he brought her happiness all the same. 

Which is why on this bright spring day, she was enjoying this morning by having a day off and meditating with him. Well that and one other reason. It happened to be their one year anniversary.

She hadn't been expecting a parade or a bouquet of flowers, she wasn't so high-maintenance, but a little something. 

She would have preferred a day with no work, no other people. Just her and Mateo curled up in some little concealed part of the garden, enjoying each other's company. And perhaps more. 

In fact, that had been what she expected when Mateo arrived at her door, asking her if she wanted to go out to the garden. 

When they got to the far corner of the garden with its apricot mallow flowers. It was a secluded spot, mainly because it seemed that there was not much to look at but the sparse hills. Which was true during the daytime, but at night, with its simple view, it made the sunset all the more stunning and vivid. In fact it reminded her a bit of Mateo. 

How people saw him as a somewhat shy and dorky wizard, even he saw himself as that, doubting his skills and abilities. But Elena just knew ever since he helped free her from her amulet that there was a spark, a royal master wizard in him that just needed to believe in himself. Seemingly plain at first glance, but at the right moment, he could take your breath away. 

So with all these clues, she waited for him to magic up a blanket, perhaps a picnic of her favorite pan dulce treats and enjoy their alone time.

Instead Mateo said that he had wanted to do some meditation outside since it was so nice out. He sat down, patted the spot next to her and closed her eyes. So she played along even attempting to do a downward dog while he was in a perfectly content butterfly pose. And it had been like this for the past 10 minutes. Either he was really good at holding out the surprise or he really didn't know what it was. 

Nothing new going on here, no smile or Happy anniversary.

Elena shook her head. What was wrong with her? This is what she wanted after all. Alone time with Mateo. Which was even more solitary now that Flo was gone, bored by their inaction.

But still...a little acknowledgement would have been nice. After all, for her the moment they gave into their feelings had been like an unexpected bolt of lightning, a feeling of shock after the Coronation ceremony. 

She had thought finally being crowned queen, surrounded by her family and friends, had been cathartic enough. But when she found the words to tell Mateo her intense feelings and Mateo return them in turn, a new catharsis came.   Everything fitting into place. A moment of completeness. 

She had somewhat realized her feelings months before. It had been during the first few days after Naomi's departure. She had felt lost without her best friend.

She always treasured the blonde's company, and she hadn't wanted to stand in the way of her dreams, but she hadn't been expecting such feelings of abandonment and loneliness. 

Mateo had seen her wandering the hallways, nostalgically looking at their picture together and did what he did best. He listened, he sympathesized, he gave her comfort like no one else could. There was something about that understanding look, the soft feel of his wool rub that made her feel safe, like everything would be okay in the end. There was no judgement, just love. Maybe that had been running undercurrent in her mind. 

For when Mateo reminded her that between the three of them, and Isabel's inventions, Avalor would be well-protected and he and Gabe might not be able to do girl-talk. they would take over the other best friend activities, something rang false. 

When he assured her that Naomi would come back to her true home after she sailed the seven seas, that this was no different than if it had been Gabe leaving on a guard search or Mateo travelling to find some new spells.

She didn't know what it was but the idea of Mateo leaving struck more deep than the sadness she felt at Naomi's departure. The thought of Mateo leaving for an indefinite amount of time, no idea when or if he would come back was like the ground opening up under her. Being stuck back in the amulet. Without Mateo by her side, she would lose her biggest source of comfort. Her biggest sharer of puns. He helped calm her, reminding her of her mother's song. Being with Mateo was like being with someone who was perfectly attuned with her feelings. They could share a look and know exactly what the other was thinking. He was more than a friend. He was... 

That's when it hit her. 

But she just smiled at Mateo and nodded, leaning into the crook of his neck, all the while trying to calm her fluttering heart and focus on jaquins and pan dulce in hopes of keeping the thoughts at bay. 

She had done a good job of it. Mateo had been so surprised when she admitted her feelings for him. But then after Naomi had left there had been many things to distract her. The coming darkness, her lying cousin, malvagos, planning Chloe's party, her own coronation coming up. 

She got swept up in the bustle of life and tried her best to ignore the feelings of warmth and happiness that Mateo's smile gave her. She had to wait. She had to wait till she was ready. 

That came after the day after Coronation. 

She had been more than ready to start the day. Even though it wasn't royal queen behavior, she had run down the hall, as eager as she had at 16. And she ran right into Mateo. 

He had smiled and teased her, "Someone's excited to do paperwork." They had held each other's arms a bit too long. They laughed and had looked longer into each other's eyes than a best friend should.

And she plunged, "Mateo, how are... I mean.. I'm gad we danced. But I had really wanted to have that first dance with you." He blushed and sheepishly rubbed his neck, "It;s fine. Francisco has been there for you for so long.." 

“Yes, but you have been with me too." Elena interrupted, feeling that she had to blurt everything now even if her tongue was slower than the words speeding in her head, "No matter what. And.. I will be there for you no matter what too." "Of course, Elena, I never doubted that." 

“And I love you. I think I really love you." 

The emotions across Mateo's face were brief yet distinct. Confusion, disbelief, shock, happiness. His voice wavered because despite his gleeful face, he still couldn't believe his ears, "You do?" 

 “Yes." Elena inhaled, feeling the weight, the nervous flutter dissipated even if he might reject her. 

Though she doubted it from his glowing features.  "I-I do too." Mateo whispered, still unsure so much like the young wizard she had encouraged to find the magic within than the confident man he was now. 

They smiled, Elena felt like her face would split wide open. Mateo smiled at her and it made her smile more which made him smile that sweet crooked smile.

They kissed, starting a bit hesitant, a bit awkward, but then their lips touched and once more completeness enveloped her. That and warmth and fireworks. It was a world unto her own and she was floating in his arms. 

Her mind was at once blank, only feeling Mateo's touch and spinning with questions in a freefall. She also felt a sense of imbalance at Mateo's admittance. When she realized her feelings she hadn't been sure that Mateo liked her in that way. 

He had said they were friends, kept assuring he would always be there for her, that's what friends did. But to realize that Mateo had been hiding feelings too.

She wondered when it started. She had her answers soon enough after they stopped kissing. Embarrassingly caught by Senora Torrez and Flo's knowing smiles. 

They talked long into the night after a busy day of work that she hadn't been able to concentrate as she should have. She had been embarrassed to find out that Mateo realized his feelings long before her and that she had remained perfectly oblivious. Mateo told her that it was fine, she had more important things going on then and he had thought she wouldn't feel the same way for a simple wizard like him. 

She reminded him that he was not a simple wizard, he was so much more than that and she believed he was capable of great things. They talked about the depths of their feelings, how they had always felt a connection. Elena even mentioned how it transcended dreams like her nightmare universe where Esteban reigned. 

No matter what was more than a saying between then. It was an oath, a promise they'd never break. They'd always be there for each other. 

The slight annoyance that Mateo was not remembering what day it was faded away at the thought of their saying. 

“Stop it, Elena" she scolded herself, "He has a lot of other things on his mind.” With teaching Olivia and his other apprentices, and advising Gabe's magic squadron, and helping rebuild alliances and dealing with complaints. He must need this meditation time in order to relax. 

She certainly knew he needed sleep from staying up all night perfecting spells and preparing potions, his mind constantly racing to find more knowledge. Though she must admit she found the result of his lack of sleep- his spontaneous cat naps around the palace- adorable. 

Not everything is going to be focused on their relationship. He was going to get distracted and forget once and a while. That didn't matter. She knew he loves her. She glanced at Mateo again, he looked so peaceful. A small smile on his lips, his head bowed in concentration. 

How times have changed. 

She never thought once she became queen that everything would be fine. There were still minor attacks from villagers awakening a sleeping magical creature mixed with the more mundane, and politically-tricky kingdom negotiations. 

But it was nowhere near the life or death battles against shades and malvagos, and battling her own intense emotions reflected through her magic powers. She was confident now, she knew how to rule and balance her own feelings with the greater picture for the good of the kingdom. 

It was certainly a different time from when she was first released from her amulet. She chuckled at how impatient and overconfident she had been, with no clue of how much she was about to learn and experience.

Oh and now she, the Queen of Avalor, was the girlfriend of the Master Royal wizard. 

Mateo was her soul mate. A boy with many talents, but the biggest one was his heart and bravery despite all that he had been through. 

He had grown the most over the years they've together from studying in the darkness of the basement, hiding his chispa from Shuriki's forces to facing his own insecurities to staring down the most dangerous malvagos the Everrealm had known. 

Elena shook her head. She was going to forget all that special anniversary nonsense. She was happy enough being with him, and seeing him happy.

She got up, and kissed the top of his head, 'I'm going to go tell Armando to bring some pan dulce for us. Yoga works up an appetite.

“Especially if it's Ixlan's extreme yoga." Mateo smiled. 

Elena laughed and stopped by the fountain seeing Flo splashing around with the birds. "Flo can you tell Armando to bring some pan dulces to the far end of the garden." 

"Oo pan dulce! Can I eat some!? Can I eat some?!" Flo pleaded. 

"Of course you can." Elena promised. "Yipee!" Flo called, racing off to find Armando. 

Elena walked back and saw Mateo frantically setting up a blanket as flower bouquets and garlands levitating in the air. 

“You remembered?" Elena gasped, running to hug Mateo from behind, causing the petals to fall down, petals spinning around them as they crashed. 

"Heh, I was hoping to surprise you, but you wouldn't close your eyes for meditation." Mateo said, his crooked smile bringing out his laugh lines, "I know you wanted to spend the day together but I thought I'd make it a little bit magical." He motioned to the formerly levitating objects and she giggled at his pun. 

“I love it!" Elena beamed, and kissed him, savoring the the taste of his lips, how he was almost hesitant at first, probably from surprise, but then it deepened, filled with longing as all her senses went on overdrive, intoxicated by the touch of Mateo, his taste, his warmth. Everything, it left her breathless. But she had one present to give him first before she forgot... 

"I got you something too," she frantically reached into her belt where she had clumsily tied her present next to her scepter but had hoped that he wouldn't have noticed. 

They had said they wouldn't get gifts but she had broken the promise anyway. Her gift was an old spellbook she had found in her father's office, now hers. King Raul had been close with Alacazar, very interested in magic works as much as science. The spellbook was Alacazar's when he had first been named royal wizard, scrawled with Alacazar's and Raul's personal notes, and she thought it would be fitting that Mateo should have it as the Master Royal Wizard.

 She added her own touch of putting the words, "Bravery,' "Discipline," "Courage," and "Love" in classical Maruvian thanks to Naomi's help.

"Wow!" Mateo inhaled, reverently gliding his hands on the smooth cover, "Thank you, Elena."

"I love you." "I love you too." Mateo replied and pulled her closer for another kiss. 

"Whatcha doing?" Flo sing-songed, leaping onto Elena's shoulder with a roguish smile, causing the two to reluctantly pull apart to see Armando's fluster face as he left a plate of pan dulce on the discarded blanket. 

“So shall we start the meditation again?" Elena teased, snuggling close to Mateo's side, popping a pan dulce in her mouth as Flo eagerly chowed down.

"Elena!" Mateo cried indignantly, "It's our anniversary, this isn't no ordinary day."

Elena laughed as she recalled her thoughts minutes ago, "What do you suggest?'

"I know the perfect way to clear our minds" Mateo smiled and leaned for another blissful kiss.

[biconicfinn]

Hi shakthi! what do you feel about royalty/ fairytale au's? The idea of any variations of prince!Magnus au always gets me. -luxxmagnus

I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!! i love royalty au when it’s set in a diff universe and i dont always go for modern royalty, but a few of them i’ve read are well done so it’s really dependent on the way it’s written! but i’ve got a few must haves for a royalty au that get me like 😍 

sorry this is messy and all over the place sgkagbkdag

MAGICAL PRINCE MAGNUS AHHHHHHHH okay so obviously prince magnus>>>> because the aesthetic of prince magnus in fancy clothes, with an intricate crown and beautiful jewellery!!! also it means we can get courtship! and political intrigue! he still has magic because i say so!! also because magnus is so perfect he’d be the type of prince with a great relationship with his people so we’d get magnus being the sweetheart he is! also prince magnus overthrowing his father, the tyrannical king asmodeus????? UGH PERFECTION!!!!!! also i’d like to think that after asmodeus is overthrown, magnus still is not yet of age to be crowned king so ragnor (his older cousin, and no dont ask how they’re related) is the regent but really magnus has a lot of input in the ruling and ragnor is there as more of a formality and an advisor to magnus? cat, raphael, and dot are also members of the royal court and are magnus’ closest advisors and they have their own little family you know? also magnus’ mom died of a sickness when magnus was young and it was tragic and he was really broken by it because he loved his mother so much. so asmodeus tries to raise magnus to be the perfect weapon but thanks to his heart of gold and his found family, he doesn’t become the monster his father says he is. he wants to lead his kingdom to greatness, and do his best to help his people recover from asmodeus’ rule and move forward. 

WARRIOR PRINCE ALEC HELL YEAH so with alec i like the idea of him being the crown prince of a neighbouring kingdom and he and magnus meet and it’s like Instant Sparks and they fall in love at first sight, as they tend to do, and it’s amazing. alec would be the prince who has a reputation of being stoic and cold and closed off but he’s just under the weight of all the expectations you know? plus i feel like his kingdom would be a kingdom of warriors and so he’s also excellent in combat and gets a reputation as an amazing archer and strategist. and it’s hard to please the lightwood parents who are forever comparing alec to jace and belittling him, and it’s tough but he does it for izzy and max, so they don’t take the pain. (alec lightwood is the best big brother ever). and he’s got all these ideas to open up idris and form proper alliances with the neighbouring kingdoms, to unify and bring peace to his people.  

FANCY ROYAL BALL FOR LIKE SOMEONE’S ENGAGEMENT IDK IT’S NOT RELEVANT BUT THAT IS WHERE MALEC MEET it’s the 18th birthday of idk clary who’s a princess of some other kingdom idk it’s not relevant the exact occasion and the only thing that matter is this is where all the romance get set up! so it’s a big diplomatic thing and the leader and/or their heirs are expected to attend and magnus goes to represent edom with the immortal squad, and alec is there with izzy (and jace but they just ignore him after he runs after some poor girl to dance wth her). alec exchanges pleasantries with a few of the other guests but he’s not really there for gossip, trying to discuss alliances and trade agreements. magnus is asked to dance by many suitors, but he’s not looking to start a relationship nor to fuel the rumour mill so he politely declines and carries on mingling and soon enough the two princes meet and it’s like magic. magnus makes a terribly cheesy pun in response to a stranger at the bar’s sarcastic retort at some pompous duke and oh no he’s hot!!!! they both smile and introduce themselves with a distinct lack of effortless flair for magnus, or the calm composure typical of alec. they get to talking and it’s easy to see that neither of them have experienced this kind or ease and comforting familiarity when talking to someone outside of their inner circles. 

whilst magnus and alec are falling in love over the course of a conversation, there is some hilarious shenanigans as maia, raphael, meliorn, and simon find themselves tangled in a love quadrangle as they all feel so drawn to one another, taking turns to dance with one another before retreating to their friend groups to be like “they are all so beautiful and sweet and kind please help!!!!” and so ensues one of the most elaborate slow burn romances the royal courts have seen in ages (the betting pool is also exceptionally large and is won by meliorn who with raphael, started more than half the rumours in order to stir the pot and collect the winnings and spoil their partners). 

so anyway back to malec, they talk and have a few drinks and all is well and good and still pretty calm until alec picks up the way magnus is swaying to the music and tapping his feet to the beat, so alec asks magnus to dance and leads him to the dancefloor where they dance the night away, alec more than happy to twirl magnus around the dancefloor and make him giggle and blush, showing him off to everyone else. realising that they’ve attracted quite a fair bit of attention, they decide to steal away to an empty garden and continue dancing in the moonlight, the night is pure and utter perfection, and they part somewhat reluctantly, wanting to spend more time with one another, but also eager for the next day where they have agree to spend the day together. alec steels himself to press a brief, sweet, chaste kiss to magnus’ cheek before leaving to escort a tired and tipsy isabelle back to their guest chambers. magnus is left blushing, hand pressed to his cheek where alec’s warm lips pressed a gentle kiss that gave him butterflies.

oh my god this is not what i set out to write im in too deep now kdsbvfvasjbvjsav sorry may

COURTSHIP!!!! i desperately need courtship rituals!! like alec sending magnus elaborate flower arrangements with sweet, affectionate messages in flower language, magnus sending alec charmed tokens like a simple necklace or leather bracelet that has protective and healing spells woven into it!! them sending love letter to one another! they spend a lot of time together at social events and at “diplomacy meetings” where yes, they do discuss trade and alliances and what not but also it’s an excuse for them to spend at least a week with one another in either kingdom and they go on picnic dates on palace grounds, sneak out of their rooms at night to stargaze, wander through towns and eat street food (and alec always buys magnus little gifts and tokens that remind him of his love) and they train together, teaching each other the fighting styles of their respective kingdoms, and yes, there is a gratuitous alec teaching magnus archery scene because im fucking weak!!! and alec likes to hang out in the royal apothecary in edom and watch magnus make a whole bunch of cool potions, invent spells, and write magical theory. magnus in turn, is very fond of going to the training sessions of idris’ elite warriors–the shadowhunters, to watch alec obliterate a whole bunch of soldiers at various combat skills. 

BATTLE COUPLE!!!!!! so they’re together for months and all is good but then valentine happens and has been getting his forces gathered during this whole thing and even before it (im just stupid and forgot to mention it sdkfvbabhvjabv) and anyway he attacks!! and the crown princes of idris and edom unite, together with the other young royals from the neighbouring kingdoms and their armies to defeat valentine. and the two of them are damn near impossible to beat, alec with his honed-from-birth warrior skills, and magnus with his proficiency in both magical and non-magical combat. and it goes well at first but then the tides turn and they have to split up and they part and it’s this moment of “i don’t know if we’ll survive this” and they almost go tosay i love you but then alec is like “i’ll tell you when we survive this, so please come back to me, and i’ll come back to you” and they’re both crying a little but they share one last kiss before separating.

the battle ends and they’re desperate to find each other, tearing through the battlefield to find their love. and they finally see each other and run into each other’s arms, both looking a little worse for wear, and they pull away from the embrace long enough for alec to blurt out “i love you” with so much conviction and surety that magnus subconsciously shakes his head, disbelieving that someone could love him of all people, before confessing his own love for alec. they kiss and it feels like relief and home and hope. 

IDK HOW TO DESCRIBE BUT THE THING WHERE THEY’RE A DISGUSTINGLY CUTE COUPLE AND THEY’RE BASICALLY ENGAGED BUT NOTHING OFFICIAL

so they recover from the battle and they mourn their fallen, celebrate their victories, and bring justice to the invaders. this young generation of leaders more or less formally ascends to power and usher in a new era of peace, collaboration, and unity (the fact that there are so many inter-kingdom royal romances certainly doesn’t hurt the alliance)

in this time of peace, cat and dot get married and adopt madzie, the polycule are living their best lives, and izzy gets together with clary. 

magnus and alec continue their courtship for a couple more years until they both turn of age to be crowned kings. alec plans an elaborate proposal that sweeps magnus off his feet and just a month after their respective coronations, they marry and their kingdoms are merged as one. and they all lived happily ever after

[bellatrixobsessed1]

Kissing Dead Pearls (Final Part)

There are places where lives unfold and places where lives come to an end, more often than not these places are one and the same. Sometimes these places are quaint harbor towns where buildings are centuries older than any of the citizens currently hustling in and out of them. Sometimes these places are have cliffsides that are older than even the buildings, worked at and eroded by waves significantly more timeless than them. Often these cliffsides see thunderous clouds and tempestuous waves, lit by forks of lightning and filled by curtains of rain. And more often than folks like to admit, these towns have their ghosts; sails on the horizon during a storm, ladies in billowing white dresses that stand at the edge of cliffs, and speters that travel through arches of limestone. It might be that the towns folk get bored and invent legends, or perhaps it is a tourist thrill, still it could be that some of the inhabitants need a good ghost to keep them secure in the realm of the living.

In such a town, the rain could be pouring and lightning could be bursting in the sky. People might be rushing to pack in their picnic food and snatch up their umbrellas. Some of them are too late, like a boy named Jet and a girl named Jin. Their umbrella has lifted out of the sand and is riding the gales out towards the sea. It wasn’t his idea of what a date should look like, but at least it was a thrilling one.

Others have more luck on their side; more or less. A married couple could be safely tucked into their restaurant had they decided to take down their patio umbrellas and move their chairs inside sooner.

Inside of a restaurant called La-bsters there is a rather interesting cluster of people. Mostly there are tourists and people who have hustled into the building for shelter from the rain. But there are also two teens interviewing for their first jobs. A girl will venture out of the town for the first time to study marine biology and her friend, Toph will take her place waitressing for the restaurant. There is also a bald boy and his dog, the three are an inseparable duo and Aang swears that he will teach the dog to be a good employee too.

The restaurant is cozy. It is home. In a quaint harbor town that seems caught within a bygone era, anywhere is home really. It is no wonder that some people are hesitant to leave. When home is so warm and inviting, so safe and unchanging, why would a person ask to leave?

For some it is a need for change, a yearning for something new. A desire to see the world with a knowing that they can come back to their harbor town and see it nearly as it was when they had left. Nearly, but not quite. For everything evolves. Everything changes. And if you know a place well, then the most subtle of changes are extraordinarily profound.

The rain pummels the roof of La-bsters as Toph high fives Aang, “Congrats on your first summer job, Twinkle Toes!”

“Yeah, you too.” He smiles meekly.

“When do we start?” She asks.

“How about on the first day that we have some sunny weather?” Hakoda offers.

A table away sits a group of four, they split a platter of fries, onion rings, and hot wings. Azula douses the wings in an extremely generous amount of spicy dipping sauce. “Seriously, I can’t eat this!” Sokka exclaims, eyes watering. “My mouth is burning!”

Azula smirks. “Yes, that’s the point. Either you’re going to build up your spice tolerance or I am going to have all of the wings to myself.”

“Not if I can help it.” Zuko plucks one of the wings. He takes his first bite. After swallowing he clears his throat. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something, Katara.”

“Go ahead.”

“We’re still having a hard time building the lighthouse back up after how far behind we’ve fallen. I was planning on opening up a restaurant of my own. It’s going to be more like a bakery and I’ll run it from the lighthouse.”

“My idea.” Azula cuts in.

“I thought that it would be smart to…” He backtracks. “Azula thought that it would be smart to partner up with La-bsters. It’s going to be folklore and ghost story themed and stuff. Do you think that your parents would want that.”

“Ask them, Zuko.” Katara laughs. “They’ve never said no before!”

“Speaking of parents, how has your dad been?” Sokka asks, nostrils still flared from his second attempt to eat one of the wings. He fans his face.

“He’s a year sober now.” Azula replies.

“He and uncle are planning some kind of road trip to relive the glory days.”

“Why are you cringing?” Katara laughs.

“Do you know what their glory days looked like?” Zuko asks.

“Father just wants to make up for wasting so much of his time on drinks and grief.” Azula shrugs. Silently, she thinks that he just wants to enjoy one more summer before life moves on. Or maybe she is just projecting; for as much as she had fought Sokka on it, it would be nice to have one last summer where everything is as it was, simple and thrilling. Now that she has eliminated his hesitancy, she will indulge him in one more summer of old habits and nostalgia.

She will begin it with one final surf competition and end it with the annual beachview music festival.  That will be nice, considering that they’d missed last year’s. She peers at her surfboard, which she has propped up against the corner. She is going to miss it, how could she not when she had spent so much time riding waves on it? But it is time to put it aside, the sea calls her in a different direction and she has already made the necessary arrangements to answer it. And besides, she thinks it would be kind to allow Chan and Ruon their time to shine. They have more passion for the sport than she. They have worked their whole lives for that competition.

They will be performing Port TuiLa’s first partner routine. ‘Brave and risky! Daring and fun!’ So the townspeople declare. She will do her own routine, but it will be more lax and mundane. Her father and uncle will be there with bouquets of hibiscus, lais, and smoothies, weather she wins it or not. There will be a party in their backyard, a BBQ that doubles as her birthday party and her victory celebration. She will slip an invite to Jet; if he makes an appearance it will be just like old times. If he steers clear...she supposes that, that is just the nature of things. People get hurt and people grow apart.

“Go and ask them, Zuzu.” She nudges as Hakoda enters the building completely drenched.

Zuko takes a deep breath, stands, and rolls his shoulders. Azula rolls her eyes. “So dramatic. How long have we known them?”

Katara laughs and gently pushes him forward.

“Have you decided what you are going to do yet?” Azula asks.

Sokka bites down gently on his cheek. “Khozen has been teaching me to sail again. I know that you wanted me to leave Port TuiLa but I don’t think I’m ready for a change that big and I don’t really like the idea of college anyways.” He rubs the back of his head. “I was thinking of learning to fish, that way I can help bring in some seafood for La-bsters and be around for mom and dad after Katara leaves.”

Azula blinks. “That actually sounds like a good plan.”

He chuckles, albeit, a little nervously. “Yeah. I figured that, that way I could start something new but also stick to the place that makes me happy.” He pauses. “It’s just gonna be weird not having you guys around.” He gestures to she and Katara.

“You’ll have Zuko.” Katara points out.

“We’re trying to make him feel better, Katara.”

“I can still hear you guys!” Zuko calls.

Sokka gives a snorting laugh. The kind that works its way around the table and reaches the door. From its frame a sopping wet Mai remarks, “well that’s my one laugh for today.”

“What are we talking about?” TyLee asks.

“Plans for the future.” Azula pulls up a chair. “Suki and I are going to beauty school! She wants to learn to do special effects makeup. I’m going to make everyone in Port TuiLa beautiful!”

“Good luck with Long Feng.” Mai mumbles and helps herself to a french fry. “I’m going to study mortuary science. It’ll give me something to talk about at dinner.”

“What about you, Azula?” TyLee asks. “You still going to pro-surf?”

It hadn’t really taken much thought to decide, not when the path had made itself so clear. She shakes her head, “no, I have something different in mind.”

“Does father know?” Zuko asks, taking his seat.

“He will.” Azula replies. That is her only hang up, the prospect of disappointing him. But she thinks that her desired career is admirable enough. Surely it is indisputably well suited to her. “I’m going to be a coast guard. I already have experience, more than I should.”

The sea has taken a lot from her but she has taken a lot back. And she will take more back, more and more until it doesn’t hurt. More and more until she knows that she can see her mother again with the ability to inform her that her death didn’t amount to nothing. The waves may have stolen her life but they haven’t stolen the energy she put forth.

The sea will take more lives, likely it will take them right out of Azula’s hands. But it will take less than it would have if she gets her way.

“Thanks to you,” she looks at Sokka, “and all the attention that your story got, I think that my chances are very good.”

“Hey, can we stop talking about the future now and start living in the moment!?” Toph calls. “I’ve got five dollars for the jukebox and twenty for the arcade.”

“How about we spend twenty on the jukebox and five on the arcade?” Sokka asks.

Azula elbows him. “Do you even know twenty dollars worth of good songs?”

“I know plenty of amazing tracks!”

She slings her arm around him. “Your music taste is still stuck on hits from ten years ago.”

And so they listen to twenty dollars worth of songs that she hasn’t heard since they were kids. Their summer starts with the past and plays out as it always has, right until when the leaves would start to change. And just as they always have, they close the summer with an all night music festival on the beach. Sparklers, smoke bombs, and melting ice cream cones. Fireworks and kisses and the same gaggle of friends. The same group plus one, not that Jin hadn’t been an amusing addition.

.oOo.

It only makes sense that she departs on a stormy night. Her car is loaded and the remaining tents and banners of her goodbye party flap in the wind. Sokka presses his head to her forehead and gives her a rather lengthy kiss. Long enough to have her father retreating back into the house to fetch her a parting gift. She won’t open it until she reaches boot camp. It is a simple photo album that her mother had made.

She pulls out of the kiss and Ozai hands her the giftbox. “Your mother would be proud.”

“And you?”

Ozai sighs. “I think that you already know the answer to that.” He ruffles her hair. He hasn’t done that in ages. “I best see you in a uniform when you visit for the holidays.”

“You will, father.” She smiles.

“Take care of father?” Azula requests quietly to Zuko. “Keep him on track, okay?”

“I’ll keep him busy.” Zuko promise with a gesture to the lighthouse and his brand new business. “Trust me, I will.”

She doesn’t doubt it in the slightest. “Alright, well I’m getting soaked so…”

“I’ll see you later, Azula.”

She nods and gives a little wave.

Sokka puts his arm around her and leads her to her car. She buckles herself in and turns her head for one final kiss. “Call me when you get there.” It isn’t a question. “Of course I will, Sokka.” She answers anyhow. He waves again and she rolls up her window. Windshield wipers throw drops off of the window as she steers her way down the winding lighthouse driveway.

The Sea Candle rests on the cliff shining her way as it always has. And it will be there to guide her home when the day comes. She casts one final look at the town in her rearview mirror. She can swear that, in the beam of the lighthouse she can see faint sails, bobbing haphazardly in the waves.

[olderthannetfic]

Lord of the Rings hit slash fandom like the fist of an angry god.

Tolkien fandom had been going strong for years at that point, but it was very much a fandom into studying canon and maybe writing some canon-ish gen. Not only was slash not very popular, but the sorts of tropes one finds on AO3 in abundance weren’t popular in general, even for blatantly canon ships. Legolas/Gimli was the one big(ish) slash ship I recall seeing.

And then the movies came out.

The cries of outrage from the Gimli fans were quickly drowned out by a tidal wave of Aragorn/Legolas porn. And Frodo/Sam. And Gollumn badtouching people. And orcs.

LOTR also seduced everybody that Popslash hadn’t already gotten to the dark side of RPS. And yes, it was 100% called LOTRiPS even though it included m/f some of the time.

I was more of a casual reader, but my impression is that traditional Tolkien fandom--including the fanficcy parts--kept going on various topic-specific archives, while a lot of the new people from the movie fandom were active on Livejournal, their personal websites, and a bunch of new mailing lists.

(Look, I was only actually subscribed to that Yahoo Group for orc porn, okay.)

The movies came out in December of 2001, 2002, and 2003. This was an era of personal sites for one’s fanfic, webrings, and multiple single-topic archives per big fandom. Livejournal was founded in 1999, but fandom didn’t start invading it until 2002 and then heavily in 2003 when it switched from paid/invite-only to free account creation.

As the years have passed, LOTR movie fandom has gone from an unstoppable juggernaut to a few barely-visible fossilized bones sticking out of the rock. For every archive that AO3 gobbles up, there are 3 more that disappear.

Yet Tolkien fandom overall is still huge, and not just because of the Hobbit movies. I recently went to an annual event in L.A. that’s a birthday picnic for Frodo. It’s all themed food and people in costume in the park. I am super into food as fanwork, and Tolkien fandom is fantastic for that!

Like Sherlock Holmes and a few others, Tolkien fandom has a rich and elaborate ecosystem of different fan groups, many of them making creative things, but only a few of them interested in fanfic qua fanfic. As mentioned in some previous meta exchanges on here, it’s one of those fandoms that puts paid to the idea of a single, dominant “Transformative Fandom” tradition or a clearly defined separation between that and Affirmational/Curatorial/etc. Fandom.

At Escapade, LOTR had a brief but intense heyday just after the films were released. (Recall, they came out in December, and Escapade is in February.)

2002 - The Fandom That Need Not Be Slashed (It's always been difficult to write good Tolkien slash, since in his universe there's no physical love and no language or it. But now that the movie has given the characters faces (and some very nice ones too), what has changed? Is it even clearer that slash is irrelevant to Tolkien's story? Or can slash deepen our understanding of the characters?)

2003 - Legolas! Slut Cypher or Everyelf? (Of the Fellowship, Tolkien provided the least canonical background on Legolas. He is a placeholder for "Elf" and essentially a cypher. Does this leave us free to place any face we wish onto his character and onto elven sexuality? And if the only way to slash him is to turn him into Slut!Legolas, where does that leave canon?)

2004 - Still the Slashiest (Does the eventual marriage of two major male characters diminish the rampant slashworthiness of the LotR movies? Could anything?)

2005 - Those Troublesome Elves (Beautiful, immortal, androgynous, mysterious-Elves are perfect slash fodder. So how do beloved characters like Legolas wind up whiny, petulant girls? What about Tolkien's Elves make for better fanfic? What does "immortal" really mean for Elves? And what's the deal with marriage, sex and monogamy?)

The fanfic I remember best from back in the day is the infamous Who Knackered Aragorn’s Catamite?, formerly on the Henneth Annûn Story Archive, but now available on AO3.

And then there was the fic with the line “We likes hobbitses, preciousss... especially when they touchesss each other!” But I have no idea what the title was or where to find this literary gem today.

II suppose the most truly iconic fanwork from the movie fandom is... well... this:

LOTR on Fanlore

LOTR on AO3

LOTR on FFN

[allie1804-fan]

The Middle of the Road (Chapter 16)

Chapter 1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8 , 9, 10, 11 , 12,  13  14 , 15

Warnings: None

September 2024 – Toronto Emily and Keanu flopped down on the bed in their room at the apartment they were renting in Toronto for the week of The Toronto International Film Festival. They had just arrived from LA and were travel weary. He had just had his 60th birthday and would be receiving a Tribute award at the festival, a great honour for any film maker but an especially treasured one for Keanu who had grown up in the city. He remembered when the festival used to take place in his neighbourhood of Yorkville in the late 70s so the whole event was very close to his heart.

The whole family had decamped from LA including their Nanny Maria which would enable them to attend the evening events as well as do some promotion.  Keanu had done voice work in a film being premiered there which had a U certificate so they would all attend the afternoon screening. They were taking a bit of a risk with Hannah but Emily or the nanny would be able to take her or Johnny out if either of them got unsettled.

 After they had rested up a bit, they all went out to a local Italian restaurant around the corner from the apartment and enjoyed a simple relatively quick meal before getting the babies back home to bed.  The next morning found Keanu and Emily enjoying some free time looking around his old haunts – he’d shown her his home in Yorkville, his elementary  school, ice hockey stadium, the Leah Poslun Theatre and the location of his first kiss!

 “Right there?”? Emily was pointing with an aghast expression on her face at a dingy alley behind a bike rack at the back of an old Walgreens store.

 “Yup – I know. I’ve got a bit classier in my old age I hope you agree.”

 “And what was her name?”

 “Angela”

 “Now THAT is a 70s name if ever I heard one. I guess at least your name is just totally unique and not linked to an era like some”

 “She was sweet – but not long lasting!”  Anyway, I think that is the complete high, and low, lights for you. We better get back and get  some lunch before this afternoon’s shenanigans”  He was referring to the premiere of his film which was an afternoon affair so kids could attend. Some local children would attend as well as press and the stars and their families. Johnny and Hannah would be there – with the exit strategy of mum or nanny if it was too much. They had watched films at home and had quite good attention spans but Hannah had only been in a movie theatre once and so was a bit if an unknown quantity behaviour wise.

It was also to be their first red carpet as a family. They had kept the children well shielded so far but, accepting that  complete privacy wasn’t realistic, they had decided to attend this premiere all together. They all dressed in smart casual clothes rather than the suits and ballgown style of Oscars and that was needed given they would have the kids next to them snacking on ice cream! The press and fans were enthralled with the kids, both dark haired and with big brown eyes strongly favouring Keanu but with the delicacy of Emily’s features. After letting her walk on wobbly legs for a little while, Keanu scooped Hannah up and carried her while Emily walked with Jonathan and Marie brought the buggy and a change bag just in case. Hannah loved waving at everyone and fans called her name which made her laugh. Johnny joined in with waving too, sensing that this was something special but not really at all clear what. It was going to be a while before they understood that their Dad wasn’t just special to them!

The kids enjoyed the film and made it through the whole hour and half without a melt down to everyone’s relief.

That evening Emily and Keanu appeared on a panel about a project they were working on together. There were inevitable questions about how husband and wife could work together which they fended off deftly  - working together was after-all how they met and it felt easy compared to parenting and they were glad to keep the topic work focussed.  In the next couple of days they each took part in other promo for their work and had a meal out, just the two of them.  There they talked about the award show that would be the following night.

                                                            “You nervous?” Emily asked as she sipped her coffee.

“Am I ever!” He groaned. “All that intention is intense – I’m used to parts of it – the red carpet, the photos, being filmed in the audience, even being on stage handing out awards or receiving a less significant gong but such focus, and a speech – phew, it’s crazy”

“It’s what you deserve honey, you know that inside don’t you”

 He shook his head,

 “It’s an honour, such an honour but, no,  I don’t know it – it just feels surreal”

 “Well just try to enjoy it if you can, hun – OK?, Want to run through the speech back at the apartment?”

 “Sure, that would be great to have a writer’s input”

 The award day came and they passed as much of it as they could focussing on the kids, taking them to one of the lakeside beaches for playtime and a picnic but eventually time came for the ‘dressing up game’  as Keanu called it. Both of them would spend a few hours being “made beautiful” for the cameras with stylists primping and polishing their hair, clothes and make up to within an inch of their lives. They left the children with Maria and they would tune in later to see Mommy and Daddy on the TV walking the red carpet.

Emily was wearing a stunning sleeveless, full length taffeta gown in red and her birthday necklace to match her ruby engagement ring and Keanu was in the tux he’d worn to the 2020 Oscars.  Emily’s palms were sweaty even before they left to go to the theatre. She’d attended public occasions before where there were paparazzi but only one awards show about 4 years ago so she was nervous of the attention, especially as the news of their marriage was still quite fresh.

As they climbed out of the car, Keanu whispered in her ear  “Just imagine everyone naked”  before they started to make their way up the red carpet, making her giggle and relax just a little.

“I feel like the wives in Apollo 13, if they ask me anything. I’ll just say “I’m proud, happy and thrilled”

“Are you likening me getting an award to going to the moon or a life-threatening mission?!”

“the former for you and maybe the latter for me!”

At first she held Keanu’s arm in a death grip but gradually she relaxed especially as she saw the smiling faces in the crowd and she saw Keanu relax too, signing photos, DVDs and books and posing for photos. Several fans encouraged her to pose alongside him, surprising her.  It seemed some people were happy to see him happy with his marriage and kids and thus welcomed her with open arms.

There were a few reporters on the red carpet who stopped them for a few words. Keanu made her laugh, though she tried to hold it in, when he responded to the question of how he was feeling to be receiving the Tribute Award.

“Well I’m proud, happy and thrilled” he said, giving Emily a wink which made the laughter bubble to the surface. They moved on and at last made it into the auditorium and were shown to their seats.

There were several other awards before his but at last it was time for his big moment.

The presentation started with a show reel with clips from his most famous movies as well as some of his lesser known early ones which made him blush. He leaned over and whispered to Emily

“At least they’re not showing the Coke and cornflakes ads!”

After the reel, there were some video clips from some of his directors and co-stars praising – his work, his character and his work ethic. There was Chad Stahelski, Sandy Bullock, Carrie-Ann Moss and Lilly Wachowski. Then it was time for the award  itself which Lana Wachowski presented. As he walked up to the stage, the whole auditorium stood, clapping and cheering. He was right, Emily thought, this was really overwhelming! She dabbed a tear away as he took his place at the podium and took a moment to let the applause fade.

“Firstly let me say a huge thank you for this great, great honour  - to receive this in the city where I spent my formative years is really very special so thank you.”

More applause erupted then quickly subsided allowing him to continue.

“I owe this award to many other people  - first and foremost,  I’d like to pay tribute to my mom for believing in me all those years ago when I asked her one day, would it be ok if I was an actor and  she simply said ‘whatever you want son’.

And thanks must also go of course to the teachers and directors at the schools where I did plays and at the Leah Posluns Theatre where I really began to learn my craft-  thank you for lighting the fire.

Looking back, the reel you showed just now only served to remind me how much I love movies. And a key reason over the years for that love and indeed for much of my success has been the joy of collaboration when making them. Collaboration with many wonderful directors, actors, cinematographers, stunt coordinators, make-up artists, caterers, runners to name but a few is what I thrive on. And they have all made me look good.  And I know sometimes I’ve made my fellow actors look good too by how bad I was! Special thanks to Winona and Gary in that regard!

And I can’t forget the writers, for one thing my wife would never forgive me if I didn’t give them a mention.”

Keanu looked over and caught Emily’s eye as she sat in the front row beaning with pride.

“Writers have gifted me some amazing, memorable characters, some of them coming back time and again  like Ted, Neo and John Wick.  And I think special thanks are due for all the Johns, Johnny’s and Jacks and the quarterback punks that have been a recurring theme for me and such fun to play.

So I love movies and I love the opportunity they give me to tell stories.

But this year, as I hit a big milestone birthday,  I am in a new phase in my life and I’m planning on being focussed less on the stories in films and more on my own story.  Over the years, my fellow actors and the crews have been like family to me, a band of brothers and sisters if you will.  But 5 years ago I met and fell in love with a wonderful woman and she became my family.  Then 2 years ago we became parents - and now there are 4 of us. And this year  I also became a husband - in all these things as you can probably tell I was a late starter!

So whilst I’m not retiring,  going forward I can’t and I don’t want to be the man who  is all work and no play.  I want to be with my beautiful  wife and my kids as they grow and play my part in guiding them in their lives, in their story.

And hopefully, I’ll bring the riches of that experience of being a parent and a husband to my future roles.

Thank you”

There was rapturous applause at this end to his speech and Emily found herself crying once again at his very public commitment to a more balanced life for them all going forward.

Keanu took his leave, heading back stage where there would be a few interviews to do before he could re-join Emily and head onto the after-party.  There was a brief break in proceedings and Emily made her way back stage to meet up with him.

Keanu was just taking his leave from one of the news teams  when he glimpsed Emily weaving her way between the throngs of stage hands, actors and publicists.

He headed in her direction and indicated a small alcove to the side to aim for. She reached it first and waited for him to join her, his progress being slowed by people stopping to congratulate him on his award and speech. When he finally got there, she threw he arms around his neck.

“That was, just, just”

“Wow  have I actually rendered you speechless?” he laughed.

“You didn’t share THAT part of the speech!”

“You mean the bit about marrying a wonderful woman and sharing my story with her?”

“yes that part, you sneaky devil, you made me cry”

“Happy tears I hope?”

“Yes!” she smiled planting a kiss on his smiling lips.

@penwieldingdreamer @fortheloveoffanfic @kindainlovewithkeanu @ladyreapermc @witty-wallflower @gatsbynouvel @bitchyslut99 @keanureevesisbae @omg-imagine @iworshipkeanureeves @fics-not-tragedies @ficsnroses @kindainlovewithkeanu @paperplanesandwallflowers

[melodyofgraves]

Chanevi Fluff ABCs

A/N: Huge thank you to the wonderful and talented @pixelburied for making this list ❤️

It was so fun to write! I had to slightly change some parts because of the era and I think maybe I might do it for modern AU as well. Or maybe just some of the letters...

Also, I’ve written most of these in a random order, over a few days, so I might be repeating myself a couple times. And sorry if the text has weird gaps or something, I tried to fix it but my computer doesn’t want to cooperate.

Hope you enjoy!

Words: 4160

Tagging: (please tell me if I forgot anyone or added someone by accident. I have a terrible memory): @hellospunkiebrewster @queerchoicesblog @brightpinkpeppercorn @itsbrindleybinch @pixieferry @akrenich @thehonorarybeaumont

A – Anger (What was their first fight about? Any big or recurring arguments?)

They don’t argue too much and if they do, it’s usually about really minor things and they talk it out rather quickly.

But the first major fight they had was quite early in their relationship. Yusuf was working late and when Bart heard about it, he decided to convince him to take a break and go for dinner together. Konevi, pale and with bloodshot eyes, was slouching over his desk in the stuffy room. Chambers also found out that he didn’t eat anything while working either. He got mad at Konevi for not taking care of himself and, though he quickly regretted it, yelled at him for being irresponsible. The sleep-deprived barrister got angry and yelled at him back, causing Bartholomew to leave, slamming the door on his way out.

Later that evening, Yusuf knocked on his door, not wanting either of them to fall asleep mad at each other. He apologized for yelling and told Bart about his early years as a barrister in England.

He told him how he always had to prove he was just as good, if not better than other young barristers, despite the fact that some people looked down on him only because of where he was from. He would forget to eat or sleep, focusing only on completing the task until he was successful. And even though those times were in the past, the old habit remained.

However, he promised to try and work on it.

Bart wrapped his arms around Konevi’s neck, pulling him closer and apologized for his behaviour as well. And promised to help him as much as he can.

That night they fall asleep next to each other in Bartholomew’s bed, embraced and no longer angry.

B – Best (What would they say is the other’s best trait?)

Yusuf just adores the cheerfulness Bart seems to bring wherever he goes. There’s something about him that always brightens Konevi’s day and it’s one of the many reasons he loves Bartholomew Chambers.

As for more physical traits, his partner’s smile never fails to make him feel better, even on the hardest of days.

Bart finds his intelligence very attractive. Konevi has that wonderful ability to talk about most complicated of topics without using too complicated words, so regardless of who he’s having a conversation with, they can actively participate in it without feeling stupid or less educated. Because Yusuf doesn’t have to use big words to prove he’s smart, he just is.

Another thing Chambers loves about his lover is his voice. It’s deep yet so smooth and sweet and somehow reminds Bart of honey. He also thinks Yusuf is an amazing singer so it’s a great shame he’s too shy about it to perform in front of other people.

C – Camera (How do they document their relationships? Who likes to take pictures? Or videos?)

They can’t really have any pictures or videos.

But they have one portrait together, painted by one and only Annabelle. They’re sitting together on a bench in the small garden outside their house, smiling softly at each other. They keep it in their bedchambers because they know hanging it might be dangerous.

Many years later, after they’re both long gone, some people would find the artwork. They would say it’s a beautiful picture of friendship, completely ignoring the love captured in their eyes or the way Bartholomew’s fingers brush over Konevi’s arm.

And there will be nobody to tell them how wrong they are.

D – Dates (What are their dates like?)

When the weather allows it, they always enjoy going on strolls, especially around the woods near Bartholomew’s house. It’s just so peaceful there, not a soul in sight.

They can walk around, holding hands and kissing as much as they want, and pretend like the rest of the world doesn’t exist. They talk about everything, share stories and laugh at each other’s jokes. Sometimes they go bird-watching, admiring all the beautiful species that live there, sometimes they have picnics at the nearby meadow.

On rainy days they stay home, where they read together, have a delicious meal or just spend most of it in each others’ arms. Bart also likes to play pianoforte and even managed to talk his partner into singing with him a few times.

Either way, nothing makes them happier than being able to spend some time together, just a two of them, and they try to make most of those little moments.

E – Early (What was the first month of dating like?)

The beginning of their relationship mostly took place in London. where they had to spend most of their time together in either of their flats, talking for hours about nothing and everything at the same time and dancing despite the lack of music.

They did manage to go out for dinner or for a walk quite a few times though. It was a matter of picking the time of the day when the streets were less crowded and they even manage to hold hands and sneak some kisses when it seemed the risk of being seen wasn’t too high.

F – Friends (How is their relationship with each other’s group of friends?)

Since their group of closest friends is rather small, only a few of most trusted people know about their relationship, after all, they are all quite fond of each other.

But when Yusuf introduced him to Prince Hamid for the first time, Bartholomew has to admit he was extremely nervous. He had neither the title nor wealth worthy of impressing an actual prince but really wanted Konevi’s friend to like him.

After all, he had very strong feelings for the barrister, their relationship was going quite well,   and he didn’t want it to change because of Hamid’s disapproval. However, it took him less than five minutes of conversation with the prince to realize how wrong he was.

Hamid was actually very kind, treating Bart like an old friend, and soon they were both joking around and sharing some funny stories about Yusuf. And after they left, the prince just couldn’t stop smiling to himself, glad that he made a new friend and that his old friend found someone that obviously makes him happy.

G – Gifts (Do they like giving each other gifts? What kind?)

Bart strongly prefers getting sweets over any expensive gifts. So that’s what Yusuf usually gets him for most occasions, sometimes trying to make them himself but more often he just finds a bakery.

There are also days when he would just see someone selling pastries on his way home and immediately think about his Bart, getting some just to put a smile on his face, no occasion needed.

-

Yusuf always feels a little awkward when someone gives him a gift, so he always tells Chambers to not buy him anything. He prefers to celebrate days like his birthday and such by just spending it with his partner, a nice picnic or dinner much more appealing to him than any gift you can buy in a shop.

He’s also sure nothing could ever beat the handkerchief Bart gave him for their anniversary once. Chambers even asked Annabelle to teach him embroidering so he can decorate it with their initials and a little dove in the corner. The bird came out a little wonky but Yusuf thinks it makes the gift much more personal and always carries it in his pocket.

H – Hugs (All things involving hugs)

Bart just adores hugs. All of his closest friends can tell you that. On a few more casual occasions they meet, where they can ignore most of the rules of propriety, he just greets everyone by wrapping them into a big hug, which took Mr Sinclaire some of them time to get used to.

He also thinks Yusuf gives the best hugs ever. The height difference between them allows Chambers to hide his face in the man’s neck, enjoying the warmth of his skin and the smell of his cologne.

His favourite ones, however, are when they’re lying in bed, ready to fall asleep, and Konevi’s arms wrap around him, pulling him closer as his lover nuzzles the back of his neck. And Bartholomew feels so happy and safe that he wishes they could stay like this forever.

I – Inside Jokes (Do they have any?)

There was a situation that Yusuf likes to refer to „The Hawfinch Incident” and just loves to tease his partner about it.

During one of their frequent strolls nearby Bartholomew’s house, Konevi heard the man gasp suddenly as he pointed at the tall oak. There was a small bird, perched on one of the highest branches. „I think it’s a hawfinch!” he squealed, and before the barrister could react, Chambers was already climbing up the tree next to it to take a closer look without scaring the animal off.

Seconds later Yusuf watched in horror as his foot slipped and the man he loved fell down to the ground. Fortunately, Bart didn’t manage to get too far. He ended with only a sprained ankle and slight embarrassment as the barrister had to carry him home on his back. The staff greeted them with some raised eyebrows but they didn’t ask too many questions.

Now, whenever they pass a bird on a tree, Yusuf either grabs Bartholomew’s hand, as if to prevent him from running away again or just gives him an amused look and Bart just chuckles, still slightly blushing at the memory.

J – Jealousy (Who gets jealous easier? How do they show their jealousy?)

Neither of them is a jealous type. At least about other people.

However, sometimes Bart gets just a bit jealous when Yusuf is too occupied with the work to even talk to his partner for a whole day. So he made it his mission to distract him, at least for a moment.

When Bartholomew decides that the barrister could use a break, he pays him a visit in his office. He stands behind his chair, the man engrossed in his work, and wraps his arms around  Konevi’s neck, kissing his temple, cheeks or jaw until he has to take his eyes off the papers on his desk and focus on his partner instead. Then they usually talk for a while, spend some time in each others’ arms, sometimes go for a walk or a meal before the barrister goes back to work. And that’s when Bart deems his mission successful.

K – Kiss (How do they kiss? Who usually initiates?)

Bart is shorter than his partner so he likes to take an opportunity of when Konevi is sitting or lying on the bed because it makes it much easier to kiss him softly. Other times, he just puts his hand on Yusuf’s cheeks or tugs on his coat to make him lean down slightly. However, he’s a perfect height for getting lots of forehead kisses without much effort.

Konevi usually just looks for a way from the prying eyes, even if just for a moment, to gently brush his lips against Bart’s. Or he pulls him close, kissing him passionately seconds after they shut the front door behind themselves, finally alone. He also just loves peppering his partner’s face with lots of kisses first thing in the morning.

L – Love (How do they first say those three words?)

It was the day after Bart’s visit to the opera, during the London season. They met in Konevi’s flat for some tea, sitting across each other at the small table, and the barrister was just staring at Chambers, sharing some funny stories from previous night while stuffing his mouth with some biscuits.

He was just describing how Duke Richards threw a tantrum in the middle of a street when he couldn’t find Lady Lucy to take her to her townhouse and as Yusuf just looked at him, at this beautiful smile and those blue sparkling eyes, he felt his heart beat faster.

„Oh gosh, I love you.” he blurted out, suddenly realizing he said it out loud. Bartholomew stopped talking, nearly choking on the biscuit he was eating, and stared at him with wide eyes. „I didn’t mean to say it! I mean, I do love you, truly, but I was waiting for maybe a better moment and I just… Remember you don’t have to say it back! I don’t want you to feel pressured or…”

He was cut off by Bart’s lips, pressing against his in a soft kiss as the man was awkwardly leaning across the table. After a moment they pulled away and he only saw those blue eyes, staring at him, full of affection.

„I love you too. Truly.”

M – Movies (What kinds of movies do they watch together? Is it a regular Netflix ritual?)

For obvious reasons, they can really watch movies.

However, they do love to read together. Sometimes they just sit side by side, Bart eyes glued to the pages of one of his favourite romance novels as he leans against Yusuf’side, the man too engrossed in his mystery book to even notice.

Other times, when they find something they both enjoy, Chambers requests that his partner reads it out loud. Then he usually rests his head on Konevi’s lap, closing eyes and enjoying the sound of his voice.

N – Nicknames (Things they call each other)

Yusuf usually calls his partner „love” and Bart favourite nickname for him is „dear”. Pretty standard.

But when Mrs Elkins, one of the oldest servants of the Chambers family, told Yusuf that his partner’s childhood nickname was „duckling”, he thought it was too cute to ignore. Apparently, it was because of his favourite toy he used to drag with him everywhere when he was younger and most of the people close to the boy just started calling that.

So that evening, as they were getting ready for sleep, Yusuf wanted to see how his reaction. They got under the covers, share one more kiss and Konevi wrapped his arms around the man, as usual.

„Goodnight, dear.”

„Goodnight, duckling.”

Chambers immediately turned around, facing his partner, and Yusuf knew they won’t be going to sleep as soon as he thought they would. But he decided that the adorable pout he saw on Bart’s blushing face was worth it.

O – One (Tell us about the moment they realized they were with the one.)

For Bart, it was the moment he saw Konevi on the dance floor, dancing with one of the ladies there. They’ve been seeing each other for some time already but when he saw the man move smoothly to the music, effortlessly yet with such precision, and felt his heart beat faster.

He’s been with two other relationships before he met the barrister but never had such strong feelings for anyone before. He didn’t even know how to describe it until that moment. And then he just realized that Yusuf is the man he would like to spend his life with.

Yusuf, on the other hand, doesn’t really know when that happened. It seems like he just woke up one day, looking at the face of his lover, and knew that Bart was the one. His heart just filled with so much happiness when they were together, that he just couldn’t imagine being with anybody else.

P – Pizza (What is their favourite food to eat together?)

Probably biscuits, especially the ones they make together. It’s something they both enjoy and, after some years of practice, they managed to get quite good at it. Even their friends often compliment how delicious their biscuits are.

The couple’s favourite way to eat them is while having a picnic. They just sit on the blanket, enjoying the fresh air and not caring about decorum at all, and feed each other pieces of the pastries.

Q – Quit (Do they break up? Almost break up? What happened?)

The closest they get to end their relationship was after Yusuf told his lover he might be forced to return home.

They knew the distance between them would be too great for them to continue being together. And that brought the tears to their eyes and made their hearts ache. They spend that night, the night before the Duke’s ball, lying on the bed in each others’ arms. Wanting to spend their remaining time together as close as possible. Sharing kisses they thought would be their last. Trying to think of any way to prevent their parting. And crying themselves to sleep when they couldn’t find any solution to the problem.

And they would forever be grateful to Lady Lucy for helping them in this tough situation.

R – Rainy Days (How do they comfort each other on dark days?)

Their favourite place to seek comfort is in the other’s arms.

Konevi prefers to not talk much when he’s going through some tough time so most of the times he just finds Chambers and pulls him into a hug, trying to get as close as possible. Then they usually lie in bed, holding each other, Yusuf listens to his partner’s heartbeat as Bart strokes his hair and whispers that it will be alright and that he loves him very much.

Bartholomew, on the other hand, sometimes needs to let it all out. So Yusuf just wraps arms around him and just listens patiently to everything his partner has to say, from time to time wiping his tears away or kissing the top of his head. If possible, he also likes to bring Chambers some sweets since they always seem to cheer him up at least a bit.

S – Soft (Something one of them did that turned the other into absolute mush)

The first time Yusuf saw Bart holding little Sophia Sinclaire in his arms, he felt like his heart melted. He never really imagined himself wanting a child before but the sight of Chambers with his goddaughter, the way he looked at the girl, Konevi couldn’t help wonder if maybe one day they could take in a ward.

He definitely needs to discuss it with Bart and Annabelle in the future.

T – Texting (Do they text each other a lot? What do they usually talk about over the phone?)

Using a phone isn’t an option for them, for obvious reasons, but they do write letters to each other whenever they’re apart.

Also, on days when Yusuf has to leave early, often while Bart is still asleep, he places little notes near the bed, on his pillow, the nightstand or beside his lover’s clothes.

Usually, he writes a simple “I love you” or wishes his lover a nice day. Sometimes he asks Bartholomew to join him for a dinner later.

He even tried writing a little poem a couple times, and he thinks they’re absolutely terrible, but Bart keeps every single one of these notes in a special wooden box under the bed, along with their letters.

U – Unique (Tell us about some of their odd habits that surprised one another.)

Yusuf was certainly surprised about Chambers being so interested in ornithology.

He found it kind of adorable though, how passionate he was about the topic and could listen to him talking for hours, asking questions and trying to understand some terms he hasn’t heard before.

-

The first time Bart heard his partner sing was also when he found out that Konevi does it in his sleep. Apparently, ever since he was a child, it’s something that would happen when he has a particularly good dream.

 It’s quiet enough to not disturb Bartholomew’s sleep but clear enough for him to actually make out most of the words. Sometimes Yusuf sings softly in his native language, sometimes in English. But either way, Bart finds it strangely adorable and loves to tease him about it, saying that with such a beautiful voice he should have picked a different profession.

V – Vanity (Something they’re proud of in themselves and their partner)

Bart is quite proud of his dancing skills since it’s something he enjoys and is good at.

He could spend hours naming all the things he's proud of in his partner though. His dedication and diligence when it comes to his profession, his intelligence, his kind heart…

However, if he was to admit a much more selfish trait, it would also be how good-looking Yusuf is. He feels a weird sense of pride whenever he hears some ladies talking about that handsome barrister and enjoys the fact that this man’s heart already belongs to him just as just as his heart belongs to Yusuf.

Konevi is proud of his ability to read people. His great at guessing their motivations and intentions based mainly on a short conversation and body language. And that helped him in life a number of times.

He admires how easy it is for Bart to make friends. He seems to always know what to say and acts friendly in every situation, not paying any attention to the titles or wealth of the people he's talking to. It’s just really hard not to like him, at least for most people.

W – Wedding (Tell us about your wedding headcanon if they’ve gotten that far. Or if not, have they talked about it?)

Unfortunately, there was no way for them to have a traditional wedding, not in the times they lived in. But not many people know that they had their own little ceremony. At home. They organized a small party, written their vows and celebrated their love with their closest friends.

Since Bartholomew has always loved weddings but couldn’t marry the person he actually wanted to, Yusuf decided to find a way. And years later, Chambers looks back at it as his real wedding, rather than the marriage of convenience he had with Annabelle. At the memory brings the happiest smile to his face.

X – X (Something they hate about the other)

Maybe the word hate is too strong but Chambers is annoyed by two things about his lover:

1.     How he tends to overwork himself.

2.     How much he drinks at some events.

It’s not like he gets so drunk he passes out or anything like that. He just gets rather affectionate when tipsy.

Which Bartholomew is completely fine with when they are behind the closed doors, where Yusuf can give him all the kisses and cuddles and talk about how much he loves Bartie as much as he wants.

The problem appears at social gatherings. Yusuf tends to gaze lovingly at him for too long or make seemingly innocent jokes that make Bart’s cheek heat up until Chambers finally gets him outside for some fresh air.

-

Konevi, on the other hand, dislikes how good Bartholomew is at distracting him from work.

How just his presence and a few kisses causes barrister to lose focus.

Or how convincing he is when he wants Yusuf to stay in bed with him just a little longer.

And how hard it is to say no to these puppy eyes of his.

-

But despite things like that, they wouldn’t want to spend their life with anyone else.

Y – Youtube (What are they like online? Do they post about their relationship constantly?)

For obvious reasons, it’s not easy to answer this question.

However, it’s worth saying that Mr Chambers has a rather hard time not talking about his partner. Especially when they’re apart, even if only for a day or so.

Mrs Annabelle Parsons swears she would have an impressive fortune if someone offered her a penny for every time she heard Bartholomew ramble about just how much he loves the barrister, how much he misses him when he’s away or even how beautiful and golden his eyes look in the sun. It would be almost cute if it wasn’t so annoying.

Finally, she decided to get Bart a journal for his birthday, so he can pour all this love and thoughts there and leave her alone.

Z – Zoo (Are they into animals? Do they want pets? What kind?)

When Bart was younger, he dreamed about having a pet parrot. But he quickly realized he didn’t have the money or space to take care of it in a way those beautiful creatures deserved to be treated.

However, his favourite pastime was observing the local birds. If he was being honest, while the caged birds, he saw in some of the nobles’ houses, were beautiful, there was something about seeing those gorgeous animals free that put a wide smile on his face.

And Yusuf was always happy to join him. He admired the absolute focus on Bartholomew’s face, the passion in his eyes and the calm way he approached the animals but also found it so captivating it was difficult to keep his hands off his partner. So most of their trips had to involve kissing breaks. Lots of them, actually. But they wouldn’t have it any other way.

[ambientdinosaur]

Leaves

Read on: Fanfiction.net | AO3

A soft breeze gently swept over the fields outside of Luna Nova. The leaves of the two young memorial trees rustled slightly. It was an unmistakable sight up on one of the hills in the vast fields. They were growing right next to an old weathered dry stone wall, that was possibly a millennia old by now. In between them there was a simple granite headstone. The spot had undeniably been an important location for the two witches who now rested there. The inscription on the headstone was short and succinct:

Croix Meridies Chariot du Nord A believing heart is your magic

It was a late summer afternoon and the memorial hill was visited by an elderly couple. The two robed, gray-haired ladies were standing in front of the small monument, with arms linked together. Of the two, the slightly taller, silver-haired lady was holding a very elaborate bouquet with various flowers, ready to be placed on this grave.

The two witches resting on this hill had possibly been the two most influential witches to usher in the new era of magic. Their impact couldn’t be understated. Croix, the Italian genius whose research and technology had laid the groundwork for magic to be used ubiquitously. Almost every industry used magic nowadays to achieve things that had previously been impossible or infeasible without her work. However, despite that her influence could be seen everywhere, Croix had remained generally unknown to the public except to researchers and scholars.

Chariot, on the other hand, had been later hailed as a pioneer as Shiny Chariot, for the magical shows from her youth. Countless of people had been inspired by the French witch, and several witches had taken on the mantle as successors to Shiny Chariot through the decades. Some of which Chariot had taught herself while she still had been a teacher at Luna Nova. While her magical shows were remembered fondly by the general public, her true influence was not as obvious; giving people a love for magic. And the two whose hearts she had touched the most were now standing in front of her resting place. The two successors to her dream and the two who had changed the world.

Atsuko and Diana. The two elderly ladies that were now paying their respects to the late witches. The couple had just come to this hill from Luna Nova Academy, a short broom flight away. The two were wearing their regular traveling robes, that they usually wore while out on errands and such. Atsuko was wearing a robe that was cinnabar-coloured with a sash, while Diana wore a light grey robe along with a pale blue, hooded cloak. Though Diana wore the hood down at the moment, letting her flowy, silver-coloured hair be clearly visible. In contrast, Atsuko had her dark grey hair put up into a bun.   

They had decided earlier the same day to meet up at Luna Nova after Diana would finish her headmistress duties for the day, so they could go visit the memorial trees together. While waiting, Atsuko had humoured herself by teasing some of the first-year students at the academy. While she was world famous, nowadays she was mostly known as a name in witches’ history books. This let her pull off various pranks, like pretending she was a substitute teacher who had gotten lost and what not, on the young witches who didn’t immediately recognize who she was. This time, it was not until Diana came down from her office and called Atsuko’s name that the group of perplexed students had put two and two together and realized who the old Asian lady really was. Diana, who had understood what her wife had been up to, scolded Atsuko in front of the embarrassed students, before the elderly couple had gone off to the Luna Nova gardens to collect a bouquet of flowers for the grave.

Atsuko let out a wistful sigh. It had already been four years since Chariot and Croix had passed away, yet it felt like it could have been yesterday to her. Her two former mentors had acted as several roles for her and Diana throughout life. Idols, teachers, colleagues, friends. Even family. The two European witches had regularly appeared for birthday parties and other family gatherings in the Cavendish family. Their presence had been a natural inclusion.

Both of her old teachers had lived well into their onehundredfifties. An unfathomable age for regular humans, but not uncommon for witches. She and Diana were also well on their way to hit the one hundred fifty mark. It was just another year or so until then.

Diana crouched down to place the bouquet in front of the headstone. Atsuko felt nostalgic while looking around the scenery. She knew how important this spot had been to Chariot, as well to Croix. It was a spot that Chariot seemed to return to throughout life, bringing Croix with her. Chariot had discovered this hill as a child and grown fond of it. When she was still a student at Luna Nova, the young plucky red-headed girl had spent several hours practicing spells here, oftentimes dragging along Croix. The withdrawn, older student had at first been annoyed being taken to this place, but had eventually taken a liking to hanging out here as well. Most likely because of Chariot herself. Atsuko knew this not only from what she had been told from her old mentor, she had also seen it for herself in a vision when she had visited the Fountain of Polaris in her youth. Atsuko had seen Chariot as a teenage witch practicing magic from the eyes of another person, which Atsuko much later had realized that it had been a young Croix.

“Open your heart, laugh with me! Arae Aryrha!” Atsuko recalled. It had been long time since she last had thought of the Words of Arcturus. Atsuko smiled, and mused. Perhaps it was at that time in that vision the two young witches had realized how much they appreciated the other’s smile? Atsuko gave a brief glance at her lifelong partner. She knew at least that every laughter and smile Diana had given her was an invaluable treasure, and that Chariot and Croix most definitely had felt the same about each other.

The old witch reminisced further about this small hill in the British countryside. About the picnics the four witches had had here together during the springs with the kids, and eventually the grandkids. About the story how Croix finally had asked Chariot to marry her while on this hill. And now, about how their spirits were resting in peace here.

It had been a solemn, cloudy day, that day in the late spring almost four years ago. Atsuko, Diana and several family members and friends had gathered to say farewell to the old witch couple. A traditional witch funeral was always a bittersweet affair. The funeral was held when the witch being mourned was still alive. It was in itself just the moment a witch of an advanced age chose to pass away. Witches could possibly live into their twohundreds, especially with the breakthroughs in magical medicine in the 21st century. It was just that most witches chose not to, because of either pain or sickness from their advanced age. This kind of peaceful passing had been the norm for witches since times immemorial, however it had become more infeasible and unlikely after the dark ages and the increased fear of witches. But now in a new era of magic, more and more witches were again able to do so the traditional way.

Atsuko had attended several of these funerals during the years, but this was the first where two witches would pass away together. She had never gotten fully accustomed to these ancient funeral rites. Perhaps it was because she had used to view death as something that just happens, that you don’t have any say in? Regardless, she had prepared to one day follow this custom too, because it was what she and her wife wanted. Just like Chariot and Croix, she wanted to be together with Diana, even in death.

The old Japanese lady recalled her old friend, former mentor and childhood idol from that day. Chariot had been weary and exhausted for quite some time, but it still felt like she had a light radiating from her. The same light Atsuko had seen as a child, well over hundred years ago, during that Shiny Chariot show. The light that had inspired her to become a witch herself.

Croix was also visibly tired that day, but also remaining serene as usual. Atsuko knew that her old teacher had not always been as harmonious but she had been a tranquil person ever since she returned with the cure for Wagandea’s pollen. That task had seemed to help her finding the way in her life and a sense of harmony.

Atsuko became aware of an otherworldly sensation that day. Both of her old teachers had seemed detached, as if their spirits were no longer fully connected to their bodies. It was a sensation similar to what she had felt in the presence of witch spirits in the past, such as Woodward the Blue Moon Spirit or Beatrix the Affectionate. It was a grim reminder that they were indeed passing away, but Atsuko was already well aware of it.

Witches were daughters of the world tree Yggdrasil after all, and when they die they return as one, a slumbering tree spirit. These dormant spirits had developed different names around the world; dryads, hulder, kodama and so forth. It was all folklore that was based on the same thing, witches becoming spirits. According to the most ancient legends, the wood spirits born from the world tree had taught the first witches how to use magic, and in exchange the witches would become spirits as well when they pass away. A bittersweet comfort, Atsuko thought, knowing that no witch truly left this world. A witch spirit may awaken from their slumber if need be. So even after saying farewell that day, they would likely meet again. However, Atsuko worried that she might pass away as well before that would happen.

It had been a quiet and somber process, after the different attendants had said their farewells to the two old witches. The two witches had positioned themselves in their desired spots, and then had been clasping each other’s hands while waiting. They were silent, the two didn’t need to say anything to the other. The two elderly witches had simply looked deeply in each other’s eyes during their final moments. They had planned it all beforehand, and had likely rehearsed the process before. Their wearied bodies slowly faded away as green wisps of magic, ascending into the skies. They smiled, and faced the attendants one last time.     “Never forget, a believing heart is your magic!” The two legendary witches recited in unison, what would be their final words. Croix and Chariot had then returned to look each other in the eyes, and gave each other a final, heartwarming smile. Their smile lasted until they had faded away completely and had left two young tree saplings that were in full bloom in their place. Atsuko and Diana had embraced each other the whole time, and could no longer hold back the tears. They rested their heads on each other, trying to comfort the other. The two old ladies had then been joined by their two, elderly daughters in the embrace and the four of them were hugging each other for a long while, letting them all cry to their heart’s content.

The old Japanese woman looked up at the swaying leaves of the two trees. They had grown quite a bit since that day, but they were still rather young and small. Every time she had gone here since their passing, she had tried to sense either of the tree spirits, but it seemed that they were still slumbering too heavily. She may have heard a whisper once or twice, but if she had, they had been so faint she could have just as easily mixed them up with her own thoughts.

Atsuko turned her gaze to her wife once again. Diana was still crouched down in front of the grave, seemingly reminiscing in silence as well like Atsuko was doing. Atsuko wondered what her elderly wife might have been thinking back on, though she was pretty sure she already knew the answer. Something that always had mattered a lot for Diana: family.

Diana Cavendish. The longest sitting matron of the House of Cavendish since its founder, Beatrix the Affectionate. An impressive feat, but it had been her biggest fear in her younger days that she would be the last head of the family. She had been the only heir to the family, other than her aunt and her cousins. However, her aunt had had no interest on carrying the family’s legacy, and had instead been ready to dissolve the dynasty. This had left Diana the only one of the family with the burden of keeping it alive.

It had not surprised Atsuko that the happiest she had seen her wife, had been when their two daughters were born. The two new witch moms had been overcome with joy, love and relief, especially so for Diana. Diana had put all her heart working towards the revival of her family, and that it would be together with Atsuko.

Their two daughters were now almost one hundred twenty years old and almost indistinguishable in age when compared to their mothers. It was strange how she still could see them as her small children, Atsuko thought to herself. They were just old grandmas like herself! The Japanese lady smiled amused.

As a matter of fact, Atsuko and Diana had become old enough to be grand-grand-grand-grandmas. It sounded silly to be called that, and it was certainly not something that Atsuko had expected in her youth that she would become. At this stage she just prefered to be called Obāsan by all the “younger” members of the Cavendish family, to prevent to be confused with Diana or anyone else of the older members of the family. She actually struggled a bit to keep track of all the family members nowadays, and her sometimes spotty memory had certainly not gotten better with age. However, helping taking care of each new generation in the family had been one of the greatest sources of happiness in her life. Atsuko had always enjoyed to be around children. Playing with the kids or telling grand stories from her past had been a delight every time to her. And ever since Atsuko had stopped traveling around the world working as an ambassador for magic, her main pastime had been spending her time with the family.

Her British wife had been much the same. One of Diana’s greatest joys in life had been telling the history of the Cavendish family and teaching their ancient magics to each new member of the family throughout the years. As the current headmistress of Luna Nova and one of the leading researchers in magical medicine in the past, Diana had been a very busy woman through her life. However, she had never neglected her family despite that. She would always appear for important events like birthday parties and graduations. Or like one of their grandkids’ first magic show. This might have made some co-workers think she was inflexible and hard to work with, but those who knew of her past and her family situation had found her dedication to her family very endearing.

Diana had succeeded with one of her grandest goals in life, to restore her family. And how! She had witnessed close to five generations of the Cavendish family after her, many of them renowned and capable witches themselves like Diana and Atsuko. It was impossible to not tell how proud Diana Cavendish was of her family, and how much they all meant to her.

Similarly, it was also obvious to see how proud Atsuko was of her accomplished and affectionate wife. Atsuko continued to quietly admire her life partner. She got a quick glance of the profile of Diana’s face. Despite her age, there was something ethereal about Diana’s appearance. It was as if magic itself was emanating from her. Atsuko had thought this for the longest time, and had gotten more aware of this feeling as she had gotten older. In contrast, when thinking about her own appearance, Atsuko saw herself more like a dried wooden figurine. Atsuko had mentioned it on occasion, but Diana had always told her that this thought was downright nonsense.

The leaves shook once again in the wind. Atsuko let out another sigh, just as filled with melancholy as before.   “I miss them so very much, Diana” Atsuko said mournfully, breaking the silence the two had had since they arrived on the hill. Diana rose up again, with a heavy huff as she did. She went towards Atsuko and held her wife’s hand.   “We all do, love.” Diana replied, trying to reassure her partner. “The world misses them.”   “I know, but.. I must say.. Our friends really are such sleepyheads!” Atsuko made a frustrated pout, shifting the mood a bit. “They’ve all said that we might meet again, yet none of them have awakened so far.” Despite being almost one hundred fifty years old, Atsuko had still retained some childish traits through life. Some things never changed.   “If there is anything I have learned about spirits, is that they are very capricious.” Diana tried to explain. “They simply do not sense the world in the same way humans do. Time has little meaning to them.” Despite both Atsuko and Diana had attended several witch funerals throughout life, they had yet to witness any friend or acquaintance’s spirit awaken.    “It’s just that.. I still can’t help but feel a bit lost without them.” Atsuko continued pensively, going back to a more blue mood. “If it wasn’t for you, dear, or the family, I wouldn’t know what I would be doing. Would I’ve found something to do anyway without you? Where would I even be?” Atsuko had never really been one for any deeper existential thoughts, preferring to live in the moment as it was. However, these thoughts were becoming increasingly more inevitable with her advanced age.    “Thank goodness you do have us, then.” Diana smiled warmly at her worrying wife. Atsuko returned the smile, and gave the old noblewoman a peck on the cheek.

The two ladies were holding hands, and slightly leaned against each other. Atsuko rested her head against her wife’s shoulder, cushioned by the fabric of the cloak. The horizon had started to become filled with orange hues.   “We should get home soon, love.” Diana “We do not want to be late for dinner at our own house.”   “I know, I know. My stomach is already looking forward to it!” Atsuko grinned, and demonstrated by patting her belly. “I can’t wait to see what our grandkids have cooked up. Just give me a minute before we get onto our brooms.” Atsuko eyed the headstone for a short moment. She had insisted that she would be the one to carve the inscription on it, and had managed to convince everyone rather quickly. If there was a last thing she could do for Chariot and Croix, it would be this, she had reasoned back then. The Japanese lady had not had much experience carving granite, but the end result had turned out to be to everyone’s liking. The inscription was concise, but heartfelt, reflecting Atsuko’s approach to things in life.   “A believing heart is your magic..” Atsuko mumbled thoughtfully. How many times had she heard that line through life? How many times had she recited it to herself as a motto? Ever since she had heard those words for the first time as a child, she had always held them close to her heart.   “Fufufufu..” Atsuko chuckled. “What should we have on our tombstone then, since our favourite phrase is already taken?”   “Akko! Do not be so morbid!” Diana snapped at her a bit. “Besides, we have plenty of options for an epitaph, my silly love. ‘Believe in your believing heart’, perhaps?” Diana pinched her spouse in the waist. Atsuko in return smiled contently at her partner. She had always found harmless, playful banter like this amusing.   “I guess I’ll always be Akko to you and the family.” Atsuko chuckled once more. The Japanese woman had presented herself with the nickname ‘Akko’ in her youth, but had decided to drop it once she had become a mother. It had been an attempt to seem more grown-up to her friends and colleagues. However, for most of her closest friends and her family, ‘Akko’ had managed to stick anyway.   “As far as I can recall, you have never told me to call you anything else since we first met.” Diana replied. “Other than ‘my love’, I suppose.” Diana stroke Atsuko’s cheek, while smiling softly.   “Still such a gentle charmer, aren’t you?” Atsuko winked at her wife.   “For you, everyday.” Diana beamed happily. Once again Atsuko got an ethereal sensation about Diana, feeling as if magic was swirling around her. Atsuko looked at her in awe for a short moment, before returning to a soft smile. Diana had not seemed to notice.   “Though we really should get going now, love. Otherwise, we will actually be late.” Diana told slightly concerned.   “Alright, alright.” Atsuko replied lightheartedly. “I don’t feel like mulling more over gloomy things at the moment anyway. And you’ve already cheered me up plenty.”   “I am glad that I can, my silly worrywart” Diana said, and returned the peck she had gotten earlier. “Come now, the family is waiting!”

The old couple retrieved their brooms they had left leaning against the dry stone wall. The two witches chanted the spell Tia Freyre together in unison, and began floating slightly above the ground on their brooms.   “Ready, dear?” Atsuko wondered before they took off.   “Yes, my love.” Diana replied quickly, with no need for further thought. However, as they were about to leave, a sudden gale kicked up around them. The trees near them shook and the leaves rustled heavily. Diana and Atsuko started to look around themselves, and noticed a fantastic amount of green wisps of magic flying past them. The wisps begun to form into two gestalts in front of them.

The two anthropomorphic apparitions then began to diverge in appearance. One had a fantastically long and flowing crimson hair, while the other had a shorter but still distinct purple hair. Atsuko and her wife were looking on in utter awe. It had started to dawn on them what was happening in front of them. Atsuko could feel that tears were about to swell from her eyes.

The red-haired spirit took on a final appearance. She appeared to be wearing a long, flowing dress made of white lily petals that had been intricately connected together. It had flowy sleeves that seemed to be detached from the rest of dress. The spirit had several motifs of four-pointed stars. There was a star on each sleeve cuff, another appearing as a cutout from the dress underneath the chest, and lastly, as a marking on her forehead.

The other spirit was ready soon after. The purple-haired wraith seemed to wear a black dress made of dark rose petals, contrasting with the other spirit. On top of the dress, around what would be the spirit’s torso, she wore an ornate mesh of leather bands. The spirit also appeared to be wearing a hooded cape, almost as deeply red as the other spirit’s hair. On her forehead there were linear markings, running from the forehead and then down the sides of the neck and eventually reaching out on her hands. These lines were possibly reaching every part of her body similar to arteries, but they could not be seen. Along these lines there were small node-like markings. The line markings slowly pulsated a faint green with magic.

There was no mistaking any more of who these apparitions were. Croix Meridies. Chariot du Nord. The two had awaken from their slumber.

Diana and Atsuko were still watching in complete amazement. Both of them were astonished by the visage of the spirits in front of them. Despite the two witches hovering a meter or two over the ground, Chariot and Croix’s spirits were towering before them.

The fantastical appearance of Chariot had reminded Atsuko of the various displays Chariot had taken as Shiny Chariot during the show she had attended as a little girl. It was like a lifetime ago she had seen Chariot like this, the Japanese woman thought to herself, but quickly corrected herself. No, she had never seen Chariot like this.

While the spirits of Chariot and Croix may have seemed younger than their human selves before they passed away, a more proper description would be that they were ageless. They were distinctly otherworldly now, stemming from their dryadic nature, no longer bound to human aging.

The two tree spirits opened their eyes at last, and smiled softly at their astounded visitors.   “How.. are you?” Atsuko eventually asked, not able to muster anything else to say. The spirits remained silent, until Chariot answered:   “It cannot be fully described in words.” Her voice sounded ethereal and reverberating, but it was unmistakingly Chariot’s voice. “I am still getting used to see the world like this.”   “I can sense every flow of magic around me.” Croix decided to weigh in, also with a supernatural sounding voice. “I can sense it from you, the trees, every straw of grass around us. It is overwhelming, yet at the same time perfectly manageable.”   “I am able to trace the flows backwards, to sense where they came from.” Chariot explained. “I can sense right now every time you have come here since we left the mortal world. What you said, what you looked like. It is as if I had been aware of it myself.”   “Amazing..” Diana responded awed.   “It is paradoxical.” Croix said in bewilderment. “I know we both have just awakened, yet it feels like we never even left! I can become aware of anything that has happened around us since then. I liked that time when you sang for us, Akko.” The Japanese lady got instantly embarrassed. When she had visited the memorial hill by herself some time last year, she had eventually started singing some old songs to herself underneath the trees on impulse. Or so she had thought, at least. Apparently she had had some audience after all. Diana let out a hearty laugh in response.    “I wonder.. does this mean you can sense into the future as well?” Diana inquired curious.   “No, we cannot trace where the magic flows has not gone yet. The future remains unwritten, even as spirits it seems.” The French witch answered.

Atsuko could no longer help herself. A surge of emotions rose through her, and she could no longer hold back any tears.   “I’m so.. I’m so glad I could see you again.” The old lady stammered a bit because of her sobbing. “You both still make this old fart’s heart go doki doki no waku waku.” Both of her old teachers laughed, with Diana joining in. They could all clearly remember how Atsuko would on occasion excitedly shout this Japanese phrase. None of them had gotten a clear idea what it actually meant, even when Atsuko had tried to explain it. To them, it simply was a phrase describing a level of excitement only Atsuko could seemingly reach.   “We’re glad to see you again, Akko” Chariot replied cordially. “Even if it feels like we have seen each other several times since we last met, for me and Croix.” The crimson-haired spirit tried to carefully stroke her former student’s cheek. It was rather difficult, due to the spirit’s sheer size. The Japanese woman tilted her head and rested it against Chariot’s hand. It was an inexplicable sensation, since Chariot’s apparition was actually made of magic. But it was warm and comforting nonetheless, Atsuko thought.

Croix had eyed Atsuko and Diana for a little while. Almost as if she was scanning them with her eyes.   “I just noticed something..” Croix began. “From the amount of magic emanating from you, I can tell that both of you are ready to become dryads whenever you desire.” Oh, Atsuko thought to herself. It may have been beyond her own understanding, but the ethereal sensations she had felt from her wife had indeed not been just her own imagination. Somehow, she could sense this inherent dryadic connection that all witches have with magic, and that she had been able notice it with Diana? But not with herself? Atsuko didn’t know what to do with any of this. It started to make her brain fuzzy and hurting by thinking too deeply about this. She made a scrunched face while pondering.   “Well, today is not the day.” Diana answered. “There are people waiting for us, and I do not think they would appreciate if we just disappeared on them. Though I must admit that I had completely forgotten the time.”   “No, I am not really in a hurry either to become a tree today.” Atsuko replied relieved. “Though after seeing you today, I can’t say that I’m dreading it either. I will probably make an excellent sakura tree.” Her blunt, tongue-in-cheek comment led to a laugh from the other three present.

The laughter had led to a brief, quiet moment with everyone seemingly thinking to themselves.   “What will you do now, after we leave?” Diana wondered.   “I suppose Croix and I will have a look around here on the grounds of Luna Nova, before returning to the Dream.” Chariot answered, after a bit of thought.   “The Dream..?” Atsuko sounded a bit confused.   “Even when we were laying dormant, we have been dreaming together.” Croix began to explain. “Not only us two, but all spirits connected with the roots of Yggdrasil.”   “I am not sure I understand..?” Diana answered slightly bewildered. “You are all in a shared dream?”   “It is as a world of its own.” Croix continued. “A vast, boundless dreamscape, yet nothing nor no one is ever too far away. It is even more bizarre than how we sense this world.”   “We have met countless of ancient witches and spirits, some far older than even Woodward, as well as old friends and acquaintances while dreaming.” Chariot added on. “As they say, we are all leaves on a tree.”

The elderly witch couple were being mesmerized in front of their old teachers, trying to comprehend the description of what would essentially be their afterlife. Atsuko felt that her head was starting to hurt again.   “..I think I’m getting too hungry for this..” Atsuko told in jestful tone, while rubbing the side of her head. “Ahahaha! I guess you two don’t need to eat anymore?”   “I think you already know the answer to that.” The Italian wraith replied with a sly smirk.   “We should not keep you any longer, however.” Chariot weighed in concerned.   “I can already sense that they are starting to worry about you.”   “Yes, I suppose we should get going now.” Diana nodded in reply. “For real this time.”   “I think we’ll get scolded by the grandkids, dear.” Atsuko sighed, but in a facetious manner. “Again.”

The four witches held onto each other’s hands while saying farewell. It was certainly a more upbeat and hopeful mood this time compared to the last time they had told each other goodbye.   “Akko, I suppose I don’t need to remind you?” Chariot asked, with a loving smile. The old lady beamed.   “Fwahaha! You know we will never forget those words!” Atsuko answered, with all of her heart.

The Japanese witch and her British wife waved goodbye at the spirits of their old friends, as they begun to fly away on their brooms. An evening breeze rustled the leaves in the trees nearby once more. Atsuko could see as she looked back on her broom, that Chariot and Croix had clasped each other’s hands, just like they had done when they had passed away. She smiled gently at the wondrous sight of the two spirits looking tenderly at each other. Atsuko then turned her gaze to her wife flying next to her. Today is not the day, she recalled and repeated to herself. The old witch reached out her hand to her wife while smiling at her. Diana quickly noticed, and took her hand. The two witches held hands, as they flew and entered the leyline.