#weekend excursions anyone?

[cursedcola]

Prompt: Couples will evidently begin to mimic their better half after some time. What traits do you steal from him, and vice versa? Fandom: Twisted Wonderland Characters: Everyone - because I want to and I’m amidst fleshing out all my Yuu/Character dynamics + designs Format: Headcannons. Masterlist: LinkedUP Parts: Heartslabyul (Here) | Savanaclaw | Octavinelle | Scarabia | Pomefiore | Ignihyde | Diasomnia A/N: Putting all my brain rot from my notes into something cohesive. Contrary to my love for ripping your hearts out, I've come with some fluff this time around. BTW you may or may not already do things mentioned - I write my works with a specific Yuu in mind for each character so this is based on them. Just a reminder.

Habits you steal:

Plan-Books (Inherited) : Riddle habitually carries a planner with all his tasks. A physical one, not an app in his cell phone like most students choose. You find it easier to manage and swap to paper-and-pen alternatives at his recommendation.

Tidiness (Inherited): Riddle is a nit-pickier when it comes to physical presentation. His habits of pressing his uniform, laying his clothes out every night, and dressing conservatively rub off. He has a point - ironed trousers do make a difference. Every morning he will redo your uniform tie. It's never knotted to his 'standard', and is his preferred excuse to greet you before class.

"Now, isn't that better? Surely you are more comfortable in ironed linens than those rags you'd been wearing as pajamas. You seriously found them lying in Ramshackle? Were you not given an allowance to buy basic needs? Ridiculous! The Headmaster's irresponsibility holds no bounds!" <- Utterly appalled that you've been sleeping in century-old robes. He supplies you with seven sets of pajamas, a spare uniform, and an iron + board for Ramshackle. All after reaming the Headmaster for neglect in the last dorm-head meeting - either Crowley coughed up the marks or Riddle will supply from his own bank. Seven have mercy if he chooses to become a lawyer instead of a doctor.

No Heels (Developed): Riddle has a height complex. He won't make a show of it, but you wearing heels does emasculate him. Especially if you're already taller naturally. For his sake, you choose to slay your outfits in flats.

"Are those new loafers? Oh - no, they're lovely. The embroidery is exquisite and I can see why Pomefiore's Housewarden models for their brand. I merely thought you preferred the heeled saddle-shoes we saw during the past weekend trip. I must have been mistaken. Never mind me. You look wonderful."

Playing Brain Teasers (Inherited): Riddle has this thing with memory - you don't know if he's really into preventing old-age Alzheimer's or what. He carries a book of teaser games like Sudoku, etc. for when he has downtime and you eventually get into them too.

"Oh! My Rose, would you care to join me for lunch? Trey's siblings recently mailed in a large collection of cross-words. You'll find they are both educational and entertaining - hm? I do not seem the 'type' for word-games? I assure you, even I can relax on occasion. There is no need to look so surprised." <- Riddle's been making a grand effort to do things he enjoys and become more personable. Trey's siblings did not send the collection. Riddle went into town and picked it out on his own. He also found a book on organizing excursions since he's big on quality time. He is dead-set on not being a neglectful or 'boring' partner.

Swear Jar (Developed): Tired of Riddle collaring Ace for his vulgar tongue, you suggest a Heartslabyul swear jar. When the jar gets filled, the money can be used to fund things like study materials and renovations for the dorm. Riddle liked this idea, but now implements it on anyone who sets foot in the Heartslabyul. Considering you spend most of your time there, you've had to develop a vast vocabulary beyond swearing. Oh - you also unironically use the word 'fiddlesticks' now.

Habits he steals:

Useless Expenses (Inherited): You are an enabler without a doubt. Riddle has always functioned with the bare bones - with function and efficiency being the number one priority. Ever so slowly - you've spoiled him with aesthetically pleasing stationary. At first all the needless purchases felt redundant - why buy the pillowcases with flowers when plain white is cheaper? You can invest in a higher quality this way. Yet you've ruined him with gifts that he had no choice but to use. Now he needs to buy the pens with little hedgehogs on them because studying doesn't feel the same with a plain ballpoint.

Slang Dictionary (Developed): With each passing day, all the students in Heartslabyul get more creative at bending the rules. That includes you. Riddle takes it upon himself to carry a 'little-black-book' full of all the sang words he is unfamiliar with. He does want to be a bit more 'hip' to understand you more, but at the same time he wants to bust any student being a smart-mouth. It's an ongoing battle *sigh*.

"Apologies, could you repeat that term for me? Surely it must be relevant to my lecture if you and Ace are whispering. 'Let him cook'? Do you think we are in a culinary lecture?! Have you not been listening to - ah. So it's in reference to letting me finish before interrupting...One moment. I need to make a note."

Chewing Gum (Developed): This is an ode to psychology. In short, eating is tied to a person's fight-or-flight. Instincts dictate that our bodies need to be in a calm state to eat comfortably. One day when Riddle was at his wits end, you tossed him a pack of sugarless gum and told him to chew. Disregarding Trey's unholy dental screeching, Riddle develops a gum dependence for when he's stressed out. On the bright side, his jaw has never been so sharp.

“Mimicry? You must be mistaken. Even if my influence has affected their person, surely there are only positive developments” == Riddle denies any changes if confronted. In truth, he’s well aware of how much you’ve helped him grow. It’s the opposite accusation that spikes concern. Riddle does not want others thinking you’re a mini-version of him. Rumors are not kind and neither is his current reputation. Making those amends is his burden to bare. He is flattered to see you paying attention to his mannerisms, and secretly proud that your bond is strong enough to affect the psyche.

Habits you steal:

Whistling (Inherited): Trey whistles while working in the kitchen or doing general chores around the dorm. He's not very loud with it, so not may students are bothered. Since you laze about in his shadow the tunes he goes through do become repetitive. Now you do the same when cleaning up Ramshackle. Grim wants to knock you both out because he can't take it anymore.

"Ah -- How'd you know it was me in here? Just because I bake for the un-birthday parties doesn't mean I live in the kitchen, you know. My whistling? Huh. Never thought that would be my calling card but there are worse things, haha"

Head-Scratching (Inherited): Trey's got a habit of scratching the back of his head when he's uncomfortable or nervous. That, or rubbing at the nape of his neck while adverting eye contact. You start doing this too whenever you're being scolded or put in a tough situation.

Dental Hygiene (Inherited): By far the most obvious shared trait. Trey enforces his dental habits onto everyone- you are no exception. You now own four different kinds of floss, two toothbrushes (one being electric), and have a strict hygiene routine. Your pearly whites have never been so clean. Eventually you become somewhat of a secondary enforcer, policing anyone who sleeps over your dorm to take care of themselves before bed. All of Heartslabyul learns that there is no going back when you scold Riddle for not brushing after his teatime tart, and live to tell the tale.

"Hey - uh, weird question? Were you handing out floss to the Spelldrive Team yesterday? Seriously? I though Grim was pulling my leg - oh, no! It's not weird at all! Those guys should have a better routine for all the meat they eat when bulking. I'm just shocked you got through to them." <- Very proud. Mildly cocky. He's been itching to get those negligent jocks to floss after their banquets his entire tenure, but steered away from that conflict like the plague. Thank you for making his dreams come true. Now if you could maybe get them to stop picking their gums with toothpicks?

Habits he steals:

Overbuying Food (Developed): Being a baker's son, Trey's good with finances and money. He's also meticulous with the ingredients he purchases for his bakes. You are not. You go to Sam's shop, buy whatever is on sale, and then bring it back home to improvise. This ends poorly more often than not, and behold! Trey has two Ramshackle sluggers snooping around his kitchen for eats. This is unpredictable and therefore he now never knows what amount to buy. You've ruined him.

Phone Calls (Developed): Texting is easier. Especially since phone calls can be a commitment that Trey dislikes being wrapped up in. Whenever Cater's name pops up as the caller, Trey knows he's getting an ear full. The thing is that you never. answer. your. phone. Either the text gets lumped in with the hundreds of missed messages you have, or Grim stole your cell to play mobile games. So Trey gives up and only ever calls. Either Grim will answer or you'll pick up thinking it's the snooze of your alarm.

"Hello? Prefect, where are you? It's me, Trey. Just calling to see if you're still coming to the Un-Birthday party? Riddle's getting a bit nervous since the schedule's set for the next hour. Grim's already here with Ace and Deuce - uh, want Cater to send a double to pick you up? I have a sinking feeling that you're asleep...Call me? Please?" <- He was correct. You called back not a moment after, half-asleep and hauling ass not to be late.

Speaking in Propositions (Inherited): Trey's normally good at keeping neutrality in a conversation, but getting a clear answer out of Yuu you is like solving a rubix cube. Either it's easy and instant, or a long game. Eventually your habit of indecisiveness rubs off on him and he asks questions more than answers them. Evidently this gets his younger classmen to stop asking for favors unless they really need to.

“Aha - really? I didn’t notice at all. Okay. Okay, I picked up on a few hints. What’s so wrong with them taking after me? It’s cute, right?” == Trey is the observant sort that picks up on his influence quickly. Not just anyone carries floss in their pocket at all times - and the looks from his dorm-mates when you offer some up is enough for the realization to click. Trey’s used to playing the respectable sort, and finds it endearing that you’re taking his good notes to heart. In truth, most of Trey’s mimicry is intentional. He’s a flexible guy who doesn’t mind altering his habits to fit your needs. Easier this way, y’know?

Habits you steal:

Speaking in Acronyms(Inherited): Now this is scary. The first time it happened, you had to take a pause and just re-evaluate your entire life. You don't use them nearly as often as Cater does, but somewhere along the line your brain must have rewired to speak in internet lingo. O-M-G you're TOTALLY twinning with him right now, period :)

Nicknames (Inherited): Again, frightening. You once swore against ever calling him Cay-Cay. It isn't very slay-slay. Yet you can only hear him use nicknames for so long until you're unconsciously calling people by them too. Especially since he's always dishing gossip. It starts in your head, which is fine. It's not like they know. Then you call Lilia 'Lils' and that old fart is just grinning behind his sleeve because ohoho~ young love <3

"Did you just- AHA! OMG DO IT AGAIN?! Wait, gotta get my camera out for this - wha? Oh, that's totes not fair! C'mon. Call me Cay-Cay. Just once! I won't even post it to Magicam, please? Lils won't believe me without proof! Pleasssssseeeee - " <- He actually doesn't want you to call him Cay-Cay all the time. Cater likes you using his given name, since it's more personal. Although the way it obviously slipped out on accident is just too cute to ignore.

Reality TV (Inherited): At first you don't like the gossip. It's cheesy, a bit annoying, and the shaky camera-work for nearly every show is headache inducing. Cater likes his dose of drama in his free-time, and Ramshackle has a tv that no one is using. It starts with him watching while you do other things around the dorm. Yet each time you pass the living area, you take longer to leave. Lingering around like one of the ghosts. Then he pulls you in with snacks and starts giving the low-down of what's going on, pulling out a bottle of tangerine shimmer polish to paint your nails. It's just one episode, watch it for him? Please? Oh no. No. No. Suddenly you're invested in who's the baby-daddy of little Ricky and what Chantel is going to do because her sister just lost the house to foreclosure.

"#KingdomOfDeadbeats - am I right? Ugh. I'm so glad we met if that's the dating scene back home...What?! I know it isn't real! Don't be a dummy, I was just joking! Ah! Stop! Don't hit me!" <- Half-hearted jokes about going on one of those talk-shows one day. You're an alien, after all - imagine the juicy drama and views his account would get from doing an interview? It's all jokes though. Cater likes spilling the tea, but hates being it. Don't ever abandon him and go out for milk though, kay? He doesn't want to pay Grim's child support. Otherwise he might have no choice smh

Habits he steals:

Phone/Web Games (Inherited): Cater's phone is mainly full of social media. He's not too into the gaming scene, it's not his peeps y'know? Alas, you download a few dress-up games and one MMO on his phone. First off - props on getting his phone. That's Cay-Cay's lifeline and not just anyone gets to play with it. Pray tell - what is this Wonderstar Planet (props if you know what is being ref.) and how can he become the most influential digital streamer on it? Congrats. He's addicted.

"Who's this Muscle Red and why's he bombing our raid - AH! He just tea-bagged me! So not cool...Prefect? STOP LAUGHING WE HAVE BETS ON THIS MATCH! There goes my collab opportunity, big fail" <- Muscle Red continues to make an appearance. Eventually he becomes Cater's official rival on stream, and Lils is all to invested in the tea cater drops during club meets. Side note. You're the one who gave 'muscle red' Cater's domain code. The lore thickens.

Internet Caution (Developed): This goes without saying, but Cater's well-known in the Magicam scene. He's very forward and knows his way around using charisma. Since you're not in the scene as much, he becomes more cautious of where and when he does streams. The change is so subtle that only the most observant people will pick up on it - but Cay-Cay doesn't want any creepos popping in if y'know what I'm saying. His sisters were the ones to instigate this change.

“Awe~ SRSLY?! That’s fresh news to my ears but good, right? Ne, are there any clips or pics? I need my evidence, y’see. Especially if my cutie is off taking notes from their one and only. C’mon, spill the tea!” == Cheeky Cater is well aware of what’s happening. He’d humor anyone out for some light teasing - after all, he isn’t by your side at all hours. His walls are probably the second most difficult in all of campus to bypass, so he’s both sweetened and nerved to see you picking up on his mannerisms. That’s proof of a strong attachment, after all.

Habits you steal:

Knuckle Cracking (Inherited): Deuce still does this from his biker days. It could be because joint pain from past fights, or possibly air retention in his knuckles from studying. Regardless, Deuce cracks his knuckles at least once every few hours and you began to mimic him. Some people groan at the popping sounds but it really does feel good to release the tension. Let's just hope neither of you dislocate any fingers on accident.

"Stop that! G-geez, you nearly gave me a heart attack. Thought you broke a finger...your hands are stiff? That just means you're studying a lot! I think...uh, let's break? I think there's some leftovers in the kitchen." <- Deuce 100% gets needing to pop those air bubbles. His hands get stiff from studying all the time, but don't crack them too much or you might dislocate something. Side note - he shows you how to wrap your fingers with a soothing salve. He used to do it after fights, but now it's a great help after class.

Double Notes (Developed): Deuce tries. He really does. Yet the lad just isn't great when it comes to book smarts. Seeing that he is dedicated to turning over a new leaf, you make a habit of copying all your notes. He isn't allowed to share them with Ace or Grim - else all bets are off. Sometimes you leave little 'good job' stickers on the last page for him. Is he a toddler? No. Does he peel the stickers off and save them? Totally. He is a good noodle. Suck it Ace.

Sewing (Developed): He breaks things. Most of the time it's an accident. You've learned to carry a mini-sewing kit for all the rips in Deuce's uniform. Same for mini remedies for stains and other problems. It's not like he's trying to get grass stains all over his under-shirt or to split the seam in his gloves (nearly every week). It just happens, and every time he comes to you with a kicked-puppy look with a promise of it being the last time. It is never the last time.

"Uhm...hun'? It happened again. I'm so sorry for bothering you but Housewarden is going to kill me if he sees the tear in my blazer! Can you fix it?! I can't handle another collar with my exam tomorrow! I need to breathe to focus! - really!? I owe you one! Snacks are on me tonight."

Habits he steals:

Bottomless Stomach (Developed): Have leftovers from dinner? Bring them over. He'll get the tubba-ware back in 1-2 days. Coupon for buy-one-get-one at Sam's? He'll take the extra and polish it off in less than a minute. Deuce becomes a human garbage disposal and is taking the unwanted condiments off your sandwich to eat. Just pick them off and leave 'em on the corner of his lunch plate. Even if he dislikes it, he'll down it so you don't have to.

"Mm. Oh, thanks hun' - its that all you're eatin'? You don't like the steam bun? It is a bit dry, but wasting food is disrespectful to the cooks! I'll finish it for you so have my fruit instead. You still need to eat" <- 10/10 very thoughtful and not picky at all. He is grateful to eat your cooking and will gobble up all leftovers at Ramshackle, but doesn't think twice to sharing meals in the cafeteria. He will notice though if you do not eat enough. Restocks the snack cabinet if he sees it's empty. Is touched if you routinely share things you know he enjoys, like saving half your frittata on purpose.

Early Riser (Inherited): See - even if you hate the mornings, there is no choice at Night Raven College. As Ramshackle Prefect you need to be up to take care of business before class. Deuce becomes your personal alarm clock because he wants some time with you before everyone else joins in. Mind you that he lives with three other dudes who threaten to end him every morning because his alarm wakes them up too. Eventually he can wake up without it, but the time leading is unpleasant.

"W-what? Seriously? I've been trying to be more like them! They're a good person and responsible so I've been trying to follow their example. To think we've been doing the same thing this entire time...." == Why would you ever imitate him? He's been trying his damn best to become an honor student worth respecting, and has a long way to go. To think you're comfortable enough with him to mimic his mannerisms? It's a pipe dream, one he doesn't grasp until it's put right in front of his face. You don't let anyone else pick off your plate other than Grim. The next time his clothes tear, he's already handing off his tie before realizing just what's happening. When you wrap his knuckles after a six-hour lock in at the library? He can't help but feel proud at how neat the bandages are. Suddenly the dark memories of hiding bruised knuckles from his mom are pacified with healing balm. Deuce views this development as a gift, and is grateful. Very, very grateful.

Habits you steal:

‘I owe you’ cards (Inherited): Ace's favorite social invention - the 'solid'. Nothing spells new-low like getting your friends to do stuff in exchange for a favor in the future. Most of the time Ace counts on people forgetting he owes them one, but you're not so gullible. The only difference between you both is that while Ace never fulfills his solid, you have a conscience. Give it a few more years. He'll get ya.

"I know this is the third ticket this week but - Oh! C'mon, cut a guy some slack, would you? I'm sorry for bein' late to our date. Yeah, it was shitty. I'm not trying to fight it, aright? I'm here now so let's have some fun and you can chalk three strikes on my tab. I'll even buy ya some candy - Ah! Okay! Two candies but that's where my charity ends!" <- Evidently, the 'I-owe-you' tabs cancel each other out from how often you both call in favors. It's just an excuse to do acts of service or express apologies without being too mushy. Ace is definitely keeping a track record of them though. Expect an ongoing log that dates back to the week you met, when he showed up homeless, collared, and looking to couch surf.

Profanity (Inherited): Ace swears like a sailor. Maybe not so much in his dorm because *cough* he's being policed. He holds no such reservations when you're both alone at Ramshackle. Unfortunately his potty mouth has a mind of it's own - it taints you, and you are a sham of a prefect. Ace earned a week-long collar for teaching you some Twisted-Wonderland exclusive curses. Riddle is not pleased.

Leaving the Windows Unlocked (Developed): There are only so many times he can sneak in through your window before the adrenaline-induced charm wears off. You have class in the morning, and can't be bothered to deal with him on nights he can't pass out in his dorm. Thank seven you have all of Ramshackle to yourself - because Heartslabyul sounds like a nightmare with the roommate situation. You can't leave the front door open for obvious reasons, but most nights the guest-bedroom window will be left slightly ajar in case he needs a place to crash.

"Pssst! Oi! Prefect! ...ugh, Grim! Wake them up, man! The latch is stuck. Don't go back to bed you furball! HEY! IT'S FREAKIN COLD OUT HERE SO LET ME IN ALREADY" <- Please let him in. If Ace has to spend one more night in that stinky dorm with three dudes, he'll string one of their dirty gym socks over your bed. No mercy.

Sleeping with Earplugs (Developed): Bitch Ace snores.

Habits he steals:

Notes Memo (Developed): Ace is bad with remembering things. Anniversaries? Dates? Allergies? He admits to not putting in a great amount of effort, but you can't say he doesn't try at all. He has a notes block on his phone dedicated to things like your go-to takeout orders and preferences. He even has a few alarms set days before any important events because even if you say no-gifts or plans...yeah, he's not that stupid.

Excessive Yawning (Inherited): You're always tired - it wasn't Ace's problem before but now he does feel a bit guilty. Dragging you into his messes felt different when you were just the prefect, y'know? Regardless, it's human instinct to mimic each other's demeanor so he'll openly yawn all the time - normally in succession of you.

"Hey...you're dozing off again. Am I seriously that boring to hang around? - Nah. Just messin' with you. I'd suggest taking a nap during next period but I doubt a goody-goody like you is gonna take that advice. Let's just ditch juice at lunch and go back to the dorm. Don't get mad if I forget to wake you up though"

Medications (Developed): Ace is the last person to become a human apothecary, but he's always got a pack of pain-reliever meds in his pocket with a few bandages, etc. He also attached one of those tiny capsule bottles to his keyring with some stomach meds inside. You took a spill running laps? Dang man. That sucks. Here's a band-aid for your knee. Curse you for making him the slightly-more responsible one.

"Eh..what, like it's a shock? You saying I'm a bad influence? Cause yeah, that checks. Nothin' I can do if they want to take a card outta my deck though," == Ace is entirely neutral on the topic. He is definitely smug that you're coming over to the dark side, but he doesn't need anyone to point it out. He was your first after all. Maybe the start could have been a bit better - but hey, you came around. It's not like he's hurting anyone by helping build your backbone. Although Ace will instantly deny going soft for you in any way, shape, or form.

[hedwig221b]

Do you have any good siren stiles fics?

Here you go 🧜🏻‍♂️

Banshee of the Sea (Just Without All the Dead People) by our_sin

When Stiles tried to call Scott he didn't answer. So in order to save both himself and Derek from the Kanima he has to reveal something about himself he hasn't revealed to anyone. Derek doesn't take it as bad as he could have.

many beacons in the sea

Stiles has known all his life that he’s not like other kids. He’s special. “It’s alright, love,” his mom says, leaning over him at night when he can’t sleep because his legs hurt so bad. “Just let it hurt.” She kisses his forehead. He dreams of the sea. They go to the beach that weekend. * Stiles is a siren. He’s an anomaly, until he isn’t.

You would kill for this, just a little bit, you would by alice9

The Hales didn’t like him. He didn’t like them either. And for fifteen years he made it a point to have as little interaction with them as possible. It comes as a shock then, when Derek Hale turns up at his door one night, screaming baby in his arms, asking for help.

My Jolly Sailor Bold by GrimReaperlover11

Derek is the captain of a merchant ship. One day on his way home from a recent excursion, he and his crew run across a group of sirens. As Derek is about to cover his ears, he hears the sound of one of the siren songs and finds himself entranced by the voice. He moves to the side of the ship where he meets the most beautiful man he has ever seen.

The Sound of Waves by kitthekazoo

His voice felt real, like it mattered. Like it was worth something. “I’ll be busy feeling so brand-” He felt them as soon as they stepped into the apartment, their presence radiating in his power. He felt them in his sway, and he gasped at the tug as they were tied to him. or Stiles is a siren, and has been hiding it since he was a kid. He gets found out when he performs in the shower with the door open. It somehow results in kisses and cuddles.

Seafoam and Sirens by egrettacaerulea, MeowMeowBilly

Stiles is a siren who has never successfully lured a human, Derek is a sailor who's never been successfully lured by a siren; in fact, he seems impervious to them. What happens when the two meet?

In The Pale Moonlight by wannabehipster

Derek hears a strange yet pleasant tune- so faint even in the silent night. It's melodic, the most enchanting sound he's ever heard; Derek is already following the song before he recognizes the beat.

Predators

He was born for this. Nature itself whispered into his ear where he should put his hands, how to twirl his tongue just right and when to bite. Stiles knew well enough that his saliva was currently working its magic on this unfortunate man, making him hungry, lustful, and insatiable. Soon, all his thoughts would be consumed by Stiles. And, just this once, Stiles would allow Derek to consume him.

[masterlist link]

[pomefioredove]

wait wait wait, your requests are open for noble bell for this weekend only? (if i got that right?!) sound perfect gimme 14 of em. anywhos if i did not getting the date wrong i have one! and if i i did please just let me shrivel up and die, thank you.

post college rollo and reader who live together as “roommates.” they’re 100% more than roommates and everyone can see it but them. rollo is probably some senator or something and insisted reader moves in with him cause he insists that since he’s making laws more just for magicless people there’s literally no where safer for them to be. just basically some domestic fluff with two people who act like they’re married and don’t even realize it. i personally think it would be way cuter to read from the perspective of a third party but if you’re willing to write this you can do it anyway anyhow and i’ll still be happy. thank you! <3

(if i got the weekend wrong i will absolutely die so please let me down gently, i am accoustic so i no no understand very basic things such as “this weekend” or “next saturday” if the day of the week is before a saturday)

oooh a bit of a future au... this is cute

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ and they were roommates

type of post: fic characters: rollo additional info: romantic, reader is gender neutral, reader is yuu, kinda written from a 3rd perspective

Rollo Flamme's favoritism had never been a secret.

He might have been quiet, reserved, repressed beyond all reason, but there were some things even he couldn't hide behind his star-spotted handkerchief.

The very moment you arrived at Noble Bell College, you were his.

Rollo Flamme beheld you with a sort of reverence that could be called sacrilegious. That is to say, one had never seen idolatry until one had seen the way he looked at you, the way he touched you as if you were made out of porcelain, as if he could break you with an unclean hand and a breath.

His coldness and cordiality towards the others never changed.

For all your kindness, your smiles, your gentle touches upon his cheek that he would never have let anyone else give, you could not change him. And you did not try.

It was a tragedy in two parts.

Not that it mattered, of course. Not to you.

As far as you were concerned, the world began and end with each other. In a room full of people, mages and scholars and royalty, Rollo Flamme would still only look at you.

Nothing was confirmed. Your affection for one another was kept to lingering touches and burning glances across the long, morose hallways of Noble Bell.

If anyone had asked, and they certainly did, Rollo's handkerchief would come to sit over his mouth and he would remind them that gossip is unbecoming.

And to be decent, thank you.

Yet the rumors could never be smothered, and they lingered after Rollo's first graduation, and another, and to his seat on the Fleur City Council.

You lived with him.

You lived with him, in his family home.

And he would continue to deny anything romantic, giving the same excuse that he had since Noble Bell, that you simply had no one else to look after you, and it was his duty as a civil servant to see to your care.

Which was utter bullshit.

But, perhaps, bullshit that you both believed.

Outside of the council, it was rare to see him alone. When he went out, he went out with you. When he attended public events, you walked by his side. When he worked at home, you sat in his study, by the fireplace, as if you had always belonged there. With him.

Rollo would excuse himself from small talk and after-hour business like so:

"It's been lovely talking to you, Senator, but I'll be late for dinner,"

"Please, come by my office first thing tomorrow morning. I'm expected at home,"

"I'll have to be going, now. I have an excursion on the town tonight. With whom? Well, whom else?"

It became widely accepted, amongst his colleagues and the public, that Rollo Flamme was married. One might not have guessed, of course, from his cold demeanor, but rumors of the magicless alumni from Noble Bell that he so adored smoldered.

Rollo did not concern himself with the whispers or the knowing looks his colleagues gave each other, until a warm day in late March where a well-meaning secretary from another branch asked if he had any children.

"Children?" he had scoffed. "Why would you ask such a thing?"

The poor secretary looked like he had seen a ghost. "Well... you're married, aren't you?"

"Absolutely not. What gave you such an idea?"

And he seemed reluctant to answer.

Rollo had gone home that night with much on his mind. When you asked him if anything had happened at the council, he said "Nothing eventful".

To Rollo, who had lived in Fleur City, lonely yet not alone, for so many years without a kindling of friendship and not a thought on romance, he had never once questioned your relationship. You were his companion. His first, and last. That's all that matters.

Isn't it?

He could ask for nothing more than you. Your voice, your smile, your hands and warmth mingling with his. He was happy with you. Your friendship is enough for him.

Isn't it?

Despite what he tells himself, that night, when you sit close to him in front of the fire, reading a book he recommended simply because he recommended it, Rollo finds himself looking at you twice as much as usual.

He puts an arm around your shoulders and pulls you into his side, and you stay there, as if you had always belonged there. With him.

[phantomsies]

no thots, just going on a camping trip with ace :)

wc: 1.8K

fresh air on a warm summer night, the ripple of small insects and discarded rocks across the muggy lake waters, intermittent gusts of wind passing through the thick trees, the crackle of debris underneath rubber soled shoes…it was all of these little things that made Ace love the outdoors. Being one with nature and exploring the beautiful unknown, one hike, fishing expedition or camping trip at a time!

it wasn’t uncommon for the spontaneous traveler to just up and decide on a whim that he was going to pack up his supplies, load up his old beater of a Silverado with enough food and water to feed an army for the weekend and head out to his next destination. Albeit a spring with glistening water or a forest some sixty miles away from home. His cell phone was only left on so that worried loved ones were aware of his location…

“..don’t worry about me, I’ll be back in a few days!” Otherwise, his only connection was to the furry animals that made his acquaintance and the earth itself. It was something about the whole experience that awakened his primal instincts…

but perhaps nothing awoken said urges more than when he decided to invite his beloved (y/n) (l/n) along for a weekend excursion to the infamous Twin Flames Peak. A recreational park that was known for its incredible hiking areas, breathtaking waterfalls and the stunning view of the stars at night over the campsites. Yes, he was thrilled to have the company of another fellow outdoorsman and one with such a pretty face to boot!

Watching intently as you tie your box braids up in a neat bun in the passenger seat of his truck. Clear gloss smearing your luscious lips and not another speck of makeup on that perfect canvas..a feeling of warmth and sheer happiness encompassing him as he watches you glide your nimble hands up and down those smooth, brown legs with coats of lotion; just in awe of how the sunlight captures the essence of your gorgeous dark skin underneath its rays. “Careful, babe. You get out smelling all sweet and looking this good, you might attract some unwanted guests.” “Well that’s what I have my big strong man for. You’ll protect me, right?” Joking as you thought he’d probably be insane enough to try and go toe to toe with a damn bear!

Despite it all, he knows he’s got nothing to worry about. Ace has watched you handle your own throughout the rough and tumble. Yes, this gorgeous woman who can pitch a tent and lug firewood just as well as she can put on a designer dress and shake ass at the club…would be spending three whole days out here in the wilderness with him. Those once primal instincts that activated when he sensed nearby danger or felt hunger and rations were low..

had now shifted towards you. Like a predator lying in wait on its prey to slip up, he glared hungrily as you strutted in front of him in those biker shorts and tank top. That plump, toned ass swaying with each step as the two of you trekked to the campsite. His mouth practically watering for a taste of what lies between those somehow thick thighs…

the ratio of your proportions would be enough to turn anyone into a rabid beast. “You better keep up back there, I might leave you behind.” “Is that right? Maybe I like it back here.” Tossing him a wink as you wave to him with a beckoning finger. It’s in this moment that Ace realizes he can no longer sate his carnal desires..discreetly cupping at the tent in his shorts before instructing you to stop at a nearby tree with some made up lie about needing to fix something on your gear. It’s then that he makes his move..

launching the first attack with his lips practically melded to yours in a haze of passion. His tongue descends deeper between your jaws with deep grunts and whimpers to follow…sweaty palms ravenously groping at your tits as the bottom half is sent upwards to be pinched between your teeth for comfort. Ace knows you’ll need it for his lecherous plans to defile your body right here in the forest! Nightfall is soon to come so others are scarce, meaning that he didn’t need to hold back.

instead, he’d instruct you to wrap your arms around the back of the tree and hold still..with a gentle suck of his teeth and muttered expletives under his breath, he’d run those fingers down the curvature your torso before not so subtly shoving his hand in the seat of your panties. He can feel your warmth..the arousal already forming only seconds in. ”You’re wet, babe. That’s a lil’ surprising..” Chuckling as the sounds of your stirred up slick met the crackle of the leaves.

two digits slowly make place on that budding clit and your reaction is priceless! An adorable yelp before tossing your hand over your mouth to shield those whimpers. However, you don’t resist..you don’t even tell him to stop. You just continue working the pads of his index and middle fingers..rolling those hips as you peer down over your stomach. Meanwhile, those exposed tits gently bounce each time he jolts a finger in and out of you.

Hell, he knew the thought of lewd acts in a public place was a bit shameful but it was called the wild for a reason. You were merely mammals, acting in the way you were intended to..no need to be bashful of that!

he’d smugly reach for that hand and peel it back from your mouth whilst those pumps grew faster.

“Instead of trying to hide those moans, pretty girl..squeeze those nipples f’r me. You’ll feel a lot better.”

“Ace, we’ve gotta stop this. I’m gonna fucking come—“

in that moment, your breath hitched in your throat and you realized those pleas were futile because that was his plan. To make you reach climatic bliss right under the night sky. “Then do it..why hold back? Because you’re embarrassed?..afraid we’ll get caught?” His words seeped into your brain as his teeth and lips met your neck once more. Like a carnivorous beast, he’d scrape along your skin before gently grazing you with bites. “Because I’m not. Hell, I hope they see us..see me fucking you like a little slut.”

The entire prospect had him so aroused, he couldn't help but to shuffle those pants to his waistline and tease the head of his throbbing cock against your slick folds. Which prompted him to suck his teeth. “Listen at that..it’s like your little pussy is just begging to be stuffed.” Without haste, he’d snatch your head towards him and force you to focus on that thick member rubbing on your clit. “So beg me, babe. Beg me to fuck you.” It was such a different side of him than before. The jovial, wide eyed camper turned deviant animal had you in his claws with no plans to release…and you had no complaints! So you’d fulfill his wish and plead to feel him inside of you. To be pinned against this tree and fucked until your eyes trailed to the back of your skull.

“Please..fuck me. I don’t care if anyone hears us. I need you..”

it was all he needed to feel affirmed. For you to be equally as carefree as he was. Your shorts had been residing at your knees so he’d finish removing them before hoisting a leg to his shoulder and keeping his eyes focused on your own. “Good girl. That’s all you had to say.” In a moment's notice, you’d find yourself impaled on him; split open by that tip and a few more inches. Releasing loud wails, the two of you moved like a well oiled machine. His hips snapping without so much as slowing down and you meeting those thrusts. The sounds of your skin smacking colliding with the ruffle of the leaves underneath your shoes and of course, the foul words escaping those lips.

“You’re so fucking tight, sweetheart..I hope you’ve been taking your pill because I can’t wait to breed all these pretty holes. Make you walk back to camp with all my cum in you…that’ll be so fucking sexy. Maybe we should’ve brought your plug too.”

meanwhile, you were honing in on massaging your clit, even lobbing a trail of saliva down your tummy to aid in those strokes. Giggling at how calculated his plan whilst gasping and moaning.

“How long have you been waiting to get me out here like this?”

“Only since forever.”

and he had no plans to squander this opportunity. Only to make it worth both of your time. Cradling a hand to the back of your neck, Ace keeps your faces glued to one another..eventually drawing you closer for some deep, sloppy pecks. Those lips smacking as loud as the wet skin below; hips bucking..snapping with each movement and the next thrust growing harder than the last. Praising you for the way you took him so easily. His pace quickens and he can’t seem to slow down…hell, he’s insatiable and the only cure is to feel that tight hole squeezing him and squirting all over his shaft. The sensation of that warmth continuously wrapping around him..pulling him back in each time he felt as if he was going to slip out.

it was evident by the tears welling in your eyes that you were close and who was he to deny you the sweet surrender of an orgasm?

“Oh my gosh! Fuck..right there, right there—“

“Come f’r me, pretty girl. Let it out…come all over this dick.”

each stroke from then on brought forth spurts of wetness, until that little bladder emptied all over his shoes and the ground beneath. But that wasn’t the end..no, he couldn’t let up until he saw his earlier promise through. So he’d force himself through that overly sensitive flesh..getting only half of those eight or so inches before it’d begin to snap. Even so, he persists..because the only thing he wants is to feel that seed pouring into your womb. And it’s not long before his wish is granted. You’d pull him in close, pleading with him to fill you to the brim. Marking his back previously and now with those deep scratch marks, signifying that he was your territory and now he’d done the same..all but growling as he empties his balls into you and leaves a stream of that hot white load embedded inside of you. Chest heaving and curse words are still spewing from his mouth, along with a laugh.

“Fuck..I swear you bring out the worst in me.”

“Says the one whose idea it was in the first goddamn place.”

but there aren’t any complaints. It was no secret you enjoyed this as much as he did. And those primal urges were only just beginning to be quelled…

“Well I have a better idea..why don’t we go for round two when we get back to the tent?”

after all, you had a long weekend ahead of you!

[mysteria157]

Chapter 2

Pairing: Nanami Kento x Black Fem Reader

Word Count: ~3.6k

CW: More profanity, reader’s best friend being a brash pervert

Summary: Flashback chapter. That first day when you meet him, you’re bright eyed and ready to work alongside him, filled with so many ideas that will benefit the company. Him, Nanami Kento, a highly esteemed director that always made your stomach flip in desire. But it turns out, he’s not what you thought. 

Notes: Hi! Thank you all for sticking through. Reblogs, likes, or comments are always appreciated but not necessary <3 I hope you enjoy reading!

Divider: @cafekitsune

Previous Chapter | Ao3 | Next Chapter

It Had To Be You Masterlist

Everything was always bigger in Tokyo.

With ten times more people than your modest city of Sendai, it was always a wonder when you got the chance to visit. It wasn’t like you didn’t have the means, but it was still too far for a weekend getaway so you couldn’t go as often as you liked.

Marketing agencies from all over Japan had gathered for the weeklong excursion to celebrate accomplishments, announce future ideas, and collaborate with one another to strengthen cross functional bonds. Your marketing agency was currently bringing in the most revenue, with the Tokyo branch sitting at the forefront. Naturally, they were given the opportunity to hold the annual summit of what intended to be the biggest event of the year.

For Ome, it was a chance to get away from her ‘boyfriend’. Normally, that would raise alarm for anyone else. But when she caught her boyfriend balls deep in his secretary after she tried to surprise him for lunch, leaving the city was better than setting his office on fire.

For you, it was another opportunity to network and get your name out there. The Tokyo branch was the headquarters for the marketing agency you worked for. Anyone who held any sort of higher distinction walked the halls of the building.

“You look fucking fantastic, stop fidgeting.”

You glowered at Ome, cheeks heating in embarrassment before smoothing down your ensemble for the 10th time in the elevator. A baby pink long sleeved mock top tucked into white high waisted office pants seemed like a safe option. You had your long spiral curls tucked away into a low bun, small stud diamond earrings and a modest gold necklace to complete the look.

“Did you spend all night trying to put that together?”

You rolled your eyes at her comment.

“No.” Yes.

“Stop making fun of me, I’m fucking nervous.”

She scoffed before walking in front of you, placing her hands on your shoulders. Of course, she looked gorgeous in her airy button up long sleeve shirt. Of course, she could pull off the skirt that stopped right at her knees and hugged every natural curve of her body. Her twist out was flawless and was pinned on top of her head, thick kinky bangs framing her face.

Natural African beauty wasted on a deadbeat boyfriend.

“Listen to me. You’re the smartest woman I have ever bothered to keep in my life, you’ve worked hard to get to where you are, you know who you are, and you know what you do. Be yourself and don’t try to be a hero. It’s annoying.” You snorted, smiling softly at her before wringing out your hands.

“Plus, you’re hot as fuck, if words don’t work just push up your tits.”

You smacked her hands off your shoulders, the action only making her chuckle.

“Don’t worry, your little office crush will definitely see that fat ass of yours.”

“Jesus Christ, Ome!”

Her chuckles ripped through the air as the elevator doors finally opened.

Being on the 48th floor of a 50 story skyrise definitely felt different from your office in Sendai. A simple receptionists desk was the first thing you both saw. Large and decorated with a fresh bouquet of roses, a woman with a name you didn't have time to learn and bright blue hair greeted you both and directed you past her. The small hallways leading away from her desk gave way to the rest of the entire office floor which was bustling with activity. It was so much more spacious than your own; intricately designed to have many cubicles up against the floor to ceiling glass windows and hallways leading to private offices and breakrooms separately. The center of the floor was open and complete with rich brown couches and a coffee table in the center to make for an open relaxing area for coworkers and visitors. The walls were decorated with minimalistic design, plants and flowers adorned corners and climbing vines wrapped around the cubicles. Even though everyone seemed to be so busy, it felt quite cozy for an office.

Jin rose from one of the couches when he spotted us, his pink locks like a beacon.

“You both look beautiful. Let me show you to the conference room before the rest of the team arrives.”

The Tokyo office had rented out a venue for the summit to house all their events for the week, but Jin wanted his team to actually meet with the branch a day before the festivities were set to begin. Today would just be a meet and greet on a more personal level. Even though that personal level would include various directors and the Vice President.

You smoothed your hands down your pants again as the looming anxiety slowly began to pull its way up your legs. No one looked your way as you walked past them, which should have been more than enough to calm you down.

“You’re looking pretty good from back here.”

Ome’s quiet voice mocked, her words curling around a good natured chuckle as her heels clicked on the floor behind you. You whirled around to glare at her, an elegant brow arching back at you in challenge.

“Quit it!” you hissed under your breath.

“Don’t frown, y/n. You don’t want your boo to see you so upset.”

You gaped openly at her before turning back around in silence, your face heating instantly. It’s not that Ome’s words were mean. They were blunt, just like her because you knew she was only acting this way to make you see how stupid you were being. You knew your stuff. You could probably walk into that conference room and take over if you needed to.

You were going to be fucking fine. And as far as the ‘crush’? It was completely illogical.

For all you knew, Nanami Kento had no idea you even existed.

The feelings were miniscule and stupid to entertain. He was serious in almost every interaction when it came to work. Monthly company video calls gave you a glimpse of the man behind the deep but distinctive voice. He was quick and to the point, never beating around the bush, and always one to express his disdain for open ended questions. He didn’t rise to his position out of sheer luck.

Nanami had never spoken a word to you. Never sent an IM to ask about project plan updates. Never called you on the phone to praise you on the last account you brought to the company.

But he had the most detailed reports you had ever read in your life. He wore odd glasses from the chances you could glance at him through the computer camera that always seemed to make your stomach flip. He seemed to be disconnected from the people around him but incredibly steadfast and involved with his work and the quality it brought to the company. Smart, efficient, and handsome as hell.

None of your current emotions made any sense.

Just a stupid teenage rom-com crush that would probably not have the happy ending of the guy finally noticing you and deciding to ask you out on a date.

But that didn’t stop you from putting together an outfit that was modest enough to show how professional you were but form fitting enough to show off your body.

If your words don’t work, show off your tits.

Dammit, Ome.

The cold air from the conference room shocked you out of your thoughts. The adjacent wall was complete floor to ceiling windows, brightening the large room and making it feel less sterile. The small group of people already present stood upon your entry and bowed gently.

“Welcome!” The voice was loud and gruff, the source a tall and well built man with sharp and rough features. Dark brown short hair that was shaved on all sides but spiky at the top, thick dark brown eyebrows and an even thicker mustache and goatee.

Stopping in front of you all, he smiled, the delightful gesture a sharp contrast to his serious exterior.

“Masamichi Yaga. It’s so wonderful that you all could join us today. I hope this week will be as exciting as we made it out to be in the itinerary.”

Jin shook his hand.

“I’m sure we will. The rest of our team should arrive shortly. For now, these are the two I told you about who keep everything smooth and efficient. Omelia Obeje, one of our Data and Analytics Specialists…”

Ome bowed politely, a gentle smile on her usually serious face.

“Pleased to meet you sir. Itadori-san likes to boast us both but,” she tilted her head towards you. “She’s the real brains of the team.”

You widened your eyes minutely, the anxiety that was sliding at up your legs now coming back alive to inch its way up your stomach with the intent to wrap around your throat. You bowed to cover your expression.

“F/n, L/n, sir. Jin and Omelia are incredibly modest, but I’m pleased to meet you.”

Yaga introduced you to everyone in the room. Everyone was polite and offered conversation, even going as far as to ask you about life in Sendai. But the brightest of the group were three interns that Yaga was doing his best to tutor. The most excited of the bunch, Itadori Yuji, was a stark contrast to his father’s calm and gentle demeanor. He bowed a little too sharply, his pink locks such an odd sight to see on someone else besides your boss. His friend, Kugisaki Nobara, took every opportunity to cut him off, speaking over him and lifting her chin with every exclamation as a means to assert dominance in the trio. The tallest was the most quiet, deep blue locks in natural disarray as he bowed politely and introduced himself in an equally quiet voice as Fushiguro Megumi.

You could feel your nerves settling slowly, and whatever body language you were giving off was enough for Ome to slide back next to you after a lull in conversation, quiet and withholding.

“You’re doing well.” She was teasing again but the hint of affection was enough to make you roll your eyes and smile at her. “Have you even thought about what you’re going to say to him?”

You furrowed your eyebrows, the question making your mind stutter as you scrambled for an answer. “You know…besides ‘Hello, my name is y/n. I’m the best at my job, I have a fat ass and I could rock your world if you let me.’”

You rolled your eyes for what felt like the 12th time of the morning, the corners of your lips curling up into a smile before you snorted at her.

“I’m serious, y/n. Any man would be lucky to even ask you out on a date. Be confident in yourself.”

That was the odd thing about Ome. As much as her words were blunt and cold, she could make you also feel like the best person in the room. At least she did with you anyway.

You hadn’t really had luck with relationships in the past. And it was simply because you never had the time. College was just as busy as high school. Your spare time was often spent on small hobbies, hanging out with Ome and other friends, and working part-time to pay your bills and stay ahead in every aspect of your life.

When you did entertain the thought of something with a man, it was always short-lived. You were too rigid with giving into compromise, too work obsessed, too busy thinking ahead and not living in the moment. At least thats what they told you. The one relationship that was long-term had ended so terribly that you didn’t leave your apartment for a month. So by the time you had graduated college, you were resigned to entertain a one night stand a few times a year and the comfort of your vibrator that never failed you.

Whatever words Ome was speaking to you at the time seemed to ebb into the background as a tall man—or probably the tallest man you had ever seen—walked up to you both. His snow white hair hung loose on his head, falling in layers and covering a fresh undercut. His face was soft, but his jaw sharp with full lips and smooth skin. But the most jarring were his eyes. Bright blue orbs that seemed to glow even in the sunlight, thick eyelashes that matched his hair color framed the exotic orbs as they gazed at you and Ome both. He was probably the most beautiful man you had ever seen.

He introduced himself as Satoru Gojo, Director of Product Management, and like all men who manage to breathe the same air as Ome, was transfixed with her immediately.

“Are you single?”

The question made you chuckle sharply. A high executive blatantly flirting with a colleague was ballsy. But he seemed like the type to do exactly what he wanted and give a shit about it some other time. Or just not give a shit about it at all.

Ome simply raised a brow at him.

“It’s only 8am, how very desperate.”

His bright eyes seemed to flash with mirth. “I’m just surprised there aren’t more people over here trying to talk to you.”

If it was an attempt to flirt, he wouldn’t get far with her.

“I hate vague innuendos and I’m not interested. Do you mind moving out of the way, Beanpole? You’re blocking the sunlight.”

You bit the inside of your cheek, trying desperately to not laugh as you watched Gojo gape at her in shock, confusion, and then outright joy as he smiled pearly whites down at her.

“You think I’m tall—”

“Gojo, bothering our colleagues is not the most logical way to spend your time.”

His voice made your stomach drop instantly, the hairs on the back of your neck rising but not our of fear as his tall frame stopped next to Gojo. He wasn’t as tall as Gojo, but you could hardly tell the difference. His blonde hair was fuller than you thought now that you could see him in the flesh, with locks combed back perfectly and parted along the side. The same odd glasses you remembered from video calls sat perched on his nose and you could just make out brown irises through his dark frames thanks to the sunlight. A hard cut jaw and cheekbones, and full lips pressed into a relaxed line made his expression just as serious as you remembered. A muscular but lean frame sat beneath a rich ensemble of deep tan slacks and a blazer, a navy blue button up with a spotted yellow and black tie.

Jesus fuck.

Nanami Kento bowed to you both, introducing himself as the Director of Strategic Partners. You knew. Of course, you knew. You had seen his fine print on many reports from recent projects next to Yaga’s name. To be so actively involved with the Vice President had to have been an honor.

After Ome introduced herself, she jerked her head in the direction of Gojo.

“Is he always this thirsty?”

“Unfortunately. Please ignore him.”

He shifted away from Gojo’s protesting form, eyes falling on you. You cleared your throat and bowed softly as you introduced yourself, willing your voice to remain even and smooth as you felt his steady gaze.

Be confident. You got this. Say something.

But before you could even open your mouth to utter another word, Yaga and Jin had called the room to settle.

You managed to avoid Nanami for most of the day. When he was in your vicinity to speak, it was always in observation as he watched others engage with you instead. Ome kept her mouth shut, too busy insulting Gojo at every opportunity that he managed to speak to her. It was intriguing to watch and even funnier to realize he was probably bringing her the most entertainment in a very long time.

Ome was having the time of her life, however your current source of stress lay in front of you in the form of mahogany doors. A gold name plate gazed back at you, K. Nanami.

After an hour of intense work that you were given the ability to draft, Yaga and Jin had practically shoved you out of their office with the documents and the opportunity to work closely with Nanami for the week to learn from his point of view. It was perfect for you. You could gain more experience and try not to have a heart attack in his close proximity.

You made it a point to avoid Ome on the walk down to his office but now you couldn’t deny her words of ‘encouragement’ may have been helpful in this moment.

You clenched the manilla folder in your hands, taking a slow breath before squaring your shoulders and knocking on his door. His deep voice answered from the other side, beckoning you in.

The inside of his office was warmer than you were expecting. The room was clean and crisp, a large bookshelf against the wall filled with texts that you would have to look closely at some other time. A tall and well cared for Monstera Deliciosa was growing in another corner under the bright sunlight, and his walls were filled with plaques, certificates, and artwork that had your mind racing with intrigue. His own desk was large for you but seemed to suit his tall frame. And he sat behind it, his blazer off and hanging on his deep red chair, elbow resting on his desk and his chin resting on his fist, Nanami sat. His stature radiated indifference and you tried not to let that shake you as you closed his door and walked to stand in front of his desk.

“Itadori-san and Masamichi-san thought it would be a great opportunity if we worked closely together this week. I look forward to working with you.”

He didn’t respond immediately, harsh eyes analyzing you to a degree that had your hands gripping the manilla folder a little tighter.

“May I have those?”

The large hand propping up his chin folded out towards you, long fingers crooking back towards him as a means to hurry you along. You gave him the documents, throat dry as you struggled for something else to say. He seemed to really…not want you here. And as excited as you were to be in his presence, the indifference was enough to second guess walking in here.

“While I understand Yaga and Itadori-san's intentions, I’m afraid having someone else working with me this week is not feasible.”

Immediately, you felt your blood run cold, your face falling minutely.

“I don’t under—”

“Having someone else working with me is not feasible. It’s a very easy statement to grasp.”

All hints of anxiety seemed to fizzle out immediately, your crestfallen face slowly shaping into a glower.

“I don’t think I’ve done anything to you to warrant this kind of harshness, Nanami-san.”

You tried to smooth out the expressions on your face. There was no doubt he could clearly see the anger on your face. You had done everything right, had been nothing but polite to him. Even if he was busy with work, this kind of reaction was completely unnecessary.

He pulled in a deep breath, broad shoulders rising with the movement as he looked away from you and instead flipped through the documents you had given him.

“I’ve already allocated the resources that I need for this week. Your assistance isn’t wanted. Perhaps Gojo can show you how things work, because I’m unfortunately quite busy.”

He managed to spew it all out without looking up from his desk, long fingers idly pressing against the paper to help guide his eyes as he read. Your assistance isn’t wanted.

The indifference in the room quickly gave way to tension, making your stomach clench and twist as the anxiety began to make itself known again.

And almost immediately your patience had worn out.

“I know how things work—”

“I mean no disrespect.” He cut you off again, flaring the anger in your veins. “This happens every year when Yaga tries to push someone into my office during the annual summit and I have to walk them through the basics.”

You clenched your fists against the sides of your pants, red beginning to cloud the edges of your vision. Walk you through the basics? As if you were an intern fresh out of college, desperate to learn but lacking any of the skills necessary to succeed.

You suddenly didn’t find him very admirable at all as he opened his mouth to speak again.

“I don’t have the time—”

“Saying it twice doesn’t make you sound smarter.” The harsh tone coming out of your mouth shocked you, but you didn’t let it show as you glared at him. “I can see that you’ve already made up your mind about me even though you’ve hardly said a word to me.” His eyes widened minutely before narrowing. You jutted your chin out toward the papers beneath his hand.

“When you’re done looking at the same word over and over, you’ll find the content schedule, marketing plan, and a partially drafted work agreement.” He gaze didn’t falter, but you could see the slight ruddiness in his cheeks. From what, you didn’t really care to try and figure out. What a stupid mistake this was.

“Don’t look so put out. I put it together and Masamichi-san approved them. That should check a few things off your list. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to see if Gojo-san has ‘something for me to do’”.

You didn’t bother to look at his reaction as you whirled around and walked briskly from his office, slamming the large door on your way out.

Like you said before. Your emotions towards him made no sense at all.

After all, this wasn’t a fucking teenage rom-com.

[jo-harrington]

Luminous Beings - Episode 8: Strange Dreams, Stranger Deceptions

Art by @monologichno || Beta Read by @undead-supernova Part of the @eddiemunsonbigbang

Summary: Eddie embarks on one of the most important steps of his journey. An absolute dream...or is it?

Word Count: 6.5k

Pairing: Eddie Munson x OFC (Thalia Trieste)

Warnings/Themes: Star Wars AU, Fluff, Angst, Humor, Romance, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Mention of Alcohol and Substance Use, Minor Canon Inaccuracies/Adaptation, Galactic Politics, Mention of Death, Vague References to Order 66 and the Jedi Purge, Discussion of the Force, Use of Force Abilities, Abstract Spirituality, Light and Dark Sides of the Force, Canon Typical Violence and Injury

Note: Ahhh here we are. Sort of. Second to last chapter. I'm so nervous, so excited for this and what happens in the end. It's been a huge adventure writing this, and these next two chapters in particular. It's always a little emotional when you get near the end. I do have a bit of a deleted scene, not sure if I wanted to share it...maybe over the weekend. It doesn't really add anything but if you ARE a Star Wars person, you might like it.

Luminous Beings Masterlist - Jo-Harrington's Masterlist

Please do not interact if you are not 18+.

Thank you for reading. Enjoy!

Hyperspace, 10BBY

Historically, the crew of the Dragonborn and rules never got along. Unfortunately, they were about to embark on an excursion chock full of rules and customs.

"When we get to the temple, don't touch anything," Thalia explained to everyone as they stuffed supplies into their packs. While the others all nodded intently, Eddie simply had to open his big mouth.

"You sound like my uncle," he complained, earning a scathing glare. "When I was a kid, I used to...never mind, fine."

"And steer clear of any troopers," she continued.

"Got it."

"Because there are a lot of them."

"I said I got it."

"Don't look anyone in the eye."

"Okay."

"And keep your blaster visible at all times." 

Everyone looked at her like she'd suddenly grown a second head. 

"What?" Eddie scoffed. “You're telling us that we need to be armed on a planet where we might get into trouble if we breathe the wrong way."

"You'd look even more suspicious if you didn't have a blaster," she explained.

"But you never have one," Dayv pointed out.

"I'll be armed another way."

From the depths of her bag, she revealed her lightsaber, causing the guys to scramble to get a glimpse of it. Eddie, of course, had seen glimpses of it in memories through the Force, but he was eager to see it up close. He batted his friends away as all four fought to get to it first.

She passed it around with an eye roll and a laugh before explaining that she made it when she was a youngling. Indeed, it looked like something a child would make, full of the whimsy that only came with a youthful imagination. Concentric and intersecting circles and swirls were etched into the metal of the hilt. But it was patina'd with a mix of rich copper and green from use; beauty that could only be attained by age. It was evidence that the weapon had lived alongside its owner.

They awed over it and held it reverently as it was passed amongst them.

"This is so wizard," Dayv laughed. Eddie sensed a lewd thought going through the younger man's mind and sent a scathing glare his way. Sure, dick jokes were funny, but he doubted Thalia would take kindly to him doing that with her lightsaber.

"It's heavy," G'areth added as it was passed to him. He was clumsy with it, nearly dropping it when he attempted to wave it around. Thalia conspicuously backed away with her hands held out defensively as he carelessly mishandled the weapon.

"It’s not that simple," Thalia explained. "Anyone can have a lightsaber, sure. But using it is another story. It’s heavy in your hand, but when you ignite it, your heart holds all of the strength you need to wield it. It’s not a traditional weapon, which makes it a perfect match for someone attuned to the force."

"Try it Ed," Jeff whispered as he handed the weapon to their fearless leader.

Eddie felt the weight of anticipation fall onto his shoulders as he fully grasped it. For a moment, his self doubt returned, and he hesitated to ignite the weapon. What if he couldn’t do it? What if he didn’t have the strength that Thalia implied?

Not to mention, this lightsaber didn't feel right...it didn’t belong to him.

And that was the reason for this trip, after all.

Thankfully, Benny was the one to put a stop to the turmoil as he shouted from the cockpit.

"Hey!" Everyone jumped at the sound. "We have a rule aboard the Mantis. No lightsabers. Thanks to Miss Not-a-Jedi here. She nearly took one of my arms off in those early days."

"Sorry, Ben," Thalia called back bashfully, trying to hide from the amused stares of the guys. Especially Eddie. "How many times do I have to apologize? I was rusty."

"Rusty, schmusty," Benny scoffed. "You almost took your own eye out! Hey, you guys! Why do you think Thali’s hair is that short? She turned that saber on and a whole hunk  of it got shorn off."

Thalia's cheeks glowed with embarrassment as the others laughed at her expense. And Eddie might've pulled her in to press a sympathetic kiss to the side of her head, but he was glad that he was not on the receiving end of a joke like that for once.

“Wait a minute!” G’areth furrowed his brow. “If the empire is hunting Jedi, why are you going to have your lightsaber out all willy nilly. You just said there are gonna be troopers everywhere, right?”

“It's a special planet,” Thalia explained. She took her saber back from Eddie and clipped it to her belt. “The imps have some trouble with the locals, which makes looking for force users a little sticky.”

“This just feels like a trap.”

“What did I say before?” she asked. “About existing right under the empire’s nose?”

“Look how well that worked for us on Coruscant,” Dayv grumbled.

“Everything will be fine,” Thalia insisted. “The Empire would sooner destroy the planet than attempt to get along with the locals. They don’t want an uprising on their hands either, so they’ll intimidate and maybe arrest someone every now and again. But they generally leave everyone alone. That’ll make it easy for us to get by. Get in, get out, like we weren’t there at all. Any questions?”

Her hands were planted firmly on her hips as she glared at the guys.

D5-TN piped up from the charging pad where he and BD-1 sat, and asked if he could hold the lightsaber for Thalia. He suggested hiding her lightsaber in his dome, to be ejected right into her hand if and when she needed it to defend herself. Or attack. BD thought it was ridiculous. The two droids argued, whistling and chirping insults back and forth. 

“There will be no…ejecting of lightsabers into the air!” Thalia laughed, putting an end to their argument. When they tried to suggest that she was no fun, she simply rolled her eyes and stalked towards the cockpit.

“That’s a really cool idea, though,” Eddie complimented, earning both enthusiastic and disappointed beeps from the droids. Then, he turned and followed after Thalia.

"Brace yourselves," Benny announced as he got to the cockpit. "We're about to exit hyperspace."

Eddie was not prepared for the veritable blockade that appeared when they dropped out of light speed and the wash of stars pulled away. TIE Fighters and Star Destroyers as far as the eye could see. Shuttles and cargo ships flitted about, both entering and exiting the planet’s atmosphere at regular intervals. It looked like the traffic around a space station, not a planet. Soon enough, they were in the thick of it, joining a long line of ships waiting for their turn to land.

Bob clicked away at his terminal, headset pressed to his ear with one hand as he read off lines of code and explained their reason for being there: a religious pilgrimage and a visit to family that lived in the old market square. Clearance codes were given, credits were transferred from a bogus account with the banking clan, and before long, it was their turn to begin their descent.

The void of the desert was eventually the only thing they knew. Endless stretches of sand, endless stretches of nothing; dry and lifeless. Hopeless and lonely. Logically, they knew civilization was down there, somewhere. It had to be. But the stark contrast between the wall of Imperial interference and complete lack of life was jarring.

The Empire’s message was clear: if you dared come to this planet, there would be no welcome or salvation for you.

"I don't know how you idiots got clearance codes to Jedha of all planets," Bob huffed as he closed comms and looked at them. “But I’m glad it worked.”

Thalia glared at Eddie. "Something tells me we don't want to know.” It had been his contact that had gotten them the codes. "Did you promise priceless tchotchkes to some senator again?"

Eddie cleared his throat awkwardly and answered, "Like you said, you don't wanna know."

Jedha, 10BBY

“Why aren't there any red crystals?”

“Because red isn’t a natural color.”

“Your friend Steev had red.”

“That’s…that's different,” Thalia sighed.

"How is it different?" Eddie demanded as he folded his arms across his chest. “Explain it to me.”

She rolled her eyes, muttering something about "not having time for this right now" under her breath.

And they truly did not have time.

They definitely pressed their luck to get into the Temple of the Whills. It was an ancient Jedi temple that sat above tunnels full of kyber crystals, the object which powered a lightsaber. It was also heavily guarded by stormtroopers. But the Force seemed to be on their side, offering them just the right opportunity for Eddie and Thalia to sneak in. With a convenient distraction orchestrated by their friends.

Now that they were in the depths below the temple, though, Eddie was practically buzzing with energy. Because it was real. It was happening. He was finally getting a lightsaber. A momentous occasion for any Jedi, let alone a wayward, unconventional force-user like him.

He'd been working towards this moment for so long now, but it was still surreal to find himself at the precipice of what could've otherwise only been a dream.

"Red happens to be my favorite color," Eddie protested to Thalia as they continued through the tunnels. "My ship was red, my guitar is red...once all the blue grows out, I was gonna ask if you'd be interested in dying your hair re—ow!"

He stopped in his tracks as she slapped the back of her hand against his chest. He muttered an apology at the annoyed gaze she sent his way.

She unclipped the lightsaber from her belt and with a few twists of the hilt, she revealed a blue kyber crystal inside. Much like the crystals embedded into the stone of the caves around them, it emitted a faint light from within its matrices. As Eddie leaned closer, he felt the faint hum of energy coming from it, much like the ones surrounding them. Its frequency felt distinctly akin to its owner's signature in the Force. 

Like it was a part of her.

He hadn't felt it when he held the saber earlier, but with the crystal now revealed, it was clear as day. It was familiar and powerful, it was calm and bright, and it was beginning to feel like home. Just as much a home as his friends were, as Wane was. She was beginning to feel like home, as integral to his existence as the rest of his family.

He couldn't help himself as he erased the short distance between them and kissed her, both of them smiling against each other's lips. It felt a little inappropriate to kiss in a place like this, but he figured that the kyber crystals, if sentient, could overlook the slight disrespect due to the overwhelming crest of emotion he felt.

No wonder the Jedi took a vow to be unfeeling, unattached; it was distracting to feel everything this acutely all the time.

Thalia cleared her throat as Eddie broke away, then gestured to the cave around them. She spoke with a distinct purpose, but Eddie was open to the possibility of her hiding how flustered she’d become. “It doesn’t matter what color you prefer. You'll find the crystal you resonate with the most.”

Eddie hummed with some dismay as she sealed the hilt of her saber and returned it to her belt, but recentered his focus regardless.

Onwards they went deeper into the tunnels.

Thalia had said, as they'd cleared the imperial blockade and made it down to the surface of the planet, that the tunnels were countless and no one, save for the Temple Guardians themselves, knew how deep they truly went.

"It's been hundreds of years since the Jedi regularly visited," she explained. "And it’s been even longer since someone has taken a crystal from these caves."

Of course, she had been wrong. Sort of. They'd encountered Imperial mining equipment earlier in their trek. To Thalia, though, it didn't count; whatever plan the empire had for the crystals was a bastardization of what they were truly meant for.

"What you're about to do, Eddie," she told him as they passed the carelessly-kept mining sites and ventured further into the caves. "Picking your kyber crystal is a sacred ritual. It’s special. You are special."

As nice as it was to be told he was special, he felt the weight of expectation fall on his shoulders. Because Eddie Moonsun was an impatient son-of-a-bantha and wasn't too keen on someone telling him what he should or shouldn't do. He would sooner choose the first crystal that called out to him a little, than wait for the right one just because he was supposed to.

There was a sense of yearning that suddenly filled him as they walked. Not only yearning, but impending fulfillment. This journey, however unexpected, had led him to find a sense of belonging. A sense of purpose. For the millionth time in his life, he found himself cursing the universe, the galaxy, the republic, the empire, for denying him this for so long. He loved his uncle and his friends, he loved the life he lived, but this was something profound. He was part of a bigger whole.

Thalia was right. Maybe it was fate and the will of the Force that made him find it at this point in his life. He appreciated it more. Could cherish and savor it more. It meant something special; he was special.

At that moment, as he truly let the belief sink deep into his heart...he felt it.

It wasn't earth-shattering or life-changing. Actually, in a way, it was. It felt like the slow, burning movement of the molten core of a planet; the endless majesty and purpose, power and grit and emotion. It was grounding and direct, like a sense of purpose and destiny and the will to persevere. He could practically hear the electric strum of guitar strings shredding in his ears, a phantom melody playing just for him.

It felt right.

He wondered, as he sought out the source, if that's what he felt like to those around him. If his friends felt that when he spoke to them, if Thalia felt that in the same way he felt the calm, serene brightness that came from her. If a kyber crystal held the same resonance in the force as their owner. But, he was suddenly at a loss for words.

How could you describe what it was like to suddenly know yourself so utterly and intrinsically? It was impossible.

Eddie took several steps forward, squeezing and shouldering past the few stalagmites that stood in his way, past an assortment of bright and beautiful crystals that begged to be noticed, to a glowing green crystal that sat hidden behind the rest. It was large and multifaceted, jutting proudly and purposefully from the unassuming stone around it. It was beautiful and powerful, and as soon as his eyes glanced upon it, he was sure.

He reached out hesitantly and gently pinched it between his thumb and forefinger. He didn't even need to yank it from the stone, it released almost instantly, as though it was more at home in his possession than the rock from which it was hewn.

And Eddie laughed as he closed his fist around the small crystal, feeling lighter in that moment than he might've felt his entire life.

It belonged to him. He belonged to it.

They belonged.

Bogano, 10BBY

He'd been uncharacteristically silent on the trip back through the tunnels, to the Mantis, and then back to Bogano. Thalia had told the others to give him his space; D5-TN and BD-1 were the only ones who dared interrupt the time he had to meditate with his kyber crystal.

If you could call it meditation.

It was a time of self-reflection and self-awareness that left him feeling more comfortable in his skin than he had his entire life.

It was both strange and empowering.

However, as soon as they touched back down on Bogano, he couldn't stand the seclusion anymore.

"You need to do this alone," Thalia had insisted as she directed him past the edge of camp. They were headed to the small workshop that Master Cordova kept during his time on the planet.

But Eddie knew he couldn't walk this part of his path alone.

"So, is it going to be our lightsaber?" G'areth had snickered when Eddie invited the rest of the guys along.

Dayv scoffed and punched the younger man's shoulder. "Laugh it up, moof head."

"We'd be honored to come," Jeff spoke for them all, with an added whistle of agreement from D5-TN.

Although G'areth had joked about the weapon belonging to all of them, all of Eddie's friends had surprised him by bringing little pieces that belonged to each of them, sacrificed to create his saber.

The little shits had all gone behind his back and asked Thalia what it was they could do to help. Eddie was both annoyed and honored; she hadn't even told him what went into making a lightsaber, just that he'd find what he needed at Cordova's workshop. Which means she also knew he wasn't gonna listen when she insisted he had to do this alone.

The controls came from D5-TN—Dustin made a joke about not needing any controls himself, the traditional buttons and ports all but useless to his organic friends. They couldn't control him even if they wanted to. Everyone sniggered at the joke, even if they knew he was right.

The pommel cap and emitter were from Dayv. Sharpshooter that he was, he sacrificed one of his prized blasters for the parts.

"If I'm as good as I think I am," he said as he laid the pieces on the workbench, "I should be able to shoot with any blaster. Not just my lucky Geddy." Eddie clapped him on the shoulder in thanks.

Next was the focusing ring from G'areth. This one was tricky, and he admitted that he and Jeff had asked Hoppor for help with their contributions. A cymbal from his drum kit had been melted and reforged into the part.

"Just like Dayvie said, I can always get another one," G'areth shrugged. "You've helped us chase after our destinies time and again; of course we're here for yours."

The energy core came from Jeff, who had kept an old spare piece from the Dragonborn's hyperdrive generator amongst his things.

"Never hurt to be prepared," he admitted sheepishly. "So...this is twofold. From me, and from our old girl."

Eddie felt the tears in his eyes as he held the piece reverently. His ship. Their ship. Still with them onto the next adventure. It practically hummed as he set his kyber crystal into it.

Finally, a gift from all of them.

"Don't kill us," Jeff began as he reached into his jacket.

"Well that doesn't bode well," Eddie scoffed and crossed his arms expectantly. "What did you do? Have Hop melt down my guitar to make the last piece of this damn saber?"

It was a joke...but they all suddenly looked guilty, even Dustin—as guilty as a droid could look.

"Are you...you're kriffing kidding me..." Eddie stared at them incredulously. "You...you destroyed my guitar?"

He was about to blow his top—so much for serenity in the force—when Jeff presented the final piece to him.

They hadn't destroyed his guitar...but they'd definitely done something to it. Because the pieces that would make up the main hilt of the saber had the same mottled, crackled red and black texture that his guitar, his sweetheart, had. Like they were made from the same skin.

"We took it from the back," G'areth explained. "She'll still play like a dream. But we figured...well, that guitar is just as much a part of you as we are, as the Dragonborn was...she needed to be here too."

He couldn’t help the hot tears that dripped down his cheeks. He pulled his friends into the biggest hug he could manage and whispered incoherent words of love and friendship and appreciation to all of them.

Then came the big event.

With all of the pieces laid out on Cordova's workbench, armed with a welding tool and the Force, Eddie got to work.

His friends all helped where they could, offering words of encouragement or handing him parts as he needed; they ooh'd and ah'd over his improved skills with the force as things floated in mid-air and moved at the twitch of his fingers. Dayv offered a rag to wipe away the sweat that came from the heat of the welding tool, and Dustin chirped enthusiastically the closer and closer he got to completing the saber.

Until, finally, it was done.

"It..." He stared at it, held reverently in his hands. He choked out a laugh. "It kind of looks like shit."

And it did; all of the parts, made of different objects, clashed and weren't the most appealing. But it still...it looked like him. Looked like them.

A misfit lightsaber for a misfit force user with misfit friends on a misfit planet.

"Well," Jeff said, voice heavy with anticipation once the laughter subsided. "Aren't you gonna turn it on?"

Eddie held his breath as his thumb hovered over the control switch. "What...what if it doesn't work? What if I did something wrong?"

D5-TN beeped encouragingly; the Force was with him, how wrong could he be?

Jeff was the first to put a hand on Eddie's shoulder. Then Dayv on the other. G'areth grasped his wrist. And D5-TN's gripper arm latched onto the hem of his vest. Eddie looked to them all for one last look of gratitude, and courage, then flicked the switch.

And they all whooped in celebration as they were bathed in glowing green light.

Thalia's quarters were...well, she hadn't been kidding when she said that the tent he shared with his friends was bigger and nicer than where she was bunking.

Her little supply-closet-turned-bedroom held a hammock for a bed, several durasteel crates stacked upon one another for a dresser, and a chair where she laid out her clothes for the following day. The first time Eddie had visited, he had been astounded before realizing that she was practically in the lap of luxury in the spacious medbay aboard the Dragonborn.

One leg up she had, though, was that she had the place all to herself.

She was lounging in her hammock and scrolling on her datapad when Eddie burst in, talking a parsec-a-minute.

"I did it! I can't believe it...and it's here!" He held the lightsaber hilt out to her and then ran both hands through his hair as best he could. "I have one and it's real. I'm not...I'm dreaming. It's a dream. I'm gonna wake up tomorrow, back on Bracca, whacking sticks together with Jeff, making whoosh-goosh noises with our mouths. It can't be real."

She laughed as he grabbed her by the hand and hauled her to her feet. He twirled her, and pulled her to his side.

"Please tell me I'm not dreaming, sweetheart," he whispered desperately.

Thalia looked down at the lightsaber held before her, and then back up at him.

"You're not dreaming, Eddie," she said resolutely with a nod. "You're not gonna wake up on Bracca; you did it. This is real."

They both beamed at each other before Eddie released his grip on her. He backed up and held the lightsaber before igniting the blade and shifting into a ready stance.

"So." He lifted a brow. "Do you think we could give it a test?"

Thalia hummed for a second, then said, “You know, Master Yoda used to say that lightsabers required a special skill. Not just knowing when to use it, but when not to. When to move, and when to stay still.”

Eddie groaned and threw his head back petulantly.

“Come on! You didn’t just wine and dine and fly me across the galaxy to make a lightsaber just to tell me I couldn’t use it.”

Thalia let him suffer for a few more moments before she held a hand out, calling her own lightsaber into her grasp. She did not ignite it, and instead gestured back towards the door.

"Wait.” He hesitated. "Seriously? You're entertaining this?"

"Sure." She shrugged. "But Ben had a point when he said no lightsaber duels inside. I'd rather not let you destroy what little I own just so you can get your jitters out."

"Jitters? Sweetheart, I'm gonna wipe the floor with you."

Thalia threw her head back in an obnoxious laugh, then practically pushed him out of her bunk.

"Alright Mr. Whoosh-Goosh. I'm sure you're an expert at the art of the blade."

"Is that what the Jedi call it?"

"I wouldn't know, I'm not a Jedi.”

For not-a-jedi, though, Thalia took a pretty thorough approach to his education.

It was slow at first, as Eddie got used to the difference in the weight and weightlessness of the lightsaber. She had been right, when she had said that a lightsaber was special, different. And it certainly wasn't like swinging a stick. He could barely feel the momentum while swinging it back and forth. It was simply an extension of him.

She instructed him on basic stances and got him used to the feeling of the glowing plasma blades clashing against one another. Once he felt comfortable, she even took his blaster and fired a few bolts so he could practice deflecting them.

"It'll be easier if you close your eyes," she told him.

"You know, I didn't get the chance to make a joke before, but...if I had a credit for every time a beautiful woman told me that..." he trailed off with a chuckle.

She rolled her eyes and snorted. "You know, maybe that's why the Jedi Order fell. They should've added 'extraordinary skills in bed' to the keystones of Knighthood."

They practiced well into the evening, even getting as far as some light sparring, before Benny called them all to dinner.

It was exhausting, to be honest. He was sweating and out-of-breath by the time they called it quits, practically passing out into his bowl of stew.

G'areth laughed as they hauled him to his feet at the end of the night. "I've never seen him so tired."

"Last time we had to carry him like this, he bet the ship in a drinking game against a Rodian bounty hunter," Jeff added. D5-TN even shouldered some of Eddie’s weight as they dragged him back to their tent.

And he wasn't sure, but Eddie thought Thalia was there when he was unceremoniously dropped into his bed. Of course, it could've all been his imagination. Or a hallucination. The weight of one of her hands in his, and the other hand running over his forehead and carding through his hair as she whispered words of encouragement and pride at this milestone. It could’ve been one of his friends…or even Benny.

Regardless, it put a smile on his lips as he finally drifted off to sleep.

Bracca, 10BBY

He stood in one of the rail transport cars, hanging onto the bar overhead as his uncle sat, weary, in the seat before him.

There were plenty of others who would take a seat for themselves, but Wane always emphasized respect. Eddie would always give the older scrappers a seat before taking one for himself.

There was a din of chatter around them and although Eddie couldn't make out what his uncle was saying amongst the other voices, he still found himself chuckling at the anecdote. He thought it was strange, thought that there was something he was missing here, but he was probably just tired. He could probably catch a quick snooze when they took a break, or once they were back home at the end of their shift.

He overdid it with the guys the night before; that had to be it.

The train came to a screeching halt, and everyone started filing out. Wane pushed himself to his feet with a groan and led them both out onto the platform so they could punch in for their shift.

'"Heard they hauled in another decommissioned destroyer today," Wane muttered. "From Jedha."'

"Jedha?" Eddie whistled. "That's a long way away from here. Why did they haul it all this way?"

"You know you shouldn't ask questions, kid," Wane clapped him on the shoulder and led him forward. "A simple life and a cup of caf; ke—"

"I know, old man..." Eddie cut him off. "Keys to happiness. Yeah, yeah."

Their coworkers were all congregated in a huddled group up ahead. Someone at the front of the group called for them not to push each other crowd around; they'd be off to work soon if they all behaved. Wane grumbled something about hoping they had caf and pastries waiting for them...or lottery tickets.

"I wonder if Prauf'll let us in at the front to get first dibs then," Eddie laughed as he spotted a familiar head towering over the others. He pulled Wane behind him as he shouldered through the group to get to the Abednedo scrapper.

But there wasn't food or lottery tickets waiting at the front of the group.

There were troopers with blaster rifles, clad head to toe in black armor, and two figures with red-visored helmets.

Eddie's heart seized in his chest as one of the figures turned and he saw the fissure in the helmet that revealed a stern, human face inside.

The Inquisitor locked eyes with Eddie for a moment, then let his gaze slide over the other scrappers, almost boredly.

"We're looking for information," the other Inquisitor spoke, a smooth Coruscanti accent echoing over the platform. "We're searching for fugitives...enemies of the Empire."

"You're not gonna find any fugitives here," one of the other scrappers announced bravely. They shrunk as all eyes and blasters were suddenly pointed their way. "Er...what I mean is that we've all been in the guild for a while. We can't be fugitives."

"That's why we're looking for information on this scrap heap of a planet," the Inquisitor with the cracked helmet spoke snidely, practically spitting the words. "And not the fugitives."

Steev...his name was Steev.

Eddie frowned at the thought, but shook his head and continued to listen to what the imps had to say. On and on, they droned. They'd tracked a fugitive from an old Republic outpost, to Coruscant, where the trail went cold.

It sounded...familiar to Eddie, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"Their ship was destroyed," the Inquisitor with the cracked helmet announced, and Eddie felt his heart drop into his stomach. "But we were able to track the origin of parts in the wreckage here. To Bracca. To one of your former colleagues."

The crowd started shifting and chattering, staring at one another in question. No one got off Bracca. No one.

Wane's posture stiffened, and Eddie shot him a questioning glance. However, his uncle refused to look at him.

Eddie wasn't the only one to notice the change in Wane's posture, though. Cracked Helmet turned, and his hazel eye locked onto the older man. Eddie was quick to try and take a step in front of Wane, to try and distract the Inquisitors.

"I know something!" he announced, earning shocked stares from the other scrappers. Wane reached out and tried to grab Eddie's arm but Eddie took a step forward to keep the attention off Wane. "I know that we've kept our heads down, kept our loyalty to the Emperor for years. Even before the Clone Wars. Whatever was asked of us, we've delivered. Engineers became scrappers, hard work we could be proud of became back-breaking labor that barely earned enough credits to survive. And we don't complain."

"Should we not take this as a formal complaint then?" Steev grinned sardonically. "You don't have to try so hard to hide something, my friend. Whatever we're looking for, we'll find it."

"Whatever," the other inquisitor's voice was suddenly behind Eddie, right in his ear. There was a searing hot pain in his chest, a flash of red light, and suddenly he was choking on the air. "Or whoever."

The lightsaber blade retracted, burning back through him as it went, and he fell to the ground as other scrappers shouted a name that didn’t belong to him.

He watched as he lay dying, as the crowd of scrappers dissolved into chaos, as troopers grabbed Wane by his arms, and the Inquisitors approached menacingly.

Eddie's eyes slipped shut as their lightsabers ignited and were held against Wane's throat.

"Wane Moonsun?" Steev questioned with a menacing, authoritative tone. "We have questions about the whereabouts of your nephew, Eddric."

Bogano, 10BBY

Eddie screamed Wane's name as he bolted upright in bed, effectively shocking his friends out of their deep sleeps.

He scrambled to free himself of the blankets so he could press his hands to the phantom lightsaber wound that still throbbed at the center of his chest.

He heaved great, sobbing breaths and responded loudly and incoherently as his friends crowded his bed and shook him and asked question after question.

As the rest of their encampment woke to his shrieking cries, they also ventured to see what the commotion was all about. Hoppor even had a blaster rifle in hand as he peeked into the tent and held El safely behind him.

"They have him," Eddie repeated over and over. "They have him."

"Have who?" Jeff tried to calm him down, tried every trick he knew to ease his friend from a nightmare. "Ed, take some deep breaths. Come on, it was just a dream."

"It wasn't," he shook his head. "It wasn't a dream. I was there."

"It was a vision," Thalia's groggy voice came from the opening of the tent. She passed the others, urging them to head back to bed before crouching before Eddie's shaken, despondent form. "A vision in the force."

She answered the mens’ questions as Eddie finally came back to himself, as his consciousness settled back into his body and he was able to discern what was part of the vision and what was reality. Fingers, toes, lungs. Breathing. Feeling. He wasn't on the ground, he was in bed. He wasn't on Bracca, dying. He was on Bogano.

And Wane was in trouble.

He never remembered his dreams ever being that troublesome before, enough to literally throw him across the galaxy like that. He hadn't even been sure that his dreams were prophetic, even though Thalia seemed to insist on it.

Once the ringing in his ears dissipated, he blinked and looked around at the concerned faces of his friends.

He took a few more breaths until his heartbeat evened out.

"They're looking for us," Eddie muttered to them all. "They're looking for me. The Inquisitors." He turned to Thalia. "Which means they're really looking for you."

Her jaw clenched, but her eyes were soft, remorseful. "I'm sure they are."

"And they...they're trying to use my uncle to get to me," he continued. "To get to you."

Dayv, Jeff, G'areth, and D5-TN all started talking over one another, questions about Wane and what his dream, vision, was and what they were going to do.

But Eddie didn't answer them.

His solemn gaze was firmly locked with Thalia's as they shared an unspoken discussion.

He wouldn't let them hurt his uncle to get to him. Wane was the only family that he had.

She wasn't going to let him walk right into a death trap; she had put him in this position in the first place.

If she hadn't gotten him into a mess like this, he definitely would've done it himself. He would figure this out on his own.

Over her dead body.

He's pretty sure the Inquisitors would like that.

She could take care of herself.

Wane was his uncle.

And Eddie was her...her friend...her pupil...her partner.

"Uh..." G'areth finally piped up, interrupting them. "Are you guys ok? Can Jedi read each other's minds?"

"We're not Jedi," Eddie and Thalia responded in tandem.

The tense moment broke, and they all dissolved into laughter.

"You don't need to do this alone," Thalia told Eddie as the levity subsided.

"I can't ask anyone else to risk themselves. Especially when this is obviously a trap," Eddie explained. "I've gotten myself out of tougher situations than this. You need to stay here...keep the kids safe."

"Well it's a good thing you aren't asking me," she objected. "I'm offering. Actually, I'm asking for your help. Again. This whole mess is my responsibility more than it is yours. Steev is trying to find you, so he can find me. And your uncle got caught in the crosshairs.

"But I'll save him. We can save him. Together. Put an end to the Inquisitors hunt...of us at least. Keep those kids safe, keep the light safe." 

She raised her brows expectantly at her conclusion, waiting for his answer.

He felt his stomach turn in uncertainty, even though he knew she was right.

Wane was his uncle, his responsibility, but if there was anything that he learned in this whole thing, it was that he wasn't alone. They weren't alone—him, his uncle, his friends, the kids, their parents and siblings, Thalia. They were all sparks of light, sparks of hope in this ever-dimming world. They all had each other.

“You know what?” he asked softly and set his hand down onto hers, fingers gently caressing her skin. “We’ve come a long way.” He nodded over to his friends who all straightened under their friend’s, their captain’s gaze. “We’re not the same people we were just a few months ago. The Eddie back on Nar Shaddaa? He would’ve gone on some suicide mission to save his uncle. Shit, it still might be one. But I’ve learned so much, I’ve changed. And I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Thalia smiled at him.

“Because of that, though,” he continued, and her smile fell again. “I only have one thing to say. One request.”

She nodded. “Anything.”

He closed his eyes for a moment, like he’d learned, like she had taught him. He saw, felt, the light. Inside of her. Inside his friends. Inside himself. And even though his uncle was half a galaxy away, he could see the light within Wane too, like it was right there beside him. Maybe because it didn’t matter how distant they were from each other, they were always there with one another. His dream had been proof enough.

Eddie opened his eyes again, and then turned Thalia’s hand over and slipped his palm against hers, and let his fingers tighten around her hand.

"Help me, Thalia Trieste. You're my only hope."

Thalia beamed at him and gripped his hand tightly in return, her other hand coming to clasp over top of his.

Next Chapter: Episode 9 - Inner Starlight

The Tag List for Luminous Beings is currently open; please comment/ask/DM to be added.

[austonwithan-o]

Summer Job- Trevor Zegras x Reader

After a certain boy walks into your hair salon. How could you say no to him asking you on a date? I mean customer satisfaction right?

——————————————————————————

No warnings!

You had just recently moved to Bedford, NY to live with your grandparents. They offered for you to live with them during the summers when it was too expensive for you to fly back to Portland where your parents lived. Attending NYU completely on scholarship you didn’t have time for a job during the school year. You did cut hair on the side for some of your friends and they paid you some which covered some weekend excursions but nothing too crazy. Little did you know that side hustle would lead to you meeting the love of your life.

Sitting in your bed you scrolled through job listings, a lot of grocery stores, gas stations, target, fast food places were hiring but nothing really caught your eye. Annoyed you closed your laptop letting out a groan.

“I refuse to work at McDonald’s mom. I’m not coming home smelling like fries and grease and it’s a whole 40 minute drive from here! There’s literally nothing interesting here.” You were annoyed with the sparse selection of employment available and despite your obvious disappointment your mom let out a laugh much to your dismay.

“Honey I know you don’t wanna come home smelling like a fast food place but you’re gonna have to choose something. Plus it’s just for the summer! Just like what, 2 months? You can survive 2 months y/n or here maybe ask grandma and grandpa if they have any friends who have businesses. They know a lot of people around there.” Her voice rang through the speaker phone on your nightstand, it wasn’t a horrible idea, your grandparents did have a great reputation in the town and a lot of friends.

“Hmm you’re not wrong?” You said picking up your phone, “I’m gonna go talk to them it’s dinner time anyways.”

“Alright sweetie I love you! Have a goodnight and keep me updated on the job hunt.”

“Will do momma! Love you too!” Hanging up and making your way downstairs the smell of your grandmas food was heavenly. You loved it here.

“Oh perfect! I was just about to call you down!”

Your grandpa said pulling a chair out for you to sit. You smiled and thanked him as he pushed it in.

“So grandpa I was on the phone with mom, looking for jobs with her and I was wondering if you knew anyone who would be willing to hire me for the summer? I mean there’s fast food and restaurants and stuff but I just thought maybe you’d have more, I guess, connections around here?” Taking a bite of the chicken on your plate. There was a few seconds of silence before your grandma spoke.

“You know I actually do know someone who’s hiring but are you good with hair? My friend Carla has a hair studio 10 minutes into town and she’s looking for another employee.”

Bingo.

“I can cut hair! I have a little side hustle at school cutting hair for like $10. I mean I’m not professional but I’m definitely not bad at it. I can also style and dye hair too!” This was the perfect job you thought plus the tips would be great!

“Her name is Carla! I’m going in tomorrow to get my hair trimmed. I’ll introduce you to her, she’s such a sweet lady!” Your grandma said, “We will leave around 11? My appointment is at 11:15 and I like getting there a bit early.”

You agreed. After dinner you spent a few hours playing cards and chatting with your grandparents eventually heading up to your room.

You woke up around 10:30am a little tired from staying up watching hair tutorials refreshing your memory on how to cut hair but you didn’t need much reminding.

You showered, got dressed and ran downstairs grabbing the keys to your old Jeep.

“Grandma I’ll drive!” You exclaimed rushing out the door.

“Alrighty I’ll be there in a second.”

The drive was peaceful. Driving through the colorful country you couldn’t help but admire how nice and green everything around you was. Your thoughts were interrupted by your grandma.

“I don’t know if you watch hockey at all but Carla has a little bit of a celebrity customer you know.” She smiled, “I’ve met him before his name is Trevor Zegras. He’s a hockey player. I’m not sure which team but he’s a cutie. Maybe you’ll get to cut his hair.” She shot you a wink making you roll your eyes.

“Ah yes grandma I definitely need a hot hockey player boyfriend to distract me all summer.”

“He’s a very charming young man! I bet you two would hit it off!” You laughed at her statement. A relationship was definitely the last thing on your mind for the summer. Making friends? That would be fun but definitely no boyfriend.

“Grandma you know I don’t need a boyfriend. I mean especially since I would just be leaving to school in a few months.”

“You never know y/n! People come into your life for different reasons.”

You smiled at her words but it was true. You didn’t want a summer fling. It wasn’t your style. If you were gonna date someone it was going to be serious and having a hockey boyfriend was definitely not on your list of things you needed.

You arrived at the hair salon. The sign displayed on top read, “Bedford Village Hair Design” it was a cute little shop. You could see a few workers at their stations and a few customers in the chairs. You both walked in hearing the chime of the bells, “Alice! Good to see you! You’re a bit early but I’ll just get you started over here-“ the woman who you assumed to be Carla gave you a wide smile.

“And who might you be?” She asked pulling you into a hug.

“Carla this is my granddaughter y/n! She’s staying with me for the summer and I brought her here to introduce her to you! She’s looking for a summer job and I think she would be perfect for your salon!” She said as she sat down in the seat, you followed close behind the two, standing beside Carla.

“Well I definitely wouldn’t be apposed! Can you cut men’s hair? I have more and more male clients coming in and I need more help around here!” Carla spoke trimming away at your grandmas hair. She was definitely not new to this.

“Yes! I cut my guy friends hair all the time in school. It’s like a little side hustle so I can make some money during the year.” You explained.

“You know what that sounds great! If you want just swing by tomorrow let’s say around 9:30am and you can start if that’s okay with you? I have someone coming in at 9:45am who you can do. He’s very sweet.”

“That sounds awesome! Thank you so much!”

You waited in the corner for your grandma to be done her hair which took about 20 more minutes and with that you both left after.

The next morning you woke up throwing on a flowy floral dress trying to match the vibe of everyone’s outfits yesterday. You wanted to make a good first impression so you took your time with your hair and makeup. Rushing out the door it was 9:15 by the time you left luckily there’s never any traffic in the small town.

Walking inside the small business you were greeted by Carla and another worker Gracie. She was around Carla’s age and very very sweet as well.

“Hi you must be y/n!” She greeted you giving you a hug.

“Yes! It’s good to meet you?”

“Gracie! My name is Gracie! Well I’ll give you the heads up since you’re new I’m gonna let you take my regular client at 9:45 today. His name is Trevor! He’s very nice so don’t be intimidated and he will let you know how he wants his cut.” She said handing you an apron.

For some reason your heart dropped a bit but you didn’t know why. You hadn’t even met the guy let alone seen his face and already freaking out.

“Are you sure? I mean I can take someone else if you want-“

“Lovely don’t be silly! I insist don’t worry he won’t bite you! I’ll still be here I’ll just be organizing in the back and Carla will be in the front or back with me.” She said and with that the sound of the door opening and the bells jingling made you freeze in your place.

“Carla! Gracie! And new girl?” You shyly turned around to face him. His smiled was so bright and his eyes were so pretty. He walked over and gave Carla a hug all while scanning you up and down. He pulled away eventually giving you a firm handshake. His touch sending sparks up your arm, making butterflies form in your stomach.

Oh my God he was gorgeous.

“Trevor this is y/n! Y/n this is Trevor! She’s gonna be cutting your hair today Trevor.” Gracie said grabbing his hand. His eyes hadn’t left yours and you could sense the nervous energy radiating off of his tall figure. He ran a hand through his dirty blonde hair which fell perfectly back into place framing his chiseled features.

“Oh cool! I’ll get a buzzcut this time.” The two older women let out exaggerated gasps slapping his shoulder making him laugh.

“Hey I’m kidding! You know I’d never do that Carla.” You couldn’t help but laugh as well at their reaction. You were already loving this job and you’d been there for about 10 mins.

“Trevor the day you get a buzzcut is the day I officially quit my job.” She handed you a barbers gown and he followed your lead by sitting down in the chair letting you throw it over him securing it in the back. Your hands were shaking and he could feel it as you tied the back lightly brushing the back of his neck.

“Alright y/n let me know when you’re done, I’m going to help Gracie in the back. Trevor no buzzcuts.” She gave him another light slap on the shoulder and he shot her a wink. The two ladies walked off exchanged glances at the two of you.

“You can lean back and I’ll wash your hair first.” He followed your directions placing his head in the neck rest.

“I’ve been coming here for a long time and I’ve never seen you here or around here for that matter. Where you from?” Trevor asked looking at you. You refused to make eye contact with him because you knew you’d fold under his eye contact.

“I’m from Portland but I live here in the summer times and I go to school at NYU.” You explained as you massaged his scalp with the shampoo.

“Oh that’s sick! Yeah I live here during the summers but I’m in Cali most of the year.” He was very obviously enjoying you running your hands through his hair and you couldn’t deny. You did as well.

“My grandma comes here a lot. She said you play hockey huh? I didn’t know there were hockey teams in California.” You admitted almost feeling a bit stupid letting those words leave your mouth. Trevor grinning at your remark.

“It’s a weird place for ice hockey that’s for sure but yeah the Anaheim Ducks. I’m guessing you don’t watch hockey?”

“Not at all. I’m not huge into sports but I played volleyball in high school.” You rinsed his hair off then wrapped his hair up in a towel and motioned for him to move to the hair cutting seat. His height shocked you a bit more when he stood up letting you really observe him. You caught the smell of his cologne as he walked by sitting down in the chair. You couldn’t get enough of him but you were fighting the feelings.

“I’ll have to get you to watch a few games. It’s important if we’re friends you watch hockey or at least know how the game works.” He stated looking at you through the mirror making it harder to concentrate with his gaze.

“Also, keep the shape but just make it a bit shorter. It’s kind of hard to see now.” Trevor grabbed a front strand of his hair pulling it down his face to see how long it was.

“Oh so we’re friends now?” Teasing him a bit. You snipped away at his hair following his request. You couldn’t help but notice all the tattoos on his arms as well letting your eyes scan his features more.

“I mean I’m trusting you with my hair so of course we’re friends but let’s say I ask you out on a date. Would that make or break the friendship.” The question caught you off guard.

Y/n you just said you weren’t gonna date anyone. Tell him no.

“I mean I don’t see how a date could hurt the friendship. I’m free anytime past 4 when the salon closes.” You couldn’t believe you just said that. It was like you had no control.

“Perfect I’ll pick you up at 4 tonight. What you’re wearing is perfect.” You blushed at his comment. Finishing up his hair and blow drying it. He stood up and you shook the barber cape off. You did a pretty good job you couldn’t lie.

“You know I might have you cut my hair from now on beautiful.” He turned around to face you.

“I mean I charge more so if you’re fine with that I’m fine with that.” Joking obviously you walked over to the wall grabbing a broom to sweep up all the hair you cut off.

“Worth every penny. I’ll pick you up at 4 from here. Leave your car here and we’ll just take mine.” Carla came back to the front soon after.

“Yay no buzzcut! You did really well Y/n.” Carla gave you an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

Trevor made his way up to the front with Carla to pay while you cleaned up the hair on the floor.

“I’ll see you tonight y/n.” Winking at you he left the salon.

“I’m guessing you two hit it off huh?” Carla smirked.

“I mean I wouldn’t deny it.” You blushed at her comment making her laugh.

“He’s a great kid y/n. I wouldn’t let him near you if he wasn’t.” Carla smoothed out her apron retreating to the back again.

This was gonna be a very interesting summer and an even more interesting school year.

——————————————————————————

Tbh idk how I feel about this one but oh well

[hanakou-often]

One day, when Kou was still caught between his crush for Nene and otherwise, he decided to try and bake something for her as a thank you for something idk ... Anyways, he was struggling over what to make, when Hanako appeared to see what he was doing (because he was bored) so, they end up making donuts, and Kou offers him some as a thanks and also they just get up to cute baking shenanigans lol

Sorry if this was like ooc or something lmao

AWWW it's not ooc at all!! I can definitely see this happening behind the scenes :D To add onto this:

I'd like to think the thank you gift is for babysitting Tiara over the weekend!! The Minamoto brothers had an important excursion together and urgently needed a babysitter and Nene steps up to the challenge (something something Kou thinks seeing Nene being so good with kids is absolutely adorable and something something she'll be a great wife and mother of a lucky someone someday)!! Knowing that Tiara can be a lot sometimes, he decides to treat Nene with a baked good when he got back

when Hanako suggests donuts, Kou would look at him stupid asking, "you just want them for yourself, don't you?" And Hanako would just pout, guilty as charged. With a sigh Kou agrees and he can't deny how much he enjoys seeing Hanako light up.

Hanako is horrible at baking but he'll watch over Kou's shoulder, jokingly nitpicking everything he does and it would drive Kou batshit insane sometimes ("Aren't you supposed to wear gloves, kid? You know I'd hate for someone to get sic--" "As if you know anything about cleanliness, you live in a damn bathroom")

Kou burns himself and Hanako kisses it better like in this art (I tried reverse searching for the original artist but nothing turned up 💔 If anyone knows who they are, please let me know!!)

Hanako taste tests the raw dough and Kou panics, worrying he'd get sick and die until he realizes 'oh yeah. He's. A ghost.' For weeks to come Hanako would love to hang it over him, always teasing him for being so forgetful ("aww worried for lil ol' meeee?") <3 He never tells him how endearing he actually finds Kou's useless worries are though lol

When it's all said and done Kou reluctantly hands some to Hanako partly as a thanks for his company and partly as a bribe ("how many donuts does it take for you to leave me alone next time?" “Nice try, kid. You’re stuck with me forever.”)

There’s more to be had in the actual baking process shenanigans but all in all, it’s a pretty cute headcanon!! Thank you for the ask, I’ll be chewing on these ideas for a while LMAO

[sideprince]

Speaking of James, what do you think of him in the prequel + Lily’s letter? She mentioned him not having the chance to go on excursions without the cloak, despite them being in hiding.

I've been thinking about this question and funnily enough it came up in another post where I had a fun back and forth with @seriousbrat! I should probably preface my answer by saying that I haven't put that much thought into James or Lily in general, and I don't really spend time in the parts of the fandom that discuss them at length, so my thoughts are based on a cursory revisiting of the text. Some of what I say may be basic stuff for the Jily/Marauders/¯\_(ツ)_/¯ parts of the fandom, some of it may be stuff that has already been counter argued with points I haven't thought of, etc. This isn't my area of interest, but your question is interesting! Tl;dr proceed with caution I guess lol.

The first thing that comes to mind about the letter from Lily to Sirius is why she wrote it in the first place. My own reading of it is that it's meant to be exposition more than something that has to do with a thought out relationship between these characters. Like many others, I'm frustrated with the minimal and flat way Lily is written. We get very few insights into who she was, most of them through descriptions from other characters like Slughorn. To me it's clear that Rowling held back on her for the sake of the big reveal at the end of DH, and I think a lot of Lily's character development got thrown under the bus as a result. But it could also just be that Lily is writing a thank you to Sirius for Harry's birthday present and it was the only time she ever sent him anything, but in the process she's giving him an update since they know each other as well as anyone knows their spouse's best friend.

In her letter she writes:

James is getting a bit frustrated shut up here, he tries not to show it but I can tell - also, Dumbledore’s still got his Invisibility Cloak, so no chance of little excursions. If you could visit, it would cheer him up so much.

Deathly Hallows Ch. 10

Lily is showing a lot of sympathy for James here, while also acknowledging that if he had his Invisibility Cloak he would probably be sneaking out under it. I know that this implication is contentious across fandoms, and my own thoughts on it are: it falls within James' character to do something like that and be reckless, but while I think it's irresponsible and shitty, I also don't think he's satan incarnate for it, by any means. To me it - and how young James tends to be written - shows that he's an immature guy in a war where he spends most of his time shut up in a comfortable house instead of fighting (ie. his ideals aren't tested or challenged by trauma), and the first chance he gets to do something brave he forgets his wand on the couch and is immediately killed. I think James had very good intentions but kind of bad follow through.

In her letter, Lily is also asking Sirius to come visit to cheer James up, which I find strange, given the two men are such close friends. Why should Lily have to ask Sirius to visit? Are he and James not in touch? Or is Lily being thoughtful and identifying James needs and trying to meet them when he hasn't done so himself? Again, I think this letter is more about exposition, so I don't think there's any significant meaning here, just that the author was a bit careless. Lily then goes on to say:

Wormy was here last weekend, I thought he seemed down, but that was probably the news about the McKinnons; I cried all evening when I heard.

For me there's a conspicuous absence of any note referring to what a comfort James was. I talked about this in my other ask, but I think a lot of James, and as an extension his relationship with Lily, is the author's projection of her own experience in an abusive relationship and what she wishes it had been. That isn't to say I think James abused Lily, but rather that Rowling transferred some of her abusive husband's qualities onto James, while also projecting a fantasy of what she wished he had been onto the character too, ie. a devoted, loving father onto him who would - and did - die for his family. A lot of James' actions, mannerisms, and words - his arrogance, dismissiveness, and enjoyment of cruelty towards select people he has dehumanized - raises my own red flags as an abuse survivor. While I think he was a bully at school - and bullying is a form of abuse - I don't think he was abusive to his wife or child. I could draw a parallel with the phenomenon of the prison guard who enacts cruelty on his charges freely and then goes home and is a loving, doting husband and father who wouldn't hurt a fly, because he only abuses those he dehumanizes. Instead, though, what I think is going on is that Rowling is projecting a lot of her first husband onto James, and unconsciously and unintentionally leaving a trail of abuser red flags written into his character.

It hits hard for me that Lily is concerned enough about James, and empathetic enough of him, that she shares her worry about his frustration and cabin fever with his best friend, and asks him to come visit, because she wants to cheer James up - yet she makes no mention of James being a comfort to her when she spends all night crying about her friend being murdered. In short, Lily is identifying and attending to James' needs but we see no indication that this is reciprocated. It doesn't feel out of line for an abuse victim to describe a relationship like this, especially since it would be so simple to have added something like, "as difficult as it is being shut up in this cottage, it was a great comfort to have James that night."

It's odd to me that someone thoughtful enough to attend to their spouse's emotional needs would forgo expression appreciation for them doing the same, so my reading of this is that James doesn't provide Lily with the same kind of comfort. More importantly, it doesn't seem to be on Rowling's radar to mention how James reacted to his wife outright crying for a whole evening, which tracks with how a lot of abuse victims understand relationships, ie. it often doesn't occur to them that they should be reciprocal. And so, Rowling forgets to add in the bit where James offers Lily comfort, perhaps because it was something she lacked experience of and therefore didn't think to write. And while I feel the need to include the requisite statement of "fuck JKR and her transphobic, bigoted views" I also feel that despite that, I won't sink to her level and dehumanize others, and therefore feel it's still important to balance that view with sympathy for her experiences as an abuse victim.

As for the prequel, the implication seems to be that two muggle cops got in the middle of James and Sirius escaping from some Death Eaters. It's a fun little piece but also reveals that Rowling really benefits from having an editor, because the prose is overwrought and a bit clumsy. In terms of what it says about James' and Sirius' character, they don't seem at all concerned with violating the Statute of Secrecy in front of muggles, or with protecting those muggles from the three wizards who are presumably Death Eaters. James and Sirius were described by Rowling as "bad boys" and she talked about how this was something sexy that all women loved in men (which I find problematic for a number of reasons), however she doesn't seem to differentiate between youthful rebelliousness and selfish destructiveness. It's something Lupin talks about in PoA when he reflects on their youthful adventures. In any case, James and Sirius weren't rebellious - not in their bullying at school, not in their animagi nights, and not in the prequel. They weren't challenging an unfair authority or status quo, but instead were pursuing their own fun for fun's sake, and other people often get hurt, or come dangerously close to it.

In the prequel they leave the cops vulnerable and without defense with the three DEs who are knocked out and might be back on their feet any minute. Given that Death Eaters torture muggles for sport in canon, this seems like a careless and callous move. I also feel like the Phoenix shirts are a bit cheesy... Dumbledore would never? Is the idea that James and Sirius made the shirts themselves? Or is this just another clumsy literary device that exists for the sake of exposition but doesn't fit the characters all that well? I feel like if the Order did have some kind of gear with their emblem on it, it would be more subtle and also a bit more refined than a t-shirt. The idea of these besties wearing matching shirts is cute, it just feels out of character.

I'm not sure if this was the parallel you meant to draw or were asking about, but as to whether the prequel story takes place while James and Lily are in hiding, I don't think it does. James and Sirius are described as looking like they're in their "late teens" and this seems to be a pretty clear indication from the author that this is the age they're at. James and Lily are killed when they're 21, and they'd been in hiding for about a year according to @said-snape-softly's calcutations in this amazing post (though I need to adjust the timeline a bit because @saintsenara had some great thoughts too in this other post). So even if it was just a year or six months in between, I think the prequel story is set before James and Lily go into hiding.

[seigephoenix]

happy thedasweekend! may i prompt: senna/davrin with "one had a hard day so the other decides to give them a massage to relax them and they just can’t help but fall asleep" from the pillow thoughts list?

Happy Thedas Weekend! I went with Modern AU Senna and Davrin because they fit this prompt. Poor Senna. For @thedasweekend!

Content Warning: wholesome but maybe second hand embarrassment warning Length: ~1k

“I don’t care how much you moan and groan about your neck,” Senna told Davrin as she finished the sandwich she’d made for herself.  They were at his apartment after finishing a brutal shift.  Assan was currently curled up in her lap hoping for crumbs.  Davrin was rolling his shoulder and grumbling about clumsy partners.

“I strained it catching you,” Davrin said but she merely huffed.  Senna adjusted Assan to lay across her shoulders as she went to stand in front of Davrin with her arms crossed.

“I told you to just let me fall.  I’ve taken worse hits before.”  Assan gave a tired meow before resting his head against Senna’s shoulder again.  She couldn’t stand seeing him in pain and it technically was her fault…  “Just this once I’ll help you out.  But no more catching me if I’m about to fall okay?” Senna pointed at his chest.

“Help me out?” Davrin asked as a million possibilities ran through his head.

“You got checked out by the doctor and it isn’t even that bad of a strain.  Just a sore muscle right?” He grimaced and turned his head away from her.  “Hah, I’m right.  So shut up and let me help.”

“Wonderful bedside manner there Thorn.”  Senna snorted at him before skirting around the sofa until she was standing at his back.  “Somehow a massage from you seems threatening.”

“If I wanted to off you there’s better ways to do it.  Snapping your neck seems stupid since you’re stronger than me.”  Senna grinned as Assan hopped off her shoulder to curl up on the back of the couch next to Davrin.  “Now, let me help you out at least.”

“Fine.  But don’t get handsy.”  Senna scoffed at him.  She knew he wouldn’t want her to “get handsy” with him.  After that disastrous fishing excursion he’d become distant.  He’d also been requesting different shifts from her which hurt if she was honest with herself.  Though, she didn’t like seeing him hurt either.  Perhaps working different shifts would be better since he always seemed to get hurt when they worked together.  Am I bad luck?

“In your dreams,” Senna said with just a hint of sarcasm.  She placed her hands on his shoulders before gently kneading into the muscle there.  Senna had learned how to give massages after taking a certification course in massage therapy.  She even had her license but she did it on a dare from Jacek.  Though, it certainly came in handy here.  Her eyes narrowed at how tense he was.  “Sheesh Davrin, you ever think of relaxing once in a while?  Your neck muscles are like rocks.”

Davrin was afraid to breathe let alone move.  Her fingers dug in at just the right spots and heat clenched in his belly.  He reminded himself to keep it professional.  He bit down on the groan rising on his tongue, and instead he closed his eyes to focus on how her hands felt on his shoulders.  Even through his clothes it felt amazing.  Where was Thorn hiding this?  If anyone else figured it out he’d have serious competition.  The thought of that annoyed him.  He let his head drop forward and the exhaustion from the day slowly caught up to him, weighing his eyelids down with each pass of her fingers over his shoulders.

“Davrin?” Senna leaned around and saw his eyes closed.  She narrowed her eyes but his breathing was too even and deep to be fake.  Her eyes rolled skyward and she eased him onto his side on the couch.  “Your back won’t thank you tomorrow.”  She grabbed a blanket and pillow for him.  She grinned at him before leaning down and kissing his temple.  “I like you, you giant jerk.”

She straightened and headed to the kitchen to clean up from dinner and then headed out.  What she said didn’t hit her until she sat in her car and then she covered her face with her hands.  The muffled scream alarmed the couple walking their dog but Senna didn’t care.  She couldn’t believe she’d said the words out loud.  “Thank fuck Davrin was asleep.  I think I’d leave the city if he heard me!”  She wanted to melt into the ground from mortification.

It was too bad though, he was awake the entire time and heard her words.

[aceship-sconesterprise]

In Our Favor

Part 469

McCoy

“Well Leonard, how was your first weekend back to being able to leave campus?”

McCoy smiled as he sat down in front of Lt. Flores’ desk.

“It felt good,” he replied.

“Good enough you’ll be staying out of trouble from now on?” Flores asked with a smirk in his eyes.

“Yes sir,” McCoy laughed.

“Well, what did you do? Paint the town red? No reports?” Flores pretended to shuffle through some PADDs and papers on his desktop.

“We kept it simple. Dinner one night and out with friends the next.”

“Good, good. Where for dinner?”

“Alani’s. It was pretty good.”

“Oh yeah, I’ve been there,” Flores nodded. “Not too far from campus, easy atmosphere for first dates.” The lieutenant smiled. McCoy had learned that Flores had a vibrant personal life, and kept his hopes up of finding a partner to share it with.

“Anyone new?” McCoy asked curiously.

Flores sighed and shook his head.

“Well I’m sure someone’s out there for you sir,” said McCoy politely.

Flores scoffed but grinned. “Says the one who got married before he became a cadet.”

McCoy smiled self-deprecatingly and shrugged. “Everyone’s different.”

“True,” Flores agreed. He reached for a nearby PADD. “You did better in the sim last week,” he said, flicking through screens on the PADD.

“Seeing Dr. Cuthbert after class on Thursdays is helping I think.”

“It must be.” Flores handed the PADD across the desk. “Last term and this,” he said, interpreting the data for McCoy. “I know it’s only been a few weeks, but especially notice Fridays. You had steady- slow- but steady growth before, but now Fridays have an even more distinct improvement. Even just Thursday to Friday you seem more settled.”

McCoy nodded as he looked at the screen. It wasn’t much, but warmth spread in his chest at Flores’ pride in his accomplishments.

“How are your other classes going?” Flores asked.

McCoy hoped Scotty was in the room as he typed in the door code. He’d had a good meeting with Flores and was feeling almost positive about flying after what the lieutenant had shown him. He was looking forward to sharing it with his husband.

The prince smiled as the door opened. Scotty was at his desk.

“Hey darlin’,” McCoy called as the door shut behind him. He set his things on his desk and crossed over to his husband. “How was the rest of your day? Oh. What happened?”

Scotty had turned to him with a weak smile that didn’t reach his eyes. McCoy frowned and reached back to pull his own desk chair over.

“Ye remember the big engineering project with Admiral Winston?”

“Of course,” McCoy said. “The one we were hoping would help get us in good with her.”

Scotty sighed as his smile faded away. “Aye. Well Lt. Flemming announced today who’s going.”

“Oh,” McCoy said softly as he understood. “I’m sorry leannan.”

Scotty sighed again. “Aporal isn’t going either. I’m sure it’s still part of our punishment.”

“That isn’t fair—” McCoy began.

“Aye, and if we did get to go, someone else would say it wasn’t fair after we keep ignoring the rules.”

“That’s not fair either,” McCoy frowned.

“Keens and Jaylah are going at least, and they’ll tell us all about it.”

McCoy nodded, then leaned forward to hug Scotty tightly. “You deserve to have gone. You’re the best engineer they have.”

“Len—” Scotty protested.

“I say it’s true, and I’m a prince.” McCoy pulled back from the hug and raised an eyebrow, daring Scotty to disagree. Finally Scotty chuckled.

“Fine ye mad man.”

Part 470

Scotty

"I've heard that you and Keenser will soon be taking part in the big project you guys always talked about. I'm happy for the two of you. Do you have any more information yet?" Leonard asked Jaylah when they sat down for dinner. He knew that Scotty didn't want them to avoid the subject completely.

"There will be a meeting tomorrow after class to discuss everything. We'll find out when it starts, what our tasks will be and how long the excursion will last," Jaylah said. She already sounded a little happier and more motivated than before and Scotty smiled at her. He was really happy for her.

"Sounds good. I really hope you'll enjoy it."

"I'm sure we will." Jaylah sighed and glanced briefly at Aporal, who was sitting next to her. "I just wish we could all go together. We have worked so hard for this."

"There will be other projects to come. And if we follow all the rules by then, I'm sure Aporal and I will be allowed to take part too," Scotty tried to cheer his alien friend up.

"The instructors know how good we are. And they won't be able to punish us forever," agreed Aporal.

"Who's punishing you?" Jim looked questioningly from one to the other as he and Spock sat down.

Scotty let out a sigh.

"That's a long story. Better not ask, Jimbo."

Jim blinked in surprise, then shrugged his shoulders.

"Oh, okay. But if anyone wants to tell me anything, feel free. Maybe I can help in some way?"

Aporal just smiled wryly.

"You can't solve every problem, Captain."

"Well, that might be true, but... at least I can try. After all, that's my future job."

Scotty smiled at his blond friend. If anyone was suited for the position as a starship captain, it just had to be Jim.

"So, how was yer talk with Lt. Flores? Ye were so worried about me earlier that ye didn't tell me," Scotty asked once Leonard and him were back to their room.

The prince smirked.

"Well, we talked about the usual," he replied and Scotty couldn't help but chuckle. He knew about the flight instructor's search for the perfect partner. Leonard had told him all about it, but they were keeping it to themselves and didn't tell other friends.

"Oh?"

"Yeah, well, I told him about our dinner on Saturday and he said that it's a nice place for first dates. But at the moment there's no one in sight for him."

"Aww man, I feel so sorry for him. He seems to be a very nice lad, but he just cannae find anyone. Maybe we should try to set him up with Lt. Flemming," Scotty mused with a grin on his face and Leonard laughed.

"She's very pretty, but I think she might be a bit too young for him."

"Oh, come on, Len. They are not *that* far apart. And in the end, age is just a number. Maybe they would get along very well."

Leonard grinned.

"What is it with you wanting everyone close to us to become a couple?"

Scotty shrugged.

"Love is all around us since we became a pair. Robbie and Leah, Jim and Spock, Jaylah and Aporal – it seems like our love has a magical impact on others as well."

Leonard smiled and took a step forward to kiss his husband on the lips.

"Well... it might be worth a try. After all, we want our instructors to be happy, don't we?"

"Aye, we do."

[inchidentally]

(sorry for editing to keep things out of tags) (also preface that I ship pretty much anyone with anyone but that car lando, land oscar and char los are by far my favorites)

ok first and foremost I have to laugh so hard at them choosing Lando and Oscar?? as "pure PR" when

car|ando is quite LITERALLY used as Formula 1 PR ?? the official accounts of Ferr/ari, Mc|aren, Carlos' personal socials, Quad|rant,LN 4, F1, TV networks, Netflix and DTS,the whole of the Vegas race and every. single. sponsor. use car|ando to boost visibility. that's not a commentary on the validity of their friendship at all but it is quite literally a PR bromance that rakes in views and engagement

let's all be honest here the Mc|aren media folks are still hardcore car|ando people and can only bring themselves to remember the land|oscar ship name once in a blue moon (I have mixed feelings about that but I'm also not a fan of containment breaches so ig I'm relieved one of my ships isn't used as social media corporate currency??)

people's biggest complaint/compliment (depending on who's speaking) for Oscar is that he doesn't play up for cameras the way Carlos and Daniel do and struggles at PR !! literally he was only a little bit better at this in Prema and only because he'd known most of those boys for 5+ years already and their audience was tiny!

every single comment from a non fandom F1 fan on land|oscar content is how unusually shy Lando is around Oscar or how Oscar needs to "come out of his shell" and "not make Lando work so hard"

and Daniel "Mr. F1 PR Department" Ricc|ardo????? are they seriously saying Lando and Oscar (who are still trying to figure out how much they can even casually touch each other) are PR when Daniel and dan|do ticks every single bromance box????

like who the hell but a twitter user who ships rpf like it's a government conspiracy would pick land|oscar out of all Lando ships for a fake or publicity friendship when they literally don't do any of the pretend gay stuff or the horseplay or the memes etc. that is literally the wildest take I've heard in yeARS

anyway as usual I thought creepily deeply into this and decided to spend my time unable to sleep typing an essay weeeeeeeeee

see I was mostly lurking part time during the dando era so I wasn't sure but fr why isn't there this "competition" between dando and carlando like there is with carlando landoscar?? dando was MAJOR gay fandom service by comparison and they've consistently spent more time together outside of racing weekends and hobbies than Lando and Carlos since Carlos has always spent most of his travel and downtime during the season with Isa and now Rebecca. Daniel and Lando go on little excursions together even now and he was with Lando much longer as a teammate than Carlos.

so for people who've left reality to the point of thinking these men are in a genuine secret gay romance competition for Lando… surely Daniel/dando should be the ultimate enemy number one?? especially when evidence immediately surfaced that Carlos' thirst posts on Lando's bday were his side of the thirst posts Rebecca did the same day from their holiday right after the Brazilian GP, whereas Daniel took Lando with him in a small group of close friends to the desert after Vegas. if I were someone who thought that all F1 girlfriends are "PR escorts" - or whatever bullshit is the latest sexist woman-hating theory of choice - then I'd be so mad at Carlos for "ditching" Lando for Rebecca and then Daniel posting not one but two beautiful, moody pics of traveling with him. forget that Lando only reposted Oscar's birthday post, surely Daniel posting on the account he only made because of Lando with a camera he only bought because of Lando pictures OF LANDO is the biggest source of betrayal !!

I just. cannot imagine wanting rpf to be this exhausting and enraging when you can just ship all of them and also not create conspiracy theories about girlfriends that keep getting disproved at every turn.

but yeah as anon #2 said it's not even like carlando are super close friends outside of F1 (as Lando himself said) the way George and Alex are but I don't see anyone in rages about galex or their irl relationships or saying they can't be shipped with any other driver?? maybe I just don't see it on my feeds but it's definitely not as big a deal as the carlando exclusivity stuff that's been bubbling up everywhere.

and exactly! as sweet as it is that Lando and Carlos pair up in the few moments the drivers are all doing media duties etc together it's also what every. other. driver. is doing with their buddies. sometimes they stand in larger groups but those moments are when they get to catch up with guys outside their own team. Oscar and Logan find each other every single time and a lot of that time they spend away from the other drivers. Max and Charles, Yuki and Pierre, Esteban and Lance etc etc. much as I would love it if this implied that all of these driver friends are suckin and fuckin their bros on the DL it's tragically not the case.

I feel like maybe?? carlando as a ship developed into part of the fans going larries level of problematic is because the Lando they watched with Carlos was so young and literally formed a lot of his F1 persona around Carlos. that version of Lando is basically a handy self-insert for fans worshiping Carlos.

as we know Carlos does NOT view himself as the number 2 driver even when he in every technical sense is. so it speaks to just how much of a little uncooked chicken nugget Lando was during their season together that Carlos has never once viewed Lando as competition and even now sees him as a lil cub kind of like Max V does with Lando. they're happy Lando succeeds but he's not classed in with the guys they really get pissed off with or perceive as threatening.

Lando talked here about how he spent a lot of that first season in F1 anxious about his performance compared to Carlos and his own future in F1 and that he largely had to work to put on a smiley face for the cameras. I actually think that entire first half of the clip is a great example of how the carlando chemistry came from Carlos being someone who loves being silly and laughing a lot in his time off the track and how convenient that was for Lando to help hide how much he was going through privately. when the media decided that Lando is meant to be adorable and silly all the time, someone as easy to get along with as Carlos was perfect timing. did nothing for Lando's actual personal struggle behind the scenes but it kept up a solid boundary between Lando and the media. I can't find it now but there's that old interview of Carlos being dismayed at Lando one day being sullen and quiet even when Carlos tried to joke with him - he was half kidding but Lando looked a bit uncomfortable and said "yeah I don't know why I'm like that sometimes". then it just got joked off as Lando being a moody teenager (which Lando visibly didn't really like).

so like, this is what their relationship has always been! Carlos represents a place Lando can go to and not have his demons or his problems follow him. and for someone who has always been used to physical affection, Carlos' lack of boundaries has always been extremely welcome as an endorphins boost.

but let's be honest here that's exactly the same super physically comfortable chemistry Carlos had even with Max and now has with Charles. I know the charlos of it all is probably a whole other hornets nest but fact is that to Carlos, Charles is equally a grown man to him and they can do the whole european buddies jokey flirting thing without it being weird. not the same as with Lando…

I've got to point out that when you look at comments not from fangirls, carlando as a "ship" is seen by F1 fans as big brother and baby brother or even dad and son relationship. this video was recently posted again from the stream where Carlos very firmly shut down people asking him to kiss Lando. whereas he'll jokingly ask Charles for a kiss and call him "darling" while being pretend domestic together. it's pretty damn clear that Carlos will joke about the bromance with Lando to an extent but Lando is The Baby and a little brother. Carlos wants to take care of Lando and he does not view him as a contemporary the way he does with Charles.

and considering Lando still suffers from the same anxieties and getting stuck in his own head, I've said before how I love that hanging with Carlos can still clear those cobwebs away. they can golf or just chat about any old bullshit and Lando can escape whatever is hanging over him for a while.

I truly do not know why people find that very real relationship insufficiently sweet and amazing and think that imagining them to be secret boyfriends is so much better ?? I mean absolutely rpf it the way I do for fun! but how bad does someone's gaydar have to be to think Carlos would have a single clue what to do with a penis that's not his own lfhajhfsa. American fans need to spend some time watching European friend groups and realize the insecure nohomo thing does NOT exist outside the US.

idk how many girlfriends have to get harassed or how far the media will push it before Lando or Carlos actually get sick of the whole ship thing but I think I speak for all rational carlando fans when I say that it's well past time to throw this whole conspiracy theory away. folks need to enjoy their friendship and ship them how you want for fun but don't push this thing to the point of even more discomfort. or worse make them change their behavior to get the focus off of them.

especially when you come to the landoscar of it all and deciding that it's a battle of the rpf ships. we've all seen those delusions in other fandoms result in baffling amount of hate that cross over into real life and how ugly it gets. carlando comments are already pretty out of control on Lando content that doesn't even remotely involve Carlos and it's bleeding onto McLaren content that involves Oscar.

I guess if I really make a few leaps in lofic then I can maaaaybe kind of see ? where that insecurity is coming from with those shippers. I do not understand it but if I had to guess it's possibly that we're seeing a totally different side of Lando than usual since he's been teammates with Oscar. and that for once, Lando's growth isn't dictated or based on his teammate being a big PR personality.

professionally he has said many times he's been pushed by Oscar into his own best F1 season yet. he's also matured a huge amount when it comes to his own failures and we've never heard him be so grown up and balanced as when he talks about how happy he is for Oscar and McLaren that Oscar got the sprint win before he did. that the "hurt" he feels over it is entirely because he is angry at himself for making mistakes. him doing the season farewell video and being able to ruefully joke but be genuinely proud of Oscar is so different from little Lando slumped and barely clapping during Carlos' departing speech or Lando looking out of it and a bit annoyed when Daniel would still try to do jokes after a particularly brutal result. Lando is behaving on his own terms in his own team now. he's The Guy.

Lando's grown UP. we're seeing a very finished article in him. and it's not because he's reacting to who Oscar is it's because Oscar's just letting him be. he's seen Oscar choose not to fake it or play up for the media and realized 'oh! I can be upset or depressed if I feel like it and not dance like a puppet when people want me to be fun and silly!'. he saw Oscar's urgency to prove himself after finally getting a seat and Lando realized that Oscar was just assuming that Lando would default be the superior! he saw Oscar backing away or leaving room for Lando to be the fan favorite and Lando's natural instinct was actually to let himself be quieter and take up only as much space as he wanted to! he's spent the whole season being asked to be an F1 global representative all on his own with no bromance attached and Oscar is there back at the garage or the McLaren motor home smiling and congratulating him like always!

in short, Lando suddenly has room and space to be whatever he chooses and Oscar has been open to any and all of it. they became immediate competition for each other without needing to hastily construct a friendship or bromance to negotiate it. Oscar shrugs off his own disappointments and doesn't gloat or overdo his achievements and oh! isn't it nice that he isn't expecting anything from Lando except respect! Lando doesn't have to navigate anyone else!

that's why I refer to them as sort of I guess a plantonic crush? I did this equally huge and weird post about this here. Oscar has admired Lando for a long time and Lando has absolutely loved having a teammate who doesn't view him as a baby or a kid brother. Lando is so intrigued by how calm and solid and strong Oscar is and Oscar still cannot quite believe Lando is right there in his life and as his teammate. the little cautious dance they're doing is absolutely precious but also because it's so intensely earnest. they both have such big long term plans for themselves and they are so happy to be working on those together that they aren't doing the whole let's find a schtick or do a bromance thing. if it takes them a long time to settle what their relationship is then so what!

and I guess for people who want to think that Carlos and Lando's friendship is 'superior' to every other relationship in their lives (as if Max F will ever be dethroned in Lando's life) it's got to take the already unstable mindset and upset it even more to see Lando personally growing into someone they don't really recognize and at least in some part because of Oscar.

because the carlando shipping that I see from these more extreme people (and I fully acknowledge they're a loud minority) basically eradicates Lando's agency and identity outside of finding Carlos hilarious or hot. they misinterpret Carlos being the authoritative role into Carlos being fully in control of carlando and Lando basically dancing to his tune and reacting to him. they never post the serious, slightly darker side of Lando because it's typically not associated with Carlos. unless it's Lando missing Carlos or upset that Carlos isn't around lol.

so I can only imagine that Oscar's arrival coinciding with a more mature and focused Lando who allows himself to want to be taken seriously and no longer spends all of his on-camera time screeching with laughter or flailing around is ummm not to the taste of those people. Lando still has screeching fits sometimes but he's overall a much calmer person and it's nice to know that when he laughs with Oscar it's always genuine since Oscar has no idea how to play up for laughs. it's probably why Those Fans are now aggressively posting Lando and Carlos doing the driver's parade together (again, among all the other paired off drivers lol) with "ALWAYS TOGETHER" AND "ALWAYS COMING BACK TO EACH OTHER" as if fate is trying to stop carlando from being the only thing that matters. because I guess in their minds, Lando can't just be believed when he says that Carlos is an F1 buddy the way other guys have F1 buddies and Lando can't grow up and have a personal best year without Singapore being solely about carlando and how Carlos took care of him (fuck off???? Lando would've gotten P2 or P3 anyway bc he had an excellent race??) and Lando won't be heard when he says actually Silverstone was his favorite race not Singapore because Carlos Carlos Carlos.

of course Lando can't have found a new kind of friend and teammate in a guy like Oscar who is wholly unlike Carlos in every single way imaginable because that would mean there are parts of Lando that don't suit Carlos and carlando. it would also imply that Oscar is a better teammate for Lando than Carlos was (which is true) and that oh no if Lando is no longer pining for Carlos to be his teammate again (he isn't and he said so) then that means Lando exists outside of carlando and that means they're gonna have to pile extra hard onto proving every single instance where carlando is still one of the most important things in Lando's life (it isn't and that wouldn't be healthy). it would also imply that purely platonic friendship between Carlos and Lando is basically pointless no no they've got to be fucking and in romantic love that's what makes them special not just the fact that they love being in each other's company and have full and happy lives outside each other.

I just.

reaalllly hope it all calms down soon and they leave Oscar out of this mess.

and thank FUCK Oscar's gf Lily has been fully accepted by landoscar fans from the start because the amount of vile hate and petty exclusion Rebecca is receiving makes it honestly a little bit hard for me to be ra ra carlando even just for fun right now.

will it stop me being carlando trash in the tags? no. but my conscience is cringing a bit.

[fake-guns-blazing]

reasonable: i didn’t like this album. it feels overproduced and sort of sterile, like it’s missing the grit that i’m used to hearing from this artist. the lyrics were lacking in complexity, and as someone who likes to analyze the meaning of songs, that was disappointing to me

batshit insane: hi, i’m joey bastardino, the united states east coast’s premier self-declared authority on what constitutes real music. while i could very well have exercised my sardonic wit and affinity for simile and metaphor to produce the next catch-22, i realized last night as i flagged down the baby-faced bartender at a dingy dive that reeked of pitch and unrealized aspirations and pressed him to prepare me a drink with a story behind it that what the world really needed was another contentious critique of a recent musical effort that placated the parochial palate, but could only ever fail to satisfy me.

to press "play" on [x artist's] latest LP is to strike fool's gold. drawn in by its metallic luster, the listener's sensibilities are roused by the album's opening track, a softly glittering glimpse of what promises to be an extraordinary discovery. even i, ever the cynic, was initally deceived—but the shimmering façade quickly begins to collapse, and any momentum generated by [x artist's] desperate cry for attention disguised as music is lost as the third track grinds to a screeching halt. while the average listener mindlessly folds his hands and waits in hopes that the train will start again, the conscious thinker starts searching for a way out of the tunnel.

[x artist's] frontman posted on social media on the eve of the album's release, waxing poetic about the process of creating this dreadful disasterpiece and puzzlingly professing himself to be proud of it. "please, show us some love," he implored anyone who might listen, and his brainwashed mob of snot-nosed brats delivered in astounding volume. within the first week of its release, the album sold nearly two million copies around the globe and climbed to the top of numerous charts, infiltrating the musical ecosystem like an invasive species and choking out the native flora and fauna. is this what we, as a culture, have come to celebrate? have millions of people come to accept these "gifts" of flaking, tarnished pyrite passed off as real gold, nose-blind to the stench of sulfur? as i peruse the photos from my weekend sailing excursion, searching for the perfect few to post on facebook, i realize i may never understand these brutish modern minds: i can only endeavor to remind them, perhaps in vain, that not all that glitters is gold.

Next up | 10 min read A Look at the Charts: Whose Top 40 Is This?!

[landinrris]

TAYLORRRRRR! I just read chapter 2 and I am OBSESSED! I was just wondering, are the necklaces (the pearls and the Bahrain one) canon? And if so, do you have pictures of Lando wearing them?

I love everything you write and I can’t wait for the next chapters!

Ahhh I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I can't wait to keep sharing more. The two necklaces definitely exist, one more "canon" than the other in its origin.

The Bahrain one I referred to is the one Lando's been wearing noticeably since pre-season testing this year. It's the little charm/wheel-looking thing he puts on different chains (you'll have to open the photos and probably zoom in a bit). Someone in the discord once said it looked like it showed up after the big Sainz + Lando golf excursion around that time. We don't actually have any proof that they bought it together/if anyone bought it for him, but I adopted it as my own that Carlos bought him.

As for the pearl necklace, technically we don't know if he bought it in New York either, but he showed up in Canada after being with Martin and co. with it. I don't think we've seen it past that weekend sadly, but I did have an aneurysm seeing it for the first time while at that race.

[gurokichi]

Guess who's happy because finally something good happens in her pathetic and boring life? :D

Yeah it's me, Unnamed anon, did you miss me Bon? :P (a part of me thinks that you don't, but the other part hopes that you do)

I'm REALLY sorry for not send an ask this recent days, but so many things happen last week that I didn't have the time to send you an ask.

And I know what you would say "why didn't you just message me?", well I know that I could do that but I decided to not do that.

Because I really wanted to tell you everything, and if I message you there would be a good possibility that you wouldn't answer me so, I decided to send an ask instead! :D

And to be honest, I miss you Bon, even if we don't talk that much (for the hour difference, you know that), I still miss talking to you, or sending you an ask.

Buuut leaving that aside, be prepared because I wouldn't stop typing until I finished to say everything that happens to me these days >:D (I know myself very well and I know that I would feel embarrassed after a few hours later so, I'm going to take advantage that I don't feel embarrassed or nervous right now, if you don't want to read all of this is fine Bon, I just really wanted to say this to someone, specifically you :3)

So to start all of this rambling I want to say that I don't go to class today, it was raining so much in my home so my father decided to not send me to school :D (is still raining at the moment that I write this though) and because of that, I have the time of the word to do everything I didn't do in the weekend :D

Ok so, Friday was the day where a lot of things happened, But first I have to clarify something, remember when I told you that the tour that we were going to do on my birthday was canceled and moved to another day?, Well, as it turns out, that day ended up being last Friday, and basically all week we were trying to get ready for the trip.

Basically we went to the ninth department of my country, to see the things that were there, because we were on an excursion dah (so we were going to see a fucking soccer game xd).

First I have to mention that we had to arrive early, like 5 am, the point is that it had to be before 6 am because at that time we were going to leave, And since I hardly sleep at all, it was easy for me to wake up early... I woke up at 3 am... Yeah, my sleep schedule sucks, I know, but well, leaving that aside I waited an hour or so and then at 4:47 I decided to wake my dad up, and then the typical thing for every day, I ate my breakfast, brush my teeth, bathe, get dressed, you know the typical thing to do when you go out somewhere.

And when I got to school it was really cold, it was even drizzling a little, luckily I wore my hoodie that day so I wasn't cold, and when I arrived there was hardly anyone, really, there were so few people that it was even strange.

But after a certain time, during which time my dad (Yup my dad came with me, he is some... Overprotective I could say) talk to the Coordinator, telling her to take care of me with her life because he didn't want something bad to happen to me, I ate an empanada, and my dad bought me some strawberry cookies, and then finally the others arrived but more importantly, the Bus arrived, one of the two groups at least (because not only those in my class were going to go, otherwise two more classes were going to go, so they were going to be two groups, because obviously there would be no room for three classes in one together).

And after I got on the first bus, I talked a little with my dad, I drew (because I had brought a notebook to write down everything I would learn on the trip, spoiler: I hardly ever used it xd) and after another time in which the second bus arrived, we finally went on the long-awaited excursion.

I'm not going to stop every time we go down for certain needs, such as going to the bathroom (which happens almost all the time, wtf rhyme xd, although only in Spanish is it understood but still xd), or going to eat something, but I want to highlight two things, the first: I didn't go to the bathroom, literally throughout the tour I didn't go to the bathroom even once, and the second: at one point I changed of bus to go to the second one, because there was one of my friends (it almost seems like the only one I have xd) and his mom, who go with him on the tour, and well I stayed in the second one bus for the rest of the tour.

The first place we visited was a museum, which was special because there were the remains of what was once the iron factory “la rosada”, this factory was responsible for creating a barrel made entirely of iron, iron which was melted to be able to use metal, although the barrel that was in the Museum was a replica, the real one is in the hands of Brazilians, because they took the barrel as one of the trophies for the Triple Alliance war, and I better stop here because I don't want to bore you with a history class Bon xd.

The second place we visited was a park, which was connected to a huge stream, and there I realized that not only we were there, there were children from other schools as well, the park was also where we had lunch, and for the first time in a long time, I ordered a second course, which I never do, you could tell that I was very hungry huh? Xd.

That's also where I got the dirtiest xd, if in itself I got a little dirty in the Museum, there in the park I not only got dirty but I also got wet xd, it's just that the stream was too tempting, how could I not get wet? (Ok this is sounds really bad ;-;), but I still had a lot of fun in the stream, since I didn't go to one a long time ago :D.

And the third place we visited was a hill, and God the climb was TOO exhausting, and on top of that I'm not the person with the best physical condition in the world, so you can imagine what I suffered climbing there, there wasn't much, but it was still fun to be there (even though the climb was insufferable), I had the opportunity to throw stones from above :D (“but unnamed anon, you're afraid of heights-” shh, shut up).

And well, after all that we finally went back to school, I have to say that during the excursion I slept like three times, and that on the bus two weons kept singing whatever stupid thing they could think of or were asked to do, it was very funny, and after several hours, we finally arrived at school around 7 pm, we arrived late, but well, after that I arrived at my house, changed, and after telling my dad what happened on the trip (skipping certain things too) I went to my room and started watching YouTube.

And well, that's what happened on Friday (skipping several things, such as the fact that the pen I took with me on the tour exploded without me realizing it, and Yup, it was a disaster inside the bag I was carrying that day), Not much happened on the weekend, just me seeing things from vocaloid and utau, learning about 3d modeling (don't ask me why, because I don't even know xd) and well, things like that, but I'm still happy (which is strange that it lasts so long xd).

Wow, I think this is the first time I rambling in so long, but I can't think of anything else to say, so for now that's all! :D

I'm sorry if I write to much, I know that I could just message you instead of send you an ask but, it's just that I wanted to tell you everything! (And I couldn't help but think that i'm being annoying, which knowing you, you wouldn't think that way, I think that I say this already,did i?), so that's why I write this much today, that and the fact that I miss you! :D

But I think I'm done for now, so bye Bon! :D

-Unnamed anon (it feels so good saying that again :"D)

Wahhh, your life isn't pathetic and boring. Don't say that!! And welcome back; I did miss you!! It's okay; you don't have to apologize for not sending an ask. Truth be told, I've been pretty exhausted and haven't really had the energy for answering asks until recently. I totally understand not having the time to send something in, but it's always appreciated when you do! Giggling, if you wanted to message me, you could've. I would've tried my best to respond... I am just forgetful and space it sometimes. And aw, thank you. That makes me happy to hear you've missed me <3

You typed A LOT!! Wowowow. You really meant it when you said you wouldn't stop typing. And no need to be nervous or embarrassed about sending me anything; I'd never judge ^^ Aah, I love rain. I'm so jealous! I'm gonna steal your weather, ehehe. I hope that you got everything you wanted to do done. It seems like you had a very fun trip... I don't have much to say right now because you explained most of the questions I thought of, and I'm pretty tired. I didn't wanna leave you waiting for too long. I enjoyed reading this, though! I don't mind you sending long asks; I just may not have the longest responses, like now. I promise you that you aren't annoying, and if anyone says otherwise, I'll beat them up for you. Bye bye! (^^)/

[guerrerense]

Now arriving.... por Kevin Madore Por Flickr: After a roughly 30 minute trip on the park's 3-mile, narrow gauge loop, the former WP&YR Locomotive #190 brings the Tweetsie Railroad's excursion train back to the platform, where the current passengers will disembark, and the train will take on a fresh group of patrons. This crossing, near the locomotive shop, is one of the few places in the park where you can potentially get an unobstructed, 3/4 angle photo of the locomotive, but it requires some persistence, some luck, and a little help. Normally, this location is swarming with patrons, and a train time, several railroad personnel will stand in the crossing to physically obstruct anyone who might wander too close to the tracks. On this particular day, the railroad was holding its annual "Rail Heritage Weekend" and a group of photographers literally formed a solid photo line, which pretty much kept the area clear, at least for a few seconds at the critical moment. That left only the young trainman, who had arrived to protect the crossing, and who kindly stepped aside as the locomotive arrived.