#why did treasure have to come on right when I opened the post

[tecnestheim962]

Thank you for this. I’m going to go cry now. And probably scream. Did I mention crying? Cause there will be a lot of that

"It's okay, it's okay, you're still here." "It's okay, it's okay, I'm right here."

[lovetei]

AaAaaaHHHHHH I loved your “Things that the citizens of the Devildom witnessed that will prove that this Human have the characters at their beck and call” post lol :P

Could you plssssss do it w the side characters? Especially barbatos I love him. He’s my bbg lol

Sure, I'm actually just waiting for someone to request it :P

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Things that the citizens of the Devildom witnessed that will prove that this Human have the characters at their beck and call

Versions: Demon Brothers, Side Characters

Warnings: Slight yandere themes (Barbatos, Simeon)

Links: Masterlist

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DIAVOLO

He doesn't actually like going around

Sure, it's mentioned a lot of times that he want to visit this or that

But only if you or the others are willing to come with him

Otherwise it's as boring as doing paperworks

He won't even come out to meet important personalities

They need to come to the castle themselves because there's no damn way Diavolo will actually use effort to meet people he's actually not too close to.

But when it's you?

Damn, you better bet the moment you told him "Hey, Diavolo... I'm kind of stuck in the plaza and the brothers are surely too busy to pick me up so can you send me a driver..?"

How dare you ask for a driver?

When he's literally right there?

The moment the words "I'm kind of stuck in the plaza-" He's already in his most luxurious car starting it to get his future spouse

Hell, he'll even bought a flower before getting to you

And you two will make a scene

And you two will surely make it to the news tomorrow

He'll arrive to the place in something quite formal yet still casual

With a bouquet of flowers in his hands

Like the perfect future husband he is

And open the door for you to get in

And if you're asking why Barbados didn't do anything against him...

Well, he's got a few mouse friends there for help.

Anyways, enjoy the ride

And sign the marriage papers

Please

BARBATOS

His power holds such an important role for Diavolo

He's such a powerful "demon"

It would actually be quite nice if you were just a little more closer to him

But if you are...

He's willing to use this oh so important power for you like it's just a mere toy

You fell on the stairs and someone saw it? Reversed.

You failed a test? Reversed.

You made the wrong decision? Reversed.

If Diavolo actually saw how much he's rambling the time lines just for you he'll go insane.

Hell, he'll pass out when he knows that Barbatos is letting you use his power like he's some hourglass!

But Barbatos knows you

And he likes you

He knows that someone like you won't actually take advantage of his power like that

And would always choose to do things without it

He knows that he's your last resort

And he loves it

He loves that fact that you treasure his power so much

That you treasure him so much...

His power might seem to be the most important tool for you among the other abilities the brothers and the others gave you

And so that basically puts him above the food chain

And he'll stay there

He'll make sure you will view him as important as right now

For all internity

SIMEON

He treasures himself and the people around him so much

But mostly himself

Because that's what father told them to do

He treat his body like the temple of god

He'll walk around the Devildom with pride in himself

Not too much but not too less

He knows his worth

So when he met you

Such a wonderful human

He will also teach you how to put pride in yourself

And always be proud on what you're doing

And then he'll start to get drawn to you

The body he oh so treasured now treated like a toy for you

He once valued naturality but maybe using this makeup you love so much will make him appear more attractive?

"Oh, Simeon? Did you use some foundation and mascara?! That looks so good on you!"

Yes, MC.

Just look at him

It all started with dressing up more for you

Then it escalated

The body he once didn't let anyone touch is now open for you

Just for you

Hold his hand

Grab his waist

And use his shoulders

Ha...

God won't punish him for a little touch now would he..?

SOLOMON

He's shady and he knows it

It's been so long and he's been around may too many people

He doesn't know who to trust anymore

And who to be honest with

He always have to keep himself alarmed and ready

Because that's what the past taught him to do

And that's what the present is telling him to do

Oh, another human?

How nice...

He just hope you don't end up like him

Overly conscious

You know what... He'll help you

He doesn't want a human to fall to the same hole he is right now

He thought that he'll be the one to guide you

He didn't know that you'll guide him...

And now he's willing to do anything for you

He's willing to follow you anywhere

He's willing to give you anything

He's willing to be your loyal servant

Just like Barbatos, he's willing to use everything he have just keep you by his side

Whether it be human, demon, angel connections, money or power

It can be anything and he'll give it you

To the human who showed him the light once again.

MEPHISTOPHELES

He's a private person

That's why he has a whole ass room reserved just for him in the academy

It can't help but have his blood boiling whenever one of the brothers barging into his room unannounced

The sense of nervousness won't leave him whenever Diavolo came to visit him

And the mixed feelings when the other exchange students decided to drop by

But when you enter his room

The light started to get a little darker

And the atmosphere turned into something heavier yet more comforting feeling

Have you drank anything you're not supposed to drink human?

What's this atmosphere around you human?

Did you... Cast a spell on him human?

To be honest

It'll be better for him to know that you cast a love spell on him

Than for him to consciously know that he's falling for you

Falling for the human others already love

But he can't help but say "Why don't you stay a little longer, MC?" Whenever you drop by.

"You can stay and do your assignments or whatever here. I have a vast collection of books you might need."

It might be selfish but why don't you stay a little longer?

Stay inside this private room with him

And only him.

RAPHAEL

He's known as a hitman

And his job down here is to probably spy on Simeon or Lucifer

But this weird human caught his eyes...

Maybe he should spy on you too?

Hmm... Why are you so different?

Are you the premium version of human?

But either way...

He saw how tired you were after each day ends

It looks like this place have sucked any living hope and energy out of you

So he took this as a problem and decided to come up with a solution

He decided to help you run around errands and even take some of your work loads

Gosh... You're so busy

So tiring

Sometimes you two will just find yourself in the dark and unused alley of the school

Sitting on the floor with each others head on your shoulder

You'd mutter "So tired..." And he will pat your head to help you at least have a few minutes of nap between work.

And before he knows it

It became a habit for the two of you

Instead of going to the dark alley you decided to take some nap in the cafeteria and even on empty classrooms

The Brothers will not found you two scattered all over the academy sleeping on each other

And before he even noticed

Whenever the slightest danger occurs he's already jumping in front of you and pushing you back as he shield your fragile body

THIRTEEN

She's such a trouble maker

And you're an expert in keeping trouble makers in line

And Thirteen will make sure she don't follow that line!

She keeps on pulling pranks

Traps here

Traps there

Gosh will she ever stop

Then one day you got so busy that your usual scolding for her didn't happened

Not even once

She felt empty without your nagging voice I guess?

But that doesn't matter!

At least, now, no one will stop her from doing what she loves!

No one...

Will stop her?

But who will scold her when she's about to do an extremely dangerous prank where she might get hurt?

Who will treat her wounds when she accidentally scratched her with one of her schemes?

It's been just a few days without your nagging voice and she's already at your doorstep in the middle of a night on a weekend asking

"Are you ignoring me?"

"Why aren't you talking to me anymore?"

"Are you tired of me now..?"

It feels like she'll start crying if she says anything more so you just denied everything and said that your schedule have been fully packed

Even saying that you're a new member of the council so you became more busy

She felt so embarrassed after that

But she started to treasure your relationship more

And maybe...

Waiting in the line is not that big of a deal if it's for you...

[coralinnii]

Leaving a kiss mark on him…and how long did it take for him to realize  feat: Kalim · Cater · Idia · Rook  genre: fluff note: not gender-specific reader (everyone is allowed to wear lipstick), no pronouns, established relationships,

Me: I have to study, I have mountains of assignments and projects to do! *hides in tumblr to avoid study anxiety* can I just fail my classes and say I tried? T_T

I'm starting to enjoy Rook mostly cuz I can go ham with the romantic words or as Idia would probably call it "cringe worthy crap"

Until recess, when Jamil points it out

This ball of sunshine is too  giddy in your presence to notice anything. How do you expect him to pay attention to anything when you’re laughing and chatting with him before the start of class. The two of you parted ways with Kalim having a big grin on his face, never realizing you left an obvious imprint on your love on his cheek. 

Kalim would never think that the loud chattering in the hallways were about him, ignorant of the stares of the other students as he waves to them happily. Some whispered how embarrassing it must be if he ever finds out, some muttered what a lucky b*stard he was. 

Said lucky b*stard stayed oblivious even in class as no one felt the need to risk being called out in class by informing the white-haired Housewarden. Trein of course saw the mark on the boy but kept silent over it, deciding to let young love be. 

The kiss mark was finally brought to Kalim’s attention when he met with Jamil in the cafeteria, the vice Housewarden shocked by the image but soon replaced with an exasperated sigh. Jamil pulled out a compact mirror (I’m 110% sure Jamil is the type to carry one) and pointed to the Asim heir’s cheek.

Kalim was ecstatic at what he saw and why wouldn’t he? His beautiful treasure just left a cute reminder on his cheek and just seeing the mark makes him remember your kiss which makes him giddy once more. 

Jamil had to practically fight Kalim to wipe the kiss mark off his face. He can’t let the Asim family find out their oldest son was walking around with such an embarrassing appearance. 

But Jamil isn’t gonna have a break from this as Kalim would just run back to you and ask you to leave your mark on him once more. 

“Come on, do it again! Please~? It doesn’t have to be on my cheek this time!”

As soon as he check his reflection in his phone

The extrovert he is, Cater is not going to say no to some PDA. His Magicam has been filling up with cute pictures of you two, whether it’d be on your dates or a quick selfie before class. 

For this selfie, you decided to land a smooch on your boyfriend’s cheek as he takes his daily selfie pic. Once Cater was done posting the uber cute memory with you, the two of you split from each other towards your respective classes. 

Despite his itchy hands, Cater knows better than to mess with his phone during lessons. Unlike Kalim however, he definitely picked up the weird looks sent his way and the whispers behind his back. His ability to read the room hints to him that the whispering wasn't of malice intent or anything negative but he knows it pertains to him. 

Once the bell rang, the redhead immediately picked up his phone and caught something in the reflection of the darkened screen. Was there something on his face? 

Opening his camera app, he finally saw the hot topic in the classroom, the cheeky little mark you left on him. 

You would think the easygoing student would laugh over the cute gesture, maybe tease you later on your bold expression of love. You’d be partially right. 

You caught him by surprise. His face will be dusted with a reddish hue as he inspects a mark on his face in addition to his diamond mark. He had to cover the lower half of his face with his hand to hide the goofy smile blooming on his lips. A genuine, not Magicam perfect smile. This is beyond cute, it’s downright adorable in all the best ways with messy lipstick smudges and all. 

But yes, he will absolutely tease you about this little souvenir you left him. He even sent a new selfie on Magicam showing off your handiwork and tagging you right on the mark. He was just lucky Riddle didn’t catch him with your mark on him. 

“Aren’t me and my bae just #couplegoals? Hope you ain’t jelly~” 

Would have never noticed if not for Ortho 

Idia would never allow PDA, nope never. He isn’t the type of guy that wants to show off his relationship. It’s not that he’s embarrassed by you, of course not! But he’s more of a lowkey guy that rather show his love in the comforts of his or your room. 

Which was why he was happy to receive a loving kiss from you before you leave his room to head to your classes. But Idia was gonna send his tablet off as usual while he laid back in the safety of his room. 

As stated, this man would have gone the whole day without realizing what you did. He gets into the zone once he starts his gaming session. He is also not the type to really check himself in the mirror if he goes to the bathroom, only doing the bare minimum in there and then going right back to his video games. 

It wasn’t until Ortho came by to check up on his brother did he finally take notice of his appearance. 

“Brother, what’s that on your cheek?” 

Confused, Idia reached for his phone and opened the rarely used camera app on his phone (only used for you and cats) and shrieked when he saw your little present clear as day on his pale face. 

How could you do this to him? How could you do something this embarrassing to this weak man?? It was a damn good thing he didn’t leave his room or he could never leave this down. What if someone other than Ortho showed up at his door, like one of his dormmates? 

He quickly commanded his tablet to locate you, bringing you to a secluded place then screaming at you for your sneaky trick. His throat hurting from the amount of talking and yelling he has done, more than he has in a while

But when you asked him if he really didn’t like it, Idia turned quiet real quick. You can’t just corner him with a kill shot question like that. 

Seriously, you’re gonna give him a heart attack.

“It’s not that I don’t like it, you just can’t just do things like that out of the blue! H-huh, you’re asking when can you do it, then?!”

The moment you did it

You think Rook wouldn’t notice? The man who not only has amazing senses but also the right hand man to Vil who has taught him the skills of makeup application? One look at your lips (and of course, he has looked) and he can tell if the product is smudge-proof or not.

The moment your lips graced his cheek, he could feel the residue of your lipstick left on his sensitive skin. Judging by the smile on your face, he knew you were intentional with your marking and was proud of it. 

What a trickster you are, was this your way of marking your man? Making sure everyone is aware that the vice Housewarden is spoken for? How beautifully devilish of you. 

Before you could escape, Rook captured you in his arms with a coy smile on his face. 

“My dear Trickster, how sneaky of you to try to leave your lovely mark on me. But, I've noticed you weren’t wearing smudge-proof lipstick today. You would have to do better than that~” 

You pouted, hoping you could at least be out of your hunter’s line of sight before he called you out. Leave it to him to notice the most minuscule of things, you suppose.

“You didn’t try to stop me, though?” you questioned suspiciously, your so-called keen boyfriend letting you attack him so easily. 

He simply responded to you with a bright smile on his face, “How could I ever deny my beautiful beloved? For you, I surrender myself to your whims of love for I am but a weak prey ensnared by your beauty” 

You left more kiss marks on this crazy poet of a man 

“To be graced with your lips, a show of loving passion bestowed only to me…I am a helpless fool to my lover”

[mika-mp3]

The treasure is all mine!

-Prologe- (Chapter one, chapter two) Genshin Impact x Creator!Reader

warnings: first post ever! almost swear word, the most classic start to a SAGAU fic ever (Im sorry I dont know hot to start else), no y/n used, gender neutral ,english isn't my first language so propably spelling errors, I don't know how Aranaras talk. (I professionally ignored that quest.), characters might turn yandere in the future

summary: After playing TCG your screen becomes strangely white. It starts glowing brighter and brighter and the light seems to suck you in? That can't go wrong... right? Suddenly you find yourself in a forest, not remembering anything but meeting a little creature that might be able to help you out

characters: you, your mom (no this is not a joke), aranara!oc: Aramasu

word count: 1.359

wattpad version here

https://pin.it/38Diiq1CA

"THIS BI-" you yelled at the screen. The third time. The third time you lost at that damn card game, and the third time you got annoyed because of it. "How?? How can this be so hard? It's the same technique I always use when I play normally! It works against bosses; why not now in the Genius Invocation TCG? I was so close this time too!" With a frustrated sigh, you let your head fall back. On the screen was still the word "defeat," big and plastered onto a red background for extra drama. Seriously, who had this idea? It's just frustrating at this point. Not even the recommended teams online seemed to work. You even tried copying the other players' teams that defeated you, but you still lost anyway. Why were you doing this again? Oh right... rewards.

Another sigh escaped your mouth when you heard your mother's voice from the kitchen. "Darling! Come down, dinner is ready!" A small smile crept on your face. 'Darling,' a nickname your mom gave you whenever she was in a good mood. Seems like work was quite alright today.

"Coming!" you answered, the dinner smell already reaching you by the time you finally mustered up the courage to sit up. Looking at the screen one last time, you decided to stop playing Genshin Impact for today. You had already done your dailies and everything else you felt like doing. Seriously though, doing dailies started to feel like a chore. That's why you were more than happy to open chests and explore instead. Standing up, you turned the game off and watched the screen go black.

Or... did it?

You were just about to leave the room when it lit up once more, but not with the loading screen, just plain white. "What the..." A bright white light filled the room, instantly blinding you. With your hands lifted before your eyes, you managed to get closer. "What is this?!" you said, a bit of fear in your voice. This had never happened before! You didn't even know that your screen could be so blinding! Just when you were about to touch it, everything went dark. Dark and warm. That's all you felt. Looking around frantically, you tried to make sense of the situation. It was still bright outside, so it shouldn't have been so dark now! Maybe just the aftermath of the blinding light?

"Darling, are you okay?" You heard a voice in the distance, but it felt oddly far away, as if it went further and further away with every word spoken. "M-.. Mom?" you asked, but there was no answer. It was still very warm. So warm. Slowly, you felt yourself grow weaker and weaker. Soon your knees gave in, but you didn't fall while your eyes closed shut. Before you could say anything else, your consciousness had already left your body. . . . . So... comfy. It was so warm, like on a sunny summer day when you lie down on the grass and just enjoy the fresh air. Talking of which, whatever you lay on felt just as nice. The sounds of birds could be heard in the distance. After a couple of minutes, you opened your eyes and saw...

A vast expanse of vibrant green, stretching out before you. You're lying on a bed of soft moss, the texture cushioning your body like the most luxurious mattress. Above, a canopy of trees sways gently in the breeze, their leaves creating a symphony of whispers. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow that dance around you.

You sit up slowly, feeling the softness of the moss beneath your fingers. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the earthy aroma of the forest floor. You take a deep breath, the freshness of the air invigorating you. The sounds of chirping birds and the distant babble of a stream create a soothing background melody.

As you look around, the forest feels both alien and familiar. Massive trees with trunks wide enough to house entire rooms rise majestically around you. Their leaves are an array of colors, from the deepest greens to shimmering golds, reflecting the sunlight in a magical display. The forest floor is dotted with flowers of every hue, some glowing faintly, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere.

Confused, you try to remember how you got here. The last thing you recall is the blinding white light from your screen and your mother calling you for dinner. Your thoughts are interrupted by the feeling of something soft nuzzling your hand. Looking down, you see a white rabbit, its fur pristine and its eyes large and expressive. It seems completely at ease, cuddling against your hand as if it belongs there.

With a gentle touch, you stroke the fur of the rabbit. It nuzzles into your hand, happy and content. A gentle smile spreads across your face. Have you ever felt so at peace before? It's hard to say when you don't remember anything from before. Not like it matters now. Nothing matters. There is no reason to question anything at all. Not why this wild rabbit is so calm and cuddly with you, not scared at all. Not why you don't feel certain things, like hunger or thirst. It's all so nice and warm and cozy.

Wait, there is something. Some feeling, not very familiar, but you still recognize it. Are you being watched?

Yes. No, no, it can't be that. Probably? Turning around, you scan your surroundings. All the bushes, the trees, and their leaf crowns, then you see it.

It isn't threatening, more weirdly familiar than anything. The small creature is floating above the ground with a little cute 'hat'? One word pops into your head as the creature comes closer: 'Aranara.' But how do you know that? It feels natural, like knowing the name of a dog or cat. Aramasu. This little Aranara's name is Aramasu.

"You're not a Nara," says the curious creature.

You answer, "No, I am no Nara. That's what I believe, at least."

With a soft smile, you reach out, cupping the little Aranara's face. It looks up, surprised, almost speechless. The warmth soothing through its body by the mere touch of you.

"What might you be doing here, little Aramasu?"

The rabbit, still cuddled up in your other hand, seems very happy with the encounter. The Aranara isn't surprised that you know its name; it feels truly natural.

Aramasu's eyes widen slightly, then it relaxes into your touch. "I was just wandering, like I always do. But today felt different. The forest whispered to me of a new presence, something... special."

You look around; the forest seems to glow with a subtle, otherworldly light, as if acknowledging Aramasu's words. The trees sway gently, and the air is filled with a soft, harmonious hum. It feels as though the entire forest is alive and aware of your presence, welcoming you in a way that goes beyond mere coincidence.

"Special?" you ask, intrigued. "How so?"

Aramasu tilts its head, studying you with a curious expression. "You have a light within you, one that resonates with the heart of the forest. It's warm and soothing, like the embrace of the earth itself. It's rare to see such light in anyone other than the forest spirits."

The rabbit nudges your hand, drawing your attention back to its soft fur. You feel a sense of contentment and belonging, unlike anything you've ever experienced—or at least, anything you can remember. The forest, the creatures, even the very air around you, all seem to sing in harmony with your presence.

"Perhaps," Aramasu continues, "you are more than what you think you are. The forest recognizes you, and so do I."

As you ponder Aramasu's words, a sense of purpose begins to stir within you. Though you may not remember your past, the present feels vivid and alive, as if this is where you were always meant to be. The forest, with all its mysteries and wonders, seems to be waiting for you to discover your true self.

-to be continued-

https://pin.it/3bEkLA0wa

Thank you so much for reading! Fell free to give me feedback and ideas how to continue this!

Mika

[the-marshals-wife]

Strangers Like Me (Orm Marius x Reader)

─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑���𝐈𝐒𝐓 ⋅☆⋅ 𝐀𝐎𝟑 ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─

A/N: I love Orm so, so much, and I've wanted to write for him since my major obsession with the first movie back in 2019. The sequel was everything I could have wanted for his character, and now that he's had the perfect open ending to his cinematic story, I finally let the inspiration run wild. This is the longest fic I've ever posted, and I'm proud to say he was the muse that inspired it.

Description: Orm Marius/Ocean Master x Fem!Reader (human), friends to lovers | Warnings: suggestive themes, steaminess at the end, cataclysmic levels of fluff throughout | Setting: after The Lost Kingdom | Word count: 5.8k

Gif credit: user acecroft

Imagine Orm opening up to you about who he truly is, and wanting to be part of your world

If someone had asked you a few months ago where you liked to be most, you wouldn't have said the boardwalk. Now, it'd become your favorite place in the world. Not for the noisy crowds, overpriced deep-fried foods, or vendors overflowing with cheap beachwear and souvenirs for the tourists. Those things you could have done without. That is, until you met Orm. Ever since that fateful day, everything around you had transformed into something new and exciting. Today was no different.

"I can't believe you've never had a corn dog before," you say.

Orm walks alongside you, well into his second serving. "And I can't believe something this abysmal in appearance can taste so good," he replies before taking another bite.

"Seriously, what have you been eating all this time?" you ask, wiping the mustard from the corner of your mouth with a napkin.

He swallows before answering, "Fish, mostly."

He was completely serious, as usual.

"You really love seafood, don't you?"

"Where I'm from, it's just called food," he counters.

Once again, you found yourself wanting to ask where exactly that place was. The last time you inquired yielded little insight. He gave a vague reply to the tune of "somewhere far away" and quickly changed the subject. For a while, you'd assumed he was originally European or something like that. Yet the more time went on, the more difficult it became to believe in that explanation. There must be a reason he did not want to talk about it, and you knew when he was ready, he would probably tell you. Still, you couldn't help but wonder where he had come from, and why he had not showed up sooner.

"So, what did you think of your first corn dog?" you ask instead.

"It was excellent. And I imagine it will not be my last," he says, tossing the stick into a trashcan as you walk by, "I still don't understand the name though, if it's not made of dog."

"Me either, honestly," you laugh as you toss your trash as well, "I'll have to look it up sometime."

"Speaking of, I listened to the singer you told me about."

"You did? What did you think?!" you exclaim, almost bumping into a passerby in your excitement.

"She is quite good, vocally. But I do think Ms. Parton would have more success exposing her rival publicly," he suggests.

"I know you're not talking about Jolene right now," you burst out laughing, covering your mouth.

"Indeed. This Jolene is a siren. She lures men with her wiles, and then goes unpunished because of her beauty," he explains wholeheartedly, holding his arms behind his back.

"Well that's the point of the song. Dolly is calling her out," you remind, "Plus what about her man? Shouldn't he get some of the blame? Falling for Jolene when he's already in a relationship? I mean come on, he's talking about her in his sleep. That's pretty low."

"Indeed, he misses the treasure that is right in front of him because he too has no honor," he expounds, his expression turning thoughtful, "You're right. Ultimately, they're deserving of each other."

"See! I told you," you chuckle victoriously.

Orm shakes his head, "I could not be tempted by such a woman."

"Oh, I don't know. You heard Dolly. Her beauty is 'beyond compare'."

"That is merely a facade," he dismisses, waving his hand, "Besides, I have seen far more beautiful than her."

You're about to inquire about his remark, but then you realize he's looking over at you. You can only hold his attentive gaze a moment before averting your eyes toward your feet, heart fluttering.

The previous moment still hanging heavy in the air, you walk together quietly for a minute before Orm stops in front of a beachwear vendor.

"Now that is amusing," he declares.

You backup a couple of steps to stand alongside him, "What is?"

He points to a pink tee shirt, the image of a mermaid riding on the back of a smiling dolphin printed on the front. "Dolphins are actually quite aggressive. They do not enjoy having riders on their backs. Sharks are much better mounts."

You stare at him, brow furrowed. "And how do you know that exactly?"

"I, uh, saw it on a television program," he stutters, "about taming sea life."

That was a lie if you'd ever heard one, and a strange one no less.

"Uh-huh," you reply unconvinced, walking away.

In silence, you resume your short walk to the end of the dock, Orm trailing close behind you. Once you reach the end, you lean over and rest your arms on the weathered wood railing, and he stands beside you. A few moments pass as you watch the waves crash upon the shore below and breathe in the salt air. It's not long before you feel his gaze on you once again.

He finally speaks, hesitation thick in his voice, "Something...on your mind?"

You smirk to yourself before looking over at him, "I'm just trying to figure you out."

"What do you mean?" he asks, concern visible in his bright eyes.

"I've never met anyone like you before. So much of what you say is a mystery," you remark.

"That is a fair point," he concedes, "I don't wish to vex you. There's just...so much that I don't know how to say."

You stand up straighter, smiling at him softly.

"I didn't mean it as a bad thing. Everyone has parts of themselves that they hide. Parts they don't want anyone else to see. There's nothing wrong with that," you reply, turning towards the ocean, "You don't like talking about your past, and I respect that. I just don't want you to think you have to hide. It's awful feeling like you don't belong, just for being yourself. I wouldn't want that for you."

"That is kind of you to say. Truly." He mirrors your posture on the railing, moving closer to you as a result. "You don't make me want to hide, Y/N. Quite the opposite, actually. I've learned so many things from you these past few weeks, and I have greatly enjoyed your company."

You look back to him, your heart skipping, "So have I."

His gaze softens. "I've also never met anyone like you before. You find joy and purpose in even the smallest of things. It inspires me how gracefully you view the world. And I've known no one whom I've wanted to share it with more."

Everything else around you melted away as you find yourself becoming just as lost in his eyes as you've been in his words.

Before either of you can move an inch closer, the chime of your cellphone cuts through the thick air between you.

Cursing inwardly, you shoot upright, embarrassed, and retrieve it from your pocket. It's an all-caps text from your sister with many exclamation marks, quickly followed by another. The sister you just now realized you forgot needed picked up.

"Oh no. I have to go," you say, frenzied, "My sister's waiting for me. I have to drive her home from her class, I completely forgot!"

"I understand," he nods, touching your arm assuringly, "Do you want me to accompany you back to the lot?"

"I really appreciate it, but I literally have to run. I'm so sorry, Orm," you say, turning to leave.

You make it only a few steps before you hear him call out.

"Y/N!"

Despite the urgency of your escape, you can't help but turn on your heel expectantly.

"Would you meet me tomorrow? Down on the beach, beneath the pier around sunset?"

A grin spreads across your face. "I'll be there!"

♆

It took everything in you not to grin like an idiot the entire drive to pick up your less-than-amused sister. You weren't ready for the brutal interrogation that would surely come if she saw the look you knew was on your face. After apologizing to her profusely and letting her chew you out, as was her sisterly right, her suspicions were already raised.

"You've never looked this happy for me to yell at you," she said, glaring at you.

"I'm just really enjoying my book! I started the sequel I told you about," you defended, flashing a smile even you knew was pretty fake.

"Enough to forget all about me," she rolled her eyes and punched your arm, "You're not telling me something, I know it."

"I'm dying to know if she's really the lost heir to the throne, I heard the reveal is like halfway through," you add, ignoring her last words.

"Mhm," she grumbled, "Fine don't tell me. I'll figure it out, just wait. You can't hide from me."

"The only thing I need to hide from you is my chocolate bars," you argue in a desperate attempt to throw her off the subject.

"I'll find those too," she snickered confidently.

You laughed it off and went back to biting down hard on your lip. It was the only thing you could do not to spill everything to her as she continued to give you the side-eye. Your body was at the steering wheel, but your mind, and your heart, were back on that boardwalk. The final glare she gave you in her driveway was unmissable, but for now, you'd evaded being found out as you made a getaway back to your own apartment.

That night you'd hardly slept, the moment at the end of the dock replaying in your mind over and over well into the morning. Work only made it worse, the monotony making the perfect backdrop to picture what the coming evening would bring. When your shift ended, you couldn't get out of there fast enough to go home and change.

Now, with sunset fast approaching, you were circling the parking lot trying to find a space, and close to bribing someone to move, when a spot finally opened up.

"Someone loves me," you exhale, hurriedly locking your car as you throw your bag over your shoulder.

The words linger in your thoughts. You can't help but blush at the notion, given your current destination, and who was waiting there.

In some ways it seemed like a lifetime since you met Orm, and in others it felt like only yesterday. The memory of that fateful day comes to the front of your thoughts as you start the long trek to the path that cuts through the dunes.

Unlike your fib from last night, you'd actually been desperate to finish the book your coworker had been pestering you about all summer. With only four chapters left, you'd escaped to the boardwalk one sunny Tuesday afternoon, hoping to find a bench, a fresh lemonade, and far less crowds than the weekend so that you could finally finish in peace.

Just as you'd sucked up the last drop of your drink and reached the last handful of pages, you noticed something out of the corner of your eye. On a bench across the way from you, you saw a man trying to untangle the most knotted pair of earbuds you'd ever seen in your life. You watched him from behind the top of your book, and suppressed a giggle as he became more animated in frustration. He ran a hand through his blond hair and seemed near to giving up on the whole endeavor. Unable to watch him struggle any longer, you tucked your book beneath your arm, tossed your empty cup in the trash, and started to walk over.

"He did this on purpose," he muttered as you approached.

"I can take a crack at them, if you'd like."

In his fierce concentration, he hadn't noticed you approach. He jumped a bit at your greeting, and squinted up at you, confused.

"Hi. Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Would you like some help with those?" you smiled hesitantly, "I just, I couldn't help but notice you were having a hard time with them."

"Well, you are welcome to try," he invited with a sigh, extending them to you, "Although I have seen seaweed less entangled than this."

You took them and sat down beside him, analyzing the knots.

"Earbuds are pretty notorious for getting tangled," you began, pausing to focus a moment, "These, however, look like a sailor used them to practice tying his knots."

"Courtesy of my brother," he said with no small amount of exasperation, "He delights in making things difficult for me."

"As brothers are wont to do."

"Indeed," he conceded.

Untying your own numerous pairs of earbuds over the years had more than prepared you for this moment. You'd made quick work of separating the right and left buds, down to the last few kinks in each.

"You're quite skilled at this," he observed.

"I should probably put it on my resume, huh?" you chuckled as you conquered the final knot.

"I think you might consider it," he laughed as well.

At last, all the tangles were gone.

"There you go," you declared, handing them back, "Good as new."

"Impressive," he remarked, marveling at your handiwork before looking back at you, "Thank you for your assistance."

"You're welcome," you smiled and pointed to the iPod in his lap, "What do you like to listen to, if you don't mind me asking?"

He hesitated, picking it up, "I'm...not actually sure how this device works. Are you familiar with the technology?"

"An iPod?" you laugh, "Yeah, I had one in high school. It's been a while and it wasn't this exact model, but they're all pretty much the same. MP3 players, that is. I had so many songs on mine, I couldn't add any more. Never went anywhere without it. I had to tape it together in senior year because I used it so much."

"Perhaps you could show me how to properly operate it?" he posed, turning towards you more, "My brother sent it to me. He said it contains music inside that I must hear, but I'm at a loss on knowing how to make it play."

You gazed at him bewildered a moment, caught off guard. Never had you met anyone who didn't know how to work an iPod before. But then again, you reminded yourself, not everyone had a chance to own one.

"Sure," you grinned, "I can show you. There's not too much to it, really, once you know the basics."

"Thank you," he replied sincerely, "It's not often that I've met a lady with such kindness, and lightness of fingers."

Heat immediately rushed to your cheeks at his gracious works, and suddenly it was difficult to hold the gaze of his rich blue eyes.

"It's no problem at all," you replied, offering your hand, "I'm Y/N, by the way. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Orm Marius, and the pleasure is mine."

Before you could blink, he'd taken your hand, and instead of shaking it, he kissed your knuckles. If he had lingered, perhaps it would have alarmed you. But he did it so quickly, it was like it was second-nature to him. Practiced or not, your head spun nonetheless, and launching into an urgent, flustered spiel about how to power on the iPod was all you could do to keep yourself held together.

You spent the next half an hour showing him everything from the buttons to the way to change the background image on the menus. Before long, you were talking about all of your favorite songs and artists, simultaneously making lists for each that he would have to listen to. Orm listened eagerly to your recommendations, and soon the conversation turned to any and every subject, from foods to places to dreams. You still remember the feeling of the rest of the world fading away as you talked to him, afternoon turning to evening. And the thrill you felt when he asked if he could see you again.

In the almost four months since, every meeting followed much in the same manner as that first day, with introducing Orm to the many things he'd never experienced before, and hours of conversation on the pier or walking along the beach. You'd stolen away to this area as many times as possible to see him, well over a dozen now. Of course your sister was more suspicious than ever after yesterday, but you still weren't ready to reveal where you'd been spending so many evenings, and who you'd spent them with. There was something exhilarating about you and Orm meeting secretly, and you wanted that feeling to last as long as possible.

He had such wonder about the world, like someone who'd not been in it very long. It was one of his oddest qualities, but his curiosity was endearing to you. Despite knowing so little about his past, you'd come to trust him like few others in your life. Whoever he'd been before, and wherever he was from, it seemed he had no intention on going back. If you were honest with yourself, you didn't want him to. There were so many places you wanted to take him further inland, yet he was still hesitant to go far from from the ocean. You'd never gone beyond a couple of blocks from the boardwalk together, but tonight, with the energy of yesterday's encounter fresh in your mind, you'd planned to breech the topic with him.

Now, the sun is sinking lower in the pale orange sky and your pulse quickens with the threat of being late. With all your reminiscing and daydreaming, you'd lost track of the time. You nearly run across the wooden walkway over the dunes and down the broad stairs. As soon as your feet hit the sand, you remove your sandals. Grasping them in one hand and the strap of your bookbag in the other, you take off into the best sprint you can manage. The pier is still a good distance up the beach, and you want to curse out whoever built the access so far away. You run at an angle towards the water, the wetter ground giving you better traction than the loose sand.

Just within the shadow of the great structure, you finally see Orm up ahead, his back turned. Out of breath, you slow your pace and try to catch some of it back before you reach him. Once he's within ear shot you call out to him.

"I'm sorry I left in such a hurry yesterday," you pant.

He spins on his heel. Relief is written all over his face.

"You came. I was afraid you might not," he sighs, walking up to meet you.

"Of course," you exhale, dropping your shoes and brushing away the hair clinging to your forehead, "Why wouldn't I?"

His expression indicates he had not thought of an answer to that question.

"I don't know," he hesitates, "I didn't mean anything by that. I mean, I wouldn't have blamed you if you hadn't. I did ask you at the last minute."

You can't help but chuckle as he stumbles regretfully all over his words.

"I brought you something," you declare to change the subject, much to his gratitude.

"A gift? For me?"

You can tell by his tone that he is actually baffled. Reaching into your satchel, you retrieve the item. In your outstretched palm, you hold a small snow globe, a miniature skyline of New York City contained inside.

His confused expression leads you to elaborate. "It's called a snow globe," you say, turning it upside down so that the little flakes inside swirl around, "You told me once that you never get to see snow where you're from. Now you can see it whenever you want."

He tentatively takes it, entranced by the miniature flurry.

"That's where I'm from. Well, I grew up there. We moved here when I was sixteen," you add, chuckling, "It's a little bit nicer in person."

Orm looks up at you, visibly touched by the gesture, "It's wonderful. Thank you."

"You're welcome," you smile, "I, hope that I can show you the real thing some day."

"I would like that," he replies with the smallest hint of sadness, pausing to behold it again, "I will treasure this always."

You'd never met anyone who talked like he did. Everything word he spoke was with full conviction. Others might sound pompous or conceited speaking the way he does, but when he said something, you believed he truly meant it.

"I'm glad you like it," you say, tucking your hair behind your ear.

"I do, very much," he says, frowning a bit, "I'm only sorry that I have nothing to give you in return."

"That's alright," you dismiss.

"Will you keep it safe for me while we are by the water? I regret that I have no pockets large enough to carry it."

"Absolutely," you say, putting it securely back inside your bag, "I know that feeling all too well."

When you finish with the zipper and lift your head up, you see Orm offering his arm to you. Surprised, and twice as excited, you take it.

As you cross beneath the pier and set off down the beach together, you suppress the urge to glance up at him. You agonize over what to say next, hoping he would speak first. When he did, it only made your heart beat faster.

"Actually, when I said I had nothing to give you, that was not entirely true," he said, clearing his throat before going on, "As much as I enjoy your educating me in foods and traditions I've never tried, I was hoping this evening we might enjoy a treat of a different kind."

Just up ahead, something on the shore comes into view. Your mind races in anticipation, and moments later, you come upon a blue blanket spread out neatly across the sand. A single white rose lies in the middle.

"Oh Orm," you breathe.

"It's not much, but I thought you would like to watch the sunset with at least some level of comfort," he says, a veil of nervousness in his voice.

"It's perfect," you exclaim.

He releases your arm and picks up the rose, presenting it to you.

"For you."

You feel nearly breathless once more as you take the flower and inhale its sweet fragrance.

"It's beautiful," you sigh, "Thank you."

He smiles timidly at your approval. "Shall we?"

"This is amazing," you say, removing your bag and carefully sitting down on the soft blanket.

He follows suit, and you gently place the rose in your lap as he comes to rest close beside you. The glow of the setting sun warms your skin, but it's nothing compared to the warmth in your chest.

You'd never seen him act like this before. He was normally so calm and collected, but now he was almost pure nerves. You work up the courage to glance over at him. He's staring hard ahead, clenching his jaw and rolling a seashell between his fingers. It's slowly becoming clear that you're not the only one who wanted to say something this evening. Normally, you found the rolling of the waves to be one of most soothing sounds in the world. But at this moment, they were far too loud.

You decide you have to break the excruciating silence.

"I've only watched a true beach sunset alone before."

Your voice brings him out from his trance. "I've also been by myself. I'm glad I have someone to share the splendor with."

"Me too."

He smiles weakly, and fixes his stare back on the horizon.

To your disappointment, the silence returns. Before long, everything is bathed in golden light. The sky transforms into rich oranges and reds before your eyes. The beach is surprisingly deserted apart from the seagulls and sand pipers, making it seem all the more that this moment was tailor-made just for the two of you.

Just when you're about to speak again, Orm at last turns towards you.

"I wish I could show you my world, Y/N. It is a realm of beauty, and strength, and light. You belong in such a place."

You feel your cheeks flush as he continues.

"Where I'm from, you can't see the stars at night. But there is a place with magnificent, glowing lights. A cave, filled with luminescence of every color you can imagine. You would absolutely love it."

"That sounds magical." You hang on his every word as you try to picture it.

"My mother used to take me there when I was a boy. I remember my whole hand disappearing inside hers." He smiled at the memory, but it faded as he spoke once more, "We used to go there seeking solace from my father."

Frowning, he throws the seashell towards the water. The sun begins to dissolve into the ocean, but neither of you take notice.

"Did you not get along?" you ask, hoping it was not too personal to do so.

His gaze falls downward again. "That's one way of putting it. Growing up in his shadow was- challenging. He was severe about many things, and against all of the rest. He expected me to become just like him. Demanded it, more like. Yet he was never up to the task of teaching me how. I wanted nothing more than to please him, but as I look back on it now, I'm not sure that I ever did. I was never worthy enough to be his son."

His words make your chest ache. You reach to gently touch his hand on the blanket.

"You are not an unworthy son," you assert, your feelings coming to the surface, "He was an unworthy father. I don't need to have met him to know that. Because I know you, and you are a good man. The most thoughtful, polite, decent man I've ever met."

He stares at you, emotion all over his face. A wistful look shines in his eyes.

"If only I had known you then," he reflects, "Perhaps I would not have gotten so lost in the tides of his storm."

"I wish I had known you too," you agree, more shyly than you'd expected, "But wouldn't have needed me. You already survived it, all on your own. You're stronger than he ever was."

His expression steels.

"Y/N, there is something I must tell you," he says, his tone turning grave, "It will not be easy for you to hear it, but I can't go on without you knowing what I am. I cannot hide it any longer. You deserve to know the truth."

Your heart starts to race quicker than your thoughts at his startling declaration. "What do you mean?"

Without warning, he casts off his jacket and stands up.

"Orm, what are you talking about?"

"Perhaps, it would be better if I showed you," he says, reaching out his hand to you, "I want you to understand. No more secrets."

For just a moment, you look up into his pleading eyes. Then, as if it had even been a choice, you carefully set the rose aside and take his hand. He helps you to your feet and leads you down past the water's edge. The cool water on your feet sends a shiver up your spine. The foam is lapping at your ankles when he stops just in front of you.

"You see that marker?" he points ahead.

The breeze whips your hair into your sight as you fight to push it away. You have to squint to see the outline of the buoy, the red light on top twinkling faintly in the twilight.

"Yes," you hesitate.

"Keep your eye on it," he directs calmly.

With that one instruction, he retreats further into the water, stopping until it is well above his waist. You cross your arms against the chill of sea spray and wait worriedly. He looks up and down the beach, as if to make sure no one is watching. You are still alone. Before you can call out to him, he dives headlong into the waves.

What follows you can only describe as a thunder beneath the water. It looks as if a missile has been launched from where Orm stood, careening toward the marker. Mere seconds later, a blast like a whale spout shoots above the horizon, and the buoy rocks violently as it is landed upon by the figure that flew up out of the sea.

A gasp escapes from your agape mouth as you witness the silhouette wave at you, and proceed to dive back into the blue.

Three pounding heartbeats later, Orm immerges from the surf and walks toward you, slicking back his dripping hair. His tee shirt clings to his muscular form, and his soaked jeans don't seem to encumber him at all. You're frozen in the sand, staring at him with only one word on your parted lips.

"How..."

"There's no simple way to say it, but you must know. I am from the Kingdom of Atlantis," he confesses, struggling to hold your stare, "I am Prince Orm Marius, son of Queen Atlanna. Although I was once ruler, I made many mistakes during my time on the throne for which I was banished. My penance is served by my exile here on the surface. I deserve my fate, and I gladly uphold it, but it is not something I wanted to keep from you any longer. I'm sorry that I was not honest with you sooner, but I didn't think that I could trust any surface-dweller with my secret. I was...proven wrong."

"You're a real Atlantean?" you manage to get out.

"I am," he nods, apprehension still in his voice, "I was raised to hate the surface and its inhabitants, but much has changed. You, Y/N, have had no small part in that."

Despite your reeling head, it's slowly becoming clear what Orm is saying by this grand unveiling of his true identity. As you struggle to process it, however, your silence compels him to go on.

"If all of this is too much, I understand. It is my burden to bear, and you did not ask to be part of it."

"I-It's not that," you stammer as the shock starts to wear off. You step closer to him. "Not at all. It's just a lot to take in. I need a minute, that's all. I promise."

Hope lights up his eyes.

"Absolutely," he agrees eagerly, "I apologize, I know this reveal was sudden. Please ask any questions that you have. I will withhold nothing from you."

As you finally begin look at him instead of through him, only one question lodged in your throat.

"Why?" you ask through threatening tears, "Why did you tell me all this?"

You knew why, because it was the same reason you wanted to tell him all of your own secrets. The same reason you came back to this beach over and over. The same reason your heart skipped every time you saw his handsome face, and heard him speak your name. You just wanted to hear him say it. For any of this to work, you needed to hear it.

His anxious gaze softens as he weighs his answer.

"I meant every word of what I told you yesterday. When I'm with you, I see a future that I never thought I would deserve. You make me feel like I can be more than I've ever been. And for the first time in my life, I have felt true happiness," he says, finding the words along with his conviction, "I never thought I would belong anywhere but Atlantis, but now, I want to know more about this world and its many gifts. And most of all, I want you to be by my side to show it to me."

"I want that too," you respond, tears threatening.

He gently takes your hand in his. "Even after all that I've done, part of me hoped that I might find some kind of redemption here on the surface. I wasn't sure how, and then I met you," he says tearfully, searching your eyes, "Y/N, you gave me that hope. Your goodness, your charity, your beauty. This realm has much to offer, more than I ever dreamed, but you are what I love most about the surface. From that very first day we spoke, I knew that you were what I was meant to find here."

Your vision blurs as he reaches to gently stroke your cheek.

"All of that to say...I've fallen in love with you, Y/N."

A sob escapes your throat as you look into his eyes and see it.

"I fell for you too. From the first day," you nod, finding your own confidence, "Being Atlantean doesn't change that. I don't care about who you've been or what you've done. I want to be with you. I love you too, Orm."

His composure crumbles along with yours as you embrace. The distance between you vanishes as your lips meet in a desperate kiss. You rest your hands on his chest and melt into his touch. He sighs and deepens the kiss, pulling you close against him. You feel the coolness of this still-dripping clothes soak through to your skin as you become lost in the taste of salt and longing. When you're forced to come up for air, you're both beaming.

"I've wanted to do that for so long," he smiles, caressing your face.

"Me too," you giggle, lacing your arms around his neck, "What did you think of your first surface-dweller kiss?"

"Not too bad. I think I'll have to try it again before I decide if I really like it," he smirks.

"Well, if you get me out of this frigid water, I'll see what I can do about that," you tease back.

"Now that I can do," he announces.

You shriek in surprise as he swiftly lifts you from the water and into his arms as if you weighed nothing at all. He chuckles in amusement and carries you bridal style back toward the shore.

"Orm!" you protest, in an obviously half-hearted fashion.

"I have to admit, concealing my Atlantean strength has been considerably more difficult than I anticipated," he reveals, wincing a bit, "I intended to bring a bottle of wine tonight as well, but- the glass here is far weaker than what I'm accustomed to."

You laugh. "Well, it's the thought that counts."

"I'm glad you think so. Because I thought since I'm responsible for us missing the best part of the sunset, that perhaps we could lie under the stars instead?" he suggests, setting you down gently on your feet upon the blanket.

"I would love to," you say, looking up at him, "But aren't you freezing in those clothes?"

"I'm used to it," he shrugs, "I don't think I feel the cold the same as you."

"In that case," you say, pulling him closer into a tender kiss, "What do you think about that?"

He grins.

"It was perfect, and I'm certain it will not be my last."

You no longer feel the chill as you cling to him, and he rests his forehead to yours. It didn't matter where the tides of life would take you next. As long as Orm was there to hold you in the waves, you would always be in your favorite place.

[cjlouwho]

The Ultimate Treasure Hunt

summary:

When the opportunity to go on another treasure hunt comes up for the 118, they all join together for the adventure. However, this hunt may be life changing for a certain member of the team.

disclaimer: I have never been to California, so I'm sure a lot of the information here is wrong, although I used google to the best of my ability. Please suspend disbelief (as we do each week while watching 911) and, if you see something wrong... no you didn't. Also, there's a dose of everyone in this fic, but it is mainly bucktommy. You've been warned!

Read below or on ao3 (6.1k words)

“What?!” Buck groaned, exasperated as he cracked open the door.

First, there had been a single knock on the door, which he had gladly ignored in favor of taking Tommy's shirt off.

Then there were three knocks in a row, which caused them to pause, before Tommy continued kissing his way down Buck's chest.

Finally, a rapid and endless succession of knocks had Tommy flopping down beside Buck on the bed, declaring that he gave up.

Buck grumpily grabbed his own shirt off the floor and put it on before heading downstairs.

Which led to now, a sexually frustrated Buck standing at his door with all of his coworkers staring back at him.

Every. Single. One.

Even Ravi.

“Why are you all here?” Buck asked, both confused and annoyed.

“We need to come in.” Bobby sounded serious.

Buck stood straighter, his heart began to race. “Is... Did something happen? Maddie, is she-”

“Maddie's fine,” Chimney interrupted. “She's home with Jee. All good.”

“Christopher?”

“He's good too,” Eddie answered.

“So...”

“So we need to come in, Buck,” Hen whined.

“Yeah, you're being really weird, dude.” Eddie pushed his way past the rest of the group, getting closest to the door. “Come on, open up.” He opened the door, ignoring the resistance from Buck on the other side.

Everyone began to filter in, stopping when they noticed Tommy making his way down the stairs, tugging on his shirt.

“Tommy's here!” Hen exclaimed with a knowing smile.

“Yes, he is,” Buck replied. “It's the first time we've had forty-eight off together for almost two weeks.”

Buck had gotten right to it as soon as Tommy opened the door that evening. Tommy had suggested dinner first, but going two weeks without seeing his boyfriend naked made him hungry for something other than baked chicken.

“Hello everyone,” Tommy greeted, giving them a wave.

Chimney smiled. “Good to see you, Buddy!” he exclaimed, wrapping Tommy in a hug. “Solid as ever,” he noted.

“Okay, okay,” Buck pulled on Chimney's arm, “Let's not discuss the solidity of my boyfriend. Why are you all here, and how do I get you all to leave?”

“There's another treasure out there,” Ravi explained, speaking up for the first time since they'd arrived at Buck's door. He handed Buck a piece of paper. “Apparently, we all have to find it together.”

“Hey, if you wanted the treasure all to yourself,” Chimney said, eying Ravi, “you shouldn't have told Cap.”

“I didn't!” Ravi defended. “He read about it over my shoulder at the station.”

“Well, that's just a lesson on being aware of your surroundings,” Buck replied, looking over the paper.

“I'm confused,” Tommy said, “Another treasure? As in, there was one before?”

“There was,” Bobby replied, excited.

“Sort of,” Hen added.

“We were robbed,” Chimney explained.

“I was robbed,” Ravi corrected. “Technically, I found it first.”

“I don't really get what I'm reading,” Buck said, holding out the paper.

Hen grabbed it from him, “Different guy, real treasure,” she explained simply.

“This guy does treasure hunts around the US,” Ravi continued, “You get on a list, and when one comes to your area, you get notified.”

“How do you know this isn't a scam?” Buck asked. “What was found in the other hunts?”

“He posts about these hunts on YouTube, has a pretty big following,” Ravi answered. “I don't know what people have found. Everyone who participates has to sign an NDA.”

Tommy lifted a hand to speak. “But you guys have done this before?” 

“Ugh!” Eddie groaned. “We are wasting so much time. The hunt we did before was different from this one. Buck, please explain to your man so we can go.”

“It was a whole thing,” Buck said dismissively, “we searched for the treasure, showed up to a dead guy's house, were briefly accused of murder, blah, blah, blah.”

Tommy paused before answering. “Okay, I definitely want to circle back to the whole blah blah blah part later on, but yeah... yeah, I'm in.”

Buck's eyes widened. “You... you are?” He asked.

Tommy shrugged. “A treasure hunt sounds fun.”

“Excellent, excellent." Chimney clapped his hands together. “Let's get this show on the road. Grab your coats and shoes, boys, time's wasting.”

“Oh, wait, wait,” Ravi said, pulling something up on his phone and handing it to Tommy. “You both have to sign this.”

“What is it?”

“The NDA. All involved must sign. Once I send it, then we can start.”

Both Tommy and Buck signed, then handed it back to Ravi, who pushed a button that caused a whoosh sound on his phone.

“All good?” Hen questioned.

“All good,” Ravi confirmed. “Let's go.”

----------

“You rented a van?” Buck asked as Bobby slid the rear door open.

“There's a lot of us, Buck. You wanna ride in the bed of an F150?”

They loaded into the van one by one, Ravi calling shotgun since, “it was just supposed to be me”, and Bobby hopped in the driver's seat.

“Where are we even going?” Buck questioned.

Ravi pulled his phone from his pocket. “The first clue says 'LA is very bright, even so at night, but if you'd like to see the stars, come to me- you may even see Mars.'”

When no one spoke up, Buck rolled his eyes. “Come on, guys, that's like the most obvious clue ever. It's gotta be Griffith Observatory.”

“Oh, that's a good catch, Buck,” Hen replied.

Eddie poked at Chimney's shoulder. “I told you we'd need him for something.” 

Bobby put the van in drive. “First stop: Griffith Observatory.”

----------

“This is odd,” Buck said as the pulled up to the observatory parking lot.

“What is?” Chimney asked.

“There's no one here. This place stays open until like ten o'clock, it's usually packed.”

“People can rent it for private tours though,” Ravi suggested. “Maybe someone did that.”

“And what, never showed?” Eddie asked.

Bobby parked the van. "Let's go find out."

They walked up to the observatory entrance, where a piece of paper was taped to the door.

“Come on in,” Hen read. “We've been waiting.”

She glanced back at the group, met mostly with shrugs, before reaching for the door and opening it.

“Lights are on,” Tommy observed.

“Yeah, and no one's home,” Chimney added.

Buck began wandering around, eyes filled with wonder. “This is...”

“Weird,” Ravi said.

“Cool,” Buck corrected. “I, uh, I usually come with Chris on the weekends and it's a madhouse.”

“So, the first clue got us here,” Chimney said, “but did it say anything about where we'd find clue number 2?”

Ravi shrugged. “The first clue is the only one you get sent, the rest we look for.”

Buck walked over to Tommy, who was focused on a display that talked about gamma-ray bursts. “Hey,” he said, wrapping his arm around Tommy's waist.

Tommy smiled at him. “Hey back.”

“Are you really okay with this?” Buck asked. “It's, uh, kinda ridiculous I guess, and was thrown on us out of nowhere.”

“I don't think it's ridiculous,” Tommy replied softly. “It's kinda fun, actually.”

He could see the relief come over Buck. He got like that sometimes, too much in his own head. He'd worry that everything was going to come crashing down. That he'd be too much, or his coworkers- no, his family, would be too much. It didn't matter that they'd been together for close to two years now. That Tommy enjoyed the chaos, enjoyed the friendships and found family. Buck still had those moments, those doubts, and Tommy always found a way to make them disappear.

Tommy took Buck's hand, “Come on,” he said, leading them away from where everyone else was looking around.

“Where are we going?” Buck asked.

“The main attraction, of course.”

As they walked down the hall toward the Zeiss telescope, Buck made a few pitstops at some of the exhibits. He stared at a couple photographs taken from the telescopes, then he looked over at Tommy. “You remember when we brought Jee here last year?” He smiled at the memory.

“How could I forget?” Tommy replied, nudging Buck. “You found my way with children so attractive you asked me to move in with you two days later.”

Buck laughed, but the blush that rose on his cheeks let Tommy know he wasn't far off from the truth. “Actually, I think you found my planetary knowledge so irresistible that you had no choice but to move in with me.”

“That's not not true,” Tommy admitted. He leaned over and gave Buck a peck on the cheek. “Come on, let's go before the rest of the group catches up.”

When they reached the telescope, Buck looked at it like he was a kid staring at unopened Christmas presents.

Tommy let go of his hand, moving it to his back to gently nudge him forward. “Go on,” he encouraged.

Buck cautiously walked up the steps. “I feel like I'm committing a crime.”

“Well, it is highly possible we are. This is sketchy as all hell. Might as well enjoy it before we get formally charged, though.”

“Ha ha.” Buck looked into the telescope, his breath catching at the sight. “I- It's so... It's beautiful. Tommy, you gotta come look.”

Tommy walked up the steps as the rest of the group started filtering into the room. “Wow. That's... wow.”

“I know.”

“Alright, alright, no hovering,” Eddie said, standing at the bottom of the staircase. “We all get turns.”

As they all took turns looking in the telescope, Buck noticed a piece of paper lying on the ground. He walked over to it and picked it up. “Guys!” he called out. “I found the next clue!”

The group circled around him, Bobby leaving the telescope last. “What's it say?”

“It's a menu.”

“Why would a menu be our clue?” Tommy asked.

“It's to the Churro Factory at the LA Zoo.”

Chimney reached over and took the paper. “The Churro Factory has a menu?”

“Well, I've never seen a printed one before, but I know that's it. I- I might get them every time I go,” Buck said, then quickly added, “for Christopher, of course.”

Eddie nodded. “Of course.”

“They don't have much there and, quite frankly, the churros are underrated.”

“He means no one likes them but him,” Tommy explained, rubbing Buck's back.

He was met with a glare that held no true irritation.

“Alright,” Bobby said, “to the zoo!”

Buck reached for Tommy's watch. “The zoo closed like three hours ago.”

“And no one is at the open observatory,” Hen replied. “Make it make sense.”

As they began to leave the room, Buck looked over at the telescope, biting at his bottom lip.

“Go,” Tommy said. “They won't leave without us.”

----------

“How do we just walk into a closed zoo?” Ravi asked as they headed toward the gate.

Hen shrugged. “The same way we walked into the observatory.”

Buck started looking all around, taking note of every security camera he could see. “We're going to end up on national news, aren't we? Group of Firefighters Arrested on Multiple Counts of Breaking and Entering.”

Eddie stared off into the distance, thinking. “I would not do well in prison."

Tommy smirked. “Oh, I think you'd be very well liked.”

For a second, Eddie smiled. “Really?” He asked, mulling it over for a moment before realization hit him. “Wait-”

“Okay, guys,” Bobby interrupted. “No one's going to prison. This has obviously been well planned out and okayed by the establishments we're entering.” He picked up the pace, leading them into the zoo, before mumbling out, “Hopefully.”

Red rope lined the sidewalk of the zoo, leading them directly to the churro stand. While all the other fast food stations were closed and locked up, the Churro Factory was open, with lights on.

Eddie looked down at a paper on the countertop. “Make your favorite, clean your mess.” He shrugged. “I could eat.”

Hen opened the side door to get into the stand. “They left the soft serve machine going. Churros in a warmer. Even have little donut holes.” She picked one up, throwing it over to Buck with a smile. “Since it's your favorite.”

Buck rolled his eyes, but popped the donut in his mouth anyway, moaning at the taste. “I swear, I don't understand how anyone could not love this stuff.”

“Alright, just gotta say I will not be taking orders.” Hen grabbed a cup for the ice cream, “But I will be serving myself first.”

They all fixed themselves a treat, then sat at some nearby tables and benches while they ate.

“You know, I've had a lot of really weird nights,” Buck said to Tommy, licking ice cream off his spoon, “but this one takes the cake.”

Tommy smiled. “In a good way?”

“Mhm. Great way. First the observatory, now this. I don't even care what the treasure is.”

Tommy reached over and stole a bite of Buck's whipped cream. “Great lie, Ev. You totally care about the treasure.”

Buck didn't argue. “Okay, I do. It- It's gotta be good, ya know? All this stuff is so... elaborate. It's gotta be huge.”

“I don't disagree. A little bummed we can't actually see any animals though.”

“Oh, the animals start resting around four-thirty every day, wh- which is why the zoo closes at five. It would totally screw them up if they were out walking around in the viewing areas right now.”

“Are you two plotting ways to steal the treasure and leave the rest of us behind?” Eddie asked, walking over and sitting down next to Buck on the bench.

“Oh we'd take you,” Tommy joked. “Christopher too. Flee the country, somewhere the rest of them would never find us.”

“Yeah,” Buck agreed. “But I'd need Bobby, and he'd need Athena.”

Tommy hummed. “I'd feel bad leaving Chimney behind.”

“Which adds Maddie and Jee.”

Eddie bit off a piece of churro. “Hen's a must. And Karen and the kids.” Tommy and Buck nodded in agreement.

“We'd have to take Ravi,” Buck resigned. “He'd be lost without us.”

Tommy wiped off his mouth with the napkin in his hand. “Well, Evan, I think this effectively spoils all of our plans to run away with the treasure.”

Buck patted his thigh. “Afraid so.”

Once they'd finished their snacks, they began searching for what was needed to clean up. “Found it!” Chimney yelled, pulling out a plastic tub of cleaning supplies. He removed the items one by one until a paper fell flat into the tub. “Explore nature and culture from the inside out,” he read, then lifted the page so everyone could see. “There's a picture of a butterfly on the paper.”

“That's the slogan for the Natural History Museum.” Buck didn't even have to think about it. “They have a butterfly pavilion there.”

“You're on a roll tonight, Buck,” Bobby said with a smile. “No one else stands a chance.”

----------

It took about twenty minutes to get to the Natural History Museum and, just like the previous places, there wasn't another car or person nearby.

“The butterfly pavilion is this way!” Buck waved them in his direction, practically hopping out of the van.

“He's been trying to see this for a couple years now,” Tommy explained to the group, no one able to match Buck's pace. “But it's seasonal and the timing was just never right.”

Hen watched Buck fondly as he opened the museum door and whined at Eddie to hurry up. “He's certainly not wasting the opportunity.”

Everyone was entranced when they got into the pavilion. Thousands of butterflies fluttering around them, some landing on them as they walked around.

“This is so cool,” Buck said in awe, staring at the monarch on his hand.

Tommy couldn't take his eyes off of Buck. “Yeah, it is.”

“It's like... It's like they know me, or something.”

“Who? The butterflies.”

Buck snorted and the butterfly flew away. “No, you buffoon. Whoever set this hunt up. It's basically been everything I love.”

“You're not too far off,” Ravis said, coming up behind them. “The guy who does this does research on the people he chooses for a hunt. I'm constantly hearing about the things you do on your days off, and sometimes tagging along, so...”

“So the hunt is kind of tailored to you?” Buck questioned.

Ravi shrugged. “Us, I think. Oh, I gotta see that yellow one!" He scurried off before he could be asked anymore questions.

Buck reached out a hand for Tommy to take. “Walk with me?”

“Always.”

“This treasure guy really goes all out,” Hen said, watching two butterflies as they did a dance around each other.

“Yeah,” Chimney agreed, “but I haven't seen anything that leads us to our next spot.”

Bobby came up to them, holding a little figurine in his hand. “Because you've been too distracted by these little guys. Look what I found.”

Everyone came over to look, staring at the tiny ferris wheel in Bobby's hand.

“No note?” Ravi asked.

Bobby shook his head. “No note.”

Buck took the ferris wheel from Bobby. “The pier?”

“Sounds good to me.”

Buck looked confused. “It does?”

“Well, doesn't it?”

“I don't know,” Buck looked around, eying each member of the group. “E- Everyone's agreeing with me really quickly and it, uh, it's throwing me off.”

Hen rolled her eyes as she reached behind him and started to push him toward the door. “We're agreeing cause it's obvious, you just suck at letting someone else have a turn.”

“Yeah, and we'd like to sleep sometime tonight, if possible,” Chimney added.

----------

The ride to the pier took longer than expected, and everything was in the middle of closing down as they began their stroll. Buck was surprised that neither of the security guards that passed by them said a word to them and, if he didn't know any better, he'd swear one even nodded in their direction.

“I got cotton candy!” Eddie yelled, and Buck hadn't even realized he had trailed off from the group in the first place. He walked over to Buck, pulled a chunk of the cotton candy out, and handed it to him.

Hen put a hand on her stomach. “Ugh, how can you guys even eat that after the churros?”

Buck would've responded, but he was too busy stuffing the cotton candy in his mouth.

“Popcorn?” Chimney had a huge bag of popcorn in his hands, walking up opposite from where Eddie had come from. When had he disappeared?

“I think we need to go to the ferris wheel,” Bobby said, looking down to where the wheel was still lit up, despite the lights going off everywhere else.

Chimney took a handful of popcorn and shoved it in his mouth before pointing and yelling, “to the wheel!”

When they got to the ferris wheel, the attendant was still there waiting. He let them on in groups of two, Tommy and Buck, Bobby and Ravi, Chimney and Eddie. Hen decided to sit it out, not wanting her churros to make a reappearance that night.

“This is where we said I love you the first time,” Tommy said quietly, snuggling closer to Buck as the wind picked up slightly.

Buck smiled softly, looked over at Tommy and gave him a kiss on his temple. “I remember.”

Buck had taken Tommy on a tour of what he called his “greatest hits” showing him all the spots where some of his biggest personal disasters occurred. They'd gone to the spot the firetruck landed on him, the lot where Bobby and Athena's home once stood- the spot of his pulmonary embolism; where he was struck by lightning, even the outside of Maddie and Chimney's old apartment- where he was basically told he was never actually wanted by his parents, just needed. But it was when they got to the pier, and Buck was in the middle of telling Tommy about losing Christopher, that he realized Tommy had actually listened to all of his stories. He'd asked questions, comforted him when the conversations got rough. Tommy always either had a hand on Buck's back, or he'd link their hands together tightly, so Buck knew he wasn't alone.

Buck had stopped mid story, stared at Tommy like he did the first time they kissed, and when Tommy asked if Buck was okay, he just said it.

“I love you, Tommy.”

He wasn't scared, didn't even care if Tommy said it back. He meant it. More than he'd ever meant it before. He didn't just love him, he was in love with him.

It didn't take long for Tommy to say it back, as soon as he got over the initial shock. “I love you, Evan,” he breathed out, as though he'd been holding it in for far too long, “so much.”

They kissed, giggled and whispered like little schoolchildren, then Tommy had asked Buck to finish his story.

Buck wrapped his arm around Tommy's, the memory leaving him feeling warm against the coolness of the night. “You made that day perfect.”

“You make every day perfect.”

He said it with such ease, like he didn't even have to think about it. Buck knew he should be used to it by now. This wasn't the first time Tommy casually informed him that Buck being in his life made it better. He did it regularly, often in passing, like it was the simplest, most honest thing in the world.

“Really?” Buck questioned once the butterflies in his stomach flew away. “Even the day we moved into our place and I tried to replace the toilet but somehow I ended up flooding the bathroom with neighborhood sewage?”

“Oh God, don't remind me,” Tommy said with a groan, although he couldn't stop himself from grinning. “I still have nightmares about that smell!”

Buck laughed. “That was a disaster.”

“Yeah, and Maddie loved us showing up on her doorstep at midnight with a week's worth of clothes.”

“A true bonding experience.”

“Mhm. Definitely.”

The ride ended too quickly in Buck's opinion, but he knew they had more important things to do.

“Were we supposed to see something up there?” Ravi asked. “Because I got nothing.”

“There was a definitely an arrow in the sky, pointing us toward the east.” Bobby was convinced.

“That was a plane, and it was not pointing us anywhere.”

“While you nerds were going on a ride, I actually talked to the kind attendant over there,” Hen said, pointing to the man who was now closing up the wheel, “and he handed me this.” She held up a paper. “It's coordinates. Two, actually.”

“We're supposed to go to two places?” Chimney asked.

“This is all I got.” Hen handed the paper to Tommy. “Top one's got a drawing of a chopper on it and says 'hope you can fly.'”

Tommy studied it for a moment before speaking. “Okay. Okay, Buck and I will go to the first coordinates, you guys go to the second and we'll call when we get there.”

Chimney put his hands on his hips. “Wait, why do you guys get to go to the chopper?”

“Uh,” Tommy looked around to the group, “do any of you know how to fly a helicopter?”

When no one responded, he nodded. “Thought so.”

“Well, a couple more of us could go with you,” Eddie suggested.

“Some helicopters are two seaters,” Tommy explained, eying Eddie. “Would you like to hang onto the landing skids should the situation arise?”

Buck sighed. “Okay, guys, it- it's obvious I get boyfriend-of-the-pilot privilege, so lets, you know, get moving.”

----------

Once Tommy looked up the coordinates and saw it was only about a ten minute walk away, he and Buck set off on foot while the others took the van.

They arrived at a building that, at the top, had a helipad. “I've landed here a couple times for emergencies. Actually, once was after the tsunami.”

"First of all, show off,” Buck said with a laugh. “Second of all, sometimes I- I still can't believe all the times we were so close to meeting but, just, never did.”

“I know. It kinda sucks to think about, but everything happens when it's supposed to, right?”

“I think we did.”

Sure enough, a chopper was waiting at the helipad. There was a note on the door with another coordinates, stating that coming here was only the first part of the clue. It also mentioned that, should there be any others joining the expedition, they would see them again once they arrived.

“Why don't you shoot Bobby a text,” Tommy suggested as they got seated in the cockpit. “We'll call when we get wherever we're going.”

Tommy put the coordinates on his phone, then did a quick check before getting the chopper up and running.

“It's so beautiful up here,” Buck said, looking all around at the city lit up against the darkness of the night. They'd been in the sky for a while now, and Buck had no idea where they were going, but right now he didn't really care.

Tommy glanced at Buck. “Yeah, it is. Reminds me of when we first met.”

“That was a little less beautiful,” Buck recalled, but he was still grinning from ear to ear. “But, yeah. We've been on a lot of these rides since then.”

“No opportunities for my fake mouth static since the first time though, which is severely disappointing.”

“And it was so good too.”

“Oh, it still is, Evan. Trust me.”

Buck motioned with his hand to encourage Tommy. “Well, please, let's hear it.”

Tommy let out a hesitant breath. “I'm not sure you're ready.”

“I think I can handle it. Come on, hon, give it to me.”

“Okay, okay, but hold onto something cause this is- it's serious.”

Buck dramatically grabbed onto his seatbelt as Tommy cleared his throat and began a round of fake mouth static that had Buck turning down the volume on his headphones.

“Wow,” he said once it was over. “That was...”

“Amazing? Incredible? Earth shattering?”

“Just as terrible as the first time,” Buck laughed out.

“Aye!” Tommy feigned offense. “I literally won an award for that.”

“It, uh, might've had more to do with the rescues, but-”

“Semantics.”

“Is it though?”

“Well, looky there,” Tommy said, changing the subject as he began to descend, “we have reached our destination.”

They landed in a clearing smack dab in the middle of what looked like nothing but woods. Buck couldn't be sure though, because it was dark all around them.

“I swear, if we get murdered, I'm gonna come back and haunt Ravi,” Buck said as he unbuckled and got out of the helicopter. “Should we, uh, should we call the guys?”

Tommy paused, looking off into the distance. “I see a light this way,” he said, pointing toward a clearing through the woods. “Looks like a path. Let's go look,” he suggested. “We'll call in a minute.”

As they started down the path, small lampposts with flickering lights began to light their way.

“Where are we?” Buck asked with wonder in his voice.

“I think it's a state park.”

They came upon a white bench, which Buck wouldn't have paid much attention to if not for the small, black box sitting on top of it.

“You think it's for us?” he asked.

Tommy nodded. “I'd bet on it.”

Buck picked it up, opening it to find an old looking key. He smiled. “I think we're getting close.”

Tommy grinned back, reaching out for Buck's hand and nodding toward the path. “Let's keep going.”

“It's weird,” Buck said as he moved closer into Tommy's space. He always found himself doing that; he loved being as close to Tommy as he could, and he loved it even more that Tommy loved it. “I've known pretty much all the spots we've gone to tonight, but not this one.”

“Hm,” Tommy hummed. “Yeah, that is weird.”

It got a little brighter as they went on, and eventually they found themselves in a large, open area with tons of brightly blooming plants, and a gently flowing creek with a wide white bridge over it, connecting two separate gardens. Buck would've been fascinated by it, but he was too focused on the fact that he and Tommy were not alone anymore.

The rest of the group was already there, plus a few more. Athena, Karen, and, “Maddie? What are you doing here?”

She shrugged. “Carla came over with Christopher to watch Jee. Chim said something about treasure, and I'm not missing out. ”

Tommy let go of his hand and Buck took a few steps forward. “How- How did you all get here already?”

“We're like a twenty minute drive out of the city, Buck,” Hen told him.

“But... What-”

“Alright, alright, you've got the key, Buckaroo,” Chimney interrupted, snapping toward Buck for him to get on with it. “It's all you.”

Buck hadn't even noticed the treasure chest, set dead center on the bridge. Bobby was closest to it, but he was just standing there, a softness on his face that would have had Buck asking questions if it weren't for the fact they found the treasure!

Buck continued until he reached the chest, then bent down, placing the key into it. He turned it, but paused before opening the box. “So we all agree to share everything that's in here?” He trusted his friends, he really did, but it never hurt to clarify.

Bobby gave his shoulder a squeeze. “I think this one's all for you, kid,” he said before walking over to Athena.

Buck barely heard him. He was already opening the box to see a single ring lying on top of a fluffy, velvet pillow.

This is when realization should have set in. Actually, when he'd think back on it later, there were many times realization should have set in, but it didn't.

Instead, Buck picked up the ring to take a closer look. Black silicone with a red line around the center. “It's a ring,” he said to the group. “And it... it says something on the inside, I think.” He squinted, trying to focus on the words, but the low light from the nearby lampposts wasn't nearly enough.

“Buck,” Maddie was practically pleading, “turn around!”

“What?”

Groans came from the people all around him.

“Turn around!” Hen echoed.

“For the love of God, Buck!” Eddie yelled.

“Okay, okay!” Buck stood, ring still held between his fingers, and turned around. His breath caught in his throat when he saw Tommy there, kneeling, smiling up at him.

“It says 'to me, you are perfect,'” Tommy began, his voice shaky, but not from nerves. “Which I know is a little cheesy,” he admitted, “but it's true. Evan Buckley, getting to share this life with you for nearly two years now has been my greatest adventure. They say love finds you when you least expect it, and I think I can speak for the both of us when I say ours was a little unexpected. I love you so much. Every part of you. Evan, will you marry me?”

Stunned was too light of a word to use, if you asked Buck. He was frozen in place, mouth hanging open, unable to find words until he heard someone clear their throat behind him.

“You... you did all this for me? Th- the whole treasure hunt?”

“Yeah, yes. Yes, it was for you. For this.”

Buck sucked in a shaky breath, reaching down to hold onto Tommy's shoulders and pull him up. He put his hands on Tommy's cheeks, rubbing his thumbs gently along the scruff, staring into his eyes as his own reddened with tears. He leaned in, pressing his lips gently to Tommy's before deepening the kiss, moving his arms to wrap around Tommy's neck.

After a few seconds, Tommy pulled away slightly, resting his forehead against Buck's. “Is that a yes?” he asked breathlessly.

Buck nodded, sniffling. “Yes,” he said through shaky laughter. “Always, yes.”

They didn't hear the sounds of everyone clapping and cheering as Tommy let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, “Oh, thank God,” he said, his face scrunching up into a smile. “That could've been really embarrassing.”

Eddie cupped his hands over his mouth. “Put the ring on,” he called out, earning him a smack to the gut from Hen.

Buck laughed. He gave Tommy the ring, who then slid it on his finger. “I've got you one at home,” Buck admitted, using his other hand to wipe tears from his face.

Tommy was taken aback. “You do?”

“Mhm. Bottom drawer of the nightstand, my side of the bed. It says 'True love lasts a lifetime.'”

"I love you so much," Tommy said as he leaned in for another kiss.

"Love you more."

“Can we hug you guys yet?” Karen asked, bouncing slightly with impatience.

They laughed, letting go of one another to get hugs from their family.

When Buck got to Bobby, Bobby held onto him tightly. “I'm so happy for you, kid,” he said quietly, just loud enough for them to hear. “So, unbelievably happy.”

“Thank you, Bobby.” Once they let each other go, Buck asked, "You knew from the beginning, didn't you?”

Bobby nodded. “The second you walked into the hospital room with soot all over your face, I knew we'd end up here,” he said, giving them both a laugh. “You had the biggest smile I think I'd ever seen, and so did he,” Bobby pointed over to Tommy, who was laughing with Hen and Karen. “You're good for each other, Buck.”

Buck had to give Bobby another hug, tears filling his eyes once again. “I love you, Bobby.”

“Love you too, kid. Now, go,” he said, patting Buck's back, “be with your fiancé.”

They all headed to a 24 hour diner after all the congratulations had died down. Eddie immediately started on best man duties for Buck.

“You don't even have to ask. I already have a week's worth of bachelor's parties planned. We're starting with the 70's and working our way through each decade. I've got it all figured out.”

Tommy had already talked to Chimney a few days earlier, asking him to be his best man.

“You're getting beers and a movie marathon,” Chimney informed him.

Tommy breathed a sigh of relief. “I knew I chose correctly.”

After eating too many all-you-can-eat waffles and sharing desserts, everyone gave a final congratulations before heading home.

----------

Buck laid back on the bed, grabbing for Tommy's hand as he tried to catch his breath. He intertwined their hands and rested them on top of his chest, feeling his heart pound as he used his other hand to fiddle with the ring that now had a place on Tommy's finger.

“We're engaged,” Buck sighed into the dimly lit room.

“Would've done it a lot sooner had I known the sex would be that good.” Tommy turned onto his side as Buck laughed. He splayed his right hand over Buck's stomach, stroking up and down gently, giving Buck goosebumps. He pressed a kiss to Buck's bicep. “Did you like your proposal?”

“Like it? God, Tommy, it was... it was perfect. How did you get us into the observatory? The zoo? The history museum?!”

“I know people,” he replied simply.

"Of course you do. And you actually did know about the treasure hunt from before? I don't remember ever telling you about it."

"You didn't. When I went to Eddie about my plan, he told me. Not about the whole murder thing though, so I would actually like more info on that sometime."

"Noted. I- I can't believe you got everyone in on it. They all spent their entire night doing that for me."

"Couldn't have pulled it off without them."

“That makes it even more special.” Buck moved them around until Tommy's head was resting on his chest and he was running his fingers through Tommy's hair, slowly massaging his scalp. “I do have one more question though.”

“Hmm?” Sleep was already starting to take over Tommy. He never lasted long with a scalp massage.

“What was the NDA thing we signed with Ravi?”

“Oh, he was supposed to just send your sister a message saying we were getting started, but he came up with that whole thing himself. Probably should've read the fine print on that.”

“Oh God. It's something he's gonna use against me at work, isn't it?”

Tommy tucked himself in even closer to Buck, his eyes fluttered shut. “Most likely.”

Buck groaned, but didn't let himself stay annoyed for long. That was a worry for another day. Another day where he would clearly state to Ravi that whatever he signed was signed under false pretenses and would never hold up in court!

For now though, he reached up to turn off the lamp before pulling the covers up over him and Tommy. “I love you,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of Tommy's head.

“Love you more,” Tommy muttered back before they fell into a peaceful sleep.

[judesmoonbeauty]

Fairytale Keeper's Final Assessment SE:

Ellis Twilight’s POV Chapter 1 ཐིཋྀ

Fan translation only. Not 100% accurate. Please expect grammatical errors. Cybird owns everything. Feel free to re-blog, but please do not post my translations elsewhere. Dividers: @/natimiles

What is happiness?

It’s like the twilight sky, which changes color as soon as it is burned into the eye.

You can't get the same thing again, even though it holds your heart forever and won't let go.

So tomorrow - I will show you more beautiful twilight.

The day after tomorrow and the day after that.

Then, eventually, when you are assured of the best happiness -

(Hmm…..ng…..)

Pale sunlight streamed in through the window and tickled my eyelids.

I open my eyes and stare at her sleeping face with her arms pillowed around me.

(Cute. Looks so comfy, like a little kid.)

Lately, I've been waking up to find Kate next to me more often.

We both have our own rooms, so sometimes we talk about sleeping separately.

However, when it comes time to say goodbye, we just can't leave.

(It's like we forget to leave.)

Kate: Mm……mmm…

(Ah, she woke up.)

Ellis: Good morning, Kate.

Kate: …..Ellis, good morning.

When I kiss Kate’s forehead she laughed like it tickled.

I, I really like it when Kate, who always lives for her life, becomes defenseless.

Ellis: Hey, Kate…..Are you happy now?

She already knows that this question of mine has a special meaning.

Kate: Yeah……I'm happy.

Ellis: How much?

Kate: ……I see.

Kate: I’m still extremely happy though…..

(Oh, she looks like she wants to kiss me.)

When I kissed her again on the lips that I kissed so much last night, Kate blinked her eyes.

Ellis: Would kissing make you happier?

Kate: How did you know what I wanted you to do?

Ellis: Because I love you.

Kate laughs ticklishly again, as I trap her in my arms.

As I hug Kate like a treasure, I think back to what Victor called me to talk about yesterday.

FLASHBACK

Victor: I'm at a loss, should I let her continue as a fairytale keeper? Or-

Victor: That's why as a Crown member, I want to hear your opinions.

Victor: So, here this is for you. This is the fairytale keeper continuation agreement.

Ellis: …………

Victor: Ellis?

Ellis: Ah, no….

Ellis: I completely forgot that there was a way to quit being a fairy tale teacher.

But that was my mistake, and Kate was only supposed to be a fairytale keeper for a limited time limit.

So this is, an agreement to decide whether to she can continue as a fairytale keeper or to say goodbye.

Ellis: You want me to spend the day with Kate, and sign this if I think she should continue as fairytale keeper.

Ellis: If I think she shouldn’t continue as fairytale keeper then don’t sign it.

It seems like I can decide on my own, but I don't want to do that.

Because Kate’s feelings are more important than anything else.

(But...I never want to let you go.)

FLASHBACK ENDS

Kate can go anywhere.

That's why I don't want you to go anywhere.

(I couldn't get my thoughts together so I couldn't tell you, but I have to tell you today.)

Ellis: Kate.

— A stomach growled. Not mine, but Kate’s.

Kate: Ah, that....

Ellis: Hehe, so cute. Your stomach sounds are cute too.

Kate: ……Don't make fun of me.

Ellis: I'm not making fun, I really meant it.

Ellis: Kate, the weather is nice today, so let's have brunch outside.

Ellis: Also, there's something I want to talk to you about.

Kate: ...This is my agreement to continue as a fairytale keeper.

When I was full, I told Kate everything.

(Victor said it was a secret, so I'll have to apologize later.)

Then, Kate looked at me with an unwavering expression.

Kate: Ellis, you will stay at Crown forever, right?

Kate: Then I only have one choice…

Ellis: Wait a minute, Kate.

Kate: Ellis?

Ellis: I thought you would say that. Thank you, Kate.

Ellis: Besides, as long as I sign it, everything will have a happy ending.

Ellis: But I want you to choose.

Kate: Me, choose?

Ellis: Remember, you became a fairytale keeper by getting caught up in this.

FLASHBACK

It was the night of usual mission, just after the entirety of Crown had taken care of a certain target, Kate got lost in the

darkness.

William: What’s this? Aren’t you the Robin  I met earlier today?

Kate: Ah…..oh……what?

FLASHBACK ENDS

Ellis: So now I want you to choose for yourself.

It's true that I want to value Kate’s feelings.

However, I have an ulterior motive.

(This will be the final decision, so I want Kate to choose me. Crown and I are best.)

(Being here is the happiest thing for you.)

Kate: All right Ellis, if that's the way you want it.

Ellis: I was wondering how I could make it easier for you to choose.

I suggested that Kate and I spend a day together for the final assessment.

During the day, we’ll go about Crown’s daily routine as usual.

Then from sunset until morning, Kate will live her daily life like she before meeting Crown.

Ellis: I thought it would make it easier to compare the two different lifestyles.

Kate: …..Definitely. It’s a good idea.

Ellis: Yay, I was praised. When should we start?

Kate: I want to prepare mentally, so what about starting tomorrow?

Ellis: Yeah, that's what I was thinking too. Let’s start tomorrow.

(Kate, are you worried?)

I won't let go of you Kate, I won't.

(But maybe I'm just a little worried too.)

I hugged Kate's body and the tips of our noses touched.

Ellis: Tomorrow is the time to think about the future. For now, just think about me.

Kate: Ellis….mm..

And the next day, Kate and I's final fairytale assessment began.

Kate: It’s such nice weather! The weather is perfect, Ellis.

We spread out a picnic blanket and Kate stretches out on it.

(Kate is even more happy and cute when the weather is nice.)

(Ah, that's right.)

Ellis: Kate, can you close your eyes for a moment?

[Next] [Master List]

[otomehonyaku]

Diabolik Lovers Lost Eden Stellaworth Tokuten Short Stories スペシャル特典小冊子 ☽ Azusa ver.

This short story booklet was part of the Stellaworth set for Lost Eden! Keep reading below the cut for Azusa's version. And with that, the translations of all of the Sakamaki and Mukami stories are now finished! Stay tuned for the Carla, Shin & Kino ones ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و ♡

S ☽ [Ayato’s version by @kyouxa] [Laito’s version by @kyouxa] [Shuu’s version] [Reiji’s version] [Kanato’s version] [Subaru’s version]

M ☽ [Ruki’s version] [Yuma's version] [Kou’s version] [Azusa’s version]

TK ☽ [Carla’s version] [Shin’s version] [Kino’s version]

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

As always, special thanks to @karleksmumskladdkaka for providing the scans ♡⸜(˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝ Please do not reuse or post my translations elsewhere or translate my work into other languages without my permission.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

I stretched out my left arm toward the box of pictures, which I was going to put in an album. As I did, I lost my perception of depth and the picture I thought I had picked up floated to the floor as though carried away by the wind. 

This time, I picked up the picture with my right hand and stuck it in the album. With that, the album was finished. I let out a small sigh.

It hadn’t been that long since I started going through life with a mechanical arm. It took some getting used to. Even now, it restricted my freedom. 

Still, I never regretted the decision to amputate my left arm. 

That day, she and my brothers had given me this mechanical arm as a present, and it had become indispensable to me–a treasure, really. Even if the four of them were far away, I still felt them with me through this arm. It taught me that I was never alone in this life.

“It’s okay. I know what it means to protect…”

That’s why I won’t make the same mistake again. I knew I would never be forgiven for the sin I committed once before, no matter how much time passed. No matter if everyone… if she forgave me. I deserved to atone.

I knew that atonement wasn’t just about wallowing in all of my past regrets. I needed to move forward. I needed to do whatever I could. That was all I could do to face my fears and repent in this world.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

A continued knocking sound reverberated through the room. I felt her presence on the other side of the door, and my face broke into a smile.

“Azusa, can I come in?”

“Yeah, of course…”

Had she just come out of the shower? She poked her head into the room, having changed into her roomwear. I hadn’t said anything, but she sat down beside me.

“Hey, is it okay if I… comb your hair?” I asked tentatively.

She smiled gratefully in return. 

Using the mechanical arm, I slowly and awkwardly opened the duffel bag we had brought from the human world, though my arm was not yet accustomed to these kinds of movements. The bag held many things that were precious to me. 

I motioned for her to sit with her back to me, and her soft hair gave off the fruity scent of her shampoo. Her scent. I wished I could smell it all the time. As carefully as I would handle something fragile, I gently ran the brush through her hair.

“...Eve. I like you…”

When I finished brushing her hair and promptly whispered my confession into her ear, her cheeks reddened. As though her eyes would answer for her, she sought me out, and said, ever so softly, that she felt the same. 

“You know, Azusa… I’m really happy.”

“...Yeah. Me too. I’m happier than I’ve ever been before. I love you, Eve…”

“I love you too, Azusa…”

As if to confirm each other’s feelings, we whispered those words to each other over and over. My heart was overflowing with love. 

I could not dress her in pretty clothes. I could not make delicious dishes for her to eat. No matter how much I thought about it, I felt incredibly lacking compared to my brothers.

But still, the fact that she loved me… was all that mattered. 

If all she desired was for me to whisper my words of love to her, I would do it until she was satisfied. If she was lonely, anxious, and… afraid to be alone, I would stay by her side. I would hug and kiss her… Hehe, although that was just what I wanted to do of my own volition. In any case, I had no intention of letting her go for the rest of my life.

As I embraced her from behind, I trapped her in my arms. I felt her warmth, her quickening heartbeat. It made my heart flutter. It was such a thrilling feeling.

“Promise me… we’ll stay together forever.” 

“Hehe, I’ll pinky-promise.” 

We sat there, smiling sheepishly at each other, and she curled her pinky finger around mine.

“Pinky… promise.”

I could not bear to let go of her when our fingers connected like that. I gently pushed her down onto the sofa… and kissed her.

The gentle light of the moon, which was high up in the night sky of Eden, peeked into the room through the window. It seemed as though even the twinkling stars were wishing for our happiness.

[lizzyscribbles]

In honor of the Vengeance Saga's release tonight, I'm taking a break from my regularly scheduled MHA content to have a little ramble about something Epic related that I've had brewing for a while.

I want to talk about Eurylochus (who, for some reason, my brain desperately wants to call Eurydice, which is an ENTIRELY different greek myth inspired musical that I love but it REFUSES to remember that, but that's besides the point), specifically the hatred he seemed to get after the Thunder Saga.

Now, let me just say, I have not read the Odyssey, I don't plan to and I don't particularly want to. I am solely coming at this from the perspective of someone who has just listened to Epic and kept up with Jay. So, if you have read the myths, this is probably not the post for you. :)

I understand where the hatred of him comes from, I honestly do. At first glance it is kind of hard to understand why he had the right to be upset with Odysseus after everything he did, but I think just taking it at surface value is doing the story a huge disservice.

Let's start allllllll the way back in the Ocean Saga with the wind bag incident. Now, I'm absolutely not saying that Eurylochus should bear no fault for this, he DID disobey Odysseus's direct order and could some of that have to do with the fact that he wanted treasure?? Maybe? But I'm not convinced that was entirely it. That's mentioned at the beginning of the song, and then never really brought up again. (Yes, I am aware that the in the myth it is because of treasure, but again, I'm going off just Epic).

Jay tells us that every character in Epic has an instrument, those in the fandom know this, and we also know that Eurylochus's instrument is actually the crew. So, when he sings, he's usually singing for the combined opinions of the rest of the crew. In "Keep Your Friends Close", we hear Odysseus start to really deteriorate for the first time. You can hear the crew start to get a little weirded out by it, because until this point Odysseus has been pretty steadfast and strong and suddenly he's turned into this paranoid, tired mess. He doesn't talk to anyone after the beginning, he just sings to himself while the crew sings backup. The crew has never seen Odysseus like this before, as far as we can tell, and I think it worries them, especially since this whole bag situation seems to have started it. What I'm trying to get across here is that Odysseus is acting really suspicious in the crew's eyes. We know this because the crew actively tells us this in the line "Everything's changed since Polites." There has been a massive, unsettling change in Odysseus and I think it's deeply concerning them. I think they brought those concerns to Eurylochus, who I think was also being actively shut out, and Eurylochus got worried that there was something much worse than a storm in that bag. If you come from that perspective, it makes sense he waited until Ithaca was so close to try to open it, because with home so close, if there was something horrible then they were close to salvation. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case, and I guarantee Eurylochus tortured himself for that mistake for the rest of his, unfortunately short, life.

Again, I'm NOT saying that this was the right decision, but I am saying that I can kinda see why he did it.

Let's move onto the Circe Saga. I hear a lot about how it wasn't fair that Eurylochus was so mad about the Scylla incident when he wanted to leave the men who became pigs behind on Circe's island. However, think about it this way, Eurylochus didn't actively send those men into Circe's palace, nor did he choose to turn them into pigs to save himself. When they turned, he had no idea whether they COULD be brought back, he probably already considered them dead. He was not the one who condemned them, and I don't think he wanted to leave them behind, but he didn't know if they could be saved and trying to do so may have lost the rest of their feeble crew. Remember, they've just lost nearly their entire fleet, I wouldn't be surprised if Eurylochus was scared he'd lose even more if they tried to save the men that may have already been condemned.

Was this the right decision? No, I don't think so, but I understand why he thought it was.

That's why I think trying to compare the Scylla incident with the Circe one is like looking at apples and oranges, they're really not the same thing.

Next, the cow incident. The infamous "my father will hear about this". I don't have much to say here. It was stupid, yes. However, have y'all ever been so starved you'd do anything to get something to eat? I become a bitch if I wait a few too many hours between meals, going for days, your perception is going to be MASSIVELY screwed. Still, after all, not too surprised that Eurylochus didn't listen to Odysseus. Again, stupid ass move, Eurylochus, but I get it.

Finally, Mutiny, the song that brought this all about. I think a lot of people took this song as Eurylochus being a bit of a hypocrite, that Odysseus isn't allowed to do the things he, himself, did. I don't think that's the case here. I think Eurylochus is confused, because this is COMPLETELY out of character for Odysseus. This entire musical has been Odysseus trying to avoid death in any way he can. He's tried to protect his crew even when it puts himself in danger (see the Circe Saga) and then, seemingly out of nowhere, he sacrifices six men to Scylla without so much as a discussion with his crew. This is very, VERY unlike him at this point, and it scared Eurylochus. It scared all of them.

I don't think he's doing this because he's mad that Odysseus gets to do shit he didn't get to do. No, I think he's terrified because this is a complete 180 and now they're all at risk. He's confused as to why Odysseus is suddenly okay with everything he's told Eurylochus NOT to do up until this point. He's saying, "you told me not to do this, why are you now doing this? The whole time you fought for the crew and now you just killed them no warning, what the hell?? What's happened to you?? This isn't you??" He's not saying that he didn't do anything, he's saying this whole time you've protected us and now you're not, wtf? In simple terms, "you told me not to do something and then you did it"

The prophet said as much, "It's no longer you." This was no longer the Odysseus they knew, and when he willingly sacrificed his crew, they realized that they were no longer people in his eyes, they were tools to get back to his wife and child.

I'm saying this to bash Odysseus AT ALL. In fact, the scariest part of Thunder Bringer is that I fully understand why Odysseus did what he did, and in his shoes, I'm not sure I'd have done anything different. I think Odysseus is an excellent character and I LOVE HIM, we see that these decisions haunt him constantly throughout the rest of the Sagas, but we have to remember we get to hear a lot more about the situation than the crew did. We're inside Odysseus's head, they were not.

Again, was Eurylochus completely in the right? Absolutely not. But he also wasn't completely in the wrong. He was working with the information he had available to him, it just happened to be missing important pieces.

Eurylochus was trying to protect the crew and himself from a man he didn't recognize anymore, and I can't blame him for that.

...Plus, I think we can all agree that the real bitch here is Zeus who made Odysseus choose between himself and his crew and then immediately punted him to Calypso's island FULLY KNOWING that the only reason Odysseus made that decision was because he wanted to see his wife and son.

Screw you, Zeus.

[cloudysarts]

All right I take the bait. Why do you believe Manel should have accompanied Pacifica at the party

AHHH THANK YOU IM SO EXCITED TO EXPLAIN MYSELF (in reference to this post)

ok. northwest mansion mystery is a great episode obviously. but HERES why i think the episode would've been even better if mabel was in dippers spot!!!!!! its kinda a lot so i put it under a read more

so this episode is sort of the middle-ish of season 2 i think, right before the ford reveal!! its not a super long show anyway so theres not a ton of pacifica appearances, anyway. BUT in EVERY SINGLE OTHER PACIFICA EPISODE, her energy has been bouncing off of mabel!!! from their meeting in double dipper, to irrational treasure, to golf war; they have been established as the main dynamic here. golf war is especially important here, because this is the very first step in pacfica's redemption arc! mabel saves her in this episode, the pines give her a ride home, and it seems like pacifica is going to start being a little more understanding of mabel because she had misjudged her, hence why she was treating her so poorly. it looks like theyre gonna establish a friendship between them!

and then. they dont. they basically never interact again. because the next time we see pacifica, she goes straight to dipper in northwest manor mystery. the cold open implies that the northwests wanted dipper specifically because of his knowlege of how to deal with the supernatural but IN MY OPINION that DOESNT EVEN MAKE SENSE because we NEVER see dipper fighting these monsters on his own? hes ALWAYS with mabel. at the very least, i think it shouldve been BOTH of them??? we see a brief shot of a newspaper clipping where dipper is fighting a vampire bat or something and i just. when did this happen. where is mabel

that would be a fine argument for it being both of them instead of just mabel so heres one of my bigger points thats gonna come back a lot in this breakdown: dipper. does not like pacifica. he STRAIGHT UP HATES HER. every single interaction theyve had has been negative!!! its even massively negative at the beginning of this ep!!!! though mabel often dislikes pacifica, she TRIES REALLY HARD TO LIKE HER. mabel has a lot of love in her heart, and if she could, shed want to be her friend!!! its always been pacifica whos been rejecting those advances!!! golf war was the start of pacifica understanding that about mabel, and it nmm wouldve been the PERFECT time to wrap up that arc, rather than leaving it!!!

and i would argue that could STILL LEAD INTO A DIPCIFICA ARC, if thats what the showrunners/fans wanted? most of why dipper hates pacifica to begin with is because shes so terrible to mabel. he only agrees to go to the party in canon because MABEL wants to!!! imo, i think the lead in to them being a couple would be a million times better if that massive problem in their relationship was solved first

i dont PERSONALLY like dipcifica but im trying to stay unbiased about this if you cant tell

i would also argue that like. dipper just seems really out of character. the reason i picked some of the scenes i did for my redraws, was because they were scenes that i think his behavior would fit mabel a lot better. examples:

why do the northwests have a suit in dippers size anyway. he literally doesnt even like wearing it sjkfhkj in a potential re-write of this ep, i considered that mabel would come in wearing her super extravagent home made dress, and it would 'violate dress code', so she would be forced to wear one of pacificas we could still have that cute dress-up expo scene that we do AND have some fun commentary/symbolism about pacifica being nervous about having her in the dress because its NICE and TOO GOOD FOR HER and she looked FINE BEFORE ANYWAY

mabels empathy is a recurring theme in the show. shed WANT to give pacifica the benefit of the doubt, and would be VERY betrayed when finding out her and her family already knew about the ghosts and knew what he wanted. i understand that dipper was so upset because it seemed like pacifica was changing for the better just to find out that she wasnt, but i think this fits so much better with mabel, because shes always WANTED to believe that shes secretly a good person. she would be glad to see her turn a corner, and would be upset when finding out she was 'wrong', and that she really was mean deep down. whcih would obviously lead to her comforting her later/finding out the truth about her etc etc. on the other hand, dipper literally never believed she had good in her. from the first interaction we see of them, he thinks shes as terrible as her family. he ISNT as interested in giving her the benefit of the doubt and if it wasnt a life or death situation i dont think he wouldve forgiven her. IDK i just think its more in character for her

the dancing scene!!! honestly this works fine as is (i can see both dipper and mabel being excited to make a mess on a fancy carptet) but idk i just think it carries so much more weight if its these two girls. silly moments for mabel!!!! pacifica getting to really be a kid and not just a sparkly prop!!!!!!! pacifica finally indulging in her sillyness that she mocked in irrational treasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ok moving on. one of the bigger things that bother me about it being dipper here instead of mabel is one teeny tiny (honestly really irrational) scene at the party. in it, dipper is confronted by fiddleford, who tells him he has big news about the author/the laptop and the towns in danger and its vitally important and dipper just. shrugs him off???!!?!?!?! i cannot even IMAGINE. in alex hirschs words "the first season is about dipper being in love with wendy, and the second is about him being in love with the author" meaning that. those are the TWO things that dipper is completely and totally obsessed with. hes clearly not over wendy (as we see in later episodes) and this is not long after sock opera/society of the blind eye so youd THINK hed be more depserate for answers than ever!??!?! this child was willing to sell out his great uncle and raise the dead and stay up for several nights in a row for answers, and the second he is offered some (from a man who WORKED WITH THE AUTHOR btw) hes like like 'whatevr'?!?!?! it is so out of character and it drives me fucking nuts every time. i know hes starting to like pacifica now but as we see in the comics (if you chose to think those are canon) HE DOESNT EVEN SEEM TO LIKE HER THAT MUCH!??!?! hes STILL convinced shes vain, and mean, and selfish!!!! he DOES start to have a little arc with her but jksdfjksf IDK i just cant in a million years see him passing up the chance for answers to the biggest mystery in gravity falls to hang out with a girl he tolerates

but yknow who i CAN see doing that? MABEL!!!!!!!! mabel would be concerned when mcgucket comes up to her, and starts talking like this!!!! i can totally see her suggesting that he relax for a little while and enjoy the party like dipper did, and then forgetting to come back to talk/not running into him later!!!! ESPECIALLY since i can see mabel WANTING to spend time with pacifica where dipper just. really doesnt seem to want to MOST of the time

ok ill admit that this last one is sort of a personal opinion. but i just. i really dont like the B plot of this episode with mabel and the girls. IDK its just so annoying and pointless to me to have a plot where its just a bunch of girls turning against each other over a guy. im not gonna say its mysoginistic bc i know little girls can be boy crazy but i just. dont see why there was a need to make them fight/turn against grenda briefly??? even when they rekindled and it was all ok in the end its just. in comparison to the A plot its so. Nothing.

in my head i have a rewrite of this episode and how it goes is that pacifica approaches dipper and asks for help and he turns it down (like he does in canon). mabel suggests that they do it anyway, but he refuses, as he wants nothing to do with her. when dippers gone, mabel agrees to help (and pacifica begrudgingly accepts bc it seems like the only option) and so she steals the journal when dippers not looking. she goes to the party, and events go pretty much the same?? only major difference i can think of is that the B plot is replaced by one where dipper realizes mabel and the journal are missing, so he sneaks into the manor/sneaks around the house trying to find he rand get it back (and its so massive he has no luck). the reason i think THAT works is because we can even still have the scene where dipper turns to wood like shifty prophesied!!!! and i would even argue it makes more sense this way because wasnt shiftys warning that "if you keep digging so deep into the secrets of gravity falls, this will be the last form youll ever take" ?

OK IM SORRY THIS WAS SO LONG im probably forgetting points too so i might edit it later but THANKS FOR ASKING

tldr: pacifica and mabels friendship plotline was left on a total cliffhanger after golf war and if mabel replaced dipper in nmm it would've been a good resolution to it

edit: check the reblogs if youre still interested! i added another list of reasons i think this (mostly in response to people disagreeing)

[merp-blerp]

Just thinking out loud about The Thunder Saga and everything connected to it.

I get why people are mad at Eurylochus for opening the windbag, but I don't understand blaming him for the crew getting caught by Poseidon. Sure he definitely sped up the event, but even if they were inches away from Ithaca right before that moment like they were in the original Odyssey (which seems to be hinted at with Ody saying "And I'm getting closer to you"), Poseidon would've gotten to them eventually anyway because he's a god, a major one at that. And gods get their will no matter what consistently, even if mortals try to twist it like how Ody does when opening the bag a second time. I can only assess what sagas we have currently, so I could be really wrong as future sagas come out, but I think Aeolus must've known that fact and that was the game he was playing. As if he's saying, "I'll help you, but I can't stop Poseidon with a bag. The Winions will even make it extra hard with a treasure rumor." The bag was supposed to aid the crew home, not stop Poseidon, so they would've had to deal with Poseidon anyway in Ithaca, which probably would've made more casualties because they would've brought their trouble to the whole kingdom. Remember Ithaca is on an island. Poseidon is the god of the sea, so Ithaca would be a perfect target for him to destroy because of that. But it's not his will to do that; he wants to play games with Ody to avenge his son. The only reason why mortals feel like they have a choice and can manipulate fate is because the gods like to play games; it's still their will if Ody wins a game like he does in "Ruthlessness" because it was their will to play in the first place, and they can win if/when they want to. Just 'cause Poseidon "lost" in "Ruthlessness" doesn't mean he actually did, he just let Odysseus go. For now. If his will changes and Ody gets no consequence from him it's on his terms, not Ody's. Just like with Circe, as I've talked about.

But back to Eurylochus, I adore the parallels between The Thunder Saga and The Ocean Saga. During The Ocean Saga, Eurylochus only opens the bag, not for treasure, but to give the crew closure, as we know thanks to Aeolus's "Now they wanna get the bag open so they can have closure". Especially if they were close to home, I imagine his thought process might've been that opening the bag was wrong but morally okay since the journey was almost done and Odysseus was sleeping so it seemed like it wasn't a big deal anymore in his eyes. But that's more my hypothesis. In terms of canon, his trust in Ody, which wasn't high to begin with, was dwindling, as Ody bragged about how no men died in war and then several died with the Cyclops. "Everything's changed since Polites, so". In The Thunder Saga, it's similar, as Eurylochus knows killing the cow is wrong, but they've all lost hope on getting home with their captain going to extremes to get there himself, killing them slowly like with Scylla. They know that deep down the whole time Odysseus wanted to get home himself mainly, only bringing the crew because he cared out of the kindness of his heart, and now that his heart has changed they know they won't get to Ithaca if the gods keep messing around (and they do). This post pointed out that Eurylochus was likely just trying to provide for the crew and himself in their final moments before another trap emerges and Odysseus decides to continue to sacrifice his men if he feels it has to be done again. Eurylochus isn't dumb, he knows their goose is cooked if they kill the cow, especially with Ody in his ear telling him, but they'll die either way, in the hand of the gods or Ody. They will die and not see home, but at least they can die not starving, and go on for a bit longer. They had nothing to lose. Eurylochus had doubted Odysseus this whole time and he does so till the end. When Eurylochus says, "But we'll die", it's not a plea to stay alive, it's him confirming out loud that Odysseus will not choose his men over Penelope and Telemachus. He's reaffirming to Ody that they'll die; almost like he's finishing Ody's sentence "I have to see her". Odysseus couldn't say it, but Eurylochus could since he'd known they'd died for so long already. In the live stream animatic, the crew attempting to kill Odysseus near the end of "Thunder Bringer" isn't them trying to escape their fate, but trying to bring Ody down with them so Ody won't get his choice. They've long accepted the fact that Ody isn't to be trusted and they all are going to die, but Ody is, for lack of a better word I can think of, cheating in the crew's eyes by having an out thanks to Zeus. In their view of fairness, they all have to die if they aren't getting home. It's a last attempt at a mutiny. It fails because that's not how Zeus wants his game to work, and he gets his will.

They are all puppets of the fate the gods have chosen, whether that fate benefits them or not.

(The only "exception" to the "Will of the gods" rule so far is Ody and the baby, since Jay has said it's "ambiguous" whether or not the baby is spared. If not exactly by being dropped, I'm sure he'd die some other way honestly because the gods want that. It'll probably come up again in a later saga—"ambiguous" is too cryptic of a word to use when everyone assumed he died in the first saga)

This is all just my take, by the way, no one has to agree with me.

[cherikdogfood]

title idea to save your bored mind: We'll dance again

@fleflafiefie Thank you so much! This was a lovely prompt and hopefully I did justice to your prompt!

P.S. I'm posting this here, but I plan to post it on ao3 later and tag you (or gift this to you, I dunno how it works), since you gave the prompt. Could you tell me your ao3 username? Thank you!

We'll Dance Again

Every time Charles and Erik part, he can't stop the ache in his chest from throbbing painfully. Charles knows, logically, that there's nothing he should be worried about.

After all, he and Erik are "enemies", their X-Men and Brotherhood fighting regularly. They will definitely meet at some point, so why worry so much?

But he can't stop worrying.

He's in his late seventies, and Erik is older than him. Putting aside the fact that humans hate Erik and want to kill him, Erik himself is getting old.

As much as Erik claims he is better than humans, Charles knows even Erik has his limits.

There will come a day when Erik dies.

And if Erik dies, what about him?

What does he have left?

Nothing.

It's painful -- excruciating, even, to think of a world without his Erik.

Other times, Charles thinks about himself. He knows he is getting old. His mind doesn't work like it used to, and no matter how strong his telepathy is, he won't be able to exist without a body, right?

Charles tries not to think about it, he really does, but thoughts of death and eternal parting does not cease to haunt his dreams.

And so he lies awake, at night, after Erik has tipped his hat off and said "Goodbye old friend" in that awfully fond tone of his, and wonders about their future.

Every time there's a large battle between the X-Men and the Brotherhood, he does his best to join the fight. Just so he can meet Erik.

"No offense, Professor, but you are getting old. I don't think you should be in the front lines with us," Storm reminds him.

"And I know your knees and back hurt a lot more these days," Jean adds, telepathically.

"I know," he says, out loud.

"But I want to be here," he tells Jean in her mind, and she knows why.

In the battlefield he will meet Erik, and although his beloved still wears that annoying helmet, Charles treasures the few glimpses he can have of him.

Their time is running out, he thinks. And he doesn't want to spend every waking moment fighting Erik like they did when they were younger.

And then one day, Charles' fears come true. One minute he's alright, and next he finds himself clutching his head in pain, whimpering as if someone is banging a hammer on his head.

He thinks he passes out, and when he opens his eyes and blink, he comes face to face with Hank.

"What happened?" He asks.

Hank tells him everything the doctors have said. He has a neurodegenerative disease, causing him to have seizures and making him forget.

But Charles' doesn't want to forget. He doesn't want to forget anything, but most of all, he doesn't want to forget Erik.

When the seizures happen again, once, twice, Charles realizes things won't get better. In fact, things were getting so much worse.

He didn't know who exactly did it (his bet was on Jean), but the fifth time his seizures happened and he woke up, he found Erik by his side.

Erik was by his side.

And he wasn't wearing the helmet.

Charles was tired -- the seizures had wrung his energy -- but seeing the love of his life by his bedside gave him so much happiness that he wanted to jump out of bed and embrace him.

He couldn't do that, of course, not only because he couldn't move his legs, but also because his body was too weak to even get up.

"Erik," he could only whisper.

"Hello, old friend," Erik replied, smiling fondly, albeit sadly too.

Charles wants to say something, ask Erik how long he'll be staying here, but Erik speaks first.

"How are you feeling?" He asks.

If he were decades younger, maybe, he would answer with a playful quip that made Erik roll his eyes.

As it is now, he's too old and tired, so he just smiles weakly.

"I've been better, I suppose."

"Hank says it's in your best interests to lay down and rest," Erik says. "That means no more going out into the battlefield, Charles."

He groans and looks at Erik, letting his gaze wander over his beloved's wrinkles and memorizing his face.

"I know, but, you'll be there," he whispers.

I need to see you.

The words are left unsaid, but Erik knows.

Erik understands him, sometimes even better than he understands himself.

"You're afraid," Erik says, his gaze softening.

"I've noticed it before and I thought I was wrong, but... you really are afraid," Erik says, his tone filled with both confusion and understanding.

Understanding because Erik knows what Charles is afraid of, and confusion because he thinks Charles of all people would not be afraid.

"You're afraid we won't meet again," Erik says slowly. "You're afraid one of us dies, and our parting on the battlefield will be our last meeting."

Charles nods, because his voice has betrayed him and he's glad he doesn't have to say the words out loud -- he's not afraid of dying, no, he's afraid of losing Erik, of never meeting him again.

Erik moves slowly and grasps his hand gently, and Charles gives him a small squeeze. Erik squeezes back.

"You don't have to be afraid, Charles. This -- We... You and I -- " Erik's voice breaks and he visibly tries to fight the urge to cry. It's a battle he's losing very quickly, though, and Charles tries not to succumb to his own tears.

After a few moments of silence Erik finally speaks.

"It's alright, Charles. This isn't, this isn't our last dance," he whispers oh so gently. "We will dance again, Liebling," he chokes out, "You and I, it won't be over that quickly. And, even if, even if we die--"

"Of course we'll die at some point, Erik," Charles laughs, blinking away tears as one falls down his cheek.

Erik brings his other hand up and wipes the tear away, the tenderness in his gaze and the warmth in his mind flowing without restraint.

"I know, Liebling, and what I'm saying is, even if we die, who's to say it's the end?" Erik's grin is mischievous with a twinkle in his eye that Charles knows too well.

"All those stories of the afterlife, heaven and hell and everything in between... It doesn't matter to me. I'd chase you to the ends of the earth and drag you to heaven with me if that's what you want," he whispers, gentle but firm.

"Although," Erik laughs a choked, dry laugh, "considering what everyone says about me, I'm probably going to hell."

Charles scoffs, knowing he and Erik have had this argument several times.

"You are a good person, Erik. There's so much more to you than you know," he whispers, replaying the words he once said decades ago.

"And you know, you know that I would follow you to hell if I had to. It doesn't matter to me," he adds.

Erik smiles, gentle and warm. For a moment, the two of them stay silent, basking in each other's presence and content to be together.

"You should sleep," Erik whispers.

"I don't want to," Charles says telepathically.

And Erik -- god, Charles wants to hug him -- Erik knows what he means.

"Sleep, Charles. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here when you wake up. I'm not dying, not yet, and neither are you," Erik says firmly.

Charles sighs and closes his eyes, feeling Erik's mind wrap around his like a protective cocoon.

"As I've said, Charles. This isn't our last dance. So go to sleep, I'm here," Erik says in his mind.

That's all the reassurance he needs, and he goes to sleep, peaceful.

[made by cherikdogfood]

[amaleu-antmat]

The case files of Jeweler Richard vol 8 spoiler!

Part 2?

(Continuing from where I left in the previous post)

After Seigi and Catherine finished buying the groceries, Richard and Catherine enter a little discussion about the treasure hunt again, as the air grew heavy Seigi interjected to lighten the mood "Uhm, I thought I'd make seafood stew for dinner. I got some really delicious ingredients, Bouillabaisse is from this place right?" After Seigi said that the two other people look at him with almost scared? Lol faces, they moved in sync with other indescribable intense emotions, and that scare the hell out of Seigi, the poor guy think <what did I say this time? Did I make a mistake with the menu? Or are they allergic?> 😂

Richard "Bouillabaisse....wow."

Seigi "Wow, what?"

Catherine "Oh, Seigi...Bouillabaisse is a dish from Provence, but it's very difficult..."

Richard "The shrimp and fish have to be dressed just right, and the vegetables require preparation as well. It also needs to be simmer for an extremely long time. At any rate, it is an unavoidable difficult path"

Seigi "Don't worry, I can do it, it's not a problem"

Catherine "Just the thought of preparing a meal that takes so much effort makes me want to pass out. You should rethink this, even locals don't make it, it's too much hassles"

Richard "You didn't come here to hone your cooking skills. I strongly suggest you save your energy for other tasks"

Seigi "Ah..."

Mother and son duo are preoccupied because of past experiences, I guess 😆 and don't want Seigi to go through it. Seigi catches on the fact that they are both incapable of doing basic chores. He said to give him 2 hours and to not peek under any circumstances.

While Seigi cooks, he thinks that he should feed Richard so that he'll have the energy to solve the mystery of the treasure hunt like Sherlock Holmes. He finished cooking and came out, Richard had found other marbles in the meantime, he asked where Catherine was, and Richard told him that she went to check if the pizza place was open.

Seigi "I appreciate having a backup plan, but I really don't think we're going to need it"

Richard "So it seems...." 😆 (dunno why, but this part made me laugh)

Richard set the tableware, etc, and Catherine returned with news that it's closed for vacation.

Seigi set the pot containing dinner on the table and pulled off the lid, he looks at them and see.... indescribable tension, the mother-son duo peer at the pot, <was it admiration? For me? No. For the Bouillabaisse.> 🤣

(Here's a food pic, just so that you'll feel the hunger I felt when searching for it out of curiosity)

Richard "What on...."

Catherine "C'est Magnifique! I can't believe it."

They approach the table with caution, unsure as if it was a crashed ufo...<I didn't put anything bad in it....> 😁 (I find it funny how careful he is acting right now, it's really like encountering your mother in law and trying to be liked by her, only, Seigi doesn't seem to realise this, for all this novel he is diveded between pleasing her and trying to make Richard happy at the same time? But when he is nice to her, Richard is a bit sulky)

Seigi began portioning the serving and encourage them to eat.

Catherine tells Seigi to say bon appetit, and when he does the mother son duo answer in unison "Merci" Richard pout, Catherine smiles. Seigi thinks that something of the sort must have happen in the past in this estate. Seigi ask what they thought about the Bouillabaisse, Catherine teary-eyed respond that it tastes like happiness itself.

Richard "...Well, he always has been a good cook"

Catherine "Richard, you are being rude. Thank Seigi this instant"

Richard looks mortified for a moment and then looks at Seigi <This feels like a standoff between East and West, but that would make me his opponent, and I'd be knocked out before I even got a swing in. It would never occur to me to pick such a fight, I'd just wind up on my knees begging for mercy for all eternity> Seigiiiiiiiii 😆

Richard look at him a bit bashfully "Seigi, I've known for quite a while now that you are a talented cook, but it seems I must acknowledge your skills once again. Bravo. Perhaps you could open a restaurant if you felt so inclined. But I have to ask, when did you learn to cook this?"

Catherine "what an arrogant way to say that. Does that even count as a compliment?"

Richard "Stay out of this"

Seigi "Ahh uhm, thanks Richard. Where did I learn this? Good question"

Wanting to alleviate the tension he confess to them that it's his first time cooking this and he just followed the recipe, the mother-son duo doesn't believe him and tells him to stop joking with a wave of their hand in front of them and the same expression. They gives example about how cooking is hard like if you cook an egg in high heat it'll burn or about how it will explode in the microwave if run for too long, and that the odds of Seigi succeeding in that dish in the first try was too low. 😆

Catherine think for a moment that it's a japanese men skills but immediately turn down that theory as she had a friend who married a jap man who couldn't even fold underwear. Richard blatantly asks Seigi what tricks he uses.

Catherine "Can't you just say thank you, I love it?"

Richard " I don't know how many times I have to tell you, but you have no right to interject here"

Seigi the poor potato "Oh, it's fine, I'm uhm used to it! Yes! Let's eat!"

[unknownentry404]

The Dragon Prince: Pre-Season 6 Thoughts.

(Post finishing my 3rd full watch-through)

It was SUPER weird going from S4-5 Viren back to S1-3 Viren. I think it’s amazing how- like, they didn’t really redeem him? Cause he CANT be redeemed, but they still- Showed us who he was underneath the corruption and- Really emphasised how much of Viren’s villainousness was DUE to Dark Magic corruption which just- And how much he did out of love. (CoughCallumCough) Is terrifying when you think of the other two characters that have ties to it…

Viren turning to dark magic to save his son. “Whatever it takes: however dangerous, however vile.” But then: choosing dark magic OVER his son. Being careless with Soren’s feelings and very life. Telling Claudia to choose the egg over Soren, almost turning Soren into a sunbeast, gaslighting him, etc…

It appears that he first saw the Mirror in his first “dark magic coma,” with his future self on the other side of it. Explaining again why he became so obsessed with the Mirror when he saw it- The fact that S5 Viren would agree with Runaan’s warning: “that mirror? You have found something worse than death-“ Kinda mindblowing.

I have and will always be on the “Viren is an irredeemable bitch” train but- I didn’t expect it to hurt so much when I got back to Season-4-him coming to terms with mortality and just wanting to spend the next 30 days enjoying life with his daughter like- It seemed so deeply unserious and out of left-field when I first watched it, but, post Season 5- Wow, it actually hurts?

His relationship with Terry was actually really sweet? And Terry really helped him unpack so much of the Toxic Masculinity in him… as a certified Viren hater, it’s disturbing how much of this is about him- I always thought the crew spent too much time with him but- He is actually such an amazing foil?

Once again: Harrow is the bird, (Pip), confirmed. Ghost Harrow standing over Viren with the staff saying “your soul is my treasure” in reverse, turning Viren into a Coin? With Pip right behind him for “no other reason?” Also, new theory but: I think this also might be pointing to how the star spell Callum will use, with the Quazar Diamonds, to “restore spirits to their bodies.” Will not only be able to save Rayla’s family, but potentially King Harrow as well…. (Harrow has been on an Oppa bird-side-quest journey this entire time, mark my words: one does not simply emphasise bird and then let bird escape so he is “conveniently” never in the same room as the only known animal speaker, King Ezran, ever again).

Umm, something I noticed that I actually hope is just thematic and is not an important observation but: Callum has learned/connected with both of his Arcanum DIRECTLY after having used Dark Magic… (Also after doing so to save Rayla, but yeah-) And Dark Magic appears to have been something cultivated by Aaravos? Oh great master of all six primal sources?Basically, I’m hoping that it is just thematic and showing triumph over evil! Of choosing your own path! But… there is a non-zero chance that Callum might ONLY have made these connections BECAUSE he used dark magic and- (Don’t let it be so, please- I love Mage Callum, he loves magic why- /scared) It’ll take three to make a solid pattern just- don’t make it three for three, please-

Aaravos is basically whispering in Karim’s ear, via the old high mage that his caterpillar (son) bit, isn’t he? Meaning he’s being manipulated by the person who killed his sister, destroyed Lux Aurea and swallowed his grandmother. And hence Sol Regrem is, too, being manipulated, through Karim, by the person who GAVE humans dark magic, gave them the wizard staff and LEGIT took his eyes- It is LITERALLY the end of S3 again- Karim in Viren’s place. Aaravos, master warmonger-

Rayla to Callum, finally opening up about the coins: “there’s a burden I’m carrying, but I know I can trust you with it.” To trust is to be stronger. If we’re gonna do it, we’re going do it. Together. Meanwhile: Callum carrying the burden of using dark magic alone. And I’m not even sure if he’s TOLD anyone that the cube is called the @Key of Aaravos!” He tried to destroy it but- he couldn’t and- (This is gonnna FUCKING HURT I-)

Another small observation, but to the Earth Archdragon in S4, Callum offered the least valuable item as a gift when- I’m pretty sure if he offered the Key of Aaravos, it would have been enough on its own and really gotten the ball rolling too? Would it have been smart to give it up? Unclear. But that thing is also a potential danger and-

(I love my baby Callum and I fear for his fate a bit more each day-)

Claudia… oh Claudia… I dunno what it is, but the fact she is so “committed to her family,” but at the same time… they are still alive. As far as we know, her mother is still alive in Del Bar. Soren is still there, and even tries to reconnect with her in Season 4. The only one who’s dying is Viren, but all Viren wants is to spend his last month with his daughter in peace and-Oh Claudia

Extra: I bought and read the graphic novels for a fuller experience, and found them quite interesting:

Callum was going to go off with Rayla on her search for Viren. And she accepted as a lie, before sneaking off in the night. Ouch.

It’s not explicitly stated, but it appears Rayla developed her fear of water from when she almost drowned on the Harvest Moon, as a child, after a run in with the Bloodmoon Huntress. She was alone and pushed off a cliff/waterfall into a lagoon where she was too weak/young to save herself and Runaan had to miraculously appear and save her. We see her carelessly dangling on a log over a stream before this scene, with seemingly no fear. And she also hasn’t interacted with the Bloodmoon Huntress yet, as of Season 5: literally JUST missed her but, I wonder if it’ll come back? 🤔

The third graphic novel takes place before Ezran was born and follows Claudia (and Soren) searching Viren’s old mentors house. It is very much a kids book, but one with very sinister undertones. We learn two things of interest: 1). The timeline of events are as follows: “Soren got deathly ill, Viren’s old mentor ‘mysteriously disappeared,’ Soren got better, Viren and his wife started fighting, wife left-“ Which, I’m- well. That’s fun? Also: the King, Harrow’s father, comforts Viren and asks how he’s doing and how the search for his mentor goes which- well then. 👀 2). The story ends with Claudia obtaining a map to a Unicorn, a map that only she can read because she is… “pure of heart” which- is such a standard, happy ending to a kids book until you realise… what she did… once she found that Unicorn… and then what its horn went on to do…

This show is too well written for the tiny fan base it has. If it sticks the landing, like I think it will? Cult classic on our hands people. Again, I’m just pissed about the depth they brought to the show with Viren: how he was a COMPLETELY different person in Part 1 vs Part 2. How that is terrifying not because we love HIM as a character, but because of how much we love Claudia and Callum… How they made me, a Viren Hater, sad that he died? Because his death was a tragedy? Not because he died, but because he died BEFORE he could warn Claudia not to go down this path. HIS path. That he didn’t want this for her- That she could still stop-

Oof. I simultaneously dread and cannot wait a second more for Friday-

[shzmluvrs]

HII there are so little shazam writers out there and i was wondering if you could write some general physical touch/lovey dovey stuff or headcannons with freddy from the first movie? I rarely see people writing for the first movie anymore!

No rush and feel free not to do this one!

Ikr? I feel so totally honored to be one of them, though😌. Anyhow, yes, I can definitely do that and tbh, I think this will be easy for me to do bc physical touch is my love language😼. #funfactaboutStaryoudidntaskfor🫶🏽. Anyways, tysm for requesting this!

~ Star✨️

Physical Touch (Love Language) Headcannons

Prompt: You're a touch-junkie. That much is true. It's just that...what other and better way is there to show your love other than through a gentle caress or an eager hold? Besides, Freddy doesn't seem to mind :).

Timeline: Post Shazam!, Pre S!:FOTG

TW/Content: Just a whole lotta love fr⚡️Corny, passionate, lovey dovey writing lmao⚡️You really have nothing to worry about reading this

Reader: Non-specified! Any Pronouns!

Requested By: Anon

Back to Master List

Was physcial touch Freddy's main love language before? No. Did it become his main love language after he met you? Absolutely. Bro has never been in a relationship before, and outside of family hugs and kisses, he's never really experienced anything relating to physical love.

And then you came in, flipped, and reversed all of that💅🏽. Before you two began dating, you were already pretty "clingy" was the word Freddy would use (in a good way, ofc). Always hanging onto one of his arms or playing with his hand/fingers, even playfully transferring kisses onto your index and middle finger and placing them onto his cheek or forehead.

So don't even get me started on how all of that increased tenfold when the two of you officially became a couple.

Oh wait, that's right, you want me to get started bc you reque-...rightrightright, anyways...

Idk how, but you literally managed to indoctrinate this boy into expecting your touch. Whenever he's near you, sees you, his arms just open instinctively so he can catch you in that hug he knows you're about to give him. Even if it knocks him over, he doesn't care because he always returns your hug with a million kisses peppered all over your face.

And hand-holding is a must. You don't care if his hand is sweaty because he's nervous, dry because he hasn't put on lotion yet, dirty because he's a superhero on the low, you👏🏽don't👏🏽care👏🏽. And if you do, you have him wash his hands. But either way, Freddy's hand? Held. Your happiness levels? Through the roof.

Hotel? Trivago.

But something that he really enjoys you doing is a specific type of hug. He can't exactly recall when you started doing it or why. Not that he minds, of course. But every day, he hopes you'll do it and hopes you'll never stop.

You'll come up behind him and wrap your arms and hands around his middle, pressing yourself up against him. For you, it was simply just another way to be closer to him. To love him, to hold him, take in that woodsy-pine secnt he always seemed to have...

But for him, it's when/how he feels the most loved by you. He gets almost emotional each time, without fail, overwhelmed with just the feeling and presence of you. He holds your hands against him, and he's practically breaking his neck, trying to turn and look at/kiss you. It's like you're a warm blanket, engulfing him with all that you have, treasuring him in ways not even his family could.

It reminded him of how much you loved him, how insane it was to him that he could be loved this way, in spite of whatever he considered to be flaws. Because there you were, to kiss and cherish them all, reassuring him you adored all parts and sides of him.

And natrually, he was very eager to return all of these feelings, never one to shy away from new experiences. He was constantly buzzed with the feeling of your touch, and he wondered if...

No, wanted you to feel the same. So, there were times when he clinged to you more than usual, and you were elated to soak up every moment. You can't get enough of the way he'll squish your cheeks together to form a pout on your lips, just to peck them over and over.

Or when he'd hold and tickle you, leaving you to cover your mouth to shield away giggles that Freddy just adored hearing.

And oh👏🏽my👏🏽gosh👏🏽 bestie... Superhero Freddy?? Should you know of his secret super alter ego, you can bet your Tumblr account that he's taking HELLA advantage of that. He loves, not only feeling like he can, but actually being able to protect you. Whether that be shielding you away behind him, holding you against him, or actually being able to carry you (while flying/hovering, might I add, how romantic💅🏽🥴~).

Also hello, bighandsbighands loOKATHISHANDS OMFG-

I- *aHem* I mean... y e w... you can never be normal about them, ever (idk how anyone could, I mean, look at them). Headpats and waist holds go crazy when he's in his superhero form, not to mention, you're always eager to just hold them and litter them in kisses the second you have the chance. Although the both of you do admit how odd it must look to any passing bystanders who don't understand that this superheo guy who looks insanely like Adam Brody is actually just your teenage boyfriend...

Either way, though, you love Freddy, and Freddy loves you. And neither of you will ever hesitate to show it through actions and words. Because to be honest, if I were you, I'd be cupping his face in my hands and playing with his hair so often, so you should get on that like... asap, no rocky😙.

Ight, peace y'all✌🏽.

I hope this was good enough to satiate the touch starved and needy out there, I can only do so much🥲. But feel free to extort me for more of my talents, I genuinely do really enjoy this and I just- *emotional*.

Okay bye.

~ Star✨️

Back to Master List

[idyllic-affections]

What if Kaveh's child became a talented sculptor/painter like in their teens? Say like 15 or so? Idk. That second part got me thinking so much abt them just tugging Kaveh by the arm to their next project like "OMG YOURE GONNA LOVE THIS ONE IM SO PROUD OF IT SPGUEJGEJLVWLHELHEJ"

artistic inclination.

summary. what if kaveh's child was artistically inclined?

trigger & content warnings. none applicable.

tropes, pairings, fic length, & other notes. fluff. adoptive dad!kaveh & reader. 0.5k words. they/them pronouns used for reader. this post is an expansion of what if kaveh adopted a child? author's thoughts. GOD YOURE SO RIGHT ANON I LOVE THIS IDEA ITS SO CUTE..... guys. i BEG of you. please send me asks like this. i adore when this happens. getting asks about any of my ongoing series is an absolute delight. requests are always always always welcome, but this kind of ask? this kind of ask is my favorite type fr <3

kaveh's kid does absolutely end up being good with their hands, whether that's because of the time they spent with the forest rangers or simply because they lean in favor of artistic hobbies, and kaveh himself? he is overjoyed. the fact that [name], his [name], seems to have some inherent inclination towards the arts... archons. he loves that about them. it's like they were always meant to be his child.

he loves that his kid's first instinct is to run to him when they have a sort of creative breakthrough. he loves that their first instinct is to tug him by the arm and show him what they've made, even if there's still wet paint or clay on their hands because really, it's just a shirt. it can be washed. stains are just stains. he honestly understands on a very personal level; he gets paint all over himself, too. things happen.

it's worth it in the end, because he just loves them so dearly. their joy is his joy. their sorrow is his sorrow. their feelings are his. he resonates so deeply with the emotions of everyone around him, so you had better believe that his empathy increases tenfold for his own kid. he feels their feelings as if they were his own.

he understands their joy beyond the influence of his empathy, though. as an artist himself... he's so unbelievably honored that their first instinct is to share their work with him.

art is like a little window inside the artist's mind. the things they create give their father a deeper understanding of who they are, how they think, how they feel, why they think and feel that way. an artist sharing their work is an earnest display of vulnerability.

kaveh is so enamored with the way they are so willing, so eager to be vulnerable with him in such a sensitive way, especially in their teen years. he's heard a lot of things about raising teens; teens are supposed to be... difficult, aren't they? however, [name] just isn't difficult in the slightest.

...

well, children tend to be a reflection of the parent(s) they are raised by. [name] can be sassy and sarcastic, courtesy of tighnari and alhaitham's influence, but... they aren't difficult. they are kind and emotionally aware and warm and gentle.

overall, kaveh and his little co-parenting friend group did very well raising [name].

"baba, come look! i finished that project i was telling you about. it took me a while, but i finally did it!"

this happens multiple times on many different occasions, but kaveh's reaction never becomes any less enthusiastic. it doesn't matter what may be occupying his mind at that moment. he treasures their openness and could never so much as imagine disregarding their joy in moments like that. he always replies with a smile, wiping away a little bit of semi-wet paint that somehow ended up on their cheek.

kaveh only ends up smearing it more, but the gesture is sweet and appreciated nonetheless.

"ah, really?! i'm so proud of you. i know it can be hard sometimes. let me see what you've made this time."

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