#you live in the countryside how do you not understand animals

[vonlipwig]

Not to be a bitch but there's a certain, modern breed of 'animal lover' who make me want to chew off my own arm. You see them all over local facebook groups hand-wringing and begging others for help because they've found an injured blackbird and need it taken to a vet (by someone else, of course, they're far too busy right now). Well-meaning but feckless, they're applying levels of anthropomorphised individualism to wildlife heretofore unseen by humanity. The sort of people who chase foxes away from the pigeons they've rightfully caught for their tea, or carefully cradle fledglings they've found on their back lawn in teatowels, or (and this is absolutely real, I have proof) pick up a single bumblebee that looks a bit tired from the pavement, and drive them all 15-20 miles away from their respective habitats to a wildlife rehabilitation centre then demanding constant updates on their care.

I'm not talking about members of endangered species who would not otherwise be injured were it not for humanity (owls caught in wire fences, hedgehogs with broken legs because of domestic cats, and so on), I'm talking about the sort of intervention that reveals that the person doing so is so utterly divorced from the natural world that they ardently believe saving a wild wood pigeon from being eaten by a fox is net positive because they 'just wuv animals soOoOoOo muh-huh-huch 🥹🥺😭.' In reality, these people have an Aesop's Fables-level of understanding of the animal kingdom where some animals are Good™️ (e.g., hedgehogs, mice, and most small birds) and deserve as much human help as possible, while some are Evil™️ (e.g., foxes, wasps, and most birds of prey) and should have their efforts to survive stymied at all costs.

It is baffling and I find it so, so fucking frustrating.

[moineauz]

જ⁀ 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐘 𝐘𝐎𝐔 , various ! pt two

synopsis: his voice lines about you as his beloved partner

including: boothill, aventurine

side comments: my first voice line fic was well received and for that I thank you all <3 so of course this is for all my boothill and aventurine lovers out there! (including myself for boothill...)

extra: gn reader, angsty and fluffy moments, I genuinely loved writing boothill's, minor spoilers for both favourites: boothill word count: roughly 1000+

care to see the first part? includes dr. ratio, jing yuan, & blade!

𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋

WHO ARE THEY? I "Out here askin' question huh? Well if you're that curious... then you better listen close."

FIRST MEETINGS? "Met them on a bullet train in a neighbouring star system. Turns out we were chasing after the same fudge-heads. You could've seen them- a sly creature that's who they were, whipping out the most slick sniper I've ever seen. I'd reckon that was one of the most thrilling fights I've ever had: came out with dents all over my arms and a broken gun. Their bullets nearly punched a hole through my cheek... hah!"

GREETINGS? "They may be a load of dormant gunpowder, but they sure are sweet! Full of laughter and courtesy. But I'll let you in on a little secret... ( Name ) likes to walk in, pretty as always- and plant kisses all over my cheek before they even say a word."

PARTINGS? "Being a Galaxy Ranger means never staying in one place. ( Name ) is no Galaxy Ranger... I'd reckon it's better that way."

ABOUT US: SHOES IN THE HOUSE "I can't exactly 'take off my shoes' now can I? But ( Name ) likes to keep the house tidy and I best not anger them... like that one time- anyways, we came up with this whole fudging system just to keep the bottom of my damn boots clean! It's fudging ridiculous! *Chuckles* I can't help it, but ( Name ) is understanding. Even if I trudged through all the grime in the universe- they'd still wipe it all off."

ABOUT US: FAMILY "You see, ( Name ) has this big family. Siblings, cousins, extended cousins, aunts and uncles, you name it. We were on their home planet once, and I finally understood where ( Name's ) knack for puttin' a real good home together came from. Their family lives in the countryside where all you can see are open fields, lush hillsides, free-roaming animals and wildflowers. Consider it a quiet paradise. They even grow their own food for fudging sake! Everythin' made by hand and land. Darlin' nearly coaxed me into joining them for dinner once, but I knew better. Best not spoil the family get-together."

CHAT: HATS N' POSES "Personally, I like my hat and flare the way it damn is. How would fightin' be without it? But of course, your partner has to be a cheeky tease about it."

CHAT: WARMTH " I've seen it in the movies- those fudging 'romcoms'- and read it in books. When it gets cold... I'm no help. Can't do much except reach for a blanket and wrap them up. But even then, metal and skin don't fudging work."

PASTIMES DONE TOGETHER? "Count me in on a dance sugar plum! Have to admit, darlin' has a fair share of good dance moves. Nothin' like a hard-earned victory being celebrated with a cool glass of whisky and a smooth dance."

ARGUMENTS: "Bitter things that's all they are. Leaves you knocked out cold. Reminds you of all the things you can't take back."

SOMETHING TO SHARE: "Following the hunt ain't an easy task. But someone has to punish the wretched. That's the thing about the hunt- you get cold, hard. Sugar follows another path that doesn't make any fudging sense to me. But that doesn't matter. None of that ever mattered, not to them, not to me or even the hunt. Call it selfish, but I'd like to one day settle down... Just like their family. Out where no one could find us."

WHO ARE THEY? II "They call me their 'sweet lover'. But really it should be me saying that. If anything I am the sweat of their brow- a nuisance at times. But they still love me. They still fudging love me."

EXTRA: IPC ENTRY "Normally, Galaxy Rangers travel alone. However, we have seen the wanted Galaxy ranger- Boothill- be accompanied by someone who appears to be a vagabond follower of Xipe. Despite the information we possess, the relationship between Boothill and his supposed 'partner' is very limited."

𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄

WHO ARE THEY? I "Fancy meeting you here- oh? A rumor you say? Rumours do have peculiar ways of reaching the ears..."

FIRST MEETINGS? "All business ventures possess their gains and losses. However, I did not expect my pockets- alongside others- to be picked on a night meant to celebrate the Strategic Investment Department. The person who did it played their cards exceptionally well. I applauded them and the subtlety of their skills."

GREETINGS? "Despite their rather cunning nature, ( Name ) is quite kind... shockingly so. I thought their smile was a chip they played for their own meticulous advantage. *Chuckles* I was wrong, there was simply nothing to understand behind that smile."

PARTINGS? "One transaction after another, the universe keeps spinning. Don't keep up, you fall behind. Simple. I don't have to worry about that around them, or at least, for a while, until another wager must be made. Until the peck on the cheek is over."

ABOUT US: LOCKET "( Name ) has a keen eye for trinkets and bought- well stole- a locket for the two of us to share. I keep it with me, a lucky charm if you may."

ABOUT US: NAPPING "Personally, I don't nap. But, ( Name ) is a terrible influence and says I should. I must admit, waking up to them in the afternoon is not a bad way to spend my time."

CHAT: THEVERY "( Name ) is a thief... a good one at that. Oh don't worry, they struck a deal with the IPC. Primarily on their terms because they have been such a nuisance to the IPC. It's rather amusing seeing the IPC chase their own tail. We've definitely shared laughs over it."

CHAT: CONFESSIONS "Who could possibly love something so broken? It's like keeping a clock that won't tick or a deck of cards missing a queen. Sometimes, I wish they didn't care so much. It would be... easier."

PASTIMES DONE TOGETHER? "Of course, a good game of cards is a fun way to pass the time. *Chuckles* Though, ( Name ) is a terrible player. Not that I mind, I'll guess I'll play the role of 'loser' this time around- best you not tell them."

ARGUMENTS: "What else is there to say? Nothing. That part is the worst."

SOMETHING TO SHARE: HEART OF GOLD "( Name ) steals to give to the poor. It's their motto... I saw them once with a group of kids on a planet in a distant star system. They were giving back to the orphanage- the smiles on the children's faces when given toys, marbles to be exact, were so bright."

WHO ARE THEY? II "In all honesty, I'm not quite sure. However, what I do know is that luck finally worked in my favour... I'll hold onto that for as long as I can."

EXTRA: DR RATIO'S OPINION "The gambler- without hesitation- will bet 'all in' even if it means his own life hangs in the balance. However, amongst the chaos of his bets, there is one person who will drag him back to reality... ( Name ). Aventurine will never gamble nor forfeit the one person who truly understands him. Even I don't fully understand the gambler's crafty nature. I suppose a thief is the only one who can and more importantly, will."

masterlist.

[bunnys-kisses]

sibling situation

simon 'ghost' riley

cw: smut & plot, mactavish!reader, size kink/difference, missionary sex, unprotected sex, marriage & babies (at the end), romance, simon's found family

this rabbit runs on reblogs & comments! feed the rabbit!

simon knew that johnny had a sister. you had been brought up in conversation tons of times. after the death of your parents, you and johnny were really all each other had. but johnny left for the military right before turning eighteen and you struggled to put yourself through university. it wasn't the easiest life and simon could understand, he had his own scars of his childhood.

"so, why are you dragging me out here again, johnny?"

"get ya out of that shoe box flat. got a little more leg room where i am."

johnny had driven the car all the way to edinburgh with a promise that a little time away would do wonders for the other man. simon had his ear talked off about how london was just too big, and while edinburgh was a city. it would be a break from the intense metropolitan of london. if need be the two of them and you could go on a getaway to the countryside.

"this better be good, johnny."

"ah, don't worry! i promise, you'll have the time of your life!" johnny reached over and slapped his friend on the back, "plus, you have to meet my sister."

the flat that you shared with johnny was well kept. of course it was, your brother was out most of the year with an automatic deposit for rent and when he was home, it was so ingrained with the military that things were kept tidy. and you on the other hand enjoyed tidiness as well.

even if cleaning the place in his absence felt a bit much sometimes, you still at least picked up your socks off the floor, put the clean dishes in the cupboard and washed out the carafe of the coffee maker. but you had worked over time to make sure everything was perfect, not for your brother (he could clean himself), but rather the mysterious guest that he was bringing.

you didn't want his lieutenant to think you lived like animals!

when the knock on the front door came, you happily welcomed them. your gaze was captured away from your grinning brother and rather the larger man beside him. he wore a black medical face mark, but you could see the tiredness in his eyes. the mop of blond hair and a slight scar over his eyebrow.

"oh, kid, this simon. simon riley, my lt." johnny smiled, patting his fellow solider on the arm.

you shot him a glance, "i'm almost thirty, johnny. i'm far from a kid." you were a bite fiery, simon liked that.

johnny beamed back at you, "but you'll always be my little sister. gotten into trouble while i was gone?"

you let both men in and replied, "well except for yelling at those stupid kids from the secondary school about smoking in front of my window. nothing else really happened."

johnny dropped his bags on the hardwood floor and kicked off his boots. he put them correctly by the door before he stretched his arms over his head, "where's that guy you were seein'. teddy or somethin'?"

simon stood a little straighter. of course you had a boyfriend, look at you!

you waved your hand, "oh, he's long gone. i guess cousin nikki's words are true." you looked at your brother, "never date a man in finance. turns out he had more than one bonnie in his pocket."

johnny dropped his shoulders and remarked, "never liked the guy anyway. seemed a little uptight, would never survive a gathering of the mactavish's." he laughed.

simon felt odd in the space. seeing the siblings interacting. he thought of his own brother for a moment. instead he just followed suit and took off his heavy boots as well.

you looked at simon, "i hope it's okay that you take the couch. this place is only two bedrooms. the couch." you gestured to it, "does pull out so hopefully you'll have enough room. but, if you don't, tomorrow my lovely brother can give up his room."

"my room!" johnny replied loudly, "i've still got sand in my crack for the mission and you're givin' my room!"

you shot your brother a glance which johnny coward from. no words had to be said. johnny knew that it would be the right thing to do. after all, simon was his guest.

the afternoon went by slowly, and you and johnny moved through the small kitchen like a team. johnny was good at dicing and you were good at keeping an eye on the sauteeing vegetables.

"simon." you said which made simon look up from his spot at the small dining table. your eyes met and you pushed some hair out of your face, "two things. one, there should be a headband on the table it's soft and used for make-up. i need to get this hair out of my eyes. secondly, johnny never said that you had any dietary issues. is there anything i should avoid? i just sort of got our normal grocery order."

simon perked a little bit more, "oh i don't have any allergies or anything, ma'am." he gave a small nod, "i could eat anythin'."

you nodded, "okay, excellent!"

the blond found in endearing. it was almost hypnotic watching you put together the vegetables with the hearty pasta sauce. you worked a stove top like no other. the only problem was that your brother kept getting in the way of his sight of you.

been a while since a woman cooked him a meal.

simon got up quickly and gave you the headband. it was soft and pink colour with two sewn on cat ears made of the same material. you put it on and simon's heart skipped a beat. you were just so beautiful.

dinner of pasta, toasted buns and salad were served with a bottle of grocery store wine. the three of you drank, ate and chatted. you and johnny had most of the conversation while simon enjoyed listening.

he figured out that he could listen to you talk forever.

"well, i'm tired." johnny said as he rubbed his eyes. he finished the rest of his wine before he got up. he patted you on the top of the head, "i'll do the dishes in the mornin'. thanks for dinner, kid."

you rolled your eyes, pouring yourself another glass, "i'm not a kid."

johnny chuckled then looked to simon, "she'll get ya comfortable for the evenin'. i'll see ya tomorrow." before his tired steps headed towards the bedroom. soon the door closed and the sound of his body hitting the bed could be softly heard.

you leaned back in the kitchen chair, one leg draped over the other with your arms crossed. you admitted, "it must be hard to date. finding someone who understands your world."

simon stretched out a little more in his chair. he eyed the empty wine glass in front of him, "i try not to think about it so hard."

"i've heard stories about you. the terrifying ghost. there one moment, gone the next." you then reached across the table to drag a finger down the inside of simon's wrist, "i wonder if i had you in my bed tonight, if you'd be gone by morning."

your admission made simon's dark eyes grow a little wider. he said, "well, i have nowhere else to go."

you smiled a little, "must be lonely. i know it's lonely for me. to feel close to someone."

simon asked, "do you want to sleep with me miss mactavish?"

you chuckled lowly, as to not awake your brother in his room. you leaned back a little once more and gazed at him. you were definitely johnny's brother. the look in your eye said it all. you tilted your head a little to the side and asked, "is it that obvious, mister riley?"

the sound of wooden chairs against the floor as the two of you made your way to the bedroom. you took simon by his tattooed wrist and got him into your room. the door was shut a little louder than you hoped. you turned on the light and simon was already working the belt of his jeans.

you were quick to get your t-shirt off and you saw simon's hungry gaze on you as you became free of your clothes. his eyes raked the exposed skin and thought you looked like a dream.

"like what you see, simon?"

he nodded, "more beautiful than the photos, ma'am."

you covered your mouth while you giggled, "no need for the formalities. if my brother is underranked by you, then i'm sure as hell as a civilian."

simon got a hold of your waist, "you deserve a little more respect than your brother." then pulled you in for a soft kiss. even with his scars that you had seen over dinner. you thought he was beautiful.

it made you warm all over as you pulled the dark t-shirt on his shoulders. he helped you get out of it. and your hands pressed against his chest. you admired the scars, the tattoos, the overall beauty of him.

"i wish my brother had said his lt was hot prior. i would've tried to get with you sooner."

simon picked you up by the waist, your legs wrapped around his waist as he brought you to the bed and sat you down. he then started to work at the button of your jeans. once they were off, he cupped the bulge in his pants.

you slipped out of your simple purple panties and the white bra you wore. you then laid out on your bed with your hands behind your head and you giggled softly.

simon was absolutely smitten by you. he had come to the conclusion that when they were talking about the beauties in scotland. they meant you. and only you. once you were both naked, he got onto the bed.

the bed was a bit smaller than he had hoped, but you two could fit into it thankfully. he was worried that his large, bulkier frame would inch you off of the mattress. but it was a lot easier when he got between your legs. his achy erection, bright red at the tip, begged for attention.

you swallowed a little, "i wonder if it'll fit."

"then you tell me if it does. got it? you mactavish's have a habit of not showing pain." simon gave you a pointed gaze.

you covered your face for a minute, "okay. talk about my brother ends here. i don't want to hear about him while you're balls deep inside of me."

simon chuckled lightly and leaned in for another kiss. he said softly, close to your lips, "if it's anything, love. you're much more a looker than he is."

you held onto his blond locks and pulled him in for a hot kiss. you made a small noise when he shifted your hips up against him. to get a better angle of his cock inside of you.

"simon."

he said softly, his voice still gravely, "beautiful, beautiful girl. i don't know what that last boyfriend of yours was thinkin'. why want another when he could have you. but, i guess that means more for me."

your cheeks grew hot and simon pressed his cock up against you wet slit. you felt your heartbeat race at the anticipation of what was to come. you tensed up at the feeling of his cock being pushed into it.

"i got ya, i got ya. you feel so good there, love."

you nodded, "it's been a while. sorry if i'm too.. tight."

simon loomed over you like a comforting shadow. he gazed down at you, but there was a softness to his tired eyes. you didn't realize how pretty his eyes were. a deep dark brown, that lured you in while in the soft lighting of your bedroom.

he started to move against you and you let out a small moan. the bed squeaked a little bit. thankfully the frame didn't hit the wall. you two had to be somewhat quiet. even if your brother could be heard snoring in the room next to yours.

the sex between you two was quick, but not rough. the idea of bruising such a beauty made simon feel disgusted. you were meant to be cherished. he wanted to know everything about you.

"you are quite handsome, simon."

"thank you, love." he said softly as he held onto your thighs and moved against you. even in missionary you looked beautiful. the slight bounce of your breasts in time with his movements. he wanted to kiss all your soft parts throughout his visit in your sweet home.

he could get used to a warm meal and a warm cunt to bury himself into every night. maybe johnny was right, staying with you was better than being in london.

maybe he could get used to scotland.

he knew he could fit easily into the chaos of the mactavish family. if he could handle johnny, then he could handle you. at least he could fuck one of you quiet.

you felt your heart hammering at the feeling of it all. your noises were so sweet that it made simon need to bury himself deeper inside of you. he needed to feel all you could offer.

call him a sick puppy, but his brain was now wired to need you. you were a hit of a feeling that simon was so painfully unfamiliar with that it almost scared him. but as he admired the sight of you under him.

those soft lips partially opened, your eyes closed. you looked like an angel, and he swore he found heaven.

"beautiful." he said softly, his rugged voice made you feel like honey. gooey and warm, filling.

you came with your hands in his shaggy blond hair. your back arched as you felt the heat through you. you moaned a little louder than you hoped for as he continued to thrust up into you.

panting breaths between heavy thrusts as you laid spread out on the bed, letting simon move quicken his pace to reach his climax. he could feel it on the tip of his tongue. and with a few more heavy thrusts, he finished inside of you. his cheeks flushed and his mouth hung open in a heavy pant.

"fuck, simon."

"beautiful." he said absently. not able to think of much else besides your beauty. you were the kind of woman that simon was into.

he pulled out of you and rested down beside you on bed. you chuckled softly, your head still a little full of post orgasmic bliss. you got the covers on top of you and cuddled him naked.

clothed would be a worry in the morning.

when morning came, simon tried to slink back to the couch before johnny woke up. but when he exited your room and entered the main living space. he found johnny sitting there at the kitchen table. he was leaned back into his seat. simon caught sight of the pistol on the worn wooden table.

"so, si." johnny said, looking away from his paper to look at his fellow solider, "what are yer intentions with my sister?"

it had been a very long time since simon felt the stone of dread in his stomach. he tried not to show it across his scarred face. simon could instantly recall every military statistic that johnny had. there could be a million and one ways that the scottish solider could kill simon. and it wasn't like simon could do anything, he couldn't kill your brother.

there was a brief moment of silence between the two of them. neither made a motion or noise. simon wondered what was to come next. no amount of training could've prepared him for this.

but johnny broke the silence with laughter, "i'm just messin' with ya! the gun's not even loaded. just wanted to scare ya." he leaned forward in his seat. he looked at simon, "i don't care how my sister sees, but i have to be a little bit intimidating, don't ya think so, si?"

simon chuckled nervously.

johnny's suddenly expression dropped and he put down his paper in favour of the unloaded pistol. he pointed the front of it to simon, one eye closed as if he was going to shoot the blond in front of him. he said, "but if you break her heart there, simon. i won't be so forgiving."

the doorway to your bedroom opened with a loud creak and your voice rang through the apartment the three of you were in, "I swear to god! john michael mactavish! you better not be intimidating him!"

-

"you're seriously crying?" you asked your brother as you watched him gently take a hold of your newborn. your brother was a military man for christ's sake. he was weeping like a baby.

simon loomed over his colleague, protective over his newborn. his stern brown gaze read simply, "don't fuck it up, soap." he was ready to jump in if johnny fucked it up.

you were resting back in the hospital room, you just had your child with simon. you two had been married for a little over three years. it became habit for simon to come with johnny post-missions. the drive up to the city and you waiting for them.

a hug for your brother, a kiss for your lover.

now you were watching your brother cry at the sight of his nephew. the chubby little boy bundled up in a blanket. unaware of his weepy uncle. you looked at him with a slightyl stunned expression.

you probably cried less when you finally pushed him out. you didn't want to tell him the news because you thought he was going to cry more. while your son's first name was oliver, his middle name was john. after the crying mactavish in the hospital room.

"he really takes after us." john remarked when his cries died down.

you chuckled, "he sure does, johnny. now hand him over before you drop him." <3

[yanderecrazysie]

Hello there, I just read that you do ouran high school host club yandere request. I just love that anime it reminds me of my childhood. And I love your work too especially the angsty cheater ones, they’re my favorites.

So actually going to the request: Yandere Tamaki x fiancé reader but Tamaki is neglectful of them and cheats on them with Haru (angst heaven). Basically Tamaki and Reader where engaged when they were children by their wealthy parents . Tamaki hated this and by extension he hated the reader too. Despite the reader trying to be to be the perfect fiancé and supports him from the sidelines, the reader even make sure that the mansion runs smoothly and even learned how to cook his favorite food and cater to his whims. Tamaki still being blinded by his distaste for the arrange marriage carelessly ignores all of reader’s hardwork and flirts with every woman in the host club. Then comes Haru and Tamaki just falls in love and in the back of his head, what better way to get back at his father than to marry a commoner. Reader finally having enough of Tamaki’s cheating and intentionally humiliating them in public, rebels against their parents and cancel the engagement. The reader just leaves Tamaki behind and goes into the countryside to live a peaceful life.. but surprised Tamaki goes full on delusional Yandere, he misses the reader’s devotion to him and wants to continue on with the marriage. When reader left Tamaki felt empty and he started to realize his mistake, He tracks reader down to beg for their forgiveness and so that they can get married as intended. Tamaki still think of you as his fiancé and he doesn’t realize that reader doesn’t want anything to do with him anymore.

Sorry for the long request, I just got excited when I found out that you write for Ouran High school host club. Thanks for reading!

My first OHSHC request!! Yay!! And it's okay, it’s always nice to have a good plot to work with!

Title: Blind

Pairings: Tamaki Suoh x Reader

WARNINGS: Yandere themes

Summary: Tamaki’s behavior proves too much for his fiance.

Part 2: here

blind

/verb/

deprive (someone) of understanding, judgment, or perception:

Sometimes, you wished Tamaki would just open up his eyes and see you. You, and not the engagement your families had forced upon you both.

You could tell from day one that Tamaki hated the idea and, subsequently, hated you for representing the ball and chain that attached itself to his ankle. You couldn’t blame him for being angry that his future freedom had been taken away, but you wished he wouldn’t blame you for it.

You weren’t much happier than him at first, but you decided to make the best of it. Tamaki was handsome, you could even appreciate that when you both were children forced to play together. He also had a soft side that you rarely got to see under all the silly dramatics. If only you could unlock that part of him, surely you both could be happy!

Then the host club started.

It’s easy to smile and say that you aren’t bothered, but it’s another thing to actually not be bothered with your fiance flirting with girls all the time. You could never help the twisting of jealousy in your gut anytime you heard or saw anything to do with the host club.

You’d tried to visit before. Make the best of things. But he’d blacklisted you as a customer, said with a careless tone that maybe you’d prefer one of the other boys. That stung.

“Make the best of it” became a mantra in your head, a desperate goal and coping method all in one. Eventually, Tamaki would either come to love you or accept that his future was predetermined by a piece of paper with his father’s signature. 

Did you want a potentially loveless marriage? No, of course not. But that’s what happened to most people of your stature, so it wasn’t a surprise. If you could just make the best of your situation, you could be happy. Probably.

The changes in Tamaki really started when a new boy joined the club. You could tell right away that he was naturally a girl, but wouldn’t out him to the school if that’s what he chose as his path. You began to suspect that Tamaki knew this truth as well, because he always seemed so flustered around the boy.

Haruhi. You numbly repeated his name in your head. Even in the beginning, you knew, this relationship would be the downfall of your own.

Numbness overtook you as you caught the pair kissing and holding hands, looking happy and carefree, even outside of the club where there were no requirements for them to act like a cute couple or something.

They were trying to be secretive and, at first, you wondered how you were the only one catching them in the act. Then, it hit you like a speeding train.

Tamaki wanted you to see.

Your daily trips to the mansion were mostly in lonely silence. You cleaned the place like his maids probably should, made him his favorite meals, ran hot baths for him, and sometimes left him notes around the house to boost his self-esteem and cheer him up.

As time went on, it began to feel like empty actions. Duties without reward or even so much as acknowledgment. Things you did just because that tiny voice still cried “Make the best of everything!”

Well, you were getting sick of that voice. That hapless fool inside your head that didn’t seem to realize that things were speeding out of control. How could you make the best of anything, when he continually gave you nothing to work with.

You cried as you did those little things- what had once felt like happy little jobs became heavy chores that you couldn’t figure out why you continued. The tears blurred your eyes as you made each gift for Tamaki- gifts that would no doubt be cast aside and forgotten.

What was the point?

When Tamaki called a crowd together in the school’s entrance hall, standing atop one of the highest steps with his hands intertwined with Haruhi, you knew it was all over.

“Haruhi is actually a girl- and she and I have started dating!” His eyes seemed to dart to yours to gauge your reaction, but you didn’t dare show anything on your face. You were still a regal person, determined to not put your family’s name to shame.

“What? Is that true, Haruhi?” One of the girls in the crowd shrieked.

You didn’t need Haruhi’s answer nor the shy smile on her face to confirm the truth. You’d already known well before that this was the future you’d been helplessly barreling towards.

The crowd had mixed reactions. Some people were supportive and found the couple cute, others were jealous of Haruhi, and many people were confused on the whole matter. Those were the ones whose words shot like daggers into your heart.

“Doesn’t Tamaki have a fiance?”

“What will his father think?”

“Does that mean his engagement is canceled?”

Struggling not to break down, you pushed your way through the crowd, looking for an escape. The crowd was too thick and it was quickly too late.

You broke down crying, your large tears blinding you as little hiccups left your lips. Finally, the sea of people parted and you ran through it. You risked one look at Tamaki and were upset to see him looking concerned. How dare he be concerned when he was the one that hurt you?

You skipped your classes, opting instead to head straight home and confront your parents. The moment you were in front of them both, you broke down once more. They wanted to know who’d hurt you right away and, when your story of Tamaki was revealed, they vowed to rip the contract into little pieces.

They let you stay home the next few days. If you could, you’d stay home forever. How could you show your face after you’d been humiliated and cried like that in front of everyone?

You focused your thoughts and feelings into gardening. Today you cut the stems of flowers and placing them into your basket before bringing them up to the house. The chores you did were fit for the family’s gardener, but he was on vacation and you needed something to distract yourself with.

You heard your name called. Furrowing your brow, you raised your head and shielded your eyes against the sun. Was that…?

It was, a certain blonde boy was speeding towards you at the speed of light. Had he jumped the tall fence or broken the gate’s lock? Either method was concerning, to say the least.

You let out a feeble “hey!” when he kicked up some of the flowers in his path to you, but you were more afraid of what he had to say than of losing a couple of flowers.

Finally, he stopped in front of you and dropped to his knees. You stood, watching in shock as he kneeled in the dirt, in a motion that you’d expect a man begging the queen to spare his life.

“I’m so sorry, (Y/n). I- I was so stupid, so blind! I didn’t know how much I’d miss you when you were gone. Please come back, please! I’ll do anything!”

You stared at him in shock, “What about Haruhi?”

The man raised his head, his eyes glazed over as they met yours, “I took care of her.”

It wasn’t so much the words he said, as it was the chilling, lifeless tone in which he said it. You took a step back, nearly tripping over the small mound of dirt behind you.

“What did you do to her?” Your voice came out shaky and unsure. Tamaki would never hurt someone, would he? That thought was laughable, wasn’t it?

Tamaki grasped your ankles and began to cry, looking more pathetic than you could have ever imagined him. You never thought that Tamaki would ever beg on his knees to anyone, much less you.

“I’ll do anything.” Tamaki murmured. Somehow you knew.

He would definitely hurt someone, if they got in his way.

[imagines--galore]

hiii, can you do #5 with peter pensive and fluff? thank you!!

Summary: Despite the horrors you had face as children, it was a miracle that you and Peter had found one another at such a young age and had continued to cling to one another through it all. But as you grow older, new challenges are sure to come. And fighting a war in another world puts your love for Peter, and his love for you, to the test. Pairing: Peter Pevensie x Reader Rating || Genres || Warnings: T. Romance. Hurt/Comfort. A/N: Love me some insecurities. They're easy to get rid of in prompts and fics : P Anywho! I hope you enjoy!

For as long as you could remember it had always been you and Peter. Peter and you. Neither of you were without the other for long. And given how your fathers were friends, it didn't take long for them to begin joking around that perhaps you both would marry when you grew up.

And while the concept of marriage was something neither of you could grasp given how young you were, it seemed you and Peter both understood that the bond the two of you had was deeper.

Much deeper then that shared between two friends.

Even at such a young age.

And so over the years, nothing could separate you.

Not when you both went to different boarding schools. Not when you moved a few blocks away from his house. Not when your fathers went away to fight. Not when the bombings began. Not when you were sent to the countryside and far away from each other.

Not even when he returned with a new light in his eyes and tales of a land called Narnia.

Tales of another world in a wardrobe. Tales of talking animals, a witch and magic, Aslan the lion and Peter being king.

And though you did not understand most of it, you believed him. Peter had never lied to you before, why would he start to do so now. And there was something different about him. Then again there was something different about all of them. While it was the war that had effected you so much, for the Pevensie siblings it was the entire life they had lived in Narnia.

And while a small part inside you wished you could see this majestic world for yourself, it was not to be. Besides the war had ended and you would all be going back to school soon.

However, what you had not been expecting, was to be whisked away to the very place Peter and his siblings had told you about.

You had stood in utter awe and disbelief as you stared at the area where the train had been a few moments ago.

While Susan, Edmund and Lucy had rushed to play into the ever-blue water of the sea you stayed where you were, frozen. Peter had taken your hand and, smiling, had led you down the beach and into the water.

And though you did not understand your purpose in this strange new world, you did what you had always done best.

You stood by Peter.

You stood by him when he and his siblings realized what had happened when they had suddenly disappeared. How Narnia had fallen. And was at war again. There was another who would be king instead of Peter.

You saw how it effected Peter and it broke your heart.

Though it had never been said, you knew your heart belonged to him since you were children. And though Peter had reciprocated those feelings, since his first trip to Narnia, he had been pulling back from you.

As if there was an invisible wall between the both of you.

Though now, that you were in Narnia with him, you hoped it would bring you two closer.

However it was the exact opposite. He was obsessed with the idea of taking charge once more. Of bringing back the old Narnia. Of showing that he was still King.

Despite there already being a potential candidate in Prince Caspian.

And of course, when he was not able to meet his own expectations who did he lash out on?

You.

You were just there. You were only trying to help.

To talk to him after the failed attempt to storm the palace and take out Miraz. After he had snapped at Caspian you had walked after Peter, trying to talk to him. To ease his mind.

But then he had snapped at you.

"I don't need your help Y/n. I never needed you. Not here. Not back home. So stop it! Stop following after me and just leave. You don't belong here!"

Your insides had turned to ice. He had walked away without a second glance, leaving you to drop to your knees.

Thankfully Susan was there to catch you. But that was all she could do. She had to tend to other matters, such as the almost return of Jadis the White Witch. And during the confusion that followed, you had slipped out of Aslan's How and into the forest.

You were not needed here in Narnia.

Peter didn't need you.

No one did.

Tears blurred your vision and you stumbled through the trees as you fell to the ground. For awhile you didn't move, sobbing your heart out in your arms and allowing yourself to feel. It was a good while later, when your tears had dried that you finally turned on your back. But you didn't get up and simply laid there staring up at the trees. You didn't know how long you laid there, what you did know was that someone or something had come to rest beside you.

Your head turned to see a majestic yet terrifying figure of a lion sitting beside you.

"Aslan?" You whispered in disbelief, sitting up as you stared at the Lion. He chuckled deep and low. "I take it your friends told you all about me." Still a little shocked you gave a small nod. "Lucy did. And......Peter." The thought of him had your heart giving a painful twinge in your chest as you furiously brushed away the tears.

"Why do you cry dear one?" He asked, in a voice so gentle and kind that you burst into tears all over again. And you couldn't help it, couldn't help yourself as you threw your arms against his soft mane and told him the whole story.

Once you were bereft of tears, and your heart was considerably lighter, you pulled away from Aslan, only to avert your gaze, feeling a little ashamed of your outburst.

"There is no need to feel ashamed of letting out your emotions dear one." He comforted you once more. "We must all do so lest we allow them to fester inside and become something sinister." You nodded, wiping the tear stains from your cheeks.

"Yes, you're right. But what shall I do now? I am not needed here." You whispered, once again feeling all the more lost. Aslan chuckled. "I would not have called you here if I didn't think you were needed Y/n." His words caused you to look up at him in surprise. You were just about to voice it too when you heard your name being called out.

Instantly you tensed. It was Peter.

He was calling your name in the distant as he looked for you.

But you didn't want to go to him.

Not when he had hurt you so much.

"He shall not find you unless you wish to be found." Once again Aslan reassured you to which you gave him a small smile in thanks. You continued to listen to Peter, calling your name and apologizing as he cut through the brush.

Finally, he appeared in the clearing that you occupied with Aslan. He couldn't see either of you, but you could see him.

You watched as he gazed around in despair before shouting your name once more. Receiving no response, Peter seemed to loose whatever hope he had left and dropped to his knees.

"Y/n. Please come back! I'm sorry! I'm sorry I was so horrible to you! You didn't deserve it. You were just trying to help." The words were spoken in a low voice, but were loud enough for you to hear.

Despite your anger and sadness, you glanced in Aslan's direction. He gave you an encouraging nod to which you heaved a sigh and stood.

Peter had his face buried in his hands, so he didn't hear you approach. Reaching out you placed a hand on his shoulder. He instantly looked up. Where his eyes had been full of despair, they were replaced with utter joy at the sight of you.

He cried out your name, before embracing you so tight you could hardly breath. You barely returned the gesture and he felt it. A sadness overtook his happiness and he pulled back.

"I hurt you? Didn't I?"

You gave a silent nod.

"I'm sorry." He gazed at you with pleading eyes. You gave him another silent nod before walking past him to return to Aslan's How.

You had accepted his apology, but it would take some time for you to forgive him completely.

                                         ————————–

Over the years since you had known Peter you had exchanged a few kisses here and there.

There was that first time when you were just children and had been curious about what a kiss was. So you had closed your eyes, and bumped your lips against his.

It was awkward and childish, but you both discovered it wasn't all that bad.

The second time you had kissed was just before you had been separated by the war. The night before you got on your respective trains to the countryside, you and Peter had met under your bedroom window. He had come to say goodbye and you had clung to him, afraid that this would be the last time you would see him. There was no telling if even the countryside would remain safe from the armies.

That night was the first time you told him you loved him.

And he had returned the sentiment before kissing you.

You had kissed him back, before reluctantly watching him go.

The third time you had kissed was when the both of you met once again. It had been full of joy and sheer happiness. And since there was an audience nearby it had been short and sweet.

You had though that perhaps what had always simmered under the surface between you and Peter would come to the forefront since your reunion. But that dream was shattered when he had begun to pull back from you. Those fleeting moments took a backseat as you fought to stay in Peter's life without overstepping. A herculean task since Peter had been rather quick to anger the past few months.

Of course all your hard work vanished in that one moment of despair when Peter had yelled at you. You understood he was under a lot of pressure, but you had only been trying to help. And given the danger everyone was in, it would seem whatever involved you and Peter would have to wait until the war was over.

Or so you thought.

Your heart was in your throat as you raced through the How. It was a good thing your feet knew where you were supposed to go, because the way your mind was stuck on the conversation you had just had with Lucy, it was a miracle you even reached your destination.

Peter.

Miraz.

Single-combat.

Bursting through the door of the room Peter was sharing with Edmund you skidded to a halt. Chest heaving, hair in utter disarray and an almost wild look in your eyes you very nearly screamed at your best friend.

"Have you lost your senses completely?"

Both Peter and Edmund looked up from where they had been suiting up for the battle ahead. Edmund pursed his lips, glancing in his brother's direction before picking up his sword and quickly walked out of the room. You barely noticed as he walked past, hardly looked away from Peter as the door shut behind him leaving the both of you alone.

Peter inhaled deeply before exhaling softly. "It is the only way to ensure as little bloodshed as possible." He stated, pulling at the straps of his gauntlets to make sure they were as tight as they could be. "Everyone wants this war to be over and this is the quickest way to-" But you cut him off.

"I don't care about that! What I care about is that my best friend has offered to fight a man, twice his age and twice as experienced, in single combat." You felt the sting of tears behind your eyes but you blinked them away. Peter raised an eyebrow at you. "I can assure you Y/n, I'm just as experienced as him, if not more." Standing up he smiled softly at you. "You should have faith in my abilities."

You shook your head. "I'm not doubting your abilities Peter. Its just....." You trailed off, your gaze locking with his. It was then that you realized that he was just as afraid of what lay ahead. Just as you were.

There was a beat of silence where neither of you moved or spoke. The distance of a few feet between you seemed to stretch on as you tried your best to not let your mind wander to the worst possible scenario.

One that had Peter loosing and being kil-

"I don't want you to die."

The words were barely above a whisper, and yet they seemed to echo all around the both of you. Peter's expression shifted to a soft look, one that he reserved for his youngest sister and you. "It won't come to that-" He tried to reassure you but you quickly shook your head as you stepped forward to grasp his hand between both of your own.

"No, Peter. You have to promise me. Promise me you won't die." Your voice was desperate, your eyes filled with a despair that should never be seen in the eyes of a child. Because that was what you were, what you both were.

Children, fighting in a war that wasn't even yours. And yet both of you wanted to help those in danger. Help them get their home back.

"I ca-I can't loose you Peter. Please. Please say you won't die." Your words were beginning to merge together, your voice sounding breathless as you struggled to convey the depth of your fear to him. To show him just how much you meant to him.

And it was a testament to your being friends for years that Peter was able to understand you completely and was able to determine what was it you needed in that moment to calm you down.

You were still whispering nonsensically as his head leaned down to close whatever distance was left between you. But the moment his lips brushed against your own, you fell silent. Your tears stilled, your eyes fluttered shut and you returned the kiss just as fiercely as it was given.

Fourth.

This was your fourth kiss. And you hoped and prayed with all your heart that it would be not your last.

Your hands were still clasping one of his between your bodies. His other hand came to rest against your cheek, brushing the soft skin with his thumb. Chaste and innocent though it was, there was no denying the passion and sheer devotion that was evident in the way he gazed at you when he pulled back. Your own eyes shone with love for the boy in front of you. Sighing softly, you lifted one hand to gently run your fingers through his hair, pushing some of the loose strands back so they wouldn't get in his eyes.

"I always thought it was a blessing that we were both so young when the war started back home." You spoke softly. "Because I knew that you would enlist and I would have to say goodbye to you." You knew how much he had wanted to enlist, how much he hated not being of age. And while you had been a good friend and reassured him, secretly you had been glad because them being young meant that you both were safe. As much as you could be.

A small laugh fell from your lips, as your fingers slowly stroked along his face, mesmerized by the color of his eyes as Peter all but leaned into your affection. "Yet here were are, in another world, and I'm doing the exact thing I was so afraid of doing back in England." He shook his head, leaning forward to press his forehead against yours, noses brushing as he did.

"This isn't a goodbye Y/n." He whispered gently, hoping to ease your worry. "You will be right there with me, and knowing that will give me the strength I need to defeat Miraz."

He continued. "I know everyone thinks we're to young for it, but I do love you Y/n, and I wan-" "I love you too." He stopped talking at your confession, prompting you to smile. "I know we've already told each other that, but I guess this is sort of like a promise we're making."

A determined gleam came over your eyes as you looked at him. "To survive this war together, and have our own happily ever after."

He chuckled at your choice of words. "Just like in those fairy tales you love so much."

"Well fairy tales usually have a prince, a princess, a villain and strange creatures don't they?" You countered, prompting him to grin.

"Well we have a villain, and we do have many many strange creatures, centaurs, fauns, dwarves, talking animals." He hummed in thought. "Which leaves us with the prince and princess."

You shrugged. "Well we have a King." You gestured towards him and he nodded. "True, but a King is nothing without his Queen." He watched with a grin on his face as a blush stole across your cheeks, and you finally looked away from him. Clearing your throat you swallowed. "Well I'm sure you had plenty of options when you were here last."

Though you knew what he had meant to say, you still couldn't help but tease him. It was just how things were between the two of you. He nodded. "I did, but I never gave it much thought. Because I never forgot you."

Sighing you shook your head at his attempt to win you over further, which you had to admit was happening. Your arms came up to wrap around his shoulders as you settled your head in the crook of his neck. Peter returned the embrace, burying his nose in your hair and basking in your presence.

Neither of you were ready to let go, and you didn't for a long time. A soft knock and Edmund calling out to the both of you was what finally broke the spell and you stepped away from each other. Though not completely. Reaching behind Peter, you picked up his helmet, the last of his armor piece and place it on his head.

There were no tears in your eyes now, only sheer determination as you fixed him with a look. "Come back to me."

He raised your hand to his lips, brushing them against your knuckles. "I promise."

Hand in hand, you both stepped out of the room ready to face whatever challenge lay before you.

Together.

[l0velylecter]

can i request headcannons for könig + 141 x reader! who is not in the military? maybe something like they are into arts, wants to live in cottage, have big family? i feel like it would be the opposite of the boys lol

— the men of 141 & könig + a civilian s/o !  characters : simon ‘ghost’ riley, john ‘soap’ mactavish, captain john price, kyle ‘gaz’ garrick, könig  fandom : call of duty modern warfare ii tags : gn!reader, headcanons, some mild characterisation for the reader as i’ll put them into civlian professions / give them hobbies and interests  rating : t for teen and up audiences , sfw!

01| If there was one word to describe Soap was that he's supportive. There was the initial worry that he wouldn't enjoy your lifestyle, that you'd be too different from one another. Yet, it doesn't matter to Johnny, even if he doesn't quite understand it. He's the type to enjoy anything his partner likes as long as it makes them happy. So it doesn't matter how busy he gets, he'd always be on the front row of your music recitals, urging the crowd to give standing ovations. And when you take him to museums to see paintings of Rembrandt or Vermeer, he tries his best to listen to every word you say, focused on how your eyes light up with passion. You also enjoy reading to him, running your hand against his scalp as he drifts off to sleep. 

02|  He had doubts about having a life outside the military, most days, Price felt more like a weapon than a man, a loaded gun ready to be recoiled and fired. After years of grueling fights and endless violence, it's hard to picture himself living a quiet and peaceful life. Yet, coming home to you gave him just that. You were both busy, so you would spend months and sometimes even a year apart. Yet the moment he comes home, he'd be all over you — following you around as you roamed your walk-in closet, undressing by the vanity table as he watched in quiet admiration. Once, when you were dozing off against his shoulder, you confessed to dreaming of having a big family. Of children's laughter ringing down the halls and sending them off to school every day. You didn't expect Price to cling to those words. " Someday," He mused, " Someday, love." He was wishful despite everything. And hope suits him. (Husband material, you once complimented, and he got too attached to the word.) 

03| To Gaz, it doesn't matter what you'd be doing as long as you were together. All he wanted was to spend time with you, especially when moments were rare. And so he tries to keep up with your shopping, with all the bags dangling off his arms, taking you out might as well be an endurance test. Although, it does make him happy to see you show off your new bag, clothes, and shoes: nodding along as you explain the design. He'd be cleaning his gun, and you'd be on the other side painting your nails, the scene almost comical. He leaves the bathroom door open so he can still talk to you every morning. Afterward, he'd take the time to drive you to work, hand on your thigh lovingly as he soaks in the joy of doing ordinary, mundane tasks.  04| Dressed head to toe in black, all the farm animals crowded Ghost curiously, and while Simon looked terribly out of place against the lush, green stretch of pasture, the sight was enough to make you laugh. And you were sure he also enjoyed living in the countryside, even with you scolding him every hour about leaving his weapons around the cottage. (You nearly cut a basket of apples with his combat knives, dropping them when you realized where they've been.) If he's not helping you collect eggs from the chicken coop ( returning with a head full of feathers ), he's dozing off by the persimmon tree, the only time you've seen him this close to relaxing. Away from all the commotion and in isolation from any unwanted company, your life was a haven he finally lets himself indulge in, a sanctuary that reminds him to look after himself after every time he fights.  05| At times, König confesses to you that your entire relationship feels like a fevered dream, a silly fantasy he's conjured up in his head because he still cannot believe he's dating you. You assured him that you weren't that big of a celebrity, and he corrected you by pointing out your face on the billboard outside your apartment. He's flattered by all the gifts you spoil him with daily, somewhat flustered as you present to him a tactical watch that probably costs more than a car. Your lifestyles should have been impossible to co-exist side by side, especially when König does not want and cannot afford all of the attention you get on the daily. But apparently, being 6'10 in a balaclava means he doesn't mind being your bodyguard. Most of the time, it was enough to give you the privacy you both wanted, and it still awes him every time he sees you on the television, even on duty, halfway across the world; chuckling to himself when his teammates would point out how beautiful you were — if only they knew.

a/n : hi anon ! thank you for requesting, to be honest, i’ve been dying for someone to request this because i do love me some civilian x cod men content. i didn’t want to add too much specific details as i want to make it as open as possible for everyone to interpret ( i read somewhere that when reader! fics are too specific it ruins the fun because it seems very oc so i’m being very careful to be inclusive <3 ) i hope you enjoy it ! thank you again for the fun idea, hope it lives up to your expectations 💖  additional hc :  → könig probably steals simon’s look and also goes out in a balaclava, simon’s heated and low-key offended ( don’t worry Si, you’re still the og trendsetter )

[themeraldee]

Ok but like… Homelander falling for a farmer girl who owns a milk farm

You're making me think of all the romcoms where a city girl visits a farm or some countryside, stumbling upon a sexy hunk of a man that obvi she falls in love with. So like, can we do that in reverse? 😂

Part of me even thinks it would be funny if this was genuinely a movie Vought was producing, thought I doubt they'd dabble into anything that isn't a superhero action flick. But how better to make his female fanbase get even more obsessed than by giving them all the mushy romcom content their hearts desire?

But beyond the romcom movie scenario this is making me think of incognito Homie who's sneaking away to steal some time from his favourite farmer girl who always greets him with a fresh glass of milk.

I can imagine they were recording a commercial (like this). For you know, this. So obviously they want to present Homelander as this boots on the ground, hard-working, red-blooded American. So they have him shoot this commercial at an actual farm. And sure, she gets paid for the inconvenience to have them use her farm in the commercial but it's kind of grating how the rest of the farm hands are swooning and awing at him. Like come on guys, we still have work to do 😂

What Vought presented to be a quick shoot and some B-roll footage ends up taking a lot longer, making her job harder. She's being mouthy to them, telling them to wrap it up faster and it's not what was agreed. And now it's Homelander swooning over a strong-willed woman who's her own boss, unafraid to say her piece and get shit done!

So of course, she has 0 interest in him when he goes to talk to her after the shoot wraps up. She just politely says that it was nice to meet him and urges him to be on his merry way back. So obviously, he needs her to like him—just like everyone else does!

What starts of as Homelander being a nuisance, a pest that bothers her on daily basis for his own amusement as he watches her work turns into something to look forward to. Little chats with the world's most renowned superhero who has very little idea of how the real world actually operates and how people who don't work for him have meaningful full lives without being famous or super-abled.

She talks to him about how she doesn't really understand all this superhero stuff and how she really just cares about connecting with nature and the animals surrounding her. He doesn't care about the sentiment that much because how could not be in awe of what a marvel of nature he is! But at the same time, it's nice to talk to someone who isn't mindlessly begging for his attention or asking him for favours or jobs.

She asks him to come dressed normally because she can't have anyone catching wind of Homelander visiting her farm in case it causes a surge of fans making the trip to her farm for the chance they might catch a sight of him which would most certainly just disturb her animals.

And look at that, I made up my own romcom after all 😂

[sitp-recs]

hello!! I just finished reading The Bolthole for the first time and ohhhh my god it’s so good. I loved the setting, I loved the way grief and guilt and coping and desire and deserving were explored for each of them, I loved how the way they felt about each other was so embodied and tactile and desperate.

I love the different sides of them we get to see and how their relationship intensifies when they’re out in the middle of nowhere together (feels like the parallel inverse of the beloved classic: trapped in a house in the city together). Would you choose middle of the city or out away from everything, for Draco and Harry? Do you have favorite bucolic stories?

Ohh The Bolthole is amazing and I agree, those vibes are immaculate! I love the elements you highlighted and I’m so happy that you enjoyed this fic; I remember the thrill of seeing those 3 brilliant authors publishing a story together, it felt like Christmas! I’m a very urban girl myself (love the city lights!) but I can’t deny the charm and quiet intimacy of bucolic fics, I especially adore the ones with recluse!Harry living in the woods. I loved doing this rec list, thank you!

Home is Where the Nifflers Are by primaveracerezos (G, 4k)

Draco has a soft spot for animals with nowhere to go; soon his and Harry's small flat is bustling with adorable, semi-dangerous creatures.

Vintage by momatu (T, 7k)

Of all of the vineyards, in all of the regions, in all of France, Draco's blasted editor sends him to Potter's....

Beekeeping by khalulu (E, 13k)

A few years after the war, Harry needs distance from the British wizarding world and volunteers abroad as a teacher in a poor rural school. Draco is a low-budget traveler, wandering wherever his curiosity leads him. Their paths cross in Malawi, “the warm heart of Africa.”

the treehouse near primrose downs by @softlystarstruck (M, 14k)

Draco and Harry have been roommates for years, so buying a magical house in the countryside shouldn’t be a big difference. But in between fresh loaves of bread and beds of wildflowers, things start to fall into place.

amid this warm and steady sweetness by warmfoothills (E, 21k)

Harry is not living in a period drama, no matter what his friends or his new house or Malfoy’s sudden affinity for horse-riding might suggest, and if one more person uses the word courting, he’s going to start hexing people.

Twelve Moons by @corvuscrowned (T, 27k)

Harry Potter lives a quiet life, running an inn with his two best friends. Once a month, Draco Malfoy comes to stay. A real-time fic that takes place over the course of a year; updates every full moon.

Pathless Woods by @shealwaysreads (E, 30k)

Harry finds himself unexpectedly reacquainted with Draco Malfoy when his work as an apprentice wandmaker takes him to Wiltshire. Amongst the trees Harry finds magic, growth, and a man who might finally be proving he’s worthy of the wand that chose him.

Of Wands and Trees by Omi_Ohmy (E, 45k)

All Draco wants to do is be a wandmaker, but to do so he needs to understand the soul of trees. Of course, the only man who might be able to help him is the one man who is more of a mystery to him than any tree.

Among Ancient Pines by @graymatters (M, 74k)

Every day, Draco Malfoy tries. With every fiber of his being he tries. But he doesn’t much think about what he’s trying for. In his final term of Healer training, Draco is unfortunate enough to find himself on a plane, the only means of traveling to a small, magical town in rural Alaska.

Knead by laughingd0g (E, 83k)

This is not a story about Harry renovating Grimmauld Place. This is a story about coffee shops and brewpubs, about Ginny and Luna on a farm with creatures, about magical Oregon, coastal road trips, flying, friendship, and Draco Malfoy's lean arms.

Wild (orphaned, E, 92k)

��No,” Harry said, by way of greeting. Malfoy’s blonde head rose slowly, carelessly. “Get out.” “I feel as though we’ve already established this, Potter,” Malfoy responded. “And I feel that what we established was that you telling me to get out of places really doesn’t make me more likely to vacate them.”

A Sword Laid Aside by @korlaena (E, 128k)

When Draco’s cover is blown during a deep undercover operation and the Ministry is compromised, Ron takes Draco to the only safe place he can think of—Potter. Hiding out with a taciturn Harry Potter, who has been missing from the Wizarding World for almost two decades after a shocking fall from grace, is nothing like Draco thought it would be.

[berrierri]

30 Day Anime Challenge: Day 16

「 favorite Studio Ghibli work 」

When Marnie Was There

This dang marsh house had me like Anna!! i was so obsessed with it!

i would love to live there

ah the marsh is chef kiss

Ghibli, like for many people, holds such a special place in my heart. if you would have asked me my favorite years ago i would have said Spirited Away, it was my go to movie. then i watched When Marnie Was There and boy did it just hit different. it mostly has to do with the location honestly. i have been in love with it since the first time i saw the movie. of course the story focuses on Anna's loneliness and not truly feeling like she belongs in her adopted family. then as fate would have it she is sent to live in the countryside with her adopted mom's sister to help with her asthma. there she meets Marnie, all of a sudden dots start connecting for Anna, giving her the closure she needed. truly lovely story.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

but if i could pick any "ghibli" work it would really be

Nausicaa of The Valley of The Wind

Nausicaa is so special. it takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, depleted of natural resoures. which of course was caused by the hands of humans. the toxic jungle is home to many mutant insects. but of course nausicaa hopes to one day understand the forest, so that in the future humans can learn to coexist with it.

with climate change one of the biggest global issues our world faces, this anime shows a world that could be in the future for our planet. hopefully we learn more and change things to live for a better tomorrow, rather than making our future generations live how to adapt to harsher and harsher environments.

unlike when marnie was there, i can't say i'd love to live in this world, but the valley of the wind is beautiful.

the challenge if you want to participate too ^_^

[irenewsky]

Anime I watched in 2023 (Part 1)

In honor of the new year, I’m gonna be casting a look back at the anime I watched last year. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a lot of free time to watch anime at the beginning of the year due to university kicking my ass, but after I finally graduated with my master’s degree, I could finally work through some of the backlog I had accumulated on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

Anyway, without further ado, this is a list of anime I watched in 2023 with some short descriptions and my own personal opinions. Let it be known, there is a lot of text in this one.

Also, since there ended up being a lot more shows that I watched than I thought there would be, this had to be cut in two -> Click here for part 2

Some of my older lists:

My favourite animes (Old. Tells of my tastes back in, like, 2018-2020 or something. Updated list coming once I get around to it)

Feel good anime Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3

Handa-kun

Handa Seishuu is a calligraphy prodigy and a high schooler. For years he has been living under the assumption that his student peers all hate him. This is, of course, a huge misunderstanding. In reality, Handa is very much admired in his school, to the point of being popular. Where did this misunderstanding stem from and how can it be resolved?

12 episodes - comedy, slice of life

I liked this one! Although I did have a little bit of distaste towards one of Handa’s so called friends. You’ll understand who and why if you decide to watch this.

Barakamon

Handa Seishuu, now a 25-year-old man, punches a famous, older calligrapher judging his latest work. As a consequence of his own actions, he is sent to live in small town in the countryside where a group of kids rutinely keeps breaking into his house. Beautiful friendships bloom between Handa and the people of this town.

12 episodes - comedy, seinen, slice of life

Took me an episode or two to get in to, but once I did I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Backflip!!

Shoutaro Futaba enters high school with intense love for sports, especially men’s rythmic gymnastics after he saw Shoushukan high school’s team perform in a competition. He enrolls into said high school and hopes to join the team despite not having any prior experience with gymnastics. Another boy, Ryouya Misato, get recruited alongside him and together with their senpais they start to work towards Inter-high tournament.

12 episodes and an OVA - sports

I started this in the beginning of the year and only got around to finishing it in November. Actually liked this one a lot! The final movie left me feeling so happy yet bittersweet. I recommend this one!

Skip and Loafer

Mitsumi Iwakura leaves her small countryside town and moves to Tokyo to live with her aunt in hopes that attending a prestigious high school would aid with her ultimate goals in life. As the new school year begins, Mitsumi leaves for school with high hopes, gets lost at the subway station, runs into classmate called Sousuke Shima and together the two barely make it to the entrance ceremony. What will her school life shape up to be?

12 episodes - romace, shojo

Nao-chan supremacy! The bestest aunt!

I really liked to animation animation style of this anime. For me, the show looks very soft and fresh in a spring and pastels kind of way. It’s hard to explain but I hope at least one person gets what I mean. I like the characters a lot and their interactions feel nice and grounded. The romance isn’t the main focus in this one, at least not in this season, which I liked since it’s always lovely to just see friendships put into the spotlight.

Buddy Daddies

What do you get if you combine two trained, professional assassins who live together and an accidental child acquisition? A riot of a family dynamic. Katsuki Kurusu and Rei Suwa fumble through their new shared life as parents to a four-year-old Miri Unasaka. What seemed like a temporary situation at first, stops looking temporary when genuine affection and care for the little girl and her well-being start to blossom in both men’s hearts.

13 episodes - action, comedy

This one was so good. I loved every minute of this and the characters’ dynamics worked so well together. Anyone in the shows comment section who complained about Miri being annoying had clearly never been around young children and it showed. Miri is a delightful little girl who loves her dads very much. There was also a fair bit of action in this which was a nice change of pace amidst all the parenthood things.

My New Boss Is Goofy

Momose Kentaro is a 26-year-old office worker working for a marketing firm, Minette. He is new to the job, having just recently quit his previous job due to power harrassement and abuse he received from his former boss. Can his new clumsy and little goofy manager Shirosaki Yuusei make him feel comfortable in his new job?

12 episodes - comedy, slice of life

I love everything about this show. The characters, the storylines in each episode, the art style. This just makes you feel happy and a little giddy. Definitely my favourite show of the year. This one earned the top spot on my rewatchable shows list.

If you liked Play It Cool, Guys or The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague, you might like this one.

Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions

Kamonohashi Ron was the best stundent of an elite detective school until an incident took away his future career path and made him live as a recluse as he refused to receive any information about the world outside his four walls. One day a police detective Totomaru Isshiki is adviced to approach Ron about a series of cases that have stumped the police for a while now. But because Ron is not allowed to do any sleuthing, Totomaru has to work as Ron’s puppet of sorts. Oh, and there is also the thing about having to keep Ron from influencing the killers to take their own lives. Oh well.

13 episodes - comedy, mystery

I’m a sucker for anything ’Sherlock Holmes’ type of media so this show was right up my alley. Eagerly waiting for the confirmed second season.

Play It Cool, Guys

Group of goofy and clumsy guys from different stages of life happen to meet one another and develop heartwarming friendships. Little mishaps won’t ruin their day!

24 (short) episodes - slice of life

Easily one of my favourites of the year. Watching this felt like sipping a cup of hot green tea while wrapped up in a blanket. Instant rewatch.

If you enjoyed The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague or My New Boss is Goofy, you might also like this one

Vanitas no Karte

A vampire named Noé Archiviste is looking for a book called ’the book of Vanitas’ in the 19th century Paris, when he unexpectedly meets a man calling himself Vanitas and carries the book he’s searching for. The Vanitas he meets isn’t the original maker of the book but a doctor who possesses the ability to save vampires by returning their true names to them.

24 episodes - action, fantasy, mystery

Me, mere minutes into the first episode: ”If anything were to happen to Noé, I would kill everyone in this room and the myself.” Anyway, love me some vampire action, especially with that late 1800s, early 1900s Paris vibe. Delicious.

Vampire Dies in No Time

One day vampire hunter Ronald is tasked to infiltrate a castle and save a woman’s son. Things don’t quite go as he expected. Inside the palace, he meets a vampire called Draluc, who is truly so pathetically weak that he turns to ash from smallest of things that ahppen to startle him, and Draluc’s companion, armadillo John. The kid he seeked was totally fine and playing with Draluc’s video games. Oh and Draluc’s castle gets destroyed. Yeah… Ronald has a new roommate now.

2 seasons - comedy, supernatural

This truly is armadillo John’s world and we’re just living in it.

Love me some more vampire action. Only this time it’s a lot less angsty and violent and a lot more ridiculous and goofy. I laughed so much while watching this.

[the-scouts-codex]

This takes place during the "Glorious Masquerade"event. This can be read as a one shot or even a full length work. Each part connects and can be its own beginning. I hope you all enjoy these.

The fifth person, to join the work is The fourth was Silver, third was Sebek. The second one was Deuce. The very first was Epel (Each part can be read there if you click on their names.)

Word Count: 1356

“Dance with me!”

Renmu didn’t get a chance to reply. His body began to move on its own. Like a puppet on a sting. Renmu’s moments were being mirrored by Ruggie’s. Whatever Ruggie did, Renmu did. Renmu realized that Ruggie was using his signature spell on him. 

Ruggie snickered. “What? I don’t expect ya to keep of wit’ this dance so let me just guide ya through it.” 

They were positioned the same way you would start a Foxtrot. Their hands were in each others while Renmu’s other arm and hand rested on Ruggie’s forearm and Ruggies on his back. 

“Here’s the tricky part, Prefect. We have to step in quick successions of “Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow.”” Ruggie explained. 

Ruggie guided them around the Lecture hall effortlessly. Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow. Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow. Everyone repeated those movements in chaotic sync. They were all going their own way, somehow managing to keep pace with the other dances around them, creating a serene sense of chaos. 

“I got a small job once at this fancy smancy place back home.” Ruggie explained. “Had to teach some kiddo’s how to dance real fancy like. So I learned the dance to teach ‘em. It paid real good too!” 

Leave it to Ruggie to learn a new skill to make some money. But that was one of the things Renmu admired Ruggie for. He was willing to do almost anything to make some money. Need to learn all of the Queen of Hearts laws to get the job? Done. Ruggie would be getting lessons from Riddle. Need to learn how to make clothes for the job? Done. Ruggie would be taking classes from Vil after school. Need to know how to fight with a sword for the job? Done. Ruggie would be training with Silver at first light.

Some people saw Ruggies want, his love for money as greed but not Renmu. Renmu knew it wasn’t those things but a need. He needed money to survive. Renmu realized that most of the other students were well off. A lot of them had money to blow and didn’t care where it went. But then, you had people like Ruggie. He didn’t come from a wealthy background. Renmu always heard Ruggie talk about coming from the slums back in the Sunset Savana; That he wasn’t well off. So being resourceful was a must to Ruggie. He could sew clothes to keep them longer. Fixing up the things that broke so that buying a new one wasn’t needed. He knew a lot about herbology to know that dandelions were edible. He learned to make meals out of what people would call “scraps”. Just having food on the table was a luxury to the Hyena. He hated when food went to waste especially. It was food to Ruggie all the same and Renmu could understand that. 

Renmu was no stranger to living a resourceful life. He grew up in the countryside where an agricultural lifestyle was all he had and sharing what you had was always appreciated. If someone didn’t have something, there was someone always willing to trade for it. Whether it be a skill or a talent or an item for sale.  That being said, Renmu knew a lot about carpentry, herbology, and Animal Husbandry. Those were things he learned from others, in return, he helped out where he could. So Renmu fully understood where Ruggie was coming from.

“Now this step is a little tricky. It’s called a skater chassé. It’s like a normal chassé but quicker.” Ruggie explained. “A regular chassé was a gliding step where one foot displaces the other.”

Renmu understood what Ruggie was talking about. They had to be in perfect sync to pull the move off. Renmu guessed it was a good thing that Ruggie was using his signature spell to help out. 

“Then we move right into a Lock step. Just think of it as a diagonal Chassé there, Prefect.” 

Renmu could definitely see the similarities in the two steps. Whenever they move in a diagonal step it is a Lock step. If it was in the same box steps, it was a chassé. The only thing was that the Lock step came after the Chassé. 

“I would go over the rise and fall with ya but ya seem to have got that part already.” Ruggie said over a laugh.

“Well I don’t think I have a choice here.” Renmu replied mirthfully. 

“Yeah, you kinda don’t.” Ruggie replied smugly. 

At first, Renmu wasn’t too fond of the kleptomaniac Hyena. But once he got to know and understand who he really was, behind the sly smiles and mischievous laughter, he was like him. Someone scraping to get by and survive. Sure he liked to play tricks and swindle the next unaware student who wasn’t paying attention where their wallet just went, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t nice.

“So, how’s ya first time rubbing elbows with this rich lot at this school.” Ruggie asked.

Renmu laughed briefly, “Not what I was expecting.” 

Ruggie chuckled. “Ya got that right. I was expecting more fancy things for me to swipe.” 

Renmu eyed Ruggie and Ruggie smirked in return. “What, ya should be used to my behavior by now. Besides, whatever I don’t want I’ll just give to ya.” 

“It would be a tempting offer if it wasn’t stolen previously.” Renmu replied. 

Ruggie cackled. “That’s the best part though, Prefect. It’s practically free!” 

Renmu just shook his head and smiled. There was no changing the Hyena’s mind and Renmu knew that. 

“Hey, don’t look at me like that.” Ruggie said over a chuckle. 

Renmu could never be truly mad at Ruggie, well, only when he tried to steal things from him. There were too many things they did together to help each other out. Renmu cherished their late night couponing sessions at Ramshackle, their days when they split Leona’s laundry together, or their quiet nights in the school kitchen, exchanging resources and tips to use in their cooking. Only they could do things like that together. Not Ace or Deuce, or even Epel. No one else could fill that role for Renmu. It was something only they could relate to; An all too familiar aspect of their lives they grew up with. Renmu was grateful for it. 

“By the way,” Ruggie mumbled. “Ya gotta learn how to haggle better there, Prefect. Ima teach ya all about once we get home. For a price that is.” 

Renmu sighed mirthfully. “And what’s the price?” 

Ruggie smiled, full of teeth and fangs. “You gotta make me more of those dumplings. 6 dumplings per lesson!” 

Renmu couldn’t help but laugh. “How many lessons then?” 

Ruggie smirked. “Oh it’s gonna be quite a few…” 

They both erupted in laughter, for their dance was coming to an end. Ruggie guided them around the Lecture hall effortlessly. Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow. Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow. Everyone repeated those movements in chaotic sync. They were all going their own way, somehow managing to keep pace with the other dances around them, creating a serene sense of chaos. It was orderly in its own way, as much so when they all came to a complete stop. 

“Thanks a bunch for dancn’ with me, Prefect.” 

Renmu bowed softly. “Daijoubu desu.” 

“Yeah, I don’t really like fancy stuff like this unless there’s somethin’ in it for me.” Ruggie said with a shrug. “Besides all of that, I’m glad you got to go in the end, Renmu. It would be boring without all the trouble you and Grim get in.” 

Renmu was gonna take that as a compliment. He and Grim loved to spice things up wherever they go it seems. 

“See ya later then!” Ruggie yelled running off into the crowd, his cape fluttering behind him. 

It seemed that he would end up dancing the night away and it didn’t take long for the next person to show up. 

“Prefect.” Riddle said softly; His head bowed slightly, his hand over his heart and the other offered to Renmu. Riddle took a deep breath and said…

[violentlyexplosive]

not to be Vulnerable On Main, but I'm going through it and need to vent my thoughts into the internet aether where i can pretend the people reading it aren't real. um. trigger warning for sad animal stuff and some mentions of blood, sh, and sa.

pet loss is so weird. like. i keep waking up at 5 am, half asleep, like "ah yes, i have to get up and let the dog out now" but then there is no dog. i had never had her as my phone background until she died. i keep looking to the couch every time i walk into the living room and there is no dog there. i look behind myself when i move around the kitchen so i don't step on her but there is no dog behind my feet. i go on a walk every day at 8 pm because i cannot fathom a routine without her. every time i pass the neighbourhood kids i hold my breath, cus is this going to be the time they ask? am i going to have to explain to a gaggle of six year olds that the dog had to go away? where she went? am i going to have to be the one to say it because my father is older and softer now and will cry? do i get to cry?

I've never been close to my extended family, and it's always baffled me when others would talk about grieving their grandparents. somehow a part of me views it as, idk, a lesser grief? not in the sense that i don't believe you should grieve your family members, no matter how many degrees of separation between your bloodlines, but because it is simply not something i have or will ever experience as a product of my upbringing and culture. i already struggle with empathy on a good day, having been medicated since pre-puberty, and i just can't... understand this form of grief. i do not think less of it, i just can't find the shape of it.

and i feel sort of similar in this? like. this stupid fucking dog was in my life from 13 years old to nearly 21. she saw me through ugly, awkward haircuts and acne and my first bad period and watched me harm myself and come home traumatised with invisible hands tattooed onto my skin forever. we got her to help me with my debilitating social anxiety/agoraphobia and depression. she got me out of the house and forced me to talk to people to explain "oh I'm sorry, she barks at men, we think she was abused as a puppy" and laid in bed with me when i was too sick or pained to get out of it. and in return, i held her during thunderstorms and fireworks, wiped her mouth and ass when she threw up or pissed the bed. i slept on the couch with her when she couldn't make it up the stairs after surgery, then again years later when she got too old and sick. i hand fed her when she didn't have the energy, i spit water into her mouth when she couldn't get up to drink it herself, i kissed her little, golden head every time she gagged on the pills i had to force down her throat because no amount of ham or cheese or peanut butter could make her swallow them. she was clever like that, in the dumbest ways possible.

and it's so fucking weird without her. i never realised how much my routine revolved around her until she wasn't there to cry at me to feed her anymore. and i feel stupid for feeling so broken up over a dog of all things. like i said, a lesser grief. animals come and go, i know this. have known it since i lived in the countryside and saw my first dead deer, since i had to kill an injured bird for the first time. i knew she was going to go, and i knew it was going to happen soon. i knew the moment the vet called to say she had blood in her tummy because i hung up and screamed. i screamed. over a dog? over the one thing in life i knew how to love right.

i dont know. I'm ovulating, and it's been officially seven days since she said goodbye, tail wagging to the very fucking end. it's too quiet at home, and my mother (mentally unstable narcissist that she is) is already talking about wanting to get another dog. we have a 12kg bag of food and two pallets of canned stuff that came a couple days after she went, that im going to donate. i carried the 40kg ball of fluff and blood to the vet, 12 is nothing after that. i take solace in the fact that i believe in god not in the abrahamic way, but that god is the universe and everything within, and that energy cannot be created or destroyed, meaning she's still out there somewhere. maybe if i listen really hard I'll hear her again.

[imagines--galore]

It’s another TASM Peter X F Reader idea:

“Post No Way Home implications about how Peter 2 (Tobey) told Andrew Peter to not give up hope after he returns to his own universe.

“While on another nightly patrol, Peter briefly wonders about if there were other unknown spider traits that his mutated DNA were still keeping dormant within him…until an alluring, sweet scent suddenly hits his spider senses.

“He moves cautiously towards the source, but is also unable to fight the beckoning trance. The scent’s source turned out to be a well hidden young woman, who had been running from one place to another, trying to escape pursuers who wished to use her alluring abilities for their own selfish gains.

“Spider-Man could see how low her trust in people were, as his first meeting with her revealed her highly raised guard towards his presence. But his drunken senses couldn’t stop sniffing the air near her. When he took in too much of her “special pheromones”, he’d let out a sneeze.

“By hearing his sneeze, something in the pretty girl made her drop her guard slightly.”

I’m still not sure how subtle I’d want some smut implications to be in this fluff, drama, angst, romance driven daydream. I just know that I understand the biodynamics of animal instincts, and that my own fondness for a mating call fits perfectly with the spider mating research stuff which I’ve been looking up.

Pairing: TASM! Peter Parker x Reader Rating || Genres || Warnings: T. Romance. Implications of sex but nothing detailed! And a brief mention of SA but you have to read between the lines to detect it. Nothing graphic. A/N: Sorry this took so long! It was a TALL ORDER! Love incorporating details into everything I write :3

Running away was something you were rather familiar with.

Not because you wanted to, but because you had to.

Because your blood contained a special kind of mutagen that created a pheromone that had the ability to attract any male who preferred the opposite sex. The problem was you had no control over your ability and on more then one occasion you had to shake off potential males from succumbing to the sweet scent that emanated from your body.

It had taken awhile but somehow you had managed to suppress the scent. Using a strong perfume helped. Flowers were even better. Perhaps why you had begun to make a living out of it by opening a flower shop and staying within the confines of it. Whenever you moved somewhere, opening a flower shop was the easiest way to mask your scent.

Now most girls would use such an ability to their benefit, to try and lure some rich and successful male. You, however, had no desire to do so. You didn't want anyone to fall in love with you because of some chemical that effected their brain. So it was no surprise that all you in your experience of encounters was a handful of kisses. Some of these were unwelcome, as were multiple other advances. Luckily, you had the good sense of taking a few defense classes and had managed to escape.

Though that didn't mean you weren't scarred from those instances.

Still, despite your condition and the multiple times you had upended your life because some male would become a little too obsessed with you, you still held on to hope. That maybe one day someone would fall in love with you for you.

Who knew you would meet that someone when you were just about to give up hope.

You had been run out of your most recent home by some rather unpleasant people. People who wanted to harvest your blood, extract the scent from it and use it for their own gain. You had no idea how they would do that, but you weren't about to stick around and find out. So, you had packed up with just the essentials and escaped into the night.

They were persistent. And for more then a few weeks you took to wandering the countryside and trying to evade capture. You went from one state to the other. You allowed your body to accumulate dirt and grime to mask your scent even more. But, truthfully? You were beginning to loose hope of ever finding peace again.

There you were, crouching in some alleyway in New York, clutching your bag to your chest and trying your best to avoid detection as you sobbed softly, cursing your ability that had brought nothing but misery to you ever since it originated.

                                           ————————–

Since his return from alternate Earth and meeting his two other alternate selves, Peter had been feeling better. At least emotionally. There had been something about that comradery that had him forgetting all of his sorrows and just focusing on the bigger picture. On hoping that he would find love and family just like the other Peters had.

And it helped that Peter had told him not to give up hope. To keep looking for his own MJ. And though Gwen would always be his first love, she would want him to move on wouldn't she?

Still it would take time before all of that happened, but at least he was on the path of healing.

What he hadn't expected that his road to love would start with a scent that would overcome his senses and have him nearly falling from the sky as he swung through the city.

It was a sweet scent that coiled through the air. Something stirred within him, an urge that pushed him to find the source as soon as he could.

And perhaps it was that feeling that compelled him, or maybe it was the way the scent clung to his very skin, calling out to him like a siren that had him swinging towards the source.

As the scent grew stronger, his mind continued to make deductions.

It was definitely feminine. He didn't know how he knew, he just did. And while the initial scent was sweet and alluring, he could also sense several underlying emotions that was masked by the powerful scent.

Fear. Loathing. Hopelessness.

Again he had no idea how he deduced that. Maybe this was another one of his powers? He knew he had not unlocked all of them. Besides didn't he read that some spiders had the ability smell with their feet and through their hair? maybe this was some extension of his spider sense?

The scientist side of him was rather curious about all this, however the side of him that urged him to find the source faster won out for now, and he dropped into the alley where the scent was strongest.

                                           ————————–

The sudden arrival of the masked hero had your heart beating faster then ever. Normal males you could handle, but one who was super-powered? How would you fight him off?!

You watched as he craned his neck and you knew he was sniffing the air, trying to detect where you were. You closed your eyes, hoping and wishing and praying you would suddenly disappear.

No such luck.

The trash can you were hiding behind was pushed to the side and you had no choice but to open your eyes and look at Spider-man as he stood in front of you.

"Please don't hurt me." The whimper was falling from your lips before you even thought about it.

For his part Peter couldn't help but stare.

While the scent had gotten stronger, confirming that it was indeed coming from you, there was nothing much he could do now instead just look at you.

You had gotten incredibly thin during your weeks on the run. You were covered in dirt and your clothes were torn in many places. Not to mention the soot that partially covered your face from where you had rubbed it on you in an attempt to mask your scent a little more.

He also took in the fear that he could now scent much clearer. The way your eyes were wide with it, and how your body trembled.

It broke something in him, and despite his instincts screaming otherwise he pushed the effects of your scent to the side.

Though not before inhaling deeply one last time to allow your scent to consume his very being.

His body didn't seem to like what he did, perhaps while one part of him thought the scent irresistible, another part saw it as a threat and sought to dispel the scent from his body with a very loud sneeze.

The sudden reaction had you blinking up at him in surprise, your initial fear forgotten.

Given the nature of your ability, you had read almost everything there was about airborne particles. And you knew that sneezing was a way of the body rejecting these particles.

A small spark of hope ignited in your chest as you bit your lower lip before speaking. "Please, I need help."

The desperation in your eyes and the fact that you had reached out to him for help was the last straw. The last of his initial urge took a backseat and he gave a nod as he reached out a hand to help you up.

"Lets get you someplace safe."

                                           ————————–

That first encounter had been rather awkward.

And it certainly didn't stop there.

Once you were in the aforementioned safe place, which was his apartment, he set you down on the floor and you were quick to put some distance between the both of you.

You had volunteered to walk to the address he gave you, with him keeping a lookout as you did. He hadn't offered to pick you up, probably thinking it was a bad idea given how your scent was calling to him.

Still he needed to pick you up to enter from the open window of his apartment. Safety reasons, he had said, didn't want anyone in the building to have seen you walk in.

Still those brief seconds, where your bodies had pressed together, he had been hit with your scent and while it was masked with other scents and was definitely muted, it was enough to make him feel.....something he didn't wish to think about for fear his thoughts would get away from him. Then he had sneezed again and all those thoughts dissipated.

"Why don't you clean up and get comfortable?" He offered, waving in the direction of the bathroom. At your stricken gaze he held up his hands in a placating manner. "Don't worry. I promise I won't do anything. I can control myself. Besides, I'm gonna go and do a patrol around the block. Make sure we weren't followed." Also because he wanted to give you time to adjust, which honestly, as you dwelled on it later, was rather thoughtful of him.

As you gazed at your reflection in the still foggy mirror, you couldn't help but allow yourself to smile at hos relaxed you felt. Not to mention how nice it felt to be clean again!

Giving your hair one last shake to get rid of any water droplets you stepped out of the bathroom, only to be greeted with the sight of Spiderman without his mask.

He must've heard you because his gaze turned towards you at the same time.

And you stared.

And he stared.

For how long? Neither of you really knew.

While the scent had been dull before, surely it was at it's peak now. And while his olfactory senses focused on the scent, his eyes were busy taking you in and wandering just how he had missed your beauty before. He could blame the dirt and grime that had covered you from head to toe.

Your thoughts were no better then Peter's. You hadn't expected him to take off his mask, and the sight of the young man, who didn't look that much older then you, had you doing a double take. He was handsome, there was no denying that. You wandered just how comfortable you felt in his presence, despite having met him not even an hour ago.

Finally, Peter cleared his throat and scratching the back of his head, an act he did when he was nervous, he spoke. "So, mind telling me what kind of trouble you're in?"

                                           ————————–

That night you told him everything.

Starting from when you had developed your ability to the multiple times you had been forced to leave, and now the people who were after you. For once in your life you didn't hold back. Everything that had ever happened to you came spilling out and it just felt so nice to share your troubles with someone else. Someone who could actually help.

Because thats exactly what Peter did. As soon as you were done telling your story, and explaining your ability he explained how he was also partially a scientist and, if you were to give permission, he could draw some blood from you and figure out your abilities.

Maybe even find a way to help you suppress it.

Where a few hours ago you had scarcely allowed yourself to hope, now your eyes swam with tears and you couldn't help but feel your heart swell. You thanked him, over and over, till he had to ask you to stop. And if you could, you probably would've hugged him.

But for now, you were content to remain with him until the danger was past and perhaps you would emerge from this ordeal with a cure for your abilities.

                                           ————————–

What had initially been a stay for a week or so slowly turned into months. The threat to your life had been taken care of, courtesy of a few well-placed calls by Peter, but now you stayed with Peter because you felt safe. And Peter, being the kind-hearted person that he was, had opened his home to you for as long as you needed.

You had been able to find a job at a nearby local flower store. You had no desire to live with Peter for free. You would be paying for your things, as well as whatever rent and utilities that came your way. Honestly, Peter was grateful that you were helping out. Living by himself hadn't been cheap, not to mention he had to keep his job at the Daily Bugle, and make sure the city was safe.

So having you to help out, was definitely a plus in his books.

Other then that though, there was also the pleasure of the company the both of you gave each other.

You had been hesitant at first, thinking that perhaps your abilities was what compelled him to take an interest in you. And you had even voiced it once, when Peter had demanded to know why you looked so scared when he came into the room.

Of course his entire demeanor had changed, and he had explained how while your sweet scent did call out to him, another part of him saw the scent as a potential threat and so rejected it completely. Of course, he let out the part where the former was much much stronger then the latter, but given your backstory, and all that you had gone through, Peter thought that it was probably for the best that you had some sort of relief from not being scared all the time.

Studying your blood was a rather interesting thing.

And he did figure out a little trick that would help suppress your abilities.

Not all the way, but enough so that people wouldn't be effected by you.

He had presented you with a perfume he had created specifically for you. One that had several chemicals mixed into it to mask your sweet scent. You had been hesitant at first, saying you had tried perfumes before, but he had only smiled at you and winked.

"You've never tried a Parker Original."

You had giggled at that, before nodding and agreeing to try it out.

That day he had taken you outside. At first you had clung to his arm, afraid that the next man passing by would begin to follow you, but to your surprise no one did.

Not a single man or woman glanced in your direction.

Throughout the entire walk around the block your heart was racing in your chest, fear and excitement coursing through your body. Peter had been a constant at your side, a comforting presence, ready to defend you if the need arose.

And once the both of you returned home, you had promptly burst into tears. Peter had panicked a little, thinking something was wrong, but you simply shook your head at his inquiry and threw your arms around him in an embrace that had his heart picking up speed, and for his body to grow warm.

And it had nothing to do with your scent, for he could not detect it anymore either.

                                           ————————–

From that day on, everything changed.

The entire world was open to you now. You could go anywhere, go back home, start your own business.

But you found yourself where you were. Living with Peter in his small apartment.

An apartment you had begun to see as home. Why? Because you had strewn several decorations of your own choosing all around it. You had filled the cupboards with snacks that you and Peter both loved. You had a little corner where your bed was in the living room, which was your own personal space.

But most of all?

You didn't want to leave because Peter was here.

Over the course of the past few months, you had actually begun to fall in love with him.

It had been a slow process, because in the beginning you hadn't allowed yourself to feel anything. Thinking that perhaps it was simply gratitude that you felt because of how much he was helping you out. But surely gratitude didn't make your heart beat faster every time he smiled at you.

Gratitude didn't make you daydream about kissing him.

Gratitude didn't make you want to see him smile. To make him smile. He had such a lovely smile.

And gratitude certainly did not make you dream about him in the most sinful of ways at night.

While you struggled with your own feelings for him, wandering if they were true or not, Peter was in his own little turmoil.

He didn't know when it had happened, but he knew that he had begun to fall for you.

Maybe it was your sweet disposition. How you would always have something kind to say to him. A trait he was surprised you had given how cruel the world had been to you.

Perhaps it was your ability to make him feel wanted. Wanted more then just as Spiderman. You made him feel wanted as Peter Parker.

His falling for your definitely had something to do with the fact that you made him feel less alone in the world, and made him want to actually live again. If you could face the world with a smile, despite all that you had faced then why couldn't he?

                                           ————————–

It all came to a head one night.

That night spritzing the special perfume had slipped your mind for some reason or the other. And after so long of not scenting it in the air, Peter was instantly able to pick up on it as soon as he came home.

It didn't help that you were standing there with popcorn and an offer for a movie, wearing one of his old shirts.

If your scent alone didn't drive him crazy, then his own scent mixed with yours would certainly serve the purpose.

You both sat together on the sofa, side by side, barely an inch apart, your shoulders brushing as the movie began. But neither of you were really paying attention to what was happening on the screen.

There was something different about tonight, you could both feel it. And while your scent contributed to it, it wasn't the only factor. You kept glancing at one another out of the corner of your eyes, looking away when your eyes would meet by accident.

His barefoot briefly brushed against yours, prompting your entire body to warm at that brief contact.

It wasn't until the two characters on screen were confessing their love for one another, that you finally allowed your gazes to meet properly.

And held.

It held long enough for the both of you to slowly start leaning towards one another. You briefly caught sight of the credits beginning to roll from the corner of your eyes, before your eyelids dropped lower, and your lips pressed against Peter's.

That first kiss was sweet and tender. Loving and affectionate. Neither of you pulled back, and you had no desire to pull back.

Not as Peter's hands came up to play with your hair. And certainly not when you ran his hand down his chest and melted against him when he took the kiss further.

The intensity of the emotions you felt in that moment prompted your abilities to increase the level of pheromones. And while Peter had the good sense to pull back, you only moaned in disappointment at the loss of his lips against your own.

"Are you sure?" He breathed against your neck, where he had placed his head on your shoulder, nuzzling his nose against your neck to inhale your sweet sweet scent.

You nodded, smoothly reaching down to grab the hem of the shirt your wore, and sliding it from your body and tossing it aside.

"I have never been more surer of anything in my entire life." You whispered, wrapping your arms around his shoulders.

And that was the final words of coherency you spoke the rest of the evening.

Whatever self-control he had been holding on to, broke completely. Neither of you had a proper memory of that night as you fell into each other's arms, allowing yourself to be swept away by the throes of passion.

Lips met in passionate embraces. Hands explored bare skin. Legs intertwined. Your sweet arousal merging with his own, creating a symphony of scents that had your skin burning with need. Sinful sounds echoing in both your ears as a new pleasure spot would be discovered. Bodies meeting in a dance that allowed you both to reach the peak of your pleasure.

What you did recall the next day, was the feeling of complete and utter bliss as you woke in his arms. And as he stirred and opened his eyes as well, you hoped and prayed that you would get to see him smiling like that every morning for the rest of your days.

And as for Peter? Well, he was sure he had finally found his MJ.

You.

[shadowthief78]

As Always, My Heart and Sword

✦✧✦✧♛✧✦✧✦

Blue Lock Royalty AU Headcanons

✦✧✦✧♛✧✦✧✦

Gender neutral reader, fluff and a bit of angst, mentions of jealousy, gratuitous handwaving the vaguely European worldbuilding, mentions of injury/blood starting at Kuon’s part, 3.5k to 4k words. Noa and Ego aren’t really romantic but you can read them that way if you want. I hope this isn’t too difficult to read, I tried putting paragraph breaks and such so it’s easier.

✦✧✦✧♛✧✦✧✦

(Ao3 Link) (Part 2)

✦✧✦✧♛✧✦✧✦ 

REO is the king's son, well known for his carefree nonchalance, how he insists on gallivanting around the countryside looking for dragons and leaves the boring bureaucracy in the hands of his court, under supervision of his representative Anri.

It's on one of those expeditions he and his retinue stop by your humble town. He leaps off his horse with much fanfare and makes his way toward you, near the well at the center of the square, and asks how much it would cost for your bucket, to water their animals. When you insist that it wouldn't be proper for you to charge the prince anything, he laughs and says he'll pay you in kisses instead.

Later, he has you stay for a meal and dancing at the inn, holding your hand and hardly letting you out of his sight. What can you say but yes when he invites you back to court with him? Don't worry about traditions or those stuffy clothes and etiquette rules, there's nobody who outranks him.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

NAGI as Reo's friend, a son of a noble house who wants nothing more than to while away his days in a quiet country estate. But after Reo saw his skill at swordplay, he's dragged along in a clatter of hooves and plate armor to seek out and slay mythical fire breathing beasts.

He's glad they're staying in a town tonight instead of camping again, because the ground is hard and it looks too close to rain for his taste. Reo rents out the local inn and he was going to take a hot bath and ask for dinner to be brought to him, but for some reason, Reo insists he eat with the rest of the group and they do some drills for spectators to watch.

Nagi isn't sure why Reo is so stubborn, but after he sees you in the crowd, watching the purple-haired and blue-blooded fighter, he understands why. What he doesn't get is the dark, twisted feeling in his chest when you gasp at Reo and gloss over him.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

ZANTETSU is the rear guard. As the last to enter the town, he's more focused on keeping children from grabbing his horse's tail then whatever Reo is doing up front, but he eventually gets impatient and dismounts to investigate.

Seeing you there, he claps a hand on your shoulder from behind and is about to begin issuing a scolding for blocking the well when you turn around and words die in his throat. See, he's always believed those fairy tales of shining knight and their beautiful royal lover.

While he's lost in his daydream, he doesn't realize you are about to pass out, frightened by his serious face and intimidating demeanor. Reo brushes his hand off and laughs, snapping him into a huff, and he spends the rest of the evening trying to subtly signal that he knows of your supposed aristocratic origins.

You, meanwhile, are perfectly confused and uncertain if this man is incredibly intelligent or dumb as rocks.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

NARUHAYA, the baker's son who's known you as long as you've lived here. When you're not back from getting water for a long time, he steps out and realizes who's been monopolizing your attention.

Holding a loaf twice as fine as anything he could ever dream of eating, there's only despair in the pit of his stomach as he watches Reo spin you around and laugh as he dances. The crowd cheers louder when the prince announces he's footing the bill for all drinks, but even a mug of good ale doesn't cheer him up.

Surrounded by chattering patrons and the knights he always dreamed of becoming when growing up, he can feel one last fantasy slip out of his grasp. He doesn't stand a chance against the prince in any competition, let alone one for your hand.

Quietly, he abandons his drink and slips off into the shadows, returning home. The next day, when his little siblings can't stop talking about the parade riding out of town, the only thing he asks is if you looked happy.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

ISAGI you knew of when you were younger. In fact, it was his suggestion that brought Prince Reo to your town. He grew up on a farm and used to visit once or twice a year for the big markets, and left to become a squire years ago.

For a few months, it was all anyone could talk about, that boy who went to the capital to become a knight. When you find this out, he laughs it off sheepishly as not a huge deal and changes the topic.

Secretly, he's proud that you remember him and hopes he might be able to convince Reo to stay a few days longer than planned under the guise of visiting his parents. Little does he know that Reo already has big plans for you.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

BACHIRA slides next to Isagi and jumps right into conversing with you. Sorry he's late, he had to make sure his horse was stabled correctly! She hates being cold, he sighs, and pulls an apple from his pocket. There was a tree out back, do you want one?

You gasp—the innkeeper is incredibly territorial over his apples, guarding them like gold against wasps and children alike. He just laughs and takes a crisp bite, then offers the fruit to you. You look adorable with cheeks stuffed and juice running down your chin—let him wipe it off for you.

Bachira winks and takes his apple back: "I want the seeds!" Really, though, he just wants to share some food with you. Isn't it a little bit of an indirect kiss?

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YUKIMIYA finds you outside under the eaves when Reo's lost you. He stands next to you and watches the rain fall, as the overcast sky has finally opened up. You just needed a break from the noise and stuffiness indoors, you explain.

He offers to keep you company and you settle into a content silence together. He finds his thoughts wandering, first thinking about how his own home would look with someone like you there to welcome him back after a long day's ride, then about his future family.

He doesn't have Reo's status or Bachira's flirtatiousness, but would you humor this humble knight and let him linger a little longer?

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

CHIGIRI isn’t a knight, but a messenger Reo brought along just in case. His job is easy, really, just riding around with the company all day because the prince rarely has need to send orders back.

He’s the first to know that Reo intends to bring you to court when the prince pulls him aside and quietly orders him to ride back and commission an entire wardrobe for you, posthaste. Galloping alone in the middle of the night, all he can wonder is how you’d look decked out in his scarlet instead of Reo’s colors.

Well, the prince didn’t give him any specifics on your garb, so maybe he can sneak one piece of red in. He groans quietly to himself, regretting his injury that prevented him from becoming a knight–he’s never minded until his time with you was cut short.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

ARYU is the tailor you meet after Reo sweeps you back to his castle. He brings out a parade of silk and brocade, each garment more dazzling than the last. Unfortunately, he insists on you trying each one on so he can properly fit it, which leads to a long and tiring day.

Reo is well aware that Aryu’s the best out there and can do nothing but watch as his hands linger on your waist for a tad too long. Unbeknownst to you, Aryu spends many a late night scribbling by candlelight, dreaming up design after design for your wedding attire. He knows he’s got a snowball’s chance in hell compared to the prince, but he can dream… and also repurpose these in different colors for your everyday use.

It’s a secret he’ll never tell anyone, but he does get a lot of compliments on his latest batch of designs.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

TOKIMITSU finds you in the garden after you leave to try and get some peace. Nobody knows the stresses of life in high court better than him, he explains, offering you an early sprig of hyacinths from his carefully maintained greenhouse.

The next morning, you wake up to a hanging basket with tendrils of sweet-smelling jasmine and zinnias. The handwritten card welcomes you to court and asks you to accept this small gift as congratulations–Reo doesn’t have the heart to say no when you’re so taken with the blooms that mean “sweet love” and “thoughts of absent friends.”

Tokimitsu frets for days before he next sees you, upon which you immediately thank him for the gift. Phew, you knew it was him and haven’t caught on to the hidden message yet.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

NANASE meets you when you get hungry and wander off to find the kitchen. It’s still far too early for anyone to be awake, especially since the long journey back all of yesterday, but you couldn’t sleep in the huge bed no matter how much softer it is than your mattress at home.

Nanase has his back turned, busy coaxing the fire in the kitchen back to life when you creep in and cough to get his attention. After calming down and realizing you are not a ghost, he offers to share his breakfast with you. You end up sneaking a few bites of the leftovers from the larder and talking with him, finding out that he enjoys keeping a flock of chickens and came here a few months ago to earn money.

He sneaks you out of the kitchen once more of the servants arrive and makes you promise to come visit again when you’re free, unaware that Reo means to have you added to his court soon.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

NIKO finds you when you get lost in the lower levels. As an undercover member of the Royal Guard, he all but drags you back to your rooms lecturing you about how to find your way, and promises to have a map delivered soon. He’s flustered when you laugh and compliment his knowledge, does he know of any secret passages?

Well, he reasons with himself, you probably should know about those because you and Reo are so… close. (He ignores the jealous twist that comes with remembering that, he’s been ignored as part of his job for so long that you’d think he’d be used to it by now.)

If he turns the lamp’s wick down on purpose so he has an excuse to hold your hand in the dark passages built into the walls, then no one needs to know.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

KAISER is the heir from the nearby land of Munchen, here for a diplomatic negotiation that Reo completely forgot. At the end of your first week in the palace, he asks you to dance, butting in front of Reo to do so and taking your hand before you can blink.

As you spin on the polished floor, he leans in and whispers something in your ear that you can’t quite catch. He laughs and leads you off the floor to a sulking Reo. While Kaiser’s admirers gossip behind their fans and send you scathing glares, you try to conceal the note he slipped under the ruffle of your sleeve.

You slip out for a breath of air later, when Reo has released you from his iron grip, and meet up with Kaiser in the gardens. Besides the moonlit pon, he clips two blue roses and tucks one in your hair, the other gets tucked in his jacket.

He sends you a bouquet of them the day he and his company leave, inviting you to come visit whenever you desire.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

NESS is part of Kaiser’s delegation, always staring at you and Kaiser together. When Reo and Kaiser are both needed in some meeting about trade routes, he’s left to have tea with you, alone.

You think he must hate you because he’s always glaring, but he just assumes this feeling must be your fault and places the blame squarely on your shoulders. Whatever methods you used to ensnare Kaiser won’t work on him, he lectures, getting so heated he only stops when he knocks your teacup out of your hand and spills the hot liquid all over your lap. He doesn’t care about you, really, him mopping it up is because he’s a gentleman, unlike you, and underhanded tactics are beneath him (they aren’t, but he says they are).

Mark his words, he’ll figure out what you’re up to before long, and Kaiser will acknowledge him again. He tosses his soiled handkerchief on the table and storms out, leaving you confused and with a handkerchief to return.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

KUON is part of a faction secretly plotting to overthrow Reo and install a new government. Kuon hates the aristocracy, thinks they’re all a bunch of stuck up pigs out of touch with common people, but when he meets you, he starts to rethink.

He tries to reason that it’s because you’re not really a noble, you were raised by ordinary people just like him, but he can’t deny it. He begins thinking of ways to let you escape when the revolution happens, maybe spirit you away somewhere safe where it’s just the two of you and you can start over again.

But when the signal is given before he’s ready, he can’t stop ugly desperation from coursing through him, tearing him away from his assigned post despite the shouts of his accomplices. When he finds Reo holding you (thankfully unhurt) while a hastily bandaged Niko struggles to unlock the door to an escape passage with fingers slippery from blood, Nagi draws his sword and steps forward.

As long as he lives, Kuon doesn’t think he’ll be able to forget the shock of betrayal on your face when you see him in the colors of the uprising.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

BAROU leads a contingent of knights and is probably the only person who can win against three insurgents with a ceremonial smallsword and no armor whatsoever. He bursts into the royal chambers, decimates another small squad with the weapons he gathered from the first three, and breaks down the door to the escape.

He insists on remaining behind, saying he’ll escape later, and hauls a bookshelf in front of the broken panel. The last you see of him is his broad back, radiating comfort and confidence that someone so strong is looking after you.

Barou will never tell anyone this, but he thought of you after he was overwhelmed and captured, eventually gathering the strength to escape and reunite with you later on.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

HIYORI is the safehouse keeper. He opens the door and lets your group topple in, out of the freezing rain, and immediately begins handing out towels and bowls of hot soup. His cottage is well hidden in the forest outside the palace, so he, Reo, and a few more knights sit down to pore over maps and discuss escape routes, leaving you to drink your soup and doze off.

A while later, he wakes you with a gentle shake and offers a change of clothes into something more practical. It turns out that everything else is already taken by the rest, so he fishes out some of his own clothes, including his best wool cloak. When you protest and say you couldn’t possibly dream of taking it away from him, he laughs and says he’s coming with you.

He’s served his purpose here and the rebels will find this place eventually and realize what happened, so it’s not safe to stay behind. You flee through the forest, quietly comforted by each other’s presence.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

KURONA gets busy rebandaging Niko’s wound and applying a salve to stop bleeding and infection before he gets around to the rest of you. When he’s finished, he sits next to you on the chest in the corner of the room (the chairs have all been commandeered by those in the strategy meeting) and lets you doze off on his shoulder.

When you’re on the run, he sits next to you and makes shadow puppets so you smile. Every so often when there’s a river near wherever you’re camping for the night, he always cuts himself a fishing rod and sits on the bank.

You’re the only one allowed to join him for some comfortable silence, because everyone else is “too noisy” and scares all the fish away. Really, he just wants to spend some time with you braiding strips of grass together and nobody else to bother you two.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

SHIDOU nearly gets stabbed by Yukimiya, who’s got that night’s first watch. Anri wants to pack up and leave, saying he’s dangerous, but he explains that Sae Itoshi has sent him after hearing about the rebellion in the capital.

The Itoshi duchy is still untouched by the insurgents, partially because of its notoriously impenetrable mountain roads and cold seas. This late into fall, travel to and fro slows to a trickle, but Shidou promises that he can navigate just fine and that his lord is still loyal to Prince Reo, saying that the rebellion sent a letter threatening to cut off vital supplies to the duchy if Duke Sae doesn’t comply.

Seeing as the roads are nearly impassable and he already imported necessary goods to survive the winter, Sae ordered the messenger thrown in chains and is currently feigning ignorance. Your group can stay for the winter or just make a quick stop before seeking asylum somewhere else, doesn’t that beat sleeping on the ground?

Reo is skeptical, so Shidou turns to you and asks: Will you trust him and Sae? His eyes and teeth glint a little too much for your comfort in the dim firelight, but what other choice do you have? Ever since he’s joined your group, you can feel eyes on you too much for your comfort.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

AIKU, the bandit leader who blocks the only clear pass to the Itoshi duchy. He proposes a deal: one person stays behind with them while the rest can go on, and nobody’s blood melts snow tonight. Nobody is happy with that deal, but when Aiku points at you, things turn ugly.

After Shidou nearly breaks his nose, Niko’s crossbow bolt buries itself in a nearby tree, and everyone else unsheaths a blade of some sort, he takes back his offer and insists on coming with you.

As it turns out, Sae needs more soldiers to defend against the insurrectionists, so puts Aiku in charge of the very pass you took to get to his stronghold after a brief test. Aiku winks at you when he leaves, promising to keep you safe at any cost, if you’ll nurse him better if he gets injured. 

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

SAE lets you in, out of the cold and into the… cold? Well, it turns out that the coal mines have been closed due to earthquakes in the past several years and he was planning on getting more fuel before the attack happened… and it put a bit of a wrench in his plans.

And the Itoshi duchy’s been bleeding money recently, because merchants have discovered that they can charge through the nose for food shipments and, without any supervision from Prince Reo (despite the many, many, many letters he’s written), get away with ridiculous upcharges. But now that he’s here, the prince surely will discuss some legislation to prevent this from happening again and perhaps some compensation for past years, between planning his escape, of course.

Sae leads the way through stone corridors bustling with servants bundled in thick coats and separates each of you into rooms to let you rest before the first of the meetings. Oddly enough, when you get to your room, there’s a roaring fire keeping the whole room toasty and a nearly-boiling bath waiting for you.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

RIN is Sae’s younger brother, guarding the messenger sent from the rebels. It’s obvious, when you see him, that he thinks this is below him.

He tells them not to bother when Isagi and Bachira try questioning the prisoner–he only talks in his sleep. At the prisoner’s horrified look, Rin eventually caves to you asking and explains all he knows, which is a combination of nonsense babbling and vitally useful information.

It turns out that, save Anri, the rest of the council Reo set up to govern in his absence has turned traitor. Calling themselves the JFA, they intend to take over the kingdom and live easy lives at the kingdom’s expense. You’re so excited at being useful for once in this escapade that you grab both his hands and excitedly thank him, before rushing off to tell the others.

When you’re gone and the prisoner goes back to sulking, Rin carefully presses his hands together where you held them, lingering on how your touch felt.

✦✧✦✧𐂃✧✦✧✦

NOA, as it turns out, is prepared for your arrival. As king of the neighboring kingdom of Munchen, he explains that Barou managed to escape and explained all of what happened to him. He was still a little skeptical on taking you in before Kaiser and Ness persuaded him to.

He calls a strategy meeting with the leaders of four other nations and begins talking with each of them: Julian Loki, Marc Snuffy, Lavinho, and Chris Prince. All agree to help, noting the threat that recognizing an illegitimate government poses to their own authority. Thus begins you learning swordplay and archery from the masters.

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EGO is Noa’s advisor. He persuades Noa to back Reo’s campaign to retake his kingdom and even personally implements a training regimen to whip the small squadron of Reo’s troops who managed to escape into shape, dubbing it “Blue Lock.”

When asked by Anri how he plans to storm the castle with such a small team, he responds it’s obvious that he intends to wake and use the dragon causing the earthquakes in the Itoshi duchy to their advantage.

Wait, the what, exactly?!

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[dreadwulf]

There are aspects of ASOIAF that I never discuss because they seem so self-evident to me that there's really no need to discuss them, it seems so obvious that to point them out verges on obnoxious. I'm going to discuss one of those now, mostly out of frustration. Apologies in advance.

But people assign entirely the wrong metaphor to Danaerys's dragons? Dragons are not WMD. They are not nukes. They're a slightly tricksier metaphor but a pretty clear one. There is a very simple tell for this, and it's based in the difference between a dragon and a bomb, or a dragon and an unbeatable valyrian sword.

Dragons are alive.

Dragons have to eat.

This starts becoming a problem right away and it continues to grow throughout the books. Even the tiny dragons are a conundrum, because at first they don't want to eat anything. Dany learns early on that they need meat, and they need meat that is heavily charred but fresh. Something burned alive is ideal.

When they're tiny, that's pretty simple. You can just set aside meat from your own food supply, let them fire blast it, and presto, dinner. But the more they grow, the more they eat. They need more and more meat. They need larger animals. Then they need multiple animals. Then whole flocks. On an ongoing basis. Where is this food going to come from?

You would have to set up a whole industry of dragon-feeding, animals raised and set aside to feed three full-grown dragons rather than communities of people. It will take a pretty wealthy society to maintain dragons. And until this is set up, hungry dragons are going to search for their dinner and demolish flocks of sheep, cattle, etc that are already conveniently gathered into one spot for them like a buffet. In the process, ruining the livelihoods of whatever unfortunate shephard or farmer provided that day's meal, and potentially taking food out of hungry mouths.

And then, eventually, inevitably, they start eating people.

And what does Dany do about this? She tries chaining them up, to keep them from eating her subjects, but this is not tenable. She also loves them; they are her babies. She raised them from the moment of their birth. Chaining them up pains her, as they are living intelligent creatures who are not meant to be kept underground. Plus she knows it is a stopgap solution at best. Drogon, for example, can never be imprisoned like that, and he is still roaming the countryside eating whatever's convenient. But she never comes up with an alternate solution. We leave her in this struggle where the books leave off. She's trying to balance her responsibilities in a just way, when there doesn't appear to be a just solution. Dragons are always going to be a thumb on that scale, because she loves them and because she needs them to maintain her power.

(psst: kind of like how we love our oil, and our coal, and anything else that's wrecking the ecosystem and making people very very rich)

In the show, at least, Dany seems to just put the problem out of her mind and forget about it -- same way she does with Slaver's Bay. She just kind of leaves Essos so the show can get her to Westeros, and before very long Dany is encouraging her dragons to feed on her enemies with no ethical quandry at all. Either D&D did not care about the problem of Dragons and the Meereenese Knot (which are really the same problem), or they did not understand the problem or recognize how essential it is to Dany's story, or they like GRRM were not sure how to resolve it satisfyingly and decided to just ignore it. It's easier to make Dany a villian than try.

That's kind of understandable. I mean, it's a big problem. It's the problem of leadership in a compromised system. It's the problem where the very thing that powers your best intentions is inevitably going to corrupt them, because you are now part of the same broken structure that your forebears were, the one that doesn't work, the one that is rotten to the core. If Danaerys is going to step into House Targaryen's shoes she's going to perpetuate the same old problems no matter how much she wants to do the right thing. She has to become more and more morally compromised as she takes larger and larger responsibilities and her dragons are just the first part of that. It's the same problem that Jon is facing in ADWD and Jaime is facing in AFFC and pretty much everyone in ASOIAF is dealing with all the time. This society is broken. Unless you step outside of it somehow, it will either kill you or corrupt you.

Anyway TLDR: Dragons. Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Dany's babies give her the power to change the world for the better, but they are eating the world too. There's a cost. She has to decide whether she is willing to pay it, and how.

[catiuapavel]

I completed every main mission and sidequests in Cornia (excluding the forbidden level 40 area)

This game is so fun and refreshing to play. When I played Ogre Battle March of the Black Queen a few years back, I dreamt of a game in the same vein that could grant you more control over how battles play out and Unicorn Overlord is a far more layered iteration of the timid concept I imagined. Going through all these menus and setting all these conditions, testing them out, doing it all over again to optimize them... This is so thrilling. I love micromanagement.

The more gameplay devices are introduced (like watchtowers, catapults, balistaes, rams, units to rescue in the middle of nowhere), the more fun it gets. Thanks to these elements coming into play one at a time, the stages never feel dull or the same.

I'll say Cornia on expert mode was hardly that difficult. It provided fun challenges so I don't mind. I'm just surprised that the highest level of difficulty feels like a normal mode. That being said I'm not a good judge of strategy games difficulty because I'm pretty much like that:

The presentation of the game is sooo beautiful. The hud, style and environments all fit so perfectly together. So few games seem to understand the value of these things nowadays and it's refreshing playing such a well-crafted one. I just wish there were more parity in character design: men with sillier outfits and animations and (a handful more) women with... let's say more pragmatic ones.

The soundtrack has been alright so far but I'll say: BOY am I glad to get out of Cornia. I think the area could have used 1 or 2 more songs for diversity (even if they kept a similar style or leitmotiv). Drakenhold is delivering in terms of music already!

Unfortunately the only tar so far is that the story is just so very... mid. At best, It's simple and serviceable even though you feel like you've seen it a hundred times before. At worst it's... mind control to handwave morality and responsibility away. However, I don't want to judge it too hastily and I hope to be surprised eventually.

Mostly, I'm genuinely, desperately, hopeful that recruiting everyone merrily will have dire consequences at one point or another. As much as I enjoy collecting every little guy on the continent, defeating a boss set on murdering you and/or terrorizing the countryside and having Alain choose between executing them or recruiting(/releasing) them after hearing their tragically lukewarm backstory (and everything ends well and fine) is becoming jarring. I want to feel regret, I want to feel pain. I want my decisions to come back to haunt me. I want to be crushed under the weight of my actions.

(DON'T tell me whether that's the case or not)

But so far the characters are just bad until they're good and once they join your ranks, they are unconditionally loyal. It lacks conflict and makes everyone far less interesting as a result.

(side note: this one isn't recruitable (thankfully) but Gaston in "Province of Famine" was one of the worst parts so far. You've got a tyrant pillaging his subjects' reserves, depriving them of food while bragging he's enjoying several lavish meals in a row with the most episodic cartoon villain presentation, but when you defeat him suddenly he wasn't actually that bad and was just keeping a reserve in case of famine. Surely... There was a way to write this with a bit more nuance and with less contradictions. The worst part? I called that one as soon as the stage began so it wasn't even shockingly bad, just disappointingly so.)

Still, the characters themselves feel engaging enough. The writing is decent when it comes to interpersonal relationships. I've set one foot in Drakenhold and I was delighted to see Travis and Aubin come into the picture once again. It makes me hopeful the greater cast will develop outside of rapport conversations. And if the narrative truly doesn't deliver later on... I will have these lively and diverse characters to fall back on at least.