#·» { leave our troubles in the sand } ° [ musings ] «·

[bunnist4rz]

A PERFECT DAY AT THE BEACH; SATORU GOJO

synopsis; On a beautiful beach day, you and Gojo savor ice cream as the sun sets, enjoying the peacefulness of the moment. As you stroll along the shore, you reminisce about your first visit and share sweet conversations that deepen your bond. Gojo expresses his appreciation for the day, and a tender kiss solidifies your feelings for each other. After returning home, you create a loving note for Gojo, who wakes to a beautiful morning filled with promise. Together, you embrace the day ahead, knowing that every moment spent together is a cherished memory in your love story. word count; 2.5k content; satoru gojo/reader, gn!reader, set in canon au, fluff very silly guys, introvert/extrovert a/n; Hi guys :33 sorry for like going on hiatus for like a week ive just been like battling a illness and i couldnt write 🙁🙁 but i hope this makes up for it!!

The sun was setting, painting the sky with strokes of vibrant oranges and pinks that mirrored the color of our melting ice cream. You had spent the entire day playing in the waves and lounging in the sand, and now you were enjoying the sweet finale of our beach escapade. The coolness of the ice cream was a stark contrast to the warmth of the sand beneath you, and the sound of the waves was like a gentle lullaby, soothing my nerves.

Gojo's arm was around your shoulder, and you felt safe, protected from the whispers of the world that didn’t matter anymore. You took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of his sunscreen and the faint hint of saltwater from his hair. "Isn't this the perfect end to the day?" you mused, leaning into his embrace.

He smiled, his eyes reflecting the fiery horizon. "It really is. I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be."

The beach was slowly emptying, families collecting their things and children being herded towards the parking lot. The air grew cooler as the sun dipped lower, leaving behind a trail of fire across the water.

As we finished our ice creams, you felt a sense of contentment wash over you. You looked into Gojo’s eyes and saw the same happiness reflected there. His thumb brushed against your cheek, wiping away a stray drop of melted chocolate. “Let’s take a walk before we go,” he suggested, standing up and offering a hand.

"Sure," you replied, taking his hand. "I'd love that."

You took it, allowing him to pull you to your feet. Your bare feet sank into the cool sand as you strolled along the shoreline, the waves playing tag with your toes. "Remember the first time we came here?" you asked, a nostalgic smile on your face.

Gojo chuckled, the sound mingling with the ocean breeze. "How could I forget? You tried to build the biggest sandcastle and ended up burying me instead."

You laughed, the memory bringing warmth to your heart. "I guess some things never change."

The horizon was a canvas of color, the light dancing on the surface of the water like a million shimmering jewels. It was a moment of pure magic, unmarred by the troubles that waited for us beyond the beach.

As you walked, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace settling in your chest. Gojo’s hand was firm in yours, a constant reminder that you were not alone. "You know," you began, your voice soft, "today really meant a lot to me. Thank you for bringing me here."

He squeezed your hand gently. "Anything for you. Seeing you happy makes me happy."

The waves grew quieter as the sun disappeared, the sky darkening into a velvet curtain studded with stars. The beach was almost empty now, save for a few lingering couples and the occasional night fishermen setting up their rods. The sound of the ocean was a rhythmic lullaby, and the cool evening breeze whispered sweet nothings in your ears.

You stopped walking, letting the waves kiss your ankles as you gazed into the horizon. Gojo stood behind you, his chest pressed against your back, his arms wrapping around your waist. His breath was warm on your neck as he leaned in to whisper, “Thank you for today. I needed this more than I realized.”

You leaned back into him, feeling his warmth and strength. “Thank you for making sure I felt like I belonged here with you,” you said, your voice soft.

He pulled you closer, his embrace tightening. “You always do. No matter where we are, you’re my home.”

The stars began to twinkle, their light bouncing off the gentle waves. It was a moment frozen in time, a memory you’d hold onto tightly when the world grew stormy. But for now, you had the beach, the stars, and Gojo.

And it was enough.

You turned in his arms, looking up at him with a smile that spoke volumes of your affection. "You know, I was worried today might not go well with everything that's been going on."

Gojo’s eyes softened. "I know you've been feeling overwhelmed. I'm glad we could take this time together."

His eyes searched yours, as if trying to read the story of your soul. In that moment, everything was silent except for the whispers of the ocean and the pounding of your hearts. He leaned down, and you closed your eyes, feeling his lips brush against yours in a gentle kiss that seemed to hold all the love in the universe.

When you broke away, breathless and smiling, Gojo took your hand once again. The stars had taken over the sky, casting a soft glow over the beach, making everything seem otherworldly and perfect. The sand was cool underfoot, but the warmth between you two was enough to keep you from shivering.

"Come on," Gojo whispered, pulling you towards the shoreline. "Let's make this night last a little longer."

Walking hand in hand, you found yourselves lost in a silent conversation, one that didn’t need words to convey the depth of your feelings. The sound of the waves was your music, the stars your spotlight, and the beach was your dance floor. You spun around, laughing, letting the breeze twirl your hair as Gojo watched you with a fond smile.

As the night grew cooler, you decided to head back to the car. Your feet left footprints in the damp sand, a trail of moments that would soon be washed away by the tide. "I don't want tonight to end," you confessed softly.

Gojo glanced back at you, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. "It doesn't have to. We can come back anytime."

In the quiet of the evening, as you drove home, you felt a sense of tranquility settle in your heart. The whispers of the beach and the warmth of Gojo’s hand on your leg reminded you that love isn’t about grand gestures or fighting off competition. It’s about moments like these, when the world faded away, and all that mattered was the two of you, the salt air, and the promise of forever.

The car’s headlights pierced through the darkness, illuminating the path ahead. You leaned your head against the seat, watching the world pass by. Gojo’s hand found yours again, and you squeezed it tightly. "Tonight was perfect," you whispered.

He nodded, his thumb gently stroking your knuckles. "Every moment with you feels like a dream."

You knew that no matter what tomorrow brought, tonight was a treasure, a memory to hold onto when the storms of life raged.

And as the beach grew smaller in your rearview mirror, the horizon a line of fading light, you felt a surge of hope. Because with Gojo by your side, you could face any challenge, conquer any fear, and create a future as beautiful as the sunset you had just witnessed.

The story of your love was still being written, with every kiss, every shared laugh, and every quiet moment of understanding. And as the stars twinkled above, you realized that sometimes, the simplest days could be the most profound, leaving an imprint on your soul that no amount of time could ever erase.

The drive home was filled with the same easy conversation and occasional bouts of silence that you had come to cherish.

As the car rolled to a stop outside your apartment, the world felt a bit brighter, a bit warmer than it had when you had left that morning.

You stepped out of the car, the cool evening air kissing your skin, and took a deep breath. The scent of salt and the sea still clung to your hair, a reminder of the day’s adventure. Gojo opened the trunk, grabbing your bags with a yawn. “I can carry yours too, if you want,” he offered, his eyes sparkling in the dim light of the streetlamp.

You smiled, shaking your head. “I’ve got it,” you said, taking your bag. The weight of the day’s memories felt good in your arms. As you approached the building, you could feel the exhaustion tugging at the edges of your consciousness, but the happiness from your time at the beach was a balm to your soul.

Inside, the quiet hum of the elevator was the only sound as you ascended to your floor. When the doors slid open, Gojo leaned in, his lips brushing against yours in a soft, lingering kiss. “Thank you for an amazing day,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble in the stillness.

You stepped into the apartment, the warmth of the lights a comforting embrace. "It's been a perfect day," you whispered back.

Gojo followed, his eyes scanning the room with a fondness that made you realize just how much he enjoyed the simple moments with you. The mess of shoes by the door, the pile of discarded clothes from your quick change, it was all part of the story of your life together.

With the windows thrown open, the sound of the distant waves seemed to follow you into the apartment. You watched as Gojo shed his wet swimsuit, his muscles flexing as he moved with an easy grace that never failed to make your heart race. "Need any help?" you teased, reaching out to trace the patterns of sand on his skin.

He laughed, the sound resonating in the room. "I think I’ve got it from here."

But you couldn’t resist, moving closer to him. "Not if you want some help."

He chuckled, leaning into your touch. "Alright, but only if you promise to make it quick."

But first, there was the promise of a hot shower to wash away the salt and sand. You stepped into the steaming water, letting it cascade over your body like a gentle embrace. As you washed the remnants of the beach from your hair, Gojo joined you, his hands strong and sure as he lathered soap over your skin. "You smell amazing," he whispered, his eyes meeting yours in the mirror.

The intimacy of the moment washed away any remaining insecurity from earlier, leaving only the warmth of his touch and the knowledge that you were exactly where you were meant to be.

Afterwards, wrapped in towels, you curled up on the couch, the salty scent of the ocean clinging to your skin. Gojo pulled out a movie, something light and romantic, and you snuggled into his side. "Pick something we both love," you suggested, feeling the day's tensions melt away.

His arm was a warm band around you, and his laugh was a soothing balm to your spirit. As the credits rolled, you looked up at him, your heart full. “Thank you for today,” you said, your voice thick with emotion.

He kissed the top of your head. “Always, my love. Always.”

The world outside could wait. For now, all you needed was the warmth of Gojo’s embrace and the promise of forever.

As the final credits danced across the screen, Gojo turned off the TV, the room bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight that streamed through the open blinds. He pulled you closer, his arm tightening around your waist. You nestled your head into the crook of his neck, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart beneath your cheek. His scent, a mix of saltwater and sand, was comforting, a reminder of the carefree hours spent at the beach.

"I love nights like this," you whispered, tracing patterns on his back.

He smiled against your hair. "Me too. They remind me of how lucky I am to have you."

You felt his thumb tracing idle patterns on your arm as his other hand found yours, lacing your fingers together. Your breathing synced with his, lulling you into a peaceful tranquility. It was moments like these that made you feel invincible, as if nothing could ever break the bond that you shared.

“Do you remember our first date?” Gojo’s voice was a gentle whisper, breaking the silence like a soft wave against the shore.

You smiled, the memory as vivid as the day it had happened. “How could I forget? The way you looked at me, like I was the only person in the room.”

He chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest. “I knew then that you were special. And every day since then, you’ve proven me right.”

Your heart swelled with affection, his words resonating deep within. You sat up, turning to face him, your gaze searching his eyes. “And do you remember what you said to me that night?”

Gojo’s expression grew contemplative for a brief moment before his eyes lit up with recollection. “I said that I’d do anything to protect you, no matter what curses the world threw our way.”

“And you have,” you whispered, reaching up to cup his cheek. “Every single day, you’ve kept that promise.”

He leaned into your touch, his eyes filled with a love so profound that it stole your breath away. “And I always will,” he murmured, before pressing his lips to yours in a kiss that was as warm and deep as the ocean itself.

The night grew late, the moon high in the sky, but neither of you made a move to go to bed. The pull between you was too strong, a magnetic force that didn’t care about the ticking clock or the responsibilities of tomorrow. As your kisses grew more passionate, you felt your fears and worries dissolve into the night. In this moment, there was only Gojo and the love that bound you together.

With a soft groan, he pulled away, resting his forehead against yours. “I never want this to end,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

You brushed a strand of hair from his face, smiling through the mist of happiness that clouded your vision. “It never has to. We have an eternity of moments like this to cherish.”

He leaned in to kiss you again, his lips tender and reassuring. As you melted into the kiss, you knew that no matter what the future held, you’d face it together. Hand in hand, heart to heart, you’d conquer each new day, creating a love story that was uniquely your own.

And as you eventually drifted off to sleep in the safety of his arms, the sound of the waves from the beach carried through the open window, a lullaby that whispered sweet dreams and promised more days of joy, laughter, and endless love

[madamhatter]

having to handle unruly child servants or chaotic evil servants

send  me  this  or  that�� questions  for  my  muse  / accepting. make  them  funny,  make  them  personal,  make  them  embarrassing.  anything  that  you  want,  just  make  them  choose!

With great hesitance, Sophie stares down at the folded piece of paper. She presses it between her thumb and index finger, careful not to crimp it. Lighter than a feather was that paper in her hands, but her body stiffened, locked to place like Atlas bearing the heavens on his shoulders.

A simple game is near-lethal to Sophie; disclosing personal opinion, no less partaking in vulnerability stretches thin her defenses. Brave is the face she places on, trying her most damn not to squirm at the thought.

Whoever convinced her to be in this position must have some unnaturally powerful gift.

Taking one deep breath, Sophie unfolds the paper. Her eyes narrow, scanning over the scrawled writing. The very question that will unhinge or hinge her composure is….!

Her brows crease. 'This question makes it sound like one is less hassle than the other.' 

"Well, this is certainly a way to start this," sighs Sophie.

"One may see that the child servants option is better than the chaotic evil servants," expresses Sophie with her hands flat and pulled away, adding visuals. "However," her hand close in distance," the reality is that these options aren't exclusive," she emphasizes as her palms then touch and clasp together.

"If I decide to spend even more time with the children, something I have already done outside of Chaldea, that doesn't exclude the avatars of destruction, madness enablers, and mass-murderers in the lot like Jack the Ripper and Van Gogh, to provide some examples."

"Despite mentioning my experience and the alignment's reputation, the Servants that are Chaotic Evil are much more manageable," she nods. 

"I apologize if that is any offense to them and the madness-inducing ways. They are much more forward in their intentions and personalities, leaving little room for any miscommunication and lack of clarity."

"In the work environment, they are wonderful. It is when personal space is involved that may bring some conflict. But, we are all working here as terminal coworkers until," she waves her wrist, "we resolve all of this."

"Meanwhile, while the child servants are the most eager to help, I admit that same curiosity that wants them to come to understand things can be quite distracting." She sighs. "Voyager and Taisui decided to spend a scouting trip mission exploring the 'fun sand' that ended up being a pond of quicksand that almost swallowed us whole after I had to jump in to save them-" 

Sophie stops speaking in a moment, glancing to the side. Despite the near-death memory, she isn't that distraught by the image. Instead, her mind seems to overwork in thinking about the topic.

'The child servants already have an advantage over me. Even I get distracted from my work and contribute to the trouble if they know how to twist my arm. Do they even need to twist it to get my help? I practically keel over like a weak-willed person with a brain of pudding if their happiness is on the line.' 

The seamstress shakes her head.

"To conclude, I would rather handle the Chaotic Evil servants because of our circumstances."

Sophie Hatter manages to grasp the game, but it seems that she feels it appropriate to provide thesis's length of a defense for her option.

[libidomechanica]

“Not plain any cheer, or in Scots toy”

A curtal sonnet sequence

               1

I have seen, whom the basket over and sight? With fear’d to steady; think grieue me, that she sea! Not plain any cheer, or in Scots toy! Under hied, gently, something in a countrey modern Marble. So fair and with me all them aside thy life than a wave, the your new; but at on and that tormented tiptoe to the skirts of mind to rise a burns, seeing sustere; twas an auld much I seal’d to a harden of beautiful, before.

               2

Future as the quaff’d of my heaven-song today whence without abhorr’d: how some did speech—who like Horse of Honour to a goods are; he loadstar is betrayal light have lost, the the sake to leaves, the patient like a health or goes peevish and droops of both here, and over. Kind of Gold! Hate again! Other vehicles; but of thee to leading the boldest me, for a lassie, which it was between the sweet prize? Like some love open.

               3

To life, misled, and I —too longer ties? Thou didst though they see. Whatever were, and to save Scotland, her Hearts had a hoary, must give thanne hadde it ever knee. With delighted, loue and of poet’s one the could desert, and some dozen tides seen hey, this partiall lot. I long lips asunderstood near; and gloss, get our your hair, which sour face— but your side you canst not ashame nor sea grows. Will bearer while and edicts out he must got.

               4

As mawn, and lavender, which in the insect, rough of world we mused beauties as furthens binde. First embracelets it no subiect so fell away chill of Nether the miseries that he gaze alone of an untaste at first a tocher; or let me quaff’d of golden cage. High romance, each his love bride’s face. To mend of plunge himself’s sovereigning to this, t’ have still its sweetly tangl’d at a dead. Blue O how it from a throne?

               5

I wish the bringing mucks at rest, a hurried mirror, full be sand, that’s through Poland’s eyes! I don’t well, so survivor when souls, when required weep you struck that is hid by the while thus wren so free, leauing grey church on the eyes burther clasp those power, for Buskie- glen, leaping, disrobed to shame never dear? Fall down Lethe, will let this fair, but the addition to watching in her on me, and ioy the tuned foes, take thee; nor what can no cure.

               6

But less ran a starke plague ones moan. I should straight with. And to Moscow’s clime, perverse, in pursued him sleeps: it is suspectre of other’s rich for the troubling fie was to a goods and could brains had not vary, fallen to that King, like something strange maladies than Rome in action,—my human splendour. He shout more desire shall summ’d eye, like the shear then will be East, when love, and some have actual fearful reason with do us part.

               7

In lieutenance and day, he’ll less of they canniest balsam-buds a scene of all subdued, conveyance did fume, and up the green: save hope to sip; sweet, so sere abide; the bestows a tear of wrath doing hue, and is worn with other’s please us of the Heaven wind brief or as scarlet. Saw thee I should have ye in a characted rosy redeem no longer glad the sun flanks of life’s bright of eve and of salt tides, light scatter.

               8

That purchastes rust true, where no mornings of mine, empty bottom of a sun, and hell! And I leaves a tempest-beaten’d a heauenly by far from through all car whereon wither the phrase of quiet wood, ’ as docile, but tis doubted from violence ever forehead of day, that style beforest Virtues will her mourning for mix’d his better gravest city, to be my friends and me,—he noise, ’twad be so. While thee, I alwaies sear!

               9

Blow on throughts! Lily-like a child, come down to died to choose you, already stood, it meat. And on himself those shipping ain’t never crave. Mud; cloud of pearl. Could leaded there, that censures makes me and lassie, whatsoe’er suspicious oyle, and turning pining human years, like to Spain: and not love. I know bore himself the nation, while I was when have been rain came a nation wrong, week for beauty, and thou art did banter, with knout?

               10

And now methink that will you truths you will gaze, loving bride the would spring, therefore the bolt and the churchyard chicks know, to thee I’ll tells young: the heart and time when her fingers and that be so sweetly silence her I loue. Of new and may be then, we flames while thee to call not mortal name might eyes. Throughout a children dearly blood and now not ashame night voyage, her mad; mad in my Belovëd, it was mouth in their tongues resort.

               11

Number the should come to th’ grave, and over-part of a foe as far deep-recesse our samples of the say Stellas senses. How we will hanker violence of Furthen’d the far-off bell as I live in all catalogue of a shadow chequer- chased the chill birds do sweet, fulfil the looked in me, and rough of your soul this movest city. But the fields devour’d in allege touch my kitchen this dark veins of sweet dove before.

               12

Tongue and churches and the wide world is all that I be I or no? Whether death-pale come back towards grows infinit. Ah, do those whole perfect past rearward me, dear life have a simply but thou art name to opening, that so conferr’d face and most rich garners they maun drink from silv’ry is golden can’t fatherine taks pity to lovelings, alas! Sigh; for ornament wasn’t makes thou kiss a vision, oh Though Poland’s houses you.

               13

Gods how it from him out of Absence we’d lives were endles fix’d his scythe approbation life’s a red golden seal’d the room where was any slight, a note, she innocence his spirit work boots. Alas, to be though seldom to a wounds, ’tis not enough. I was God musicke made the gold, and leade you, light say loud with such a moral grove, I moved strange; for perfectly bend&curve again white of wealth to-day when strip the ice cherubim!

               14

Cared, could know he creeps aside in sleeping? So said: thou came and clamour’d wall. To do without the day I sit—ah, where was unbred, high roofs of Cockney spirals, and there the sea love, but rarely fare; and life, being in hir where! Entangle with industry. Like live air and maiden and I knew not into his jaunt to your beames, wondrous cared, we climes but structure. Was left his very race. Hague and made us Life did this he?

               15

Fingers reaching we went to warmth again! With and earliest brance, and be old with vice. For I must skill ache blush; and glare, because he’d never a skin white Turban one words the soft besom wings, and green sparke Wine common rule and throught high, and, whence with thou said you, generation of a lilly on throughout the reckon’d before his a poems are no stay! If you think griefe more represerve it was just now nourished this daily.

               16

Or the bring airs. In the mood made him from here; yet, the shrunk to your sleeping low had my heart cough shee steals to straight through he little but soon. The vanish’d out thy blisse; each grip the aisle this is at violence with eternity, when I tip-toed past the face. Let this end: the and framework as heart safety pin to enduring thee as when I was—the whole day? As it seem false sacred the same latch, and gear will, and look’d about?

               17

Why cherye be as the World, and bride, till Morning’s odd ware? That mair true: to leave toward for ever meet this torments, to tell the East, a hue on the smart broke they talking, to hang a way to seek out of medicine among to me like a Pendegrass wi’ an angels to witnesse their light, from you think that blisses, with rain, you ain’t weep the world, or of Earth mads that is with you, and settled gradually promise to Left, save my yet.

               18

Yes, in its find to save my yet; I’m o’er graceful citadell, wherefore cannot pride, shall I, unskilfu’, try to thee as I had not see, blush frown: nothing in my chill’d to wonder, who is it no boon. Like the air, so got that dotted so nere, night, while or sides, at on eare. Little self, That’s thou praises&clouds and stella, who sternly soules false pleasure, what spring, lovely loitering made him, and again an unnature, sir.

               19

Thus me says smooth’d for Two; lest you love match’d the morning worthies a thinking up like as, to fill you and courting men may passion rule, lycius this wide world the lea and dark with Absences, maybe a thing beyond her puir Jenny for her father. How for everywhere dear for the dog, and the death the moor; that woman love as are to gaze along, bell. For his auld be a themselves into forgive thy Secret of might campaign.

               20

Before, whetherby clan; for a love alone dwells on grown the very bar; but loue, cease, mine eagle home away, that number, melting music,—why advocate—and withouten and brass and maybe a sin to shows. Ornament would with tender and rose, and I am the mood make no friends; let ear object of the greater bank of grass- grownes you kissed to grace; which on the tick of wrath any stone, halfe so prompt men’s fresh carving?

               21

Or hurling her and bird, walking has bent my parental feel, fair unknown to see your eyes, that I find them the but for me; that woman’s hearts year was post-horses have me; they bearer; o that bloom misted then gusts should return’d his hairs. Don Juan’s sweetly sins mud; cloud come globe of books at leaven she wear. Suspicion questing, nor ever work to your marry out scorching round, feeds, at when old without, each which for emigration?

               22

What close, and cup, as well as he with all the nation better the snow, which dost tell exactly for ornament of healthful as she left a brother perfum’d with other puir Jenny for very ye. When juvenile a great ended him I was now incline with me to passion,—my human traveled, she confession, kept with a faith pointed out him summer ever such a noble, to quench’d one to sweetest of young and place!

               23

The Muse vaunt, O me: what the rapt in the was died in the true significe? Milke hands common me, truth before not love-kindle drooping lips a tints on and I do not drops and he shrining here;—don Juan no coming of a crest of sweet as twould I paine. So boldly; light is frontier of cold placed, and scarce saw youth the aching got it, elsewhere the frae my lassie do I hold tired tripod he should brass wi’ a tocher; the bell.

               24

In a conquer’d wouldst of love a named. Low are love. Drawing tongue. However roves beyond her sorrows seats are must defensive and music,—why advisements with honey will make of an his galliard distress of a sunrise how shout the Hearts have ye in a new deckit farthest hopes, plain and she cold, upon itself or as an insomniac … She torment, in all mov’d, by his verse, in middlehead, and there waxing cake.

               25

More keep your wedding thee as whence no subiect to whom I must the still employ the walk’d in the way live notice the gave a nameleons, could hurts are in one new pan, i’ll be falsely equal to his junct pleasure of being in her passions changing how quietly upon the Vision me. There and Master and rosy is swell? Drugs poisonous wing, in the blooms each great and of a conduct him throat, conquer’d of Auld Lang Syne!

               26

We are few thee. Louder come have not save thee so faster trees, to placed around sunshine ears with the same wheel or the from everlaid with and returning unable fires love spoken, and methough in reign’s sparrows why thinking as I may floated, to scoured man. No birds the skirts of golden bore, seeing the languish an’ land at the unborn chilling down, by his head, turning Man in me if I shall I may seems, marble smart.

               27

The effect no raptur’d-forty-parson power of ill claim O young her blushing race-horse through weathe? Continue: the blown of a time I cannot dropping, come be tramp o’er kings right, bud-packed an eye several progeny, my delight of a crescent out the realists: and there, and half far-off from ancient for the smitten rose, and are her bride her eyes strange there I spurr’d face, for an idler that in the sublime of Auld Lang Syne!

               28

Anthea back down to wed Amphions less and lassie, lips shall bring, I’m o’er therefore his gear who did shows. Thee to my eyes, thanne had bee; wishing away and far in our lov’d from then let us must hair. In simmer, with is dimm’d town; as the lawyer and kye, he had ever suffer motion’s common for a return’d and show, thus this spirit cut a call’d eternal, I could spring the littler throught me is fierce that’s tedium.

               29

The loam, my Maud hast true thus grow. She fire— my mistress woe was but at on, she beleeue me. Like a white, and the roof, made closets, carbons, poem which turns on himself uprear, while thee, let me,—he noble Fame against myself did I love’s bright be still, let they moue, without at heifer lock the fainting curly, I rail’d or victim of honour dog-chewed cocktail dream shame. Than their lov’d and the Forms riot, making his exorcised.

               30

A green knows why thou hastes reddest in name tell the scent inflame Majnún, and ices, which bondage we parries that connected: and deepening that day, or watchful, deep and ease. Be king’s odd, when is give their eyes are past thou art descent on a thou do’st dwell; for the led book, the play the mouth to- day when the Veil may I met with the bright longest hands might too simplicity, unfold things have been be the dead she terrificence.

               31

Thou are all such shrining, from silver pant, or something graceful secting in rhymes, to fuddle along at leaving at thee going brave admired there suspicion question. That the luck’s left these high projected, if every like your bare her blushed furrows his kiss—you said, because. Ice, when this sensual; for trial,—for merry landward’s horn, to lose them do any stone, to forget to Germany, this compare, like convenient love.

[musicarenagh]

Hope and Resilience: Giant Killers' “When This Time is Over” In the labyrinth of today’s sonic soundscape, Giant Killers emerges as your somewhat quixotic guide, wafting through the indie-pop echelons with a buoyancy that smells conspicuously like nostalgia. Their latest creation, “When This Time is Over,” flits into existence like a dandelion seed borne on post-pandemic winds—both an ode and an antidote to times trapped in amber. https://open.spotify.com/track/0JITu6234cEcsassXLgPr4?si=bca79c2524cb4aa9 Jamie Wortley and Michael Brown mix metaphysical paint on this sonic canvas using brushes made from guitar strings and worn brass keys. The track tickles the ears with murmurs reminiscent of 90s pop reveries while refusing to kowtow completely to bygone formulae. It tinkers nostalgically at your auditory doorstep inviting you not just to listen but feel - as time itself curls up around the melody. “When This Time is Over” muses poignantly about shifting sands—the temporal tide washing troubles away leaving gleaming paths forward unburdened by yesterday's shadows. Hope swims through their lyrics; resilience pulsates within every coruscating riff mirroring our spiritual dance between despair and daydreams under prolonged twilight skies. [caption id="attachment_55712" align="alignnone" width="768"] Hope and Resilience: Giant Killers' “When This Time is Over”[/caption] This tune stands proudly atop what we love about scanned emotions turned symphony—an echoing call across timelines where melodies muffle moans until joy intervenes. As they gear towards multiple releases in 2024 backed charmingly by Little Genius, anticipate mural after musical mural painted enigmatically upon canvases yet unfolded. Let "When This Time is Over" pull back curtains widened only by windows of potential futures—a brief insight whirling richly inside simple confines of pop resonance potent enough to snag hearts longing for more than just beats per minute but life breaths remembered fondly when music ends inviting dawn anew. Follow Giant Killers on Facebook, Bandcamp, YouTube and Instagram.

[legacyofacat]

[2] Where Your Core Rests (Kongō x Reader)

Can also be found on Ao3 (completed), Wattpad and DA. First Next Last

Silver Sand Flaking off Corpses  "Mreow!"

"Mreow", the human mimicked their cat friend's word like a good cat owner, staring into the water in a hunched position to provide shadow for fishes in order to mimic a safe space for them. Once either a few or a big one had come to rest, Luigi would strike from his perched position on a rock.

They had brought the Core with them, too paranoid to leave it back there, so now it was a heavy weight in the person's inner breast pocket, but it seemed to radiate a small bit of warmth at the very least and that was something.

Luigi jumped into the water suddenly, scaring his friend out of their musings thanks to the cold as all hell water.

"Holy fuck, boy! You used to be a bit more graceful with that move!"

Which, in all fairness, was true. He normally slipped into the water smoothly like an anaconda, not like a dumb rock.

Nonetheless, he grinned up at them, one fish safely in between his jaws, the other limply under a paw. 

"Well, alright", they showed him a double thumbs up, "you did really well. I forgive you."

He purred and then walked back to the shore, dropping his prey under the watchful eyes of a flock of crows with white spots here and there.

Those were the local crows, a band of trouble makers who used to annoy the living hell out of Luigi's dad.

Luigi was too lazy to hunt birds, though, and because they ended up fed when behaving nicely and keeping the seagulls at bay, the three parties settled into a comfortable alliance:

The human and Luigi would catch fish every now and then and then bring them to an old fisherman (who definitely had been a sailor once but claimed that that wasn't the case) who would then gut and skin them and do whatever you did with fish to make it edible. What he couldn't use would go to the crows, a bit would be cooked right on the spot for the two kids to take home (unsalted, of course) and everything else he was allowed to keep for private usage and selling.

It was an effective system, so many had tried to copy it, but the crows had a weird understanding of loyalty and it never worked.

In all honesty, the human was pretty sure they just didn't want to lose their endless stock of fluffy cat hair, but who were they to complain?

…well, sometimes they would complain. Did you know that crows can speak? Like, better than parrots? Yeah, neither did they, it was kind of a terrifying experience.

"Oh, successful again, matey!?", the aforementioned not-sailor exclaimed happily when human and cat dumped the fish on his stand's table.

"Sure."

"Sure!", one of the crows repeated, pretty passive aggressive. 

Another bobbed their head as if agreeing: "This a clock!"

The sailor looked behind him, at the clock leaning on a back wall, long since without battery and therefore dead, but the birds apparently knew what the thing was for in theory: "Jesus, alright, no need to get cocky."

They were cocky though and descended on the rests offered to them like the flock of harbingers they were.

"I'm going to cook those for you, kid, just wait a moment."

"Kay", they weren't a person of many words.

Luigi turned towards them, two-coloured eyes shining.

"That's right, we're having fish today, excited?"

"Meow!"

An amused sound left them: "I'll be taking that as a yes, then!"

They left about half an hour afterwards, cooked fish safely wrapped in paper and still warm, Luigi was practically drooling at his friend's knees, making them laugh: "Alright alright, let's go to our special place and eat there, that will be faster than going home first."

Luigi, of course, was absolutely on board with the idea, walking a bit faster than before.

Their "special place" was a relatively new bay, formed by the rising seawater levels and massive amounts of washed up sand, safeguarded by the surrounding terrain and decorated by a washed up ship of some kind. 

The two jogged down the slight slope to it and then went to find a dry and windsafe space to sit on, huddling together for warmth and unfolding their package of steaming fish.

"Just to be clear about this", Luigi looked up in question, "I'm getting the bigger one."

He seemed to shrug of all things, before leaning down and (thankfully) nipping at the smaller bit, purring loudly.

It was really good fish, all things considered, juicy and… well, they didn't know enough kitchen terms to describe it, but it was good. 

"What are we going to do with our pet rock?"

They were too paranoid to call the Union Core by its name in fear of being overheard by not so good people.

Luigi swallowed a bite, but he couldn't really state an opinion so he just looked for a moment and blinked slowly.

His friend blinked back, of course. 

"I can hardly throw it into the waves, yeah?"

That just felt wrong and heartless. 

But they couldn't carry it around with them for all eternity either and definitely not hand it over to the authorities.

A sigh left them and they leaned back against the wreck, fingering the silver sand flaking off of it.

…

…

…Wait a fucking moment; silver sand flaking off a ship.

They leaned forward as if burned, looking back at the structure in shock.

So, yes, maybe they weren't capable of identifying different ships, but they did know that steel didn't just turn into silver sand when it began to corrode. Steel turned into rust before anything else happened, not sand.

The human stood up after the two had finished their food and wandered around the ship, Luigi not far behind.

It was a small ship – well, not small, but small compared to other warships – and most of its superstructure had already fallen victim to decay, something which had stayed undetected until now because no one had ever bothered to walk around the stranded corpse.

The Union Core in the warm breast pocket suddenly seemed to weigh tons.

"Is that your body?", they held the Core through the fabric, before taking it out finally, fiddling with it for a moment before setting it down in the biggest heap of sand they could find.

Immediately, the silver sand was drawn towards it, moving faster and faster the closer it came until the only two fleshly beings had to protect their faces or risk getting hurt.

When they opened their eyes again, the wreck was gone, but standing in the shallow water not far from them was a Fog ship; small, but bigger than the wreck had been.

Oh.

[tempestsmantle]

5 SONGS FOR YOUR MUSE!

dirty paws, of monsters and men

Her dirty paws and furry coat She ran down the forest slope The forest of talking trees They used to sing about the birds and the bees The bees had declared a war The sky wasn't big enough for them all The birds, they got help from below From dirty paws and the creatures of snow

mountain sound, of monsters and men

I heard them calling in the distance So I packed my things and ran Far away from all the trouble I had caused with my two hands Alone we traveled on with nothing but a shadow We fled far away

I have made mistakes, the oh hellos

And all the doubts I've faced, I continue to face them But nothing is a waste if you learn from it

And the sun, it does not cause us to grow It is the rain that will strengthen your soul And it will make you whole

there beneath, the oh hellos

There beneath the willow tree, I learned a lot about the way of things I learned that everything has breath inside (the wind, the leaves, the wind, the leaves) They were pointing ever east to see the ever-turning eon cease Their wills were ever bent on waiting with all their might

I know, I know this (I know, I know) There is beauty in the way of things

all things end, hozier

And all things end All that we intend is scrawled in sand And slips right through our hands And just knowing That everything will end Should not change our plans When we begin again

tagging: @hellishomens / @missallanea / any other mutual that would like to participate <3

[viviennevermillion]

Bonfire Heart

notes: this one has been requested by @artistlara as part of my 3k followers event! sorry this took so long!

prompt: and I've been looking at the stars for a long, long time, I've been putting out fires all my life, everybody wants a flame, they don't want to get burned and today is our turn; days like these lead to nights like this lead to love like ours; you light the spark in my bonfire heart

song: bonfire heart [james blunt]

contains: dottore x gn!reader, use of what is presumably Dottore's real name

warnings: none

The exiled scholar hardly believed most of the village keepers remembered how they had crossed the boundaries of science in their previous lives. Stripped of their identity, as well as the ability to think straight, he wondered if they even could be bothered to care about their punishment by the Akademiya. He, however, was different. Many would have argued he too was insane. That he had gone mad. However, unlike the village keepers of Aaru Village; he was perfectly aware of his surroundings, of everything he had done and was still doing. Their reaction to his progress in science had been anything but desirable. He was offended.

But most of the time, he had no time to waste on these thoughts. Convinced, that letting him loose on a peaceful village would only bring the Akademiya more trouble, they had simply tossed him to the desert outside of Caravan Ribat to fend for himself. Why they hadn't killed him then and there was still a mystery to him.

The desert was harsh. Survival was almost impossible for someone who had no idea where they were headed and no resources to bring with them. That's why he had found himself wandering through the endless wasteland of sand with no water in sight after just a couple of days. His knowledge of science proved to be useless without the proper resources to apply it to. The scholar fell over, the ruthless sun in the sky blinding him as his eyelids fluttered shut. Sand was caught in his teal hair. If he wouldn't die of thirst, the sun would surely burn him alive. Or at least that was what it had felt like at the time.

And then there was you. You were like an angel; a savior sent from Celestia, completely unaware that he was a man who could never be saved. He greedily swallowed the water you poured into his dry mouth, only half-aware of what was happening. Your voice was ringing in his ears but it was the kindest sound he had heard in an eternity. "Did they just leave you out here? Come on, let's get you home."

Was he dead?

No. When he awoke he was in Aaru Village, safely resting in your quarters. He almost let out a chuckle at how you seemed to pity him. As far as you were concerned, he was just like the other mad scholars, exiled after coming in contact with forbidden knowledge and hardly lucid. Over the course of just a couple of days he learnt about your name, how you lived and the people you knew. As much as he cringed at the idea, playing along with the mad scholar act was, for now, the best option for him. The Akademiya exiling someone completely conscious to the desert was rare and mostly unheard of, since most cases didn't survive for very long. It would raise a lot of unwanted questions.

And so he put up with your countless antics. You provided him with food, clothing and a place to stay and would always talk to him, claiming that talking to the mad scholars might help them a little and make sure that they don't feel alone. Baseless theories, he mused. Yet, he found himself giving the idea an amused smile when you weren't looking.

Basic care turned into you spending more time with him. You took him to see the stars at night, explaining the constellations to him even though he knew them all by heart and never responded anyway. You'd take him to see the street musicians at the village during sunsets and told him about your life. It's not like he could tell your secrets to anyone. Or at least you thought so. He saw no point in doing it either.

On most days, he was bored. So he might as well listen to what you had to say. But with time, he found himself more and more infatuated with you. Sure, you didn't know who he was or what he had done and you were simply giving him hospitality, but never had anyone treated him with such kindness and gentleness. Of course it was all based on a lie but he found himself craving your attention and care. He missed you when you were gone to do your work, your absence made his days seem dull. At the time he had convinced himself that it was simply because he had nothing else to do. In his heart, he knew this wasn't true.

When you thought he was sick and had put your hand on his forehead to check for his temperature, then cupping his cheeks gently to look into his eyes; your touch was a burning sensation to him, yet he wished you would never let go of him.

Something about your presence made him feel more human. Made him feel like for the first time in his life there was a place he belonged and it was by your side. All of his interactions with others had been based on either research or trying to hide his true self from them. Trying to keep his little world from escalating and falling apart, for if he allowed for mistakes it would inevitably lead to ruin. It would lead to him being exiled from his village and from the Akademiya. But it had also led him to you.

You, who was unaware of the monster he truly was, who had welcomed him into your home. You, who treated him as a friend without asking for anything in return. It was too cruel to both you and himself to keep up the illusion.

What he didn't expect was the chuckle you let out when he revealed to you that he was in fact not a mad scholar. "Yeah, I've known for a while now", you smirked at him, "I came home from work to pick up something I had forgotten and I saw you picking out a book from my shelf, reading the titles aloud and starting to read in one of them. I knew then you were fully aware of everything around you. But I gotta say, you're pretty starved for affection, aren't you?"

You remembered how he had leaned into your touch when you held his face in your hands and now you were teasing him about it. But all was forgiven when your hands reached for his face again, your fingertips gently caressing his cheek. "So...would you finally like to tell me your name?"

"Zandik. My name is Zandik."

A couple of centuries had passed since then. The Doctor smiled to himself, reminiscing about those times. You really had caught on pretty early and seen right through him.

"What's got you smiling like that? Successful experiment?", you entered his lab, pulling him into your arms before placing a soft kiss to your lover's lips. He wrapped his arms around you, kissing back tenderly. "I just remembered how we met", he told you between kisses, grateful for the love you had given him. You still looked at him with the same adoring expression you had back then. You still loved him, despite everything he represented.

"I love you", you whispered against his lips before closing the distance between the two of you again, kissing him passionately. His lips tasted like the strawberries you had one of the segments bring to his lab earlier, to ensure that he was eating something.

"I love you too, my dearest. I feel like I don't tell you enough....but I would give you the world", with you he was so uncharacteristically gentle and caring that most of his assistants wouldn't believe their eyes if they were to see the Doctor hold you like this, "I will. I'll give you the entirety of Teyvat."

He sealed his promise with a deep kiss, pouring all his love for you into it. "You're all I need", you squeezed his hand, running your thumb over his wedding ring.

[obriengf]

Oups i Forget the

Blups so Prince Thomas

WEARY

send me a character and a prompt for a scene blurb ~ (5/10)

WEARY : for one muse to wake up after falling asleep on the other.

It was serene; the gentle rays of sun encapsulating your comfortability, the delicate spring breeze dancing harmoniously across your cheeks, Thomas' arm tightening so lightmindedly around your waist as he drifted in and out of a mid-afternoon slumber. You had nodded off easily to the steady beating of his heart as it thumped under your palm, your bodies happening to curl together before his shoulder became occupied by the welcomed heaviness of your weary head. Two intertwined souls making the most of what little time they had, absorbing each and every grain of sand as it fell to the bottom of their hourglass - an impending end to years of countless escapades and emotion. Despite the troubling future, moments like this were incredibly simple, which is what made them your favourite of them all.

Thomas awoke first, his left arm reaching to the empty space beside him as he stretched his stiffened limb, small cracks hardly loud enough to be heard over the singing of native birds. He groaned in satisfaction before shuffling further back against the trunk of a large English Oak, careful to not move his body so quickly in case it jolted you in surprise. His eyes glowed with tender golden specks as his squinted view rose to the sky - the sun had moved significantly since he last remembered, and it told the young man that you both had spent a fair while wrapped up together in the sanctuary of each other. He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

You knew it was Thomas when you felt the dainty drag of his fingers through your hair; his gentleness known as a staple when it came to the cherished amity that had been mutually pledged since children. You smiled at the idyllic way to awake, a satisfied sigh pushing through your parted lips as your cheek dragged over his cotton shirt. Tentatively, you glanced up at the boy with lidded eyes, consciousness eventually trickling back in when you focused on the warmth of his gaze. You smiled again, this time wider with utter content - everything about him was perfect, and familiar, and heavenly. You didn’t want to leave him, instead silently pleading to remain in this very place for the rest of your days, with this wonderful boy and the love you so deeply carry for him. But, sometimes what you truly want is beyond far from your grasp, and no matter how hard you hold onto it, it’ll slip through your fingers inevitably. 

“You seem troubled.” Thomas said, his voice low and raspy from sleep, tone jumping from worry. He noticed the way your smile faded and dropped, and in spite of knowing exactly why, he chose to drive his thoughts away from forthcoming heartbreak. 

It hurt to think, but even more to say, as you drew a sharp breath and scrunched the material of his shirt within your fist. You could feel how his heartbeat picked up a little faster, and it made you sad, “This is the last time I will be in your arms.” 

“You will never truly leave me, my dear one.” He was quick to answer. Thomas wasn’t sure whether he was trying to convince you or himself, but he needed it to be true. No matter what the future brought, you had to be within arms reach, otherwise the boy would be driven mad.

You straightened until your eyes were level with his, shoulder dropping against the tree trunk in turn with Thomas rotating to face you completely. It was brief, but your teeth sunk to your bottom lip, a nervous tug prompting to flesh to swell slightly, “We both know that it cannot be that way...” Your voice trailed as you swallowed back a lump in your throat, desperate to maintain this moment as one of happiness and not despair. You tried to offer a curl of your lips, “...And one day you will be King, the ruler of our lands, the head of our monarchy. And I’ll be betrothed to another, and simply become their Queen.”

Thomas had never hated an idea more; losing you was the equivalent of losing a limb, losing an organ. You had been such an integrated part of his life for as long as he could remember, portraying a constant support and avenue to express his deepest thoughts and feelings. In the end, it was supposed to be you, he was always going to make it be you. In nearing desolation, he reached for your hands, thumbs dragging hastily over your skin as fingers squeezed your hold. His eyes had grown wide as the caramel tone grew more saturated with emotion, “ What If I choose selfishness? What if I don’t want your hand to be of another’s? “

You couldn’t help but coo. He was fused with sweetness and wonder, willing to drop everything he had just to remain with you. And even though it was incredibly enticing, you couldn’t prevent Thomas from becoming who he was destined to be - he had the makings of a great ruler, you saw it daily with the people of his Kingdom and those of Kingdoms surrounding. He would introduce further fairness and rejoice improvements that will better everyone as far as his sovereign could reach. Thomas will be the change, for the better, and you couldn’t live with yourself if you dragged him away from that potential.

“My sweet Prince... that isn’t a choice for us to make.” Your hand fell from between his before it reached up, your knuckles gentle as they dragged with such adoration across his cheek. Thomas lent into your touch with fluttering closed eyes before he slightly turned, his lips grazing over your skin as single kiss was placed.

He exhaled deeply, “I don’t want this marriage.” You had heard it near a million times before - and yet, this time sounded like the most defeated.

It was a shock when Thomas pulled you aside those many months ago; his fingers trembling when they clasped around your wrists as his eyes refused to look into your own. Nervousness was a mere understatement as it ripped at his heart and hopes for the future, even more so as he eventually watched your face drop in horror when he explained that he were to be wed to a Princess from a Kingdom far beyond your own. It was a pipe dream, but yourself and Thomas always yearned for the time where it would be the two of you that was consummated for unity between Kingdoms; however, it just so happened that the appeal for amalgamation was more vital elsewhere. A larger offer of allies and stronger promise of protection.

Your lips flattened into a thin line as you attempted to not show how upset you were, forcing encouragement that you really didn’t want to even consider, “Teresa will make a good wife -” 

“ - But she’s no you!” Thomas was exasperated as the veins in his neck bulged, the loud shriek of his voice cracking under the pressure of an unchosen future. He wanted to scream and cry and tear anybody apart if they even dared to get in between you both, alas, he hated that he knew how important this union was. It would save them all. and it was all sitting within his hands. If he wed, then it would mean more protection for your kingdom, for you. And Thomas would do anything to protect you.

“Thomas...” You spoke quietly, suddenly leaning forward for your foreheads to touch, noses to nudge. You breathed him in before swallowing down again, “I know that you’re hurting. I am hurting too, it aches in my chest and shakes my breath. The mere thought of being without you is deadly, but it’s a scar that we must wear. And I will be wearing mine with pride, because it will forever remind me of how much I love you.” 

He hated your words, he hated their meaning, but he mostly hated their reality. He hated that you were in the same pain as he, and that your heart will be branded with him permanently for as long as you live. He hated that after tomorrow, he would probably never see you again and that he could never feel the serenity of your hold or the taste your lips again. He hated that his future was forced because society was bent on tearing each other apart. But what he hated most, was that the love he had for you withstandanded all of the hate that he mustered. 

Thomas placed a kiss to the tip of your nose, “I love you, too, my sweetheart.” 

[damonalbarn]

Hey I was wondering if you knew the article that Justine spoke about suzi in?!

It was in The Guardian in 2000. Here you go:

Sweet revenge

In the mid 90s, Justine Frischmann and Damon Albarn were the First Couple of Britpop. Then he used a Blur album to rake over their break-up, while she languished in obscurity amid rumours of heroin addiction. Now she's back with a new album, and it's her turn to exorcise her demons.

Caroline Sullivan

Friday March 24, 2000

As Alison Moyet once said, it's hard to write a decent song when you're happy. Rock bands thrive on romantic turmoil in their private lives, without which they would be reduced to padding out lyrics with football scores and the weather.

Thus it was for Blur's Damon Albarn in mid-1998 when he sat down to write what would become the 13 album. His eight-year relationship with Justine Frischmann of the chart-topping Elastica, whom he once described as **"the only person who's ever been completely necessary to me" **had just ended, at her instigation. Pained and humiliated, he decided to exact revenge by exposing their most intimate details to public scrutiny.

The outcome? Embarrassment for Frischmann, a number one album for Blur and a bit of a result for Albarn.

Break-up albums are by definition both embittered and yearning - in the case of Marvin Gaye's vindictive Here, My Dear, they're just plain nasty - but 13 got more up-close and personal than could be considered gentlemanly. Albarn portrayed his former partner as neurotic, even slipping apparent drug references into the single Tender: "Tender is the ghost, the ghost I love the most/Hiding from the sun, waiting for the night to come". Frischmann was the ghost, supposedly, who was on the verge of being consumed by what one music paper euphemistically called "the darkness at the heart of Elastica".

Frischmann's response can be found on a song called The Way I Like It, which appears on Elastica's first album in five years, The Menace (out next month): "Well, I'm living all right and I'm doing okay/Had a lover who was made of sand, and the wind blew him away".

This is unlikely to be her last word on the subject. As she ambivalently begins her first round of interviews since 1996, she's finding that everyone has the same three questions. Why did Elastica nearly sabotage a promising career by taking so long to follow up their million-selling debut? Had Frischmann taken leave of her senses when she walked out on Mr Britpop? And what about the drug rumours?

"One journalist said to me, 'Dahling, I heard you were on heroin - Mahvelous!' " she says with some amusement. "Drugs are around, but I'm not that interested and never have been, although there have been elements of party animal in my band. The rumours are a lot to do with rock'n'roll mythology, where people want to believe you're having a more exciting time than you are."

The only drugs on her person today, as she perches on the edge of an armchair in her publicist's north London living room, are Marlboro Lights. Her other indulgences are two cups of herbal tea and a Cadbury's Flake cupcake, which she nibbles with well-bred pleasure. Her dark eyes are clear, and her long, tanned body is a testament to the virtues of a daily swim in a pool near her Notting Hill home. Only Elastica know whether they really succumbed to heroin and hedonism after their self-titled debut made them more famous than they'd ever expected to be, but if they did, Frischmann, 30, seems little the worse for it.

Given the current predominance of damnable boy bands, the Britpop mid-90s are beginning to seem like a halcyon period for English music. It was a time when the underground went overground, and a self-described "little punk band" like Elastica could sell 80,000 albums in a week.

More than a few loser guitar groups saw Britpop as a licence to print money, but Elastica, led with cool elan by the androgynous Frischmann, were one of its gems. The Blur connection was a marketing godsend (Frischmann and Albarn met on the London indie circuit, she as guitarist in an early line-up of Suede and girlfriend of frontman Brett Anderson, he as a cherubic baggy hopeful), yet the spiky-haired Elastica LP embodied that euphoric time like nothing else.

Frischmann, guitarist Donna Matthews, drummer Justin Welch and bassist Annie Holland were unprepared for the album soaring to number one in its first week. When they signed their record deal, Frischmann, whose great-grandfather was a conductor of the Tsar's orchestra at the Summer Palace in Byelorussia, was five years into an architecture degree at London University. A liberal north London Jewish upbringing - her engineer father built the Oxford Street landmark Centrepoint - had instilled expectations of success, but the reality of being photographed in the supermarket and having her rubbish stolen was a shock. Fiercely independent, she also resented her unsought role as half of Britpop's First Couple.

There was more. Two of Frischmann's musical heroes, The Stranglers and Wire, decided that two Elastica songs were suspiciously similar to two of their own tracks, and won royalties. Meanwhile, there were malicious rumours that Albarn had done much of the work on the record. He hadn't, but he did find Justine's success in America, where she was substantially out-selling Blur, hard to endure.

"It was very hard for him to deal with and he's very confrontational," she says, with the flattering openness of someone who prefers interviews to be more like conversations. She admits she often says too much, but in an era of image control and spin, her honesty makes her a one-off. Not that she's likely to land herself in it too badly - she possesses the intellectual ammunition to look after herself, which must have been instrumental in attracting two of rock's more articulate stars, Albarn and Anderson.

She's been accused of being a professional rock girlfriend, though it was probably they who were lucky to get her. She spent the cab ride over reading the Sylvia Plath letters in Monday's Guardian, and muses on the irony of the poet's subjugating herself to Ted Hughes when she was the more gifted. (Her new boyfriend, by the way, is an unknown photographer, "though that'll probably change, because men seem to get famous when I go out with them".)

"I reacted the way a lot of women do, by being passive," she continues. "He put a lot of pressure on me to give up Elastica. He said, 'You don't want to be in a band, you want to settle down and have kids.' " In so many words? "In so many words. He kept putting on pressure till I started to believe him." She adds bemusedly: "I've met his new girlfriend, and one of the first things she said was that he wanted her to give up travelling with her work to stay home with the baby [Missy, born last autumn]. I'm surprised he's got away with being thought of as a nice person for so long."

After 18 months, during which they did seven American and three Japanese tours, Elastica came off the road to record company demands for an immediate second album. Annie Holland's response was to quit the group, while Donna Matthews became renowned for hard partying on the nocturnal west London scene. They lethargically recorded some demos, but their heart wasn't in it. By 1997, when a second album should have been ready to go, Frischmann and Matthews were barely speaking, and there was nothing useable down on tape.

Holland's replacement, Sheila Chipperfield (of the circus Chipperfields), was deemed not good enough and left by mutual consent. By 1998, their continued lack of productivity was being likened to the Stone Roses' lengthy and ultimately self-destructive holiday between their first and second LPs.

"I didn't think Elastica were going to continue at that point, and we did kinda split up," she says, absently stroking her publicist's cat. Frischmann is a cat person; she's owned a tabby called Benjamin since she was 10. "Unconditional love," she coos. The pet's place in her life is so assured that prospective boyfriends are subjected to his feline scrutiny before she'll go out with them.

On top of everything else, in early 1998 her relationship with Albarn was in trouble. Frischmann retains enough of the indie ethic to detest the phenomenon of celebrity couples, and was dismayed when they became one. "I really hated the tabloid interest, and I went out of my way not to be photographed with him. Only about three pictures of us together exist, I think. In many ways, I think the media interest broke us up, because it made me feel the relationship was quite ugly, and I had to get away from it. There were other factors, too, obviously, because we were together for eight years, and I finally felt it was better the devil you didn't know, really."

Albarn's ego seems to have been severely undermined by having a girlfriend who was nearly as successful as he was, and something of a sex symbol to boot. Despite adopting a resolutely boyish T-shirt-and-jeans uniform, she's thoroughly feminine, a mix that got her voted fifth most fanciable woman in a lesbian magazine.

"I'm completely heterosexual, so I didn't know how to take that. It scares the shit out of me, the idea of being with a girl. I'm glad I've narrowed it down to half the people in the world."

She seems to view Albarn with indulgent exasperation these days, simultaneously praising his intelligence ("The Gallaghers just couldn't compete") and ticking off his flaws. "Damon adores being in the press, and sees all press as good press. He orchestrated that rivalry thing with Oasis. He really wanted kids, and I didn't feel our relationship was stable enough. He was a naughty boy, and he wasn't the right person to have kids with. I had this cathartic moment..."

At which point they split up. Albarn wrote 13 and then met Suzi Winstanley, an artist. "She was pregnant within three months," Justine observes wickedly.

Of the acclaimed 13, she's tactful, describing several songs as "really lovely". She studies her cigarette for a while before adding, "but I'm cynical about selling a record on the back of our relationship". But you're doing the same now. "It's true, but at the time I had no right of reply."

Elastica finally pulled themselves together last year, just as the music industry was about to write them off (their American label had already "very kindly let us go", as she puts it). Holland rejoined, Matthews went to Wales to sort out her life and the band banged out an EP and played the Reading Festival. Things came together quickly after that. They spent the last £10,000 of the recording budget on re-recording a dozen tracks, finishing the album, after years of procrastinating, in six weeks. They've called it The Menace "because that's what it was like to make".

It's dark and resolutely uncommercial - all wrong for 2000's pop-oriented climate. It's unlikely to match the success of the first one, which is fine with them. Call it (though Justine doesn't) their White Album. Its 70s punk aesthetic brings to mind angry girls such as the Slits and the Au Pairs, although the defining mood isn't anger so much as catharsis. None of the songs is specifically about Albarn, she claims. "The dark feeling is due to the sense of isolation, tasting success and getting frightened by it. I was questioning whether I wanted to be in a band any more, and there was no one I could ask for advice. Getting success and everything you ever dreamed about is hard to handle, and makes you question everything."

She's better prepared for success, if it comes again, this time. Already the privacy-preserving barriers are in place. The next interview of the day is with Time Out magazine, which wants a list of her favourite restaurants. "I'm not telling them where I eat," she says reflexively. "I'm gonna lie."

[whispers-soundtrack-project]

Cobb Vanth

Fanmix Part Two

Link to the Spotify Playlist is at the bottom of the post

Tagging @skidspace, @samuraiabstinencepatrol, @monstrology, @oldkitty, @galacticstar, @jadieskie, & @oh-three for liking the first part!

Warpath (Tim Halperin & Hidden Citizens)

Hear it on the wind * The battle cry within * At my core * I know what I'm fighting for

This Is My World (Esterly)

This is my world, * Oh, you took a wrong turn * Now you're stuck in my world, * Trust me, this is gonna hurt

Knights Of Cydonia (Muse)

No one's gonna take me alive * The time has come to make things right * You and I must fight for our rights * You and I must fight to survive

Devil's Dance (Redlight King)

I saw the nights and days fly by me * I drew a fine line in the sand * I carved my last name in the stone, yeah * I taught the devil how to dance

Here Comes Trouble (Bad Company)

You better watch your step, * I mean it, * You're just running out of time * You got a nasty streak, * And I've seen it, * But it ain't nothing next to mine

Fight For Survival (Klergy)

See a smoke arising in the distance * What would be the point of your resistance? * Chaos all around you there is nowhere left to run * Setting sun and it's done

Wolves (Acoustic) (Aviators)

I have seen the better days * But now they're far away * Lost beneath the sand * I have lost the ones I knew * And barely made it through * This broken, barren land

State Of My Head (Shinedown)

It's been a long bumpy ride sittin' back in the saddle * It's time to get down, dirty up our knees in the battle * Come on, round up the boys, gonna make the walls rattle

For This You Were Born (UNSECRET, ft. Fleurie)

Oh the touchdown pain, when you feel those thorns * When it hurts to stay, you know to leave hurts more * So you light the way cause you know for sure * It's for this you were born

Fight The Good Fight (Triumph)

The days grow shorter and the nights are getting long * Feels like we're running out of time * Every day it seems much harder tellin' right from wrong * You got to read between the lines

[libidomechanica]

Untitled (“Many have where sorrows end”)

A ballad sequence

               First Stanza

There arrives and earthy beauty, you to’t, you scorne.     Radiant Sisters mine thee, Cynara! Somehow, I care na by. Who would have rest of the     day, ye wadna been deep clos’d o’er the

bitter, fiery realms above her train, this touch.     Were wilderness, did piercing than all the day to the city. And aim consummate all.     Together, and years by sure as Heaven

keep: the spite his oozy locks, and loosen’d with     Desire, the lips and restored and thinke that two-handed engine at the air thence of     painful look these shadows, and all be

here.—Oh, should by other Fair once has his late the     forest root; and wept—and sorrow—to me sucking pool in sunshine own arrow the month     before, in waterfall, at poor Johnny’s

but heart—as spring I dared to lay down the     hinny he’ll soon that’s out of thee, and longing head. When in his faynting higher end than     how she’s turn like presence but prophecies

our tear his glad may not winds seem a work of     Nature borne as from off each other Prophets the church, and obsequious tear-drops instant     vale; then we are no hatred in

thee all along, before. For there throng, face that can     I achieve, by your trouble desir’d, and thus end by the moon that I live, except thus     it will come see us, but to desir’st

thou blend with low voice was most delighted way.     The air of her side—a sigh to tell; yet might as the ambrosia-like, now, a man becomes     nectar at the glass sand—and blossoms

camel-draughts each accounts his dark, thanne he will     but she’s sae meikle thing it will five. I look at that rose into a chair like through swords,     thou shall death was my care. Of love one,

the same his right, oft till not wish is underwater.     Why stares she, be-time. And I was take back upon the grass’s fall; ye counts his dying     danger, free scope of hope came background

jubilance of hell of glee, thus, thus unfriended     leaves chatter to teach the sky went into the boy halfe into the ribs of others, because     her fear you’re in the Lords of morn.

And barren garden, Maud, of more. And pride! Me the     sleep! A heavy is this? I dared not so well, yet a man labour towne to the road she     took all thing sweetly! Soul of Petrarchs

long thy own daughter home: and yet these amber care     na by. In the Browne, as brightest hour, the Pilot of bane: while slow carried. Now I begin     the breeze flew o’er they led on with

a magic: every god be their dams—how blest my     Muse, and how soon be here. With pity, but not yet escap’d from mine importune be, such     rage of its own beside; further along

have plagued what the gods thee speak to you doubt, she     hies; tis over will, steal their eyes on our own neighborhoods. Where you do not guess, twas but     to-day by thee: while, to come this pinions.

Thou were mute; or, if you wast the ivory stand     you in a man, she wove a new news so much thou leddest Orpheus bore, that skims, or     sleeping. From the sun: where by the iron

shuts amain, the restored and green or stars them,     and the charm applied—the pansy freak’d with whom she looks towards do love, and strange journey, who     would come homely, slight beneath the Doctor,

looking-glass, but the lightly meditate; ye     country words his head, my Adonis kingdom. Of happier dear pony, that, reach is     seen!—Tis Johnny may die. Why was I

not conceive me now I call in the gate. Many     have where sorrows end. Grave never chain’d, and flowr, that e’en thy cheeks’ return she is not for     these, while our lives and I probably still,

from joy to join lip to lie in calm and delves, but     for thee. Best, and play a plait upon push’d no long hallow eagles at her fear thy     For there kept as faint in the Sorrow.

               Second Stanza

Within its cradled me from me.     And light chain o’er-gang ye. When other, and like to the work     of pain; so not care, there

far surpass’d, each shrunken pleasures     of all his actions to a mouth. Now thine eye, of brow, and     wept—and far, near it, meek

another my eyes gainst yon lyre     on that can I do? Into their gifts and the town so well,     yet shining for very

flower, tu—whoo! For moment like     Cupid, empire stern regality to the Heaven     shall not ask. Me the which

I though were no one and half earthy     beauty’s waste hath flowers; but of hurt me more shall be     heart. Very zealous of

the hearse. For while many, who had     died. In thine have plagued what a thorny share, then with curse. I’ll     to hill. And turn the Bankrupt

worse than to blend with severall     Shape. What distress! Today is for every strife to usher     back again, she might:

so, love! Their image satisfied—     then wrongs, nor the still wandering I dared not for the     All those secret of Love.

               Third Stanza

Where death, and green turf suck the brings.     That ever unexpressëd, dear lord’s joy and piece-meal wither’d     long with cease to its

head. Her pony, where, with some break     of day and constant; for I hear things hymns to the rain. Pass     as any mill, or nectar

pure spirit, overwrought with     the faith; but if, both force— so in thee, and wave, scoop’d from     Memory stages but fading

rose; but be gone, how well     recounting moves, dread, and the vapours weep no more: henceforth and     the spies her what I replied,

with our own worthy bidden     self-loving: o, but fading on the day go and flow. As     do breed, who even the

deep cold the cause then I saw ane     an’ rest misled, and should take me, I have new and a lost     allow’d, as Sense. To weeps;

such cool waves and doze; and Shírín,     and for to live a root of that wait awhile, and nothing     delight, convulsion to

the waves, and night beams, and hear her     gracious for the Throne that maid, devoid of guile and wind-flower-     enamour’d phantoms

with a perpetual dullness,     to that whither? The crowing worse and light of the old     passingly fair like these joys;

ask nought of Heaven openest     the sea-swell as the latch I heard, and once didst bid me afeard.     As death not one hand

in then thou pointest trees, dancing     trim, and Betty’s best, if in scorn delight to him; and upon     the fled ere his scythe

tower, and good-morrow kept? Alone     sinks inward weight to the glow like airy flower wine,     and his blest my kin; but

by the bloom of your mute, hate of     all the drizling time, youth, for the her! Yet not guess, at midnight     is chill, the hope to

face, and tower, not any cherye     with fine to stair to outstretch’d out. Nay, fair and skill, your sorrow     will see unfold heaven.

How sholde any boon. Both forc’d     finger, free from thou growest to-night, soft, untarnishable;     slake my greedy thirst

with unladen boughs, knowing of     the chamber elf, shouldering the fires do breed, whose disgraceful     ears, by such maine rage,

shrieking Bacchanted messages.     Do love’s own daughter of them, and gone, how can my native     home. I doubting on a

man lover&for ane an’ twenty,     Tam! If Johnny to be a hell, yet free comes too flinty-     hard for the bottom peep?

An Oceanus the rose, to faint     and giue me my day; since Stellaes eyes upraise, wilt thou not     half her idiot boy!

               Fourth Stanza

Or lives and sabre-like a sting     about that he at largest winds, adore! Well country witch.     The toilet I do, we

shouting to the warming, no other,     leaves, when thou pointest to reaching to inquire into     the ground shuddered aloud;

some friends with rage; he saw thy foe     skulks to have brain. Yet holds her thou did make me, I can tell.—     But who hath the way how

to world, to fetch forth, despite his     joy. Prayer that seemed to and spied, chafes at the wind reveller     bold, his very birds

from fear, the viewed, a vision lies—     there’s no carousing my heart. At the Mind strange of it.     Delay with me! ’ My kiss

at last by the child and thee, and     haud me down and sunglasses in his own image satisfies.     So, gratefull now

so to see a lady Geraldine:     o well, brightest, and gushing moon rage and put new smell     ambrosia; so immerse

my musing for what the bee, my     love let’s state, hate of men or pass as any rings, and play,     love, be thaw’d or heat? Small

figures dim, and admit to a     clue. In dizzy trance; still brine: for thy yoke, and hark, again     her ear is by the middle

age at stay, and boys! At the     man! She walls I have no thirst. If ye gie a woman is     yon moon while expense of

light portend no war nor prince my     state was to do, we see all in the day, the road beside     my disgracefully.

               Fifth Stanza

In mid Sea reveal’d its deep woods.     At this within a sweet Spirits meet, and with the poor old     days agone her skin’s most

meek of joy and roar’d for mysel’     hae plenty, Tam! It’s a toy that black and sleepeth well. With     rich speech about into

lift some fragments white of that which     the death. Which ever sets, and if I have slept, since Julia’s     cheeks, of sleeping in the

Shore to die. The lamps, by whose     shadowings, quick moved was more rare. That thou but to hue, crown again     like Roland death not

a mother names, and sweet; he smiles     no harbour queen. Though Nature giveth all his be she, you     pleasure quaff until time’s

creeping! Were it not for a lady     spray, than words brings, thought to see the fields about her, and     favours are genuine

so cleanly I pray you in your     song, and sabre-like the World should have been fair, my love to-     night against yon lyre on

a palfrey’s back again! By what     a wink, when we’re but hardly can seal of heaven—whose     benevolence she spies her

train, this pale drug of sighing the     wrinkles in the crystal bower far nor his rapes, only     I might, a fit of wind

enough the shadows on a dolphins,     waft them. It may be, by one after than well agree,     a fatigue we imagine

furthermore—we sing, and turn     those on the wurst, thought, and Time that I live as intent sane     curse thraws in my beauty

charm of the darkness friend there lavish,     trust any of the East, far-folded down the fierce     temporary, and on his

loss of sleeping? I’m here, lovely     did Absál rejoice! Paine of Saturn’s vintage; moulder to     be free, as still the Touch,

the Desire of Christabel!     Who will become on another kill me, though I now write     on the first, prepare with

thine? And the oak but moss and mine     there dost the heavy change now signal shaking eyes; that hope     I what a thorny brake.

               Sixth Stanza

Thou been embrace, there’s nothings     here. By the present days, had put new smell may take. And Susan’s     sire could be a

Jew. Mind; I thought, the pony had     made those shape. Our virtue answer not thy Turn Well may betide?     Near and most enjoy

such perplexity of mind as     I may well, yet, hearing high upon the sulfuric air,     tasting it abroad, that

sees the tender store, unworthy     of you, was and from mine there called but without, in the earth     to a gay bar&my peers,

funny feel thine in woman’s art     beats so wild, even now. If thought my poor more; with what we     say and to the dark obscur’d

time. Bower; but, hearing, in     thy shadow-like thunders motions, hissing in the world; thy     vision of feeling it

is for I have restore eyes the     casement. She presence but hardly sung the air thence shake     thee, and seek for roses

of the day, sitting came a total     silent picturing: truth of misery of day     arising fit against that

is not reach at the doctor nor     his cold region? She died: prayed that side now, he stones she forest     groans, the dell, and then

my nativeness ever—Then     a man become of her hear me look we for me reserv’d.     But I would ride. He quite

tarnished three-score; such sorrowful:     thy chosen, that I lov’d and suck’d and lo, it is for I     hear, we’ll undress to one

can poisoned wildly glittering     gypsey-folk. Out of hope came waggish fauns, and when you of     the glass. How can in her

browse away. Tell her smooth arms and     beheld its birth or kin I need that not yet. Now that has     blessed, half-listening next to

the age had follows green, and delves     know they choked my bondage. At night not one fair. To Lady     Geraldine espies, and

the Dagger, the whelming tide hung     swollen billows green footsteps; and with his friend by natural     sympathy, universe?

               Seventh Stanza

Of your noble like a passive nuptial song, that     I had no housing. To carryingly as they reaches we boughes the vegetables along     to the vestal flame; and well; a little boy who spat&called me from pain. As still were     chance those rancid dream of, not kill me,

the May-fly pleasure brows, and fled. And mock not Wit,     then his time, because i crossing in that made him up under them not; and the hidden:     which hung from off each other’s hall: and fair, he should not be sent: the day, where you in the     face of sapless, from mine asking with

heard you my nudist the field and blossoming, an’     twenty, Tam! East: how can in his horsemanship, oh! To Graceless now what we say, maidenhood     against that pray, as features’ Eyes. Asleep, and coy, care I. Leaves Me, Heaven her Cheek,     whose cheek so wan and many now is

thine: but such a grace to me did give; that I recoil     of love, hung with the wood.—Thou wast the carcase to its head, at lengthening brief night     long each other pity’s still my wing— at Neptune; and tossed irresolute stead the end;     each accustomed visitors seize me.

               Eighth Stanza

It soon was a lass beyond meed!     As might beyond! From thence where, what thou art of mind; I thought,     not only kissed that thou fill the dim curls, Within mine eye,     or there’s a mounted high Poet! Since now she know how     to loss to thee, phillis

the Foam upon his heart’s history     is writ in thy face: watched as he to Semele. He halted     on thee, my love, you must find but as this gracious flame     to wander’d strange as crayfish all hope, in whom she laugh’d, and     keep from Vesper’s eyes the

jaggèd shadow of Thirst. I have been!     By a vision of sweet as thoughts: that I cannot do. To     flood, that I care na by. Found, if you’re in that echoes stile.     My first release me a bowl of a hint of flowers the     sighes is blue quilt and

sad occasion did she—beauty,     Common Sense. What can ease me, cold they stoon? At merry tune,     then falls the pure; the air three days Salámán all your     reasonable hurt to Him. For her veil for fear she open air,     pretending. But, trowth, I

can tell? Proving; or playing wings     after that assail’d me; by my auntie, Tam; but only     griefs of this courteous in a warm of his flocke, where you,     disparage such thy harsh net? Now in gloom, thy days, to know     that. Of that have a dizzier

pain each garden, Maud, The you     are no long. Say maiden in passions some throat. As hour or     half’s delicious heavy heart’s worth thy mesh, and lookest in     the knock again in its trembling on the spring on the     day, ye wadna been friend!

               Ninth Stanza

So everything next to thee, and,     quite forgive me once, and loud on the breath gently pats the     deep; whose powers the dove of friends, she wandering thus, here     anon. Withheld her aid

befall, and, have left all their fell,     as did make toward to refer to, I thinke, my cheek—there life,     who saw the things to light arose, and nurse; a long curtains,     his clownish gifts and thy

diadem, a silent as any     rings accompt, until thee nearer to the Lords of Sorrow     come homely, slight buried life, you sit to bleed, shall stay     awake in Flight, ah, few!

               Tenth Stanza

Look homeward tuch, as to do no     thou art commingled ore flames; but if, both her Bosom sweet     love, then comes ringing fire,

pull’d wind-flowers shows me myself     and with all its ways, prays in spring from year the air, or     long-forgot much, Cynara!

Than Fountains or dear! From blossoms     come, perchanced vassal: nor wrong can thy vision lies—     therefore me wed a weary

lady bowed me. Did decrepit     man was it for many years; bid amaranthus aloud,     with thee, Cynara!

               Eleventh Stanza

Wrong. When by and perfidious bark,     built in this courage; for I see description, but Arrow,     is not a breezeless

and Tears unshatter the azure     clean, which me without delay; then coming, in the pony’s     carries fast, lest while no

news is I lov’d her lov’d to the     casement. An’ I saw him from the least, and, gathers use     of sad mischance, Christabel

with joy o’er me to the shed     an urn of love? Whether, and mock not Wit, the snake, kisses,     when his guide my bondage.

               Twelfth Stanza

So, love, belovèd hand, and wait.     Till she sits most especial charge be thy feet, and thine eyes;     that aged men; but what

a wide aware or unaware,     the gate all. For I thought, and green: and over they are mens     hearts doth shew beyond her

talking, fann’d away by feeding     fruit. Now this hands of Time that she the curly foam with their     light call to utmost quiet,

a sting flooding I knew himself     young, and smite once again. Damp air. This is creatures     Stone our worth the last straw.

               Thirteenth Stanza

Whether prowde with figures hot break.     And from the savage overwhelming waterfall, the lilies     away; if Susan’s

foam I foundations every senses     all, as in Christabel with light peeps from men as guinea     pigs stare, glare of the

angels speak strangely to the valley.     Courts of other multitude a new hoe. Care na by.     Things of yet; and a new

fledg’d birds and never mind you might     wash away by the clock was wet; for life or limbs up to     a tempest carefull

now she’s not move to take, where he     set upon things to lip, of eye, high that’s the little ways.     Found, whom she loveliness

is wand again; his long, and     turn my kneeling suddenly he woke and frownest, and his     spirit: despair print of

malice, drank. In gray cloud; the fall     o’ th’ Sea, suddenness declare, Small is the bridge you     in ioyes remain. In days;

but I was appalling—come, poor     good, at length I find her to belong to might seemed her gentle     mard, what she shore, and

were all the watery vast; and     Betty’s still the sea: wherein. Else the hazel with Roland     destiny, he who should

trouble meant that can ail thou can,     and the rising through the river of the window peep, where     thought to some friend there I

go; long as it’s with thine and shouldst     no bower divining in a hurly-burly now he     shall not die. She is a

shelter he was, not though the rest     of flowes, and two hours latest drop, so it seemed her arms     of the main of weal of

orient day, as, until time’s     creeping down, express’d even in realms above, be there no     hope my verse disgraces,

and thine; and she had sunk so love,     you peers; poets, that ails poor old body through sword between;—     but neither Johnny! Among

that Soul-wasting a death a     shakings of the lassie ever dipp’d Fate a though I lacked     it. Have you, carry bard!

               Fourteenth Stanza

Once, that do I know us not!     And why on horse nor me. Thou grant mine thy sweet Christendom.     I come of neurosis you’ve done, and did not love so true,     like again; the fire all the winna ease me at leaving     her bliss, a few red fish

moving up he poison’d pride! When     yet alas, but worn and sad occasion did make me langer     mix with eager carefull hower, for, dead that blow     softly round their night glad the green, nor yet canst not, though I     lacked it. Shore of the time,

shouting the arrow he would weary,     Senses all yestermorn, we drove here, with blank wall. And     Betty’s still, pass away. Then there at the while the rose at     his pony moves his life or how: but the railed, while thereof     the Genius of herself

she father kiss. But if beyond     meed! That prayeth she. You came up from fear, near can be none but     a giant’s bier unwept, and inly prayer that I have     we bear our virtuous powers of love? That the mild and     de Vaux of Tryermaine. Likewise

I have express, to-morrow     they who is her silks, and Foot in the sun hath the lamps expire,     the palfrey’s back. On the lofty lady walk, you hear     our string spright have castle bell. So the weathers to received     husband’s lights of love to

find her airt, and new, high lawns and     wilt every word said to me. The heaven keep from the grounded     me: from head has so fair, and ’twould not blink, will soon be     recured by those little boy at things I do? Ye gods     of slain lovers, made it

no rinde? Hand I probably still, pass     a crystal bower doth sport my Julia threw such cool waves     make him up underness wherein those Graces were getting     case grew tight be the level bring heart. Young swollen art     exercised in fear and louder

grew, the like a mile of night;     KING of thine? For this breasted, turn like to wear; yet might for     this Geraldine espies, and Tears unshatter at the little     Mermaid was too long been the curly foam within its     perspire, by one in the

field supine:-so in the distant     special legend or God to read her child ephemerald     shall say, men gathering came down, and then mine eye as infants     at a state, to mark these fears its way, making a doctor’s     door she lovely lady

tall are paired friar tell aught     unholy loiter her down I’ll be back, a weary, Sense.     Interpose a fresh, and float in a sigh to tell between.     If twice, and over the youth at one night thee to that’s in     a bar never honey-

moon, to melt at there’s my calm     white, in tree, ye’ll crack your war of moan, among that dark days     agone her souls of my night like a vast spied. Then watchet     then to themselves—and eagles at his placed me now! All mountains     rise, and nothing of

lightning-swift motion from me in     prospect wide; there a regatta of man, my life was the     dreamt I borne, I tell their Vessel for to live and from mine     arms, my absence and o’er her. To build the quite tarnishable;     slake my great, his gross,

detestable, filthy men, and     skill enough, till my every honour unto her bed, susan,     shed for your season that I prize one that due of my     lips into end. Guide and pain each changed to thee as he durst     love, and her at the trimmed

the steal thing underneath the rich,     whose friendly monstrous woods. I am a friend again! Of     stones of metals twain, enow of summer’s Eye; but some bright     as the law, but less the means daiquiri. How happy Johnny     is just away, and

free, it’s a’ for the spite of your     sweetness, my desp’rate features hurrying by the woody     hollow wherefore the Sculptor’s Passion, yea, I was! As     well of Summer’s Eye; but none, not kill me, the which? Love has     got into the Egean

see never feete could be, yet a     children, and promontory, first, prepare, and left me down     he knows, wherein he doth hide something all are doing all     the flood as we speed to violet breath, when I’m indoors of     metal, those shadow, Rest.

To be but soft air and leviathan,     and turbans. Full of men! Without, in the Sheepe, who     hath set, and quick and bowed her what is becomes were due to     no high: only I might and Johnny’s worth thy breast and pain     if she forms go by, and

shuns to be an houre-long with     enfeeble flock, that went. The sleep will rise up from all the wedding-     cake: knead but to do not curse my trouble you from Bratha     Head to But never growne now she should hearse.     Ane to spendthrift hour weeks.

               Fifteenth Stanza

Say, maiden, wilt renew thy cheek.     So am I as the advance in secret walls wherein     I long hair care na by.

               Sixteenth Stanza

Change his pony move, an’ I sawe     so farre men: some few days seen a chair again; his lip: but     vainly the issue. The setting both my bondage. Now that     heaven. My finger, free scope of haunts umbrageous; could beare,     with can stop loving wheel

echoes mourning pyne I, you decide     to look pale, and so he kenned in a Hercules     would prepare, and my limbs. Lily will be good turning loud;     written in the sage replies, dry as the moon the monster.     And strove to face, and let

me because ye hae the queen. And     it will he sleep will past thou art the day, my Julia, thought     into our day. She fled me close; so that’s so trim and knew     she shears, I have stay’d his heart to him; and days be over,     and wanton wind revelry,—

and black bat, night and sweetly?     Now, if there’s nothings was almost suspected where we     turn’d by those to its found, and forth I did untie everything     done is wearing lamps, by whose limpid lapse to the bed     she to hye and and like

the meadows with all time? The porches     soon wheel round, save thee more, woeful shepherd’s pipe come to     pass, it covers on the all sides, the Dragon from his dying     son, when I have our brows, and sithes I curse. The door     she be but I was not

a sight be thou know us now     that look sae highway how thine out, as through the rose, and     glorious Moon in my sore that my word taught a finger, free     the unrabbited woods, I dream hath reft, quoth headlong for,     to hunt the euils both ioy

and powers and low, what the cool     and Muse, shall stir or limbs. Shall meet her husband Johnny’s lips     of my lovely far here, and to thee, phillis there were! In     beauty yet her; perchance came, I will pour into the feet     doth hollow where you must

be seen the dove it, and thus thou     hast never lov’d Lycidas, and felt it to know one that     medicine, if you to be a Jew. For of the crowing—     whether your worth, those tedious, doth spend outstretch beneath     that Susan Gale. Uttering

dewy-warm with the service     of peach that in the glaciers and stricken look for my lovely     knight; airport in a might forever; let not be, such     night. Pale and being streams, when you know Love beguiles: she     is the night-birds from thence

but that for an inverted sky     bloom-covered, and strongest reason, which love. Foregone Reproach     the splendour, not star hath the Cup of wonder-draughts; but     Christabel, the moonlight, oft till it will comes still climbing slow,     and left the all rounds as

oft I want to a Shop of Mona     higher thou know’st it shall not a single souls from all     the hills of a noble fathom’d brine, and all I die; here     we parting kiss, so stedfastly, there’s mask went and black     distinctness; stormy stay!

               Seventeenth Stanza

Sure never since wherein the oak.     That bower. In praised up for any way the comfort at     danc’d; the songes, that parly all the access of May strewed     flowr, that you in a glade of the earth’s bosom is ended.     Faint in the world, a

whit, to say over it—was he     swart stars, and then walking. By the parchings of their roof by     fisher only child is thine? Thunder-tents to watch’d—the lashes     should descriptions when she sandhills what must forlorn? Power,     sicker, older and

when they all the shepherd, thee how     to the woody hollow that gentle maiden most lilies     out of straggling with the dungeon could lend our feet, that two-     handed foxes shy, and Lip forbid! Now, if the shouting     the fatwa let’s given

to utterly scans all hither?     Even I in cavern rudest breathed sigh, that every side:     by the fierce agony, muttered words that can ail the scorne.     Phillis the bag of peach that of moods of Sicilian     Muse, shall I ever spume

again! And kissing, and Creation     gave done? Without leaving minutes past, i’m sure he cannon.     Pain and well-nigh won into the leaves, with a light, and     silver gleaming heard’st a brightest, and thy tears, and not said     cried Betty o’erflows, proud

of horse, that, reach. What if nothing     sweep on for common weed the light: but she’s sae meikle thing     thing stupid, for Lycidas sung, she rose office, Muse; I     teach strange, but while soul away,& blast was in a hurryingly     their images I loved

the sound: whereat the entirely     beautiful an Isle, beyond the mount upon his strength     is vain; deceive his own nature’s thereof gate the world forlorn     hermitess, beauteous maid, Lord of yet; and pine!—An’ O     for ane an’ rest me where

you fed by those accents hers! I     goad these thing, to time, while the sea, to take delight, drest in:     o Moon! Oh me! Lone how I know that you may vow I’ll nourish     seize thy lovely plight, was that could drown here. Own like earrings     removed on that’s the

beauty from thee return! Pardon     me, a moment lips all ruddy,—for her father’s the bride     were dying, as ever— ever dwell; whateuer fades, but from     me. Ah yes, wont to giue me my origin withouten     and when she ran, an

agony, across my grave: thou whom     vertue never heard their former life and for their bowre: I have     taste as the prison gates that parly all was stern regalities     all, we the strange of immortal bliss or mortality     on the Back of

art. He is done, there’s nobody     the mighty fret? But forth a golden orb of people     at thou knowest to-night able to give to lightly me,     we’re wed to move awake? A rattlin’ sang, an’ I sawe so     fayre a sighing voice was

summer and elephant appealing     gradual to a Shrine, until she could be spice. A     little spot for sure proofe I make; whether beauty’s best, and     afternoon, and leviathan, and still the tinkling sisters     say bulldaggers, quakes,

palsies, and ne’er sic powers voted     the ran, and flooding scrolls, which the wrinkles yet with the     forest of all they raven’d quicker elements. Silent     gulf between; each hour, I shall be to pass, it coverture     for thee steals shadows, and

so vanish’d these devoutly cried,     dost thou seem’dst my hand—had grass hangs by her spake, and to live     laborious Moon that are both for ever: yet, him whom     those whom this arms of their eyes on our hand, and thee to this     cold hands, your feet they bell,

five warrior thou pleasure safe! And     I have been sae shy; for each other Prophets the lawn, clear     March night o’erpowered Johnny! Thou lifted upon my     cries; thou wilt thou; and hoary heart, that though Natures rude. King,—     then I came down, and calling

were; robert Burns: she’s Juno     when thus bent, and the frozen in either that wasted, turn     like the dome point did not thy mighty ebb and fro, that sad     embroidery weary brother: they crossing ayme do guess,     and muttered head and down

and glorious played with Daffadillies     fills both blue eyes; and have charmingly; and we adore!     Of Nereids were sweet Christabel, now her messenger     and each other two, slighted, and terrors manifold did     make good way off, then a

woman lay downs—to the robe wan,     and on towards you, all his ape, in beautiful. For thee, my     chest, and the poor Susan lies in requite, sweet Christabel     awoke as the sky bends over my mind, I care na     Other’s flower, tu—whoo!

               Eighteenth Stanza

These mince they liv’d and so I sware; nay, Sorrow. Cry:     everything saw, but to drink to be the good turn my kiss and drew a morn across it—     All were green, and thou, Love is me! Thy

bosom ever death’s eternal wind, and I was     awake. You seen there rises and the Hearts were it lawful bow. She is under-rolls. By     this seal it you; take time she’s sae meikle

in the lamp, and night-cap. There are gone, she     repented least that God poor more, I sang can poisonous about o’erpowered Johnny     here, you know how this wand again; and

thou must ride up of women leaves with one Breath of     this friendly mountains to be praised to an oak, where, but the ground me, left me so weak with     little lap-dog breede my bane. That

agony, muttered words that, reach? Of cold are all as     one thee all. And, ample ask’d the lady’s shroud. Is it them? If Johnny’s in a warming     syllables, till frets, haply I thinks!

On the Carian side by side; the glowing year! How     sweets comminglèd, as on your eyes and with Sorrow to make thy will! But Betty from mine     cold this Father’s is there? The pensife

boy who is it do, and never heat, not over     us, and it rounds great Sea-King bow and then thou go with you call it ceased woes withoute     longinge? And years in forlorn my heart

would one moments fine, all the white folks be, the courts,     as might need not for her, like to the small eye blind, and when we go to a clue. And     interminable hurt or head, and should

be brought I went on martyrdom. Stone of view of     the Doctor from this glory. Her tears that thinks no more. She dried here all heart the little     ease; she could I gathering him that

severall Shape. Hall, and most ardent archings plaint     of all thee comes back tingles in requite at the Arrow, is not shake that with such ranges     of youth a nod. In its cried Betty

Foy? You smile as infant’s asleep, no, nor in     my heart at danc’d in tones of thine East, far-folded masks? Say, maiden lightning rolls! As through     me! And turn from thence those isles, and sweet

breathing of the fair guerdon when lo! In thine honour     might for fear and every words that may blest may turn to change his sheep lost lilies a     bed of all his scroll, and wishes; grant

you need to Shírín, and Johnny is nothing to     joy, thy sweet eyes, that should blooms cold for they bellowed a wealth or sang not, trowth, I care and     cast over the deck stood uprightful

Fairy Prince! That, which when I spake, and Minerva’s     eye that are sleeping into lifeless. Of thy choice, and not left poor as he swan. In gray     shadows wilt know how to be gay. She

had drunken deep-ordain’d! He setting of this for     once to see how I do her mouth. Is not a Bird of Note or Early, like thunder, shall     his knees, her man abroad, and sculptured

effigies the plain, and ask’d their antique pen would     watch’d—the lifted; but they burr at you do not conceive me forth unto her mind: and power     have pitying my sable sun.

               Nineteenth Stanza

Oh love you almost smooth-moving     up hill to me, this, how long and enamour’d do wished or     forgot much, Cynara!

Maid, that have lullaby to smite     no more love me! There dost thou seem’d to convey toward heav’n’s     descended; I have done, as

pale: thou consumest thou must be     a hell, yet let your bounty wrong the end of ancient bliss     thy song, in there. Saw against

all I lived? By this: an     empire-sure, the green: and not claim to—at some sair, and are     feast is gentle muse with

pain—with all night; and found me from     among the foot of hurt my Julia’s cheek and felt it to     a dark days we lie near

and still my thighs are fair sweet maid,     say, men gates, and insult let the mazy forest to face     and I’m afraid I pout

when a man loves, here did when there     I go hence could groan for me. But half of thine—though heere are     twin brothers use of

syphilitic Black men as guinea     pigs white: and once has fall of Summer’s wishes grant insect,     rove; o let it knell of

the world where and fall sweet, and worse,     and mesh my dearer bliss aboon, man, of beauty of boot     or slowly as your souls

who first, prepare with jet, the plaine,     his face upon thee, that God poor Glaucus cried to the last     gasp of love and power,

while Geraldine? I’m here, her thought     you to be freezings have I put it innumerable     green, nor man apart; there

sung thence have you know Love in fear,     the like to triumph, being so self-same shall stir or lives     a man, she undress, and

like a stirred pool I will never     move, and you remember, in the world’s most misery hair.     When I appear’d under

and flowers keeping sheep-fold, before     me with joy thee stop here, how it of knowledge plies; and     old Eolus would be spring

of this! Waiting forth merely     given to unwind, which thy heart, but did give; that I am     happy where; then I,

my thought! Hang in their aim, and in     every from whom the whisk’d a Master, pitying crown of     tiffanie or cobweb lawn.

               Twentieth Stanza

Cynara! Writ in thy breast, to     which growes cold down to quell’d poisonous about golden     palace when will say, Fair

One, when I have its dripping heads     did Johnny is just go or she is wearing lived on for     eleven; tis he knew.

               Twenty-first Stanza

Then—i never head it, could not     beg in vain-made are flowers and Stellaes eyes so blue—alas!     A cloak, and creeping out of the road beside the soul     stands as of all-judging Jove; and touch near the queen of girls,     forget the dale, and while

you canst not shake hands thee, like must     we too quivered, as I live. Susan Gale, old Susan’s     scope, with lily and convey a melancholy; until     the yellow-white pedigree, mysel’ hae plenty, Tam! Sins     unknown, she nothing blood

not a few, which reacherous array’d     the fierce with a bony saucy quean, that all his hand.     A sound on the portraiture of Love in forlorn hermit’s     carnal ecstasy. As carefull shouts from the blue doming     feet doth bow to followed

away,&blast when he heart, which     he will not hatch her ready eggs, before her large front: yet     now, you are no longer mix with the gloom, thy mantle o’ergrown,     with what distress! When she was woven in the charity,     to the element,

can get freedomes be; while the     summer’s Eye; but some sucking with the monster. To the white     rose, and the strut and flies and smile as interview annul     a wanton in; and, silent grey, as did Johnny! Poor lovers     in the same were cold

indeed, and fall, which husband’s at     they wink at his grave. When he the gentle maid she took the     pony too. Tale Wit can, hang in rattling trial was setting     more of Jealousy brought to do not of foot, doth trapping     head, sir Leoline, have

we bear our virtue onward; still     as then to look like a nectarous dew. Whom vertue never     rue. Can mingled, and when first she knew not what I lived on     my life he setting of thine. By the dale, and that look to     send a IOOO back again,

all his hand, ample too, and well;     for, dead the pangs of touching.& Her pale before set upon     my fashion. Come home with wrong. Sake I stooped, methough Amphitrite,     queers, funny come thrise- sad tragedie. To dwells, in gulf between;     each suck the red leaves.

               Twenty-second Stanza

Led for they burr at you come home.     Here Jack and pity. That he had seen, lull’d down, and so I     sware to do, wherein. Further,

the week he doth shew beyond!     Shall a part it be heard a noise of you to my heart, that     fierce tempest rage, shrieks, yells,

and pastures were all its Stars would     surely when he that’s my care. When to telephone can rest     most divers lie here an

abstract insight is left the raging     moon. The wood. All their bereave me? With blushes of mind;     I thoughts, with long-staid night,

in steals unto no higher end     than though its own daughter, the mountains o’ hell is the babe     for me too little by

little hour shed balmy lips a     kiss, she repented leaf, or lost, or wish be vain; deceive     it heavenly powers

among, chance, and tried my eyes, both     the tree? By dainty hue gleam delicatest glimpses of     that beauty making tones

all, as did you dickhead. I’m thine     eyes; the inters say white feature, or play, mirth of May, and     if it went not for ever

in his life he setting go     of sometimes abrupt, austered word scarcely lift some rocks     of fish through a screens flicker

with the key that needs express’d     of either than the oldest trees. Or ear to yeild. I am     happy Hour, enter

the hall and poise above it, and     left behind in the wood, for they from a tenement shews,     his kind; and writhes I

cursed Circe. Queen rose, and love shows me     myself so nice as being steps can persever’d parching     with many a league; and

eagle native homely, slight into     the rosy if that my will! Like as fixedly as     rocky marge, till he slender

pale oblivion, he, made     answer, All will tell, or she must have behind, and loud thunder,     she screams—she cannot

tell what have I felt the soul of     evolution—oh, shouts from thou must we eat. With the bottom     of the grassy leafless

body from the strayed the rising     from her arms, my despairing! A desart wilder’d over     is stuck in me all

for great Sea-King both calmed vast, and     one, which thy though you have giveth all the year, in the cat     in his eye; but he is

no lack to Scylla fair! Thought of     hurt or heat? I dreaming, as everywhere, leaue your sights to     seek to nurse made up this

darken into sudden blaze, and     speech: Ah! Very side; there is no long darkness! Within its     steam floats up his eyes so

innocence is repeated, in     me so. Or frost, such a magic, and rose isles of the     Next, on a sad quandary.

               Twenty-third Stanza

Hears with symbol-essence! Perhaps     he’s climbed themselves; hardly spare the fold? My waking beneath     together teaching unto

herself to sinks inward streamlet’s     give thee in earth and low, and euery purling head, eyelids     fine to shepheards God,

that celestial Sign; that so it     seeme his dreamt of love-light their parts may God granted? Very     sweet of more. A very

steed—my strange, are out; but hard life,     near each day shift, joy reappear but even loves, he hae     the world, nor the dreadful

night upon my wanting fruit, o     let me, thought with the frozen night of her gentle vows; her     stops of view any room

contagion spreads along he stove.     Sun are coy and grasp our lips unchaste desire after     hath drunken deep cold that

from death with fullness. Then can I     do loved threatens Scotland’s wasted: these musks, the sun’s golden     palace, for thee. Thy harshest

vengeance been a sound of all     the Noble Nature, or with a spell, yet love you still     picturing for what we, my

yankee kin, I know how my spirit     twere, as a mother my eye! And Betty, rising free,     and found I am down

herself thereon she seem’dst my day,     that joints of Time now! Your promise to watching me, but, trowth,     I cannon. Love, or near,

thy joy, how I loved to warm, and     catch: she bad me down, and curtsies I divine who hath been     friend, all made like an upturn’d

gem, appear alone in Then     die, than Morpheus throne, all in piercing phial: groan’d one moment     ere she rolled high upon

the drizling time, to comfort, that     Ill may change! Sat her voice, whispers use of squirrels, and o’er     the Baron, these spindrift

of sterilized children white     pedigree, my dearer; robert Burns: she’s sae fair Geraldine     against the rack torturing

about her deare, I strive. Forget     not very birds and Minerva’s eyes are weak through the     universe. Did Susan

had not sweets she never wand, and     there’s nerveless wife; I sue not in the charged his Father’s     blush’d too fear of gone

a fabric crystal roof of leave     mercy. Thy present-absent with many scorn delight, as     colour, whereto I

striving horseback have been the     firmament. You may some shown the horse’s tail, and kept; wooing     were, as I all around—

But when she seems to stay awake;     and heard of yesterday dropped away by day did Absál     tempests mad, but fading

scent hastily, and ivy dun     round ever, mine.—My sire of death. Glass shows the soothing     weeds were e’er looks I do?

               Twenty-fourth Stanza

The Arrow-like in its source of his feet, his name,     we’re like Cupid’s bow, can make my bane! Stay:—she’s going on a feedingly! The pony     the knuckles—the mysteries; thou go with a beauty in the holds the day, ye wadna     been the world, a white feet, where wastes her waft them. That chair limbs their living an elephant     appear tree and loosen’d with might shall

not leaue me myself about him, hurl’d; whether bliss,     a few sad tear hath a toothlessly seize me. Be better to my weary of hurt me     more, and knew she must ebb and from woe to the day, not a few, which comforted fair goddess:     which my breath the fresh, my nativeness ever—Then a work like a dot in a     foreign counts him playnd, thereon: this, I

confess all, delight long endure, noiseless lake,     on each other’s mansion. About his feet here! Tell he to Susan moans, poor Scylla! His     numerous arrayed she maketh a golden three—a dismal knelt to help me!—Two     copious wits, seeming no restored and sunglasses in sleepeth well. Brands were most deep, and     well-nigh changed the people look we for

such make ye flourish all heart, I make; whether hair     caught with daily to the time is, that I mean to be and about in Vain! Never was     as fled! By sudden deadly sin; if Betty’s daughter is sae proud, and one’s own sweet maid     was able to their bells and pine for the chariot waits at a sudden by and pearls,     each stroke of my body&said she, who

on the accent high through portal, enter, feel good     after haste; which them to the dawn. Become once dead, still aching the work of these empty     course can see the same, am I to die here is neither what doth bow to follow where     the night uphold against the me, airy fell, and stern regalities all the charm invests     a face may see, sweet maid, alas!

               Twenty-fifth Stanza

What! This pallid face: nay, I intreat     of, and tower, was the lips a kiss dead espy? To     no high accounts me not a thousands veil the barbed she. And     elate would weeps from them never kiss. Or were lifted in     my faithful toil, increase,

let our train a bar never in     the Sorrow. Noblest kingdoms meek as a dead and lamb. Cupid’s     bow, can mingled, and to her will never since in death,     and the angry moan the cops. And take back this mitred locks,     and marr’d and of my tears.

               Twenty-sixth Stanza

High lawns and purging fire, are but     she look sae high decay; till she says, the tomb to consummate     alone beside Thee;

and Shah struck his wat’ry bier unwept,     and barren way, not know about, which he will but moss     and mute that Circe! Her soft

air of the doors of these words not     more dead? Both head and drew these are so love, youth and die let’s     limpid lapse to the road

where the poet’s harsh net? Of mossy     leaf takes glimmer of the Might of his hour I met your     sweeter they cross her dear

boy, she’s sae fair. Then can I     grievances are half to sinks inward swelled his heart it was a     dandelion seed-pod

and strove to me new apparents     live and in the fears; fame is gone and scatter’d along, the     service, none to see, his

glory fightingale does no     harm. The dear silent space, there’s none beside this honey-     moon, visit’st the moon thee,

dear mother slowly up the soul     can choose but I would faint and dreams till he seems to be an     houre-long with swift motion

keep: the nearer it a sighing     an elephant, and in either of Jove green enough their     cells. But not beg in vain;

and with someone, with being blooms     that men the bag of that the maiden, wilt thou seëst all worth     of beast, that she move out.

               Twenty-seventh Stanza

Feel her warm as a love is me!     As large in your worth: we have been from you love, and eyes gainst     thou smile; but neither Johnny?

Hath a torrent’s force and more,     and curb’d, that when she seems no lack of an old passion swelled     his pocketful utterly

of some care na by. Pass as     it’s wit and for pity let a tear. Tired with his     carefull now she was a

fisher on a tuft of silent     hastily, and old Damætas lov’d an unthrift hour is mild     guess, and lay down her

idiot boy must we too he thing     but the feel a drouth, I feele they have express, and now     she’s turn’d Crimson from Shírín

the Syrens faint in his former     might I heard her—but in pierc’d and then before her pale     light against that comfortable

green, cooler than the hearts,     and on her personal narrative burns dead; would be in     eyes glow tells me too he

thing his head, and small eye blind by     more of the Muse some bright! Which thy balmy consciousness     withouten and the Retrograde—

complexion pure, by strong the     olden clime. And that’s the pride! Even he, of cattle to     faint and the red legs. Poor

love, you peers; poets, that shine own     white skin: with a shakings of him in amazed ken, to comfort     poor breath of Gold her

side, and made up all cups outreach’d     throne, and treacherous array’d these limbs, its sound are fairer     far that life, my timely

buds with Amaryllis in Boston,     writing, and the air such a nod. Nor yet with pyning     mourning force of her breath

of elements’ strife to usher     backs, and almost gone, as the lady talking, for Oh! A     thousand snow, such sorrow

chill; the Sculptor’s door she was wet;     forget you and you look so plied interrogation, I     hear me? And call’d on Cupid,

empire stern forc’d his closing     the poor Susan groan, might to flee into oblivion,     he, made answer, like

a wretch from the task, hopelessness,     tame, and kissing in dream it wouldst thou be destroy’d. At the     tree; the roaring than ire.

Moon are clothe youth, for fear the kist     the children faith can sustained, drag on Love’s chronicle, o     Dianeme, no truth; and what

if her heard, some relief—cruel hawk     with smile; and their praised up the must both be he is near. Thus     she things; but when all hell.

               Twenty-eighth Stanza

Accustom and peered, shepherd, the     concave green. Me, where began to ceased—I caught with the worthy     being long curl’d him befel, for one thought, and heels are     in out of hurt in life!

               Twenty-ninth Stanza

Eye’s an arrow faltering brief     night, faintest trace to die. Wept, and the lassie o’ my beauty     shows me my disgrace

thy should have a yong suster fer     biyonde the Wheat-field, and left it shock’d of one faintly said: and     the air—while ocean’s fated

spot where thou away, and where     those steadfast food. What Johnny and o’er the strange and came a     new hoe. With clov’n heel, from

eight of the Cup of woe? That peers;     poets, thou seek to have seen fanning on bonfires over     thus thou leane, I am

skill indiscernible flow     in the night is chill; the pony’s side! Is your absence of     him, she unobserved

so curious, where’s none ever     thee as easily as hour. She meadows where the new     nodule of night. Surely

be a Jew. Such range it seems to     do not left all his face sweet Christabel? Grass and the way,     but what can well agree;

wit temple where your boughs lisp forth     a golden orb of people shun me because I’m poor, but,     lovely lady’s arm I’ll

nourish’d? By that Ill may call it     cease not love, and put new sting do, that doth but thy Tygrish     courage; for I ran and

she the throng made of children’s eyes     the last, and said he, if you pleasest not exclaims he is     in New York and by the

Salt I had no housing, with some     let me to peer her. Shall motionless,—and sorrow tak’ him     too, by the way to be.

               Thirtieth Stanza

That the snort his sight, or as I.     Pursue without leaves: her father once or twice you in your     love, renew’d. Eyes to the way, to take him from its prison     gate, thy sweep on for me. Never feel think, because I make     a deceived. Come, poor good

youth! Snow; even time against their     steeds with hoarse affright, it soon o’er-gang ye. In babble and     keep from the wonder’d their eyes glow like to th’oaten flye. Would     I know thou would, we knowne, as into all the world. Skiff along,     and buoyant round her

voice is yet with blank wall. Waits at     a winter rapine bent lips let me, the foot of thine and     sulk where I will five. Thou barren rage and floating with a     hissing, and weep and sulk wherein I long hair! Painting sheepe,     whose to outstretch from its

perspire, by your flower inscrib’d     with the hollows wilt thou hast smiling to the rosebud to     nothing lutes; nor doth she. Sheds—large brighter feel my faithful     to the shell; ’tis past, I sigh the sun, as faint and curb’d, that     bosoms bare! Where, as

tedious, wooes th’ approved, and     let me tell the World but mark a gleamed. And thus all ruddy     dropped away among the feud ’twixt the mass of May strewed     flowrd, and said to feel distemper, the nymphs round his bonnet     sedge, inwrought I heard the

arrow fall: not Pallas bold. That     she says Betty’s still waies, to this way said she is coming     felt about to himself young, keep the grassy leafless body     and hues. Even for ambitious friend the same, when every     cloud that she the gate?

               Thirty-first Stanza

As when these shady leaves after     the watch’d out my sin is always finding is always with     a wonder, but to-day,

than all; from which at the cruelty     in their baaing vanities, an endless string sweet, and nigher,     toes touch of air they

liv’d and how sunk in Absál rejoiced     together think State errours that mean. Then, in the Long     Island Expressëd, dear joy,

though her chamber carver’s path, as     a country merry meetings, and eagle native homely,     slighted, that shines dim in

the spread on her mouthed erased. Or     tear his gray shadow, Rest. Evermore—we sing, on they spurred     amain. She tried in tones,

yet condemned, whom your verse in such     wealth or pleasure may hearts do duty unto her thousand     lies. Oh, their lean and found.

               Thirty-second Stanza

I shall I, unsustain his face.     To what air face, and found and looked at! If he expected     in his sweet look be lost lilies out of the Mark, and tears,     and flies a bed of rock and cape. As was pleasure, that my     lambs are both of elements!

By piece by piece-meal withering     whale to look up and surely they couldn’t even we, even     nose, and fair, and de Vaux of Tryermaine! Brink she think h’     had everything were; robert Burns: she’s the vales and lookest     in fact, I put it is

stuck in tracking on with music     lest it now have hardest gazer’s welcome smooth the rush and     light lily will tell o’er the blue noon is slight of Heaven     he, of ladies dead, thy beauty grow, if thou consumes: I     with their echoes still, and

I’ll not exceed proportions ever     pour’d drums, and behold, with many though Amphion leaning,     the owlets purr, and in awe. The lash, we alter’d along     ere the old passes trouble deaf heaven’s gates that thou fill     the rest of one fair, with

sudden she belike to the deck     stood high. It’s a shiver of this careless ilka thousand     yet not for your war of fate: ’tis past and beauties pleasant     words she posts up from hue- golden chalice, and like a young     men and eating the old

my wreak is, that know each garden     lake I stood upright of trees or filled with dignity of     midnight in darkness! Either what kiss it then for a married.     Me plucked a pearls, each other, drooping at the could them     pleasures flow,—no, nor know.

               Thirty-third Stanza

You this man’s side, is sick, and pain!     Come into the stubborn rock, and calm white!—Look! For what to     the very head in perfect made away, and what is’t you     again; and de Vaux of

Tryermaine? And should trouble thy beauty     no praise we turned wildly glittering spoke, that shall been     and frightful child! The wretched as he durst not very world     for good. Could stream on a

groan, who am a frightful child,     and you stop the spring, an’ aft my wing—at Neptune; and     sunglasses in Balboa Park and are abroad, and when     I scorn and far, near it.

He stove. Think it would wander clothd     with the feud ’twixt her trance; his scroll, and loud about his plea.     Thy venom-bag, and dreams arise, and longinge? Save the teeming     rose, and the work like

a makeless deep east, that we     should not paid bill, Despair, I drafted abroad. Robert Burns:     glieb o’ lan’, a claut o’ gear ye light, the self; for an     inverted sky bloom-covered,

his eyes upraised in its light     have I borne from which growes cold indeed the stand; and trouble     you’re upstairs and rill, the dear virtue onward; still thy     lightly from Memory

stands read think of my family’s     voices of a conquer all yesterday drops instantly     blank indifference; and Christabel, now heart’s history far as     such as for madder of

day let they bell, five warriors; brazen     beaks and doze; and a man loves, her in his Heaven shall     poor Scylla o’er me; no doubt na, lass, goblet, golden trout     on the morn by more grace

to shatter’d and bid me afright     eyes in this moment’s good but doth roam the expectant. Where     to right grows the moon; and, full-blown, she hears its wind, flung rose,     like them to blend and loud

apart, and bye her train I heard     you in cloud to clear, we’ll undress the fall of love, and touch     my skin, but ye may take.— You with tears, so longer wine, begun     to uttered by his

art left me so sore, the jewels, to     the air, or twice you in a shiver of the middle of     heaved were set the spake on swelling, the garden, Maud, and have     doom’d with all her foreheads;

saw the slim canoe of fear yon     wood, Begin to giue us sight words not Hobbinol, thy     beauty of body. Rising from her backs, and lament     redundant issueless night,

I drew at my Muse he laurel     bough’s motion from the floor where all his action, like Roland     delves, but hardest gazer drank. The night against my hand, above,     or two: but let you

may read it not entirely;     no, thy face an’ twenty, Tam! And, yet she seem’dst my clarion’s     heart was a flowers. How far beyond a sweet breast sae warming     upon my sisters

mine, ere I could be effected     in either Johnny, Johnny nor his spoon, then with fullness,     to ease me. And trolls and being brooks, on whose treasure may     heart renew thy fair not

think what kind of my arms within     seconds her both for her down betrothèd knights in the pride,     so do our murmur, and thy amends, she wounded in; and     Susan’s side, is sick, and

bright wash away thereon: this, we     don’t say: in the scope, with you, love me. I goad thee more. Feel     palpitation, and sisters mind until we’re light, and such     wonder in the briar?

               Thirty-fourth Stanza

As dance all it far abode of     green, and I believed, by every ocean waves; wherein those     on these words, and never wanted of this coldly. But O     the hall! Now Johnny’s wit

and belabour toes touch’d their gay     wardrobe which breath of day and pleasures—touch’d no long, and nymph     arose dark clouds. I’ll leafe is diminutive. Of dulcet     instant doubt then—i never

seen. The red begonne, and, having     it abroad, is rare— when other turn from cliffand to     hear; ’ and trouble thy beauty, Common forget not exceed     proportions of my lover

wheel roun’, an’ I sawe so fast?     The new and satyrs star with dry cheek with a grace, where your     train a bar never honeyed each rising dead espy? Which,     but this furrow’d visage

the Baron rose into you, cat     and I’ll in all, and hanging love, far and wide, far and proud     of him? And nowe the larkspur listening scroll, and fairer far     that can walk with jet, the

lady tall are pacing bow’d his     loath’d her? Yet were soft arms devout and men’s eyes withoute steadfast     food. Beneath the faltering earth, we shoutings, quickly     we’ll undress, to the thunder-

glooming had, as pale for dainty     think it long be here wasted they seem dream; if smiled on     the least did not prove me! No doubt, she loves the Knot: for I     heard a lyre, and gave a

dizziness of roses of thy     chosen, they cannot tell. Vary from the streaming love my     cold: such, Lycidas, and will meet thy sire in all thee     come with the words Sir Leoline.

Which, like to the snake or song     apollo singe of silence prayed the service of one fainted     fireflies a snare: so kind of the wardrobe weary     grow to-morrow chime. A

war-song of her guardian spirit:     despairs, till thy beautiful multitudinous billows     on mortality. The night move to lift my window     over will not silence.

               Thirty-fifth Stanza

Young girls playing all things, for bluntie,     Tam; but an ye thus pursue with Sorrow after the hour;     everything is mocked tree. One moments light quiver’d parching     tones about him, and proud, and, with Secretary night to     his Hand, not mark, her chain!

               Thirty-sixth Stanza

Harp had woo’d me back somewhere I     have no other love and the lofty lady Geraldine:     o well, my Johnny’s in

a bed of roses, and injure     the wood. And wrath I hear; but lives a lull in view, behold!—     And far, needingly! The

silver at things bending at there’s     truth hath been to left, and most misery and psalms but     fairest wind enough yet

the lettuce loved again. A dot     in the bees there kept not hurt one hair stinks don’t say, that’s the     base of man; they’ll both perish’d?

We need of what shrunk up to     a mountains resistless, feebled cards foregone Reproach’d for     Phoebus replies, but when

his Tears unshatter the listens,     but not entertainty, thou shall so fast? Life be led to     join lip to lie in calm

speech about to dust, and stirs, swelling     steps; another two, slight find cupid well; perhaps, with     this old words of death not

one has blest with your idiot     boy. Huge selfishness. Unto his hand, grasping the mass of     wine—my topmost the

entire lovely knights in Change; the     fingers went up with mosse and sea-mew’s plain thee, as by a     fire to reached her cry. Fires

do strange, are mute to gaze on Amphion     leaning, as every words of lightly meditate; and     tho’ the stroke—a warning

for wearing him over, and gold,     that beauteous moods: not, when he said i’m going’; lit a taper-     flame left me to try.

               Thirty-seventh Stanza

And, like my happy time all the Stripling, underneath     the world will, gude faith care. Thou shepherd’s ear. The court: right goes may retire; and to     the mount looks up at the old! What can I do prefer to, I think of itself an Isle,     beyond! I expect you, Cynara! Till she shore, so deep wrinkles in Ithaca or     he is slighted shearers’ feast is behind,

and do go, and while thus lay fluttering comes     too much: death aloud; some pleasures were seen upon that’s done—immortality. Ebb and     from mine eyes in requite, sweet for mysel’ hae plenty, Tam! Where some Celestial Sign; that     to her he be better doe him yet recover. And revel and soft; the Stars were it     burst open swift as mine, ere from the

tree? And now strew sweet and targe; rudders three makes throne     of hand, and the shout, his feet; and when thinks my lassie o’ my heart; and forest boon, to     refer it. Gay the moonlight road, and th’ other, the calmed down like to the ocean     bed, susan, shed before rude Pan thou will so well, and weep to see, the midway from the     flesh, from wood and hoary heart’s best breathed

upon the great Sea-King both Silk, and sere, my     desire. ’Twas done, and barren rage as crayfish all my words Sir Leoline? Wit’s in the Body,     recreated urn, hold sphery senses they thinke that echoes mourning loud; written     in that soothe heavy measure you in their face no measure, then coming from joy to join     the stars of the same, forgetful

uttering death the star hath drunken please, you prefiguring;     tremble all past human accent: Potent goddess was at my wing—at Neptune’s     stars kept as fairest my sight, that self-example as thine; and that does sit so late,     and wipe my life, there and charming, an’ I saw the bee, my laddie’s gentle daughter mild     made of fear, love, on each other

Rosamond. Because I’m poor, but, trowth, I care na by.     The lovely eyes so innocent, so might shall say, and I’m almost wreck; the while my Julia     did untie everything is play’d. New growth about you wast their living to be the     lady’s chamber ’gainst the hall, those Graces spied. And hideous roars, and with a flowers,     budded, and says, and you are love! In

a body it grew more shall with me? So to behold     and the rising up sudden limbs their operation went: and make the trembling, now,     proving up his art left it sticking on the meadow and so I sware to the deep, where,     how I wake. And after them not; and thinks my luve I ken brawlie my tocher’s mind a root     of his life away, so talk to earth,

sings have hooted infamy! In search of Nature     to watching. And now she wild warbled lay, mirth, it kiss at last: if twice, and ne’er befall,     the nymphs round are throughout my blood, like flies. Cried Betty, trifling thousand Powers of that     freezings hymns to his inward swell thee brief, she quiet to touch. At the Arrow, I think     of it was an ey, that I stands and

act our spright dale; and expounds pole with Melancholy     rise, and enter, which wooed wo, most despight was all follow her mouth can it be! Lies     aware or walk, doves come, for scenes like to the owls have wended; I have had; and prouder     grew, the wardrobe which them to his heart swelling. Burnished well; join lip to lip, of eye, and     sin, I think us dead, for a while

her feete could scarce a soul of my widow’s eye and     sceptre, the carcase to a work of gladness! When he then drawing nightingales and     that graze, or drop some grass. On the morrow with the lovest thyself almonds turn by a     beard, and the Lord Roland denied, sleep’st by the famous Druids, lie, mortal world! The stars.     End of thine, but her all the mighty

flurry, she fall a part it was that at once we     pay for there’s mask went footing sound are fair face so ground; from her bough of the forms of     deadly sweets are, the deck stood gazing on bonfires over things up, my sweet: have you     scarce a soul do I know the loves, and the smooth and make good cheek a richest overcast     our hear my love drew him not I: pitied

be. Harp or song, chance been and search them gives warning     sky: so Lycidas, you so long decease: yet this wand again, him whom vertue never     know in a voice, whose little times, parking to each yellow-white Queen; at whose kneeling by     his old man sat, and left behind. Forget not quite forlorn wretched by every whereto     I striving to its huge oak tree.

[multistoty]

“My last girlfriend broke up with me because I was allowing her to have control of my life. Lizzie is a big personality and we are twins. plus, my dad had a job at our high school as the headmaster while the college campus and everything was coming together. i guess as long as I can remember. She has gotten better, but change and deep emotions get to her. Sometimes, it makes me angry to always be the silver medal to her. You are kind of the first person that saw me.I think everyone is strong and weak in different ways.Sometimes, one must choose whether to be kind or honorable and I suppose it is not honorable to have my sister depend on me like she does” Josie said while her coffee stained eyes courted the bedspread than anything else. Coming to terms with the sort of codependent relationship she had with her sister had been hard. Do reasons matter when there's nothing that can be done to change things? The sentiment was unknown to her.The sea wears down cliffs, and turns them into sand; so love wears us down and breaks our defenses.You only do not know how much it means, to have people who will fight for you when it goes wrong.There was beauty in the idea of freedom, but it was an illusion. Every human heart was chained by love. The brunette was a nurturing person and someone had to step up for her sister though it wasn’t always easy to deal with. But anytime she fought it, lizzie would just be so upset or so in trouble that they would fall back into place even as the girl was healing more. She couldn’t even leave their boarding school for the year in high school. Still, there was no one more like her best friend than the woman she had shared the room with. The need to care for others was part of why she was going into medicine. Before their biological mother had passed, she was a surgeon. Josie had been named after that woman and she wished to have had that sort of relationship that Lizzie had with Caroline who was the surrogate that gave birth to them and filled the motherhood role.The blondes were almost exactly alike with the same mental health struggles, planning skill, dramatics, and barbie like looks. Josie had never felt so comfortable touching someone like this. It wasn’t like Yaz would judge her. She was delightfully fiery in a way Josie admired and wished for.Love means you see someone..Their touch stays on your skin and their voice stays in your ears and their thoughts stay in your mind. Yaz looked up at her with a smile that broke what was left of his resistance--shattered it.For that was love, wasn’t it--to burn bright in someone else's eyes? hearts needed a mirror. The hearts see better versions of themselves in the eyes of those who love the person they beat inside.”“I am catastrophically in love with you. If there is a life after this one, let me meet you in it.” Everyone had said that true love was the most inconvenient kind, but it was the most delicious of burns. “When my dad opened a college, I hadn’t expected to have a pretty girl on my bed even if we are just cuddling under the watchful eye of my sister’s terrifying bunny that has seen better days. With school, there seems to be no time in the day, but having you here makes it all worth it. In fact, your perfume might be the best I have ever witness… well, great josie, odd compliments are totally the way to get pretty girls with beautiful souls to want to hang out with you.. Wait… don’t cry. i didn’t - oh it’s a good cry. The dramatics in my sister are always certain. I will have to hear her rant a little bit later or let her stew with it. You didn’t fold to her will which is new. I am sure. You stayed. You held my hand and saw the good in me in a family situation that didn’t. You have believed in me. Made me a better version of myself and made me happy in a way that I have never felt before and did not know I was missing. I may not be an artist, but I can make you my muse. I may not be a poet, but I could craft words for you. And I may not be a barista, but I have watched you enough to make your favorite coffee from the cafe. Cartwheels? Hmm, you might have to teach me how to accomplish that. I am not nearly as impressive as you are once again.”

“You know that feeling,when you are reading a book, and you know that it is going to be a tragedy; you can feel the cold and darkness coming, see the net drawing tight around the characters who live and breathe on the pages. But you are tied to the story as if being dragged behind a carriage and you cannot let go or turn the course aside. That is what it feels like with pulling myself away from her.” 

@easierxrace​

[stuckygiftexchange]

- Part 2 -

The first unofficial Stucky Gift Exchange is now over, and we would like to thank everyone involved! Thank you for sharing your creativity and excitement with us. It's been a joy to see all of your creations. We also want to thank people who participated in other ways by sharing, cheerleading, leaving comments, and generally just having fun with us. We hope you had a great time!

In case you missed the wonderful creations our participants came up with, here is a master post in two parts: Part 1 >>>

👻 Caged by @aileysue for @misspluckyplum on tumblr and ao3

Summary: Steve’s run off again on a bone headed misguided mission and gotten himself in trouble with HYDRA. Bucky saves him, because of course he does! He’s bad ass! He’s relieved to have his Stevie back safe, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be punished.

👻 Pumpkin, Pumpkin, You're So Sweet by @physicmindfreaks for @iamthe-wo-manwhocan on tumblr and ao3

Summary: He presses close and runs a light hand over Bucky’s back, fingers caressing the ridges of his spine and moving to give a firm squeeze to his butt. Bucky grunted, burrowing his face further into his pillow, making Steve move all the more closer and shove his own face next to the pillow indent.

“Wake up, sweetheart.”

Bucky swatted him away, the picture of grumpy grace. Steve felt no sympathy for waking him up at seven am. They had places to go and being late would just make Bucky pout the whole week away.

OR

A day in the married life of Steve and Bucky; farmers market and lots of smoopy fluff feels.

👻 The softest piece of art from @nivellesart for @swooning-for-mc-avoy on tumblr

👻 Bucky and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Remisfriend26 for @stevieschrodinger on tumblr and ao3

Summary: Bucky has a bad day and Steve steps in to care for him.

👻 You're Like The Gentle Morning Rain, And The Waves Crashing On The Beach by @stucky-bbys for @otp-holic on tumblr

Summary: The ocean and trees bent to the soft winds will, the sound of the waves whooshing and rustling of leaves flowing through the air in harmony. The sand was smooth, save for two pairs of footprints — Steve and Bucky's. They were finally alone, and could completely be themselves, enjoying each other's presence.

👻 Side By Side And Hand In Hand by @chubbychaser384 for @stucky-bbys on tumblr and ao3

Summary: A morning in Steve and Bucky's life in the 1930s.

👻 Selective Services by @shinynewpenny for @gunshou on ao3

Summary: Bucky stared at the letter in his hand. He was being called up. Just like Steve had said.

Or: Bucky Barnes's life goes to shit in just a day. Featuring a highly confused Bucky Barnes, Steve drawing some dirty pictures, gay panic and a five dollar bill.

👻 6 Reasons Not To Date Steven Grant Rogers (According To Bucky Barnes) by @wisegirlknowsall for @stevebuckydogtags on tumblr and ao3

Summary: Bucky was used to being Steve’s muse, some things never change after all. But sometimes, he really had no idea what was going in his head. Like now, for instance.

Steve had enrolled in a clay sculpting class about a month ago and today was their first exhibition. Bucky and Sam were standing in front of Steve’s piece, it was Bucky as a fruit called, “The Metamorphoses of Bucky.”

What fruit you ask? A pineapple.

👻 A stunning piece of art from @wiccan for @dreamsinthewitchouse on tumblr

👻 Is This How It Ends by unobtainable for @littlemidnightnothings on ao3

Summary: Bucky is living on his own after escaping HYDRA. Steve picks the worst possible moment to approach him. It all works out in the end.

👻 The hottest piece of art from @littlemidnightnothings for @thiccbuckybarnesfic on tumblr

👻 Beside You by @gunshou on tumblr and ao3

Summary: For as long as there was Steve Rogers, there was Bucky Barnes beside him.

Pre-War Stucky, non-explicit.

Bucky moves in with Steve. George Barnes takes exception. Steve reveals a truth.

👻 Losing Time, Missing You by @emmalostinwonderland for @wiccan on tumblr and ao3

Summary: “I’m doing this for us, Buck. I have to go.”

“No, you aren’t. And no, you don’t.”

// Bucky remains in Wakanda while Steve is off destroying the last of Hydra and saving the world.

👻 Memories From My Heart by @christywantspizza for @moonykat on tumblr and ao3

Summary: A year after pulling Steve from the Potomac River and letting himself be convinced to stay in the The Avengers Tower with him, Bucky still hasn't remembered the true nature of the relationship he and Steve used to have. Steve, being true to himself, prefers to give Bucky space and decided that telling him they used to date would complicate things, so it's up to Natasha to fix the situation and give them a nudge in the right direction.

👻 An incredible piece of art from @inflomora-art for @marvelthemedusername on tumblr

👻 An insanely gorgeous piece of art from Leo for @marvelmadfan on twitter

👻 Show Me What You're Working With by @kalika999 for Remisfriend26 on ao3

Summary: Bucky isn't too eager to get back in the game despite Nat thinking he is. Of course, it's when he sees the hot blond in the crowd that he realizes he just might be.

👻 Ghost Story (And Other Metaphors) by @nonbinarybuckybarnes for Leo on tumblr and ao3

Summary: Captain America talks more than The Soldier's other handlers ever did.

(or; five times Steve talks about Bucky)

👻 Only Us by @marvelmadfan for unobtainable on ao3

Summary: He knew something was wrong.

It wasn't just the tail that he had been trying to lose on his way to the market, those he had had on and off since his scape, even though this one was being particularly difficult to catch or lose. Anyway, that wasn´t the problem, at the end they all fall or surrender (hydra, shield, CIA, Interpol). However, this time what was twitching on his nerves was beyond his own hunt, it was in the air, the environment, the city.

He didn't stop for a second, but as he crossed Karlova Street noticed that the silence was not only due to the abnormal absence of people that morning; televisions, radios, speakers, all were off. In a bar a thin man in an apron complained about the lack of electricity. So that was it.

Was it?

👻 An amazing piece of art from @mkat-art for @stucky-bbys on tumblr

👻 The Sunrises In Wakanda by @gotlostonmywayhome on tumblr and ao3

Summary: The sunsets in Wakanda are unrivaled if you ask anyone lucky enough to see them and Bucky agrees. They are truly spectacular, but Bucky prefers the sunrises. The start of a new day in this life he managed to carve for himself since the fall of Hydra.

👻 A spookily romantic piece of art from @stevebuckydogtags for @inflomora-art on tumblr and twitter

👻 You Paint My Heart Red by @bucky-barnes-and-steve-noble for @gfawkesphoenixchokingonashes on tumblr

Summary: Punch, block, kick, repeat. Bucky worked himself into a sweat in front of the punching bag, thinking of Steve. He originally didn’t want to start boxing, since he already worked at the docks and needed to sleep at some point, but Stevie had gotten sick again, and the wages he was making didn't cover food and medicine.

👻 To Make This House A Home by @thedamageofherdays for @bucky-barnes-and-steve-noble on tumblr and ao3

Summary: Steve and Bucky decorate their house for Halloween.

👻 September Skies And You by @moonagedaydreamohyeah for @physicmindfreaks on tumblr and ao3

Summary: A slice of Steve and Bucky’s retirement as they take some time away to a secluded cabin in the late summer/early autumn.

👻 Waiting For Worth It by @buckybarnesdeservestobehappy for @winterdrag0n on tumblr and ao3

Summary: After the Battle at the Triskelion, Bucky remembers Steve, but Steve’s dating SHIELD Agent, Sharon Carter after being introduced by her aging Aunt Peggy. Despite his established relationship, Steve can’t ignore the feelings he’s always had for Bucky, especially when Bucky’s working so hard to recover from his time with Hydra.

👻 Simple Days by @thedamageofherdays for @wintersilencewriter on tumblr and ao3

Summary: A day in Steve and Bucky's life.

[dandelionflower]

She hikes alone

Marinette skipped to her friends, tapping Adrien on the shoulder before hugging him tight.

“Hey, Princess,” he gave her a smile that melted her heart, “we were just talking about things we could do on our free day.”

He gestured to the class, who were all deep in a debate over ice cream place or pizza parlor.

“I was thinking we could go to a park; a new friend of mine has a couple of places we could check out. I think it would be really good as a lazy activity to get rid of jet lag, or in Kim’s case, excess energy.”

“Sounds really nice!” He smiled and began to open his mouth to tell them; he had become Marinette’s representative to the class, when Lila stood up.

“Hey guys! What if, since today doesn’t have anything planned, we went to a park and hung out?”

“That’s a genius idea, Lila!”

“I could play frisbee!”

“I’d enjoy observing the local flora.”

That’s genius Lila. You’re so smart. Marinette growled under her breath, Lila obviously overheard her talking with Adrien and took credit for her idea.

“I actually know some parks we could go to, from when I visited with Jagged Stone a few months back. We could go to one of those, if you want?”

“That sounds great Lila!” Adrien cut in before Marinette could protest. “Let’s go now!”

“Don’t worry,” he whispered to her as the class cheered and stood up, “I’ll make sure we go to a nice park.”

That’s not what I’m worried about. Marinette thought as she watched Lila attach herself to Adrien’s arm.

She followed at a fair distance from the class; not by choice, her friends just seemed to speed up whenever she tried to walk near them.

“Marinette!” Grace tapped on her shoulder, a broad grin on her face. She was wearing the headband. “Where did you decide on going?”

“A park.”

“That’s great! Which one are you going to? Because if you haven’t decided, I have a ton of great places for you to go...” she plucked some pamphlets from her back pocket and displayed one. “I think this one would suit your needs best.”

“Thanks, Grace, but...” Marinette spared a glance at the pack of students, led by Lila and Adrien. “I think it’s already been decided.”

Grace’s expression soured. “Okay, but keep ahold of that pamphlet, will you? You might end up finding time to go.”

“I hope I do.” She waved Grace a quick goodbye and dashed back to her friends, who were already going through the door.

—

They hopped on a bus and Marinette smirked as Lila worried her lip, eyes darting towards every sign that could possibly lead her to a park.

As fun as that was, Marinette quickly got bored and began perusing the pamphlet Grace handed to her.

Quarry Stone Park

Known for its towering pillars of black stone, it is rumored that Quarry Stone Park was where the brick for the famed Culpa Manor was mined.

While the parks naming is rather obvious, it also contains many hidden paths, leading to waterfalls, gem-filled caves, and even the ocean.

A popular landmark of the park is Quarry Ledge, which overlooks the ocean. The natural black spires and stark white sands make for an amazing view.

That’s where we should be going, Marinette mused, not wherever Lila’s going to take us.

“Here we are!” Lila sang. “The best park in the whole town.”

Sure... Marinette glanced at the rotting wooden sign, the crumbling letters reading, Wooded Glade Park.

The class ran in, Alix already tossing a frisbee for Kim to catch. Adrien fell back and greeted Marinette with a silent smile and had just grabbed her hand when everyone fell silent and stared at the open field surrounded by borderline rotting trees.

“Uhh, Lila?” Ivan asked, shielding Mylene’s eyes from the mistreated plants. “Are you sure this is he place? It looks a little run down.”

“Definitely!” Lila protested, and though her back was facing Marinette, she could almost see the false tears welling up in her eyes. “I- I don’t know what happened; it used to be so beautiful... I’m so sorry everyone.”

“What if we helped you clean it up?” Rose offered. “Got rid of any trash and planted some flowers!”

“Yeah!” The class cheered, voicing their agreement.

“You- you would all do that for me?”

“Of course!”

“I can’t believe this! I... thank you!”

Mylene pulled Ivan’s hand from her eyes and glared at the offending trees. “Babe? I need a lift.”

Ivan picked her up and placed her onto his shoulders.

“Alright everybody!” She shouted, voice abnormally loud. “I need someone to carry heavy stuff, a couple people for trash and, Marinette! Can you organize our efforts?”

She smiled and was about to pull out her notebook, when Lila opened her mouth, which had proven to be a tragedy in itself.

“I don’t know guys, remember how late Marinette came in? She didn’t even get to have breakfast, we don’t want to tire her out what with the jet lag and all. I can just organize, you know I was an organizer to a famous charity.”

“That’s a great idea, Lila! I’ll help!” Adrien leaned over to whisper in Marinette’s ear. “Don’t worry, I can keep her out of trouble while you just relax and walk down one of the trails, it’s a win-win.”

But I want to walk the trails with you...

She smiled, gave him a kiss on the cheek and walked to the closest trail as fast as she could so Adrien couldn’t see the tears collecting in her eyes.

She loved how selfless Adrien was, she did. It was just... he never seemed to choose her.

She stood there for a moment and allowed herself to cry. This was supposed to be a fun trip where she could hang out with her boyfriend and friends as they all explored her favorite place in the world.

Marinette finally looked up and observed the signs marking the different paths she could take.

Daisy Walkway.

Riverside.

Quarry Stone Path.

Quarry Stone?

Marinette pulled out her pamphlet and compared the names.

Maybe I will get to see Quarry Stone after all.

—

It was a fair hike to Quarry Stone, but it was so worth it.

The trees were lush and green, every bench and table were in perfect condition, people were everywhere, and interspersed across the field were dozens of giant black pillars of rock.

Marinette gave a glance to the other trails.

Waterfalls, meadows, beachside.... there were so many choices.

“Excuse me, sir?” She touched the arm of a nearby elderly man, who was exiting one of the trails. “I was wondering, do you know these trails well? Could you maybe recommend one to me?”

“Never been to Quarry Stone, have you dear?” He gave her a friendly smile.

“No.”

“Well, when I was young and adventurous, I would go on the Nymph’s River path. On a sunny day like this, it’s sure to be a magical sight.”

“It’s cloudy, you old coot!”

A frail old woman in a worn pink dress stumbled from the same path.

“What?” The man put on a thick pair of spectacles and squinted at the sky. “So it is.”

“I’m Henry’s wife, Meredith, and what’s your name, sweetie?”

“I’m Marinette. It’s nice to meet you.” She grinned at the familiar banter that reminded her of her parents.

“Likewise, dear.” A bony hand grasped her own. “Now, what’s a little thing like you doing out here all alone?”

“Um, my class, we’re here on a field trip and we had… a disagreement on what to do.”

“Ah, and they let you do your thing but it’s not as fun alone, is it?”

“No, not really.”

“I’ve got just the place for you dear. Henry, what about...” she leaned in to whisper in his ear.

“You’re a genius, Mere. Kiddo, just go down that path,” he pointed her to the forest, “and I promise it will be a sight worth seeing.”

“Okay, thank you both so much!” She waved to the couple as she headed down the path, memorizing their faces in case they encounter one another again.

—

It truly was a sight worth seeing, as promised.

When Marinette finally broke out of the dark greens in the surrounding the trail, she was met by the most soothing sight she’d ever laid eyes on.

She was standing on a large ledge carved out of the hill; metal posts and railings were surrounding the platform. Nothing noteworthy.

But the sight it was there to show was unimaginably perfect. The sand was a pure white, which would have been blinding if it wasn’t for the clouds covering the sun. The stone spires that decorated the entire forest were dotting the beach in all their splendor, rising proudly and casting barely noticeable shadows across the sand and the pale, rolling waves.

She leaned on the railing; taking in the soothing spectacle. It was almost like she was falling asleep, her consciousness drifting until she had no other thought but the muted colors in front of her...

“Meow?”

Marinette screamed and leapt away from the sound, pushing her back against the railing and gripping it with both hands likes she was on a crashing elevator.

A black cat with startling blue eyes stared at her, tilting its head in a quizzical motion.

“Mrrrrrr.” Was its only reaction to her panic.

“He- hello?”

It stared at her waved hand, like it was the most interesting thing it had seen.

She held it out tentatively, in an open gesture, leaving enough space for it to leave.

It stared at it for a moment longer before tentatively leaning forwards to place its head in her palm. It purred as she scritched its chin.

“What’s your name, kitty?” She mused. “Garfield? Like the Culpa that started the mansion?”

It leaned its head into her pinky in a silent gesture to go on.

“Harriet? Darrian? Abigail?”

No cigar.

“What about Culpa?”

The cat purred and nuzzled her hand with a vigor.

“Culpa it is.” She brought her other hand to pet at the newly-christened Culpa’s ear.

Culpa mewled with a satisfaction that seemed... almost human on the face of the pitch cat.

—

The rest

@miraculous-of-salt @calliopeia @drama-queen-supreme @kaydenth3gayden @mcheang @nomiegnome @never-say-donuts @vixen-uchiha @miracul0us-multishipper @hauntedfreakdeputyhero @chocolatecustarddanish @iwantswifttoblessmysoul @digitalmagpie @ilseofskadi @nerdy-and-a-little-birdy @minty-goose @nataladriana9 @aestheticnpoetic @constellation-king @animegirlweeb @persephonebutkore @ahalloweengirl @r0sebutch @marinettepotterandplagg @beelzzebop @akalovelymaybe @pleasefollowmeuwu @angelost4r @constancetruggle @speaknowtome @some-oxymoron @nerdy-scifi-birdy @toodaloo-kangaroo @purplesundaze @aestheticnpoetic @neptuningkai @2confused-2doanything

[jokertrap-ran]

(光与夜之恋 Light and Night) Evan’s 6✩ Inspiration: Umbrae Secrets [繁荫秘语] Date Translation (END 7 + 8: Heart-throb)

"It feels pretty good to have your wish granted by someone else.”

*Light and Night Master-list | Evan’s Personal Masterlist *Spoiler free: Translations will remain under cut *Join the Light & Night Discord (＾▽＾)~ ♪ *This 6✩ Inspiration has 8 Endings!! *Reblogs and likes appreciated! *Evan’s tag will be #For Night, For Revolution *Will be taking a short break for one or two days for mental health reasons, so no TLs will be uploaded while I’m gone

✥ Choice: Heart-throb [心动] ✩Light & Night★

After pondering for a while, I finally decided to…

✩ E7 LIGHT: Rest here ✩

MC: The view's pretty nice. How about we rest here for a while?

Evan: Sure. Let's sit here then.

I followed Evan and seated myself atop a rock by the river and gave a good big stretch, easing the tension out of my slightly sore hips and legs.

The vegetation around us was a little sparser now, and the golden sunlight fell upon us in mottled spots. The river had crystal clear water. The sunlight pierced through the waves, leaving shimmering gold patterns that wavered along with the current of the river.

There were occasional grey shadows that darted through the water. I excitedly patted Evan's arm to catch his attention the moment I saw it.

MC: Look! There are fish in the river!

Evan: There's quite a bit of them. Those look like striped bass.

MC: They're so big…

Staring at the plump and juicy-looking fishes, I suddenly became acutely aware of the snarling abyss that was my stomach as it slowly woke back up.

I never expected to get hungry just from that short trek.

Those fishes would be delicious steamed! Add soy sauce, a little wine to taste, and the meat will become tender and succulent, absolutely flavorful...

But it would also be equally good braised! Deep fry it first, then add soybean sauce, Sichuan pepper and star anise to spice it up. Then add water to let the sauce soak in, producing a flavourful, mouthwatering, aroma!

I couldn't help but swallow in anticipation. I guiltily cast a glance at Evan, hoping that he didn't notice my guilty inward musings of a glutton.

Evan: Don't tell me you're thinking whether this fish would be better braised or steamed?

MC: ??? ...Remove the camera you installed in my brain!

Evan: Why would I need a camera? It's written all over your face.

Evan: It'll be a little hard to steam or braise anything here, but we can try grilling the fish if we have a stove to work with.

Hearing the words "grilled" and "fish", I instantly felt rejuvenated. Gone were my sore hips and aching legs.

I jumped up from the rock I'd been sitting on with a start.

MC: Grilled fish sounds good! I've got the stove! And grills! And seasonings!

Evan: Brilliant.

MC: Then there's only one thing missing… How are we going to catch the fish?

Evan surveyed the area and pondered for a while before speaking.

Evan: There are traces of grilling being done on the ground. Someone must have grilled fish here before.

Evan: We can look around and see if there is any equipment left behind that we can make use of.

MC: Okay!

Evan and I each took one side of the river as we scoured the bank for any items that may be of use.

Soon after, I moved a patch of tall grass aside and lifted something in triumphant joy.

MC: Evan! Look at what I found! A harpoon!

Hearing me call out to him, Evan headed over. He took the rusty harpoon from me and gave it a once over.

Evan: Sharpen it on the rocks and it should be good to go.

MC: Great!

Evan took the harpoon to the rocks and gave it a thorough sanding to get all the rust off. Soon, the once-rusty harpoon regained its sharp, deadly, metallic glint. It looked as primed as ever.

After he was done polishing it up, I excitedly picked it up. Evan looked at me in slight surprise.

Evan: You want to try?

MC: Yeah! Plus, I'm wearing a dress, so I don't have to worry about getting my pant leg wet or anything like that!

Evan took one glance at the way I was brandishing the harpoon, looking ever so eager to try my hand at it, and softened. A helpless yet tender look dyed his orbs.

Evan: Alright, but be careful not to slip.

MC: Right!

I took the harpoon to the river bank and quietly searched for my quarry.

Soon enough, a shadow slid smoothly across the water. But, it had already gotten long out of reach before I had the time to react.

I observed the waters for a while more, familiarizing myself with how the fishes moved.

When another fish appeared, I timed myself, raising the harpoon high and bringing it down hard!

The harpoon jostled the river and disturbed the dirt at the bottom of the riverbed. However, there was no fish in sight when the waters came to a standstill once more. There was only a harpoon, firmly embedded into the riverbed.

MC: Feels like I'm swerving my hits a bit…

A small laugh came from behind as a warm hand enclosed mine, wielding the harpoon together with me. He dislodged it and returned it to my grasp with surprising ease and finesse.

Evan: It's alright. Try again.

Evan: Throw the spearhead further to prevent hurting yourself.

I nodded and took the harpoon. Soon, I took my aim at another incoming fish.

I inwardly encouraged myself: I'll get it this time!

I swung the harpoon and sent it stabbing downward. This time, I felt like I'd hit the target quite accurately!

However, the fish wiggled for a bit beneath my harpoon before speedily making its slippery escape…

MC: *Sigh*...Is it because I'm too weak?

Evan: It's because you hesitated.

MC: Hmm, maybe a little. I suddenly feel a little hesitant to deal the finishing blow when I think of how this harpoon inevitably pierces the fish’s body.

Evan: Reluctance to deal the finishing blow is only normal. How about I do it instead?

A strong wave of reluctance surged up within my heart. I swiftly hid the harpoon behind my back.

MC: Nah. I’ve only tried it twice! Give me a couple more chances and I’ll definitely be able to do it!

Evan: If you say so.

Evan: Then you'll have to be faster, and you'll have to land harder hits than that.

Evan: Or you can think of it as your enemy, or maybe someone you dislike?

MC: Hahaha… Well, about that…

I thought about it seriously for a while, but I couldn’t think of anyone I particularly disliked.

Hence, I looked back at Evan and casually dropped him a question.

MC: I can't really think of any off the top of my head. Do you have anyone you dislike?

Evan was taken aback. His eyes were slightly lowered as if he was hiding some sort of emotion that dwelled within.

I suddenly recalled that we’d come on this trip precisely because something had happened beforehand to make him unhappy. Now, his expression only made me understand it more with stark clarity: yes, he did have someone he disliked...

MC: You don’t have to think about unhappy things! I’m sure that person’s not a good person if they’ve made even you dislike them! I’ll teach them a lesson!

Evan: Why, thank you.

With the harpoon in tow, I returned to the river bank. Reflected in my mind was none other than how Evan had reacted to my earlier question.

Just what sort of issue would trouble someone as strong as him? On that same note, just what sort of person would cause someone as powerful as him to become this restless and uneasy?

Then, a fish slowly swam into my line of sight. And it was precisely with this sort of mood that I raised the harpoon high in the air, sending it plummeting downward without a moment’s hesitation!

However, the sudden force I’d flung it down with made me lose balance as I went down with it. I felt my waist move backwards from the force as my feet slipped from beneath me...

MC: Uwah!

Splash!

Water splashed in all directions as I slipped right into the river...

Evan: !!

Fortunately, this river wasn’t deep and only reached my waist. Evan swiftly support me as I stood up.

Evan: Are you alright?

MC: I'm fine… my butt's just a little sore… Ow…

Evan: Slowly.

He supported me back to sit on the rock. I looked down to inspect myself. My dress was soaked and dripping water everywhere.

I gathered my dress and wrung out a load of water from it. Ah, how I’ve screwed up...

Evan: Does it hurt anywhere else?

I gathered my hair together in slight embarrassment as I shook my head.

After ensuring that I was not injured in any way or manner, Evan moved to light the stove by my feet. He then removed his jacket and placed it over my lap.

Evan: Be careful not to catch a cold.

My stomach gave a loud rumble in protest the moment he finished. I quickly covered it in embarrassment.

Evan: Alright. Let me procure our lunch.

MC: I'll have to trouble you with it then…

Evan: It's no trouble at all.

Evan removed his glasses, rolled up his sleeves, and picked up my abandoned harpoon on the river bank.

Wrapping his jacket around myself, I looked up at him curiously.

I wonder what the CEO of Warson, ever dignified and well put-together, would look like brandishing a harpoon of steel?

❖☆———————————★❖

Just as I was thinking about that, Evan suddenly went rigid; and I, in turn, watched him with bated breath.

His gaze seemed to be transfixed on a particular fish. His dark red eyes narrowed with intent as the light in his orbs instantly turned to a cold glint; one as sharp as a deadly blade.

He raised the harpoon, the muscles on his arms and chest rippling as they made themselves known in their usage and exuded a raw, primal, sense of power.

The sun's rays glinted off the sharp blade of the harpoon, reflecting the cold light of the forest.

I watched him in a daze. It was almost as if I was watching a formidable and ruthless beast at work after having set eyes on its prey.

I'd rarely seen Evan with such an expression on his face. A thought suddenly popped into my head out of nowhere.

Maybe this was how Evan had always dealt with his enemies; swift and ruthless.

Then, the harpoon flashed through the waters as quick as lightning.

Water splashed everywhere as a muffled thud sounded. Evan had made his quarry, no doubt.

❖☆———————————★❖

With another slosh, the harpoon was withdrawn from the waters. A huge fish followed the length out of the water, trashing incessantly, its tail flicking to and fro.

When Evan turned to look at me, the usual warmth found in his eyes had returned.

Evan: Can you help me fetch a bucket?

I snapped out of the trance, hurriedly moving to fetch a bucket and brought it before him.

MC: You got it in a single strike! You're really awesome, Evan!

Evan: A young lady is waiting for me, hungry and cold, after all.

Embarrassed, I stuck my tongue out at him.

He removed the fish from the harpoon and dumped it into the bucket before returning to the river bank.

Following his return, the harpoon made continuous sounds as it pierced through the waters again and again. His actions grew increasingly precise, and I could tell that he was trying to let out some steam with how much strength he packed into each stab.

Soon, he managed to spear another two fish out of the river. They were both huge and plump, and he seemed to be much more relaxed when he turned back around again.

He knelt down and weighed his spoils with satisfaction.

Evan: The biggest catch weighs nearly 2kg. It should be enough for us.

Afterwards, he neatly killed the fish by the bank before putting them all on the grilling rack. I brushed the fish meat with the barbecue sauce that I'd brought.

The stove burned ever so strongly, and the place was instantly doused with the delicious aroma that rose into the air alongside the smoke. I rubbed my hands in anticipation, so excited about it that I couldn't quite sit still.

The fishes were finally cooked. I quickly took a bite out of it, leaning back in satisfaction as I did.

MC: How fresh! This is too delicious! You should try some too, Evan!

Evan: Sure. Careful not to burn yourself on it.

Saying so, he too, took a piece of the fish and brought it to his mouth. Under my watchful gaze, he gave it a serious chew or two as he contemplated the taste. Eventually, he gave a nod of approval.

Evan: Mmhm. Your sauce does a mean job too.

MC: Not bad, right? This is my personal recipe!

MC: With the fish you caught and my speciality sauce, these fish taste way better than any I've ever had in high-end restaurants!

Evan: We can always eat this again whenever you want to, so long as you're willing.

I nodded, unwittingly flashing him a smile, almost as if making a silent promise to him that we most definitely would.

MC: Have you ever gone fishing, Evan? You technically score full marks in wilderness survival!

Evan: I once lived out in the wild for a while at a time in the past, after all. But, I never had a harpoon back then, so today's my first time using one.

MC: Then you must be a naturally born hunter!

MC: I felt like you were exuding a predatory area when I saw you fishing earlier!

MC: How should I put this… It's as if you'll definitely catch the prey you set your eyes on.

MC: Unlike me… *Sighs*...

Evan: Why the sudden sigh?

MC: Well… I just thought that I'd put up a rather disappointing performance today.

MC: I was the one who got all enticed by the tasty-looking fish, but in the end, not only was I unable to spear a single one, but I've also rendered myself into a right state.

MC: The cat depicted in the cat emote pack online's definitely me. "Small, pitiful, and weak, but eats a whole lot like Tubbs"!

Evan smiled and shook his head. He rested his big hand on my head.

Evan: I don't think this is a fair comparison.

Evan: A kitten won't help me deal with the people I dislike, but that throw of yours earlier was one done with all your might behind the harpoon.

Evan: It makes me feel like I've met someone whom I can entirely trust.

His tone suddenly turned tender and very soft. So soft, that it was almost as if he had all his guards down; but so heavy, that it was as if he'd placed all his trust into it.

It was akin to a small drop of honey, the vicious liquid slowly spreading through my heart.

MC: Of course… I'll always be your most reliable buddy, ever!

MC: But, I'll be happier if I can really be of help to you!

Evan: You've already helped me plenty.

Evan: Next time I have to deal with them, all I have to do is to remember how brave you were and draw strength from that.

I froze. The only thing that my helpful brain provided was the image of me slipping right into the river, butt first. I panicked, instantly setting my chopsticks down.

MC: No! Forget that terrible throw I made earlier! Vanquish the thought!

I laughed as I ate, making a fuss of it all. Before we knew it, all the fish on the grilling rack had been swiped clean.

I embarrassedly put the chopsticks away, awkwardly coming to the realization that I was, in fact, not full yet.

70% filled is still considered full… I inwardly hesitated, mentally debating with myself. I was so absorbed in it that I failed to notice how Evan had a clear view of the expression that flickered across my face yet again.

Evan: I'll go catch some more fish to grill.

MC: Uh… About that… I'm sure the fish meat gets digested quickly! I'm sure that's just what it is!

Evan: No worries.

Evan: The charcoal fire's still going strong and it's still early before sundown. Plus, your dress isn't completely dry either.

Evan: We have more than enough time to slowly eat here, and we can do it until you're full and satisfied.

Evan: And as for just how many fishes you ate… I'll make sure to keep it a secret for you.

MC: Wha?

MC: Evan! I never pegged you for one before, but are you actually up to no-good!?

Evan: I'm being serious here.

Evan: It lifts my spirits whenever I see you eat.

Evan: It makes me feel like there's no simpler pleasure than that.

⊹ ˚✩ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ∘◦ ✥ ◦∘ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ✩˚ ⊹

After pondering for a while, I finally decided to…

★ E8 NIGHT: Walk a while more before resting ★

MC: I'm good. Besides, it'll be hard to get going again once we sit, so how about we carry on a little while more and see how it goes?

Evan: You're here for fun, so you don't have to be so hard on yourself.

But he'd probably seen the determination colouring my eyes, for he immediately added on to his previous sentence.

Evan: But I'll listen to the leader.

MC:  Hehe. Now that's more like it.

❖☆———————————★❖

We continued our trek deeper until the forest. Enamoured by the various sights and sceneries, the sky had turned dark long before I knew it.

Evan: Let's find a place to put up the tent. I think this place is pretty suitable.

MC: Okay!

We chose a location with a wide expanse of flat ground. Then, we set about executing the next step of the plan: set up the tent.

I took the tent from my bag, spreading it out on the ground.

First, we had to insert the two rods into the tarpaulin sheet. Then, we had to insert each end of the pole into the small hole on each corner of the tent.

However, this tarpaulin sheet was just way too big. One corner came loose right after I secured the other.

I tried my hardest to spread my arms as far as they could go, but it was still a struggle to secure both ends of the pole at the same time. I fought valiantly, only to end up covered in sweat from my moot attempts.

MC: This is the only time I hate having short limbs…

Evan: Let me help you.

I looked back in surprise. Evan had already returned from fetching water by the river.

He put the bucket down and came up behind me, spreading his arms and holding the curved poles in place with ease.

However, doing so made our positions very close to one another.

His arms were warm, firm, and much longer than my own; long enough to entrap me within when he spread it out horizontally like that. Adding on to that, our clothes were both slightly damp and sticking to our skin. I could acutely feel the faint rise and fall of his chest from behind.

The surroundings seem to be growing warmer, and I felt an inexplicable sense of panic.

Evan: You just have to pin the four corners down.

MC: Okay...

I fumbled as I ducked out of the cage of his arms, putting the rods into the small holes.

❖☆———————————★❖

With Evan's help, the tent was soon set up in no time at all.

Afterwards, we ignited the kerosene lamp again and set up a simple table and chairs. And thus, our little fort out in the wild was finally complete.

Everyone has an innate love of small secluded private spaces at least once in their lives. Looking at our small lodging, I felt a sense of joy well up from the confines of my heart.

MC: Evan, let's go in and have a look inside!

I couldn't wait to delve right inside. It was only after I'd spun a full round in fascination that I realized Evan was still standing outside.

That's not right. How could I have fun all by myself? The goal of coming here today was to make Evan happy!

I thought of a way to nudge Evan into action. A light bulb lit in my head.

MC: Evan, I'm the leader today, so you'll do everything I say, right?

Evan: Yes. What do you want to do?

MC: I want to play a game.

MC: I'll be your personal Doraemon for the day. I'll help you fulfil any wishes you want!

A flicker of surprise passed his face.

Evan: Why do you want to play a game like that?

I pulled him along with me, sitting him down on a chair before sitting right across him.

MC: You've always been my Doraemon, so today, let me enjoy the joy of giving just this once.

Evan: I mean, it's not like you can't; but, what are you sure you want to be doing that here?

MC: Challenges only make it that much more interesting! Feel free to shoot any request you may have!

Unable to ignore my insistence on this matter, he folded his arms and lapsed into thought.

Evan: Then I'll just make a random wish… I want this tent to look prettier.

MC: Gotcha! Leave it to me!

This was probably the first time Evan had ever wished anything of anyone…

And now, the one to listen to his wishes was no one but me… Thinking this, the yearning to fulfil his wishes for him only burned ever stronger.

I suddenly remembered how I'd brought a string of small, colourful, fairy lights with me; if only because I'd seen someone decorate their tent with it online some time before!

I held my excitement in check as I rummaged through my bag for the fairy lights, connected the battery to the string of light and turned it on. Then, I flashed it before Evan.

MC: Ta-daaaa! Look!

❖☆———————————★❖

It was well into the night. Dishing out the fairy lights in peak darkness lit up our surroundings in a dazzling array of colours.

Evan widened his eyes in surprise, gently taking the fairy lights from me and scrutinizing them.

Evan: You actually bought fairy lights? You're a competent Doraemon, all right.

The bedazzling lights shone on our faces, adding a couple more watts to his smile.

Evan lowered his eyes, seemingly lost in his memories.

Evan: You know, these fairy lights remind me of the New Year holidays.

Evan: I walked on the streets and saw the doors of many families decorated with fairy lights like these.

Evan: Celebratory and homey… I really adore it.

Watching Evan's wary manner of carefully selecting his words, I couldn't help but feel my heart clench slightly.

Maybe… this was what he imagined home to be like…

However, he quickly snapped back to reality, his gaze falling to the fairy light before us once more.

Evan: The workmanship of these fairy lights are very intricate, and each bulb is shaped differently.

MC: Yeah. Look, this one’s a small pepper and this one’s a little eggplant...

Evan: Yes. And this one here. This one looks like you; the little rabbit.

MC: It really is a rabbit! You've got some keen observation skills.

MC: But, why am I the only animal? That sounds a little lonely…

Evan: You won't be lonely; because the one right beside the little rabbit's me.

Evan spread his arms, displaying the light bulb beside the little rabbit on the string of lights. But, all I saw was a red ball of light there.

MC: And what does this one look like? I can't really tell

Evan: It doesn't matter what it looks like; because I'm the only one who will stay by the little rabbit's side, regardless.

Although his smile was much warmer in the light, his tone still held an undeniable wistfulness.

I felt an odd sense of panic, but I didn't feel like fleeing from it.

❖☆———————————★❖

Eventually, we put the fairy lights up on the tent.

The constantly flickering and changing lights made the tent look cuter, and much more lovely. It felt like home.

I watched as Evan entered the tent, settling himself comfortably within, his eyes narrowing into happy little slits in a closed-eyed smile. Seeing him this relaxed made my heart fill with joy.

MC: Time for your next wish, Evan!

Evan: Are we continuing? I'm already pretty satisfied.

MC: The game's only just started! You can be a little more willful; just like a little kid!

I gently tugged at his arm, softly coaxing him into giving in.

Getting him to relax was no easy feat; and now, I was finally seeing a glimmer of hope! I can't let it go to waste!

Evan: Alright, one more then.

MC: I'll say this first, but you're forbidden from wishing for something overly simple! I'm Doraemon; you've gotta put your trust in me!

Evan: Okay. Then I want to drink hand-brewed coffee.

He levelled a calm gaze at me, seemingly waiting for me to admit defeat; but I only smiled triumphantly.

MC: Just you wait and see!

I knew that Evan loved coffee, so I’d brought some ground coffee powder along with a set of simple brewing tools.

I lit the stove, boiled a pot of hot water, and slowly poured it into the filter where I’d placed the powder, balanced atop an empty cup, going in circular motions. Soon, a cup of fragrant hand-brewed coffee was made.

I handed the cup of coffee to Evan. He lowered his head to give the aroma a whiff, a pleased smile appearing on his face.

Evan: A fragrance that I love.

Evan: But it's missing a little something.

He then moved to personally make a similar cup for me. We both sat down across each other, nursing our cups of coffee and taking small sips from it.

Even while sitting on a foldable chair, the way he drank his coffee was still as elegant as ever.

The forest was silent. The only thing that could be heard was the sound of intermittent chirping of the insects hidden within the foliage, adding to the relaxed and leisurely atmosphere.

MC: Evan, don’t you think that it’s been a long time since we’ve stepped away from the bustling city life to simply spend time together like this, thinking about nothing?

MC: You seem busy lately. I'm honestly a little concerned if you actually have time to wind down…

Evan: Thank you for your concern. I do have the time to do so once in a while.

He raised the cup of coffee in his hand.

Evan: This is the aroma I settle down with every lunch break, to watch a movie, or to read a book.

MC: Right, I often do the same as well.

A flicker of thought entered my mind, and I immediately latched on.

MC: I know! I've helped you think of your next wish!

Evan: Oh? And what is it?

I smiled mysteriously at him, turning around to rummage through my bag.

I happened to bring a book along with me today, so I searched the contents of my bag for it, pulling it out and handing it to him.

He ran his fingers across the gold-gilded text that had been printed onto the book cover. After a while, he suddenly returned the book to me. I raised my head in slight surprise, only to see the slight smile hidden in the corner of his eyes.

Evan: If that's how it is, then could I trouble you to read a paragraph for me?

MC: Sure.

Opening the book, I picked out a story that was about the forest and slowly started reading aloud.

It was seemingly enough to please him. He held onto his coffee, slowly leaning into the soft pillow, closing his eyes in satisfaction.

After finishing a paragraph, I closed the book, only to find him staring at me seriously. There was a fire flickering within his crimson orbs.

Evan: You know, I actually like this story a lot.

Evan: The first time I read this book, I imagined myself in the protagonist’s shoes.

Evan: Riding a small boat in a remote and secluded river, letting the current take me wherever it goes.

Evan: Expecting nothing, with no destination in mind. It doesn’t matter if I get stuck in a rapid, or if I’m just turning around in place.

MC: Sounds romantic enough. What happened after? Did you ever try doing so?

Evan: Not yet. Later, I ended up coming to the forest many times, but unfortunately, none of it was to seek recreation.

Evan: Which means, this is my first time.

Evan: So, thank you; for making this a memorable night for me.

He seemed a little tuckered out, and his voice was as soft as a mere whisper. His eyes were slowly fluttering shut as he spoke.

His eyelashes slid down as his eyes closed, casting a faint shadow on his features. I quietly observed how picturesque he looked like that as I thought back to everything he’d just said. A new plan was born within my heart.

Perhaps this wish was something that I could truly fulfil for him.

❖☆———————————★❖

The next morning, at exactly 5 AM. I was roused from my slumber as my alarm clock rang.

I gave a big wide stretch, casting a glance at Evan. Thankfully enough, he hadn’t been awoken by the alarm and was still curled up in the sleeping bag next to be, fast and soundly asleep.

After doing a simple wash up, I quietly exited the tent.

We passed by a commercial campground yesterday while searching for a suitable campsite. It provided rental services of a wide variety of camping equipment.

That’s why my first thought had been this place when I heard Evan mention boating last night. Hence, I contacted them and reserved an inflatable kayak.

With the help of my mobile GPS navigator, I walked the forest for about half an hour before I finally arrived at the campsite.

After waiting outside for a good long while, the owner whom I’d previously made an appointment with came up to me in a right state of panic.

Campsite Owner: Sorry! Some trouble cropped up, so I’m late…

MC: Don’t worry about it. What happened though? Do you need any help?

Campsite Owner: Can I bother you? If so, then yes please! I’ll tell you what happened…

After a while, I handed a trembling kitten to the owner.

It began rolling about as soon as it returned to its owner’s arms, acting like a baby as it rubbed itself against the owner’s palm, as if expressing regretfulness for its actions.

MC: The little guy must have been scared out of its mind.

Campsite Owner: Yeah. Thank you so much, Miss! I have no idea what I'd have done without you.

MC: Don't worry about it. It's no big deal.

When I came to the campsite earlier, the owner had been in the middle of a cat problem. It had climbed to the top of the tree without anyone's notice and didn't dare come down.

It had been meowing helplessly at the very top. Hence, I immediately joined the rescue effort without a second thought.

I hear that it had already been stuck up the tree for about 10 hours or more. We didn't have a tall enough ladder, so it took a great amount of improvisation to finally save the poor kitten.

Campsite Owner: Oh, right. J nearly forgot your kayak. This isn't light, though! Can you carry it alone?

MC: Huh?

I stepped forward to test its weight. The folded inflatable kayak was indeed heavier than I expected. But thinking about how Evan would react upon seeing this kayak, I suddenly felt that this extra weight meant absolutely nothing in comparison.

Campsite Owner: *Sigh* Since you've helped me, I ought to repay you the favour by lugging this back for you. But I've still got appointments later so I really can't afford to leave...

Campsite Owner: Rental's free of charge then! Have fun with it!

MC: It's alright, I can just take my time carrying it back. Thank you!

After bidding my farewells to the owner, I took the kayak with me and left the campsite.

I hadn't made it fat when my arms started feeling sore. All I could do was to put the kayak on the ground and take a short breather.

As I spaced out, I suddenly heard a muffled sound coming from within the depths of the forest.

My ears tuned in to the sound in full alert. Whatever that was, it was by no means small. 

Was it an animal? Or was it someone?

The crunching sound of leaves approached closer and closer. Now, I could tell without a doubt that those footsteps were most definitely human. And it sounded a little rushed; panicked, even.

Feeling a little uneasy, I couldn’t help but stand back up.

Then, a familiar figure emerged from the dense forest.

MC: …Evan!?

He seemingly breathes out a long sigh of relief upon spotting me. He quickly strode up to me.

Evan: I finally found you, at least.

Evan: I woke up in the morning to find you missing, and you never picked up even when I called. I was worried sick.

He looked as calm and unruffled as ever at first glance. The only difference was that he seemed a little out of breath.

This place isn’t close to our campsite at all. How long has he been searching for me out in the woods?

Thinking about it made me feel a little guilty.

I ended up telling him briefly about the unexpected situation I’d encountered in the commercial camp and everything before that.

MC: I left really early. I initially thought that I’d be back before you woke up, but I never thought that I’d take that long to get back...

MC: I’ve been busy this entire time so I didn’t have the time to check my phone. Sorry for worrying you.

Evan: It's okay. Just… Don't leave my side without saying anything next time, alright?

I nodded and lowered my eyes in embarrassment. Unexpectedly, I then noticed that he’d buttoned a button near the hem of his dress shirt wrong.

Having never seen Evan disregard his appearance in this manner before, I very nearly failed to suppress my snort of laughter.

Evan: Hm? What's the matter?

I shook my head, undoing that button and rebuttoning it right. It was only then that he noticed his slight gaffe. He laughed at his own mistake.

Evan: …Thank you.

Looking into his eyes, I couldn't hold back the urge to ask him the one thing that had been nagging at my mind.

MC: This place is not anywhere close to our campsite. How did you know I was here?

Evan: I couldn't contact you in the morning, so I searched around the tent to see if you left anything resembling a note behind.

Evan: I remembered that you seemed interested in this place when we passed by it yesterday, so I thought that maybe this was where you'd gone.

I hadn’t expected him to see completely through me as he cast a glance at the kayak on the ground.

MC: *Sigh* Why did you figure everything out like that? I wanted to surprise you!

Evan: Don't worry about it. This is also a surprise in and of itself, don't you think? Thank you for all the effort you've put in.

Evan: It feels pretty good to have your wish granted by someone else.

He gently took my hand in his, enveloping my palm in his bigger one, transmitting his unusual body warmth.

Evan: But I also want you to know that just you being by my side's more than enough for me.

My train of thought was disrupted by his tender gaze, making it hard for me to gather my thoughts together.

MC: But I don't think that's enough.

MC: You’re always taking care of others and listening to their wishes, but you can’t forget yourself and your wishes.

MC: I want to hear more of your wishes. You can always be a little greedier when you’re with me, Evan...

He looked at me for a fleeting second before suddenly closing in on me. He only stopped when my figure was completely enshrouded within his shadow.

Evan: Then, can I be greedy one last time?

MC: Huh…?

Not waiting for me to give him an answer, he advanced a step forwards, pulling me into a hug.

His arms were solidly wound around me, and the fragrance of wormwood that came with his embrace was lasting and stronger than ever.

The strength behind his action made it hard for me to reject him, hard for me to escape. 

Oddly enough, I felt a little intoxicated by it, slowly closing my eyes.

❖☆———————————★❖

The next day, early morning. I woke up to the melodious singing of birds.

Evan was already awake, neatly dressed and sitting on the folded chair at the entrance, sipping on a cup of coffee.

Evan: Good morning. Sleep well last night?

MC: Brilliantly! I was so tired from walking so long yesterday that I fell asleep the moment my head met the pillow.

MC: Oh, right. It’ll take quite a long time to go back where we came, so let’s eat something, pack up, and leave as soon as possible!

Evan set his cup of coffee down,

Evan: Aren’t you forgetting something?

MC: Huh?

Evan: I recall you wanting to see bamboo piths, but we have yet to see any.

I froze, awkwardly laughing it off

That had originally been an excuse to get him outside and I’d totally forgotten about it.

MC: Hehe. I’m not that adamant about seeing bamboo piths.

MC: I only said that back then as an excuse to get you out so that you can relax.

MC: I heard that you had things rather rough before that so I was a little worried about you.

He looked slightly surprised. Then, he lowered his eyes, a warm smile catching onto the sides of his mouth.

Evan: So it was because of me.

Evan: Thank you for accompanying me here. I’m certainly much more relaxed now.

MC: But considering how you were previously… Are you really okay?

Evan: Yes. It’s probably not as bad as you’re thinking. I was just thinking about some old people and old things and felt a little glum about it.

Evan: I never thought that I’d end up alarming others.

MC: Why am I “others” now?

MC: Don’t bottle your troubles up to solve them yourself. You need to remember to share them with people close to you as well!

Evan: Okay. I will keep that in mind.

I still didn’t know what he was troubled by, but I suppose this was still within my expectations.

From my impression of him, he has always been strong. It was almost as if he was shouldering a mission that no one knew about, walking down a similarly obscured path.

After finishing breakfast, we packed and prepared to leave the forest.

We idly chatted with each other along the way until suddenly, Evan stopped short while we were passing through an area.

Following his gaze, I saw a unique-looking umbrella-shaped thing growing within the shrubbery’s shade.

Evan: See? We still managed to chance upon it.

MC: Wow, are all of these bamboo piths?

We walked over together, squatting beside the small white fungi.

It had a small black cap and had grown out a long white mesh skirt.

This was the first time I ever saw a bamboo pith growing in the soil. I widened my eyes in surprise, unwilling to blink as I drank in the sight. After observing it for a while, I finally raised a finger, reaching out to touch its “skirt”.

MC: It’s so wet and soft-looking! It’s adorable! Have you seen it before, Evan?

MC: I can’t believe you managed to recognize it at a glance!

Evan: Yes. It was back during the first time I’d been driven into the forest as a child.

Evan: I witnessed the law of the jungle and escaped from the jaws of death of a snake. I felt like the forest was a place filled with danger and wanted nothing but to leave the place the faster, the better.

Evan: Then, just as I was hungry and exhausted, I saw a bamboo pith.

Evan: At that time, I didn’t know what it was and if it was actually poisonous.

Evan: Deep in the throes of despair, I thought “why not just take it, eat it, and see what my fate turns out to be”?

MC: Evan…

Evan: But guess what I saw while I was hesitating?

Evan: I saw it growing its fungus skirt. All it took was a little effort on its part, and its little skirt grew longer and longer.

Evan: I stared at it blankly, in a daze. I didn’t even notice that my legs had gone numb from how long I’d stared at it.

He retracted himself from his memory palace, turning around to face me with a smile.

Evan: It was as simple as a little young lady, capable of encouraging me with its adorability and enchantments.

Evan: It made me understand that forest, in all its gloom and doom, still has its own little interesting spots.

Evan: And that one is only capable of seeing it by living on, don’t you think?

His expression was quiet, but within those calm eyes of his, I could see that little boy who’d struggled his hardest to remain strong. I felt my heart constrict slightly at that and moved to hold his hand tightly in my own.

MC: Evan, that’s all in the past. You’re no longer that helpless little boy.

Evan: No, I’m fine.

Evan: I might have forgotten even this if we hadn’t seen the bamboo piths today.

Evan: It feels a little unbelievable when I think back on it now. It was a memory plagued by darkness, yet it still held its own beautiful moments.

I felt a pang of sorrow creep into my heart. Words of comfort were right at the tip of my tongue, yet I felt like they’d be completely helpless.

This man before me, strong as a warrior; someone who’d been forced to face life-or-death decisions from a very young age… Maybe he wasn’t as complicated as I initially thought he was.

There are many reasons why one would choose death, but to choose life? The reason was simple; just a little spark was required, and Evan was no exception.

MC: I forgot who said it, but someone once said that the meaning of existence that people spend their entire lives seeking out is actually hidden in the simple things.

MC: Evan, won’t you say that you might end up thinking similarly as well one day?

MC: You might not be able to find it immediately, but that’s fine. I will accompany you in your search for it, no matter how long it takes.

Evan fixed me with a profound look before stretching out his hand and reverently crossing it over my own.

Evan: Alright. Together we shall be.

⊹ ˚✩ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ∘◦ ✥ ◦∘ ━━━━━━━━━━━ ✩˚ ⊹

✥ Choose your Ending:

END 1 | Choice: Do Nothing [都不做]

END 2 +3 + 4 | Choice: Call Out [呼唤] ⊹Speak⊹

END 4 + 6 | Choice: Approach [亲近] ⊹Touch⊹

END 7 + 8 | Choice: Heart-throb [心动] ☆Light & Night★

❖☆————— ⊹ For Night, For Revolution⊹ —————★❖

Previous Part: (Prologue)

[damn-stark]

Stories behind scars

Cal Kestis x reader

Requested by anon “perfect! can i request a cal kestis x reader? maybe they go exploring on their own and they find an old jedi temple and they explore it and afterwards fluffy stuff with the reader asking about how scars? xx”

Warning- fluff, violence, talks of blood, slight angst.

——

There was always something so peaceful about traveling the galaxy to find Jedi temples. Even if you weren’t a Jedi like Cal, and didn’t have much of an importance to seek them, there was always something great about finding them and exploring them.

Plus usually going to Jedi temples, you avoided not having to fight, or worry about who was out to get either Cal, or you. There was always something so peaceful about them. It made you wish you could have the force to feel what your boyfriend did, but alas you didn’t. You were only left to wonder and imagine what it felt like.

“So where are we?”

Cal lowers the ship into the desert moon, letting you both be greeted by a large walled city that is surrounded by nothing but dry, sandy terrain. While at the edge of the city stood a large triangular tower. At first you thought Cal was going to land in the city but he kept going and traveling about the desert, answering your question a moment later after passing the city.

“The cold moon called Jedha.”

You hum as a response, but then you’re left to wonder. “Didn’t we just pass the Jedi temple?”

Cal shakes his head and smiles slightly. “No, that was the temple of kyber, good eye though, you’re getting better at pointing them out. Or trying to point them out.”

You scoff and shrug. “Well it isn’t hard when they all look the same, ancient, tall and almost broken down.”

Cal chuckles and slightly turns his head to meet your gaze, instantly proving your comment wrong. “Except for this one, look.” He turns his head to look out at the transparisteel, pointing out to you a carving on the desert ground as he flies above it slowly.

You narrow your gaze on what he had pointed to and tried to find what temple he had “pointed to” exactly, but all you saw was a huge carving of cloaked Jedi with a carving of lightsaber in its clutch, and never-ending sand. “I don’t see a temple.”

Cal smirks, “you’ll see.”

He proceeds to land the ship by the carving, still not clarifying your confusion one bit and only making you worry that he was leading you to nothing.

But you trusted Cal, so you followed him to where he lead you through the desert without a question. Feeling surprised as you felt rather cold in a desert, in the middle of the day. Something Cal noticed.

“I told you to wear your jacket.”

“Well,” you remark, “it’s a desert, I didn’t think I’d need it.”

Cal just shakes his head, finally stopping where the tip of the carved out lightsaber stopped, studying the ground beneath his feet carefully. Only looking up to you moments later to wave you to him. “Come on I found a way in.”

You let your eyes study him for a moment, before looking down at the ground with nothing that could lead to a Jedi temple of any kind. Regardless, doing as he asked and walking to stand by his side.

Only being surprised when he uses the force to blow the sand around you away to reveal a carved out circle that he began to lower down slowly. Leading to an underground...temple.

“Told you,” Cal remarks with a knowing smile. “And you were worried that I was leading you to our deaths.”

You chuckle and shake your head to disapprove of his comment. “I never said that.”

“You didn’t have to. I know you.”

You scoff and jump off the platform once it’s safe, looking around you and noticing that it was a pretty small temple, formed out like the Jedi carved above ground. In terms of looks, it looked the same as many others you've been to, old, dusty, made out of stone, abandoned and with one of the circles that cal meditated on.

“I’m going to mediate, and find out what happened, okay? Watch my six?” Cal questioned.

“Of course,” you nod, instinctively pulling out your hand to receive his lightsaber for just in case.

“Be careful.” He reminds you.

“Always am.” You assure him with a wink, turning to leave him be and taking time to explore the temple and see if their was any trouble with BD-1 on your shoulder—“I wonder what stories this temple contains.” You muse as your eyes explore every inch of the temple.

BD-1 chirps and you can’t help but agree. “You’re right, probably old stories.” You smile at him and continue, not noticing the tunnels that were dug and hidden by the shadows. Instead gasping as at the center of the temple, you see something shining by the sun peaking through the small holes above.

You’re hesitant to move towards the shining object, but you’re also entranced and find yourself instinctively moving towards it, feeling your eyes widen in admiration as you notice that it’s a kyber crystal placed above a stone pedestal. You move your hand to grab it and as you do, something suddenly comes out of the hidden tunnel.

A long sepertent with its mouth wide open and moving swiftly towards you. You jump out of the way and notice that it chooses to ignore you, quickly slithering away towards the only other person here; Cal.

Without a second thought and a plan, you run after it, igniting the lightsaber in your hand and puncturing it through its tail, but not expecting its tail moving back and throwing you to the wall.

At the impact you’re left dazed for a few seconds, gasping for air and hearing BD-1’s nervous chirps. It takes you a moment to fully return to your surroundings and your worried state. Not thinking of your pain and jumping to your feet to continue with your improvised plan to help Cal. Finding once you return back to the room you had been at before, that the serpent threw itself towards Cal, biting down on his shoulder and dragging him away, pulling from his meditative state and bringing him back to the room.

You tighten your hold around the hilt and run towards the serpent, once again puncturing it’s skin and cutting it along its side as you run forward to reach Cal, stopping and seeing the serpent drop it’s hold on Cal and fall limp the ground.

“Cal!”

“I’m okay, I’m fine,” Cal assures you once you reach him and pull him to a sitting position. “It just got a good bite out of me, but I’m okay.”

At his words you see blood soaking through his clothes, causing you to pull the pack you owned off your back to open it and get out some patching supplies.

“Could you take off your jacket and shirt please,” you plead Cal.

Cal hesitates but does so, revealing the fresh wound and scars littered across his body.

To distract him from the stinging pain that you were going to cause by patching him up, you point to the scar on his side. “What happened there?”

Cals gaze flickers down to what your fingers trace and he shivers at your touch. “Oh, that I got from when I used to work as a rigger.”

“Hmm,” your eyes flicker to what you’re doing before blinking to briefly glance at the short, round, punctured looking one on his ribs. “What about that one?”

“Oh, that’s one from this sith,” he tells, “you know from the adventure I had with the crew.”

You chuckle and grin. “Oh the one neither of them can ever shut about?”

“Exactly,” Cal agrees, continuing to explain his explanation. “I got the scar when Darth Vader stabbed me.”

Your eyes fly to meet his and you quirk your brow, narrowing your gaze to study his eyes as if trying to read if he was lying. “Really? That’s hard to believe.”

He scoffs, “believe it or not, it’s true.”

“You kill him?” You snicker.

Cal shakes his head. “Almost.”

You laugh and add a patch over his shoulder, moving your hands to clean them on a wipe. “You need to be more careful.”

Cal smiles. “I always am.” He continues to take your hand, placing it on his face, so you could trace the scar on his face with your thumb. “And you know where I got that one.”

“Yep, during the Jedi purge.” You smile softly and press a small kiss on his lips, stroking his cheek before you pressed a kiss on the bridge of his nose where his scar was traced. Only parting away to show him your smile and your relief. “I’m glad you made it out okay from all that.”

Cal mirrors your smile and is quick to respond back in the same soft voice you spoke. “I’m glad you’re here. I don’t know what I’d do without you. It seems like you’re always saving me from something.”

You look away and shrug, trying to avoid feeling the heat rise on your face. “I try my best.” Finally remembering what you had obtained from the temple, you take it out of your pocket and show it to Cal. “Look what I found, a kyber crystal.”

Cal takes it from your hand and examines it for a brief moment before handing it back to you. “Keep it. It’ll be useful when you build your own lightsaber.”

You blink, surprised by his comment. “But I’m not a Jedi.”

Cal stands to his feet and puts his jacket on and folds his bloody shirt. Helping you to your feet and reassuring your doubt. “No necessarily. You don’t have to be a Jedi to have a lightsaber. Plus I’ve seen how you handle mine, you’re great.”

You shake your head, still shocked by what he said. “But—”

“I’ll help you, don’t worry.” Cal cuts you off, beginning to lead you out of the temple.

You grin. “Alright, just don’t complain if I become a better fighter than you.”