#I don't really know what I was going for with the scenery. Had Waterfall on the brain.

[rheakira]

┌─────────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───────────┐

"And when you're ready to give love another try...

I'll be here."

└─────────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───────────┘

For @northstarscowboyhat ! ✨

#UTY #Starlo UTY #Ceroba UTY #Ceroba Ketsukane #Staroba #Undertale Yellow #Doodles #Made this for their birthday! Wanted to surprise them something nice <3 #Been wanting to draw these two for a while now #Kinda my favorite UTY pair but I usually consume art and fics of it more than I make art and fics of them hehe #I don't really know what I was going for with the scenery. Had Waterfall on the brain. #It's very good for atmosphere and romantic lighting imo!

[hedgehog-moss]

Last Sunday in October, a story in five parts :)

i. The guy who owns the pasture next to mine took his cows back to their winter lodgings the other day, and told me I could let my llamas eat what was left of the grass if I wanted. That was sweet of him but his pasture's fence is cow-proof, not llama-proof, so I had to wait for a sunny day, so I could sit with a book nearby and keep an eye on the llamas Pampe. Today was the day!

Pampy looked happy about this unexpected change of scenery and started grazing peacefully, meanwhile Pampe started with exploring the whole pasture, including the patch of woods at the back, hoping to find a flaw in the fence.

(Note Poldine below, desperately running after her mum so she won't be left behind if Pampe does find an opportunity to escape)

ii. I found some impressive coulemelles in this new pasture (I don't know any mushroom names in English sorry.) I cut one to take to the pharmacy and ask if they're the good kind (here with my hand for scale)

They're also known as nez de chat, cat's nose mushrooms, in some regions...

I found some girolles nearby last year, but not this time. The llamas seemed to be on their best behaviour so I thought after lunch I'd go look for mushrooms farther away in the woods, down by the torrent, instead of watching them all day.

Poldine, watch your mother.

I asked Merricat if she was volunteering her services as a llama-sitter (it looked like it)

—but she suspected I was going home where the fire is, so she followed me. (I don't make a fire on sunny afternoons, though... she had to nap in my cardigan instead. Not as good, but a tolerated second-best option.)

iii. I took Pan with me after lunch so he wouldn't encourage Pampe in mischief, and he was uncharacteristically audacious in his frolicking! He doesn't like water and he's usually quite prudent when we're near the torrent, even scolding me if I climb on mossy rocks, but today he was jumping from one slippery rock to the other very boldly.

As I was taking this nice waterfall photo, I heard a very dramatic high-pitched squeal followed by a dramatic splashing sound, and when I turned around Pandolf was dragging himself out of the torrent, looking, as we say in french, honteux et confus.

I'm sorry that his bout of audacious frolicking had to end this way :( Back to frolicking gingerly for at least a couple of years... (His fur is magical though, he looks like a drowned rat at first but then shakes himself twice and is immediately back to a normal volume of floof. So his dignity doesn't suffer for long, at least.)

iv. I found no mushrooms but something even better!

I love chestnuts so much, I've been hoping to find chestnut trees for years but was starting to think they just don't grow at this altitude... But I suck at identifying trees so it's very possible I walked past them dozens of times and never recognised them when it wasn't chestnut season.

You really have to earn every chestnut, even with the crushing-under-your-boot method to squeeze them out you still have to extricate them from their burr going ow ow ow the whole time. The worst thing is when you kill your fingers opening a reticent burr and it resentfully spits out a bunch of sad deflated worthless chestnuts.

Still, I ended up going home with chestnuts in every single one of my pockets. When we got out of the woods and back on the road Pandolf and I ran into a woman we don't know (so, not a close neighbour) and we started talking about foraging and I wondered if I should tell her about the nearby chestnut spot. But those things are private. No one told me about the chestnut spot even after I made increasingly heavy casual hints about how much I love chestnuts. After a while though I started suspecting this lady knew about the spot and was on her way there. Or on her way back, through a different path. She looked shifty. So did I. It's very possible that we were both standing there in the middle of the road with our coat pockets crammed with chestnuts, making pointedly non-chestnut-related small talk.

v. I went home and started making chestnut-pumpkin soup while dodging constant coordinated chicken attacks. At first they act like they're napping on a conveniently-nearby chair, or looking the other way, and as soon as you stop distrusting their intentions, they pounce, often from two different directions.

Side plot: Pandolf spent this whole time desperately trying to catch a cat, to restore his self-confidence after falling in the torrent.

Morille went from strolling casually on top of the fence to lounging casually in the hazel tree above my head, making it look like she hadn't even noticed she was being chased, which was very frustrating for Pandolf. Nothing wounds a dog like going unnoticed.

I told Morille it would make him happy if she let him catch her, and she was like eh, fine, and elegantly jumped from the hazel tree to the top of the stone wall.

Pandolf immediately followed, poked her a bit brutally with his big nose, and then he didn't know what else to do with her once he caught her so he just wagged his tail like "Well played, cat!! It was nice chasing you" and left.

v. bis (or ter) I want to reassure Pirlouit fans (who might have noticed that he wasn't allowed to graze in the neighbour's pasture with the llamas) that he knows he's entitled to fair compensation as a donkey, and he stood behind the fence the whole time I was preparing my soup, patiently waiting for his pumpkin benefits. Which he did get.

I found some leftover chestnuts in my trouser pocket tonight, that I'd forgotten about, so I'm having stove-roasted chestnuts for dessert after the chestnut soup! Chestnuts were 90% of my dinner and were also the reason Pandolf got dinner. I ran out of dog kibble and I was thinking of giving him a hard-boiled egg and some rice tonight, and go buy kibble tomorrow, but on our way back this afternoon we stopped by our closest neighbour's house and I humbly offered a handful of chestnuts in exchange for one serving of kibble. The neighbour's dog didn't look enchanted with our offer but his human agreed. I usually trade with my chicken's eggs but this woman has hens so I'm glad chestnuts are also accepted as valid currency.

#crawling along #i love numbered lists but i really should stop using them in my posts because i always end up adding extra stuff at the end 😭

[stsgooo]

moonlit goddess.... maybe jinshi is wondering why his dear maid continues to pull away from him... and maybe gao shun lets it slip that "they shouldn't have been close that day anyway".... and jinshi pesters him until he folds n explains.... IDK I JUST WANT A HAPPY ENDING FOR THOSE TWO :((((( (not forced ofc!! i jus love ur writing!)

Bridge the Gap.

✩࿐ summary: life and death really makes a girl wonder.

warning(s): idiots in love, chapters 61-65 manga spoilers, master/servant like relationship, description of near drowning, suggestive content, ambiguous ending. wc; 9.3k

pairing(s): jinshi/fem!reader.

a/n: tysm for reading my fics means the world to hear ppl actually enjoy them, anon!!! ;') i wasn't really going to make a 2nd part of moonlight goddess as i thought it was okay to leave off there, but i love jinshi sooo i'll take any excuse to write him. this was initially going to be a part 2 of clumsiness, but i figured my plans worked better with what you were envisioning! im not entirely sure how to feel about this, but i hope this lives up to the standards! i apologize for any mistakes, this was written mostly in the early mornings when i had time!

part i. m.list

"Are you sure I'm not hurting you?"

"Y/N, please, stop asking me that."

"Oh, yes. My apologies, Jinshi-sama. Sorry."

This were, admittedly, not going well. Both of you soaked, hair dripping, and standing in the cave behind a rapid waterfall, and a dull ache in your chest as you recovered. Partly your fault, partly the fault of some crazed marksman that was hiding in the forest, trying to slaughter Jinshi and, by proxy, you.

To understand how you two ended up in this situation, we would have to back up a bit.

"Oh? Y/N, I didn't know you'd be attending this as well?"

"It was a last minute switch with Suiren and I."

"You... enjoy these hunts?"

"I've done everything I could to avoid them in the years past."

Your lack of excitement was apparent and clear. It appeared to bring no ease of mind to Maomao who dragged her rather disgusted eyes from you towards Gaoshun. The older man just kept his attention on the moving scenery outside, a distant glaze over his eyes.

Maomao obviously wasn't optimistic. Just like you. You were almost proud that she had caught on so easily.

The sweltering heat outside seemed to seep into the carriage, cooking you alive in your rather formal wear. Something that you were spotted in far and few, having been years that you truly cleaned yourself prim and proper. You had been on the edge of declining even going when Jinshi, with a grin and a certain glitter in his eyes, had too happily informed you that it was a direct invitation from Shishou.

Your fate had been sealed.

Maomao peeked at you from the corner of her eye, head tilted, "Do you mind me asking why you avoided these events?"

You don't even spare her a glance, "I fear if I spoke my honest opinion, I'd stain Jinshi-sama's reputable name with my foul mouth." You reply flatly in return.

"Please don't." Gaoshun said softly from his seat, looking particularly tired.

You decided to ignore the slump of Maomao's shoulders as if disappointed by the swift interruption and decline on Gaoshun's part. Turning your eyes towards the shifting world outside.

It'd been exactly five months since Jinshi had danced under the moon and you came to the conclusion that any impure thoughts you held for your master would be safely tucked away in the back of your mind (and heart). Forever your secret. Only to be heard in your dreams and upon your death, when you repent for any ill thoughts to the Great Man above.

Everything had returned to its normal routine. You would get up in the morning, prepare breakfast alongside Suiren, eat, then proceed with any chores the woman gave you for the rest of the day, then repeat. Equally, your relationship (or lack thereof) with Jinshi had remained the same. Conversations filled with pleasantries. Simple things that had always lingered between the two of you since you were children. Pleasant and simple. As the world shall ever be.

It got a bit ruffled with Jinshi had cornered you and practically ordered that you come to the hunt instead of Suiren.

In the middle of scrubbing away at the floors, he had found you. Stood above you with that grin, “Y/N, you’re one of my most loyal servants, hm?” He’d begun with an inflection in his tone that made you horribly hesitant.

You had faltered in your scrubbing to stare up at him with confusion, “Uh…well, I suppose, Jinshi-sam’s.”

“Why don’t you join me for the Hunt this up coming week?”

Your had heart dropped. And, by the look Gaoshun had dawned, his had too. The Hunt, in your humble opinion, was a glorified weekend for the men in high positions to rub one off while killing animals. It wasn’t something you found interesting in or much grace. That’s why you had declined Suiren’s question on whether or not you’d like to take her place only three days prior. You had no interest in watching anyone, even Jinshi, size each other up while a defenseless animal bled.

“Jinshi-sama, I believe Suiren—“

Ever the gentleman, he had cut you off, “No worries, Suiren agreed to take over matters while you’re gone! She’s the sweetest, right?” He had appeared all to eager and all too himself for you to ignore.

So, with a heavy heart, you’d sighed, accepting defeat and his invitation.

Now, you would find your torture for a multiple day retreat with a bunch of men with their c—

The carriage came to an abrupt halt, bringing an unruly end to your thoughts as you all carefully exited and were greeted by the sunshine. The humid air heavy with the condensation of the area and already making a sweat appear on your brow. But, ever the lady, you pleasantly tuck your hands into your sleeves and follow behind Gaoshun and Basen.

You were a little surprised as Maomao stuck closely to your side; but not all too surprised to find her attention on your surroundings, vague surprise in her eyes. The area was as equally as beautiful as it was a burden to you.

The buildings weren't anything for you to revel at. Spending an entire lifetime within palaces and in buildings as equally or above standard to those, it just wasn't anything special. The nature surrounding the area, however, was something to stare in awe at. Lucious trees, beautiful grass, and beautiful array of plants and flowers. It almost made you regret all the time you had spent away from this place.

But it wasn't like you had the chance to truly return since the last time you were here. Nothing could bring back that little girl.

You deterred your thoughts away as Gaoshun slid the door open. Immediately, you were hit with a wave of heat that you made you tense up. It was apparent that you wouldn't find your much needed cool down you were desperate to find since you were confined in the carriage days prior.

You were the last to enter and when you did, you faltered at the sight before you.

Jinshi was sprawled across the couch, wisps of his dark hair framed his sweat glistened face, eyes closed in contempt. A small dent appeared between his eyebrows and a frown adorned his face. However, your attention was caught on a drop of sweat that made its way from his hairline, down his cheek, his jaw, his long slender neck, and past his— his collar.

His modesty was of no worry, apparently, as he laid with his robes parted open to reveal his chest. Itself was glistening with sweat. Delicate skin on showcase for all to see. It brought a soft blush to your cheeks, as you blatantly ogled him. Pressing your lips together to contain whatever thoughts you had about him from burst from your seams.

"Y/N," Jinshi's voice hit your ears, tender and smooth. You're suddenly hyperaware that he's staring at you with raised brows, lids peeked open to stare at you.

You straighten your back and offer a bow, "Jinshi-sama. Do you require anything?" You had to get it together. It was inappropriate to behave in such a scandalous way. "Request for ice? Tea?"

Jinshi shook his head, sitting up, "No, rather I'd like for you to rest after such a long journey."

You falter, your arms wavering from their position in front of your face, "Uh.... Wouldn't the room be more tolerable with some ice?" You spare a glance around the room and grimace. The windows are shut tight, only bits of sun peeking through the cracks. Basen looks rather miserable, but trying to appear his usual stern self. While Gaoshun and Maomao seem rather okay with showcasing their small discontent with the heat. A nice cube would help at least cool down a bit.

You also couldn't stand another second seeing Jinshi like that. As if he were some type of nymph testing your faith.

"Really, it's fine—" Jinshi attempted, but you were already turning on your heel.

"I will return with ice." You didn't miss the way Jinshi's face fell and his eyes cut to Gaoshun who shook his head in return.

Your fast paced adventure led you to the main hall, where people were moving in and out. Various officers and servants filled the area, finding their rooms or helping their masters and fellow officers to their own rooms. Everyone appeared to be feeling the heat as they wiped their brows. Much like you, they appeared to be attempting to defeat the heat.

You found your way towards an attendant who helped you get something situated for Kousen. Something that brought you both distaste and irritation. Something to be addressed at a later time.

Joy filled you as you turned around, ice would soon be in the room and you could crowd around it like it was a new lover.

As you were about to make your way back to the room, you ran into someone.

You were about to apologize when they whirled around and you let out an audibly sigh that conveyed your unwavering exhaustion for them.

"Hey, watch where— Oh, hey, " Lihaku blinked, kind face twisted up in vague recognition. “You’re that lady-in-waiting. What are you doing out here?”

“I’m on loan from Jinshi-sama,” you answered rather flatly, not missing the small frown accompanying the man’s face.

You were vaguely familiar with Lihaku. What with Maomao getting involved in the problems within the inner and rear palace, you were bound to make new acquaintances when she was dragging you around. Lihaku was the first one you had ran into. On orders to accompany the girl from Suiren, you had gotten to see her investigative skills firsthand. You were impressed, surely, when she had made the discovery about the potatoes. But the impression was overshadowed by Lihaku, who had spent the entire time chatting your ear off.

He was kind, handsome, and smart when it called for it. But you could tell that, like most officers, he had an airheaded vibe to him. One that deterred you from making things too complicated with him.

Friendly enough, and one of the few people that didn't seem to disinterest Maomao, you accepted his very vague and shadowed feature in your life.

"Well, that's nice of him." He said, clearly disinterested in where this conversation was going. "I'm glad to see a friendly face, though."

You offered a small smile, "As am I. Not many kind faces around here often."

"You can say that again." You hear a loud inhuman snort and a tug on your gown, taking a large step back, you look down. A large dog with drool leaking out from the sides of its mouth stared back at you. "Oh, hey, boy, no!"

"O-Oh my." You uttered, slightly breathless as you looked at the large beast.

Lihaku glanced at you, offering a withering smile, "Eh, sorry, he gets excited around new people— not a great trait in a dog like this, you would think, but he's a real gem. Just has his moments. Hey, now—"

Lihaku pulled out something metal and brought it to his lips, then blew. It emitted little to no sound, at least, any you could truly hear, making your perk up when the dog tilted his head and sat respectfully before the officer. He blew again and the dog laid. Again, and the dog stood on all fours.

You smiled softly, watching in wonder as it obeyed whatever silent orders it was getting from Lihaku.

"He's very smart." You observed as the dog sat down again.

"Right?" Lihaku beamed, "I can get him to come running from kilometers away if need be."

"Useful when you're in a bind."

"For sure!" Lihaku's demeanor reminded you of a proud father as he puffed his chest and looked distastefully towards the cages lined up outside. "He's real smart, yet they still want to use those birds in the end."

You didn't want to point out the various problems that could come with using a dog; as there were probably another list of various pros to actually use the dog. The hawks had been used for years and you doubt that some dogs would be taking their place any time soon. It'd probably be a long time before these arrogant men came to their senses and found better means. Despite dogs being loyal and determined to their cause, the hawk would always be chosen.

Or, the better alternative, they didn't do this hunt anymore.

But you knew that was a longshot.

It wasn't long after that you bid Lihaku a farewell and good luck on his duties, making your way back to the room. You exchanged pleasant smiles and greetings with familiar faces, but nothing that kept you from relaxing much longer.

When you returned to the room, everyone had found their own areas and activities to occupy themselves. Gaoshun and Basen were playing Go near the windows, Maomao was reclining on the floor where a sliver or air was flowing through (from where, you weren't completely sure). Jinshi was back to sitting on the couch, a book in his hands. Something that was quickly disregarded as you gently closed the door behind you.

"The ice should be up soon." You informed the room with a respectful bow.

Jinshi didn't look at all interested, "What took you so long?" It sounded like contempt. Irritation if you had to really dig. Something that made you falter.

You look up and see the pout on his lips— childish, as always. "Oh, I'm sorry, Jinshi-sama. I happened to run into a friend and got caught up in conversation." You apologized softly. The last thing you wanted to do was bring him more annoyance and disturbance.

He straightened considerably, "A friend?"

You didn't like the way it was spoken. A touch of disbelief was enough for you to eye him with your own distaste. Even if you and Lihaku were nothing more than strangers with vague familiarity with one another.

"Yes, a friend." You confirmed with thin lips. Despite your inner voice telling you to reign in your attitude, you upturn your nose and decide to join Maomao— whose eyes were shooting between the both of you with trepidation and vague sympathy. "He was being kind."

Jinshi huffed, "I didn't know you had any secret friends."

"Not a secret. Just don't find any time to speak about it with you, Jinshi-sama."

That made the man falter, a darkened shadow over his face. "I suppose." He frowned heavily now, squinting at you with something unreadable. "Who is this friend of yours?"

You, finding no reason to lie, continued on, "Officer Lihaku."

In an instant, three heads snapped to you with varying degrees of emotions. Maomao looked shocked, but welcomed the information with a shrug. Gaoshun looked pale and overwrought, for whatever reason you weren't entirely sure, but you had an itching feeling it had to do with Jinshi.

The same Jinshi that was now face down on the couch, letting out a miserable sound. Speaking into the fabric of it all, unintelligiable. But you swore you heard something along the lines of— "that second rate, again?!" As he continued to rant and cry.

With that, you decided it best to not involve yourself with whatever Jinshi was battling. You wouldn't win anyway.

You'd always hated Kousen-sama.

He almost always seemed to loom in the shadows. An masked man who held no personality or words of his own. Pleasantries offered out of necessity and not because that was simply the right thing to do. He was mysterious. He hardly appeared, but he was always there. A reminder for what things would return to one odd day. A symbol for exactly where your loyalties and master lied.

Kousen-sama was to always appear before others with his mask on. To avoid them seeing the ghastly sight of scars and blemishes that adorned his skin because of his sickness (whatever that may be) and spare him the indecency of stares. He was unmoving. Stone amongst he lively environment that ate away at their lunches and softly conversed with one another.

Prince. The respectable Kousen-sama. The great son of the empire. The brave prince against all odds.

Oh, how much you hate Kousen-sama.

But you still had woken up early to help him pin his hair back. To slip his robes on. To delicately place the mask on, fingering the bangs out through the slits to allow some type of familiarity. You were his confidant. His reliable and kind servant.

As always, you and Basen stood behind Kousen-sama with your backs straight and eyes ahead. A pleasant servant on loan and stern guard, you both were familiar faces against the unrecognizable figure in front of you. It reminded the people exactly who was before them. Exactly who had decided to grace their presence.

Still, it brought you discomfort.

You still eyed Gaoshun in the corner of you eye. The older man sat at the other end of the table. Maomao standing behind him with a distant look in her eyes, obviously not paying attention to the things happening around her. Not entirely surprising, but you felt the overwhelming urge to scold her for her lack in etiquette.

Oh, you're starting to think like Suiren, aren't you?

Suddenly, Basen is tensing up beside you and Kousen-sama is turning his head away from a scowling Shishou. Your eyes snap between the two with a scowl of your own. Whatever that man had said—

Kousen-sama's hand clenches. So tightly that his knuckles turn white and he shakes. You know something isn't right. You had missed something. Something so obvious and you were too concerned about Gaoshun.

The man stands from his chair, the legs loudly clattering against the tiled and stone floor. You watch uneasily as Kousen-sama raises, takes a moment to collect himself, then practically speeds away from the room. You don't waste a moment to bring your sleeve covered hands to your mouth and make your own exit.

As you pass a concerned Maomao and Gaoshun, you hear a barely uttered whisper from the girl— heat. Food.

You try to hide your confusion and worry as you follow behind your master.

It doesn't take you long to find him.

Down the path, up against a tree, the masked figure was hunched and obviously breathing heavily. You draw closer, outstretching a hand to gently press it against the large expanse of his back.

"Kousen-sama, are you quite alright?" You ask softly, hunching slightly to capture a glimpse of his eyes from that slit in the fabric.

When you do, you're almost breathless. His violet eyes are alight with something distant and scornful. Eyebrows furrowed as he meets your own gaze.

"Y/N...?" He sounded vaguely surprised under it all, breathless himself. As if he couldn't quite believe that you were here in front of him.

You nod once, reaching out and grabbing ahold of one of the ties keeping the mask all together. "I'm going to remove this. No one is around."

His hand is suddenly wrapped around your wrist. Not tight or unrelenting, but enough to make you freeze. Warm and clammy skin against your own to make you feel scorched. You don't need to see his entire face to know that his jaw was clenched now.

"I can't," he said in all his self-assuredness, "Someone might still come."

What a pain. You thought to yourself as you draw in a heavy breath.

You don't waste a second to slip under his arm, wrapping it around your shoulders and allowing him to lean most of his weight against you. "No worries, sir, I'll just find us some place where no one else is around."

You gently guide Kousen-sama from the line of trees and deep within it. Finding an oddly familiar path created within your mind to follow that takes you towards an overflowing waterfall. A loud crash of water hitting the rocks and body of water below that brought you a distant sense of comfort. The refreshing smell of the water hits your nostrils and you take a deep breath.

With Kousen-sama against you, you felt the sweltering heat hit you tenfold. But the mist from the waterfall brushed against your skin like a gently caress from an old lover.

This is it.

You stumble over to one of the few trees next to the waterfall and gently guide Kousen-sama to sit up against it. The man took a heavy breath and you finally felt a little at ease. Reaching forward, you moved to take the cloth off once again and then—

A loud thud and chunks of dirt hit your cheek.

You frowned, looking to the ground only a could feet away and saw a small crater. A sharp smell filled your senses and you stiffened. It was an unkind and almost putrid scent. The smoke from the small crater was the main cause.

"Eh—?"

You were suddenly cut off as Kousen-sama wrapped his arms around you, jerking you upwards and away from the tree. You would've basked in the way his body was pressed against your back or the way his fingers seemed to mold into your abdomen— you would've if it weren't for the loud crack in the air then the pieces of bark that flew through the air around you.

The tree that he had been pressed up against only moments ago was now split open with a piece of metal imbedded into the wood. It looked eerily similar to the same that had been in the ground moments ago.

"Is that a feifa?!" His voice pierced through your thoughts, oddly frantic and uneasy as he moved quickly from the tree and towards the river.

You glanced up at him and found him already staring down at you. Eyes narrowed and, if it weren't for the mask, his entire face would be scrunched up in that familiar distaste and panic. Yet he seemed eerily calm as he dragged you through the trees and into the water.

"Sorry, but this is gonna get a bit dramatic." His voice was soft against your head, warm breath caressing your hair as he wraps a protective arm around your head.

Your eyebrows raise, "Dramatic— WHAT?" You should've known his tone and choice of his words were a warning for what was to come, but you were still caught off guard.

He gave no indication that he was going to jump off the cliff.

"Jinshi, you goddamn idiot!"

You mustn't get ideas above your station.

The water was oddly clear. Even with the mix of the overflowing waterfall, under it all was peaceful and calm. Fishes and water like insects lived in harmony.

Cool and calm. Always.

You are there to serve your master.

The little boy's head burst from the water with a big grin, short hair flat against his head and dripping. The sun reflecting off his violet eyes and almost blinded the little girl curled up on the side shore. Her face set into a scowl, clothes drenched, and a looming unimpressed older man behind her.

"It's so nice out, why don't you come in!" Beckoned the boy from the water.

The little girl shot him a nasty look, "You know why, you jerk!"

The boy's grin faltered, tilting his head at his friend, "Eh? Why are you being mean?" His voice wavered on the ends, still just floating in the middle of the basin.

"I'm not mean! You're mean! You're the biggest meanie!" The little girl stood up to throw an accusatory finger at the boy, her sleeve heavy and uncomfortable as she moved.

The boy's face reddened, eyebrows scrunched together, "I'm not mean! You're mean!" He repeated.

"No, you are! You're the biggest meanie in the whole wide world!"

"No, you are!"

"You are! You pushed me into the water!"

"You are! You should swim!"

"I hope you drown, meanie!"

The boy's expression fell completely. A heartbroken glint in his eyes flooding them. His lips trembled. But, before he could do something like cry, he was already swimming deeper

Nothing less, nothing more.

"Now, now," a large hand rested on the little girl's shoulder and gently tugged her back, turning her around to face the man. He seemed to be trying to appear as tender as he could to try calm down the girl's high nerves. "No need to get angry."

"But, Gaoshun—" The little girl whined.

Gaoshun shook his head, patting her shoulder, "No, we don't argue. Try to forgive and forget, yeah?" He reminded the lessons that he'd attempted multiple times to teach the two children. "No reason to walk around with resentment for others, right?"

The little girl scoffed her shoe against the ground, a pout on her lips, "Do I have to, Gaoshun?" She knew what this would call for. Exactly how this would end for her.

The man heaved a sigh, nodding, "Yes, you do. Now, go reconcile. I'll wait here."

The girl faltered as the man raised to his full height, cupping his hands behind his back. She dragged her feet through the soft soil and found her way towards the boy once more. He was grasping onto the edge of the bank, sniffling and snorting. His shoulders shook and his face was stuffed into his arms.

The little girl frowned. "Um... Are you okay?"

The boy stiffened, not turning around as he answered, "No."

"I'm sorry, I said something real mean." The little girl uttered, stepping closer as she clutched her wet clothes. "I just... You pushed me into the water, I can't..."

"I thought you were my friend!" The little boy whirled around on her, face red and eyes filled with big tears. He looked enraged but incredibly disheartened. The girl blinks in return as the boy glares. "You say such mean things to me. Friends aren't supposed to be mean!"

The girl clenched her jaw, "You were mean to me first!" She accused.

The boy sniffled, wiping under his nose with his forearm. "You're my friend." He repeated as if that cleared up any anger.

Nothing more, nothing less.

The little girl slowly sat beside him, her feet dipping under the water. "It is nice." She whispered.

The little boy dragged his eyes upwards, looking hurt but hopeful. "Right?" he asked, equally as quiet.

"You're my friend too, Jinshi." The little girl nudge him with her leg.

Jinshi's eyes twinkled, wide and all too bright, "Really?"

"Really." The little girl confirmed with a toothless grin. "My friend forever and ever!"

Jinshi positively beamed, the water sloshing as he jumped happily. "Forever and ever, and ever!"

"And ever!"

"It's no longer... appropriate for you and Jinshi-sama to be friends."

"I don't... I don't understand. He's my friend."

"His mother no longer finds it appropriate for you to concern yourself with Jinshi."

"But, Gaoshun—"

"No, Y/N. It's over. Come along. Suiren has a present for you."

"He's.... He's my friend...."

"I'm so sorry."

You are to give your life to your master.

The woman paused, back pin straight, as she entered her master's office, finding him curled up in the corner, muttering nonsensically to himself. The guard of said master was watching on with a pitiful expression of his own, only breaking his eyes away when the woman entered the room. His expression only seemed to deepen.

She didn't need to ask. There was an unspoken understanding as to what their master's breakdown was regarding. The Apothecary. The one that had gotten the attention of everyone in the palace as of late. The one that had been causing her great grief as of late— and was about to create more.

"Jinshi-sama?" The woman called softly, stepping closer.

Jinshi's lifeless eyes continued to stare at the floor below him. A gentle rocking seeming to soothe himself from the rages of his mind. "I don't need anything, Y/N. Thank you, kindly." He uttered just as lifelessly.

The devoted servant's chest clenched. Her face flushed as she reached out a wavering hand. To place it delicately against his hunched back. To offer her best comforting words that she could. To distract him away from her.

Any inappropriate behavior will be punished, severely.

She faltered. This wasn't her place. This wasn't a part of her duties unless Jinshi said so. Inappropriate behavior wasn't called for. It will be punished severly.

Retracting her hand, she stands, and offers a respectful bow. "Please call me if you need anything, Jinshi-sama." And left him in his dark corner.

"Gaoshun, may I ask you something?"

"Of course, Jinshi-sama."

"You have been in my life for as long as I can remember. You remember more than I possibly could about my younger years. Whatever happened to cause me and Y/N to fall apart?"

"...."

"It had to be around the time I was eight that I noticed we were growing apart. Even now, I see it so clearly."

"It's been a long time, Jinshi-sama. You're no longer children."

"All the more reason to know, isn't it?"

"I don't know...."

"Gaoshun, nothing will come of it. I'm simply curious."

"..."

"I'm sorry to put you in this position. Please return to what you were doing."

"Jinshi-sama.... you might not like the truth..."

"I usually don't."

"Where to begin.... Before her eighth birthday—"

.....................................................................................................................

...........................................

.............................................

.............

......................

"H....E—"

Everything felt so muffled. Faraway. Featherlight.

Was that a pressure against your chest? A thump that came into quick successions, then stopped. For something soft and ever so delicate to press against your lips?

Everything was distant. So far away from your grasp. From your state of being. As if you were already long gone from whatever reality you were in moments ago.

"H—"

.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

It was almost like floating. A gentle sway and a crack.

A joyful gliding against the sky that soothed you away from worries and woes.

Thump. Thump. Lips.

Repeating endlessly. Happily. Wetly?

Thump. Thump. Lips.

You welcomed it. Whatever it was. Whatever kept the rhythm. The wonderful rhythm.

Thump. Thump. Lips.

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Thump. Thump. Lips.

................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Thump. Thump. Lips.

...........................................

Thump. Thump. Lips.

.............................................

Thump. Thump. Lips.

.............

Thump. Thump. Lips.

......................

THUMP. THUM—

You shot up with a cough.

Your throat burned and head ached terribly. Your eyes almost felt like they were about to pop out of your head and roll away. You felt horrible.

It didn't help that you were drenched from head to toe either.

Beside you, there was a heavy and loud sigh of relief as he fell to his backside. He let a silence fall over you both as you recovered, hand pressed against your throat and heaving.

Jesus. Had you almost...

The thought alone almost made you sick.

"I'm sorry. I thought.... I didn't think you still couldn't swim." His voice was soft, barely heard over the waterfall. Kind and cautious, worried and terrified. Things that seeped from his tone as if it were bleeding out and bearing all its insides to you.

Exposing him to you.

You peeked over your loose strands of hair to glare viciously at him. "When would I have the time to learn to swim?" You shot back ruthlessly, not entirely caring from etiquette in this moment. "You've lost your mind."

"Right." Jinshi immediately agreed, almost looking fearful as he watched you.

You push yourself up and take in a deep breath, coughing slightly at the burn of your throat. Taking in your surroundings, you swore that this was that—

"Are you really alright?"

You glanced back at the man and found him still sat on the damp ground. His eyebrows are furrowed and a small frown on his lips as he stared up at you. It made you uncomfortable. To see such a glittering violet staring back at you earnestly. Honestly.

You instead clutch onto your dress, "Suiren is gonna kill me." You scoff, tugging the garments apart.

You could hear Jinshi sputter behind you. The gravel and dirt below him crunching as he probably scrambled up from his spot.

You spared a feeble look over your shoulder to find him with his eyes clenched slowed, hand covering your body from his gaze. You snap your gaze back around and tug the fabric a little too hard as you scoff.

You wouldn't deny the pang of hurt that clenched your chest.

"Don't worry, Jinshi-sama, you won't have to see my unruly body of mine for long. I just want to make sure Suiren doesn't slaughter me when we return."

"I— No, I'm just— okay." He finally muttered.

You are stripped down to your underthings, placing the dress and various pieces on the ground as delicately as you can to avoid too much dirt being stained into the fabric.

As you place the last bit of clothing down, you hear the flutter of fabric behind you.

Jinshi is a bright red, gently tossing his robe down behind him. His back is facing you and you know its for whatever mock sense of modesty he wants to give the both of you. You instinctively reach out and take his robe in your grasp, twisting it and squeezing it to watch out a fair amount of water drip out.

"You worry about mine later. Take care of your things first."

Yeah, right, You think as you twist it with an unrelenting grip. You are there to serve your master. It's one of the first things you learn. His needs came before your own. His needs were your needs.

Jinshi snatched the robe away and squeezed the fabric tight, an overflowing amount of water released from the cloth and into the ground.

Okay, so maybe he was better at it than you.

You nod, turning your attention towards your own garments and try to ignore the overwhelming feeling that you had eyes on your rear.

"So, um—" Jinshi cleared his throat when his eyes dragged away from you, cheeks a bright red. "What now?"

"Well, we could attempt at trying to swim back—"

"You can't swim."

"I was going to say that."

"Oh, sorry."

There's a soft silence between the both of you as you finish up. Gently redressing, you make your way towards the entrance of the cave, where the waterfall is blocking it from any negative eyes. You press your lips into a thin line and regard it bitterly. You remember this waterfall.... you could recall the times you whimsical pondered what it'd be like to ride down it like in those stories.

Jinshi had promised such when you both were too young and too dumb to realize how naïve dreams like that were.

You couldn't really judge that mini-you, for you had your own dreams of—

"Remember when Gaoshun first brought us here?"

You hadn't realized that Jinshi made his way over until he was standing beside you. Robes lose over his shoulders and tugging on his top layer. Violet eyes were watching the water as if it were a canvas of memories in the long distant past. Something to be admired and viewed with daisies and smiles. Not to be addressed as anything but good or amazing. Not to see the truth of it all.

You press your lips together, drawing in a heavy breath, "I remember you pushing me in the water and Gaoshun having to pull me out."

Jinshi's face screws up slightly, a faint blush on his features as he almost looks around with shame. "Right...." He straightens, "I'm sorry."

You blink, "Huh?"

Jinshi glances at you with a small smile, "I, uh, never really apologized back then. Made you apologize like you did something wrong." He explains weakly.

You raise an amused brow, "I told you I wished you would drown."

"I kinda deserved it!" Jinshi counters, his lips cracking into a grin. That charming grin he gets that makes your heart flutter. Make you hopeful for terrible and wistful. "I'm real sorry."

You smile softly, eyes kind and soft as you regard him, "I forgave you a long time, Jinshi-sama."

Jinshi's expression faltered, "Don't call me...." He trailed off awkwardly, turning his attention back to the unrelenting waterfall. You watched him for that moment. That split second where it looked like he was actually going to say something that would make you lightheaded. His jaw working and the muscle jumping as he seems to contemplate his next words.

Say anything and I'll cling to it, You think, watching his lips part, I always have. I always will.

"I'm surprised you were the one that followed me out. I thought the Apothecary might've done it."

You tense. That was certainly not what you expected him to say. Of all the things he could say? The Apothecary.

The waterfall in front of you is suddenly much too loud and violent. The cave seems to darken and your eyes drag from Jinshi to stare at your bare feet. Of course. Of course. Why wouldn't he want Maomao? Why had you even came here? Who were you to get between whatever silent signal he was trying to send to the other girl.

Him and Maomao. It was nicer than him and you. Jinshi and Y/n.

You straighten, pushing down any ill thoughts and heavy feelings into the dark pits of your chest and mind. "I apologize for the intrusion. I thought it'd make more sense for me to accompany you, Jinshi-sama."

"Why are you apologizing....?" He trailed off and then made a noise that sounded eerily similar to that of a caught man. "No, wait, I'm really glad that you're the one who came! Like really glad!"

"You don't have to spare me, Jinshi-sama. I'm a woman now, not a little girl."

"I'm not—" He visibly slumps, closing his eyes and trying to collect whatever thoughts he has and place them appropriately. He draws in a breath and faces you, looking oddly serious compared to his usual self. "I'm not trying to spare your feelings. I was just trying to say that— Well, it's not— I want you here, Y/n."

He's sparing your feelings. He's being kind. He doesn't actually want you there. You can't be friends.

You don't spare him a response. Instead, walking further into the cave. You raise your eyebrows, looking at the gaping hole above you where light and the sounds of nature filtered in. What could possibly get you both out of there...?

Whistle. Sit.

Of course. Him.

Jinshi sighs, "I spoke to Gaoshun before we—"

You place your fingers in the corner of your mouth and blow. A loud whistle bounces off the cave walls and out of the hole. You wait and hope to hear a bark or see the familiar tall man, but there's nothing.

"What are you doing?" Jinshi asks slowly, glancing between you and the hole above.

"Hello?" You cup your hands over your mouth and shout as loudly as you can. "Is anyone out there?"

Jinshi frowns, staring at you uneasily, "Y/n, please, we don't want to attract them this direction."

In the mess of almost drowning and seeing peeps of Jinshi's bare skin, you'd almost forgotten that you both had been chased down here by some violent assassin. Rather foolish, if you were honest.

You place the tips of your fingers against your lips and try to force the blush spreading across your cheeks off. "Sorry." You offer a bow of your head, despite the position you both find yourselves in.

You receive no response which causes you to peek at him. The stare that he's leveling you with doesn't bring you any type of comfort. It usually meant he was about to say something that—

"Hop on my back and see if you can reach up there."

—you wouldn't like.

Your eyebrows shot upwards and you stared at him with wide eyes. If Suiren was here and knew what he just proposed, she'd positively lose her mind. No matter how long she had known you— she'd think it improper. He was your boss and you were his lowly servant. To be in an position above him or treating him like a mat, it was...

It was simply ridiculous.

"But—"

"If you're the one below, you'll get crushed." He jabs a thumb over his shoulder. "Do it."

And that's how you ended up here. Legs wrapped around Jinshi's shoulders and heads, hand reaching out for the dirt above. You dig your fingers in and glance down at the man below you.

"Are you sure I'm not hurting you?"

Jinshi sighed for what seemed the hundredth time that day, his hand on your thigh squeezing gently. "Y/N, please stop asking me that."

You grimace, "My apologies, Jinshi-sama. Sorry." You shakily raise from your place, ignoring the soft and deep grunt Jinshi gives as you stand on his shoulders.

You dig your nails into the damp dirt and begin to tug yourself up.

This is it. Finally, you could get into the open forest once again. You're not going to be suffocated by his presence. Everything will return back to its rightful places—

You froze when it smacked you in the forehead.

You tried to keep calm as you felt the slimy breathing thing rest on your skin. Body tensed up and eyes staring widely at the bright sky above.

"Y/N?" Jinshi softly called, noticing the way you tensed.

"F—Frog." You utter, jaw clenched tight and you felt it shift as you take a deep breath. "A frog."

Jinshi blinked, looking up at you with his own wide eyes, "Hey, don't-don't freak out! Just shake your head and it'll hop off."

You shake a little, but follow his instructions. However, you may have overestimated the shake as you lose your grip on the dirt and begin to fall back.

"Hey!"

The tumble down is short and not all that hurtful, like you had been expecting. You had closed your eyes in anticipation, fear of having to watch the ground quickly approach too much for your tiny heart. You expected to feel the damp mud to be seeping into your clothes and little bits of stone and bark digging into your skin. However—

Nothing.

There was nothing except the soft silk under your fingers. The scent that resembled a sweet fruit, one that you had smelt quite often in the mornings. In the noons, the evenings, the nights, repeat. You knew that smell and that familiar beat against your own chest.

Peeking your eyes open, you find that Jinshi is already staring back at you. The first thing you notice is that you both are extremely close to one another. His breath fans against your dewy face, making goosebumps raise off your skin and a shiver sent down your spin. Next is his tender expression, Eyes gentle and twinkling. His expression isn't filled with pain or anything that would indicate that he was uncomfortable with the very short distance between you both. The last thing you notice is the fact that your body is pressed against his.

Your complexion flushes and you blink down at him.

He's warm. Incredibly warm. A sharp contrast to his damp clothes, which are open and pooling under his shoulder blades, revealing his bare chest to you. Your breath is ripped from you as you stare at the plump skin. You've seen it a million times. Every day as you help him get ready for the day. It should be normal. Should be something that doesn't make you lightheaded.

But it does.

He's right there. Right against you. You can feel his heartbeat ramming against his chest and into yours. You can feel every small breath he takes—as if hanging onto this moment with, what? Trepidation? Unease? You weren't entirely sure but you knew that you felt light.

Was it so bad that you felt nice in this moment? That this warmth was wrong? Was it so out of your reach that you simply couldn't imagine a man wanting to embrace you in a way?

You are to give your life to your master. Any inappropriate behavior will be punished, severely.

Yes. It was.

You clenched your jaw, ignoring the tender look in Jinshi's eyes as you try to bring your mind into the present.

The frog.

It wasn't anything that you wanted to touch, but Jinshi was your master. Your discomforts and fears must be pushed away for his sake and needs.

Reaching down, you feel for any signs of the frog. It wasn't large, but it wasn't entirely small either. It wouldn't be hard to find in all it's slimy and— There it is.

Your hand brushed it and you feel almost elated to find it. Your hand cupped around the bulge from Jinshi's robes. It feels much bigger than the average frog that'd been on your forehead. It was unmoving to, except for the small twitch it gives as you rest your palm down. You gripped it.

"Hng," Jinshi grunts, his eyes close. You're a little shocked as his hips shift, his hands at your hips dig into your flesh, almost too eager. You snap your eyes upward to his suddenly sweating and flushed face. "I-I'm sorry, but... but could you move your hand? It's making things, um, rather difficult."

Difficult?

You grip onto the twitching frog below you—

"U-Uh—" Jinshi moans in a deep and guttural way that would make anyone, especially you, malfunction. It doesn't help that his hands latch onto you harder, pressing you closer and releasing a stuttering breath against your ear.

Why was he squirming so much? Why was his face so red and dripping with sweat? Why was his chest heaving and his hands flexing around your skin? And why was this thing twitching and getting bigger in your hold....

Oh.

Oh.

You are to give your life to your master. Any inappropriate behavior will be punished, severely.

You felt a little sick at your intrusion. At the gall. You couldn't believe yourself. You had violated one of the single rules you were ever given. You violated Jinshi's space. His entire being. You were to be punished and hated— ousted from your position.

Disgusted with yourself, you slowly stand up. Jinshi's softly panting from his position on the ground, running a hand through his mused hair.

"S-Sorry, I haven't— I'm a bit—" Jinshi's obviously embarassed and uncomfortable. Look what you've done. You've ruined it all. "Hey, where are you going?"

Before you could think much more as his hands grip your hips once again and pull you down.

You're sat on his his lap and you could feel it.

"J-Jinshi-sama, I'm so-I'm so sorry!" You tucked your head down, shaking with trembling lips.

Jinshi's hands fall to your thighs, limp, "Eh...?"

"What I did was truly inappropriate and-and I will take any and all punishment!"

"Punishment...?" He sounded terribly confused, still a bit breathless. You keep your head ducked and he remains unmoved. "Why would I... you're not getting punished."

"I give my life to you. Any inappropriate behavior will be punished." You repeated softly under your breath, tucking your hands against your face to hide away from his gaze. From the judgement and hatred. "It's only just."

There's a longstanding silence between the both of you and you're hopeful that he's coming to his senses. That you'd be released and freed. That you would finally accept the gap and space between them. To fall away, finally, to the shadows.

It was tarnished the moment Jinshi wraps your hands around your own, gently prying your hands away from your face.

He doesn't look vengeful or angered. No. No, he looks kind. As he always has been. Kind and considerate. Honest and open. He'd always been so...

He'd never really been angry with you. Not without sadness being overbearing. Always so quick to forgive you. To push everything away with a smile and crinkle of his eyes.

"Y/N..." His words are as soft as his expression.

Your hands shake, "Please... Please hate me." You pleaded quietly, pressing your forehead against his hands as if he were a monk to be begged to.

"I'm not going to punish you or... or anything of the sort. Why would you want that?"

You draw in a watery breath, shoulders shaking, "It's easier to let go that way." You admitted.

"Let go of what?"

"Of my love for you."

"What?!"

His shout echoed off the cave walls. Your humiliation and embarrassment was quick to follow once it bounced back at you. Made you flinch back and try to push yourself back from his lap. Why did you say anything? Fool. Disgusting fool.

"Hey, hey, hey," Jinshi's hands wrap around your wrists and tug you forward a bit. You refuse to meet his eye. You refuse to be humiliated and demeaned— "Don't do that. Don't close off."

You clench your jaw and try to push the humilation deep within you, taking a deep calming breath as you stared at his bare collar. "You're so kind and so... you. I'm sorry if I make you uncomfortable or disgusted, but I need to tell you. And then I would hope that you would let me go."

Jinshi's eyebrows shot up. "Let you go?"

You've been thinking about this for some time. That it all would be better if, in the end, you were to serve someone else. That you were pawned off for some soldier instead of this slow torture. This uncomfortable, unbearable tiptoeing.

"I would like for you to offer me to a soldier or anywhere else."

The reaction is instant. The way Jinshi's complexion darkens and he stares at you with wide eyes. He slumps into the damp ground and almost turns into putty. His hold on you slackens and gives you ample opportunity to move away. But you're frozen in your spot.

"Why would I do that?" Jinshi's voice is quiet, slow, "You're... You're mine."

A blush takes over your cheeks, "Jinshi-sama, It's not appropriate! I shouldn't be like this with you."

"What if I like it?"

You blink at him. "Huh?"

Jinshi leans forward, his thumb gently skirting against your skin. "What if I have some love for you too? What if I don't care about what's appropriate or follows the rules."

I would ask who you are. You were tempted to say but your mouth was clamped shut in shock. Following the rules had been completely him. He was put in his current position now to ensure the rules in the rear palace were being followed diligently. The thought that he would love someone like you when there were people like Maomao or princesses out there. People much more deserving of his devotion. It wasn't right.

As if sensing you're not believing him, he pulls away and presses his lips thin. "Okay, I'll convince you." He straightens up and takes a breath. "I spoke to Gaoshun not too long ago. Before we came here and I know everything now."

A pause. Everything. He knew everything now? Everything is so much. Everything is... well, everything. What exactly had Gaoshun told him?

"What's everything?"

"That my mother didn't want you around anymore. That Gaoshun told you that you weren't allowed around me anymore. That you stopped being my friend and became my employee."

Your stare up at Jinshi with wide eyes. "That's not...Us being friends wasn't right anymore."

Jinshi frowned, shaking his head and his hands slide up to your arms. "If I had my way, I would've had you by my side all that time. Not as some lady-in-waiting, but as my equal."

You shake your head, ignoring the erratic beating of your heart against your chest. "Don't say that. Don't say things you don't mean, Jinshi." You beg softly.

Jinshi reaches out, wrapping his hands around your own, pressing it against his chest. "I mean it with everything in me. If it were up to me, I wouldn't have ever been separated from you. Forget what my mother said." His words were sweet, tempting. They made you lightheaded. So did the sudden brightness and tender smile on his face. "That's the first time you've called me Jinshi since we were kids."

"What? I've always called you Jinshi."

"No, you've always called me Jinshi-sama."

"Oh."

You suppose you had.

"Jinshi," You utter, unsure of what else you both could say.

Jinshi's expression, if possible, softens further, leaning forward an inch. "Yes?" He whispers back just as softly.

Your eyes trail between his eyes before moving to his lips, parted and glistening, "Jinshi..."

Jinshi's hand slides up your thigh and his lips are ghosting against yours, "I'm here. I promise." He whispers before pressing your lips together delicately.

Your heart soars. Your hands shakily press against his cheeks, drawing closer as his own press your hips together. He's soft. He's tender. He's cautious and all encompassing. Filling your senses and making you lightheaded.

As you both part for a breath, he flips you onto your back. His hand grips the underside of your thigh and presses you close enough that he lets out a soft and broken sound.

His eyes are heavily lidded as he gazes down at you, lips pink. "I just want you. No one else. I promise." He utters.

You twist your hands into his hair, eyes fluttering. "You're it." You pass back.

His lips are back on yours. Wet and eager. This is sudden. Fast. But you've been waiting for so long. Had been clinging onto the smallest of things. Desperate to have this closeness that you had now. To feel his skin against yours. His breath mixing with your own. Everything him and everything you intertwined.

You just wanted to cherish this—

WOOF!

You and Jinshi both tense up, jumping. Looking over his shoulder, your eyes widen upon finding a familiar dog staring down at you both, wagging tail eager and happy to see you.

Jinshi's eyebrows furrow, "Huh...?"

There's not much warning before the dog is jumping down. Landing straight on Jinshi's back, causing the poor man to let out a pained sound. He's squishing you against the ground as the dog stands on his back, happily lapping his tongue against your cheek.

Vague disgust and disappointment wash over you, but you smile all the same. "Oh, boy!"

He barks again. A greeting you're sure.

Above, Lihaku and, surprisingly, Maomao appear. Both of them stare down at you with varying degrees of emotions. Lihaku looked excited and kinda like his dog, while Maomao.

Well, Maomao looked all too knowing.

"Well, you look rough!" Lihaku called down with a grin, "Glad to see you're not dead."

"As am I!" You huff out a laugh, then look to Maomao. "Hello, Xiaomao!"

"Hello." Maomao said flatly, she looked lower and her face screwed up distastefully. "Is Jinshi-sama okay?"

Lihaku then he spots his dog and slightly pales, letting out a sharp whistle. "C'mon, boy!"

The dog eagerly jumps off Jinshi, going to sit by your head and wag his tail. The man above you sighs in relief, pushing up off you. He sits up and you try not to focus on the bright blush on his face.

"Why did he do that?" The royal asks.

"Must've thought something was wrong." Lihaku rubs the back of his neck, frowning down at you both. "What... exactly where you two doing?"

You and Jinshi glance at one another, furious blushes flushing over you both. Despite anything that Jinshi said, there were things that you weren't allowed to do. Rules and laws that forbid something like this form happening the public eye. For a man like himself from being with a woman like you. A servant with a beautiful prince.

Protecting him was the priority.

"Nothing!" You shout back, ignoring the eyebrow raise that garnered from both Jinshi and Maomao.

Everything was better left alone. A secret between the both of you. To cherish and hold for however long it may need. You could deal with the anger and longing later.

#✩࿐ t writes #jinshi x reader #apothecary diaries #apothecary diaries x reader #jinshi #jinshi x y/n #jinshi x you #Kusuriya no Hitorigoto x reader #Kusuriya no Hitorigoto #request #anon

[kaeyas-beloved]

Rolling Fields, Dazzling Sights || Pt.2

Characters: Wanderer

Summary: Picnic Dates!!!

Genre: Fluff + Fic

CWs: gn!reader, reader has a hydro vision, jokes about throwing you and himself off a cliff, TWO swear (damn and ass), I think the picnic is a little secondary in this one I'm so sorry but I thought the idea was cute

a/n: my white day exchange gift for @serenity-ren-bliss! This is Wanderer's version, Venti's can be found here!

"Quit peaking!" a light wack to your hand makes you jump despite expecting no less of a retaliation against your transgression.

Your lover sighs, and even with your vision impaired by the piece of fabric around your eyes, you can just see the frown on his face. Still, he doesn’t say anything more, returning his hold to your arms as he continues to guide you through Sumeru’s forest.

"Are you really not leading me to my doom? You know, push me off a cliff and all that? I not only hear but smell the rushing water." It’s meant as a joke, and it is, but there’s truth to your words, and those truths make the male tense slightly. How is he supposed to surprise you when you’re over here ruining it!? Damn your Hydro vision… may Lesser Lord Kussanali grant him the patience he requires!

“You’re hearing things…there is no water….” he mumbles, gazing a little ways away. Violet eyes just barely make out the top of the wicker basket Nahida lent him, the conversation that sparked this outing playing in his head, the doubts about what he's doing following soon after. Maybe this was a bad idea?

You huff, tilting your head as if you’re looking over your shoulder at him, “yeah, I am hearing things, I’m hearing a waterfa-!”

“We’re here.” Just this once he hopes you’ll forgive him for cutting you off, his embarrassment beginning to get the better of him. Had you finished that sentence he just might’ve thrown himself off the cliff.

The blindfold is swiftly removed and any words die on your tongue, a gasp coming up instead. Your gaze roams over the display in front of you, darting between your favourite blanket that mysteriously went missing days prior, to the display laying on top, and then over to the gorgeous scenery (which did, in fact, include a waterfall). You’re stunned silent, in absolute awe.

The boy standing behind you, however, grows more and more restless, unable to read your reaction, “say something… please,” he more or less begs you, worry taking over.

You turn back to him, “it’s wonderful,” you tell him, offering a reassuring smile as you grab his hand. The two of you take a seat, shoulders bumped as you get situated. The slight touch was enough for the puppet's cheeks to tinge pink, something that didn't go unnoticed by you, but was left unsaid.

“I didn’t know exactly what you liked the most, so I just made what I see you enjoy often,” he says, reaching into the wicker. Archons, he hopes you can’t see his hand shaking.

You nearly squeal at what he pulled out, almost making him drop the food, but you were quick to help steady it. Oh, how he loved the way you smiled and how your eyes sparkled. "My favourite!" Taking it as it was offered, you took a bite, swooning at the taste, "so good... and you said you made this!? That makes it all the better!"

So much for keeping his cool. Slowly, the pink turns into a light shade of red, nothing too bad but still something tease worthy... that you spare him of. It's not totally rare to see your lover as calm as he is, but it's still a state you wish to experience more often. You have to hold onto it for as long as you can, "what else is in there?"

With how much your lover takes out of the basket you'd begun to think the thing was infinite - a concept right from a storybook. From fruits to drinks to whole-ass lunch menu items, he'd thought of everything.

"And you made this?"

"Of course."

"This too?"

"Yes?

"What about these?"

"Yes, those too- No!! How would I make Sunsettias?"

"I don't know??? Grow them???" You shrug, grabbing a finger food from the laid-out tray.

"Too much work. I thought you'd know me by now." He scoffs, munching on a sandwich. Puppets may not have to eat, but that doesn't mean he can't enjoy mortal joys. All you can do is sigh at his usual behaviour, rocking back a little while looking around the area. You have to hand it to him, he really picked the best part of the forest that showcases its dazzling sights.

As the male carries the conversation with some kind of topic (that you may or may not have caught after you started your wandering), your gaze draws back to the rushing waterfall not too far away. It only took a few seconds for the worst and best idea to come to mind. You just hope you live to apologize.

"I told Nahida that it was unnecessary. So, tell me why exactly I'm stuck doing-" a cold splash of water cuts him off, an uncharacteristic noise leaving him as the water soaks his hair and clothes. Some of the water pooled in the ridges of his hat, tipping it forward, the water soon falling onto his lap too. Maybe it was the chill or the event itself, either way, he was far too shocked to fully comprehend what just happened. It's at the barely concealed choke of laughter coming from you when everything catches up.

And, in a swift act of revenge, a gust of anemo blows in your direction, the air current close enough to the water that it sprays up, dousing you a fair amount. The same silence as before follows, but this time there's a challenging crackle, you both wearing smirks that dared the other to try something more. All it took was the slightest flinch and you were both to your feet, hurling harmless elemental attacks at one another.

Yes, the picnic that was planned was forgotten, but you're both having the time of your lives. Besides, an appetite is bound to form, and when that happens, you'll just return back, smiling and continuing to enjoy one another's company on this special day.

Tag list: @spoopy-fish-writes // @that-enby-alien // @xenuuu // @kaeyaloml // @mariposa666haruka // @quackquackmfs // @kaerui-kaisen // @ajaxstar // @genshin-impact-writings // @ventisweetheart // @lordbugs // @leena-shi // @lemontum // @akiria12167 // @ari-the-wr1ter // @dontmindmebeing // @xiaos-wife // @stage-lucida

. . .

Wanna be tagged in future works? Consider filling out this form! And if you want to be removed just DM or send an ask into my inbox!

#giwhiteday2023 #wanderer x gender neutral reader #genshin impact wanderer #wanderer x you #wanderer x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin wanderer #scaramouche x gender neutral reader #scaramouche x reader #genshin impact scaramouche

[lancermylove]

In Search of a Soulmate (Word Game)

Fandom: Obey Me

Pairing: Mammon x fem!Reader

Warning: None

Requested by: Anon

Prompt: Mammon: midnight, memory, and misunderstanding, fem mc, for the word game please? Ty 🤗

A/N: Hope you like it! 🤗

Word Count: 1,046

———————————————

Quietly sneaking past Asmo's room. Check. Avoiding Belphie in his room. Check. Going down the staircase without even a single board creaking. Check. Walking past the library with alerting Satan. Check. Opening the main door without making a sound. Check. Mammon was finally out of the House of Lamentation and on his way to a particular location in the Human Realm.

How did he manage to get to the Human Realm? By striking an expensive deal with his new witch friends. But he would much rather not think about it. He was on a mission to his soulmate. It was Valentine's Day, and he heard a rumor about a special waterfall while visiting the Human Realm. Anyone who visits the waterfall at midnight on Valentine's Day can catch a glimpse of their soulmate.

"Where's the waterfall? It feels like I've been walkin' for hours." On cue, he heard rushing water and ran towards it but stopped when he saw it. A mid-size fall poured down from a high cliff, surrounded by flora and vegetation. The cliff walls were embedded with glowing gems, adding a surreal feel to the scenery. A thin layer of radiant algae sat atop the waterbed at the end of the falls. Even though it was midnight, the bioluminescent life and rocks radiated enough light for Mammon to see everything clearly.

As the clock ticked closer to midnight, Mammon walked closer to the water before crouching and staring at his reflection. It was only a rumor, but he hoped that he would see his soulmate's image with all his heart. "Come on…"

At midnight, he noticed a disturbance on the water's surface. Were the rumors true? Was he really going to see the face of his lover? His heart raced out of control as he waited with bated breath. A face pierced through the surface of the water.

Mammon yelped and fell on his behind while you started splashing him and, "Pervert!"

He had no idea what you were saying until you shielded your bare chest with your arms. With wide eyes and red cheeks, Mammon hopped on his feet and turned his back to you. "S-Sorry...wait, why am I sayin' sorry? I didn't do anythin' wrong..."

"What do you mean you didn't do anything wrong?" You gasped.

"How was I 'posed to know you were swimmin' when you were underwater?" He shrugged.

"Oh, I don't know...maybe 'cause my clothes are sitting to your left?"

Mammon frowned, "I ain't got time to be lookin' at your clothes. 'Sides which lady leaves her clothes in the open for others to see? Ya might as well have a neon sign sayin' a lady is swimmin' here alone without clothes."

"You're not my mom, so don't lecture me," you huffed.

"Whatever." A moment later, Mammon asked, "So, what are ya doin' here alone at night?"

"Why should I tell you?"

Mammon didn't say anything, and the silence was getting to you. "So...what are you doing here?"

"Why should I tell ya?" He mumbled. You pursed your lips at his response and glared daggers into the back of his head.

"A few years ago, I came here with my friends on a vacation. It was a fun little trip only for the three of us, but we ran into a few other people here. There was one guy in particular...when I saw him, I couldn't stop staring at him. My heart was racing out of control, and I forgot how to breathe. Cliche, right? Turns out those cliche emotions really happen when you meet someone you like," a small smile tugged on your lips. "He was my first love."

"Why do ya sound sad talkin' 'bout a happy memory?" Mammon curiously asked.

"My friends and I drifted apart...my first love was not interested in me," you let out a self-deprived chuckle. "They all moved on without me, and I am still stuck in the past. Don't get me wrong...I am happy for them, but at the same time, I don't want to be left in the dark."

"So why did ya come here?" He repeated his question.

"I wanted to get away from everything…and couldn't think of a better place than this. It's too beautiful. Anyways, enough about me. What about you? What are you doing here?"

"Why should I tell ya?" He bluntly replied.

"Hey, I answered your questions, so it's only right you answer mine!"

"I didn't ask ya to answer my questions, so I ain't gotta answer your questions."

"Yes, you do! It's only fair! Wait, you aren't an actual perv, are you?" You narrowed your eyes and asked.

"No! I don't wanna tell ya 'cause it's embarrassin', y'know," he bashfully said.

"Now I'm even more curious. Tell me why you're here!"

"Fine. Fine. There was a rumor goin' around 'bout this place. If ya look into the water at midnight on Valentine's Day, you'll get to see your soulmate's reflection. Ya happy?"

You giggle at his unexpected response, upsetting him. "Aw, I'm not making fun of you...I just think it's adorable for you to come in search of your soulmate."

The smile on your lips slowly falls flat when a realization hits your mind. He saw your reflection in the water...could it be?

"Hey, how long have we been talking?" You curiously asked.

"I dunno. Maybe fifteen minutes."

"What time is it now?"

Mammon sighed and pulled out his phone, "12:15."

Why were you suddenly asking him for the time? Mammon's jaw dropped as his eyes grew in size. 'If we've been talkin' for fifteen minutes and it's 12:15...I saw her reflection in the water at midnight.'

He snapped his head in your direction, but you squealed and again covered your body. "Will you stop turning around?"

"And why ain't ya dressed yet?" With a sigh, he stood up and said, "I need to get goin' before my brothers find out I snuck out."

"Wait!" You yelled. "What is your name?"

"Mammon."

"Hi, Mammon. I'm (y/n). Nice to meet you," you smiled. "I hope we meet again someday..."

He turned to ask why you wanted to see him again, but you were gone. The demon rested a hand on his chest and shifted his gaze to the sky. Were you really the one?

———————————————

➣  Obey Me Masterlist: [1][2] ➣ Main Masterlist

➣ Buy me a Ko-fi? ➣ Commission: Open || Requests: Closed

#obey me #obey me nightbringer #mammon x reader #obey me mammon #nightbringer mammon #swd mammon #om! mammon

[justsomerandomfanfic]

Come With Me - Bilbo Baggins X Female Reader

Title: Come With Me

Bilbo Baggins X Female Reader

Additional Characters: Thorin, Lord Elrond, Thranduil (Mentioned), and the other dwarves

WC: 1,577

Warnings: N/A

Rivendell. A beautiful Elven kingdom that was hidden in the mountains of Middle Earth. The architecture was beautiful; the pure meaning of elegance. It was like no other place Bilbo had ever been before. Everything about it enchanted him from the moment he and the dwarves arrived. He felt at home here, as if this were where he should be. Lord Elrond had greeted them warmly, letting them stay for the time being before they went back to claim their mountain.

Bilbo walked around Rivendell, taking in its amazing scenery.

"I've never seen such beauty," He said admiringly to himself "It's like nothing I have ever experienced."

"Thank you very much," Elrond smiled politely, coming up behind them.

Bilbo turned, a bit surprised, before looking back out at the high mountains and shimmering waterfalls.

"Not with your companions?" Lord Elrond asked, and Bilbo sighed.

"Uh... I doubt that I will be missed" Bilbo stumbled. "The truth is, that most of them don't like me much being... On this journey." He spoke, disheartened.

"Indeed," Elrond said softly, looking down at the Hobbit before looking around his lands. "I've heard that Hobbits are really resilient."

Bilbo looked up at Elrond, surprised. A small laugh escaped him, before his eyebrows furrowed.

"Really?"

Elrond nodded, "I also heard that they're fond of the comforts of home."

Bilbo looked at him briefly, before looking around as if to tell a secret. "I've heard it is unwise to seek the counsel of elves; for they answer yes and no."

Elron looked down at Bilbo with a frown, and for a slight moment, Bilbo thought he had said something that he should've had. But, the Elven Lord smiled. Bilbo laughed awkwardly.

"You are very welcome to stay here if that is your wish." Elrond spoke, placing his hand on Bilbo's shoulder before leaving the balcony.

Bilbo looked off in thought before his thoughts were interrupted.

"Excuse me," A voice called to him.

Bilbo turned around, surprised to see a young woman in elven clothing, though she didn't look like she was an elf. Bilbo was taken back by her beauty. She wore a long, F/C lace gown, but what caught Bilbo's attention was the silver crown placed upon her head. She looked very familiar, almost like he knew this person. But, he had never met her before, he was sure of it.He felt his heart quicken in his chest, his eyes widened slightly, his hands felt sweaty.

"Um, yes? How may I help you?" He asked, stumbling over his words.

She smiled, "I'm sorry to bother you, but are you Bilbo Baggins?"

Bilbo blinked, confused. "Yes, I am."

"Oh! Good, well, Thorin will be needing you shortly." She spoke, looking somewhat flustered.

"Thorin?" Bilbo repeated, alarmed. "What does he need me for?"

"He wants to see you, and talk to you before you all leave."

Bilbo nodded, and you were about to take your leave, but Bilbo stopped you.

"Wait, what is your name?" He asked curiously, wanting to know more about this woman before he left.

"My name is Y/N." She answered, looking at him shyly.

"Well, Lady Y/N, thank you for telling me. But, uh, how do you know he wants to speak to me?" He asked, and you smiled softly.

"I have vision seeing. I sometimes get visions and this one had you and Thorin. I'm sorry, I must go." Y/N bowed politely and walked away.

Bilbo looked at the ground, he's never met someone who had visions before. From that point forward Bilbo thought you were fascinating. But, before he could daydream about you any longer, Thorin came in.

"Bilbo, I need to speak with you," Thorin spoke, but he paused, noticing the glimmer in Bilbo's eyes. "Are you alright? You seem distracted."

Bilbo shook his head, "Yes, I'm fine." He lied.

Thorin frowned, "I hope so."

~~~

At supper, Bilbo sat at the large table with the rest of the dwarves and Lord Elrond. Suddenly, the double doors of the room opened by the guards and you rushed in. Bilbo watched as you apologized in Elvish before taking your seat across from him. Bilbo looked up at you nervously, wondering what had happened.

"Sorry I was late, I had a vision." You spoke and the whole table paused to hear what you had to say.

"Go on, Lady Y/N." Lord Elrond spoke, and you nodded with a smile, though it was bittersweet.

"I saw the future." You spoke before one of the dwarves interrupted.

"What did you see, las?"

You smiled, patiently, "The dwarves are going to venture to Mirkwood, and speak to Lord Thranduil. But... You must be careful. I don't know what will happen next, but be wary."

Everyone listened, and Thorin nodded with a worried expression on his face.

"Very well, we shall be cautious," Thorin muttered, and everyone nodded.

"Thank you, Lady Y/N. Now, on to lighter things," Elrond said, clapping his hands once. "Dessert."

~~~

You stood on a balcony, overlooking the bright stars in the sky. You were dressed, wearing a simple silk gown. Your hair was tied in a ponytail, and your eyes sparkled in the moonlight.

You heard the pattering of feet and looked behind you, seeing a surprised Bilbo.

"Uh, ah, sorry, I didn't know this balcony was occupied." He spoke, turning back around, but you stopped him, placing your hand on his shoulder.

"It's alright, I knew you were coming. Stay with me, why don't you?" You whispered, smiling at him.

Bilbo blushed, trying to hide his embarrassment. You giggled lightly, admiring the Hobbit before you. He twitched his nose, which you thought was absolutely adorable.

"I..." He started, but then he looked at you, and was overcome with emotion.

"It's big enough for two." You joked.

Bilbo took in a deep breath and stepped closer to you. Standing beside you the two of you looked up into the night sky.

"I wanted to tell you when the others weren't here... But, Thorin will fall into a sickness."

Bilbo said nothing, shocked.

"You must be careful, Mr. Baggins. He will stop at nothing to get the Arkenstone." You spoke grimly, looking down at the Hobbit.

Bilbo looked up at you, his eyes full of fear.

"But... Promise you'll be careful."

Bilbo nodded, "I promise." He looked around frantically, his mind racing.

"But, what do I do?" He asked and you sighed, looking back at the stars.

"If you find the stone... Don't let him have it." You whispered.

Bilbo nodded solemnly, "Alright."

"I know you and Thorin are close, but you must be careful. If you need me, I can guide you on your journey; just find me before you go." You tried to reassure him, and he smiled lovingly up at you.

"I know, but what will I do without you?"

You chuckled, "You got this far without me, didn't you. You fought many battles before."

Bilbo looked down at his feet, and you put your hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry, you can handle anything. I know you can."

Bilbo looked up at you and smiled, "Thank you."

You leaned in and kissed Bilbo gently on the cheek. You pulled back to look into his eyes, and he smiled back.

"Now, go to sleep, tomorrow you set off."

~~~

Bilbo repacked his things before he quickly made his way to the same balcony from the night before. There, you were standing. Bilbo's smile widened. He stood beside you, looking at the beautiful scenery once more before he had to go.

"Lord Elrond speaks the truth." You spoke softly.

Bilbo turned to look up at you, "The truth?"

You looked down at him with a small smile. "You may stay here. If you wish to, that is."

Bilbo looked at the shimmering waterfalls and high mountains, nodding.

"Hmm, yes. I know." He replied, looking back at you. "Will you be here?"

"Yes, I will. I have nowhere else to go I'm afraid."

Bilbo hummed again before getting an idea.

"Come with me." He spoke, looking up at you with bright eyes.

"What?" You asked, and Bilbo continued.

"Come with me to Bag End."

He had such hope that you would agree.

Biting your lip you looked away. Bilbo's smile weakened.

"I don't know if I can, Bilbo. Lord Elrond needs me here."

Bilbo sighed, nodding his head. "I... I understand."

"My child." A deep, yet calm voice spoke.

You and Bilbo turned to see Lord Elrond before you. He smiled gently between you two.

"If you wish to go with him after his journey, then do as you wish. I won't keep you here."

Your eyes widened, "Are you sure, My Lord?" You asked and the Elven Lord nodded.

"Yes, I can see where your heart lies. Follow it. And, before you leave, we shall have a bountiful feast in your honor for helping us for so long." He spoke, and you had to hold back your tears of joy.

"Thank you, My Lord."

Lord Elrond nodded, bowing briefly before he left completely. Alone again, you turned to Bilbo with a smile.

"I did not see that coming." You laughed, and Bilbo followed.

"Lady Y/N, would you do me the honor of living with me in Bag End? If I come back?" He asked, and you didn't hesitate to say yes.

"When you get back, Bilbo. I would love to."

#bilbo baggins x reader #fluff #cute #slight angst #bilbo #bilbo baggins #the hobbit #bilbo x reader #bilbo baggins fanfiction

[onlyseokmins]

Take your mutuals on a date! What are you doing?

ok ok, for anyone i didn't mention - i am bringing your favorite gifts and we're going on a date of YOUR choosing <3 anyways these are things I'd love to do with some of the mutuals if money, distance, and time weren't a factor jdksfj

@wonuhour - i'd def wanna take a walk and see the cherry blossoms w/ lua! i think that would be so fun (and it's always been a dream of mine) but also bc lua reminds me of cherry blossoms all the time haha. i'd want to have a picnic too!

@ncteez - gonna bother hon and drag her to one of those fancy art parks you can walk around so i can listen to her explain all the things i don't understand w/ her sexci mind but then we get distracted and go window-shopping. alternatively, the art bridge that is located somewhere near me in the woods >>

@aceofvernons - super chaotic but mini-golfing. one of those really extra mini golf places with a ton of weird obstacles and cool features. we totally aren't serious about score and spend more time trying to clamber on the "do not climb" structures

@baekhyunnybyun - a pool lmao wait no i'm joking. i think going to the boardwalk in NJ would be fun. something about the beach and finding some sort of hidden treasure in one of the shops, talking and walking for hours or just sitting looking at the scenery. def a ride in the ferris wheel too :D

@cheolhub - maybe cuz im so fond of the nickname someone gave you as sarberry which is literally so adorable but i was thinking of like going to a berry field/patch so we could make little jars of jam for each other i think that would be cute :')

@onlymingyus - i feel like a concert would be fun and ideal for us to meet askdjfkd but on the other hand, i have always wanted to go to a sunflower field so i'd take you there. there's also a waterfall walk near there i think you would enjoy. just relaxing and talking about all kinds of things like we already do but this time in-person would be a lot of fun!!

@duhnova - i also feel like a concert would also be a perfect fit but i'm also thinking abt finding some cozy cafe/restaurant we can chill at. i think we could spend most of our time there being silly like always until it gets dark and we have a pillow/blanket fort set up where we listen to music and watch some movies

@chansgyu - laser tag or paint ball! this is SO random but i think it would be a blast doing something vigorous and then napping together for hours. waking up and enjoying smth yummy to snack on while i convince you to play board games with me like a grandma fjskdfj

@hwanghyunjinenthusiast - dragging rj with me to a bookstore! not a commercial one but one of those ones that's like out of a fantasy novel/movie. i think it'd be fun to explore and i bet she would know a lot bc she's so knowledgeable. we could spend hours in there for sure and then get some warm beverages after we've had our fun!

#this was so fun asjdkfj #not me forcing the mutuals to go on BAD DATES WITH ME #nonny 🎭 #ez.inbox

[thedevilspearl]

Hi hi hi hi!!! I’m gonna enter for the date obey valentines event thing you have I love the idea!!! Very creative 🤠

So…I’m a pretty chill person; I do like going out for dinners and stuff however for me??? It’s all about conversation, you could take me to a park bench and as long as the conversation is stimulating and interesting I’ll consider it a date tbh however…I do enjoy romantic gestures so I guess overall in all seriousness my dream date would be…

A quiet lake/mini waterfall surrounded by beautiful nature! Having the opportunity to swim, joke, laugh while also being able to talk (and gossip 😏) with no one else around is without a doubt my dream date. The serene atmosphere while also having that whimsical calling to it with someone you admire is really appealing to me you know? No distractions, just the two of you!

ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴠᴀʟᴇɴᴛɪɴᴇ ɪs: ᴍᴀᴍᴍᴏɴ

“listen... there’s been a change of plans.”

your heart droops from his words — you’ve been so excited for this date, as has mammon given that he couldn’t stop bragging about how amazing his plan was.

but he avoids your gaze, his hand rubbing the back of his neck as he stutters the words out.

but you don’t need his words to know what he’s saying.

he doesn’t have money. after weeks of saving, it somehow disappeared and as frustrated as you want to feel, his visage his filled with rue. you can’t help but pity him — he’s just as disappointed as you.

“but... but don't worry. i have a backup plan.”

a spark of hope reignites the excitement between you, and after a somewhat arduous process — which may or may not have involved bribing solomon — the two of you are transported into the human world.

you’re taken aback immediately, allowing your lungs to inhale the fresh air hitting you. and when your chest adjusts to the flavourful air, you allow all of your senses to combine and fully comprehend where you are.

the smell of wet soil compliments the brown and green surroundings. the air is quiet, yet full of adventure. you’ve never seen nature so beautiful, and it’s even more beautiful with your first man beside you.

the stagnant lake is surrounded by trees and hills; the vast scenery steals all the words from your mouth.

“i know it’s not what we had planned. this is a rock compared to my gem of a plan, but i’ve wanted to bring ya here for some time."

somehow, you believe this is exactly where you were meant to be tonight — not at a classy and expensive restaurant dressed in the finest clothes and jewels.

you were meant to be here with the lake and with nature and with mammon.

#♡ valentine’s event #obey me x reader #mammon x reader

[friend-of-giants]

Skyrim Asks

Tagged by @sheirukitriesfandom

I do love little questionnaires like this. Obviously I'm going with Wren, since she's the only Dragonborn I've played as that I've bothered to put any thought into.

Tagging @downontheupside @babyblueetbaemonster and anyone else who sees this and wants to do it! I don't really like tagging people 😂

My responses under the cut since this is a little long.

1. Favourite Tavern

There’s something about the Vilemyr Inn that holds a special place in her heart.  The innkeeper is always friendly, and the menu there has some of the best salmon dishes in Skyrim.  The scenery in Ivarstead can’t be beat, nestled at the base of the Throat of the World, overlooking the steamy Eastmarch valleys, surrounded by waterfalls and the vibrant golden trees of the Rift. It's just a perfect little inn!

2. Favourite Drink

Mead, mead, mead.  Honningbrew, Black-Briar, unlabeled bottles she finds lying around that may or may not have already had someone else’s mouths on it, all fair game.  She’s rather partial to Black-Briar Reserve, as well as spiced wine and, when she can get it, sujamma. 

3. Travel Companion

Her horse, Dagon, first and foremost, as she would rather not walk all over Skyrim.  In prior years it was Lydia who accompanied Wren along her journey, but she has since moved on and now travels with Teldryn and eventually Inigo. 

4. Wealthy or not?

Wren came from decades of banditry and struggled her way into the civilized world with barely a handful of coin.  After becoming Dragonborn, the gold started coming in, and due to her upbringing she held on tightly to every bit of it that she earned.  She is rather wealthy, but has her funds hidden away and only buys what she needs.  

5. Worships the Aedra or the Daedra?

She doesn’t actively worship any of them, nor the Gods.  On rare occasions she will pray, but directs her prayers to all of them and hopes one will be willing to listen.  

6. Biggest Fear

Losing those she cares about, and knowing that she may be unable to save them.  The possible effects of what her dragon soul may do to her in the long run.  She tries not to think about that.  

Also Dwarven centurions (technology shouldn’t have that kind of power) and frost mirriam (she’s violently allergic)

7. Pet Peeves

People asking too many questions, or disregarding her abilities due to her size.  

Bonus Peeve: Rolff Stone-Fist

8. Do they like being dragonborn?

At first, yes.  She loved it, the power and the status and being able to instill fear into men and dragons alike.  Something happened partway through her journey of fulfilling her destiny against Alduin which drove her to depression, and changed how she saw herself and how she fit into the world.  Eventually she was talked into moving on and doing what she was meant to do.  Now she is more or less over being the Dragonborn, and if it were possible, she would give up her gift as she believes it is what caused her fall from grace. 

9. Favourite faction

Never joined any, but when she lived in Whiterun she found herself watching the warriors of Jorrvaskr practicing in the yard.  She never had the time to join, as she was focusing all of her time and energy into fighting the dragons and finding a way to stop Alduin. 

10. An object of sentimental value

She has her journals that she keeps tucked away around her home, as well as another object I can’t specify since it plays a role in the story I just started writing 🤷‍♀️

11. Hobbies

When she isn’t out wandering around Skyrim, Wren likes to cozy up in her bed with one of her multitudes of books she’s stolen throughout the years.  Living on the shores of Lake Honrich makes for good fishing, which she thoroughly enjoys, as well as cooking her catches.  

And, of course, drinking. 

12. Favourite city

Riften!  The autumnal forests that surround the city are what drew her there in the first place, as well as the Black-Briar meadery and the view of the lake and the mountains beyond.  With salmon and honey being plentiful resources in the city, two of Wren’s favorite things, she can never see herself living anywhere else. 

#tag games #oc: wren

[the-fiction-witch]

Blu P5

Media TMR AU

Character Newt

Couple Newt X Reader

Rating Sweet + Spooky

Concept Spa

I woke up again after good while noticing it was literally another day, oh my god. I don't think I need a spa I think I just need to find a dragon cave and just sleep for a few million years. I got up and had a nice hot shower using some of the nice soap they supplied and a fresh fluffy towel once I got dressed I noticed some paper slipped under my door for a moment I was concerned but I picked it up noticing it was my schedule for the week breakfast, dinner and various experiences booked in at various times and a note I was welcome to any amenities outside of my booked treatments, my first wasn't till eleven today so I had time to go grab my breakfast, I headed out locking the room up and going to the restaurant it was all very much the same style wooden tables with metal legs and slate place mats large windows making it sort of look like a greenhouse or conservatory with a glass roof and a glass wall to overlook the scenery with the same blue pool outside my room just out the snowy window. 

And I found Thomas and Minho at a table with a open seat they waved me over so I went and sat with them, 

"We were starting to think you were dead" Minho laughed having a coffee

"Yeah sorry I'm not good with travelling I just was knocked out as soon as I got in my room" 

"It's cool, I think everyone kinda was" Thomas shrugged

"Yeah, so what's the food situation?" I asked 

"You just wait" Minho shrugs 

"Wait? How do they know what we want then?"

"I don't know but they seem to be pretty good" 

At that moment a man arrived in the same uniform as the men who met us when we arrived they brought us each a plate, Minho was more coffee and a breakfast sandwich, Thomas had chocolate chip pancakes with syrup and I had french toast with a side of fresh strawberries they wondered off leaving us to it and immediately I was confused

"How did they know that's what we'd each want?"

'I don't know, maybe they're magic. Don't question it just enjoy it" Minho told me 

I guess he's right no point arguing so I had my breakfast and it was delicious and we all decided as we weren't busy till later to go for a jump in the pool so I went back to my room and changed grabbing a towel heading out to the actual spa area, again the theming had stuck giving it a very onsen kinda vibe there was so much to do saunas, pools, massages, different things to bathe in and shower under, anything relaxing you could imagine was back here, and then the main attraction. It started inside a wood lined pool of this blue water steaming as it sat there then doors out to the main area, a huge outdoor pool of the same blue, steaming in the cold snow, with various hot tub area's, small nooks to sit, a waterfall of stone in the corner, even a swim up bar all overlooking the mountains. 

I was kinda nervous looking at the strange colour of the water but Minho and Thomas basically forced me, the bottom was strange it kinda felt like wet sand but smoother, silkier, but strong not like you could sink into it, the moment my skin touched the water I felt relaxed as if a wave went over me as the water touched me flexing and relaxing each and every muscle in my body the smooth warmth cradling me like being wrapped in a soft blanket even though it was busy with people it was so quiet where everyone was so relaxed we swam out into the outside section sand for a while I just sat on a little seat watching the waterfall and the snow 

"Oop- sorry" a voice spoke up as someone bumped into me 

"Ohh it's okay" I muttered back quickly turning to see, her the girl from the room nextdoor "hi"

"Hi" she smiled in a little blue swimsuit with black cat faces all over it her hair up in a bun "y/n" she smiled taking her hand from the water

"Newt," I smiled giving it a shake immediately i saw Thomas and Minho out the corner of my eye clearly taking the piss but she was actually really cute and I do want to compliment her atleast to try and keep the conversation going "I uhh I like your ti- kitties. Kitties. The cats on your swimsuit" 

She giggled a little a little red in her cheeks I'm pretty sure I completely turned red "I like your stripes" she smiled 

"Uuhhh thank you" I smiled nervously fixing my hair and my striped shorts a little "have uhh you been here long?"

"No, got in a couple of days ago. You?"

"Yesterday"

"Aww you ever been before?'

'no, never, you?"

"A few times yeah, I'd be more then happy to show you some more secret things or help you out if you get lost"

"Thanks that'd be great" 

"You wanna swim to the bar and grab a drink?"

"Yeah sure" I nodded 

#thomas brodie sangster #thomasbrodiesangster #tbs imagines #tbs imagine #thomas sangster imagine #tbs smut #thomas brodie sangster imagine #tbs #thomas brodie sangster smut #thomas sangster #newt maze runner #newt #maze runner newt #newt imagine #newt imagines #tmr newt smut #tmr newt imagine

[theatypicalcalledhyacinth]

𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐦𝐢𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚 𝐬𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲~!

THE DAY HAS COME

WHERE THE MIITOPIA SWITCH ANNIVERSARY

HAPPY MIITOPIA SWITCH PORT ANNIVERSARY DAY~! YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY~! (coming from a person whose timezone is gmt+8:00. so in my country it's 5-22. so some people whose timezone is EST or/and still 5-21, this might arrive on time,

so i made a story regarding the anniversary. i also made an emotional art about it and the lore of the miitopia universe where merori existed. VERY LONG POST

content warnings: spoilers, emotonal art, and emotional story

𝐀 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

"Finally, an inn~!" Maxie grumbled. "Now I can finally rest after facing those tough monsters."

"Yeah." Maxie replied. "Fighting monsters drains my energy. But I got used to it."

"That's great~!" Mayoko cheered.

Maxie walked to the inn. When he was about to open the door, he noticed mail taped on the center. He plucked it.

It says here that it's for Merori. From her.. .mom? he thought.

Then he turned to Merori and walked to her. "Merori. This letter if for you." Maxie said.

"Oh! Where is the letter from?" Merori asked.

"It's from your mom." Maxie replied.

Merori is shocked and surprised. A letter?! From my mom?!

Merori grabbed the mail from Maxie. She quickly opened the mail and read the letter from her mom.

It said:

Hey, Merori. How are you? This letter if from me, your mom, Beranwyn. Where are you?! Where did you go?! How are you?! Are you ok?! I don't want you to get hurt all alone in the wild. Me and some people in Sirrus are looking for you EVERYWHERE IN MIITOPIA. Today is the celebration of The Progression of the Stars, as you know, the stars improving. Miitopia has even more wonders and creatures during that time. There are fireworks everywhere and everyone is enjoying their time.

I hope you are safe, my daughter.

- Your mom, Beranwyn.

Merori had a flood of feelings inside. There is a flood of sadness. There is also a flood of happiness because its from her mom. Merori regretted the fact that she left her mom for no reason at all. Tears started to produce in her eyes, and formed a teary waterfall.

She started to sob softly. Mayoko, Maxie, and Eisuke heard her sobbing.

"Merori! Is something wrong?!" Mayoko asked, really concerned. Merori looked at Mayoko, with teary eyes. She quickly wiped it away. "I-I'm fine, Mayoko!"

"Merori, you're crying. Is something wrong?! Is there something bothering you?!" Mayoko asked in a really concerned voice.

After a really long silence, Merori finally broke her silence.

"I-I left mom without permission. Someone asked me to save her child and told me I was the. . .umm. . .lost star. She gave me the strange amulet which glows. That led me to this today. It's all my fault that I left mom.I don't want her mad when I come back at Sirrus. I really wish I'm at home again." she explained shakily.

Merori left out the details that she is one of the daughters of The Guardian Spirit, thinking that her friends might not believe her. "Merori, don't think about that. I'm sure your mom will forgive you about it. And we'll go home when we defeat the Dark Lord." Mayoko encouraged Merori.

". . .Are we going to win against the Dark Lord? Because he's strong." Merori asked in a scared tone.

"Of course! We can do this together~!" Mayoko replied enthusiastically. Merori smiled

. "Thank you so much for your words, Mayoko~! Now I'm feeling better~!"

"You're welcome~!" Mayoko answered.

✩*⢄⢁✧ --------- ✧⡈⡠*✩

so, the context of this story is merori's mom, beranwyn, sent her a letter. she is worried. and merori is teary eyed. she wants to go home also, the event in my miitopia lore called the progression of the stars means the stars, created by a god in miitopia, which creates life,creates new creatures, new sceneries, new star guardians to look for the miitopians, and the evolution of the human brain. do you know what that means? MORE MIITOPIA MONSTERS! and everything in my lore. sirrus, coming from sirius cloud, is a neighboring town of nimbus. blacksmiths and astrologers exist in there. sirrus is my fanmade land in miitopia. also, sirrus has the most intelligent people

this is the lore of one of my miitopia playthrough merori and her team are grinding first before going to beat the dark lord btw when this happened.

proofs:

ok that' all have a great time~! again happy miitopia switch port anniversary and sorry for such a negative art

#miitopia #miitopia lore #miitopia anniversary #miitopia switch port anniversary #art #digital art #oc #miitopia oc #ruuki art #ruuki's art #miitopia ocs #ocs

[endekashi]

天国と地獄

Heaven and Hell

本日はスイスからお越しのお一人様プライベート。天気も積雪状況も安定しているのでちょっと遠くへ足を伸ばしてみました。

Today we have a one-person private from Switzerland. The weather and snow conditions were stable, so we decided to go a little further out.

日本のアルプスは本場のアルプスを見慣れている人にはどう映っているのでしょうか。

How do the Japanese Alps look to those who are used to seeing the real Alps?

ここから海外の貸切4連チャンが入っているので、ケノザ ウィル ヘルプ ミー。彼は今回のギャラを見越して既にスプリットをポチッとしたそうな。キャンセルにでもなったらどないすんねん。

Kenoza Will Help Me, as he has four consecutive overseas charters from here. I heard he already bought a used split in anticipation of this payoff. What if it gets cancelled?

綺麗な景色に気分は上々。

The beautiful scenery made me feel good.

撮影日和って事で色んな人がいましたよ。

まずはマッキー、マサシ君、ランラン君。なんだか新しいプロジェクトが進んでるそうですよ。

It was a good day for shooting, so there were all kinds of people.

First up were Macky, Masashi, and Ranran. They are working on a new project.

そしてルイキ、コクボ君、工藤コウヘイ君も。今の日本のフリーライドシーンをグイグイ引っ張る3人です。

And then there is Ruiki, Kokubo, and Kouhei Kudo. They are the three who are leading the freeride scene in Japan today.

こちらはその3人を撮るRed Eye's Filmのシブチンさん。新作楽しみです。

This is Mr. Shibutin of Red Eye's Film, who shoots the three of them. I am looking forward to seeing his new work.

本当に雲も風もない散歩日和な日です。

It really is a beautiful day for a walk with no clouds and no wind.

嬉しそうに景色を撮ってましたよ。

He was happily taking pictures of the scenery.

このルートは下りも結構多くてスキーモードのスキルが問われます。

There is quite a bit of downhill on this route, which will test your ski mode skills.

人の行動食を貪るテールガイド。自分の持ってこいや！💢

Tail guides devouring my snacks. Bring your own! 💢

絶景の中、歩く事約3時間。

It took about three hours to walk through the spectacular scenery.

遂に目的地に到着！！美味そうではないですか🤤

Finally arrived at my destination! Doesn't it look delicious 🤤.

今回、ケノザはドローンを持ってきているという事でスタンバイ。

This time, Kenoza is standing by to say that he is bringing a drone.

ドローン発車！！

Drone departure!

そんじゃあ行ってみましょう！！

Let's go then!

Yeahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

Arghhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

爽快な一本でした！ケノザのドローン、うまく撮れたかな？期待しましょう。そして俺の写真には期待しないでください。

It was an exhilarating one! Kenoza's drone, did we get a good shot? Let's hope so. And don't expect my pictures.

ドローンを回収したケノザと合流。滑っていたら上からビール缶が落ちてきたとの事。どいこと？とにかくポイ捨ては良くないよ！

We met up with Kenoza who retrieved the drone. He said a beer can fell from above while he was skiing. What does that mean? Anyway, littering is not good!

ケノザも滑りを楽しんでいました。

Kenoza also enjoyed snowboading.

さてボトムはパーティーシュレッドと洒落込みましょう！

Now for the bottom, let's put on the party shred!

ここが予想外に超最高でした！！

フッカフカのいいのが溜まってました！！

写真は水滴ついてだめだったけど〜

いやあ、良かったですねえ。一同ブチあがり。しかしこの時、我々はこの後とんでもねえ目に遭うことは誰も想像していなかったのであった…。

Well, that was great. We were all so excited. But at that time, none of us had imagined that we would be in for a rude awakening later on….

いつもは楽々通過できる沢底に穴がぽつぽつ開いています。

Holes are pockmarked on the bottom of the stream, which is usually easy to pass through.

中でもこの滝壺の上のトラバースが激ヤバでした。

Among them, the traverse above this waterfall basin was particularly severe.

途中までトラバースしていくと突然カリカリのアイスバーンになるのです！何も知らずに突っ込んだ俺はあわやドボン寸前のところでした。

それをわかっていてポールの石突をピッケル代わりにして挑んだケノザもあわやドボン寸前。

こいつはヤバすぎるという事で、氷をショベルで砕きザクザクにしてからお客さんには渡ってもらいました。

I traversed the road to the halfway point, and suddenly it became icy and crunchy! I went into the ice without knowing what to expect, and nearly ditched.

Kenoza, who knew this and used a pole butt as a ice axe, also nearly ditched.

I decided it was too risky, so I broke up the ice with a shovel to make it into a rough piece and had the guests cross over.

更に小難しい砂防があったり、

There are even more small and difficult erosion controls,

渡渉があったりとアドベンチャー要素満載な帰り道。

The return trip is full of adventure elements, including some wading.

そんなこんなで無事到着！！いや〜何事もなくて良かった！

滑りは無茶苦茶良かったの覚えてる？そのくらい強烈な帰り道でした！

彼は明後日も来てくれる予定です！今日はゆっくり休んで！

本日もお疲れ山でした！&おしょっ様でしたー！

And so we arrived safely! Well, I'm glad that nothing happened!

Remember how absurdly good the riding was? It was such an intense way home!

He will be coming back the day after tomorrow! Have a good rest today!

Thanks again for your hard work today!

[talesofourworlds]

"Look, Yuri. It's the ocean."

"I can see that. ...The wind feels great."

"I've seen pictures in books before, but I've never seen it up close like this."

"Well, people don't usually travel outside the barriers. If we keep going, we could see all sorts of things, like the jungle or the City of Waterfalls..."

"There are so many more things we could learn... if only our journey would continue..."

"I guess it's true... I really was living in a small world."

"That's a rare moment of sincerity, coming from you."

"It's your first time seeing it too, right?"

"Well, yes, but..."

"Aww... you must've had such a lonely life, tied to your research like that."

"Having you pity me makes me want to jump off this cliff."

"This water has traveled the world's oceans, and seen all there is to see. The ocean binds the lands of our world together..."

"Here she goes again. It's really just one big puddle, you know."

"Whatever. You were pretty moved back there, too."

"So this is the world as he sees it."

"Yuri?"

"Flynn must have stood out here earlier, and looked out at this same scene."

"That's true. His duties do take him to many different places."

"Always telling me to catch up with him. Easy for him to say."

HAPPY FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY, TALES OF VESPERIA!!

I didn't know what I wanted to draw to mark such a special milestone for this game, at least originally. At first I kind of wanted to draw something involving Raven, but then I decided it made the most sense to draw one of my very favorite scenes. There's just something about this moment when Yuri and friends are looking out at the ocean following that one boss fight. The way the music swells, the wonder in everyone reacting to the scenery and conversing about it and how small the world feels outside their original starting points... the game does such a good job of capturing that feeling. And plus the music there is one of my most favorite tracks from the game.

I think the background is my favorite thing about this piece. Usually I start with coloring the characters and then go on to do the background since that's usually my least favorite part of working on a piece, but I just started working on the ocean after doing the lineart and then I was like 'Well, I guess I could do the sky next.' And then I spent ages working on the grass and rocks and things and I'm just... supremely happy with how it turned out. The characters turned out well, too, I think. But the background is the main focus of this one, I think. I do think I made Rita a bit too small considering where she is composition wise, but other than that I'm happy.

#ooc #mun's art #Pyrokinetic Genius (Rita) #Resound O Cry of Victory (Repede)

[magnusraziel]

MY JOURNEY (TRAVELOGUE)

My experience on my trip to Mayang Falls, in Trece Martires, Cavite, on March 18, 2023, where we bathed and had fun with my friends Although a relatively small waterfall, this hidden gem is "all natural", and not man-made, which makes it very special to the locals. There is no entrance or parking fee, and it is very easy to find.

When we arrived, we first took a photo of ourselves and the beautiful scenery. We quickly took off our clothes because we were going to bathe in the waterfall's very cold water. It was very deep, and even our tallest friend couldn't reach the very bottom because it was so deep. If so, I also tried to break it down so I could see the bottom. I almost drowned because, while I was going to the bottom, I was kicked in the face. I ran out of air, so I quickly climbed up, and thank God, I survived. One of my friends, Walter, screamed as if he had seen a ghost. The reason for his shouting was that there was a small snake swimming near our feet. We went up to see it, and it was very small, and its color was fascinating. So I tried to take it. But this friend of mine, Bryan, pushed me and said that I might get stabbed and die. I, on the other hand, argued and said unpleasant words. Because of that, the snake escaped. When we got up, we went back to where our utensils were, and we started cooking. While I was taking a stem to hand to Bryan for lighting, we lit more fuel and started cooking. While we were cooking, I was shaking, and I can say that I was very happy that day because the problem that could not be solved in my mind disappeared and was reduced.

We all tried to jump into the highest and deepest water. When I jumped, I got too high and felt a little nervous. But it feels so good because I have a new memory that I will never forget with my friends. So that when we become old friends, we will have memories to look back on and talk about how fun that day was.

If we ever return to that place, we hope that our children will be with us. Because it is really pleasant to bathe in deep and cold water. We even went to the cave to see what was there, and when we went, we discovered many insects and animals such as snakes, spiders, and bats. We were so fascinated by the beauty of color and style. We also planned to take that, but we also thought that we shouldn't because that's where they live and are used to, where they can live better, and for our safety. Maybe we don't know what other harm will result from our decision or if the animal we get might still have poison.

To this day, I still have a happy memory that I will never forget. I am constantly looking forward to new experiences and adventures in meaningful and fun places.

[thegrazingblacksheep]

Road Trip to Isle of Skye - Day 3 of 6

As I mentioned before, going on holiday with a landscape photographer can mean that probably you won't have 6-8 hours good night sleep in whole.

Mr. decided to wake up really early to visit the Needle. I was not involved in that, because after a freezing night in the Lake District, I rather enjoyed having a rest under a very heavy and warm blanket. He always says I don't need to get up if he does. But he doesn't count with the fact of waking up. Definitely, by default, there is no chance that I will get up at 4:30 to climb up to a hill to take a photo of anything. But he still wakes me up with he getting up, preparing, packing, loading, firing up the coffee machine, etc. Not easy, nah.

Mealt Falls

After he came back, we head to Mealt Falls. We have been here once, and that time the number of dropped lens caps at the edge of the cliffs were quite interesting, but this time we didn't see any. Pandemic / storms I guess? Or hard working locals who pick them up with special tools maybe? I'm not sure. But the waterfall is bold and majestic, and nothing compares to its sound. 

People usually don't spend that much here, even if it is a bus full of people. But definitely worth a visit, because the scenery is stunning.

Portree

Imagine Portree as a micro Tenby but much more peaceful. A little gem with colourful row of houses, sea food, boats, suspicious seagulls, seasoned with history. I love any little revelation which relates to languages, in this case the fact that Portree is actually Port-an-Righ in Gaelic, which means King's Port.

We had a little walk here to explore the town a bit, hunt for a fridge magnet and a postcard for the beloved. I know these are looking old fashioned habits, but they have their own beauty.

The shops are full of wonderful handcrafted gifts by locals. I really love what Scottish people can do with wool, and making sheep, highland coos and tartan so cool. The works of local painters are simply stunning, to be honest I could buy all of them, really. They can truly capture the mood of Scotland, that mysterious, foggy, history-fragranced peace. 

Sligachan

I'm still not entirely sure how to pronounce Sligachan, but we went with slee-ga-hhan or slee-guk-an. This is also a place we were before, and again, we visited this in rain.  For taking photos, rain and clouds were working so nicely though. Seeing the Black Cuillin hills surrounded by moving clouds is something everyone should see at least once in their lives. Also we experienced that golden hours are working really crazy here.

We didn't go to the usual little bridge this time, just a little bit of walk from the road to have a fair spot looking at the hills, and actually that is enough. The hills are majestic, and the water of the brooks around are crystal clear. 

As it was both raining and sunny, we have spotted a really fancy rainbow. I don't know if we should have made a wish or something like that, but I'm quite sure that after seeing such a beautiful phenomenon, we couldn't have wished anything more beautiful. 

Dunvegan Castle

Should I come up with something about my Mr. being vegan and our trip to Dunvegan Castle?... Okay, I won't.

We have seen beautiful postcards and photos of this site a lot, and were quite disappointed that we couldn't visit it, but this is what you get when you travel off season. We went a bit further along the shore of Loch Dunvegan, and we could spot the castle that way, but maybe it is something we need to visit again. What a shame! There is Dunvegan Castle on this picture, I promise :)

Neist Point Lighthouse

So we headed to find a lighthouse. We like lighthouses, we even have one in the town we live. This time our target was the Neist Point Lighthouse. The road to Neist Point is really beautiful, and I particularly loved the sheep grazing freely along the road, sometimes causing a little bit of traffic.

Man, that was a windy day. Had to be careful, because the ground was quite boggy, and to go over to the rocks on the top to see the lighthouse from above, we had to find a way where we don't sink basically.

Standing on the edge of the cliffs in strong wind was a bit scary, and it is that kind of wind which can easily disturb the balance of a tripod with camera on, but the view is absolutely stunning, and worth it.

It started raining, and after I took some photos, I left the Mr. to take his pro ones, and got back to the car. And while I was walking back, another beautiful rainbow appeared :) I just spotted that people don't really watch the lighthouse anymore, they all look to the opposite direction, and poof! Another rainbow! We must find a pot of gold now...

Way back

We got home a bit late, but not too late for a good Chinese Takeaway. We have been in Fat Panda before, and it is still there, still operating, still very nice, you can't wish for more, really. The lady who took the order is smiley and so kind; I wonder if she was there in 2017 when we visited. 

We finished the day with catching up with two episodes of Apprentice UK. 

#rainbow #scotland #scottish #isle of skye #fat panda #portree #chinese #takeaway #the apprentice #neist point lighthouse #photography #photos #travel #sligachan

[dilucids]

Childe oneshot; Blinded dreams

001. angst && death/mentions of death.

summary; you don't know who childe thinks of when he calls you, but you know it's not the you you wish you were.

( i feel bad for ditching y'all for this long so have one of my drafted oneshots originally written for wattpad, && if the reach on this is good, i'll let you guys have more [teehee] )

You met during summer.

And despite the sun blaring down, sending harsh rays to melt the skin right off your flesh, you did not know if the reason you were red faced was because of said sun, or because there was a pretty boy ( one of the prettiest, mind you ) that lived right next to you and he was currently hanging on the fence, waving at you with a smile on his face.

"Heya, (name)!" The way he says your name is breathtaking, almost as if it lived on the tip of his tongue yet he seemed foreign to it, as if he had not uttered the syllables in many years. Like a flower blossoming over the years, finally pulled out premature by small, fat fingers belonging to a mere child who wanted to see the flower in bloom. ( You forget you have never seen this child before. ) The flower is ruined however, its fragile petals fall into their palm and they shrug, as if they hadn't taken a life and move onto the next one, repeating the process. ( How does he know your name again? )

He peers at you ( it's similar to the way you would look at an old friend or the way your mother looks when you're going to family reunions and she has the bittersweet revelation that her father is still dead, ) and you blink, head rolling to the side, holding the bouquet of freshly picked dead flowers close to your chest, "How'd you know my name?"

His jaw slacks for just a second before his smile is back on his face, pulling himself up and flinging himself over the fence, landing right in front of you and causing you to take a tiny step back, "magic?" He tests the answer and shakes his head to revoke it when you furrow your eyebrows, not appreciating the joke. "Your mum was talking to mine," he speaks the truth when your face is unchanging to his plain joke.

You hum, and then walk back to the flower bed that was left behind by the previous family, and continue snapping stems off as collecting them in a heap next to you. The ginger boy follows you, although he doesn't sit down like you do but squats, hands close to his chest and watches as you pluck the flowers straight out of the earth. Although he followed you, he seemed more interested in the dead flowers, staring at one until you ripped it out the earth and then moved onto the next one.

He reaches out for a flower but you stop him, holding his fingers in yours and shaking your head when he looks over at you, questioning. "Thorns." An understanding breath escapes him as he continues watching you instead, your fingers dig against the dirt slightly, pushing it away before gripping the stem with your pointer and thumb before tugging ( there are many times when the force causes you to fall backwards slightly sometimes but it doesn't stop you. )

"Ajax!" You both hear coming from the boy's, probably Ajax, garden and you peer over him to when he suddenly stands up, going to jump back over the fence.

You test the name in your head a few times before your mouth follows, "Ajax," you stumbled a little but he turns around anyways, humming with a smile on his face, "I'll bring you a proper flower one day."

He nods and then disappears over the fence. You hear scoldings from his mother but tune them out. ( You didn't like the way his name felt new on your tongue, it didn't match the way he called you. )

You begged your mother to buy purple carnation seeds later that day.

━━━━━━━━━━━━

You are ten and 'Ajax' still sounds weird to you but you persevere.

It doesn't sound weird when your mother is the one calling him, asking him if he had enough pillows to be laying on your bedroom floor and he nods, leaning against the frame on your bed as you both bid goodnight and your mother nods, closing the door behind her. Almost immediately after the door clicks close, Ajax leans back onto your bed, making you quirk an eyebrow. "I can only sleep with two pillows."

You peer down at the head of his makeshift bed, at the foot of the closet next to your bed. There was only one pillow, you sigh and drop the pillow onto the floor. You don't wait until he says anything and slip into your own bed, pulling the cover over yourself, facing the wall rather than Ajax.

( You dream that night.

You dream of a world where man had the powers of Gods and Gods walked amongst men. Where the world was shaped by years of wars and work, where statues of Seven Gods were erected upon the land, granting peace and protection for people and animals alike.

You are sat around a marble circular table, the smell of food and tea hitting your nose. You peer up, there's a man sat a little across from you, clad in colours of cor lapis. His amber eyes hold no emotion, a diamond of memories steeping in his eyes as he brings up the cup to his lips and sips behind the hand he also brings up. His form is nothing less than godly and he sets the cup down without a sound━━━━ like a warrior. His shoulders roll down like waterfalls cascading from mountains, his hair is pulled back and bangs freely fall like leaves of a tree and you can see the scenery of Liyue in his very soul.

You don't know his name but it slips off your tongue perfectly, "Zhongli, where is Hu tao?"

(( Who is Hu Tao? ))

"The Director will be late, she is dealing with," he clears his throat in a way that lets you know his following words are a lie, "other troubling matters within the funeral parlor."

You nod, although you have no idea what he is talking about. "Do you know how late she will be?" You inquire, watching his eyebrows furrow and fingers flex, linen gloves pressing against his fingers as he does so.

You see Morax in him for a little while before his thinking subsides and he presses his lips into a line, "The Director did not state how long she will be."

You hum with nothing else to say and begin bringing your attention to the food that was beginning to grow cold on the table, "help yourself please," you signal Zhongli to the food and before he speaks, an amusing smile breaks out on your face, "I will be taking care of the bill."

His troubles subsides and he follows your words, grabbing the chopsticks by his ceramic plate. You two fall into a comforting silence, which is a peculiar yet nice feeling. Rather than a business meeting, it feels more like two old friends meeting up for a small chat.

A while passes with no sign of Hu Tao and you see Zhongli peer up from his food, eyes tracking another entity who had walked into the building, so you throw your head back a little.

"Childe." The boy looks eyes with you and a smile breaks out on his face when he sees you, the waves in his eyes crashing against the shore as his eyes crease. (( Childe? That was Ajax. ))

And you wake up to the sea washing up on shore eyes gazing down at you. )

━━━━━━━━━━━━

You are twelve, two years have passed and the dream you had stayed with you like a distant memory. Ajax's name still doesn't sound nice when you speak it and you feel like you're ruining it so you settled on a nickname, Aj. ( Only two letters, how could you make them sound wrong? )

"Aj," you call out the boy, whose smile widens when he sees you. Two syllables, but that's how you know him. He dismisses himself from the bind of conversation of two girls, who seemed pretty interested in him ( as a man ) and you knew that for sure because when you stepped your foot into their conversation, they glared at you slightly before stomping away.

The walk home was slightly awkward. For you anyways, because there were words that were burning at the tip of your tongue and sometimes letting lava erupt was a bad idea but leaving it to build up is also a bad idea.

"You okay?" Ajax almost gives you a 'go', peering up at you slightly ( you were taller than him, a feat you were quite proud of ).

You clear your throat slightly, starting off cautiously, "remember when we first met?"

And you don't know what you had expected because a stupid smile lights up on his face and he answers straightly, "no."

( Your poor two years of taking care of purple carnations, down the drain for a boy like this. )

━━━━━━━━━━━━

You are fifteen, stood in front of Ajax, holding a bouquet of purple carnations and a box of assorted chocolates behind your back. Sweat collects in the palms of your hand and you know it's not from the heat, you wipe both palms on the side of your sweater, watching him talk to his friends to give yourself a little more time for confidence before walking over there.

But the time shortens when his friend notices you, pointing out your figure to Ajax and he turns to you, a whole 180 degrees with his entire body and waves at you with his entire arm, you wave back with a shaky smile on your face when he begins to run your way after bidding his goodbyes to his friends.

He skids to a stop when in front of you, and can obviously see the flowers you were attempting to hide because a sly smile perks itself on his face. ( You would never admit to it, but he looked really good when he was smiling. )

"What are you hiding?" He hums, leaning down slightly with his hands behind his back as he attempts to see, you turn away, hiding the gifts for a little while longer. "Hold still," you press him down with one hand on his shoulder, stopping him and he straightens his back, humming.

"Listen," you take a deep breath because it's inescapable for you to not ramble this out, "we've been friends for a really long time, yeah? And I know this is really weird and out of the blue but I really like you and I'm sorry if I'm ruining our friendship but I've weighed the pros and cons of not having you as a friend and as someone I walk past in hallways and glance away awkwardly at, and the cons actually outweigh the pros but I really don't know if I can keep these feelings to myself because you're the only re━━"

A hand on your head stops you from talking anymore ( he's taller than you now, taller than most your peers actually ) and his smile is still there, "you're not breathing dear."

You don't realise he's called you 'dear', you feel like he's always been calling you that so it skips past your mind, and you take a deep breath. Presenting the gifts from behind you, Ajax stares at you with little expression on his face.

"I love you, Childe."

( Who is Childe? Why did he come to your mind now and why is Ajax tearing up?

There were many questions that entered your mind then, but they were all quickly forgotten when Ajax pushes your gifts aside, placing both hands on either side of your cheek and quite literally pulling you up to his height, pressing his lips against yours. You're both deaf to the sounds of whoops, whistles, and claps by his friends in the background as your arms circle his waist and his tears enters your kiss. )

━━━━━━━━━━━━

You are nineteen, and the way Ajax calls you is deafening to your heart.

"(name)," he breaths, in an indescribable way as if to say 'my (name)' and it should give you butterflies but the way he looked at you made you feel as though you were a soul trapped in the wrong body. He was giving you everything you had ever wanted in a way you had never wished.

You should stop him, because he's not in love with you. He's in love with the person he sees in you, but who is that person? Why do they mean so much to him? Can't he forget them? Why do you remind him of them? Is he stupid?

And most importantly, why the hell isn't he letting you go? You've died already━━━━ even if he still retains all his past memories, does he even know how unfair his gaze is? The way he says your name? It makes you want to wake from your grave, located near Liyue ( because though Childe was from Snezhnaya, you lived and loved near the peaks of Liyue and qingxin flowers were made to bloom above your resting place, delicately and preciously ).

The way his breath was hitting your bare skin, his cold lips were barely touching your burning flesh, the goddamn way he was muttering your name under his breath and you think you've finally snapped but you come completely undone when he stops, glancing back up at you with his eyes.

( Memories wash over you in an instant, the years you spent with him in Liyue, even if he was a Fatui Harbinger and Zhongli advised you, albeit indirectly, not to get involved with them and Xiao, not so indirectly, with a scowl on his face and then the memory of him taking your life in Liyue, with a single arrow through your chest and the last thing you see is the tsunami of emotions in his eyes and Xiao pulling him off of you. You've lived for so long, through so many lives and yet he is the only one who could completely tear you apart and make you lose all reason. )

"I love you, Childe, but please," the way you call his name makes his heart ache, in ways it has never before. "Let me go." And you wash away from his shore like a fleeting memory.

━━━━━━━━━━━━

Childe wakes up with his back sore and face cold due to leaning against your gravestone, he takes one hand to run through his hair, the other is placed above the grass where your body was buried and he peers down, grass entangled in his fingers, stabbing through the thin fabric of his glove like your hair did.

"Childe," he knows it's not you behind him, because you don't sound like a man nor a God and the way you called his name is more endearing, as if you were speaking a poem of two lovers but he turns anyways, and in his heart he hopes it's you.

But it's not, it's the Adeptus who held you close to his heart. Xiao's and Childe's relationship has never been good, simply because; a) their personalities clashed and b) they were on opposing sides but after your death, an unexplainable hatred grew in Xiao's heart for him.

( In Xiao's mind, Childe was the one who cared for his job more than you and heeded orders to end your life. ) Childe cracks a smile on his face, waving Xiao off before he says anything and pushes himself off your grave, "you don't need to say anything, I'm going," he says in a playful tone, as if he were leaving a party.

Xiao's eyebrows furrow, lips curling into a snarl when Childe walks past him, "despicable," he spits. ( But if Childe had asked you to, you would've taken your own life. )

#genshin impact #genshin x gender neutral reader #genshin #genshin oneshot #genshin childe #childe #genshin tartagalia #childe x gender neutral reader #childe x reader #x reader