#I hope she at least told her husband. She should really be honest with him.

[rishiguro]

hi rin! i recently came across your blog from an angst scenario and i was wondering if you would be able to do a jjk version of “characters throwing their wedding ring” i live for angst haha and i’m really glad i found your blog! also i’m 20!!

JJK CHARACTERS WHEN THEY THROW THEIR WEDDING RING

feat. nanami; toji; gojo; shoko; getou

a/n: angst rules ngl. thank you for your suggestion, i hope u enjoy this (because i for sure enjoyed writing this)

haikyuu version

arguments usually weren’t heated with NANAMI. the two of you believed in open and honest communication so it was rare that either one of you would start yelling. so to say the least, hearing his voice boom in the living room and seeing him so enraged was shocking. you couldn’t focus on him anymore as he continued his rant, face slightly red from his booming voice. but you couldn’t even lift your head to look at him, eyes fixed on the ring laying on the floor — the ring that was supposed to be on his ring finger as a symbol of your eternal love. that was until one second the yelling stopped. as you looked up you saw your husband frozen, gaze downcast in guilt.

loving TOJI could be hard sometimes. he was argumentative, hot-headed and selfish. he didn’t seem to care what buttons he pushed and just how much hurt he would cause. you were terrified to see just how easy he managed to slip the ring off and throw it carelessly to the side right before slamming the door behind him. what you couldn’t see however was him dropping down right after, his back against the wood, with his head between his knees. his breathing shuddered as he clenched his fists, digging his nails into the skin. there was one thing he was sure of — he loved you. could you love him, regardless of how fallible he was?

GOJO was truly special — in one way or another. yet he always made sure to treat you as his equal, because that’s what you were to him. he loved you more than anything and anyone and he never had any problems admitting that. and you never doubted him because he never gave you a reason to. but now you did. “please,” his voice was muffled behind the door, “please let me in” the second you left the room he was right behind you, his pleads for you cut off by the door slamming into his face. “i love you,” he insisted, his hands outstretched. he wanted nothing more than to step into the room and fall on his knees right in front of you, beg for your forgiveness. and he could — but he couldn’t. he shouldn’t. because this wasn’t about what he needed or wanted but about how he hurt you and what you needed from him.

one of SHOKO’s strengths was being level-headed, no matter how serious or loaded the situation might be. she was always aware of what she was doing and of how it might affect others — which is why this hurt even more. she couldn’t explain to herself why she thought for even just a second that throwing her wedding ring, the one the two of you chose together, at you was the right thing to do. she clenched her jaw, hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. she should turn around, go back to you, apologize, beg for your forgiveness. and yet here she was, running away from the one thing she loved and hurt the most — you.

GETOU was aware of his faults. he was a passionate and smug man, going so far as to call himself condescending. and while he was confident that he was able to control his emotions and be a good person and especially a good partner, he soon realized that this wasn’t always the case. his face was pale, a shocked expression etched into it. he looked stunned, shaking his head in disbelief with his eyes staring on his hand. this had to be a dream, there was no way he would do such a thing. he told himself he was going to be good to you, always keep you safe and happy. this couldn’t be true, it had to be a dream, a nightmare. but if it was a dream, why wouldn’t he wake up, safe and secure with your loving arm around him?

reblogs are appreciated

#₊❏❜ ⋮jujutsukaisen #jjk x reader #jjk headcanons #gojo x reader #nanami x reader #toji x reader #getou x reader #shoko x reader #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jjk angst #jjk imagines #jjk scenarios #jujutsu kaisen headcanons #jujutsu kaisen #jujutsu kaisen imagines #jujutsu kaisen scenarios #gojo angst #nanami angst #shoko angst #toji angst #getou angst #jjk x you #jjk #jujutsu kaisen x you

[ninapi]

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Premise: Prince Keisuke was known to be a troublesome lad, often bringing problems to the queen herself. In an attempt to tame the wild prince, the queen calls for a powerful witch to aid him with his cause, hoping to put an end to this quest sooner. What she didn't count on was love being what he needed most.

Word Count: 2516

Note: Welcome to my first Tokyo Revengers series~ I know it's weird for my first series to be an AU and not cannon, but I've had this idea in mind for some time now and really wanted to let it out of my system lol, I hope you guys like it~

*＊✿❀ Bewitched ❀✿＊*

Chapter 1: The witch and the Prince

The Kingdom of Tokyo was noticeably the most powerful in the entire realm.

The previous King had done nothing but good things and had taken them to the highest position they could ever wish for; but he was reckless, and ended up passing at a very young age, leaving a promising future to wither with his corpse.

His wife, ended up as queen regent since their son was still too young to assume the throne. But sadly, he had inherited his father’s wild nature, and was nothing but a headache.

Being honest, the queen didn’t want to be it at all. She had married the king without even knowing who he was, it was pure love at first sight and truth to be told, his wild and reckless side was what drove her to him. She was not prepared to be queen and clearly had no interest of ever being so, but she had to take care of her husband’s legacy, at least until their son became of age to assume his role as king.

Baji Keisuke, also known as the crown prince, was not your average prince…

While he wasn’t lacking on the looks of one, his attitude was the complete opposite of what one would expect.

He was indeed smart and well versed in the arts of ruling a kingdom, yet his passion laid in battle.

Just as his father, he was constantly in the field instead of sitting on the throne listening to the town people’s complaints.

The royal guard were more like his friends than anything and would follow him anywhere.

At the head of the Royal guard was the youngest knight in history, Matsuno Chifuyu, the prince’s right hand. While he was young and seemingly inexperienced, he did more than a fantastic job aiding the prince in all his endevours, just as the second officer in command did, Satou Ryusei; though he was a lot more unreliable. 

But the prince didn’t need protectors, he was strong enough. Hence, the entire army would listen to him and just him, even if Sano Mickey was indeed their actual leader and the best there was.

While the Kingdom of Tokyo was normally pretty safe and wasn’t under an ongoing war, there was a terrorist group that wanted to destroy the royal family and overtake the kingdom.

They called themselves, Valhalla.

While Hanma Shuji, their leader in name, wasn’t that much of a threat, Hanemiya Kazutora was.

He used to be a good friend of the prince, grew up playing together with him and the head of the army duo, Sano Captain and Ryuguji Ken, his right hand. They used to be best friends, all sneaked in the castle daily just to play with the young prince who was very much bored practicing how to write properly, a true joy and his best memories of childhood.

But his state of mind wasn’t always the best and after committing an awful, unforgettable crime, he was sent to the dungeons for well over a couple of years. There, he made friends of the wrong kind, and that’s what led him to be part of this horrible organization that threats the wellbeing of the entire kingdom.

So for obvious reasons, the prince was even more involved in this quest of sorts than usual. He wanted to dissolve this stupid gang, not so much thinking of the wellbeing of the kingdom, as he should be doing, but he really wanted to save his friend, to punch some sense into that empty head of his and make him realize that’s not his place to be at but at their side, just like the old times.

This quest of his resulted in multiple assaults to the Royal guard, the prince himself getting hurt in the process…and that was the last drop of patience for the queen herself.

“Keisuke you moron! Until when are you going to keep chasing that lost sheep? He’s a threat to our kingdom just send Ryusei to kill him, he has no feelings towards him…I’m sick of this quest of yours, you should be leading this kingdom not punching children!” the queen wasn’t one of decor, but that was part of her charm.

“I’m not leaving him, mother…he needs to understand what he’s doing is wrong. If his friends give up on him, then who’s going to save him?”

“Have you ever stop and think maybe he doesn’t want to be saved? Maybe he likes being with this kids better than with you. Maybe he is happy with what he’s doing and doesn’t want you saving him…” she really wanted to smack her son on the head, but he’s all covered in scratches and his arm might be broken according to the royal doctor. 

“You don’t know him, mother…not like we do…” he was visibly exhausted, but his resolution would just not let him give up on his friend.

“That’s it, I’m calling her..” this got his attention, “Calling who?” he could feel anger bubbling up in his core, she was definitely going to send an assassin of her own guard to kill them all, his worst nightmare. “The witch of the forest of course.”

“Who?” that was not what he was expecting…

“The witch of the forest. You need help if you want to end this Valhalla gang thing. They don’t have magic do they? Well you’re the prince, you have more resources, if you want to “save” this friend of yours, I’m going to help you capture him alive. But the rest of the gang…I won’t accept any of them unharmed. Understood?” like the happiest puppy wagging its tail to their master, he got up and the annoyed frown from his face was nowhere to be seen. “Yes, mother.”

In all truth he didn’t like magic. To him using magic felt like cheating, but if that would avoid Kazutora from being hanged in the plaza for treason, he’d take it.

─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───

The witch of the forest, a legend of sorts, has always been present in the lore of the kingdom. An unknown force loyal to the crown, always there to rely on her in times of need.

No one knew how old she was, or what she looked like even. So to say Baji Keisuke was surprised when he saw the most beautiful young woman he’s ever seen in his life standing in front of him, smiling warmly as she bowed greeting him, was an understatement.

“I thought you’d be like 500 years old…” really smooth Keisuke…Chifuyu could be seen shaking his head in the background while Ryusei couldn’t help but bursting out laughing.

“I’m about our age, your majesty. The title of the witch of the forest gets passed down through generations, just as the crown will be yours one day.” she was so gracious, the way she moved, the way words came out of her mouth so beautifully, she was definitely not a normal human…

“Ugh…ok yeah…good! I mean…” he cleared his throat as to clarify what he was trying to say, “It’s good that you’re not an old lady, it would be awkward to work together since we are all in the young side…” he could feel Chifuyu’s disapproving gaze on the back of his neck. He was really not the best at talking to pretty girls, but then again, he never has to…

The lovely giggles that left your lips caused an entire tornado of emotions go rampage inside the prince, he could swear a cow just went flying by his liver as she looked at him with those sparkly beautiful eyes. “I won’t really need your help though, as you may know, we are already pretty strong. Your job is to put Kazutora in some sort of restraint so we can take him with us. The army will take care of the rest.” Ryuguji Ken, otherwise known by everyone as Draken, was nodding at his orders representing the military portion, so you just nodded as well. “Very well, my prince. I will do as you say.” 

Her prince? He’s now ‘her’ prince…? Yes…he definitely was…100%…

His face was doing all sort of things now as his brain went down a dangerous path full of pink hearts floating, when Chifuyu got closer, whispering to his ear, “My king…you’re everyone’s prince…she doesn’t mean anything by that statement.”

“Oh….um…I knew that already…” coughing awkwardly, he got up from the throne, barking orders for everyone this time, “We'll leave tomorrow at dawn, I expect you all to be ready for battle by then.” He just went down the stairs, bumping onto your shoulder and giving you a nasty glare. While he was dying in the inside, he was also just a tiny bit upset that he was reading too much into things.

“He’s a great guy, think nothing of it. He’s just a bit embarrassed.” Chifuyu, being the angel he is, wanted to make sure his beloved friend wasn’t misunderstood, “He’s a bit rough in the outside but he’s a wonderful friend and has a very generous heart.” you smiled back at the blonde knight, blushing a little at his charming and soothing way of carrying himself. His words did make you feel better though and you were grateful for that.

─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───

It was now time to leave and you were going through your bag making sure you had everything you needed, waiting for the prince by Chifuyu’s side. Which seemingly bothered Keisuke.

The queen had given you another set of orders, you were to follow her son’s commands, yes. But you were also supposed to keep him safe. He was to return safely without a scratch on his handsome face, otherwise you’d be hanged in the plaza with the rest of Valhalla. So you’ve prepared a bunch of healing potions, just in case.

“What are you, his shadow now?” Keisuke scoffed as he saw you behind Chifuyu. You weren’t even that close, he was doing his thing and you were doing yours, nothing to fuzz about, but oh boy, was he jealous…

“Chifuyu, go with Ryusei. Witch, you go with Draken.” nodding, you walked over to the tall man wearing his military uniform, smiling warmly up at him he lifted you up like a princess and set you up on his horse before sitting behind you and keeping you close so you wouldn’t fall.

“Well shit…” 

“See? She was better off with me…” Chifuyu snickered as he went on his horse all the way to the front to lead everyone out and towards Valhalla’s hidden territory.

The way there was actually lovely, the weather was nice and you’ve never seen as much of the kingdom. Draken was a gentleman and he would show you things of interest along the way, even picking a rare flower from a tree that you were interested in.

In reality, you wanted it for a potion, and that’s why he got it for you. But all Keisuke could see was a lot of flirting and giggling, love in the air as one would say. “What happened to Emma-chan you bastard…?damn womanizer…” 

Chifuyu, Ryusei and Mickey could only laugh at his reactions, he was truly adorable, like a child who got his favorite toy stolen.

Though, once you arrived, the mood changed quite rapidly.

Even the trees seem to be changing, no longer green and lush, more like the dead landscape of winter. “I thought…they didn’t use magic…”

“They don’t…do they?” Draken was suddenly taken aback by your statement, all sources indicated they were nothing but a bunch of raunchy teens.

“You see those trees? We are in the middle of summer, Ryuguji-san…this is definitely a magical field. A powerful one, it’s giving me goosebumps…the blood thirst in the air…” 

“Good thing we brought’ya then.” nodding, you got your staff out, getting ready for a different type of battle.

“Your majesty, the girl says they have a magic wielder. We must be cautious.”

“Cautious my ass, I’ll kick them all where it hurts and we can go home with Kazutora before lunch.” 

The prince had a reputation of being invincible, but this was different, you had an awful gut feeling, though before you could say anything, scary looking guys came out of nowhere from every possible direction. They looked almost like zombies, like if someone was controlling them like puppets. “Chifuyu…they have a high level wizard amongst them. I will go see where the spell is coming from, they’re being controlled, don’t hurt them.” he just nodded and kicked one of them on the face as it was coming after you, giving you enough time to go your way.

On top of a big pile of trash rested a hazy figure, a dark aura coming out of him, “So they called back ups…I won’t let you interfere with my plans…”

“Who are you…?”

“Kisaki Tetta at your service, lovely. Wielder of dark magic and the one who will kill the Baji dynasty, the commander of the army must become our true leader…Valhalla is where he belongs…”

“Kill you say….?” without letting him finish you sprinted back to where the fight was, desperately looking for Keisuke…”My prince…where are you…?” drops of blood kept flying from everywhere, making your uneasiness grow, but then you saw a dash of blond hair running towards the prince with a knife in his hand. 

Casting a spell has never been easier, in a split of a second Prince Keisuke was floating in a bubble above everyone else. Kazutora was left speechless as his target disappeared right in front of his eyes, the confused crazed look on his face a disturbing sight. “I will not let you touch him, you rat! CHIFUYU NOW!” In a matter of seconds Kazutora was surrounded by the top tier of the royal guard and the army as well.

“Capture him alive, respect the prince's wishes. The wizard already escaped…but I had to save your majesty...” 

“You did good (Y/N)…thank you…” Chifuyu lost two lives at the moment he saw you cast your spell, seeing his best friend and role model almost being killed right there and then, an awful revelation.

Keisuke was watching everything from his comfortable and safe bubble, the way you commanded his men, the way you saved his life…how you chose to save him even if that meant letting a dark wizard escape. Even if these were his mother’s orders, he could see in your face how terrified you were when you saw that knife in Kazutora’s hand. You can’t order people how to feel, that was real fear.

It made him feel warm inside…for a few seconds at least, until he realized the weight of the situation and the fact that one of his best friends really wanted him dead…

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Masterlist

#tokyo revengers #tokyo rev x reader #tokyo rev x you #tokyo rev x y/n #fluff #tokyo rev fluff #baji keisuke #baji x reader #baji x you #tokyo revengers baji #baji fluff #tokyo rev fanfic #baji au #royal au #fantasy au #fantasy romance

[dyns33]

Communication issues

A little Shane x female reader, without any zombies

Y/N quickly told Lori about it, because she didn't know how to talk to Shane about it without him taking it the wrong way.

Shane often took things the wrong way. Oh, he wasn't yelling at her, he wasn't hitting her, but he was reacting like a stupid child, not listening, not trying to understand, just feeling criticized and attacked, and preferring to run away to the bar for hours, before coming back to finally hear what she wanted to say to him.

It would have been the same for this subject, if not worse. Because sex was obviously a very important subject to Shane.

So important that they had been fucking at least three times a day since they met, which was almost a year ago.

Y/N wasn’t complaining. Not complaining at all. Shane was a very gifted, very considerate lover. But this limitless libido was starting to tire her a little, and above all to intrigue her.

Completely honest, he had told her about all his previous relationships, even the one that had only lasted one night. There had been many. He started very young.

It might have seemed stupid, but Y/N wondered if it meant something, if Shane didn't have a problem. Maybe he was repressing things, maybe he was looking for some form of affection, maybe there was a hormonal problem.

It wasn't mean, she was just worried about him. And as she knew he wouldn't understand, she spoke about it to Lori, who looked at her with wide eyes.

"… Three times per day ?"

“Is that the only one you remember from what I just said? ”

"Three times per day."

"Yes. And I'm not complaining ! If I tell him no, Shane doesn't force me either, but he goes into the bathroom and stays there for a very long time, if you know what I mean. You think that he has a problem ? Maybe he should see a doctor ? To talk, or get some medicine."

“You want him to stop ?”

"No ! I just want to understand why he behaves like a rabbit in heat absolutely all the time, if it's normal or if it's something else. It's for his own good, you can't hear his heart beat super fast when he falls asleep."

Lori found her fears a little absurd, but adorable. She couldn't really help her, though, because her husband wasn't as productive, so she had no other point of comparison.

Her advice was to talk to Shane about it, or watch if he seemed to be having a heart attack mid-coitus.

Not finding the words to explain her apparently imaginary fears, Y/N opted for the second option and everything went well.

Until one evening when Shane returned from patrol, tired, visibly disturbed, and remaining in the hall while she was cooking.

"Shane ? Are you okay ?"

"… Yes."

"I'm doing some chili. I hope you're hungry. How was your day ? Did you catch any bad guys ?"

"No, calm day. I'm going to take a shower, baby."

This was normal. Shane always took a long shower after his work. This time it was a little long, but that wasn't the problem.

The problem was that he hadn't kissed her when he arrived, he hadn't asked her to come with him, and he hadn't kissed her before leaving the room.

But Y/N didn’t say anything. He must have been tired.

They chatted for the rest of the evening, watched a movie together, and then it was time for bed, and normalcy was completely shattered, when Shane quickly kissed her on the forehead and wished her good night, before to lie down with your back to her.

He kissed her on the forehead, before turning his back ?

There were some nights where he didn't even wait for them to arrive in the room before throwing himself on her, his hands roaming her body, his lips never leaving her mouth. It could last for hours, and when they fell asleep, it was always in each other's arms.

Shane must have been really tired.

However, the night passed, and things did not return to complete normal. He still kissed her on the forehead the next day, wishing her a good day. He didn't hesitate when she told him he loved her, responding that he loved her too with a strange little smile.

He responded to her messages. He called her during his lunch break. In fact, he was doing absolutely everything as usual, except touching her.

Y/N decided that maybe he was sick. He had a fever, he was afraid of infecting her, and instead of talking to her, he kept his distance.

On the third day, she woke up alone in bed and found him asleep on the couch. Gently, she touched his forehead, perfectly normal, and she had to accept the truth.

Physically, Shane was fine. There was another problem.

They could have talked about it. At least try. But he was rarely there because of his work, and he hated communicating. Y/N had figured that out a long time ago. His actions always had to be deciphered, and his actions were clear.

He didn't love her anymore. He didn't know how to tell her, so he gradually moved away, until he wouldn't come home at all.

Like with a bandage, she could have forced him to tell her, so that he would end her suffering, but Y/N wanted him to stay as long as possible, so she said nothing, staying alone in their big cold bed, and accepting his quick kisses on her head.

The tears flowed on Sunday, during girls' night at Michonne. Her friends asked her if everything was okay, and she broke down.

"He's going to leave me…"

"What ?! No ! Shane adores you, I've never seen him so happy with anyone !"

"He doesn't touch me anymore. He sleeps in the living room."

"What a bastard ! Do you think he's cheating on you ?"

“Andrea, you’re not helping.” Carol sighed, stroking Y/N’s back. "He may have personal issues. Lori, does Rick know something about it ?"

"He didn't tell me anything. You know how men are, they don't talk or they talk too much. My husband is the first type of jerk."

Y/N continued to cry, leaving the others to debate about the men and the reasons that could push Shane to act like this.

Then she felt very tired, apologizing and saying she wanted to be alone. Leaving the girls in the kitchen, she went into the living room, sitting down in an armchair to think about all this.

Bangs against glass startled her. Looking up, she found Shane pressed against the window, staring at her with panicked eyes.

“Shane ?” she whispered, getting up to open it for him. "What are you doing here ?"

"Lori called Rick to tell him I'm a huge asshole."

"What ?"

He didn't give her time to continue, pressing himself against her as before, taking her to the bathroom without stopping kissing her. He looked like a hungry, desperate animal, unable to stop himself from touching her.

"Baby. My love… Do you know that I love you like crazy ?"

“It’s been pretty confusing for a week.”

"I know. Rick told me on Monday that I was stupid. I wanted to stop on Tuesday, but it started to feel like a gamble, so I continued."

"… What are you talking about ?"

So Shane explained to her. He explained to her that Lori had told her husband about her fears, and his best friend had told him about it.

Of course, as Y/N predicted, Shane took it a little badly. He didn't understand what she criticized about their pace of copulation, while he made a lot of effort not to stay in bed all day with her.

So he had an idea, a stupid idea. It couldn't have lasted more than a day, but he was going to go home and he wasn't going to do anything. He wasn’t going to touch her, and if Y/N wasn’t happy, then she would have to do the work.

But Y/N hadn’t done anything, because she had thought he was tired, and because she didn’t need sex all the time. This had frustrated him greatly. Disappointed. He had spent a lot of time alone with himself, even in the bathroom, in other rooms of the house, at work, in the street, wandering like a lost dog without his owner.

"Rick made fun of me, saying that I looked like a zombie the next day. That it was proof that you were right, that I was like an addict in withdrawal. So I kept going, to prove it wasn't true… Except it was kind of true. I couldn't stay in bed with you right next to me anymore. It was too hard."

“Because you love sex.”

"No. Because I love you. It's you, darling. As soon as I see you, as soon as I hear your laugh, when you say my name, when you touch me… I'm addicted to you. Before, I would find a girl every now and then, I liked to fuck, but it wasn't the same. With you… It's like breathing, you know ? Rick also made fun of me when I tried to explain it to him, saying that I was a romantic fool. I love it when we become one, and when I know I'm making you feel good. That's my way to.. You know."

“Oh, Shane.”

Since he wasn't good with words, Shane continued his grand declaration of love using his tongue differently, his hands sliding over her body like a poet writing verses, and he chanted her name over and over until what saw stars.

Andrea entered the bathroom after they had just finished. She looked at them before quickly closing the door.

"… Oops." Shane chuckled nervously as he put his pants back on.

"You're kidding me…"

"Maybe she didn't see us well. I can try to jump out the window and you return to the living room with your dignity."

“Andrea clearly saw us, and she probably already told the others everything.”

"Sorry baby, I was so focused on you, I didn't think to lock the door. I know you're modest."

He held her hand for her walk of shame into the hall. The girls were waiting for them there with slightly embarrassed smiles.

"Hey everyone. Michonne, nice bathroom." said Shane as if everything was normal.

“I’ll clean it up after the party.”

“You better, yes.”

“Shane…” Y/N muttered as she closed her eyes, her cheeks almost as warm as when they were in the bathroom.

"Okay, it's late. I'm working early tomorrow, so I'll leave you. Y/N, see you at home ? Have a nice evening."

He kissed her before leaving, as he always kissed her before leaving a room, without caring about their audience.

Y/N stayed in the middle of the room, biting her lips while stroking her hickey-covered neck, and avoiding the mischievous looks of her friends.

"It seems… It seems he doesn't want to break up with me."

"I knew it. He's just an idiot."

"A very gifted idiot, from what I've seen and heard."

"Andrea. Try to think before you speak."

She wasn't wrong, he was very talented, and he used his talents to communicate all his love with everything other than words, which wasn't always a good thing, but Y/N wasn't complaining.

Next time she would speak to him directly, even if he might sulk a little, because he would always come back to listen at the end.

#the walking dead #shane walsh #shane walsh x reader #shane walsh imagine #shane walsh fanfiction

[kteezy997]

The Other Man- Part Four// t.c.

Warnings: arguing (not with Timmy), cursing, kissing, Timmy calling reader "dummy"

"Can you believe that fucking guy?" Billy said aloud. "Crossing me like that, in my house. Fuck 'im."

"Well, he was right." you said under your breath, going upstairs.

"What was that?" he snapped at you.

"You're drunk, Billy. Just shut up."

"No, no, you agree with that little punk?"

You turned around to face your husband. "Of course I do! You have no respect for me anymore Billy."

"Are you fucking Timmy or something, y/n?!"

You were shocked that he even thought that, that he even questioned it. Even though it was true. "What?! How is that even relevant to what we're talking about? This isn't about Timmy."

"But are you fucking him?!" Billy was shouting now.

You were getting to the point where you totally disliked this man you were married to, and you could barely stand the sight of him. You wanted to be with Timmy, it was true, but you wanted to be away from Billy just as much.

"I want a divorce! I want you out of my fucking house, Billy! I don't love you anymore."

........

When Billy moved out, you were glad to be rid of him, and to be a separated woman. But you missed Timmy terribly. It had been two days without any contact from him. You wanted him to have space. But you didn't want your relationship to end, especially when you didn't do anything wrong, not to Timmy anyway.

You grew more miserable by each hour that went by without a word from him. You knew he had Amelia, but you truly thought he cared for you too. You hoped he wasn't ghosting you. At the very least, you wanted closure. But if you were being totally honest, you just wanted Timmy. All for yourself.

…….

Amelia loved Timothée Chalamet. Sure, the relationship between them was under contract, but by faking kisses, going on getaways, and attending fashion shows together, she fell in love over time. Timmy had a sense of humor and charm that could make anyone fall in love with him. They'd known each other for a while now and though they weren't romantic for real, they understood and respected each other.

Secretly, Amelia wanted to be with him, and not in a fake way. But she knew her feelings were unrequited. She could sense that Timmy cared for her and enjoyed her company at times, but she knew that she wasn't a priority in his life. She was more of an obligation that anything, that she knew.

It made her sad, but he had unknowingly cushioned the blow by giving her some of the most sensual and sexy nights of her life. They had a sort of friends with benefits situation going on. It didn't happen often. It was basically when Timmy wasn't in a real relationship, and he was lonely, or bored. But she didn't care if they were just booty calls, because it felt good to just be wanted by him. Even if it wasn't really real. Timmy was the only man she loved.

Lately though, Timmy had been even more distant than usual. They had become confidants in one another, and friends even. Now, he didn't ever talk to her. She invited him to dinner at her place, but he acted like he'd much rather be somewhere else. He'd said something about 'game night' at Billy and y/n's house, but he hadn't ever been so antsy to go to a game night before. It made her wonder what else was on his mind.

........

You couldn't believe it when you saw Timmy's name flashing on your phone screen. "I'm sorry," you told your coworkers, "it's important, I have to take this." To you, it was important enough to skip out on work to talk to him.

"Timmy?" you answered, your heart racing.

"Hey Peaches." he responded, cheerily.

You felt a sense of relief hearing him still using the nickname he'd given you.

“Hey, I’m sorry about what happened.”

“Baby, you have nothing to be sorry about. I’m sorry I haven’t called for a couple of days. I should have checked on you sooner. I didn’t mean anything by it, just got a lot of shit on my mind, ya know?”

“Yeah, it’s okay. I miss you, Timmy. Can I see you?” you asked.

“Yes. I miss you so much, I need to see you as soon as possible. The minute you get off work, I’ll pick you up. We’ll go somewhere.” his voice was so soft and endearing, like you were being cuddled and warmed up by each syllable.

"Okay. You promise? There's so much I want to say to you." You needed further assurance, probably because he'd been gone from you for what felt like such a long time. You didn't want to be without him again.

"Yes, of course I promise. You have my word, y/n. And my heart. You should know that."

You melted from the inside, "Oh, Timmy." you cooed, "I'll see you soon."

...........

You practically ran out of the office at quitting time. And there he was, sitting in his car waiting for you. "Timmy!" you called to him.

He snapped his gaze over to you upon hearing your voice, and he got out of the car. He immediately took you into his arms, squeezing you tightly. "God, feels like forever." he groaned, resting his head on yours.

"I know. I'm so happy to see you." You said, loosening your hold on him to look in his eyes. "It's over with Billy. I kicked him out of the house and we're getting a divorce."

He nodded, "That's good! He's turned into such an asshole. He doesn't deserve you." He touched his nose to yours so sweetly, pulling you more snuggly against him.

"I know, it's been a long time coming. Even before...us. I should have kicked him out ages ago."

"Can I kiss you?" he asked, eyes lingering down to your lips just for a second before they returned to your eyes.

"Yes." you replied, closing your eyes as he leaned down, touching his lips to yours softly.

He pressed his lips against yours but kept the kiss chaste as you were standing on a public street, while it was still daylight. "I love your lips. They're my favorite thing. I could do this all day long." he smirked, kissing you again.

"Timmy." you gasped softly as he moved down, his lips traveling from your cheek to your neck. "Let's get out of here, okay?"

Timmy stopped kissing, "Yeah." He took you by the hand, leading you around the car and opening the door for you. "Do you want to get some dinner?" he asked you as he got into the driver seat.

"Yeah, that sounds great."

It was so lovely. He took you to a ritzy place that you couldn't afford. He spoiled you rotten. The meal had several courses and he insisted that you try a desert.

You talked about everything and nothing, and it felt so comfortable, so natural. This was the type of thing you were missing. You and Billy didn't spend quality time together. Billy didn't care to do that. But Timmy did. Timmy was enjoying your time together, indulging you in gourmet food and sweet conversation. Timmy held your hand across the table, and you played footsy underneath it.

It felt like you two were just a normal couple. As if one of you wasn't on the brink of divorce and the other didn't have a girlfriend.

It was dark when you left the restaurant. Timmy put his arm around you as you walked to his car. The streetlamps produced a yellow-orange hue that made his curls look fuzzy when it shined on them. The lighting also defined his high cheekbones in shadows, basically putting a spotlight on his perfect porcelain skin that was sprinkled with freckles.

You were in awe of this man that was so beautiful, inside and out. It saddened you to share him. You knew Amelia, not well, but she seemed like a nice person. As much as you hated yourself for it, you wished there was a way to make her disappear from his life completely.

Timmy kept one hand on the steering wheel, and the other on your thigh. "I love this, y/n."

"The feeling of my trousers?" you joked, giggling.

He smiled and chuckled, "No, dummy, just...being with you."

"Me too. I wish it could always be like this."

"Maybe one day, we can have it." he said, taking your hand.

"Is this about Amelia? You never say anything about her."

"y/n, it's just...it's more complicated than you know." he said, sighing.

"Then tell me. You said you had stuff on your mind. You can trust me Timmy." you leaned over tucking your arm underneath his affectionately, and kissing him on the cheek.

"I know, and I do trust you. I'll just tell you: Amelia and I- our relationship isn't real. It's under contract for public promotion."

@gatoenlaciudad @thebetawolfgirl @musicandbooksaremyhappyplace @softhecreator

#timothée chalamet #timmy chalamet #timothee x reader #timothée imagine #timothee chalamet smut

[redfoxwritesstuff]

Sunflower, Book1, Chapter 16

Tom Hiddleston x OFC Series rated: M Chapter warnings: Our flashback is a bit.. Uhum. Steamy again but not much of a flashback this chapter. AN: Good Day, ladies, gents, sporks and forks. Everyone have a good easter that celebrates? Good! Good! Very good. Well, class- we're spending this chapter with Tom, isn't that wonderful? I know y'all have missed him.

PS- You have @evedia to thank for the bonus chapter this week. I'm an attention whore and they asked for it. Not always a guaranteed success, fyi. ~~~~~<3<3

It was finally Friday. Tom swore he would be back today and Mia was excited for it. He had kept his word, so far at least. He had called every night, sometimes early enough that he was able to read Sally a bedtime story. 

She could see it, what their marriage could be like, if she closed her eyes and just trusted. It was just the shape of it, a vague outline waiting to be fleshed out by time and emotions. It was there though and being able to see that gave her hope. 

The hope terrified her but maybe, just maybe, it was worth the risk?

She had moved her shifts around, calling in favors long owed to pull it off but she had the night off along with Saturday. It would have been nice to swing Sunday too but she didn’t really have any paid time off to spare for it. It was better than nothing though. 

The past few days, when Sally was asleep or playing, Mia had her spent her time watching interviews and press events. Unexpected jealousy clawed at her as she watched him charm and flirt with interviewers but with each video, she learned more about the man she was married to.

Constantly she reminded herself of what he had told her- the man he shows press and the world isn’t exactly the same as the man he is in private. There were small inklings of that difference that she could find. 

The man she had gotten to know had a quieter edge to him. He was charming and eager to smile but would be perfectly fine spending an evening sitting, long legs stretched out while reading a book with the lights down low. 

While she had known he was an actor, she hadn’t really a grasp of the kind of training he had undergone. 

He wasn’t Hollywood. He wasn’t a few lucky breaks out of running hot dishes out from a kitchen and hoping the right person saw him- or whatever the aspiring male actor equivalent was. Or was it the same? He was an actor by training and trade, educated and refined. 

Six hours until she had to head to the airport. Nine hours until she was face to face with Tom again. What would being reunited with her husband be like? 

~~~~~<3

Tom was exhausted. It was three in the morning on Friday and he was eager to get out of New York City. Usually, he would enjoy his time in the city but he had more important things he needed to be doing, more important places he needed to be. 

He had called his mother a few days prior. It was something he knew he should have done sooner but he wasn’t sure exactly what he was going to tell her. Then she found out thanks to a tabloid and it became something he couldn’t put off any more. 

Damned gossip rags. 

Understandably, she was hurt by missing his wedding and the idea that he had hidden a whole relationship from her. It was a momentary relief when he told her that he hadn’t hidden any relationship from her for about five seconds before the meaning hit. 

Finding out your son got sloshed while wallowing in self pity and married a total stranger wasn’t exactly news that would make any mother proud. It was a story that was hard to swallow. She had believed her son to be better than that and, if he was honest, Tom had believed himself to be better than that too. Just as Tom had thought though, she appreciated his dedication to giving the marriage a fair chance. 

They had talked for over an hour, catching up. She was eager to learn everything Tom could share about his bride, limited though the information was. It wasn’t enough to paint a true picture of how wonderful Mia was and that frustrated him to an extent. It also renewed his desire to learn even more.

He knew she hadn’t attended any higher education but why not? She was raised in Las Vegas, born in Nevada but why was she still living there? Had she not wanted to move or was it out of her power? Had she not wanted to further her education or was it a access issue?

There was so much still to learn. He wouldn’t let her slip out of his mind again. She wouldn’t be a family he kept on the back burner. There were countless things he didn’t know he didn’t know about her and her life. 

That’s why he moved his flight up, taking the earliest flight he could. He had always enjoyed the promotions and engagements that came with his high profile projects but this time he was eager to be done. He wanted to return to the shadows of normalcy. He wanted to return to her. 

~~~~<3

Tom propped a little New York stuffed bear on top of his carry on. It didn’t quite fit but he didn’t think anyone would call him on it. There was a benefit to being at the airport at four in the morning- there were less eyes on him. The less eyes, the less pictures and the less questions. 

He had been careful so far not to mention Sally when talking to damn near anyone other than his own mother. Children were so delicate and the media was unforgiving at best, brutal at worst. There wasn’t much he could do to protect Mia in the grand scheme of things but he wouldn’t be the first to insist on privacy for a child. He hoped he would be able to do the same for Sally.

In hindsight, doing something as careless as going to the playground as a family was risky. But what was done, was done. It seemed, at least for now, that he had gotten off lucky.

He hadn’t been able to escape being noticed in the airport. It wasn’t terribly surprising considering his presence in the city wasn’t unknown. Still, it frequently felt like an invasion of privacy when fans would ask about the stuffed animal on his bag or about his wife while he was simply trying to get back to her. 

Most wished him the best and congratulated him but still, it wasn’t uncommon for them to ask questions that he would not answer. Thankfully it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. 

~~~~~<3

With how much he traveled, he should have been able to sleep on flights better than he did that morning. He dozed some but a nap was going to be greatly needed. At least he would be gaining three more hours to the day with the magic of time zones. 

Would it be selfish to hope to use part of that gained time for an afternoon nap? Tom wasn’t sure. What he did know was that he was run ragged and tired. It was hard to be as kind to those who recognized him as he wanted to be. 

~~~~~<3

Airport flowers didn’t look as great as they did in movies. That surprised Tom, as he stood in front of the display. It wasn’t a thing he had ever gave any thought to before. After spending far too long, he decided airport flowers were a bit of movie magic. 

He would have to stop by a florist on his way home. 

Home. 

What a thought that was? He had a home in America. It wasn’t anywhere convenient for most of his work considering his contract with Marvel but it was a home. The idea of managing two homes could quickly become overwhelming but for now, it was what was right. 

Would she be alright with him considering the apartment his home too? It was probably something he would need to ask her but how do you go about asking your wife if her home is yours?

~~~~~<3

Sitting in the Lyft, he was mildly annoyed to have been instantly recognized by the driver. He had a large vase of flowers held tightly between his knees as the man chattered on about Loki. It was a topic he typically would enjoy but now, the only thing he wanted was to lean his head back and try to snag some sleep.

It amazed him at how people had latched onto the villain he had played. Tom himself was rather fond of the character and his countless Shakespearean callbacks. 

But it worried him just the same, the driver taking him home knew his passenger was Loki. 

Tom had the driver drop him off st the gate rather than going any further. The last thing he needed was the exact area in the sprawling complex that was theirs to be identified so soon. 

Hopefully in a few weeks or so, interest would die down. There would be a lull in activity now that the press was done. It would be calm until convention time at least. 

What did that calmness look like though? how much of that time would be spent here in the States? His mind swirled with the questions around the simple logistics. They had so man logistics that they needed to figure out and this was just one small part of it. 

He had a few weeks to figure this out. A marriage crash course, if you will. Should they enlist a marriage counselor to help? Or was that not something they did? 

He realized he was standing in front of the apartment door, vase in hand with a start. When had he gotten there? He had been walking through a sea of his own thoughts that he hardly remembered entering the gate. The flowers still looked good and though the vase was slightly damp from spillage, he had managed to keep the flowers upright while walking. 

He was nervous to knock on the door. Should he knock or walk right in? He had the code and it was his name on the lease along with her. It was just as much his home as her’s, right? But what if she didn’t consider it that way?

Would she be happy he came earlier? It had sounded like she had been disappointed that his return had been delayed during their first phone call but could that have just been because he didn’t tell her? Was it silly to be worrying about this when they had spent the days sense talking fairly regularly? 

Probably.

That didn’t stop him from standing outside the door to the apartment he had paid for as adrenalin flooded his system though. He had missed her, missed them both more than he had expected. The few days they had spent together, while high stress due to the logistics of the situation and trying to convince her to give it a chance, was a reprieve he had enjoyed. 

“Oh come on, stop being a pansy.” Tom whispered under his breath, gathering his nerve and ringing the doorbell.

~~~~~<3

The sound of the doorbell pulled her away from the mixing bowl. Hopefully it wouldn’t wake Sally- it was getting later in the morning and she’d be waking up any time now but there was something oh so peaceful about the time before the chaos of a child waking. 

Mia hadn’t been expecting anyone. There was nothing she was waiting to be delivered. There wasn’t any reason she could think of that someone would be at her door. 

Looking through the peep hole, all she could see was flowers. Every true crime documentary and horror movie flashed through her mind with how the flowers prevented her from seeing anything else. The thoughts were quickly pushed aside though. It was a gaited community with a locked building entry door as well. The odds of someone coming to murder her was in the basement. 

“Hello?” The door opened to revel a man standing holding a far too large vase of flowers. “Tom?” She guessed, more based on hope and how tall the figure holding the flowers was than anything else.

“Surprise?” He smiled at her sheepishly as he waited for her reaction. “These are for you.” 

“You’re early.” Was the first thing to come out of her stunned mouth as he passed the flowers into her hands. Reaching into the apartment, she set them on the end table that had taken residence by the front door. The vase almost fell to the ground until she shoved it further back.

“Is that alright? I wanted to surp-” He was cut off as the air was knocked out of his chest. 

Mia had launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his torso and holding him firmly. The sudden affection surprised him. Until now, he had been the one initiating every touch carefully, trying to chip through the walls she had surrounded herself with. 

“You came back.” Emotion made her voice thick and his chest muffled it even more. 

“I told you I would.” Tom wrapped his arms around her waist and held her just as tightly as she held him. “I’m sorry I was delayed.” 

“I’m sorry,” Mia came back to herself. How silly to just throw herself at him? It had felt good to be held in his arms though. Stepping back, she put some space between them. 

With her hands resting on his chest, she could feel the rapid pounding of his heart. His arms were loosely around her waist until one disappeared. She didn’t notice at first, he had gotten lost in his eyes. 

Those eyes she had seen in countless pictures and videos over the last few days. She had been too timid to notice how beautiful his eyes had been while he had been there. Somehow she had managed to sleep next to him, to talk with him about a future together and never notice the small beauty of his eyes. 

A warm hand rested on her cheek, making her realize he was closer than he had been, the small distance she had created disappearing. She’d been so lost in his eyes she hadn’t noticed him stepping forward or pulling her back to him. 

“I missed you.” His voice was almost lost in a sea of gravel. Then his lips hesitantly touched hers. 

The kiss was soft and sweet. At first, she tensed up at the unexpected action but she melted into it after a moment. Running her hand up his chest and around his shoulder, her fingers found the short hairs at the nape of his neck. Then she was holding him as much as he was holding her. 

~~~~~<3

The dress was hiked high around her thighs as he held her against the wall. She could feel his member straining against his pants as he held her in place largely with his pelvis. 

Warm wet kisses and soft nips worked at her neck and shoulders as she pushed his jacket off his shoulders. First one arm, then the other left her and shed the jacket sleeves. It fell to the floor without a care. 

His large hand gripped at her thigh as he yanked at the heels off her feet, throwing them blindly behind him. Then searing hot hands pushed their way up her thighs gripping her hips under the skirt. 

~~~~~<3

Tag List: @winterisakiller @alexakeyloveloki @jennyggggrrr, @dangertoozmanykids101, @tilltheendwilliwrite, @tinchentitri, @wizardcherryblossom, @buttercupcookies-blog, @violethaze, @kats72, @soulpiercing, @evedia

#Tom hiddleston x ofc #tom hiddleston x oc #Tom hiddleston x original female character #Tom hiddleston x original character #tom hiddleston fanfic #Tom hiddleston fanfiction #tom hiddleston rpf

[kayentokk]

How to Treat Your Husband

-Pairing;Bakugo Katsuki x Fem! Reader

-Synopsis;There are not many people Bakugo has -patience with, well let’s be honest there aren’t any people he has patience with. You are an exception to this rule, but what happens when you test the patience he has with you?

-contains; fluff, kisses, established relationship, little angst(not really), insecurities, body negativity, bondage(not really), suggestive themes, language

-wc;1224

-A/N; Bakugo is aged up. Should I do a part 2? Hope you enjoy!

Katsuki Bakugo. The reason for most of your problems and the love of your life, funny, right? You and Bakugo have been married for 3 years, with barely any problems, just the occasional insecurities.

Bakugo, as the CEO of his agency, is busy all the time. Well, at least to you. You're a CEO too, but you think that the amount of time he works is ridiculous and unhealthy.

This weekend he's going on a business trip, the one weekend he had off. Yeah he had off until one of the employees was suddenly "sick" and couldn't go on the trip. Him being the boss he had to step in.

You were so heavily upset. You couldn't believe that after so long he finally had the weekend off, and then *poof* weekend no more. When he told you he couldn't help but feel bad, trying in his own way to comfort you.

"Y/n I know you're really upset but I promise I'll make it up to you," he pleaded.

"And just how would you do that, Bakugo?" You only called him that when you were mad at him.

Groaning at the sudden bitterness Bakugo whined, "Babe come on, you know I love you. I'll be back in a couple days."

With that Bakugo kissed your forehead and left.

Tch whatever, you thought to yourself. How could he just leave like that? It's so easy for him. He can come and go as he pleases, without caring or spending time with me. The person who's supposed to be the love of his life.

I mean did he even love you anymore? You hated to say it but lately, you've been feeling unattractive. Yeah the kiss on your forehead reassured you a little, but at the same time you couldn't help but wonder, am I no longer attractive?

Lately you've been feeling so down, all of your friends seem so much slimmer and prettier in comparison to you. Sometimes you don't even want to bring Bakugo around your friends, even though you know he loves you. But these thoughts keep popping into your head and you can't help but feel like you're not enough.

Maybe it's just my insecurities? Yeah probably over reacting again...but I have gotten a little heavier lately...No Y/n! Shake these thoughts out, Katsuki loves you. He just has work, that's all.

That word, "work" always got in the way. You shoved your insecurities back where they came from and decided that you had enough. You decided you'd ignore Bakugo the whole weekend.

It couldn't be that hard besides he'd be too busy working to even text, you thought. Pressing Bakugo's buttons is never a good idea, and though you knew this you continued with your grudge.

Bakugo actually felt horrible. He tried texting you a few times but you dryly refused his advances.

KitKat🍫: I finished my meeting. I'll do my work today and I can come home in a couple more days.

You: ok.

KitKat🍫:...what did you do today? How was your day?

You: Nothing much. It was fine.

You almost felt scared, you could feel his anger through the phone. He was trying to keep his cool with you but man you were making it hard.

~Bakugo's POV~

Me: Listen Y/n I know you're mad at me and all but you can't just blow me off.

flame🔥: Says who? Last I checked I can do whatever I want, you do it all the time.

Me: Really babe? Come on, I'm really sorry ok?

I knew Y/n would be mad, but I didn't think she'd be this mad. It's taking all of my cool to not flip out. I will admit I have a soft spot for her but damn this woman can be feisty sometimes.

Not that I would ever say this to her but, I honestly think it's hot when she's mad. Which makes her even cuter.

Me: Baby, come on I'll be home in a couple days. Wanna call? Would that make you feel a little better?

Read at 7:41pm

Me: Babe, I understand you're upset, but ignoring me isn't gonna help.

Read at 7:52pm

Me: Are you fucking serious right now Y/n?

Read at 8:24

~No one's POV~

After you left him on read, multiple times, Bakugo was far more furious than he was before. He normally tried to keep his temper with you, considering you were the love of his life, but one thing he hated was being ignored. More specifically being ignored by you. You didn't care though, after all what could he do about it?

Oh pretty soon you'd see what he'd do about it.

A couple days later Bakugo came back from his trip, to your shared apartment, to find it empty. I mean it was 3:00 so you'd be at work, but the apartment wasn't just empty, it was a mess. Pillows thrown all over, dishes unwashed, trash not taken out. Bakugo was fuming, you knew he hated messes. Most of all he hated cleaning messes.

He quickly sighed to himself before beginning to clean up. He didn't know why he was cleaning up after your mess, that was definitely made on purpose, but he found himself wondering if it wasn't on purpose. We're you just that much of a mess without him? Definitely not, he thought to himself you just did it on purpose.

When you came home to a clean apartment, you were surprised. You thought he would have called you fuming, then it hit you he's home. Holy shit. Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit. I mean what were you gonna do? You hadn't planned how you'd act out when he was there. It was easy over the phone but now he's here!

Shockingly, breaking you from your thoughts a warm embrace engulfed you. What is he doing? Is it some kind of trick? Was he actually sorry? You quickly pushed him off, and he sighed in despair.

"Y/n I need you to work with me here. I get you're upset but I'm actually sorry! You can't just give me the cold shoulder and ignore me!"

"Bakugo I don't have time for this right now, I'm tired."

"Really Y/n?," you couldn't look him in the eyes, but he stared deep into your e/c orbs. When you glanced at him his crimson gaze shifted, as if he had made a decision, one he didn't want to make. A last resort.

"Fine, have it your way" his normal gaze with you left, and an unreadable expression appeared. He pulled you in a swift movement by the arm, dragged you into your shared bedroom, and flung you on the bed.

"Baku-"

"Shut up," Bakugo huffed. Before you knew it he had untied his tie and it was now a restraint on your wrists.

"Man Y/n, I really tried but looks like this is the only way...I'll have to remind you how to treat your husband."

"Bakugo-"

"Ah ah ah," he cut you off. "I'll start with that mouth of yours, I am your husband, you will address me as so."

"B-but"

"Now, what is my name?"

"K-Katsuki," you mumbled.

"I couldn't hear you that well, but don't worry, I'm sure I will very soon."

@/firefly-graphics for the divider

#bakugou katsuki #katsuki bakugo x reader #fem reader #katsukibakugou #bakugo x female reader #katsuki x fem!reader #mha #bnha #Katsuki x wife reader #anime #manga

[saywhatjessie]

And You and Yours

Day thirteen of the Advent calendar! Using this list. Day 13: Caroling/Carolers Fandom: Doctor Who - Pairing: Donna&TheDoctor 2.9k[Ao3]

Donna Noble didn’t think carolers were really real for most of her life.

Sure, you’d see groups of singers in the squares by the shops and churches put on little Christmas concerts but people didn’t really go door to door. Maybe they used to, back before serial killers or prime time telly you might be interrupting, but certainly not anymore.

But then the winter after her funny turn where she’d lost her memory, there’s been a knock on the door. Mum was out and Grandad was still depressed from whatever happened when he’d disappeared for a few days. So Donna got up and answered the door.

And there, on the doorstep, were three smiling people bundled up in Christmas sweaters. There was a beautiful redheaded woman with a round and honest face, as tall as the two men. There was a mousy gentleman, a little more reserved looking, with thatched hair and an embarrassed smile. And then between them was a skinny man in a red bowtie with floppy hair and a large chin, grinning at her like they were best friends.

“Can I help you?” she asked, a little bewildered. There was something familiar about the skinny man.

“Hello, good lady.” The man said, his grin spreading wider. “Fancy a carol?”

“You’re carolers?” She laughed. “We’ve never had carolers here. I didn’t think anyone did this in real life.”

“We don’t have to,” the shy man broke in. “Sorry for interrupting, thanks for opening the door–”

“Hang on,” the woman broke in. “She didn’t say she didn’t want one, let her decide for herself.”

Scottish. Donna appraised her and the woman appraised her back. They nodded at each other in mutual respect.

She crossed her arms. “Yeah, alright. Let’s hear it then.”

The skinny man bounced on his toes a little before counting them in.

They were terrible. They sang “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and none of them were on pitch or on tempo.

At least the song was short.

When they were finished, the skinny man spread his hands like ‘Tada!’ Donna clapped, politely.

“That was terrible,” she told them, kind of undercutting the politeness of the clapping. But she was smiling. “Think you lot might need to rehearse a bit more. Did make me more cheerful, though.”

“Then our work here is done!” The skinny man cheered, not looking at all offended by Donna’s bluntness. “Thank you for humoring us, kind lady. And Merry Christmas to you and your family.”

She smiled back at them. “And to you and yours.”

She went back to grandad, curling up next to him on the couch.

“Who was that, dear?”

“Just some carolers.” She smiled. “They were right awful.”

He laughed, a sad sound. “You don’t have to be good at something to spread joy with it.”

“That’s true,” she smiled. 

It was quiet between them before a grinding clunking sound came in from outside and grandad sat up straighter.

“Did you hear that?” he asked Donna, urgently. “That whirring?”

“Wouldn’t call it whirring,” she snorted. “Great scraping and clamoring, more like.”

“But you heard it!” he said, brightly. “Good. Good, I was afraid I was hearing things.”

“Nah, you’re not senile yet.” She kissed his cheek before resting her head on his shoulder. “You should have seen those carolers. I hope they come back next year.”

Grandad laughed, kissing the top of Donna’s head. “I do think they will.”

The next year, she’d moved house. Only down the road, but still. She had a new husband and a baby on the way and she was feeling quite content with her life.

And the carolers do come back.

“Oh, hey!” Donna greeted them, grinning. “You found me again!”

“That we did!” The skinny man said, his bowtie green this time. “Care for another tune?”

“Are you any better than last year?”

“Not at all!” He told her cheerfully. “We can do Silent Night, though.”

Donna laughed, wrapping her sweater tighter around herself and leaning on the door frame. “All right then, let’s hear it.”

They sang. It was still off pitch but at least the song was slower so the timing wasn’t nearly as bad.

And, again, at least the song was short.

She clapped again when they’d finished.

“Very nice. Song choice was a little basic but,” she shrugged.

“A note we’ll take for next year.” The skinny man smiled, his expression soft. “Thank you again for listening. And for opening the door.”

“Thanks for the Christmas cheer,” she smiled back. “And merry Christmas to the three of you.”

“Thank you!” The woman said.

“Thanks,” the quiet man said.

“Thank you so much,” the skinny man said. “And to you and your family.”

“And you and yours.”

The next year, the skinny man is alone.

He’s dressed a little oddly: like someone from a play. He wore a top hat and a velvet waistcoat with a pocket watch chain and a long jacket.

He looked out of time. And heart wrenchingly sad.

“Just me this year, I’m afraid” he said, attempting a smile.

“That’s all right,” Donna said, softening automatically. She wasn’t sure what happened to the other two, but whatever it was, it couldn’t have been good. “I hope you can carry on without backup. I’ve been looking forward to your song all year.”

He laughed, a soft sound, like it was punched out of him. I’ll do my best.

He sang ‘Joy to the World’. Donna would have laughed at the irony if not for how defeated he looked.

He was just finishing up ‘and heaven and nature sing’ when the little one came toddling up, running into Donna’s legs.

“Hello, my baby,” Donna said, stooping to pick up the toddler. She turned back toward the man who had stopped singing, his cracked open with an emotion Donna couldn’t place. “Do you want to thank this nice man for the carol?”

“Thank you,” said the tiny voice, dutifully.

The man let out a choked laugh, nodding emphatically. “Of course. Thank you for listening. And Merry Christmas.” he gestured at the baby. “To you and your family.”

Donna smiled, reaching up a hand to keep the baby from grabbing her hair, and answering more sincerely than she maybe ever had. “And you and yours.”

The next year he was back with a new girl, small and pretty with dark hair and a smile full of light. And he was smiling again.

They sang “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”and the new girl was much better than the other two had been.

Donna clapped and complimented her and the skinny man looked very fond.

“You better start training up, mate,” Donna told him. “She’s outsinging you. Might go solo next year.”

“I’ll do my best,” he promised. “Merry Christmas–”

“To you and your family,” she finished for him.

He smiled, his eyes lighting up so brightly, like they had on that very first Christmas. “And you and yours.”

He didn’t come back the next year. She did, though. Accompanied by an older Scottish man.

“I was joking about you going solo,” Donna told her. “What happened to the skinny bowtie lad?”

She stifled a laugh, sucking her lips into her mouth as she looked at the older man.

He sighed. “He’s just feeling a little poorly,” the man promised Donna. “I hope I’m a worthy substitute.”

“Well, I dunno,” Donna said. “I kind of liked him. Even if he was tone deaf.” She tilted her head. “Can you sing?”

He blinked, as if he hadn’t considered that. “Well I guess we’re all about to find out.”

They sang “Jingle Bell Rock” which was not a Christmas Carol but sort of fit the new man’s vibe anyway. He was better at singing than the younger man.

Donna decided she liked him. He was familiar to her, like the last man had been. Did he remind her of grandad? Was it because he was Scottish, like the woman from the first two years had been?

He nodded his head in acknowledgement when they’d finished and Donna clapped.

Donna turned to the woman. “I can see why you ditched skinny.”

She laughed. The man smiled, indulgently.

“It was a lovely song,” Donna said. “And I hope to see you back next year.”

“I hope you will,” the man said, taking her in with a smile. “And a merry Christmas to you and your family.”

She paused for a moment, at the familiar words from an unfamiliar mouth, but her answer was the same regardless. “And you and yours.”

And they did come back, the both of them.

They sang “Little Drummer Boy”, their longest song yet. If someone had asked Donna, “Would Little Drummer Boy work in a Scottish accent?” She might have said no. But it did actually sound nice.

Donna’s four year old scampered up halfway through, listening in with quiet curiosity.

The man softened immediately at the sight, smiling through the lyrics and keeping time more jovially. The woman brightened and waved, absolutely melting when she received a tiny wave back.

Both Nobles clapped vigorously when the song finished.

“That was lovely,” the little one said, and both carolers tripped over themselves in thanks. “Can you sing Rudoplh?”

“Oh come now, baby, we don’t want to–”

“I would love to sing Rudolph,” the man cut in. “Would you like to sing with us?”

And Donna watched as these two grown adults played and sang with her child until they were both laughing too much to sing.

She was laughing, too. “All right, all right, thank you both, really, but this one needs a nap.”

Whining sprung up at the nap word but the grown ups bowed out with good grace.

“Merry Christmas to you and your people,” Donna said, changing the script just a bit.

The man grinned brightly and she wondered not for the first time if the skinny man was his son. Their eyes had the same manic joy. “And you and yours.”

The woman was gone the next year but the new one was just as delightful.

They sang “Deck the Halls” which, again, was pretty basic, but the new woman was a dreadful singer, and this song could at least be sung with brash enthusiasm. She was very jolly, her large curly hair swaying with her head and hands pointing into her deep brown smiling face as she sang the word ‘gay’ with an emphasis that made Donna laugh.

“You’re a riot,” Donna told her, when they’d finished singing. “Cannot sing a lick but you brightened my spirits right up.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“Oi!” Donna snapped. “None of this ‘ma’am’. Makes me sound old.”

“Oh, no of course not!” The woman said. “Just trying to be respectful. I’ve heard all about you.”

Donna snorted. “What, about a random woman you lot sing carols to?”

“The woman who isn’t afraid to call us terrible,” the man clarified with a small smile. “You’re a very genuine woman. It’s a valuable quality.”

Donna blinked, something funny coming over her head. “Thank you,” she brought a hand up  as something throbbed in her temple. “Oh, hell, I’ve just got a headache.”

The man looked alarmed. “Well then we won’t keep you!” He reached for the woman and turned her around, calling behind him as he walked down the steps. “Merry Christmas to you and your people!”

She called after him, bewildered, “And to you and yours!”

The headache faded almost as soon as she’d closed the door.

They didn't come back the next year. Or the year after that.

Donna was disappointed but Grandad was devastated. He never answered the door with her if he was visiting when they came but he loved hearing the stories. He always asked Donna every detail about the men or their companions, what they’re wearing or what they sing.

When no one shows up to carol, Grandad acted as if someone had died.

And who knows? Maybe they had. That older gent had been old. And the skinny man had been poorly for a while.

She didn’t get carolers for four years. A couple times she thought she heard that whirring grinding sound but there was never a knock at the door. She put it up to hearing things like Grandad.

Until, finally, in the fifth winter, she got a knock at the door.

Only when she opened it, she didn’t recognize any of the people.

And there were four of them this time. There was an older white man, but not as old as the last man, and a young black man beside him. There was a young woman with tawny skin and another woman, blonde, with a dangly ear cuff and manic glee on her face.

“Hello!” The manic woman said. “We would love to sing you some carols.”

“One carol,” the other woman corrected. “Sorry to interrupt, but if you’d like a song?”

“As many as you want!” The manic woman was really quite manic. “Anything for you. You doing well? You’re looking well.”

Donna just blinked. “Who the hell are you? I haven’t gotten carollers in years.”

“Oh,” She looked startled briefly before bouncing back. “Right! Yes!” The woman bounces a little on her feet, her long coat swirling. “So sorry if, uh, grandad worried you by disappearing. He had. Stuff. But he’s fine! Everyone’s fine, we’re all fine.”

“Yeah?” Donna asked, skeptically. “Then where is he?”

The woman hesitated but barreled on. “Well, you see, my brother – the skinny lad with the bowtie? – he had a rough turn. He’s fine now!” She rushed to reassure. “But he really missed being able to come out and carol. And grandad felt bad enough for doing it without him for so long. So they stopped. For… how long has it been exactly?”

“Five years.”

“Oh! That’s not so bad. Right, he stopped for five years. But now! He’s sent me and my fam out to carol instead! Said he’d been hogging the lovely neighbors.” She gestured at Donna.

Donna snorted. 

She was more relieved than she expected to hear the men were okay. He’d been worried about the redhead and the shy man and then about the pretty little brunette and now definitely about the young black lesbian, but just because they didn’t go caroling didn’t mean anything bad had happened. Not like the men with the bright and gleeful eyes.

“Yeah alright,” Donna agreed, deciding to roll with it. “Can you sing then?”

The woman grinned. “You tell me!”

They launched into ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ and kept going through five verses until Donna stopped them.

“Okay, yes, you can sing just fine!” She laughed before pointing at the young black man. “You don’t know the words, though. Did you think you could just mumble along and we wouldn't notice?”

The older man laughed. “That’s exactly what he thought.”

“She sprung this on us kind of fast!” The young man protested. “And I didn’t already know the words like you both seem to.”

“Oh, leave him alone, Graham,” the blond woman grinned. “I’m just happy he came out with us. And I’m happy you,” she said, gesturing to Donna. “Are just as brilliant as you ever were. Or so I’ve heard.”

Donna smiled, leaning her weight on the door frame. “Well, you heard right. I am brilliant.”

The manic woman grinned and Donna saw it again. That same frenetic joy. The smile like one would give their best friend.

It was a weird way to find a family resemblance but Donna couldn’t think what else it would be. Why they would all look at her like that.

“Well thank you for opening the door. And a merry Christmas to–”

“Me and my people?” Donna asked. The woman nodded, her face soft. “Thank you. And the same to you and yours.” Donna smirked. “But I’ll bet you knew that.”

The woman grinned a manic grin and the three people with her stared between them in wonder.

“Right then,” Donna said. “Off you pop. And I better see all of you next year. This is the best vocal arrangement we’ve had yet. And make sure this one knows the words.”

The other woman laughed. “We will. Thanks again. And merry Christmas.”

Donna waved them off and closed the door, watching through the window as they all turned down into an alley. A blue box was just barely visible.

She turned back with a sigh, happy to know that everyone was fine and she’d see them next year. But before anything else, she had to call grandad. She knew he’d be thrilled.

The same gang came back next year. They sang “The First Noel” and it really was beautiful. It was.

The next year, the two men had gone and were replaced with a new one. They sang Frosty the Snowman. It was very sweet.

And the next year, she knew them all. She knew who they’d been, she knew their names and their adventures, and she had her doctor with his old face living in the TARDIS in her backyard.

And the oldest doctor – the bigenerated one that she’d helped pull out herself – was standing on her doorstep.

“Care for a carol miss?”

“Oh, you cheeky little cmuppet,” Donna yelled at him.

And he threw his head back with that same manic glint in his eye, that look that she was his best friend, and he laughed.

#Doctor Who #Donna Noble #oops I wrote a thing #Writing Advent #I DID IT I WROTE A DOCTOR WHO FIC FOR THE DOCTOR WHO PROMPT LIST

[la-pheacienne]

so i have to go to work soon and am feeling quite scatterbrained so im sorry if this doesn't feel coherent. But I've been thinking for the last couple days about Elia Martell.

I understand that Elia Martell is supposed to be dead. that her narrative role is to be dead. but i keep wondering about if she had lived. (i have severe difficulty believing that Tywin actually wanted her to live, despite his "regret" over the Mountains actions. i think his regret literally comes from the fact that Dorne is a pian in his ass and not because of anything ehtical or even Strategic*)

*how would it have been strategic to let the princess consort of the previous regime live and go back home after killing her husband and her children? she would probably have been a political hostage tbh, to ensure Dorne's behavior, forcibly remarried by whomever Tywin chose. have no idea who that would be tho. but thats besides the point.

to be honest, I'm too scatterbrained to get all my thoughts in order, but if Elia had lived (and was aloowed to go back home), I have genuine doubts that Dorne would have enacted the same type of long lasting revenge that they do in canon. probably Doran and Oberyn would want the Mountain dead, and Tywin as well, but in this case their sister is actually "alive and well" and while children are precious, at least they have their sister back with them safe. and of course, probably Elia probably would be "broken" in this case. little more than someone wracked by grief. (tho maybe not. proably suicidal, or maybe the fact that shed be grief stricken, "broken" would drive them to revenge)

anyway, if Elia was going to live, i keep thinking that shed very likely become hard, after being the woman of sweet wit once. and I dont know, but if she wanted revenge, would Dorne really help her get it? i know that mysoginy is real, and Westeros seems to have a hard time allowing women to get their own revenge. I dont doubt the depth of Oberyns feelings, but its been almost fifteen years and its clear that he put Elia on a pedestal, (probably seeing the real woman would be truly difficult for him) and Doran clearly wants political vengeance in the story.

GRRM said that Elia and Rhaegar had a complicated relationship, and it seems to me that She probably loved Him more than He loved her. so its questionable whether she would want revenge on purely on his behalf, which would lead to very complicated feelings of vengeance and scorn intermixed, naturally.

probably shed be a heavier inspiration to Arriane, if Elia wanted revenge against Robert but her brothers dont exactly listen, with Oberyn wanting the glory of the act and Doran's never ending patience.

I wont lie, i couldn't help think on this because i Know that the Stansas tend to wrack Elia Martell's description like a corpse doll for whatever shit they're snorting atm, but i think that if Elia had lived, theres a small chance that she would want to go to Daenerys.

Daenerys fitting the description of the Prince that Was Promised- which Elia would probably know about since Rhaegar told her the song title-and also bringing Dragons Back, which probably Rhaegar spoke pf repeatedly.

I dont think Elia would feel only scorn for Rhaegar, even his actions probably hurt her a lot, especially because over the years she too would, alos view him through a lenses of grief. but i think that if Elia knew that Daenerys seems to be the one Rhaegar was waiting for, she'd want to be at her good sisters side, either for vengeance, or because she too, wanted to see the dream of spring-the hope- that no doubt Rhaegar had shared with her.

what do you think?

So, thank you for asking my opinion on this, but this is really not my thing. I believe I'm fairly good at analysing written text, but I am not good at speculation and imagining alternative endings and what ifs. Maybe you should adress this question to someone in this fandom who writes fanfiction or generally likes speculation, AUs, etc. I will tag @ladyalianora for a pro-Rhaegar approach and @alethiaii for a not so pro-Rhaegar approach.

Having said that speculation is not my thing, I don't really know what would have happened if she had lived, cause she died, and her death is a pretty important part of the story and definitely the most important part of her story. But if i want to speculate, Elia surviving without her children in my opinion wouldn't have changed things so drastically. Her house would still want revenge over the dead children. It is not only Elia that would want revenge as you say, it's her entire house, and in my personal opinion, in universe, I think the children were actually more important than Elia herself for the house Martell. Not for her brother maybe, but for the house and the legacy of Dorne, the children are the most important. Let's be real. These children were Martell children and they were the heirs to the throne, they were supposed to succeed their father and grandfather and they would have if Baratheons and Lannisters hadn't killed them. This new order of things didn't just erase Targaryens, it erased Martells as well and the power they held because of their affiliation to the Targaryens. Yes Rhaegar left Elia but her children were always going to be the Targaryen heirs and nothing in the world would change that. It's Robert and the Lannisters that killed them and usurped their father so for Dorne they will always be the actual enemy, always. Plus they would really dislike the Starks because of their alliance with them and because of Lyanna, realistically.

So yeah Dorne would definitely want to avenge the children.

As for Elia, she would be a shadow of her former self, abandonned by her husband who is now dead, and with her children killed. Her attitude towards Rhaegar would be really complex cause he did abandon her but at the same time, strangely, tragically, her interests were tied to him, his death was the catalyst for the death of her children. She would definitely had mixed feelings, bitterness, betrayal, scorn possibly, she would definitely accuse him for being the cause of this entire rebellion but at the same time she would, I believe, feel intense grief over his death and usurpation. As GRRM said, their relationship was complicated, I personally believe there was some sort of understanding between them before he left, there was some sort of closure, cause I believe this possibility is way more in tune with Rhaegar's canon characterization. They were in an arranged marriage after all, it was a marriage of duty. But I'm 100% biased in Rhaegar's favour so maybe you don't agree. Also her negative feelings for Rhaegar would be largely covered by the disgust she would obviously feel for anyone involved in the new regime, the Lannisters, the Baratheons and the Starks.

To sum it up, her mental state would be very interesting to write, very complicated and tragic, just an endless sea of grief and disgust directed towards many different people, her husband, and his usurpers. An Andromache type of character.

As for her attitude towards Dany, I really don't know cause I never thought about this. Maybe she would go to her maybe not. I feel that Dany would be the one to go to Elia and not the other way round. Dany would absolutely want to meet her and talk to her, she would be the only hint of family she has left after all and they could have a connection over their common loss of their families at the end of the Rebellion.

"Daenerys fitting the description of the Prince that Was Promised- which Elia would probably know about since Rhaegar told her the song title-and also bringing Dragons Back, which probably Rhaegar spoke pf repeatedly". Now I do believe it is a possibility that Rhaegar had shared with Elia the prophecy but I am not so sure. Maybe he was very solitary in his visions. And also I don't believe he spoke repeatedly of bringing the Dragons back. I actually don't buy this and I think the fandom has severely misinterpreted his "obsession" with the prophecy. The line "the dragon has to have three heads" was spoken in Dany's dream and it was spoken to Dany. Rhaegar in the dream looked directly at Dany when he said that, and as we know, Dany was most definitely not present in the real scene, if we supposed it was real (it wasn't). It was Dany's vision, not Rhaegar's. All we know about Rhaegar himself was Aemon saying :

"He shared my belief when he was young, but later he became persuaded that it was his own son who fulfilled the prophecy, for a comet had been seen above King’s Landing on the night Aegon was conceived, and Rhaegar was certain the bleeding star had to be a comet".

That's it. He first believed he was TPTWP and then he believed his son was TPTWP. Period. So I really do not get how we concluded from this that Rhaegar was obsessed with having three children and that he even talked about it all the time. All this comes from Dany's vision, where Rhaegar was talking to her. And this theory is directly promoted by Targ antis who believe the Targs are just a bunch of self aggrandising assholes starting with Dany herself.

So no at this point I don't vibe with what you say. I do believe, however, that Elia would recognise Rhaegar's visionary and idealistic personality in Dany, along with other specific traits, and she would probably believe that Dany may be able to achieve what he did not.

#this got too long #Elia Martell #rhaegar targaryen #daenerys targaryen #asks #asoiaf #i hate hate speculating hate it #but it was an interesting question #a song of ice and fire #au #is au appropriate for this? #game of thrones #aspa rambles

[connan-l]

You know I'm actually very bitter they decided to give Rena a son instead of a daughter in Higurashi Reiwa.

I've talked a little about this before, but Rena's relationship with femininity and internalized misogyny is one of the most compelling aspects of her character to me. I’m not really sure if it was something that was entirely intended by Ryukishi, however Tsumihoroboshi still put a lot of focus on her perception of women and gender expectations particularly through her relationship to her mother and Rina; of having to perform femininity and incarnate the image of a perfect cute school girl if she wants to be truly happy and dismissing every parts of her that doens’t fit that image, all that in a way that definitely adds a very interesting layer to her character.

So the idea of her having to confront and challenge those deeply engrained ideas and prejudices once she’s an adult to raise her own daughter, especialy as a divorcee single mother, has sooo much cool potential. That would a lot more interesting and makes for a good conclusion to her character/arc too. Like sure you can make an argument there could be some stuff to do regarding this with her having a boy too, but I genuinely don’t think it’d be to the same extent.

(”But then Girl!Kihiro and Keitarou would have been way too much like the og Keiichi & Rena’s relationship--” well yeah, maybe then we could’ve given these kids actual proper personalities. Maybe we could’ve even had Keitarou be a girl too! Win-win) Also looking it up, even if it depends on the spelling of course it seems that ‘Kihiro’ is more common as a female given name, and I’m just aghhh, Ryukishi why! (There’s even this spelling I’ve seen with the characters ‘ki 希’ (hope) and ‘niji 虹’ (rainbow) (contrary to Kihiro’s actual spelling which is just ‘希比呂’ and the last two characters don’t mean much of anything) and it’s such a pretty name/meaning ;_; Let Kihiro be a girl with that name, come on--) 

(The only way I’d like the current canon would be if Kihiro is actually a trans girl buuuut I heavily doubt it dsgfdds)

Also, a bit unrelated but on the topic of Rena, I’m surprised so many people seems to have taken Rena divorcing and ending up as a single parent as a bad or mean-spirited thing, which... I mean, I can see why, but actually reading the manga I don’t think that’s the case at all?

Like, first of all divorce is not necessarily a bad thing! It can be, and yes in Rena’s case it was actively traumatic for her, but in Reiwa we’re explicitely told by Kihiro that it was a good and healthy thing for their family and that it actually improved things. They’re still in contact with the ex-husband/father and seems to have an okay relationship with him, and although we haven’t seen much of their family life Rena seems to be genuinely happy and at peace with her situation?

There’s a lot I dislike about Reiwa, but (at least for now, of course it could still change later on) Rena divorcing is really not one of them. Instead of seeing it as mean-spirited I genuinely think it feels more like Rena actually... reclaiming something bad that hurt her deeply in her childhood and turning into something positive, if that makes sense? The situation is very different from the one with her own parents, and yeah, I honestly like that. I’m hoping that imply she also maybe came to make peace with her fraught relationship with her mom and reached out to her half-sister too. (I also really like single mom Rena to be honest, especially given she’s the only one of the group who doesn’t conform to the Traditional Nuclear Family thing the others have going on, but that’s a personal preference here lol)

(....Even if yeah she still should have had a daughter I’m sorry--)

#Higurashi no Naku Koro ni #Higurashi #Higurashi Reiwa #Rena Ryuuguu #Kihiro Ryuuguu #Ryuuguu Rena #Ryuuguu Kihiro #Connan's Ramblings #Higurashi no Naku Koro in Rei #Higurashi: When They Cry #Rena Ryuugu #Kihiro Ryuugu #Connan's Posts #Text #Long Post #07th Expansion #When They Cry

[ithecarpediem]

Unspoken words of hope (AO3)

In which we get the perspective of the remaining three seasons and the Crown Prince over the drama of our favorite couple, while they deal with their own wound hearts. Continuation of previous one shots from the "The brazier on a summer day". Follows the final events and epilogue of their happy ending . Preview:

Master Park Dang-gu had got really good in pretend over the years.

Pretend he was not in love with Cho-yeon, then pretending he was in love with her while not really in love but secretly truly in love with her; after their terrible wedding day he grow use to pretend it didn’t hurt, that he was a capable of leader, that he didn’t cry over his former fiancé once a week, that looking at Jang Uk didn’t hurt…

One can say he was a master in the fine art of pretending.

That was until his dear mother-in-law decided to have dinner with her daughters and their husbands.

It was the one-year anniversary of Bu-yeon and Uk’s marriage. Not the official one with the party that last five days, the date was the day that Uk bluntly announced in front Unanimous Assembly their marriage.

The one, Lady Jin was fiercely against.

“Yeong had such a lovely time here, of course, I’ll do anything to avoid the same fate to my daughter.” Uk explained in an affable tone as he cut the chicken for his wife.

“Bu-yeon knows I’ll give the best education possible to my grandchildren.” She took a sip of her water with a venous smile. “Of course, we don’t know if that will even be the case since Cho-yeon is pregnant.”

Dangu-gu almost choked as both of them smile fondly to him and his heavily pregnant wife. It was getting more and more difficult to understand why the animosity of the conversation, and when Uk started calling his wife by the name "Yeong"; the leader of Songrim found it impossible to keep a straight face, unlike Bu-yeon who ate calmly ignoring the conversation.

“Mother, in any case, my husband is just being overly protective since what happened before. I have let go of the past much like you did.”

“I do understand, child, still, you should control his tongue. He keeps calling you by your real name.”

“We are among family.” Uk rolled his eyes.

Dang-gu started to coughing this time, his wife gave him a few pats to help him recover. They all stared at him intrigued by the reaction, truth be told, Dang-gu was at lost. Uk turned to Cho-yeon frowning.

“You didn’t tell him?”

“I thought you told him yourself.” She snapped defensively. “My love…”

That was how Dangu-gu became the last member of the Jin’s family to found out about their most precious secret. Bu-yeon was a soul shifter that possess the body of the oldest daughter and end up being adopt by Lady Jin  Ho-gyeong.

That’s why her eyes had a blue mark. Not the Ice Stone power healed her eyes after the Fire Bird attacked nonsense that they all told Daeho and Dang-gu believe it.

Now, the surprise didn’t stop there. No. You see, the soul? It was Naksu, Jang Uk’s former bride, his murder, Cho-yeon’s father murder!

And if that wasn’t hysterical enough, the body was Mu-deok, who actually was Bu-yeon, who actually was the High Priestess Jin Seol Ran, who possess the baby’s dead body on lady Jin’s womb.

To say the least, Dang-gu needed a drink, a strong liquor from Bu-yeon’s collection.

“And none of you thought about tell me?” He asked offended and enrage.

Memories of before came to him, once upon a time Uk confess to him calling Bu-yeon “Mu-deok” and she left home because of it! Dang-gu sat down by the garden long after the dinner thinking about now everything from before made so much more sense. For the night, they were all stay for the night, Mother-in-law took Cho-yeon to give her a special bath, good for pregnancy and to control the energy on her body, Bu-yeon…. No, Naksu went to assist as well since she was a Jinyowon’s priestess, so he and the traitor known as his best friend went for a stroll.

“Are you that upset?” Uk inquired sitting by his side. “I honest thought sister-on-law had told you by now.”

“I mourn her, you know.” He sighed hurt. “Mu-deok…”

He pause thinking when Dang-gu first heard of the Jang marriage, he was a little skeptical about it, then uncle told him that Jang Uk said that he married the priestess because of her beauty! Of course, both Park shared a good laugh not believing. However, his mind changed a little after meeting the woman. You see, Bu-yeon was truly Cho-yeon’s sister, that was no denying the woman’s beauty; if there was one woman who could melt the Ice Stone user’s heart, that was her. But only a fool would fall for Jang Uk’s words about his marriage being a real one, right?

The leader thought that his poor friend would never let go of Mu-deok… Naksu. His first bride, Dangu-gu’s friend, the servant girl who ran as fast as she could and did her job with a grimace, the one that killed Cho-yeon’s father in front of her. Sometimes, Dang-gu had nightmare about that moment, the prince of summer had the assassin under his blade, but that look stopped him. It haunted him for a long time.

 That was Mu-deok after all, his friend’s face, and yet her eyes were dead, she had no expression, no soul; a soul shifter who lost control, a dangerous woman who deceive everyone.

For that one second of hesitation, Dang-gu lost everything, his best friends, his love, his freedom. In the first years, the guilty made him avoid Jang Uk as much as one could; both were too hurt to console each other, and the wounds would open the moment they started do talk.

It was quite a relief as they both tried to move on little by little after that first year, although the Ice Stone user actively isolated himself back then. That was until Bu-yeon, the one who mended his friend’s heart.

And she was Mu-deok the whole time.

Uk threw his arm over his friend's shoulders in consolation. Dang-gu drop his face into his hands, not believing the whole situation.

“Man… You even called her “Mu-deok”, she was angry and everything!”

“Oh… That was she pretending, I didn’t know the truth back then and she wanted to avoid me.”

“Yeah, because the woman thought she was going to die. Goodness, I was there the whole time!” He laughed offended. “Am I that stupid? How did I not see it?”

“You had a lot going on, my friend, the lake was drying out, Cho-yeon didn’t speak with you, Master Park was trying to feed you his food…” Uk offered him a bottle of liquor.

 “Being the leader of Songrim is not an easy task.” He agreed. “Can you believe I’m stuck in negotiation with the South Fortress?”

“We are going there next week, they wanted only me to come actually, now let me tell you, Yeong is quite excitement.” Jang Uk smiled fondly at mention of his wife. “Would you consider find in your pure heart forgiveness for our secrets if we help?”

“Don’t be cheap, Uk, doesn’t suit you.”

Read the rest on AO3

#alchemy of souls #alchemy of souls 2 #alchemy of souls fanfiction #fanfiction #ao3 #fic #kdrama #I love photoshop shut up lol

[the-real-tc]

Bad Business Chapter 2: For Better

Author's Note: Thanks for all likes and re-blogs so far, everyone! I appreciate the encouragement. Here's the next installment. Things are still relatively calm, as you'll see. This time we have a small side plot involving what I'd call Heartland magic, you know, that not quite true-to-life horse-healing stuff that's nevertheless entertaining (or at least I hope it is). While it may seem like nothing much is happening in this chapter, I can tell you it's laying a foundation, so pay close attention.

Special thanks to tnwalk7rach for her help with this chapter as she provided invaluable information. Any inaccuracies are solely my fault, as creative liberties were taken.

***

Chapter 2: For Better

"I'm so glad to get that announcement out of the way," Amy sighed after making sure Lyndy was tucked in safely for the night. "It was driving me crazy keeping it a secret. As it is, I think Lisa and Lou were getting a little suspicious."

"I'm relieved to get it out of the way, too," Ty said in agreement.

"You're not planning to bubble-wrap me again this time, right?" Amy said to her husband as they prepared for bed.

"Uh... No," Ty said, a grin creeping up on his lips. "I think I'm over that 'super-over-protective' phase."

"Well, good!" Amy said while sliding under the bedsheets. "Because bubble-wrap spooks the horses."

"Does it, now?"

"Mm-hmm," Amy replied with a mock-serious nod, brushing her fingertips across his chest. "Noise-sensitive equines could be set back weeks just by being exposed to the stuff. Snap-crackle-pop! Instant horse trauma."

"Now you're sounding like an old Rice Krispies cereal commercial," Ty said, snuggling in close to Amy. He rested his chin against her shoulder and brought an arm over her belly.

"Ty..." Amy began slowly.

"Hmm?"

"How would you feel about it if I decided to ride during this pregnancy?"

Ty hesitated before answering, leading Amy to believe he was not thrilled with the idea. "I think... if your Ob/Gyn says the risks are minimal, then I think you should follow her advice," he finally answered.

"You didn't really answer my question," she said.

"What do you mean?"

"Be honest: would you or would you not be okay with it if I got the all-clear?"

Ty inhaled sharply. He knew Amy was not trying to bait him, but he felt cornered, nevertheless. "Amy, I will always have your safety and that of our baby as my highest concern. But I know I can't bubble-wrap you. I don't want to be that guy who dictates everything his wife does because he's too insecure. If you want to ride this time around, then go for it."

"Okay," she said. "I'll see what the doctor says when I go in for my check-up."

"All right," he said agreeably, but to Ty's ears, his wife did not sound as if she fully believed him.

***

"Have I told you lately how proud I am of you?"

After donning one of Jack's old shirts that she had claimed for sleepwear, Lisa looked at her husband over her shoulder with a quizzical expression. "No. Why do you ask?"

"Tonight," Jack said, moving to stand close behind her so he could place his hands on her shoulders. "You didn't make a peep about being the reason why Scott can take on Cassandra as full partner at the vet clinic."

"Why should I have? It was a group decision," Lisa said, trying to deflect any praise.

"Mm-hmm," Jack murmured, bringing his lips to her cheek. "And who was it that brought the clinic to the group's attention in the first place?"

"Well, I may have suggested it," Lisa conceded. "And though I voluntarily abstained from the final vote, the rest of them still had to unanimously choose to support Scott."

"That could not have been an easy task with Dan Hartfield being involved," Jack grunted, trying without success to hide his personal disdain for the man.

"Actually, Dan helped convince the others," Lisa said. "Some of them were concerned there was too much of a personal interest on my part since Ty is family, after all. I pointed out Ty has his own practice at Heartland with Amy apart from the clinic, and Dan mentioned how much Scott has done for all of us in the horse business in Hudson."

"Really," Jack said dubiously.

"Yes. And you'll never guess who seconded the motion."

"Who?"

"Val Stanton."

"I have to say I had my misgivings when Dan roped the two of you into this," Jack said with a shake of his head, "but I admit I was wrong in this case. This little investors' group has been doing a lot of good."

Lisa did not reply immediately, but simply gave a cold, abstract "Mm-hmm."

Jack instinctively interpreted her chilly response to mean she was thinking once again about Lanny and Paige. "I heard about the reward the group is offering in the Barick murder case," he said quietly, lowering his hands from Lisa's shoulders to encircle her about the waist. "Your idea again?"

"No. Tanner Gunn's idea," Lisa answered, turning now so she could wrap her own arms around his frame as she leaned into his chest. "It was an easy decision to put up the reward money. After all, Lanny was one of the original members of the investors' group... That poor family..."

"Yeah," Jack said, now rubbing a gentle circle into Lisa's back. "I sure hope someone out there can provide answers."

"Me, too," Lisa said with a soft sigh. "You should have heard Paige's family at the memorial and press conference today, Jack. It's been a year, but the pain there is still so raw."

"I tell you, if someone had done that to Marion, I wouldn't have rested until her killer was brought to justice," Jack said passionately. "As it is, losing her in that auto accident wasn't easy, either. But it was an accident. It was something I could come to terms with, even if it wasn't fair."

"That must have been a terrible time for you. For all of you," Lisa murmured. "I wish I had known you then. I wish I could have been there for you."

"I know. But you're here now, and I'm grateful."

"I wish I had been able to meet her," Lisa said wistfully as they separated and climbed into the bed. "I knew about her only vaguely, which is really a shame."

"The two of you would have got along very well," Jack declared.

"Really? You think?"

"Why, sure. You love horses. Marion loved horses. She would have liked the way you treat your animals and staff at Fairfield."

"Would she have liked me—with you?" Lisa asked. It was a question that occasionally occurred to her, but had never found an opportunity to broach the topic with Jack.

"Oh, I don't think that would have been a problem for her," Jack said dismissively, pulling the covers over them both.

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Having a step-mother younger than she was wouldn't have been strange?"

"'Strange'? Naw. She would have loved you, Lis. Where is this coming from all of a sudden?"

"Oh, I don't know. Just thoughts about family, I guess," Lisa said, lying back while Jack switched off his bedside lamp. "Amy's announcement... Things are going to be busy around here again with a new little person. I love my life with you and everyone else at Heartland. But sometimes, I wonder..."

"You wonder what it would be like if you'd had kids of your own," Jack said knowingly, inching nearer to her. Lisa slid readily into his arms, bringing her head to rest beneath his chin.

"Yeah," she whispered. "But then I think, if I had been able to carry the ones I lost to term, I think: I would want them to be exactly like the family I have, right now."

"Well, good," Jack said happily, kissing the top of her head. "Because I think if Marion had been able to choose the kind of woman to look after her children and grandchildren, she would have chosen someone exactly like you."

"Would she?"

"You love them as if they were your own," Jack said earnestly. "You've been able to do things for them I couldn't, and I'm not just talking about money."

"No?"

"All right, it's true you have spoiled them more than I ever could, but it goes beyond that. You're generous with your time, your advice, and your business expertise," Jack stated. "For example: If it wasn't for you, I might not have been convinced to let Lou have her Dude Ranch on the family property."

"And see how beautifully that turned out," Lisa said contentedly, instantly remembering a magical winter's night at that same Dude Ranch, cabins strung with bright lights, and the exchange of rings and vows.

"Yes, for the most part, you're right about that," Jack said with a soft chuckle, his mind also drifting back to the same winter's night, and the joys that followed since.

Sleep came easily to the happy couple, secure in each other's embrace.

***

Two Weeks Later

"So?"

"Dr. Hawthorn has given me the all-clear," Amy said as Ty opened the truck door for her. "She says everything looks good and it's okay for me to ride during the first trimester."

"That's good, Amy," Ty said, hoping he sounded genuine.

"It is," Amy said. "Now, are we ready to take on our latest client?"

"I think so," Ty said, as he started the truck.

"Great," Amy said with a smile while she buckled her seatbelt. "Because he's supposed to be arriving with his horses just after lunch."

Earlier that morning, Amy had received a call from a potential new client named Marvin Clancy about a case of foal rejection.

"Bring them to Heartland as soon as you can," Amy had advised. "My husband is a vet, so if there's something medically wrong with the mare, he can determine the issue. If it's something behavioural, I'll get to the bottom of it."

Now as the couple drove back home, they compared notes.

"Did you find out if it's a maiden mare?" Ty asked.

"No, but we can ask when Marvin arrives," said Amy.

"Okay," Ty said. "Is the mare showing any signs of aggression?"

"Fortunately, no," Amy answered. "Marvin told me she just won't let the little one suckle and seems to be fearful of it."

"Hmm," Ty murmured. "Could be a few things going on in this situation."

"Right," Amy said. "I can't wait for us to figure it out. We make a great team, Ty."

"I know," Ty said with a grin. "I love working with you at Heartland."

"I'm thinking it's probably still way too early for this foal to be weaned," said Amy, picking up their topic at hand.

"Yeah," Ty said. "I'm a little worried because it could be really difficult to find a surrogate on such short notice. If push comes to shove, we'll start a bottle-feeding regimen, obviously."

"You up for some late-night feedings, 'Dad'?" Amy teased.

"Practice for when Number Two arrives," Ty replied smartly, reaching over to rub Amy's belly.

"Good answer," Amy said, giggling at the ticklish sensation resulting from her husband's touch. "On a related note, I'm looking forward to having you as my birth partner this time around, Ty."

"What, your dad isn't your first choice? Didn't he do a good enough job last time?"

"Umm, let's not go there," Amy replied, rolling her eyes and laughing.

***

Due to the unusual circumstances of the mare's rejection of her foal, Marvin Clancy was obliged to trailer them separately.

"Sassy was not too pleased when I tried to transport little Windy with her," he explained. "I know it's best for the foal's first trailering to be with its mama, but mama wasn't having it."

"Well, you managed to get them both here," Ty said, "that's the important part. How old is Windy?"

"Six days old," Marvin answered.

"And have you started bottle-feeding him?" Amy asked.

"As soon as we noticed Sass wasn't feeding him," Marvin replied. "My wife and I have been in the stable pretty much since he was born, keeping an eye on things, getting him used to being around people. It's the first foal born on our farm, so it was a pretty big deal."

"So this is Sassy's first foal?" Amy asked of the Quarter Horse.

"No, it's her third," Marvin answered, "but the first she's had on my farm. I bought her two years ago from a friend. He said she'd had two before."

"Hm," Ty said reflectively. "And no indication she rejected the foals in those instances?"

"None at all," Marvin said, "which is why it's so concerning. I'd like to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible, obviously."

"Did Windy at least get some of the colostrum?" asked Ty, wanting to ensure the newborn had benefitted from the early nutrients and antibodies that first milk provided.

"Yeah, he suckled just fine the first two days," Marvin said. "But by day three, Sassy-girl started avoiding him and wouldn't let him feed."

"Okay, I'll do an examination of Sassy and run some tests to rule out a few things like mastitis or something more serious," Ty said.

"And if it's not something medical?" Marvin asked, sending a knowing glance in Amy's direction.

"Then I'll take over," Amy said. "For now, we'll keep up with the bottle-feeding routine. In the meantime, we should both try putting out some feelers into the community to see if there's a mare nearby that can come in as a nursemaid—as a last resort."

"All right," Marvin said with a hint of reluctance. "I'll try."

"Good," Amy said. "We all want what's best for these two, right?"

"For sure," Marvin said with a smile. "I'll call tomorrow to check in."

"Sounds good, Marvin," Ty said, shaking the man's hand. "We'll be in touch."

***

Next Day

"We can definitively rule out mastitis or any other problem affecting Sassy's mammary glands and milk production," Ty informed Marvin over the phone. "No indication of inflammation, swelling, ulcers, or tumors."

"Well, that's good, right?" Marvin asked.

"It's a good start," Ty acknowledged. "It means Sassy isn't rejecting Windy because she's experiencing pain or discomfort due to nursing."

"Okay, so what do we do next?"

"Well, we're continuing with bottle feeding, but Amy is going to turn them out into the paddock today and observe how they interact," Ty said. "Sometimes, horses don't like being cooped up in a stable. It could be Sassy just wants some space."

"But y'all are still handling Windy and getting him used to people, right?"

"Right, when we feed him," Ty replied.

"But nothing more?"

"What do you mean 'nothing more'?" Ty asked.

"I mean, I had hoped you and your animal-behaviour specialist wife would be more pro-active with the, y'know, the imprinting process," Marvin said, an edge of irritation creeping into his tone.

The concept of imprinting was not foreign to Ty, but it was one both he and Amy discouraged their clients from attempting too early on in a foal's development.

I don't even think I need Amy to diagnose what's up with Sassy and Windy, Ty thought ruefully. Marvin and his wife have probably been too hands-on with this poor foal, and his mama doesn't like it.

"Marvin, I'm sorry to disappoint you," Ty said as calmly as possible. "It's been our experience that over-handling a newborn foal can be detrimental to the bonds it's supposed to develop with its mother in those critical early days."

"Yeah, but this horse expert guy we follow on YouTube makes the point that the earlier you imprint on your horse, the easier he'll be to train up," Marvin argued. "He's a published author. Says de-sensitizing them early makes 'em more docile and more likely to trust humans."

Ty, not wanting to sound combative, said, "Mr. Clancy, I know there are plenty of people out there on the Internet with plenty of opinions, and I'm glad you're interested in doing what's best for Sassy and Windy, otherwise you wouldn't have brought them here, right?"

"That's right," Marvin said in agreement.

"So I'm asking you to trust me and my wife," Ty said. "There's still plenty of time to get Windy to 'trust humans', and my wife can even help you with that process. She's gentled wild horses; she knows what she's doing."

Marvin huffed, and grudgingly accepted Ty's request of trust. "Fine. But if Windy doesn't train up right, you know who I'm blaming."

***

"Well, I think we can draw a very strong conclusion about what the problem is with Sassy and Windy," Ty said, as Amy came down from the loft after putting Lyndy down for a nap.

"Oh?" she asked, fully curious.

"Yep," Ty said with a curt nod. "I spoke with Marvin just now, you know, to tell him there's nothing physically wrong with Sassy, and he mentioned he and his wife bought into the whole early imprinting thing with foals. They were apparently in there handling Windy as soon as he was born."

"Oh," Amy said. "That actually could explain a lot about why Sassy is rejecting Windy."

"Exactly," Ty said. "I mean, I don't blame him for doing what he thinks is best for his horses, but in this case, it's doing more harm than good."

"Well, the good news is we can probably fix the problem because we've caught it early. Windy is due for another feeding right about now, but when that's over, it will be time to turn them out."

"That's what I told Marvin you'd be doing," Ty said.

"And it needs to be done now more than ever," Amy added. "In fact, I think I'll turn Sassy out right away. It will give her space, and maybe it will give her time to miss her baby. Her mothering instincts don't just disappear overnight; we just need to help her remember them."

To Amy and Ty's disappointment, however, Sassy showed little interest in Windy by the afternoon. The foal's full stomach meant he was not inclined to want to suckle due to hunger, but he knew his mother's scent anyway, and craved her maternal closeness. Sassy wanted nothing of it. Every time the foal neared, she distanced herself from him. The window to get Windy nursing again naturally would be closing swiftly, and the pair of horse healers fretted this might be a rare case when they would have to accept defeat.

***

By the next morning, Amy wanted to persist in turning Windy out with the rest of the horses after each of his bottle feedings. She decided to hold off introducing any sort of dry feed for the time being, just to give the foal more time to observe the adults foraging so he would get the idea. Sassy persisted in her avoidance tactics.

When Georgie arrived home from school that afternoon, she went immediately to saddle Phoenix for a round of jumping practice. She noticed Amy watching the latest arrivals on her way from the stables.

"How are they doing?" the teen asked her aunt.

"No breakthroughs yet," Amy replied. "But at least we think we know what the trouble is."

"Yeah? What is it?"

"The owners were trying to do something with the foal called 'imprinting'," Amy explained. "In theory, it's supposed to help the foal become used to humans so it's easier to train later on, but instead it can really interfere with the natural bonds the baby is supposed to have with its mother if it's done too early or too aggressively. Since there's no medical reason for Sassy to be rejecting Windy, we think it's the over-handling by humans that's turned Sassy off from her own foal."

"Gee, that's too bad," Georgie said in sympathy. "Poor baby. I hope you guys can work it out."

"Me, too," Amy said with a sigh. "Anyway, I'll let you get to your practice."

"Thanks," Georgie said, snapping her helmet chinstrap and pulling it snug. Remi, upon seeing Georgie mount up, scampered from her spot on the porch to be closer to the action.

"Here comes your shadow," Amy said with a chuckle, giving the dog a quick rub around her furry jowls.

"Hi, girl," Georgie cooed. "Did you come to watch me practice? Good girl!"

Remi snuffled and gave her tail a few vigorous wags before settling down on the sidelines to take in Georgie's practice rounds. But before long, the dog wandered off towards the paddock, drawn to the pair of new horses. She yawned once with an extravagant stretch, and sat herself down next to Amy.

The dog and the human looked out upon a few of the permanent equine residents standing lazily in the paddock, grazing about. Windy the foal, having discovered other large animals not his own mother the previous day, would take a few tentative steps towards a strange horse, then suddenly prance off, as if playing a game of keep-away. The elder horses generally paid the foal no attention. His mother, though, avoided him at each playful approach, trotting off in a different direction each time he chanced to get near.

"Come on, Sassy," Amy said under her breath after observing this behaviour for close to an hour. "Take care of your baby. We stinky people aren't going to get in your way anymore."

Remi huffed and whined once, as if picking up on Amy's exasperation. She got to her feet, gave her tail a few gentle wags, then padded over in Sassy's general vicinity.

Amy watched in awe as Sassy sniffed curiously at this canine invading her space. Remi tolerated this attention with perfect calm and acceptance. Next, Sassy's large tongue came out, giving Remi's snout a long lick.

"Pals for life now," Amy said, a grin spreading across her face.

Ten minutes later, Remi was lying down at Sassy's feet, and the horse was nibbling calmly at some grass. Windy, however, was wary of the dog, its earlier curiosity around new creatures evidently forgotten.

***

"I think we've had a breakthrough," Amy said to Ty that evening after another round of bottle-feeding Windy was complete.

"Oh? What happened?" Ty asked.

"The canine companion factor," Amy answered triumphantly. "You know as well as I do that some nervous and stressed-out horses respond well to a companion animal. I mean, remember that goat Lisa had with Fairfield Flyer's clone a couple years ago?"

"Right," Ty said, thinking of how the high-strung thoroughbred had benefitted from the smaller animal's presence in its stall.

"Well, this afternoon, it was like Remi knew Sassy needed a friend. She went right over to her, and that seemed to break the ice. Sassy let Remi get right up to her and even licked her."

"You're kidding," Ty said.

"Nope. Remi just lay right down next to her out there in the paddock for the whole afternoon," Amy said. "It's the most relaxed I've seen that horse yet. I'll let her stay out tonight with the other horses, but I'd like to try turning Windy out again tomorrow and see what happens."

"That's excellent," Ty said. "Fingers crossed that Sassy will let Windy nurse tomorrow."

"I have a feeling she will," Amy said. "Gut instinct."

"Well, sure hope your gut's right, 'cause I actually forgot how tiring these round-the-clock feeding schedules can be."

"Oh, having second thoughts, 'Dad'?" teased Amy.

"Never," Ty said, stretching over to kiss her.

***

True to Amy's "gut instinct", Sassy was not on the alert when Windy's spindly legs carried him towards her early the next morning. Amy and Ty had purposely not fed the foal at the appointed time in the schedule so as to encourage it to seek out "breakfast" from its mother.

"Ty, look," Amy said in an excited whisper. "She's not running away from him."

"I see it," Ty said, his own excitement building.

The couple watched as the foal, ears flicking, crept closer, drawn by the promise of his mother's warm milk. He stretched his tongue out to the teat, latched on, and started suckling. Sassy remained in place, completely unperturbed by this activity.

"He's nursing!" Amy cried happily.

"Yes!" Ty exulted. "Marvin is going to be a very happy man when we tell him."

"He sure is," Amy said. "But make sure he knows he needs to get himself a Shepherd now, because I have a feeling Georgie isn't about to give up Remi."

Indeed, the canine was still out in the paddock, snoozing peacefully near the nursing mother and foal in the dewy morning grass.

***

Two Days Later...

"I know I said it earlier, but thanks for deciding to come to this one with me," Lisa said to Jack as they climbed into the Fairfield truck in preparation for departure to the vast Westfield estate.

"I have to admit this whole faux fox hunt deal really isn't so bad, despite the presence of certain individuals," Jack chuckled, a wry smile partially hidden beneath his generous moustache.

Both knew exactly which individuals Jack was referring to. Upon arriving at their destination, they walked with their horses on leads towards an open area before Paula Westfield summoned Jack.

"Hold him?" asked Jack, handing Lisa the line tethered to his jumper for the day, a Fairfield horse named Striker.

"Sure," Lisa said, taking the line from him. They were early still, as only a handful of participants had arrived, mostly those directly involved in a more official capacity. Moments later, she heard a voice she instantly recognized calling out a greeting, so she turned in response to it.

"Hello, Lisa! I see you managed to drag that fine husband of yours to another one of these things," Val said with a dry laugh and a half-grin.

"Hi, Val. Yes, I certainly did," Lisa replied warily. She was never entirely comfortable when Val referred to Jack in such familiar terms. But I really need to remember Jack has known Val longer than he's known me, she thought, they're just friends.

Jack was oblivious to Val's scrutiny while he stood talking with Paula about his role in today's proceedings.

"I guess he had such a great time at the last one, he couldn't stay away this time, eh?" Val laughed again, this time a little too harshly for Lisa's liking. "My, he sure does look handsome in those breeches and that jacket, I'll say!"

"Mm-hmm," Lisa agreed with a tight-lipped smile.

"Let's hope the weather cooperates," Val chatted on. "No more freak snowfalls, please and thank you!"

Lisa was about to add "And no more drinking so much you can't stay on your horse, Val," but charitably stopped herself before making such a pointed dig at her former rival for Jack's attention and affection.

"That is a very fine animal," Val stated, nodding towards Lisa's steed.

"He's something, isn't he? His name is Herring," Lisa responded, glad for the change in subject. "You remember Ben, my nephew?"

"Of course I remember Ben. I seem to recall my Ashley had an eye for him while he was staying at Briar Ridge."

"Well, Ben's horse—Red—is the sire," Lisa said.

Val sent a dubious look at Lisa. "Red's the sire of Herring? Seriously?"

Lisa tried to conceal a laugh. "Seriously. I know, it's not a very creative name. It wasn't my idea."

"I might be interested in him, if you're looking for a buyer," Val said, stroking the horse's neck.

"Well, I did have another client interested in him earlier," Lisa replied. "But why don't I have Herring trailered over to Briar Ridge next week or so? You can try him out; see if he's what you really want, and we'll see if we can hammer out a deal."

"All right, sure," said Val. At that moment Paula dismissed Jack and called for Val's attention to deal with some other matter. "We'll talk soon, Lisa."

"Okay."

"Hello, Jack," Val said huskily, a bright smile flashing across her face as they passed each other.

"Val," Jack responded cordially, about to tip a non-existent hat before remembering his head was bare. He continued on to where Lisa was waiting with their mounts.

"What was that about?" he asked as he reached his wife's side, having seen the tail end of their conversation.

"Val might be interested in buying Herring," Lisa answered while staring after the other woman's retreating figure, somewhat surprised she had not found some excuse to linger in order to chat with Jack.

"No kidding," Jack uttered.

"Jack," Lisa began tentatively, "I know these kinds of events are out of your comfort zone, but I'll say it once more: I really appreciate everything you do to make it out here with me."

"Well, I seem to recall a fly fishing date that was out of your comfort zone some years ago," Jack said with a twinkle in his eye. "Not too many ladies would have agreed to that. But you went the extra mile and even bought all the gear, just so you wouldn't disappoint me."

"I knew I wanted to spend time with you and to get to know you better," Lisa said, gazing up at him with affection. "I wasn't about to let that opportunity pass me by."

"And I'm forever grateful you came," he commented, remembering how she allowed him to hold her close and guide her hands and arms while holding the fishing rod. It meant so much to him that she trusted him implicitly, even at that early stage in their relationship.

I caught a real beauty, he recalled saying to the kids when he returned from that date; his meaning slowly dawning on them as he shuffled inside with a very contented smile on his face.

"We should do that again sometime," Lisa said, reaching for his hand and taking it in hers.

"Sounds like a plan!" Jack answered heartily.

*** Chapter 3: Or Worse

#Heartland #Heartland fanfiction #my fanfiction #Bad Business #JISA fanfiction #Amy Fleming #Ty Borden #Jack Bartlett #Lisa Stillman #Val Stanton #lyndy borden #A Heartland Murder Mystery #Paula Westfield #Red #Ben Stillman #OC Marvin Clancy #Remi #Georgie Crawley Morris #Lanny Barick #Paige Barick #Tanner Gunn #Dan Hartfield

[em-writes-stuff-sometimes]

Hiii I'm alive (my ass on the other hand....) the gods blessed me with an amazing husband (with very heavy hand) and i love him very much🤣

Soooo let's start with the TMI.

Basically for my comments Bo was planning to tickle me until i pass out because i was joking and he was entertained by my fangirl ramblings but i really wanted that sweet sweet pain so being a brat with capital "B" i basically disobeyed every single rule that was given to me. ( I'm going to write them down for you. Idk how you feel about "Daddy" being used so I'm stopping myself)

So i have 4 core rules to follow and i broke them all

- always pick up if Bo is calling, he wants to know if his little girl is fine

- drink at least two bottles of water (i have a notebook where i write about drinking water)

- Clean your work space

- Don't touch yourself without permission

Aaand long story short Bo was really angry because i didn't pick up the phone, he called like 30 times and texted 138 times and to top it all of i was having a meeting with my favorite vibrator when he came home. 😒 Bo is very patient with me and it drives me crazy because i want a reaction, so when he came home i expected to be manhandled.... butt he just told me in this very serious voice "I'm very disappointed with you, think about what you did I'm going to come and talk about it in a bit" i of course can't just make it easier on myself, so i took my cigarettes and decided to go for a smoke. Bo was in the living room and i just wanted to take my cute ashtray. He saw me, of course, and asked me where bad little girls should stay when they fuck something up ; i sassed him and told him " my only place is in your heart " and to be honest i can see why he lost it ( he wasn't angry i just wanted to clarify because it's wrong to punish in anger).

But yea, i got my ass blistered, cleaned my office, and now I'm in a little space about to fall asleep telling Bo what to write because i really want to give you an update.

Yours:

✨️Wilma Dickfit ✨️

Ps: At this point Wilma is half asleep and I'm taking over her little story and even though I did not write everything, she said (hope you understand, she is too vulnerable and her brain is not working properly even after a long aftercare and a lot of cuddles) But one thing is consistent for the last 10 minutes she is asking if you are her bestie right now. 🤣

Bo N. Herr

Lol, oh my GOD Wilma! I’m happy to help you in your goals, haha - hope it was as satisfying for you as it sounds! You are so much braver than I am, I’d fucking quail at the first sign of tension. I’m a bit of a coward, so 😂😭 (BTW, daddy kink? Hot)

I’m so strangely flattered that you wanted to give me an update so quick - make sure to take care of yourself! I hope Bo gives you all the lovin’ you could want now that you’ve gotten your consequences!

(And yes, Bo - Wilma is my bestie now 🤣; we love Wilma and Bo on this blog, no questions asked! Go have a nap with yo girl!)

Everyone else who follows Wilma and Bo here: lol, here’s the update! Thinking I might need to start a separate tag just for these guys so y’all can find their stories easily 😉

#ferals #wilma and bo

[rickie-the-storyteller]

Steph's Crew - Part 25: The End of an Era

Intro:

Greetings, friends!

Something that happened last time is that Stephanie realised that she has had enough of the long-distance thing with Ben. She decides to move with him and leave her London life behind. Ben isn't completely sure about this idea, but they decide to sleep on it and discuss it properly the next day. Well, I've skipped ahead a few days… since then, they've made the official decision to leave together at the end of the week.

So today, we're going to see how Steph navigates her last few days with her friends. You know, the people she's grown to genuinely love more than anything. The place that felt most like "home" to her. Fun…

Hope you guys enjoy :)

Some tragic news

(Elise and Stephanie are hanging out in Elise's room, studying. Or at least trying to… they're mostly just chatting and joking around. Stephanie hasn't told any of her friends that she's planning on leaving London with Ben, but she's written them all letters explaining everything. She decides to slip them into their bags without them knowing. She uses this study session with Elise as an opportunity to give her goodbye letter to her)

Elise: This is why I no longer shop there. It's crazy how unethical some companies really are…

Stephanie: Yeah, yeah. But you've got to admit, they've got some hella cute clothes.

Elise: Too right.

Stephanie: That's the only thing that keeps me buying their stuff to be honest.

Elise: I don't know… it's not enough for me.

Stephanie: Really?

Elise: I mean, if you continue buying their stuff and supporting their brand, isn't that kind of like your saying that you're ok with it? That you agree with everything they stand for?

Stephanie: I… never thought of it like that.

Elise: Yeah. I don't know, maybe I'm being extreme.

Stephanie: No, you're not. I think it's admirable. Could never be me, though.

(Suddenly, Elise's phone chimes with a notification from her news app. She opens the app, and gasps)

Stephanie: El? What's wrong?

Elise: Oh my… look! (shows Stephanie her phone)

(Stephanie looks at the main headline: "House fire at Donchester Street")

Stephanie: Wow.

Elise: I know! It happened last night.

Stephanie: Crazy. That's not too far away from here. (gives phone back to Elise)

Elise: And someone died in it!

Stephanie: Only one person?

Elise: Yeah, a "Miranda Brooke." Her husband John came home from work to find the whole place up in flames.

Stephanie: My gosh.

Elise: Poor guy.

Stephanie: People can be careless, huh?

Elise: That's sensitive of you, Steph.

Stephanie: What? A lot of house fires are started by accidents within the household. You know, things like being careless with candles, leaving the stove on… that sort of thing.

Elise: That doesn't mean that you say stuff like this!

Stephanie: Look, all I meant was-

Elise: Stop! It really doesn't matter how the fire started, anyway. Does it? I mean, nobody knows. All that matters is the fact that it happened, and someone died.

Stephanie: Wait, nobody knows at all?

Elise: Nope. Says so in this report.

Stephanie: Huh. (pauses) Probably was an accident, then.

Elise: Steph!

Stephanie: I know, I know. Not that it matters whether it was an accident or not. But still.

Saying goodbye (not really)

Alice

(Stephanie slips her letters into Alice's, Bret's and Dylan's bags when they aren't in the study room. Alice comes back from her exam first, and Stephanie gives Alice a hug as soon as she arrives)

Stephanie: You're officially done with Chemistry!

Alice: I'm never going to have to balance another equation again!

Stephanie: Now we've only got one week to go.

Alice: I can pick you up for Physics if you want. My dad's going to drive me.

Stephanie: Uh, yeah. Sounds good.

Alice: So, what do you want to do now?

Stephanie: We should wait for the others. Bret and Dylan will be done with their exams soon.

Alice: Alright.

Stephanie: And speaking of Dylan…

Alice: (smiles) What?

Stephanie: I've heard a few things.

Alice: From who?

Stephanie: El. She said that Mary told her that you two were-

Alice: Right. Figures. Mary never knows when to keep her mouth shut.

Stephanie: (laughs) So, what's happening with you two now? Is he your boyfriend?

Alice: Well, no. To be honest, I'm not really sure of what I want anymore.

Stephanie: How do you mean?

Alice: Me and Dylan haven't really talked much since he moved back with his family. I've been trying to give him space and time to just settle back into things.

Stephanie: Ok.

Alice: And I've had a lot of time to think.

Stephanie: About?

Alice: About me. Dylan. Our friendship. How special he is to me. And how much I'd hate losing him if things didn't work out.

Stephanie: Oh, Al…

Alice: I don't think either of us are ready for anything serious. We've both been through so much lately.

Stephanie: Ok, but you can't let your fear keep you from what you want in life. Especially when what you want is perfect and makes so much sense!

Alice: What if it goes wrong? What if we end up hating each other?

Stephanie: You know, it is possible to be friends with an ex, right? I mean, look at your sister.

Alice: Mary isn't me, Steph. Look, I do like him. I know he likes me. But I just want to do things right. I don't want to rush into something when I don't believe it's the right time for it.

Stephanie: (sighs) Fair enough.

(Just then, Bret and Dylan enter the room)

Dylan: Hey!

Alice: (smiles) Hey, Dylan.

(Dylan smiles back at Alice. The room is quiet for a moment)

Bret: I'm here, too.

Stephanie: (laughs) How was the exam, Bret?

Bret: It was alright!

Stephanie: Really?

Bret: Yeah! Surprisingly.

Stephanie: Glad to hear it. I'm sure you did good.

Bret: (smiles) Thanks, Steph.

(The two gaze into each other's eyes for a moment)

Stephanie: (awkwardly) You are very welcome. Haha!

Alice: Bro…

Stephanie: What?

Alice: (shakes her head) Forget it.

Dylan: What should we do now? How should we celebrate our new freedom?

Alice: Ok, not all of us are free… just 'cause you're done with exams doesn't mean we all are.

Dylan: You still have exams?!

Alice: One more. Physics. It's next Monday.

Stephanie: I have that exam too.

Dylan: Wow. Would've thought we'd all be done by now.

Alice: Well, you thought wrong.

Dylan

(The crew decide to go hang out at a bar. Elise eventually joins them. Stephanie is sitting with Dylan, and they're reminiscing about their time in the sixth form)

Stephanie: Remember when you asked me out last year?

Dylan: What th- come on! You said you'd never mention it again…

Stephanie: But it was such a funny time! You were all like-

Dylan: STOP IT.

Stephanie: (laughs) You were…

Dylan: Steph, shut up! I mean it.

Stephanie: (calms down) You were all like, "Stephanie, you must be made of copper and tellurium because you're Cu-Te."

Dylan: That's not what I said... plus, I noticed that you were into science. I thought you'd like that sort of joke.

Stephanie: "I don't mean to interrupt whatever you were doing, but I just wanted you to know you've got my attention, girl." Even though I was literally doing NOTHING.

Dylan: I was just trying to be polite!

Stephanie: "Let me take you out tonight. We should get to know each other better. I know a really great place…"

Dylan: Oh my God… And you were all like, "I totally would, but I'm busy tonight. Having dinner with my boyfriend."

Stephanie: (laughs) You're so terrible at flirting, bro. Is this how you're like with all the girls you like?

Dylan: (sighs) I hadn't been in the game for a while. I was trying to move on from Robyn.

Stephanie: Ah… Didn't realise your thing with her had been going on for such a long time.

Dylan: Yeah.

Stephanie: Well, at least you've finally moved on from her now.

Dylan: Huh?

Stephanie: Alice?

Dylan: Oh, right. I don't know if it's really going to happen now.

Stephanie: Oh for goodness sake-

Dylan: Look, I want it to. Don't get me wrong. I just… don't think she wants it to.

Stephanie: How do you know that?

Dylan: I just do, alright? I can tell, I know what she's like.

Stephanie: Ugh….

Bret

(A while later, Alice gets called to go home, and Elise volunteers to drive her. Dylan has gone to buy more drinks, and Bret has gone outside to smoke. Stephanie decides to go outside as well, to talk to him. She sees him leaning against the wall, looking at his phone)

Stephanie: Hey.

Bret: Oh. Hi.

Stephanie: So, how are you enjoying your freedom?

Bret: I feel like it hasn't fully registered in my head that I'm done with school yet.

Stephanie: Ha, that's funny. You still feel like you have to come back in next Monday?

Bret: …Yeah. I mean, I know I don't have to. Part of me almost wants to, though. Like, I'm done with this place. I've got so many memories at that school, and for the majority of my seven years there, I have kind of hated it. But I can't believe it's all over now.

Stephanie: I get how you feel. But hey, look on the bright side. You can now officially start your summer!

Bret: Yeah! That's cool. You know, once you and Alice are done with your exams, we should all do something together. Something really great.

Stephanie: I don't know if that's possible.

Bret: What do you mean?

Stephanie: Ben and I… we're planning on leaving.

Bret: What?

Stephanie: Yeah, we're going on holiday. Just the two of us. We just wanted to spend as much time together as possible this summer.

Bret: Oh. Well, have fun.

Stephanie: Thanks, Bret. I'm sure it'll be great. I'll miss you guys, though.

Bret: We're going to miss you, too.

(The two hug)

Stephanie: You all mean so much to me. You've literally changed my life.

Bret: Aw. You're so cringy.

Stephanie: (laughs) It's true!

(The two smile at each other)

Stephanie: Well, I should probably head off soon. Say goodnight to Dylan for me?

Bret: Will do, yeah.

Stephanie: Ok, then. Uh, bye!

Bret: Bye.

(Stephanie gets ready to leave, but hesitates to walk away. She looks back at Bret, and goes back to him)

Stephanie: Screw it.

Bret: What do you-

Stephanie: Shh.

(She pins him against the wall and leans in)

Bret: Steph?

Stephanie: (whispers) This didn't happen. Ok?

Bret: ... Ok.

(They share a long, passionate kiss. Stephanie leaves afterwards, leaving Bret in a state of confusion and shock. He decides to go back inside to talk to Dylan, but sees that Dylan is currently involved in a brawl with a few other guys. Bret puts his own feelings aside and rushes to help his friend)

Last exam

(The following week, Alice and her father, Victor, are driving to Stephanie's place to pick her up for their final exam)

Victor: How are you feeling, dear?

Alice: Shut up.

Victor: Oh, come on, love. You're not worried, are you?

Alice: I'm fine!

Victor: Good. Because you're going to be great. You have nothing to be worried about.

Alice: "Nothing to worry about?" Dad, Physics is my weakest subject! You know that!

Victor: I also know that you have been working really hard on it these last few months. You've been so focused and you're going to crush this last big test. I know it!

Alice: How the hell do you know that?!

Victor: I just do! Also, language.

Alice: Sorry.

Victor: Is this the place?

Alice: Yeah. How about you wait here, and I'll go get her?

Victor: Sounds good to me.

(Victor parks the car near the building where Stephanie lives. Alice leaves the car and goes up to her flat. She knocks and even rings the bell, but she gets no answer)

Alice: Steph? (knocks some more) Steph? Are you in there?

(She tries to call and texts this to her: "Hey, I'm here? Did you leave for school already?")

Alice: (rings the bell again) STEPH?

(She texts again: "Have you overslept or something? R U OK??? I need answersssss." But she receives no response. She even calls the landline. She hears it ring, but nobody answers. Alice starts to get a bit worried)

Alice: STEPH?!

(She calls Victor for help, and eventually he gets over there)

Victor: Look, we really need to think about heading to school soon. We don't want you to miss the exam.

Alice: I know! But I can't leave without her! I need to know she's ok!

Victor: Should we call for help?

(Alice finds a spare key)

Alice: Wait! (opens the door) Steph! Steph, are you here?

(She and Victor both go inside and look around. They are shocked to find that the whole place is completely empty. Neither Stephanie, Ben, nor any of their belongings are anywhere to be found)

And this is more or less the end!

(Of book 1 lol. Planning on making this a trilogy!)

This section of the Stephanie Saga is a book called, "The Misfit Manifesto." It explores the crew's lives in high school. The rest of the story goes into their lives in university and beyond! So the story isn't quite over yet. But this is kind of where we'll leave it for now.

I'm debating putting the full story on Wattpad. I have an account, but I literally do NOTHING with it...

(Lately, though, I've been thinking about self-publishing this story. I like the idea of making this into an actual book series! Although, I feel like in order to do that, I need to seriously polish this up as best as I can and make it better lol. Might set this as a goal for myself in 2024...)

Anyway, there are a few aspects of this story that I've left out (which will all go on a separate post), but this is the general gist of things.

I've got one post left of this dialogue series, which is my first draft of all the letters Stephanie sends to her friends. It kind of works as a nice epilogue!

Thank you so much for reading and following the series. Let me know your thoughts on it!

#rickie-the-storyteller #writerblr #steph's crew #original content #original characters #original story #stephanie smith and her friends

[ledenews]

#belmontcounty #BroadwaterProperties #BrookeCounty #EastOhio #MarshallCounty #NorthernPanhandle #ohiocounty #UpperOhioValley #wheeling

[himemeika]

I still have little clue about who/what the trio who appeared (and disappeared) so suddenly in PA are

#I have a feeling they might be ghosts. It's a little ironic with what they try to do multiple times #If they were already dead it makes sense that ''Lil Slugger'' would run from them. Not to mention how excited they were to see him #if that were the real Lil Slugger he wouldn't be able to do anything to them as ghosts. At least I'd assume. #the ending of their bit was confusing too. I really hope that isn't implying what I think it is?????? #They also left the story with Maria and the lady unsolved. There's no way Shounen Bat would have been able to ''help'' them. #I know she looked relieved in the hospital but. That just isn't how it works?? Maria can't just disappear like that. #I hope she at least told her husband. She should really be honest with him. #Man I don't really like how it ends. With that girl (I'm assuming) going back with her father and having amnesia #And with Maria who they never talked about after her part was over. #I especially hated the part with the girl and her father though. She should have been faking amnesia to make him leave. #She should not go back to him. She hated every atom in his body. As she should. #She ran away for good reason!! Fuck you dude you're literally the worst how can you look your daughter in the eye after doing that #And though it wasn't explained I assume he did it because he was in a tight spot money-wise. #He'd even stoop so low as to hurting his daughter to pay back the guy who might kill him. #oh and Ichi and Ushi too. Ichi was such an asshole for no reason and Ushi was just trying to help :// #.txt #Nick.txt #Nick talks too much #Vamppostz #Maniwa was cool though. He was shown to have ''gone insane'' because of the case but he was actually 100% right VHKFZDZVHKGGDDVVJ