#I’m pretty sure twin flames aren’t only a romantic thing right

[melzula]

Could you write a Fire Lilies blurb about Princess! Reader and Zuko 's date night in their tale of Ba Sing Se?

a/n: you have no idea how excited I was when I got this request!!!

~ part of the fire lilies series ~

It’s a quiet day in Ba Sing Se as the Princess sweeps the floor of the tea shop and prepares for the morning rush of customers. She doesn’t get paid nearly as much as Zuko and Iroh due to only working part time, but she makes up for it by working in the dress shop across the street. It’s easy work and her employer is very kind so she can’t complain. Besides, this was the kind of simple life she had been longing for ever since her departure from home. The transition hadn’t been easy, especially not for Zuko, and she knew it would take some time to get used to, but now that they were in Ba Sing Se they had all the time in the world to settle down and finally begin a life together.

Across the way at the front counter Zuko watches y/n work silently, an unreadable expression on his face as he does so. He’s doing his best to at least try to make a life here despite how adamant he feels about the city being nothing but a prison, if not for him then for her, because she deserves it after all. It was something he had promised her long ago, and though their relationship had become worn and strained it was still there altogether, and the knots that had formed along the way were finally beginning to loosen now that they were here in Ba Sing Se.

“You know, it has been a very long time since the two of you last had the chance to be alone,” Iroh points out. “Perhaps the Princess would appreciate a romantic night out with her boyfriend.”

“There’s nothing to do here,” Zuko complains. “Where could we possibly go?”

“I’ve heard they have a beautiful fountain here,” Iroh suggests.

“I have to work.”

“Nonsense. I can cover your shift for you so that the two of you may go out together,” his Uncle offers, and before he has the chance to protest y/n approaches the counter with her dustpan and apron in hand.

“The shop is ready for customers,” she says with a small smile. “I should get going. Miss Tai asked me to open up the store today.”

“Of course. Zuko, is there anything you’d like to say to the Princess before she leaves?” Iroh asks, giving his nephew a gentle nudge to the ribs. Zuko scowls before clearing his throat and attempting a gentler approach to the question as you stand there expectantly.

“Would you like to go out on a date tonight?” He asks in a strained voice, obviously uncomfortable and out of his element. He’d never really had to ask her on a date before, she’d always just kind of been there, by his side and ready to spend time with him. Since when did a simple bowl of ramen together not count as a real date?

“I’d love to,” she giggles, obviously appreciative of his efforts, “you can pick me up from work.”

“He’s looking forward to it!” Iroh grins, and Zuko blushes with embarrassment at the delicate laughter that escapes y/n as she exits the shop and heads to work. Spirits, help him.

~~~

Zuko waits impatiently outside of Miss Tai’s shop, a permanent scowl on his lips and the urge to fuss with his hair stronger than anything he’s ever felt. He isn’t sure why he allowed his Uncle to do his hair or why he’s putting so much work into a date with his longtime girlfriend, but he knew Iroh had been right about the fact that it had been much too long since they’d last went out like this. But it wasn’t Zuko’s fault, at least not in his eyes, because he had been busy and couldn’t tend to y/n right away like she had hoped he would. The pair had been so close together yet so far apart in his years of hunting the Avatar, and when it was quiet enough his thoughts were often loud with doubt over whether or not she still loved him as much, if at all, as she did when they’d last met in their secret tunnel.

A muffled giggle is what catches his attention, y/n’s hand held over her mouth as she tries to stifle her laughter for Zuko’s sake. He wants to complain but the words die in his throat at the sight of her. Dressed in Miss Tai’s finest silk dress, the Princess looks absolutely radiant and quite literally takes Zuko’s breath away.

“Do you like it?” She muses with a sweet smile. “Miss Tai let me borrow it for our date.”

“You look... really pretty,” he finally says with a small smile of his own.

“And you look absolutely adorable!” y/n squeals, prompting Zuko’s smile to immediately morph into a scowl. She gives his cheeks a light pinch and laughs when he gently swats her hand away. “You should do your hair like that more often.”

“It took Uncle ten minutes to do my hair,” Zuko sulks as the Princess finally puts him out of his misery and ruffles the awful hairdo away.

“I’ll have to thank him when we get back,” she giggles before taking his hand and dragging him off to venture out into the city. “So what should we do?”

“I don’t know,” Zuko grumbles. “This city is nothing but dirt, I don’t know how I can possibly enjoy it.”

“Well you can’t enjoy it with an attitude like that,” the Princess argues. “There’s a cake stand over there. You like cake, don’t you?”

“I’m not in the mood for cake.”

“Then what are you in the mood for?”

“Nothing,” he grumbles, and the Princess’s once cheerful demeanor dwindles into one of disappointment. He doesn’t want to be here, she knows that better than anybody, but she had hoped that maybe by going out together he’d at least warm up to the idea of living in the city. Y/n loved Zuko more than anything in the world, but she was starting to doubt whether or not he still felt the same way about her. Their flame was beginning to dwindle and though she was desperate to keep the fire going it seemed that wouldn’t be possible without his help.

“Maybe you should just go home,” she offers quietly, releasing his hand and turning her back towards him in order to hide her growing tears. “That way you won’t have to be here when you don’t want to, a-and I can just explore the city by myself.”

Guilt weighs heavily upon Zuko’s shoulders at the sound of her trembling voice as he yet again manages to disappoint her. He wants to apologize but the words are stuck in his throat, so instead he lets out a small, awkward cough before coming up and gently resting a hand on her shoulder.

“That fortune teller booth looks kind of fun,” he suggests, and when she gives him a pointed look he says, “I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“Okay,” y/n sniffles quietly, a weak smile present upon her features as Zuko intertwines his fingers with her own and guides her towards the booth. He doesn’t miss the manor in which she tightly holds his hand, almost as if she’s afraid she’ll lose him if he lets her go, and it urges the Prince to increase his pace as he guides her towards their destination.

“Yes, step right up, lovebirds!” The eccentrically dressed man encourages, immediately taking the Princess’s hand and yanking her forward to read her palm. Zuko bites back the threat that rises up his throat, and y/n watches with childlike excitement as the fortune teller scans the grooves and lines of her hand. “Ah, this is very interesting.”

“What is it?”

“I see that you’ve lived a very happy life, though it hasn’t been easy as of late. The love you have in your heart is strong, but this love will be put to the test when the time comes.”

“Sounds like a bunch of nonsense,” Zuko mumbles only to earn a glare from the Princess in return. Put to the test? Hadn’t they already been through the hardest parts of their relationship already? What else could possibly make things worse?

“You will live a content and comfortable life and die a peaceful death. Oh, and you’ll most definitely be having twins!”

“Twins!” Y/n repeats delightedly, but all color drains from Zuko’s face at the idea and suddenly he feels very lightheaded.

“Okay, thank you, that’s enough,” he finally interjects, making sure to pay the man before dragging you off to your next destination.

“We’re going to have twins!” The Princess squeal delightedly.

“How do you know he’s not just some crazy old man?” Zuko retorts.

“He could be,” she admits with a shrug, “but it’s nice to have something to hope for even if it isn’t real.”

He says nothing in response to her wishful thinking, but he must admit that he does enjoy the idea of settling down with the Princess, starting their own family, creating a new legacy. Maybe staying in one place wouldn’t be so bad after all.

After a few minutes of aimless walking the two stumble upon the famous fountain of Ba Sing Se, though it doesn’t look like much to either of them due to the fact that the lanterns aren’t lit.

“This is the fountain everyone always talks about?” The Princess retorts with obvious disappointment. “I thought it would be prettier.”

“Hold on,” Zuko says, and before y/n can question him the Prince begins to use his bending to light the lanterns around the fountain. It’s dangerous and absolutely foolish to use his bending out in the open like that, but he’d rather be thrown in jail by the Dai Lee than have his Princess be upset. Her eyes sparkle with complete and utter awe at the sight of his fire bending, recognizing the flow of his movements and admiring the beauty of the flames that dance among the lanterns.

Now lit in all of its glory, the two stand side by side and admire the shimmering water that flows from the fountain. Zuko wraps an arm around the Princess’s waist, and she happily rests her head upon his shoulder once she’s safely nestled into his side.

“Thank you for taking me out tonight,” she murmurs quietly. “I’ve missed spending time with you like this.”

“Me too... I know I’ve been difficult with the transition into our new life here, and it’s going to take some time for me to get used to. But I also know that this should have happened a long time ago, and I’m sorry it took me this long to fulfill my promise to you.”

“I don’t care about how long it took us to get here,” y/n replies earnestly. “All that matters is that we’re finally together in Ba Sing Se just like we planned all those years ago. We can be happy now, but only if you allow yourself the chance to enjoy it.”

“I want to,” Zuko utters, turning to face her and gently cupping her cheek with his hand, “and I know with your help I can.”

The Princess smiles faintly at his proclamation, and when he leans down to kiss her she meets him halfway to seal their lips together in a tender kiss. It isn’t very long or very passionate, Zuko still not used to the idea of public displays of affection due to the fact that he’d refrained from act during his time on the ship with the crew, but it’s special and beautiful all the same.

Ba Sing Se is the start of a new beginning for the a coupe, a second chance at happiness and a place where they can start over. It won’t be easy, and the transition won’t happen over night, but at the two kiss underneath the ember glow of the fountain’s lanterns, the Princess knows that they’re finally going to get their chance at happiness, and so she savors the feeling for all it’s worth.

Because the spirits know it won’t last for very long.

| tags: @rainteslerrrr @oddment-niwit-blubber-tweak @thebluelcdy @royahllty @the-firebender-girl @coldlilheart @ilovespideyyy @yiyibetch @eridanuswave @lammello @a-monsters-love @knaite-solo @zukh03s @titaniafire @dekahg @emberislandplayers @kikaninchen-2 @lozzybowe @izzieserra @melacholy @music-geek19 @thia-aep @thyunnamed @haylaansmi @nataliahaslosthershit @idkdude776 @aangsupremacy @thirstyforsometea @ihaveaproblem98 @brown-eyed-thang @djskfkdkkf @xapham @yeetletzgetitjae @misnmatchedsox |

#zuko #zuko x reader #zuko imagine #prince zuko x reader #prince zuko imagine #zuko and the princess #avatar the last airbender #atla #atla x reader #tales of ba sing se #fire lilies #request #gif used above is not mine!

[razorblade180]

Interdimensional Moms pt4

Part 3 here! <-

The tales had be interesting. The tales had even been emotionally gripping, yet all of them so far didn’t seem to register at the moment as Ruby’s teammates looked at her with the same excitement she used to give her own mother during story time. Ruby couldn’t help but give a little smile.

Ruby:I take it you’re ready for my turn? You do know it’s not exactly a sunshine and rainbows story, right?

Weiss:We figured as much, but....

Yang:You’re so different! From the moment you showed up I could just feel it in my gut. You have this...presence about you. Not to mention intsene confidence.

Blake:Yang is right. You said you beat your Salem when your seventeen. That’s...scary if I’m being honest. Such a drastic departure from any of our worlds.

Ruby:*red* Hehehe ummm I guess I’m just awesome? Really I don’t think it’s the most outstanding feat. At least by my worlds standards I suppose. I mean sure, I’m consider cream of the crop there too but there’s talented people and challenges all over that would put me through my paces still. I’m just...me.

Weiss:Sigh...honestly, I suppose that means our own skills must pale in comparison to our counterparts.

Ruby:Mmmm I wouldn’t say that for sure. My Yang would kill me if she heard this but there’s something about the one right here that has spark I dig.

Yang:Really?

Ruby:Uh huh. Can’t put my finger on it but I think you take her if you want it bad enough. As for Weiss....couldn’t tell ya. Haha, I know better than anybody to not underestimate the power of mother, and you pumped twins out.

Weiss:Not sure if those are pity points or real ones but thanks either way.

Blake:You don’t even have to tell me I’d lose. Just gave an entire story about me an my condition.

Ruby:Don’t feel too bad about it. I can’t imagine much reason for you two to fight for any reason. You’re both too reasonable to not reason with yourself.

Blake:Aw I’m touched.

Yang and Weiss:We aren’t....

Ruby:Hahaha I’m just saying! So, I guess I take things from the top like you all? From what I learned from all of you our Beacon experiences really are more or less the same, not counting certain interactions between a bookworm faunus and an adorkable blonde knight. Enrolled early, blew up the entrance, Weiss was rude, Yang ditched me, all the same beats.

Yang:There’s no super badass change like you beating Cinder the night of dance and making our entire lives easier?

Ruby:Ha! I wish I was that legit. No, I was very much the young girl tripping in heels that night. Vytal festival came around and was attacked, then Beacon fell. Pyrrha was lost and so was Penny. Difference being that was my last time seeing her, unlike Weiss’s story apparently.

Weiss:Yeah that...that’s a little bit of shock to be frank. Sorry.

Ruby:No worries. Not like you did anything and it was decades ago for me now. After that day is when I started to get a bit more serious I think. I had always taken being a huntress seriously and never slacked of in trying to live my dream. However, my perspective may have honed in on just how do or die life his when you’re the one choosing to walk into unknown danger. Team RNJR’s first and only mission, save the world!

Yang:Sub mission: Flirt with Jaune Arc.

Ruby:*blushing* We do not choose who we fall in love with it. But yes, that may have been a personal pseudo mission for me. He’s my first friend at Beacon for crying out loud and I you know.....thought he was cute then too.

WBY:Yeah that checks out.

Ruby:What does that mean!?

Weiss:Ruby, even my Ruby admits to finding Jaune attractive and having a crush on him back in the day.

Blake:Same.

Yang:I already went into enough detail on how my little sister feels about Jaune. Your just the reality where you pounced on the opportunity and never let go. Struck when the iron was hot and none of us were around; sly fox.

Ruby:Gee you make it sound underhanded. It isn’t like I intended to actively pursue him. Everyone was really sad and stressed traveling to Anima. There was a tension in the air. One that really strained us. I did my best to keep focus, but a leader is only as put together as team. Ren and Nora confided one another as usual and I tried being there for Jaune because seeing him emotionally shut down was rough; so I did my best to be there for him. Then...he ended up being there for me and I was the one who needed comfort. All the airing out and late nights just...led to....*red*

Blake: “Breaking the tension?”

Ruby:I guess that’s one way of putting it. We were lonely. I hid my feelings best I could under the veil of comfort in the moment. Not that needed to. He made it pretty clear that he wanted me in the same way I wanted him. I just the two of us were too scared to ask for promises we weren’t sure we could keep so we loved in the moments we could, so to speak.

Weiss:If it wasn’t under dire situations, all that sounds oddly romantic.

Ruby:Right!? Looking back at it makes the entire thing seem romantic but I definitely wouldn’t wish a similar experience on anybody! I guess it’s what I wished for when I fantasized huntress life huh? Things obviously got better along the way. Our relationship got a bit more serious right before we got to Haven. Then Tyrian and other crazy stuff happened that threw all of us into panic mode again before slowly getting better again by a lot.

Yang:We showed up?

Ruby:Bingo! You and Weiss, met Oscar, and then eventually Blake came back. Things were on the up and up.

Weiss:Uh, Haven attack?

Ruby:We lived, up and up. Yeah you got stabbed but you know...that’s not new I’m sure.

Weiss:Yeah I have the scar and I’m still little pissed.

Ruby:Valid. Anyways, so my Atlas experience was different as hell. There was no formation of Remnants armies like Weiss spoke of or even between two kingdoms like Blake. Yang, what happened yours again exactly?

Yang:Nonsense. Cinder showed up with lackeies but not Salem’s lackies. Those people showed up separately, then Adam came back from wherever the hell he- a lot! A lot of people showed up for different reasons but also the same reason and to be frank, we all almost got shot by the military for being in bases that quote unquote, “didn’t exist.”

Ruby:Man I wish we traded. That at least sounds crazy enough to be fun. Just a rollercoaster in the dark basically. My experience was probably as hectic, but also way more streamlined. We showed up, and then all hell broke loose. Specially a mass grimm invasion lead by Cinder and her annoying associates. We were there for about three weeks updating General Ironwood and getting our barrings together when it happened. I wanna call it a hit and run tactic but it was clearly planned in advanced. Mechs were hacked again, traitors in the military, grimm lying in wait before hand; it was chaos! All for the relic.

Blake:Who was the maiden?

Ruby:Never met her. By the time we got there, Ironwood was panicking because she had vanished, taken right from under his nose. It was some young girl apparently, really young. The attack on Beacon looked like child’s play to this. Mantle got attacked, grimm were on the chains, they tried dropping Atlas to the ground; all a diversion for a relic. We all should’ve died, and yet, we didn’t. Winter and Weiss weeded out traitors, huntsman and military held the line, Yang bested Hazel with Nora, Qrow and I cut down Tyrian! Ren, Blake and Jaune helped the kingdoms while Ironwood struck down Watts. Nobody was in the mood to die that day. There wasn’t gonna be another Beacon. By all means, we were pissed. Even Raven showed up of all people.

Yang:What!?

Ruby:You can’t attack a kingdom without the world knowing. Especially when traitors leak info. Honestly she came for you though, or she never left to begin with. Couldn’t tell ya. Thanks to Maria I had a bit more handling with my eyes. That helped a lot. Without them and Os-

She stopped herself, choking on the words. The zest and excitement of recalling the heroic feats of her friends dimmed slightly with her smile. Her joyful smile became bittersweet like the memory.

Ruby:Then there was Oscar, the real warrior on that flamed filled night. That battle had to have been three days at least. We were so driven, and so tired. I was tired, but Cinder, Neo, and the others with her at the time weren’t; always showing up at the worst time. I managed to push Cinder back in a fight but grimm and others still swarmed. We were at a point that grimm very well might’ve did us in and the villains didn’t have to push any harder. But Oscar changed that. Hehe, what’s it about country folk that makes people like him and I not hesitate to grit our teeth? That dork looked at me, gave me the biggest smile on the the steps to Atlas, and then he left. His hair went white as he twirled the cane and then he left, forever. Oz came out, and he left nothing to the imagination. “Limited magic” my butt. He obliterated grimm and made a barrier aroma Atlas while everyone else cleared Mantle long enough for the world to send reinforcements. Salem didn’t get the relic, but she got the maiden and thousands of casualties. Oscar being one of them. Also, Whitley....he was in critical condition for a very long time.

Weiss:What do you mean...critical condition?

Ruby:Everything happened so fast Weiss. Panic was high, buildings fell....a piece on him. I wasn’t there but when I eventually found you, you were nearly hysterical and banged up. By some miracle he lived even though we could not reach him and he did not get aid for awhile. We thought him dead. It was only after everything we learned somebody got him. Being rich never paid off more than with medical bills. Thanks to youth and medicine he can still walk, but he can only do so much before being tired. He also left Atlas. The cold hurts.

Weiss:So, I run the company because he can’t?

Ruby:I wouldn’t put it that way, but it was one of dozens of reasons that made that goal stronger for you. Relax though, both of you get plenty of time to be witty siblings like I told you earlier.

Weiss:I know. It’s just, I guess it’s hard imagining Whitley hurt like that. I don’t think I could handle it.

Ruby:You definitely teetered in the moment. Knowing that happened though probably gave you anger and grit to fight the entire battle. You were a beast. Scarier than Winter. Anyways, that hollow victory was a real wake up call for the world. They didn’t know about Salem and we never told society in earnest. Cinder and other conspirators were enough to make Remnant work together to boost defense. Relief went to places that needed it and I, became the face of hope. Haven, Argus, Atlas, even people from Vale got to chattering of a particular group of people who always seemed to answer the call for help. Then the towns in between chattered. Yours truly had been carving a name in the history books and was only gain popularity the moment I stepped into Vacou, alone.

Blake:Alone!?

Weiss:What!?

Yang:Where were we!!!!!?

Ruby looked at surprised faces around the table, smiling tenderly. She looked down her dress and pulled out the cross she wore around her neck. Her thumb traced its edges as her mind began wandering down an old path paved with emotions raw to the core.

Ruby:I’ve always felt different. Not just because of my eyes but that there was just...a certain spark that never stopped going off for as long as I remember. There are plenty of people who can’t bare to watch others suffer, but there are fewer people I believe that truly feel the agony of other people’s pain. Beacon, Haven, Atlas, Argus; there was no place I went that I didn’t see the faces of others lamenting, and I didn’t make me want to grieve. Atlas took so much out of all of you and I just felt so....driven to stop that ache. For everyone’s sake, but mine as well. I wanted the world to finally get to the happy ending. Enough trauma had be sowed for a hundred lifetimes, so I went on ahead of everyone. I never doubted you all would follow but I wanted to get ahead of the curve and take on as much of the suffering I could do others wouldn’t. If the world wouldn’t give me a miracle than I’d be it myself for everyone else.

Yang:That’s suicidal! Salem wanted you specifically!

Ruby:It’s not like I went marching up to her door and said “1v1 bitch, I’m here” no, I just chose to move forward quicker than what we were all doing. Believe me, all of you were upset when you caught up, after I had already saved Vacou. *smiles* I really like that place. I told the people it was the next target and all they did was double down on pushing back. I managed to pin down the Summer maiden before the villains and thanks with the city on alert, there wasn’t a shift in the sand that didn’t go unnoticed. I got the jump on Mercury and Emerald, personally paying them back. Can’t say I didn’t enjoy it. It didn’t take long before they realized how screwed they were with them being outed like this and Cinder having the nerve to retreat before hand. Both of them threw in the total, outing the plan against Vacou. A wipeout of a win. Not to mention they told me the location Salem’s little hiding hole.

Weiss:We missed all of that?

Ruby:That’s what happens when I leave in the dead of night and running on adrenaline. Like I said before, people were tired. As much as all of you wanted to hoof it, other’s were relying on you. Atlas almost dropped for gods sake. Eventually when you all caught up it was at a good time. Soloing was rewarding but difficult. Fortunately Sun, Neptune, Ilia, and a few other familiar faces were close by if I needed an extra set of hands. My little stunt earned the anger of everyone for awhile.

WBY:Yeah no shit...the leader left.

Ruby:Yang was the most upset, followed by Uncle Qrow, and you Weiss. I was ready for the blowback. Jaune and Nora saw me though and bursted into tears. Hehe, wasn’t ready for that. Felt terrible and cried back. To prevent that stunt again, my Yang convinced Raven to link me. A couple days of apologizing and rest smoothed things over. It also gave time for just a few close friends and colleagues to get together for an assault on Salem’s castle. A few were apprehensive about it at first but at the end of the day I was going. That attitude was infectious apparently. You guys, actually everybody, they started getting this hunger to end it all. Maybe it was the high of victory? Regardless, it sent me racing to the end with those that I loved most.

Yang:You’re a real “my way or the highway” kind of Ruby. I don’t get how that explains what made you so...elite.

Ruby:I’m not sure what to say. A fight needed to to fought so I fought it. A cry for help was heard so I ran to it. A grimm needed slaying so I slayed it. People needed me to win so I didn’t dare think of losing. Dying was never option, even when it stared me right into my eyes. I had things I wanted to do and people I wanted see for years to come. I guess...I am strong because of the fact I want things my way. A moment I’m not giving it 110% is a moment wasted. After all, a huntress is all I ever wanted to be.

A single dream she wanted since birth. The never ending desire to be the hero in stories told to her many nights ago. That’s all it ever was. That’s all it’s ever been. Even in meadow of beautiful red roses, one would be the rose that captured the eyes of many, that bloomed stronger than the rest. As simple as it was, that had to be the answer here. Weiss, Yang, and Blake were in front of that flower. The Ruby Rose that simply bloomed stronger than the rest. The one that clung to her dream as if letting go meant dying itself. The devotion was inspiring, yet also overwhelming. If this was Ruby they had lead them that day in the Emerald Forest, could they have kept up? Could she be the leader they followed? No, they couldn’t have. Something deep down inside them gave them that answer. No matter how she looked and how much she loved, this Ruby Rose was cut from a cloth they simply weren’t off. The same as others, but oh so different.

Weiss:You’re....kinda a monster, you know that right?

Yang:Seriously, I’m so...floored. It’s intimidating.

Blake:Not to mention humbling. I used to think I gave it all I had. Now I’m not so sure.

Ruby:Oh don’t be like that you three! You’re all living proof there was more than way to go about life, this war! Everything you gave was enough because you’re done with it! Nobody failed. Besides, I...am far from ideal. The assault was challenging. Getting around hoards of grimm and making it to Salem was hell made real. Neo tried taking another shot at me but Yang held her off with help. Everyone pushed the obstacles in front of me out of the way as I went to Salem herself. Cinder had been abandoned by her and stripped of a lot of her powers. Angry and desperate, she tried killing me again as a way to prove worth. I beat her. However, I let her walk away.

Yang:What!? Why would-

Ruby:Naive, I was...naive okay? She was all spent and though I hated her, I just couldn’t. Not when I looked into her eyes and saw that same hunger I had to claw and scream at my dream until it was in my hands die inside her. We both knew from this point on there was absolutely nothing she could do where this ends her way. All she worked for turned burned to ash. So I gave her the choice to not burn up with it. Cinder swallow her pride and then fled. A part of me couldn’t help but rationalize killing her didn’t solve or justify any of my beliefs or desires. It would’ve done it because I hated her like she hated me. That was the dumb logic of a seventeen year old who never quite learned to take things slow.

Blake:....I don’t think it’s dumb. Naive for sure, but maybe that’s good? Even my Ruby, she never wanted to act on hate. She didn’t. Salem lives.

Weiss:Mine sent her soul to be at piece instead of passing a cruel judgment.

Yang:As a person who’s seen what you looked like with nothing but vengeance inside, I can say it doesn’t fit you. Before that day you had a warmth inside you to even foes that were somewhat admirable. You chose to leave Cinder’s fate up to those who had that hate and Salem was undone by her own doing at the very end. That’s what really makes you special Ruby. That’s why you’re called an honest soul. Good will is your nature.

Ruby:....Hmm, you sure know how to butter me up. *scratches head* I guess that part of me is uni-I mean multiversal. Strangely, that makes me feel better, to a degree.

Weiss:Do we even have to ask what happened to Salem at this point? I doubt the story ends with you loosing and having to retreat.

Ruby:Who’s to say it doesn’t? I could’ve been beaten to death before the gods themselves descended down to revive me with awesome power.

Yang:....Did you?

Ruby:Wh-No! Haha, I made her an immortal statue.

Blake:I-It was that easy?

Ruby:Well I wouldn’t call rushing into hell’s castle easy, or Salem. I lit her up at least a dozen times. My head pounded from each use, I was tossed around a bunch, magic is annoying, and not to mention running out of ammo. I left nothing to the imagination in that fight. If it were easy then I wouldn’t be rooting my horn and my age doing it. I was so tired I blacked out afterwards. I woke days later with a sore body and the title of “Remnant’s Savior.” Apparently beating Salem had weakened the grimm everywhere and all of you made sure who was to be thanked for it. That’s the tale of how I saved the world with my friends. Love, trust, elbow grease, and a lot of bullets. Before the final battle, Ozpin had struck a deal with everyone involved. In return for saving the world, he’d cut ties with us.

Yang:Seriously? What brought that about!?

Ruby:Good or not, he lied and was a schemer. Sure I was gonna try to save the world regardless of his interference but there wasn’t a person alive that didn’t to finally take a step towards the future after all this. All of us finally had time chase dreams and help the world the way we wanted to before all of this. Blake begin mending hate, Weiss took back her company, if Yang wasn’t with Blake then she was seeking more answers to Raven on wild adventures.

Yang:You mean Raven still left after all that!?

Ruby:In her defense, both of you made everything fucking awkward when she was around. It’s like you both wanted to talk about something but knew any subject was a land mine so you all you ever did was...stare, like weirdos. Glad that’s in the past. She just lives with dad now and you two now to hold a conversation. I dare not ask for more. I’d be a granny by the time I did.

Yang:Sigh...I don’t know what I expected. Shit it the fan several times and children were born before mom and I found solidarity and understanding. What did you do afterwards? Your goal was already met.

Ruby:Like hell it was! I started busting my butt traveling around the world, visiting every place to help in anyways I could. Ren and Nora tagged along for awhile before going off to make an orphanage in Anima near Ren’s old village. That left Jaune and I to do our hero thing.

Yang:As well as other things....

Ruby:Hey, what can I say? We were young and going up in the world. By the time I was nineteen, I was now a married to my partner and best friend.

Weiss:Uhhhh-

Ruby:He’s my partner on RNJR and you’re my BFF, gosh did I really need to explain that hehe?

Weiss:I just had to make sure. Crazier twists could happen.

Blake:Wow you married young. Not that there’s a problem but I’m surprised. Then again you also dated earlier than my Ruby. Hehe, weapons were on her brain for a long time.

Weiss:No kidding. When I learned about you crushing on my brother I was shocked to find out you liked anybody in general. Especially a person who isn’t a weapon nut in the slightest.

Ruby:*shrugs* All you’re telling me is I’m clearly the most impatient or impulsive Ruby you all know. Don’t know how that happened. Maybe I was dropped as a baby or had one too many coffees growing up?

Weiss:I’m willing to bet it’s both.

Ruby:Ruuuuude. So yeah, that’s...the story of how I saved the world and married Jaune. We even built a home just outside Vacou, overlooking the kingdom and neighboring town in the distance where Maria grew up. Yeah, that’s me....more or less. All the triumphant parts anyways. Anything later on is......

.......

Blake:R...Ruby? You okay?

Ruby:Nope, not really. *clenches cross*

Yang:......You know, I never really got religion, especially after learning the truth. It just seemed completely hollow when you learn of the real gods, ya know? However, I changed my tune a bit after being a parent and then some more when uncle Qrow died. It was never really about the truth behind if those other gods were real-

Ruby:It’s the piece of mind in believing in a better place for loved ones and having people watch over you. It’s truly based on blind faith in every sense but that’s okay as long as it gives peace of mind, to stay strong. Yeah....that’s why I wear this.

Yang:If that’s the “why” then I guess the unavoidable question is what happened?

The reaper leaned back in his chair, letting out a long sigh. Ruby brushed her hair out of her face while her face went pale. Then, Ruby’s eyes, her teammates watched a pair of stunning silver eyes dim, becoming akin to a clouded mirror.

Ruby:Being a huntress was all I wanted. The plan of having a family and settling down never appealed to me much. I feel, I felt like being in the field was where I was meant to be. It’s where I was most myself in a way. So the day I learned that I was pregnant was more than a little upsetting and terrifying, until dad and time itself filled me with the most genuine joy I may have ever experienced. Dustin Arc Rose, my first born son. He opened a door to a world and life I never knew I wanted to be apart of. Then...that door was shut minutes after, when Cinder and Neo stole him right from my arms. I couldn’t do a single thing about it other than blackout. That single act of good will I showed, it did nothing but kill me inside. The same way I did to her.

WB:.....

Yang:Ru-Ruby....your eyes.

Ruby:Hmm? Are they clouded? Funny, I would’ve thought your Ruby would’ve had a similar change. Maybe that’s a world exclusive thing, or a testament to the will you Ruby has to endure. Clouded eyes on a silver eyed warrior means the person has lost the desire or rather the mindset of persevering life. Be it their own life or wanting to end another’s life out of resentment, strife. My entire world fell apart when I woke up and learned nobody was able to retrieve Dustin. I was in pieces, Jaune was broken, nobody was the same. There wasn’t a soul we didn’t know that hadn’t tried to find a lead, but we never did. He was just...gone; and I couldn’t cope at all.

Weiss:I don’t think any mother could. Ruby, I’m so sorry that happened to you.

Ruby:I’m sorry too. I lashed out in anger, and shut people out. My eyes clouded and I dove into my work for a little over a year doing nothing but searching aimlessly as I took and every job back to back. The more time went by meant the more people eventually had to go back to their own, and it drove me up a wall inside. No one could reach me. I didn’t want anybody to. Not even Jaune. I....*teary eyed* I left him alone in house. There was no part of me that could even attempt to understand his pain because I was drowning in mine. I was told he tried his best to catch them at the hospital. I never hated him for not succeeding but I...he... I just, I can’t. I don’t know what I thought. All o knew was I didn’t even want him to touch me. How cruel is that? *hugging herself* I made him drown in despair in the same way I was. I wasn’t home so often that I never realized he eventually left it abandoned to live with dad. Yang and Blake I didn’t even show up to your wedding. Jaune did that much. Hell, Raven attended. Ruby Rose as a person didn’t exist any more. I was only a wandering huntress looking for answers or the challenge that might’ve ended me.

Blake:What changed?

Ruby:Oz, he did what nobody else dared to do. He fought me. I don’t think he thought twice about it. He was prepared to accept all the anger I kept inside until I eventually broke down into tears like I’m trying not to do right now. Thinking about that time is still, extremely difficult. Oz let me lament, encouraging me afterwards to finally except the fact Dustin was gone and that I needed to process it properly. First I went to you Yang, in order to have a my big sis to lean on. Can you guess how that went?

Yang:With me holding you tighter than I ever had before.

Ruby:*smiles gently* I don’t deserve you. You and Blake then came to patch with me where everyone else waited for me and helped me face Jaune. That may have been the hardest thing I’ve done. Grieving or not, the fact that I left him in such a state. I know what that does to people firsthand and yet I left. For the first time in over a year we embraced and finally grieved together. The next two years were spent trying to heal and cope. During my time away the world had fully acknowledged me. I even got a proper nickname, but it all felt hollow. Imagine that, achieving your dream but not caring? If that’s not salt in a wound then I don’t know what is.

Weiss:What’s your title?

Ruby:I am the person people want to see when evil comes to cut their story short. I am a symbol that their tale still has more to tell. Remnant has named me The Storyteller. Curtsey of Maria, who spread the name around. Healing was slow and most nights I felt a pain in my heart, but then everything changed. One moment made me dare to try again to open that shut door in my life. *looks at Yang* I held your son in my arms. Sweet little Kovu.

Blake:*smiles* Kovu? Now I wonder who named him?

Yang:*red* Huh...how about that? Hehehe, wish I could meet him. I know he isn’t technically mine but I can’t help but feel all warm now. Also I can’t believe I named him that!

Weiss:I can. Veronica’s middle name is Nala.

Yang:Okay, maybe not marrying Blake was a win? Clearly I can’t be trusted to not name my children after other cats.

Blake:The wrong kind of cat too. I’m a panther faunus, not a lion. Even if they’re blonde that’s still false advertising of what they are.

Ruby:Well Yang was the one giving birth so you lost a majority of the option to complain.

Blake:That is fair.

Weiss:You gave birth to Vee, so I think that solves who picked her first name.

Ruby rested her head in her propped up hands that rested on the table. She felt exhausted reliving that chapter of her life mentally. Still she managed to smile, then smile bigger. Her eyes unclouded and a warm feeling filling her again. What Ruby said earlier about what made her different may have reign true, but her friends could since that there was now more to it. Ruby had spiraled into an unimaginable tragedy, yet was able to bounce back thanks to loved ones. To smile as she does, it was truly a strong sight to see. Even if she wasn’t fully aware of that.

Ruby:Carmine Arc Rose, my second born and the first child to call me mommy. Followed many years later by itty bitty Garnet. He’s my little man, five years old while is big sis is seventeen now.

Yang:Damn! That’s a gap. Oh, also congratulations. Almost forgot that part. I’m glad you got to be the super awesome mom that-

Ruby:I am easily C-teir.

Yang:Oh come on! What!?

Ruby:Listen, I know I got on you all for calling yourselves bad parents, but I will hear no debate about me understand!? I flop a lot of times.

Weiss:That doesn’t make you a C-teir. That makes you a new mom, silly.

Ruby:*grumbling* I agree to disagree but thank you. It’s just a lot okay. Too much to dive into honestly.

Blake:Summarize. Give us an abbreviated version.

Ruby:Ummm so Carmine is real special kid. The absolute love I have for her is unbreakable but gods damnit if she isn’t the most... “me” I could be! In a way similar yet different from myself, Carmine has always had this sense of urgency in her and a love for the world around her. She recognizes that it’s a fragile piece we have and just how hard I’ve worked with everyone to make it. I could tell that from her when she was five. I’d sound crazy, but the fact she used her eyes at the age proves I’m not.

Yang:She has silver eyes!? Why didn’t you bring that up?

Ruby:I thought that was obvious. All of my kids were born with then. Unlike her baby brother though, Carmine was a weird little kid. She didn’t socialize well. Still doesn’t, she’s kinda comes off rude and cold because of her bluntness. She doesn’t really express all her feelings or understand others fully. One might call her a little cold but the passion she had to protect life itself is a testament to how much she cares. Carmine is also a genius fighter. To put in perspective, people use the same nickname for her that they used for Pyrrha.

WBY:Oh....

Ruby:Yeah! It’s not hyperbolic to say ever since Carmine is far beyond any skill I was at her age since she turned thirteen. You called me a monster earlier but no, I merely gave birth to a beast. I mean she could pass the huntsman exam at fifteen if I didn’t make her wait. I can’t call her arrogant, she talks with confidence because she has that right by all means. Still, besides her face, that’s where the similarities start separating; besides terrible grades in general stuff. We’ve never been in step completely. To put simply in her own words, “What I am is a hero, while she is a huntress.” That good will and mercy I try to give everyone isn’t how she rolls. It drives a real wedge that has resulted in us not going on missions together.

Blake:Is she...killing?

Ruby:She has before, and it had valid reasons entirely, but I also know for a fact she is more than capable of bringing down people without taking that step. Not all cases are that intense thank goodness. Her overall aggressiveness is the root of the problem. You don’t have to put you back into it when handling thugs. They aren’t Hazel.

Yang:Ooo okay, yeah I’m seeing what you mean now. It’s like that one comic you always read!

Ruby:Sigh...yeah she channels a bit of Batman energy and I need her to not do that all the time. I suppose being an honest soul isn’t particularly hereditary. It always feels like we aren’t enjoying each other’s company these days. I can’t blame her though. So....you know how all of you have had one serious problem that has both destabilized yourself as well as the kids and their relationship to you? *clouded eyes*

Weiss:Wait...you loosing a child wasn’t that?

Ruby:Oh it was. It just so happened that it never ended. It grew day by day. Night by night. Jaune and I were cautious with Carmine. Going as far to give her contacts and giving birth to her off the record and not at a hospital. Just in case Cinder came back. Well, Cinder and Neo came back, with my Dustin.

Nobody said anything. What do you even say to that!? All they did was let out a stifled breath and tried to gauge Ruby’s look of guilt.

Ruby:Yet again we had gotten too comfortable. It happened when Carmine was thirteen. I don’t think Garnet was even one yet. That’s when the cruelest realization hit me. My son had been alive and hearing about how his so called mother being a person who saves everyone, yet she never came for him. She had moved on, letting his eyes become clouded with such seething hate for the world she did save; the children she had after. It’s been four years since the day he attacked Carmine and helped grimm try to invade Vacou. To this day it’s been a life of staying on gaurd, searching for them as they popped up countless places to tear Remna- to tear me down and I can’t decide what part hurts the most. The amount of anger that prevents me from killing Cinder in a blink of an eye, or looking at my daughter who has told me herself that she is going to kill her older brother because I’m too weak to do so. That I’m in no way as good as the world believes me to be. *puts hood up* Like I said, C-teir mom, at best.

Blake:That’s- you can’t- there’s no way for you to reach him? Maybe if you-

Ruby:He looks at me the same way Neo and Cinder do, Blake. They raised him to hate me. Besides, he hurt Carmine. She’s just not gonna let that slide and frankly I shouldn’t either. Carmine acts tough and for the most part is, but gets terrified like everyone else. In many ways she’s still just a young girl that I wish had never chosen to become a huntress. If I had it my way she’d just be a normal girl with normal knees; but her mother’s weakness and inexperience wrapped her up in yet another war. It’s ironic. I barely remember mom and yet I ended up putting my family in very similar situation as if she lead instruction. Happy endings, I’m not sure if I get-

Yang:You’re better than mom....

Ruby:......

Yang:Yeah I said. Look I love Summer Rose but at the end of the day she wasn’t around, not that she didn’t want to be, but it’s the truth. Several years of pleasant childhood memories and a lifetime of grief is what she left me, and all you got were tales you should’ve experienced first hand. Ruby you have spent seventeen years loving your daughter unconditionally and being there for her no matter if it’s for better or worse. Yeah you might not being doing it perfectly and I have no idea how to even fathom your predicament, but at least you are there trying. Take it from me, that’s all a daughter ever wants from their mother. It’s also what makes a pretty kick ass dad. *smiles* Chin up, hero. Your story isn’t over yet after all.

Silence filled the air and Ruby’s throat ran dry. Ruby pulled out her scroll to go to her pictures and displayed one of her favorite photos for everyone to see. It was Carmine’s fifteenth birthday. Ruby didn’t lie about the resemblance. the girl had short blonde hair that stopped halfway down her neck in the back and was longer in the front, reaching shoulders. Like her mother, the tips of her hair transitioned to red. The beautiful young woman tried to her hide her smile but her gleeful silver eyes were practically twinkling with joy as Ruby hugged her tightly from behind and a tall, more solid version of Jaune was smushing one of Carmine’s cheeks with an overly dramatic kiss to it. A tiny child no older than three at most was in his big sister’s arms. Garnet had his mother’s hair and eyes but something about the chubby face definitely showed Jaune’s features. The child had red frosting on his face and was reaching eagerly for more cake somewhere out of frame.

Yang noticed the girl took page from her father and wore some regular cargo shorts, but clearly didn’t lack flair by wearing a red crop top that showed off a fresh tattoo of the Arc crest on her toroso. Knowing her sister, that tattoo was most likely practical. The family looked happy, proud; and the mother of it currently sat across the table crying with her head face down in her hands cwhile Weiss and Blake hugged her from each side. Roses may have thorns, anyone who knew roses knew a simple truth. They’re still fragile flowers.

Yang:(Carmine Arc Rose. For you and your mother’s sake, I hope things go well)

xxxx

Though Carmine seemed cold by nature, people were quick learn the opposite. The most recent learner of this was a scared little girl that held on for dear life. It was nighttime, nothing but the sound of pouring rain and the distant glow of red and the warmth of Carmine holding the girl against her body while she sprinted through a mud ridden forest. The little payed no attention to the pain in her side, but the glow of roses, eyes, and flames through her tear filled eyes.

Beowulves chased frantically but then severed immediately by something the girl couldn’t understand, but it looked like the person carrying her. The dead beasts brought no comfort. Not when more followed close behind.

Girl:I-I’m sc...scared!

Carmine:Don’t look at them sweetie, it’ll be fine. Just keep being a brave little girl.

Girl:M...Mommy was back there.

Carmine:.....I know, she’ll be just fine. Your village, there are plenty of people there that will be just fine! Huff..... You got a name?

Mary:Mary.....

Carmine:Oh that’s a beautiful name, Mary. You know I was almost a Mary? Yeah my grandma was a really amazing person and I almost got named something similar to her. Mary is a very strong name!

Mary:You’re a liar! I’m sad, not strong. I want my mommy! Everything his dark and hurts and I want her!

The girl began painfully crying as Carmine followed her trail of roses to avoid getting lost. Things were getting worse. The storm raged and she could feel this girl burning in her arms. Not to mention the unsettling warmth the mixed with the cold rain against her body and dripped to puddles below. Any grimm near by could only be dealt with by many copies of her nearby, but that would only go so far when fear was out full force. Carmine’s boots felt like cement, but she still ran.

Carmine:Mary, you know what do when I miss my mommy? I sing! Yeah, my mom sings the best lullabies that made me feel super strong when I was little! It’s a magic song that makes everyone strong. How about I sing it you and they can sing it your mommy later okay!? But you have to close your eyes to really focus on the words!

Mary:*sniffling* Okay....

Baby deathstalkers swarmed the path made ahead as small Nevermores dove at her. Out of options, Carmine broke from the path, trying to rely on memory to go towards the safe zone while also singing lyrics to her favorite song.

Dream of anything; I'll make it all come true.

Everything you need is all I'll have for you~

Carmine never wavered. No matter how badly her lungs her or nearly slipped, she kept singing all the way to her destination where several other clones were seen racing towards with more civilians to injured or young to go themselves. An orphanage where Nora and Ren stood outside rushing people in while Jaune was keeping the grimm at bay. The sight brought a little ease.

Don't worry, I've got you; nothing will ever harm you.

I'm close by, I'll stay here; through all things, I will be near~

Carmine finally reached Nora and passed off the girl who’s grip weakened overtime. A few lyrics in and Carmine knew she was singing mainly for herself.

Carmine:Get her medical attention! I’m gonna go and find more! There’s still-

Jaune:Wait, it’s too dangerous!

Carmine:I know! That’s why I have to go! That fire is spreading and there’s stragglers pinned down! Dad.....I’m pinned down!

Jaune tensed up and looked at Carmine. No scraps on her and her clothes only soiled by others. It didn’t take long to realize. The man resisted the urge to run out to the ruined town and stood firmly.

Jaune:Carmine...end it. We’ll worry about the consequences later.

Carmine:....Okay.

Across the woods amongst the flames the real Carmine stood bleeding and bruised in front of two Beringel that charged over the vanishing corpses of their fallen with more grimm, her sword stabbed into the ground supporting her weight. Behind all living people that remained finally managed to flee. All except for a woman trapped by house debris. The woman watched this young huntsman stand proudly again. She wasn’t sure what happened next. All she heard was one sentence.

“Close your eyes...” before everything went white. Next thing she knew, Carmine was lifting debris off her as rain and wind washed away any evidence. A relief she didn’t care about in the slightest. She neither had the strength, or the time too. Much like Carmine, who began to pant and teeter. It was clear to the woman that whatever just happened didn’t come without cost as she watched the girl fall to her knees. Though she tried moving, Carmine was spent.

Carmine:Don’t worry...we’re safe....let’s-

Woman:Go...

Carmine:Huh?

Woman:I...my legs. Everything...I can’t move. Just go. I d-don’t think I’d las-

Carmine:Don’t talk like that! The hard parts over! I can-

Woman:Barely walk. *smiles* It’s okay. I don’t blame you. You fought hard.

Carmine:.....I...I’m sorry. *teary eyed*

Woman:Say, I know that face anywhere. Your Lady Rose’s kid. Funny, I thought your eyes were red? My daughter, Mary, she loves your mother. Makes me kinda jealous hehe, but hey I love her too. *crying* Do you know if Mary made it? She was wearing-

Carmine:A black dress, pink ribbons in her hair...

Woman:Yes! Is she safe? I saw you- one of you carry her off.

Carmine:...She’s just fine.

Woman:Good. That’s all....that.....

The woman never finished her sentence. Carmine’s body fell limp on the ground, facing the rain. Even with the cold downpour she could feel the warmth of her own tears, containing her emotions best she could as she looked through her clones eyes to watch Nora take Mary away from the survivors and out of sight to not stir further panic.

Carmine wasn’t sure how long she layed there, but it was long enough for Jaune to find her. The man didn’t say a word. The town was in shambles. Grimm were still fading and his daughter looked tired, but not in serious condition. Unlike the those who didn’t make it. Jaune put Carmine in his arms, carrying her away to safety.

Carmine:......Does mom ever save them all?

Jaune:No, but that never stops her from trying; or mourning.

She clenched her father’s shirt and let herself be fragile, to be a Rose.

Carmine:Next time. Mom and I, we’ll both get it right next time. A happy ending for all!

Jaune:Yeah, I know you will. Together....

#rwby #rwby au #the void #jaune arc #ruby rose #weiss schnee #yang xiao long #blake belladonna #carmine arc rose #rwby rosebud #rwby lancaster

[twomanyideas]

The Way To A Man's Heart - Chapter 2

A collaboration by @mdelpin and @oryu404​

AO3 | Prev: Ch 1 | Ch 2 | Next:

Chapter 2

The hotel was fancier than Natsu remembered from their previous visit with Happy, Erza and Lucy, but he wasn’t all that concerned about it. Stuff like that had never mattered to him. He was much more worried about the line of people waiting to get into the restaurant. He’d been about to complain about it, but he never got the chance.

“Relax, Pyro. We have a reservation, remember?”

Right. And he was thankful for that. Outside of the unexpected train ride, this dinner had been a godsend. The perfect solution to what had been shaping up to be an uncomfortable situation.

Natsu loved his guildmates; they were his nakama after all, but they were too damn nosy for their own good. It was bad enough that they’d already made Gray’s life miserable by encouraging Juvia’s antics despite his constant rejections, but now it seemed they’d set their sights on him.

He knew he should have expected it, but he’d hoped that they would have interpreted his lack of romantic interest in Lucy for what it was. Instead, they’d decided he was oblivious, and encouraged her as well.

Natsu loved Lucy dearly. He just wasn’t in love with her, but he didn’t want to hurt her by telling her that. He’d kind of hoped she’d get bored by his lack of response and move on to someone else. Someone like Loke, who was clearly crazy about her. But that hadn’t happened yet, and even worse, he’d overheard Mira telling Cana that Lucy planned to make her move that night.

He’d jumped at the chance to escape the guild. A night full of food and drink was just what he’d been in the mood for, and the prospect of hanging out with Gray intrigued him.

He followed Gray to a podium, where a hostess greeted them. That already was a big change from the places they usually ate. The hostess verified their reservation and handed them off to a server, who led them down a dimly lit hallway and into a small room.

“Your table isn’t ready yet, but this is our lounge,” she announced with a smile. “It’s not as noisy as our main bar, and you can still enjoy a drink while you wait.”

She gestured towards the lounge’s bar area and left. Music played softly on the room’s music lacrimas, and along with the usual bar stools there were several sofas that looked more expensive than Natsu’s house, contents included. He decided the bar stools were probably safer.

The lounge had large windows, giving them a splendid view of the ocean.

“Oh wow, this is great!” he exclaimed, watching the people on the beach enjoy the warmth and beauty of the setting sun. Everyone looked like they were having so much fun, and there had been so many stalls to check out. He longed to go join them.

When was the last time they’d been able to do anything fun?

“Yeah,” Gray agreed. “Maybe we can check it out after we eat? Mavis knows I won’t be able to get you back on the train after that.”

Natsu hated to admit it, but Gray probably had a point. They took their seats, and the bartender walked over to them.

“Can I interest you in a drink?” she asked politely. “Yeah.” Gray pored over the wine and cocktail menu he received. “Could we get two of those magic drinks?” “Excellent choice, Sir. Two Magic Wonders coming right up.”

Natsu’s stomach rumbled as the smell of food wafted over to them, causing Gray to roll his eyes at him. Gray got the bartender’s attention again and added, “Can we get an order of your spiciest appetizer too?”

“Sure thing.” The bartender put their order in and continued to mix drink orders.

Gray got up and patted Natsu's shoulder, “There, don’t say I never did anything for you.”

“Hey, where you going?”

“To take a leak.”

He walked off and Natsu watched him go, amused to notice his friend had kept his shirt on for once. It felt almost unnatural. His eyes lingered briefly on Gray’s broad shoulders, traveling down his back, and before he even knew what he was doing, he found himself staring at Gray’s ass and thinking about how nice it was.

“Oh, and try not to destroy the place while I’m gone.”

Gray turned around then, a teasing smile on his face which turned into a wink when he noticed Natsu’s eyes on him.

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” Natsu spluttered, his cheeks red with indignation, or at least that’s what he told himself, refusing to acknowledge for the moment that his best friend had caught him checking him out. Gray’s parting chuckle irritated him even more.

Stupid Ice Princess. Like he couldn’t be left alone for five minutes without getting into trouble. What did Gray think he was, a Vulcan in a pottery shop?

But seriously, what in the world had possessed him to do that?

It had to be Juvia. He cursed her for his sudden awareness. Ever since she’d joined the guild it had been Gray-sama this and Gray-sama that, until the guy’s name lingered in the air, working its way into Natsu’s brain like some kind of annoying hypnotic suggestion he couldn’t escape.

Yeah, that had to be it.

He went back to staring out the window while he waited for Gray to return.

0-0

Gray entered the restaurant’s bathroom, closing the door behind him quietly and checking the stalls to make sure they were empty before he allowed himself to react.

“Yes!” He pumped his fists in the air in celebration, smiling so widely he barely recognized himself in the mirror.

He had a chance! Natsu had been checking him out, and that had never happened before. At least, not that he’d ever noticed.

Feeling more confident that this plan might actually get him somewhere, Gray did his business, his head up in the clouds, filled with possible dream scenarios about how the evening could go.

You've got a little something there. Oh, it's me! Nah, too corny.

That sunset looks beautiful, doesn’t it? Not nearly as beautiful as you, though. Ugh… too sappy.

There had to be some smooth move he could make, something not too in-your-face yet still obvious enough even the Flame Brain would get it.

Well, whatever. He had Natsu all to himself tonight, with an enjoyable meal ahead of them and the beach to look forward to after that. He'd think of something. For now, he’d start small. Maybe he’d offer a compliment. Everyone liked those. Right?

Gray washed his hands, and after giving himself one last pep talk, he headed back to the bar. As he walked, he tried to remember a joke Loke had told him earlier. It had been a little crass, but he was sure Natsu would find it funny. Gray could almost hear Natsu’s laughter ringing in the air.

Yeah, just like that.

It took him a second to realize he hadn’t imagined it. As he got closer to the lounge, he could hear Natsu’s laughter loud and clear, and Gray thought it was the best sound in the world. A smile spread across his face, only to be wiped off immediately at the sight that greeted him at the bar.

More specifically, at the sight of the barstool he’d left behind, which was now occupied by none other than Sting Fucking Ew-cliffe.

He’d only been gone for a few minutes. Where had Sting even come from?!

Gray clenched his fists, fighting off the urge to grab the Sabertooth Master by the collar of his shirt and pull him out of his seat. But as much as he’d like to do something like that, he knew it was a bad idea. If he was a jerk, it would piss Natsu off and that would be the end of their evening.

Instead, he plastered a smile on his face and approached the two dragon slayers.

“What’s so funny?”

“Oh, hey, you’re back,” Natsu said as his laughter died down. “Sting told me a joke.”

Sting offered Gray a half wave, looking unexcited to see him. The feeling was entirely mutual.

“Well, it was nice of you to stop by to say hello but don’t let us keep you.”

“Me? Nah, I’ve got time to spare. Our table isn’t ready either.” Sting casually rested his arm on the bar and turned to Natsu, “I’m surprised to see you guys here.”

Great. This was going to be awhile. Gray decided he might as well sit down and begrudgingly claimed the vacant stool on Natsu's other side.

“Our table?” He looked around, trying to spot anyone he might recognize from Sabertooth. “I don’t see anyone else here. Did you get stood up?” “Of course not! He’s just late,” Sting said, sounding pretty sure of himself even as his legs bounced on the edge of the stool and his eyes darted in the direction of the hallway they'd come in from.

“Stood up? So you’re on a date?” Natsu asked, pouting in disappointment and giving Gray a mini heart attack for a second until he added, “I thought maybe Rogue would join you.” Sting promptly stilled, staring at Natsu and blinking rapidly. “Uhm... Rogue is my date.”

Natsu laughed heartily, “Good one, but seriously, is it anyone we know?”

Gray winced, almost feeling sorry for the guy. Definitely not what you wanted to hear, especially not from someone you looked up to. With any luck, Rogue would get there before Natsu’s obliviousness destroyed Sting’s confidence any further. Although, he had to admit that would be fun to watch, too.

“Why wouldn’t it be Rogue? I mean, you and uhm-” Sting looked over at Gray, eyes narrowing in concentration and fingers snapping before he shrugged his shoulders- “him don’t strike me as dating either, but here you are.”

“Well, but aren’t you the Twin Dragons? I thought you guys were brothers.”

Brothers?!

How the hell could Natsu think that? Sure they were called the Twin Dragons, but they looked nothing alike. They even had different last names, for fuck’s sake.

Gray could only stare at him in amazement. He was in love with an idiot. Might as well say he was moronsexual.

Sting spoke up before Gray could call Natsu out.

“That’s just our team name, stupid. Do you really think I’d date my brother?”

“Do you really think Gray would ask me out on a date?” It started out as a chortle, but Natsu soon burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.

Gray no longer thought it was the best sound ever.

“Why wouldn’t he? And I mean, look at this place-” Sting gestured at the fancy decor and the expensive furniture in the lounge- “It doesn’t exactly scream just friends, does it?”

Natsu shrugged, a faint smile still playing on his lips. "Nope, that’s not what happened here. I just overheard Gray talking about having a reservation at an all you can eat restaurant as part of a job reward and invited myself along."

It seemed his and Loke’s plan had worked a little too well. Gray desperately wanted to ask Natsu what he would have said if he had asked him out, but he wasn’t about to do that in front of Sting.

“You got a reservation as a reward? Man, I wish I’d seen that job.” Sting looked at Gray, eyes wide in disbelief. “I had to make one 3 weeks in advance!”

3 Weeks?!

Gray had no idea this place was that popular, and he wondered what strings Loke had pulled to get the last minute reservation. And more importantly, what he would ask for in return. He’d better make the most of it.

“Do you think Rogue will like it? It's our first date, so I wanted to impress him.” Sting looked around the lounge, suddenly eyeing the place with a look of dread.

“Um... sure,” Natsu said, “It has an awesome view of the beach and, you know, there’s food.”

“You’ve just described every restaurant in Akane,” Gray pointed out. Then again, he was pretty sure with restaurants, Natsu didn’t pay attention to anything outside of the food.

Natsu shrugged. “Where are our appetizers and drinks, anyway? Shouldn’t they be here by now?”

Gray silently agreed. He was hungry, and he’d really like for their date to start, minus the interloper.

“What about me? Do I look okay?” Sting stood up and turned around, eyes wide as he awaited their judgment.

“There’s something different about you. What is it?” Natsu muttered, tapping his chin with his finger as he studied Sting.

“Well, for one, he’s wearing an actual shirt.” Gray said with a frustrated sigh. This was not how he had envisioned their date going. What was it going to take to get rid of this guy?

Actually…

“You look fine, dude. Might have overdone it a bit on the cologne, though.”

“He’s not the only one.” Natsu scrunched up his nose. “You both smell like one of the Trimens.”

Gray bit back a retort, but Sting went into a panic, grabbing a napkin from the bar and scrubbing his neck. “Fuck, I knew it was too much. Does this help any? It doesn't, does it? I should clean it off.”

He bolted out of the lounge, dodging a few other guests who were being guided to their table, and shouting a “be right back” over his shoulder. Just as Gray had hoped he would.

“Take all the time you need,” Gray called out after him cheerfully, reclaiming his original seat because… well, he’d had it first.

“Well, that was something.” He said, glossing over that minor act of pettiness. “Didn’t think we’d bump into anyone we knew.”

“Hey, you think they'd be down for a fight later?” Nasu asked, punching his left fist into the palm of his right hand.

“Of course not. They’re on a date, moron. Do you really think they’d want to do something like that?”

“I would.”

“On a date?” Gray challenged, although he wasn’t sure why he was surprised. This was Natsu, after all.

“Yeah, why not? Aren’t you supposed to have fun on dates?”

Gray couldn’t really argue with that, and fighting with Natsu was always fun. He was about to suggest they spar later when he spotted the bartender coming their way.

“Two Magic Wonders, and some Firecracker Shrimp to whet your appetite,” she announced, arriving with their drinks and appetizer and setting them down before them. “Apologies for the long wait, we're fully booked tonight so we're a little backed up.”

Finally!

“I think they’re broken,” Natsu complained, examining the drinks with slight disappointment, “they just look like two glasses of plain water.”

Gray had to give him that one. This wasn’t what he’d expected from the so-called magically infused cocktails either.

“The spell is still unfinished,” the bartender explained. “You need to wrap your hand around the cup and focus some of your magic energy into it. It doesn’t need much-”

Gray could tell Natsu had stopped listening. Before she'd finished her sentence, he'd already grabbed the cup in his hand and set it on fire.

“Natsu!”

"Sir!"

He ignored the protests from both Gray and the bartender, keeping his attention on the glass, which had begun to shake in his hand. The liquid bubbled and turned bright red, and then it shot up like a failed potion, right into Natsu's face.

“You idiot! Do you ever think?!”

So much for not insulting him.

“Geez, relax, will ya? A little thing like that isn’t gonna hurt me,” Natsu pointed out, evaporating the liquid easily, as Gray had seen him do so many times. The bartender breathed an audible sigh of relief, wiping the remaining spillage from Natsu's drink off the bar with a cleaning rag. “I’ll be right back with another drink,” she assured them before moving to another section of the bar, where she restarted the mixing process.

“You’re still an idiot,” Gray grumbled, making Natsu laugh in response.

“Well, you know what they say, it takes one to know one.”

Gray opened his mouth to answer, but Natsu quickly changed the subject.

“Why don’t you try it then?”

“Gladly.”

Gray focused a small amount of magic on his hand and wrapped the glass in a thin layer of ice. As soon as he did so, bubbles sprouted from the bottom, rising to the surface and forming a vortex that spun until the liquid had changed color from clear to the vibrant blue of glacier ice. Vapor rose from the liquid’s surface and transformed into small snowflakes that gently floated back down into the drink.

“That’s so dainty. Precisely what I’d expect from an Ice Princess,” Natsu snickered. “I bet mine’s gonna be way cooler.”

“I just hope the restaurant’s still in one piece by the time you’re done.”

Gray took a small sip, swishing the contents around in his mouth and closing his eyes.

The liquid was cold, so much so that it sent a small but welcome shiver up his spine. Hints of chocolate and peppermint danced on his tongue, reminding him of when he’d lived with Ur and Lyon.

Their training had been intense, but on days when she’d been pleased with their progress, Ur had made him and Lyon hot cocoa that tasted much like this. She had made them responsible for crushing the candy mints, and they would bicker about the best way to do it as Ur laughed at them from behind the stove. He could almost picture it, and rather than cause him the usual grief, the memory made him smile.

He opened his eyes to find Natsu watching in rapt fascination, his curiosity just about bursting out of him.

“Well? What did it taste like?”

Gray didn’t answer right away, still caught up in his memories. It took him a while to even register that Natsu was staring at him, focusing on his lips as if he’d never seen them before.

Gray thought of how to describe it, and suddenly he knew. “It tastes like winter.”

And just like that, Natsu snapped out of his trance, bouncing in his seat with excitement. “Ooh, me! I want to try winter!” Gray covered his drink with his hand, fixing Natsu with a glare that screamed at him to back off.

“Come on, don’t be so stingy! I don’t have a drink.”

“And whose fault is that? Besides, I don’t know where your mouth has been. No way I want that in my drink!”

Natsu pouted, but soon mischief crept into his eyes. Before Gray could consider what that could mean, Natsu had already grabbed his hand. Gray’s heart beat faster, not sure where Natsu was going with this, but excited just the same. Natsu’s tongue darted out, licking a stripe across the palm of Gray’s hand while maintaining eye contact.

Holy shit!

“Now you do,” Natsu grinned, looking quite pleased with himself even as Gray struggled to come up with an appropriate reaction. He took advantage of that, grabbing Gray’s glass and taking a sip.

“What do you know! Your magic actually tastes good, kind of like peppermint hot chocolate.”

Gray looked away, not wanting Natsu to see just how much his little stunt had affected him.

“So, uh, what were you thinking about? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile like that before.”

“My drink tasted like the hot cocoa Ur used to make for us,” Gray said, relieved to be back on more comfortable ground.. “I hadn’t thought about that in a long time.”

“Why didn’t you just say that, you dumbass? I wouldn’t have pushed.”

“Yeah, you would have.” Gray chuckled.

Natsu tried to deny it, but he must’ve known it was a stretch, so he laughed along with Gray. “Okay, yeah. I would have.” He grabbed a Firecracker Shrimp and chewed on it. And for the second time since they’d arrived, Gray caught him staring out the window. “Another Magic Wonder,” the bartender returned with Natsu's drink. She'd also brought a fire extinguisher, and was trying, but failing, to hide it subtly under the bar.

If Natsu had noticed, he didn't seem to be bothered by it, focusing only on the glass in front of him.

“Don't overdo it this time,” Gray reminded him.

Natsu furrowed his brow in concentration, coating his glass in a small flame and anxiously watching the liquid change color again. It slowly turned that same intense red from before. Instead of the vapor from Gray’s drink, there was a plume of smoke that transformed into a bright flame that remained lit.

He eyed it for exactly one second before drinking all of it down in one gulp.

Gray had expected Natsu to react in some over the top manner. To yell, or go on about how his drink was superior, just like his magic, but there was only silence. That wasn’t exactly true, though. Now that he was paying more attention, Gray could see that Natsu’s eyes were teary.

“Natsu?” Gray put a hand on his arm, worried by the uncharacteristic change. “What’s happening?”

“I’m fine, it’s just- it tasted like Igneel’s fire,” Natsu sniffled, hugging the cup to his chest with reverence. “It’s been so long since I last tasted it and now it’s all gone.”

Oh no! Natsu looked like he was ready to cry. That wasn’t supposed to happen on a date! Gray panicked, not knowing what to do or say to make Natsu feel better. He looked at his drink, still sitting on the bar, and considered offering it to him.

Idiot! He won’t want your stupid drink after tasting Ignel’s fire. Oh, of course! How dense could he be? He could order him another one.

“Don't worry, I’ll get you another one.”

Gray scrambled out of his seat after glimpsing the bartender serving a customer at the other end of the bar.

“I’ll be right back,” he called over his shoulder, determined to fix this slight glitch in his plans.

He waited as patiently as he was able for her to finish.

“I need another Magic Wonder.”

“Sure, I’ll put in an order, but it’s going to take a while. We’re very backed up.”

“Isn't there something I can do to speed it up?” He thought of the jewels in his pocket. “I can pay extra if that helps.”

“Sir, I already-”

“Please? This can literally make or destroy my night.”

The bartender glanced over at Natsu, who still looked despondent, hugging the empty glass to his chest. Her expression softened slightly. “Alright, I’ll do it just this once. Stay right there.”

Gray nodded, tapping his fingers on the bar as he waited. A couple sat next to him blocking his view of Natsu but he dared not move, worried the bartender might decide to give the drink to someone else.

As soon as she returned with his order, Gray turned around, almost dropping the drink he'd shamelessly begged for when he saw his bar stool once again occupied by someone who wasn't him. Any relief he might have felt that it wasn't Sting this time was overshadowed by dismay at seeing Rogue talking to Natsu, leaning in ever so slightly and nodding in sympathy.

Oh, come on!

He all but stomped his way back over, still careful not to spill any of the drink, knowing he wouldn’t be able to get another for quite a while.

“You’re in my seat,” Gray informed Rogue, attempting to keep the annoyance out of his voice.

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t know.” Rogue got up and moved to stand on the other side of Natsu.

“Here you go,” Gray said, placing the fresh drink in front of Natsu before reclaiming his seat.

He watched as Natsu put the glass he had been holding on the bar and stared at the new drink with something akin to awe. He cupped his hand around it and let out the barest flicker of magic to complete the spell.

“Are you okay?” Gray asked worriedly, not used to seeing Natsu act this way.

“Yeah, I just don’t want to waste any of it.”

The way he said that made Gray feel like he was intruding, so he turned his attention to Rogue, who still stood peering into the dim corners of the lounge.

“You’re looking for Sting, right? He’s in the bathroom,” Gray informed him, frowning as he realized the Sabertooth Master had been gone for quite some time. “Come to think of it, he’s been in there a while.”

Rogue looked heavenward and sighed. “Great. I hope he's not munching on the paper towels again.”

“Seriously? That’s disgusting!” Gray pursed his lips in distaste.

“Meh, he’s eaten worse things.” Rogue shrugged, taking a seat next to Natsu.

To Gray’s slight surprise, he in no way looked like he was about to go on a first date. As far as Gray could tell, Rogue looked just about the same as he always did, contrary to Sting, who had obviously dolled himself up for the occasion like a teenage girl.

Gray leaned back so he could see past Natsu and study the shadow dragon slayer better, wondering if he was about to deal with another nervous wreck. But Rogue showed no signs of being anxious. If anything, he looked tired and frazzled, which Gray guessed made sense. The guy was late, probably just rolled off a train.

“Is something wrong? Was this your seat too?” Rogue frowned at him, realizing he was under scrutiny.

“Huh? Oh, no. I’m just surprised. The way Sting was talking earlier I thought you’d be more into this,” Gray said, turning his attention back to Natsu.

He seemed to have calmed down, although he appeared to be in deep thought while staring at his drink. Gray supposed there was a first time for everything. He’d give him a few more minutes to snap out of it. It’s not like they could get anywhere until they were either called to their table or Sting got out of the damn bathroom.

“This? This what? You mean the restaurant?”

“He means Sting,” Natsu said, joining the conversation when Gray least expected it.

“What about Sting?” “If you don't like him, just tell him. He's your friend. You should be honest with him about how you feel.”

Rogue flinched so hard he almost slid off his seat. “I- What? What the hell are you talking about?”

Gray began to suspect that Rogue was as clueless as Natsu as to why he was there.

“Rogue! You made it!” Gray, Natsu and Rogue all turned towards Sting’s voice, which could somehow be heard over all the other noise. He walked toward them in quick steps and Gray brought his hand up to his mouth to cover up the laugh he couldn’t contain.

Sting’s shirt was covered in wet spots. His hair, which had been styled in perfectly gelled spikes, had flattened into bangs, and there was a long piece of toilet paper attached to one of his shoes.

He’d gone to wash off some cologne, but had returned looking like a survivor of some bizarre bathroom battle, and somehow he still reeked of cologne. But you wouldn't know it from his beaming smile.

Sting walked up to Rogue, reaching into his pocket and pulling out... something Gray couldn’t make out at first because he shoved it at Rogue with such speed that it became nothing but a blurry shape.

“Here, for you.” Sting said, placing what looked to be a small box into Rogue's hand.

“What’s this for?” Rogue said, breaking away from the mess that was Sting, to glance down at the box.

“Open it.”

Rogue slowly slid the elastic bow off and opened it. Whatever was inside caused him to jerk his head back toward Sting with wide eyes.

“Oh.”

“Do you like it?” Sting stared at Rogue in a way that Gray recognized, with a face full of hope and hearts in his eyes.

“I-I uh,” Rogue stuttered, looking back and forth rapidly between Sting, Gray, Natsu, and the lounge. “Give me a minute...”

“You know, I‘m thinking Rogue didn’t know this was a date.” Natsu whispered in Gray’s ear, which was to say he’d blurted it out in a voice loud enough to make his ears ring.

“You think?”

“Yeah, I do,” Natsu nodded, the obvious sarcasm flying straight over his head. “I kinda feel bad now. Maybe we should have told him.” Gray stiffened, Natsu’s words along with the advice he’d offered Rogue earlier echoed through his head. No matter how the thought caused his stomach to twist itself into knots, he knew he’d have to be honest about his intentions at some point. Natsu was his friend too, he deserved as much. “Is that true?” Sting’s shoulders slumped upon hearing the less than subtle conversation between them. “But I asked you and everything.” “Yes, I realize that now,” Rogue said, sounding a bit snappy, which Gray couldn’t blame him for. He gathered himself quickly, though, taking a deep breath and getting up from his seat. “Come-” he grabbed Sting’s hand and led him to a sofa that had just opened up when a couple was called to their table. Gray took another sip of his drink, mirroring Natsu, who he could tell was focusing his ears on the Twin Dragons’ conversation. Under any other circumstance, Gray wouldn’t give a damn about how that would unfold, but the possibility of having a heartbroken Sting join them for the rest of the night changed things a bit. He nudged Natsu, raising his eyebrows in silent question. Natsu didn’t answer, still listening, but if his expressions were anything to go by, it was not going well. Fuck. Please. This can’t be happening… Curiosity getting the best of him, Gray peeked over his shoulder. Sting looked positively dejected, and the visible part of Rogue's face looked no better. “Well, this is awkward.” Gray turned back to Natsu, not sure if he’d be able to watch that train wreck in his current situation. Would his night end like that, too? “Yeah,” Natsu sighed, but then he perked up and started laughing. “Actually, I think they’ll be fine.” “Oh-” Gray absently grabbed a shrimp and began eating- “Good for them.” “Uhm, Gray…” “Hmm?” Gray grabbed another and chewed lazily, not realizing that Natsu might’ve been trying to warn him until he felt his lips and tongue burning with the heat of a thousand suns. He swallowed what was still in his mouth in one go, sending the burn down his throat now as well, and broke out in a violent coughing fit. The blazing heat spread through his entire body fast, setting his skin on fire and causing sweat drops to form on his face. Whose stupid idea was it to get the spiciest appetizer?! Oh, right, that would be him. God bless his icy drink. He gulped it all down, only half hearing Natsu’s rambunctious laughter.

“Who the hell deemed this safe for consumption?” he gasped, fanning at himself in a sorry attempt to cool down.

“Someone who's not an Ice Princess like you,” Natsu snickered, holding out a shirt that looked awfully familiar.

Damn it! How did that happen?!

Gray grabbed his shirt and put it back on before anyone could complain, calling on his magic to help cool himself down.

Natsu shook his head, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “Pervert.”

“I can’t help it!”

“I know, Ice Block, I know.” Natsu finished the last of his drink and set it back down on the bar, his eyes straying back to the window for a full minute before peering back at Gray.

“Listen, I know this was a big part of your reward and everything, but do you mind if we take off?”

“You want to go back home?” Gray was crestfallen. He’d thought they were having a good time, outside of the unexpected drama.

“I didn’t say that, but it’s hard to sit still when I know that’s waiting for us,” Natsu said, pointing at the beach. “I’ll even pitch in since it’s my idea.”

Gray thought about it. This restaurant had been Loke’s idea and as far as he was concerned it had already served its purpose. If Natsu would rather go to the beach, then they’d do that. It was bound to be more fun. Plus, this way, if Natsu reacted badly to his confession, he wouldn’t have to worry about property damage.

As much.

“Yeah, we can do that.”

“Wow, that was easier than I thought. That shrimp too much for you?” Natsu taunted.

Gray ignored him, focusing on finding the bartender so he could close their tab. Luckily, she was heading towards him. He was just about to address her when a voice spoke up next to him. “Hey there! Can I get two of the Magic Something drinks?”

“Yes, of course,” the bartender assured Sting. She turned to Gray. “I believe your table should be ready any minute. Would you like anything else?”

“No, thank you. We actually won’t be needing that reservation after all.”

“Alright then, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“You’re leaving?” Rogue asked, appearing by Sting’s side. “But you haven’t even eaten yet.” “We passed a ton of food stalls on the way here,” Natsu said, already sounding excited by the prospect. “Besides, the food they serve here is too spicy for the Ice Princess.”

Gray glared, “Oy! That shrimp was the spiciest appetizer they had.”

Rogue rolled his eyes at the exchange, “You two sound like a married couple.”

"Well, you kinda look like one," Natsu laughed, pointing at the necklace Rogue was now wearing. A thin silver chain with a crystal pendant that was identical to the one dangling from Sting's ear.

"Oh, shut up," Rogue huffed, clutching the piece of jewelry as his cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink than Natsu's hair.

“I’m glad things worked out,” Gray said, mostly to be polite. He winced as he heard people scream in panic as they witnessed Natsu drying off Sting’s clothing with his fire. He could almost hear the bartender rushing to the extinguisher. Why didn’t the idiot ever think?

Yeah, going to the beach was probably for the best.

"Me too." Rogue eyed the spectacle warily. "Sorry you got dragged into that."

“Yeah, it was… something.”

“He means well.” Rogue smiled apologetically, but his eyes were soft with affection. "Oh. That reminds me, can you thank Natsu for me? He was right."

“Now there’s something you don’t hear every day.”

Rogue snorted into his hand, looking less tired than he had when he'd just arrived. "Alright. Get Natsu out of here before-"

Whatever Rogue said after that became inaudible when the screams increased and were almost immediately joined by the loud hiss of the fire extinguisher.

At a loss for words, Gray and Rogue watched the chaos of scattering guests, the bartender frantically trying to extinguish the fire, Sting inhaling the massive gust of white powder blasted at him, and a loudly cheering Natsu.

"... Just get him out of here."

“Good plan.”

Gray hurried over to the two dragon slayers, not about to give Rogue another second to reconsider his life choices. He grabbed Natsu by the arm and pulled him back towards their seats so he could pay for their tab.

“It’s on the house, please just go!” The bartender waved him away, looking like she was on the brink of having a complete meltdown.

“Thank you.” Gray took out his jewel pouch and placed a large tip on the bar, wanting to make up for some of what they had put her through.

Natsu, oblivious as ever, thanked her and waved blithely even as Gray dragged him out of the lounge.

They had almost reached the exit when Natsu shook off Gray’s arm.

“I can walk on my own, you know.”

“Oh, right. Sorry.”

They left the restaurant and walked through the lobby in silence until Natsu started giggling.

“The look on the bartender’s face when Sting ate that powder!”

Now that the restaurant was safely behind them, Gray couldn’t help but join in. Soon they were laughing so hard they had to hold on to each other to keep from falling down, earning them curious but mostly annoyed looks from the other patrons.

#fairy tail #gratsu #stingue #gratsu & stingue #other #fics #update

[millennial-star-gazer]

Tantric Flames: Chapter: 9

Tantric Flames

Nalu lovefest 2019 Prompts: Magic, Worship, Reckless , Forbidden and Cravings (All Implied)

Genres: Romance, Humor, New Adult Fanfiction

Pairing:Nalu (Natsu x Lucy)

Rating: M for language, steamy and mature adult sexual content (all consensual) in these and future chapters. Reader Direction is advised.(You've been warned!)

Summary: One look, one smouldering hooded gaze, one word, one fiery kiss, one magnetizing touch was all he needed for her to completely unravel at his mercy alone, succumbing to the sinful temptation of her inhibitions, his love, his feral passion, his raw, insatiable desires, his "Tantric Flames". Originally an Submission for Nalulovefest 2017 (on previous accounts) in which Natsu gives his mate a tantric massage-after much persuasion- she won't soon forget when it turns into so much more. Also previously featured in Nalu lovefest 2018 (on current accounts) , as well as Nalu Week 2017, Nalu Fluff Week and Nalu lovefest 2017 (as stated) with first three chapters on my previous celestialgeekmage accounts . Chapter 7 was also an entry for nalu week 2019 and Chapter 8 for Nalu Lovefest 2019. ( Nalu-centric) (Slight Au).

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Chapter 9: Tempted by A Tantric Touch

A/N: Hey guys, it's your girl Millennial StarGazer! This time I'm returning with another long-awaited installment of Tantric Flames. Once again, a major thanks to and koodos to @bmarvels, @mannyegb, @animezing-fandoms/princess-starry-night, and @allie-and-her-fandoms for helping me edit and further develop this chapter! Now without further ado, here's the story-enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairytail which belongs to the one and only Hiro-sensei instead!

(Note: Scroll down pas the keep reading button/ cut for the designated links, legend and actual chapter.  The tagging feature and keep reading button might not show up or fully work on the desktop site but should function just fine on the app and mobile version.

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Read More of Tantric Flames and the rest of my writing on here and other plaftorms.

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1. Tantric Flames

A. Tumblr Version

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Chapter: 9          (Next Chapter ) (Coming Soon)

B. Fanfiction (Click Here:) ( or here: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13114990/1/Tantric-Flames-reupload-from-cosmicdragonwizardaccounts)

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Legend:

Italic: Song Lyrics/Quotes (or flashback dialogue)

Bold: First Person Thoughts

Bolded Italics: Empathized Word(s)

Bolded Italics (Within and Outside Bracket) including for author's side notes also known as (A/N:) within brackets (though none for side-notes in this chapter ).

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"You run your fingers over every part of my body and tease me with your touch".

(Source Unknown)

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Oh God, those love bites. So many love bites that decorated the blonde's creamy skin like jewels; far too numerous to count that always sent a red-hot line fire rippling through her nerves with with every nip, every suck; each every and stroke of Natsu's velvet tongue. Plus, he's usually doing other things at the same time. Racy images of the couple's steamy moments together from the last soak flooded Lucy's mind.

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Flashback

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The celestial mage's back arching of its own accord into Natsu's touch from robust hands cupping her breast; Blazing digits kneading the twin peaks in time with lips sucking along Lucy's pulse with so much skill that she couldn't help the heady moan that escaped her throat.

"Ya feel that, Luce?" Nastu growled in his princess's ear, the dark undercurrent of his territorial voice pulling a tingly shiver from her. "My marks all over that perfect body of yours— and not just the permanent one when you swore your heart to me . All of those are symbols of my essence, my claim, my love. That you belong to me and me alone. My mate and queen, forever and always. And those sounds you're makin'? Hot as hell."

Pretty sure, dude leaves marks on me as his way of announcing to the world I'm off limits as his mate. Explains why he's always quick to leave a fresh one in its place even after I cover them— not that I'm complaining. Plus, it's not only for his benefit but mine. It's great that he knows how much I love receiving hickeys and gets off from it.

Seriously, what more could I ask for?

Not to mention how lovely it always was to unwind with Natsu after each bath. The wizard was often keen in his offer to dry the blonde's damp hair with a towel or fire-magic-powered steam; from her perch on his lap or between his legs. 

Much more relaxing than using a hair dryer if you ask me.

 The dragonslayer would sometimes even hum or sing a familiar tune from days past in that appealing, gravelly baritone of his; would usually lull the already-zen mage into the world of dreams when combined with the sooth dual sensation of fingers combing through her hair, .

"I tell you, I tell you, the dragonborn comes ..."

Anyother guild member who might be eavesdropping, however, would often be quick to lightheartedly goad the blonde mage ( much to her chargin). Natsu no doubt would find this hilarious of course; which would serve for Lucy's cheeks to flush an even deeper shade of crimson than she already was.

"Say Luce, is that a blush I see?" he once crooned, a teasing edge to his words; though the affectionate mirth sparkling in his eyes warmed her heart just a little. "Aw, is my girl a little embarrassed? That's okay though— makes ya all the more adorable and endearing than you already are. You want me to make it all better? Cuz I can! Got plenty of kisses! Come on, you know you want some which I'm more than happy to give. God I love ya' so much, you know that?"

It's amazing really... Lucy ruminated in fond awe. How Natsu can switch between the different roles and sides to him with relative ease. From Romantic and tender to dominant, playful and affectionate; then back again on top of everything else all seemingly at the drop of a hat. All an innate part of his overall nature I guess— essentially what makes up who he is. Some people may find this a bit confusing to keep up with— but I don't. Just makes him all the more complex.

Though those people would also be right when they say that the dude still has a devious streak, she couldn't help but add with wry smirk. Even with me, though never with malicious intent. German suplex, non-stop tickling, dumping me in a tub of freezing cold water during one of our baths— too many pranks to count really. At least he's always quick to follow up with plenty of affection ever since we became an item— can't complain about that."

"You ready to get started Lucy?" Natsu's keen voice broke through Lucy's reverie.

"You know it!" The celestial mage chirped, unable to mask the pure enthusiasm in her voice; earning an amused chuckle from the dragon wizard . "Can't wait. I take it you'll be hoarding me for the rest of the afternoon?"

"Mhmm" Came his content hum in response." That really a bad thing, though?"

"No, definitely not."

"I figured. Why don't we get you up on that massage bed?"

"Sure thing!"

A buzz of anticipation was practically thrumming in Lucy's blood from such tantalizing implications of his words; the stunt Natsu pulled next , though— that was what really shot a thrilling jolt up her spine.

"Let's finish what we started later, yeah?"

The dragonslayer's proposal was punctuated by a light tap on the summoner's ass for good measure,; which resulted in a delighted squeal.

"O-okay!" was said female's response in the form of a breathy giggle.

"Let me get you that towel while I'm at it."

"Sure— thanks."

"My pleasure."

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

A Few Minutes Later

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

"Ugh...do me a huge favor and burn this towel. Will ya?"

Lucy couldn't help but let out an audible groan along with the heat rising in her cheeks. Good god was the particularly moist spot on the white towel a truly mortifying sight to behold. Basically tell-tale remnants of liquid arousal that had been wiped clean from her legs just moments before.

Mavis only knows what would happen if Levy or Cana noticed during laundry duty.

" Okay... why though?" Natsu questioned, brows drawing together in mild confusion. "As in why do you want me to?"

"Guild Laundry day" came Lucy's automatic reply."That's why."

"Not following ya.' Natsu blinked owlishly in uncomprehension.

"Levy…..and Cana….." Lucy supplied, a finger twirling an errant strand of blonde hair in :a self-conscious display." "I... uh.."

"Still don't know what you mean here, Luce."

"It's their turn to do laundry duty." She attempted to break down what was apparently such an abstract concept into simpler terms; not able to help the aggravation rising in the back of her mind.

"Yeah? So?"

"They'll probably see the moist stain on the towel." Lucy clarified, forcing her voice to remain level.

"I see— don't see the problem though."

"Think about who'll most likely be with them ."

"Gajeel and Laxus but…...ahh—"

Realization dawned on Natsu's face. "I get it now. What you're saying is that they'll probably catch a whiff of your arousal? "

"Well, the lingering remnants of the scent anyway. Seriously though?" he tacked on, lifting a questioning brow."That's what you're worried about?"

"Yeah... I am," Lucy admitted, nerves leaking into her voice. "Aren't you?"

"Not really, no." Natsu gave a shrug of his shoulders—seemingly unfazed.

"Why's that?" Lucy couldn't help but shoot him a puzzled glance. 

"Cuz it'll show everyone how much I rocked your world." Natsu replied, flashing his mate a cheeky grin. " And what's not to love about that?"

"Pervert — of course you'd say that!" Lucy screeched, skin flushing a deep shade of crimson.

"That's me!"

"Ugh, still don't know what to do about the moist spot— those four are never gonna let me live it down."

"You know if you're that worried, I could always use my tongue to clean ya up instead." Natsu drawled with a lazy smirk that set her heart all pit-patter .

"And of course, you'd suggest that," Lucy quipped with a slight roll of her eyes. "Did I mention how much of a horn dragon you are? "

"Yeah, but only for a certain gorgeous blonde of mine and she loves it."

"Oh, she does, huh?" Lucy raised a challenging brow.

"Yep. Don't bother trying to deny it, Luce".

"Ugh fine... you're right. I do. Seriously, you and your colossal ego though."

"Why, thank you! If you're impressed by that, you'd really should see my co—"

The rest of Natsu's words were cut off by Lucy's hand swatting him with a pillow which was met with a snicker.

"Pervert" Lucy deadpanned with another eye roll. "By way, you would've found yourself in the proverbial dog house if you actually meant the other kind of 'fighting earlier."

Only for Natsu's face to instantly fall in response to her statement.

"What?" Natsu objected, gaping at her with wide eyes. " And deprive me of the chance to wake up to your beautiful face each morning for that long?!"

"Yep." Lucy gave a nod by way of reply.

"But why? You know that's not the type of fightin' I met!"

"Well yeah, I know that now. But not earlier when you originally brought up. Just be glad that you didn't bail on our date earlier."

"I didn't though! And never would— honest Luce!" Natsu's voice lifted into a petulant whine.

"Hmm.. Okay, good to know. " Lucy responded, raising her hands to placate him. "Though you'll have to be without me for a few days anyway.

"Wait, seriously?" Natsu faltered , bewildered panic flashing in his eyes. . "Come on! What is it this time?"

"Camping retreat in the woods next week that Cana, Mira, Lisanna, and Erza are organizing— ladies only."

"W-ha?" Natsu continued to sputter, his poor brain no doubt short circuiting by now." But Elfman said that it was open to anyone who's free to go!"

"Really? Lucy mused in thoughtful interest. "That's not what I heard... huh."

"What am I supposed to do without you?"

"How about something fun with the guys? Should be nice, right?"

"Yeah, but so is spending time with you Lucy! It's always more fun when we're together like you said."

"And I don't disagree. Doesn't change anything though. The trip's still happening."

"Didn't say it wasn't but it'd still suck here without you! Natsu moaned, that desperate sense of longing bleeding into his voice. " I'd miss ya' too much! So would our little buddy! Can't we tag along? Maybe Even share an air mattress in a decent-sized tent? I'd gladly help set up and keep you cozy in my arms at night."

"What about Happy?" Lucy questioned, intrigued by his suggestion. His offer does sound really tempting.

"Obviously he'd share the tent with us but would have his own sleeping bag and could hang with Wendy and Carla whenever we wanted alone time. Plus there are all these cool spots I could take you to on nature hikes!."

"Sounds great."

"Course it is! So whaddya say? You onboard?" Natsu wheedled, flashing her what could only be described as the most flawless puppy eyes she'd ever seen.

"Aw that's really tempting and" Lucy gushed, heart contracting at the adorable pout he was throwing in too. Normally I'd say yes"— but it'll have to wait. Thank you though! I'd love to take you up on that offer another day."

"Oh come on— please I wanna go!" Natsu huffed,stamping his foot as if he were a child pitching a fit over being denied a coveted toy- quite an amusing display to say the least.

"Not this time I'm afraid. Sorry, them's the brakes."

"Lucyyyyyyyyy!" Natsu whined again, dragging the syllables of her name with such melodrama that she finally decided to let him off the hook

" Jeez.. enough with the dramatics already. " Lucy yielded with an exasperated groan, You can still come— the trip is for everyone. I was only kidding after all."

Said confession was met with a noise of stunned dimsay from from the pyro.

"Wait... so ya' mean to tell me that this was a joke?! he muttered, voice coming out with a small pinch of disbelief. "You were pulling my leg the entire time?"

"Yep— consider it payback for me making think you were gonna ditch earlier."

"That's why? That's not nice, Luce— not very nice at all." Natsu grumbled, though not with any real heat.

"Oh yeah, what are you gonna do about it?" Lucy baited, a daring lilt to her words.

" Oh —- wouldn't you like to know?" Natsu rumbled, eyes sparking in a such a calculating way that it sent a electrifying chill down Lucy's spine.

"I would— ngh! Nastuuuu!"

The rest of what Lucy was attempting to say Lucy's words were cut off by the lighting- fast sweep of Natsu's velvet tongue up her thighs . Not to mention that electric high-voltage jolt of ecstasy flooding her veins.

"There! that should show ya!" Natsu let out a cackle of glee. " Not to ever play dirty tricks on a dragon I mean. Guess you're not gonna need that towel after all, huh Lucy?"

"My God..."

"Yeah, I know . Just that amazing with my tongue, I guess. Natsu purred, voice laced with am indecorous promise "Plus, hearing ya' scream my name like that just gave me another hard-on that I'd love for you to see .. "

"Jeez … of course it'd would . and no real shocker that you would say something like that."

"Yep- you know me so well, Luce. and it's not like you're complain' anyway. Want me to prove it?"

" Maybe.. But God- you're such a pompous ass, you know that?"

"Yeah but all part of my charm, sweetheart."

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

A/N: And that's Chapter 9 folks! My apologies for the delay by the way! I originally wanted to post this much sooner but got hit with writer's block after getting a somewhat stumped on a particular segment of this chapter. I've also been with my other ongoing fanfics, WIPs and responsibilities among other things in my life . That all aside, at least this chapter was finally posted! Now please feel free to do me a solid and let me know what you think by leaving a comment/ review! Stay tuned for Chapter 10 too! Oh and please feel free to check out the rest of my writing which can be found above, on my profiles and in master post if reading this on tumblr. All right, that's pretty much all I have to say for now! Thanks to all my mutuals/friends, readers and followers for their continuous support over the years! (Corresponding links for the master of my writing and profiles can be found above, in the navigation bar of the desktop and bio if reading this on tumblr.) Until next time-take care!

#fairytail #ft fanfics #nalu #endlu #natsu x lucy #e.n.d natsu x lucy #tantric flames #my writing #millennial star gazer writes #millennial stargazer #please reblog

[insporaelynn]

📲 raelynn && roman

WHEN: january 24-26th 

DESCRIPTION: just best friends talking and being obsessed with each other. rae confides in him about her ex drama.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: drug mention, probably sex mention.

@romanbeckett​

Roman

Hi love of my life. I miss your face. How’s it going??

raelynn

my baby

god, i miss you too. i'm doing okay, how're you tonight?

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

it’s been an off day, not even gonna lie lol super sore and tired. I just wanna be back to normal already

raelynn

oh no

how's your scar healing up? the boys are taking care of you right??

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

it’s okay I guess bleh lol and not tonight. I’m all alone

raelynn

Where's Q? Is Aaron working?

Well I guess I should know that since I'm literally at work. Lmao.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

Q is working on music. Aaron has des tonight

raelynn

ugh. i wanna lay with you and kiss ur face.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

are you busyyy? I can burn us some cookies

raelynn

i'm working but I'd love to see you after if you're still up.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

of yeah you just said you’re at work lmao fucking weed

yes please come by when you’re done

raelynn

LMAO I KNOW THE FEELING

absolutely, i'm yours.

u know niamh was trying to figure out who rue's date was and she was like "is it you" bc i mentioned that I have a dick appt with him tomorrow night.

and i was like. dude, no, for like, a thousand reasons. like, why would that ever be me???

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚n.

oh god, I’m so out of the loop with gossip lately, it’s sad. I didn’t even know he had a date lol

raelynn

it's apparently some big secret but he's having people help him dress up and asking about flowers and candy and niamh is like "bitch is it you" and i'm like. LMAO.

like is there anything about me that says flowers and candy

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

Hahahahahhahahahahaha HAHAHA

that really made me laugh too hard.

raelynn

like, i'm not the flowers girl, i'm the sneak out in the night girl, the middle of the afternoon girl, all those things, but flowers girl???? sdkfdskksd

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

I’m 100p a flowers girl

raelynn

YOU ARE AND YOU'RE WORTH IT MY BABY

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

my parents are coming in to town this week. Gotta tell them I have two boyfriends haaaa. Pray for me

raelynn.

I feel like that should be the least shocking thing about you??? In a good way.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

yeah, I definitely keep them on their toes

raelynn

tell ur boyfriend that if he wants me to continue wearing body glitter he's going to have to pay me extra

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

omg but I love body glitter fyi

raelynn

I did an onlyfans video with Lilah earlier and I'm like 80% sure that I left glitter on her sheets. Like I'm a fucking unicorn.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

that makes me so happy I can’t even lie

I too wanna leave glitter everywhere

man I need to do only fans

raelynn

i would a thousand percent subscribe

both bc i'm a perv and also bc i'm a very supportive best friend.

we could get naked and do a body glitter photoshoot

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

and I love this about you

that sounds like a dream?? Wow

raelynn

would love nothing more than to apply body glitter to ur glorious tiddies.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

my tillies would appreciate it

Hahahaa it hurts to laughhhh

raelynn

SORRY SORRY I'M GOING TO BE VERY SERIOUS NOW

clears throat Um. The National Debt.

it is my understanding that there is. National Debt.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

hahahah I love you

raelynn

Blah blah, topics. Blah blah, smart people jargon, blah blah

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

god it’s so boring isn’t it

would so much rather talk about titties

raelynn

God same.

Like how yours are somehow bigger than mine.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

I know, I need some sort of support at this point I think

raelynn

we could get you fitted for bras somewhere maybe that'd be fun

it'd look actually so hot

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

well I already wear lingerie in the bedroom. Might as well.

raelynn

you will be the absolute death of me, you're simply too gorgeous and too sweet to exist.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

stahhpppp you’re making me blushhhh. Right back atcha my babe

raelynn

is there anything you want me to bring you when i'm done here?

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

just yourself. I’ve got good ass weed

raelynn

and for the millionth time, i realized, you are my soul mate.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

you’re mine, lovie.

raelynn

i wish i could've had appendix surgery instead of you

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

noooo don’t be silly lol I’m okay darling.

raelynn.

no i hate that you were in pain even for like a second i hate it so much!!

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

stop it, I love you. You cutie. Oh god okay I’m gonna make us cookies.

raelynn

Dont burn the house down my beautiful twin flame

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

I always get cookie dough thinking I’ll do better next time. I still have that unearned confidence

raelynn.

Thats bc im always building you up and rightfully so

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

yes you do and I live for it. I also really love fresh cookies right out of the oven, I just want to make that happen

raelynn

I believe in you my little tropical starfish

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

raelynn

literally you

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

hehehehe ⭐️

raelynn

i don't think anybody's ever gonna love me more than you

and i think. i think maybe that's okay?

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

that’s not true. You’re gonna find someone who is gonna blow you away

raelynn

yeah but even if i did, would I even be able to love them without being scared of them?

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

yeah, I think so. I’ve had to overcome a lot of walls and fears myself that I never thought I could. The right person makes it easier.

raelynn

idk there are a lot of people i could've loved if i hadn't been so....this lmao

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

I think it’ll just take some time!

raelynn

you have so much faith in me.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

of course I do. I think you can do anything.

raelynn

i'm not really sure.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

you don’t have to be cause I ammmmm

raelynn

and you're the smartest person in the world

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

in the whole world?? Damn. I’m not near as rich as I should be then.

raelynn

how about I stay over with you tonight and we get some breakfast in the morning? I did really good on tips tonight.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

okay!! I’d love that

raelynn

good 'cause i don't get to spend nearly as much time with you as i wanna

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

I knowwww. We haven’t had a sleepover in so long

raelynn

you can cuddle up to me and i'll feed you cookies and kiss your hair

revolutionary. better than therapy.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

Yes!!!!

raelynn

loml

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

I finished the cookies baby and I didn’t burn them to a crisp

raelynn

you fucking legend

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

I’m pretty damn proud of myself not gonna lieeeee

[...]

raelynn

extremely sad that i couldn't stay at breakfast with you all day

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

same

now I’m bored

raelynn

i swear after i left you my day went down the tubes.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

oh no I’m sorry

who do I need to fight

raelynn

well carson is back.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

oh god, tell me more

raelynn

idk why he's back but wes gave him my number bc i guess when i told him to lose it he took it to heart which like good i wanted him to

but anyway i screamed at him in the chat

everyone called me a hypocrite bc i told ivy to stop being a bitch in the chat awhile back. which tbh i didn't remember even doing, i just be saying shit.

like alex opened his fuckin mouth and i'm like what dog do you have in this fight

oh and DELILAH is moving in with carson bc he's "like her brother!!!" never mind the fact that he cheated on me bc i guess friendship doesn't mean much anymore

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

wow that’s...messy. Wtf lilah though seriously

raelynn.

So then Carson texts me bc wes gave him my number and that felt like being??? Pushed back in time against my will

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

that’s not cool

raelynn

So yeah a lot of crying today

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

*chick with knife emoji*

me rn

raelynn

Cute but lethal

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

*img attachment* 

and not at all high...

raelynn.

you're so hot jesus christ.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

I love you.

raelynn.

love u more than life itself

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

*img attachment of a keychain that says PUSSY WAGON* 

this was recommended to me on Instagram and now I want it.

raelynn

LET'S GET THEM MATCHING.

EVEN THOUGH I DON'T HAVE A CAR

AND THEREFORE NO KEYS FOR SAID CAR

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

it would be perfect for my Volkswagen

raelynn.

omg and with me in it...it really WOULD be a pussy wagon......

big brain

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

hahahahah

raelynn

we should road trip soon

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

I would love that so much honestly

raelynn

where should we go?

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

Disney world!!

raelynn

will u propose to me there

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

wouldn’t that be romantic as heck

raelynn.

THE most romantic and also we'd maybe get free dessert

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

I never turn down anything free.

raelynn

me neither. not the taylor family way

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

hahaha I love you.

raelynn.

we'll start planning a summer trip, just us.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

yay yay yay yay!

raelynn.

i'm gonna wear a tiara the whole time.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.BOT01/25/2021

with Mickey ears?

raelynn.BOT01/25/2021

of course, i'm not a monster.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

hahahaa

[...]

raelynn

I hate dudes.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

they’re a mess aren’t they lol

raelynn

Had a temporary lapse in sanity and agreed to meet Carson for coffee lol and he canceled like 15 mins before we were supposed to meet for a probably fake meeting lmao its so typical but I fell for it

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

babe I’m so sorry

raelynn

Like im just so tired

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

how can I make it better

raelynn.

I don't know honestly and I wish I did.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

I love you.

raelynn

I love you.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.

you’re my baby

raelynn

you're MY baby

#texts #texts: roman #ch: roman

[vldaera]

task .002—

with special thanks for, and featuring, @vldareum​—

JEON AERA ✉ ⇢ manager yes ys i kniw JEON AERA ✉ ⇢ manager ill addition 4 fanny pack outing later :P JEON AERA ✉ ⇢ manager i’m bussy rite now tho ;)  it’ areum time MANAGER ✉ ⇢ jeon aera Busy doing what?! What’s Areum time?! JEON AERA ✉ ⇢ manager s MANAGER ✉ ⇢ jeon aera Aera TT MANAGER ✉ ⇢ jeon aera Aera, why did you send a winky face? Is Areum okay? MANAGER ✉ ⇢ jeon aera Aera please I do not have time for this you are so aggravating JEON AERA ✉ ⇢ manager ;) ;) ;_   MANAGER ✉ ⇢ jeon aera Aera!!

Aera’s not so mean that she leaves their manager on delivered when she knows she’s probably gonna bust a nerve; no, she chooses to leave her on open, instead, so she knows she’s at least alive. Because for tonight, she has planning to do.

Phase One of Operation: Surprise the Socks Off Areum is long since over and was a huge success. Phase One is the simplest part: text Areum to come over tonight for another Star Wars marathon. They never got to the sequels.

Phase Two is the thick of it: cook a fancy dinner fit for a princess, hire a masseuse to pamper both of them in— ahem— Aera’s brand new(!) apartment, turn on absolutely any movie of Areum’s choice, give each other mani/pedis, and then end the night with giving her sister a woven bracelet that Aera personally made for Areum herself.

Phase Three: catalogue every second of it on her phone and watch the look on her sister’s face.

Ha. And Areum thinks it’s just going to be Star Wars.

It’s a bit of a thank you, in a way, for her sister to know that Aera really appreciates her, and also to let her know that Aera’s doing just fine, thank you very much, living alone. Sure, it gets lonely sometimes, but besides Areum, Naeun comes over! And Saeun! And Hamin! And... that’s pretty much it...

Clowns! One time Aera hired a clown to come and entertain her while she cried on the sofa over a stupid romantic comedy. It was sorta funny to watch how obviously uncomfortable the clown was ‘cause she paid him double to leave a kid’s party early to keep her company. He wasn’t expecting one of the members of one of the nation’s top girl groups to be sprawled out on the floor with a bottle of wine, she doesn’t think, but whatever. As you can see, she’s having the time of her life.

“Okay, let’s do this.”

Step One of Phase Two (that’s right, she’s that organized) is to go figure out what to eat. After their excursion to Tokyo, she’s thinking some miso broth ramen and spicy tuna rolls, so she makes a quick stop by the market to go pick up some seaweed and fish. She has a plan and everything; she’s gonna cut up some seaweed to say “I Love You, Areum!” and stick it in the broth like alphabet soup. It’s gonna be so cute—

Hey, what’s that? Bunnies for adoption??!! Ohmigod no way!!!

Aera hasn’t ever whipped a car into a parking lot so fast. Ten minutes and 40,000 KRW later, she drives home with a bag full of seaweed and fish and the newest addition to the family, John Brad Crumb. She’s pulling away when she realizes 1) she made a HUGE typo on the iPad, 2) both “John Brad Crumb Jeon” and “Jeon John Brad Crumb” are stupid names, and 3), though it came with the intention of paying homage to her fans, with Aera’s Earthshine nickname being John Area, she’s effectively just named a rabbit after herself.

But hey, the adoption certificate says John Brad Crumb, so that’s what he is.

She pulls into her apartment and the elevator dings to the top floor. It’s only recently that she managed to unpack, so she unloads all the groceries into the fridge and puts the rice in the cooker, then gets to work dedicating a sizable corner of her living room for John Brad Crumb. One could call it John’s area.

One thing to note about Aera is that what can go wrong, will go wrong, but it’ll go wrong with a flourish and probably fireworks, too. The cage is actually pretty well set up, and she wants to do this cute thing where she gives Areum her bracelet by wrapping it around John Brad Crumb’s neck like a collar, and she’s in the middle of doing so when she smells something. Umm... what’s burning?

She rushes to the kitchen and smacks her head when she realizes that she forgot to put water in the rice. Now what?

Aera stands there for at least a full solid minute watching the rice as she wonders what her reaction should be. She wonders if it’ll catch fire.

Um, duh.

Fortunately, she keeps a Brita filter in the fridge, and so she begins pouring water on the flames. Really she lucked out, because she manages to put the fire out without the help of the fire department, but her rice cooker is, like, totaled. That’s fine! She’s adaptive. Instead, she decides to cook it manually. She definitely won’t forget the water this time, she thinks smugly as she fills the water almost to the top of the pot. After adding the rice, she returns to the living room...

...only to find that John Brad Crumb has all but gnawed the bracelet to pieces.

“John Brad Crumb-ah! Are you serious?! You are so unaware.”

She lifts the bunny and picks the dangling threads from his mouth, pouting as she witnesses the shreds of what she made with such love and care. Luckily for Aera (and also for John Brad Crumb, whom she’ll forgive eventually because he already means the world to her), it seems to be salvageable? Maybe?

John Brad Crumb fits in the front pocket of her hoodie, so she puts him and some rabbit food in there and returns to the kitchen where the rice has, obviously, boiled over. Cursing, Aera cleans up the mess and tastes the rice that was saved. Well... it’s not bad.

Putting the ramen to a boil, she checks the clock and sees that she’s got a little over an hour before Areum’s supposed to arrive. She fortunately had the hindsight to buy pre-made tare and simmer the broth this morning, so it’s not like she has to simmer things for three hours. but it’s still kinda crunch time.

You know what she just realized? She totally forgot to buy one of those bamboo rolling mats. Printer paper should work... right?

“Let’s do this, John Brad Crumb-ah. For Areummie!”

HHHHHHHHHH OHHHHHH MY GOD ROLLING SUSHI IS SO HARD is what she’d say if there was anyone around to hear her, but there’s not. It’s written clearly across her face, though. The rice is too mushy and also the printer paper keeps falling apart, so it’s kinda... papery rice? Wrapped in nori? Yuck.

It’s kind of a disaster, so she decides that it doesn’t have to be pretty and abandons the paper in favor of trying to hand roll the sushi, which naturally doesn’t work as the sushi falls apart. The result is, like, this weird sushi salad thing that honestly works in the same way that a poke bowl does. Whatever; it’ll have to do. Twenty minutes till Areum gets here.

Turning around, she spoons some noodles into a pot and tastes the broth that she made. Okay, what...? That’s actually super good. Pleased with herself, she dumps in the sauce. But again, this is Aera, and what goes wrong is that, facepalming, she realizes that what she thought was chicken sauce was actually chocolate sauce... ugh...

The whole thing has to be tossed now, so Aera does so quickly and checks the clock. Ten minutes till Areum gets here.

In a last-ditch effort, she throws some instant ramen on the stove and bounds into the kitchen to comb out and rebraid Areum’s bracelet, when her phone pings.

SEOUL THERAPEUTICS ✉ ⇢ jeon aera Jeon Aera-ssi, this is Kim Daeho, owner/operator of Seoul Therapeutics. I am texting to inform you that your masseuse has fallen ill and will be unable to arrive tonight—

(Somewhere, on the other side of town, Kim Daeho, owner/operator of Seoul Therapeutics, feels a chill run down his spine.)

—and, as all other masseurs are booked, I have issued a refund to your account. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Well, she tried. She really did. Sorry, Areum, she really wanted to throw you a big thank-you dinner, but turns out Aera’s actually going into hermitage instead. Would you like to come visit her cave? Oh, please do make yourself at home, don’t mind those scorpions crawling on her bed made out of twigs and sadness...

She stands in the kitchen, contemplating the best mountain beneath which to move all her things, before deciding that she just moved and it would be too much of an inconvenience. The weird chocolate ramen is in the trash. That salad thing is on the counter. The movies aren’t rented, the nail polish isn’t bought, and the bracelet is wearable, but ugly. The instant ramen is literally what they ate everyday for years, and also the weight of John Brad Crumb on her hoodie is starting to hurt her neck. One minute until Areum—

Ding dong!

“Gah! John Brad Crumb-ah, we can’t let her see us like this!”

With a certain kind of determination that only Jeon Aera possesses, she decides to make her grand escape. But the reason it’s Jeon Aera name-brand determination is because it wouldn’t be Aera’s if it wasn’t tinted with just a little bit of recklessness, ‘cause in her attempt to escape the embarrassment, she tries to escape out the front door, where Areum is standing.

“Areummie!”

Her face flushes bright red and she wonders what Areum thinks of the sight before her: Aera, in a hoodie, with a rabbit in her pocket and a ratty bracelet in her hand, covered in chocolate stains and mushy rice and her hair falling out of her bun.

It’s then that she realizes that she probably does know what Areum’s thinking, and that’s why she loves her twin so much in the first place. There’s no one else she’d rather go on this adventure with. No one else would so easily deal with her. Of course her sister wouldn’t judge her for the disaster that was Aera’s poorly planned surprise. Just seeing Areum makes the embarrassment wash away, and Aera gives her a smile. Thanks for being there for me. Thanks for smiling when I’m ditzy instead of rolling your eyes. Thanks for supporting me through thick and thin. Thanks for being the best sister a girl could ask for.

“Thanks for coming, Areummie. Let’s order in some takeout. I’ve got the craziest story to tell you.”

#vldtask2 #vldareum #ic / self para. #veil admins: 400 words will be fine! :) #me: you said 2k words right?

[jacksgreysays]

One of my favorite fandom things is to see the protagonists of other stories as the background characters in fanfic for a completely different story. An example would be, say, the Inuyasha cast as the background ninja manning a border outpost. Not as protagonists in their own rights, but as obviously enough themselves that you can fill out their stories, lol. Do you have any characters you think would be great for that? Even OCs! And how would you need to adapt them to not be protagonists?

I also enjoy that trope! I don’t see it as often as I like? Or, well, I don’t see it often as more than just “I needed five names and I might as well use these names” as opposed to a more integrated “these five characters would work well in this universe, here’s a little easter egg for my readers”

I do something similar in Naruto/DoS fic… maybe not “protagonists” of other stories but definitely would-have-been secondary characters in other stories are still around.

For example, the teammates of my other Naruto fic. In Counterpoise it’s Ringo Nohara and Zakuro Yuuhi who graduated two years before the Rookie Nine and then in Externality it’s Komadori Ouba who graduated the same year as Team Gai. And then, I guess, arguably Kiyoshi Utsugi who is the main character in (In)Difference and possibly Kakashi’s mom?

All three of them are alternate universes but the first two–Counterpoise and Externality, that is–are alternate universes in a different way from (In)Difference. Because Counterpoise and Externality are “what if X character existed and were relevant to Naruto/Naruto’s story” ie Konran, Naruto’s twin sister or Tetsuki who helps Naruto graduate a year early and thus becomes his genin teammate. 

Whereas (In)Difference is an AU of “what if Kakashi’s mom was an SI!OC/had knowledge of canon” even though, when I was first building her I didn’t make her with being Kakashi’s mom in mind. I made her to be a kunoichi of an age with the Sannin and then had to figure out what would make a good teammate for Dan Katou (aka Tsunade’s boyfriend) and That One Guy who was on the same mission as when Dan died and who ACTUALLY HAD A NAME? aka Kunugi Mokume. So, like… with those two in mind, who would make a good teammate abilities-wise and then… it just kind of… grew into well, I guess she’s Kakashi’s mom.

I’m getting off track. So… even through (In)Difference is an AU, Kakashi obviously still exists so his mom must still exist so I just generally use “Kiyoshi Utsugi” as his mom whether or not it’s the (In)Difference version who has canon knowledge or not. But in Counterpoise and Externality, that’s the only instance in which Konran Uzumaki and Tetsuki Kaiza exist [in the Naruto world]. But their would-have-been-teammates still exist without them, so I use them pretty frequently as like. “Oh, I need a character who’s approximately this age and would be in the RnD department. Let’s use Komadori” Or “Hey, this person is going to the hospital but it’s not a major injury so they’d have a baby medic look at it, here’s Ringo.”

I actually designed Ringo and Zakuro to be the “those two guys” for the Konoha Twelve? Like, not part of the group, obviously, but a background sort of… like Izumo and Kotetsu?

So, I guess, the how do I do it for these characters is more of a… well… I took away their genin teammate so they didn’t pass their assigned jounin-sensei’s test so they went into Genin Corps/Medic Corps/had an apprenticeship or whatever… which I guess is kind of bleak.

Um…

I also had a fairly recent almost-use of this concept. In more of a fleeting daydream-y than a full brainstorm-y way and it had more to do with a reaction to a BnHA fanfic I read that then spun wildly out of control…

I should try to make a proper post out of it since it’s the advent calendar:

Fake Fic Summaries, 25/? the Alternate Lightning edition (2019-12-17)

Strikes But Does Not Roar

Izuku never gets One For All. He doesn’t go to UA. He doesn’t become a Hero.

But heroism isn’t just for the professionals. Neither is happiness or Family.

It’s a vigilante!Izuku, basically. But, specifically, a KHR!vigilante!Izuku.

I’m talking a reverse Tetsuki Kaiza ‘verse!

Just kidding, knowledge of Tetsuki Kaiza is not needed (ALTHOUGH)

The idea actually came to me as a weird knee-jerk response to bakudeku fic Just Like The Comics by brichibi which I do recommend if you A) like bakudeku fic, B) like AUs, and C) like screaming at your screen when fictional characters are having mutual pining romantic drama but also legitimate relationship issues and not just RomCom-esque misunderstandings 

It’s a very complex set of feelings.

And without getting too much into spoiler territory, there was a lot of discussion of Achieving Your Dream versus Being Happy and because I still have conflicting feelings about the bakudeku ship, part of me was like… okay, but what if an AU of this fic in which Izuku decided, well, just because I can’t be a hero doesn’t mean I can’t help people still in the most dangerous way possible.

And then I also thought, a little bit, how… not funny… but a greater slap in the face to Bakugou if Izuku started dating someone who, on the surface, was very much like him but on the surface a worse version. Like, on paper that is. Because Bakugou is probably very handsome, if he weren’t always so >:(, and very smart and successful and devoted to being a hero. Great, fantastic, Bakugou will probably achieve his dream of being the number one hero with or without Izuku.

But will he be happy?

Versus, Izuku in this AU will never achieve his dream. Has, actually, given up on his dream or, at least, the original version of his dream. But he can still help people. And if he happens to find happiness with a loud, pale-haired, bright eyed, muscular vigilante whose punches can kind of explode things then… well… Ryohei Sasagawa is not the smartest of dudes, but he is a good sunshine boy who I and Tetsuki love very much.

So this AU takes the brichibi’s theme of Achieving Your Dream vs Being Happy and twists it into an unhappy ending (for Bakugou, at least) because instead of both of them getting both, each of them only get one.

Well, that’s the origin of the AU, but it kinda took a life of its own when I decided to use KHR characters and this is where this weird fake fic summary finally becomes relevant to your ask, lionheadbookends, because it wasn’t just the idea of Ryohei vaguely looking like Bakugou and rubbing salt in a broken up bakudeku’s wound. It also wasn’t even the fact that IZUKU IS COVERED IN GREEN LIGHTNING WHENEVER HE USES OFA. It also also wasn’t even the whole “Vongola started off as a vigilante group” thing, though all of these did help, of course.

But the cold, brutal thought that in this world of quirks–where Izuku’s misery comes from being quirkless–that another boy who had been so bullied and ridiculed and given a cruel nickname would also be quirkless… and still, eventually, find happiness despite it. That’s right, I’m talking about Dame-Tsuna.

And, okay, I suppose I have to decided whether or not Dying Will Flames exist. I do know they are independent of quirks if they do exist. And while I would love to stick with the theme of “you don’t need powers to be a hero” I have no idea how Tsuna’s Guardians would have formed around him (specifically, Gokudera, Mukuro, and Lambo… although as an Actual Child, he will not be holding the Guardian title… if they even do still structure themselves that way)

Anyway, Tsuna is quirkless as well and all of his “Guardians” have weak quirks or quirks that aren’t applicable to being a hero but they still go out and be vigilantes anyway. Like, for example, Ryohei probably has a minor healing quirk. He did not want to be a doctor. But he likes helping people, even if its not through his quirk, and he wasn’t going to not help people just because his quirk didn’t match up to his methods. (Kyoko also has a minor healing quirk, and while she did go into the medical field she decided to be a NEUROSURGEON where her quirk isn’t exactly useless but doesn’t really apply during the main part of CUTTING PEOPLE’S BRAINS).

And Izuku probably falls into this group because he, I dunno, decides to take some self defense classes finally and Ryohei’s either the teacher or an assistant or something and that’s their meet cute but really it’s the introduction to Izuku being like… the friendly boy who I maybe like has way more bruises on his face than class sparring explains? WTF? He’s going out at night and fighting crime illegally with a bunch of his friends? (With or without Dying Will Flames) and then Izuku is just like… I WANT IN.

Anyway, because this is from Izuku’s POV, it does make the KHR squad into the non-protagonists. Not necessarily “background” characters, but secondary characters for sure. Although if we focus on the unrequited bakudeku aspect of it, then the vigilantism does become the “background” for the “childhood friends and former high school sweethearts dichotomy drama of Achieving Your Dream vs Being Happy…”

Tetsuki might exist here but definitely as a background character. She does a lot of undercover stuff as in canon for Trailblazers

… this probably isn’t what you wanted, lionheadbookends…

#jacksgreyson #lionheadbookends #ask box advent calendar #prompt response #naruto #counterpoise #externality #(in)difference #ringo nohara #zakuro yuuhi #komadori ouba #fake fic summaries #brainstorm #boku no hero academia #izuku midoriya #katsuki bakugou #katekyo hitman reborn #ryohei sasagawa #tsunayoshi sawada #links #rant #strikes but does not roar

[kiro-sveta]

Valentine

This is a collaboration between @uintuva​ and myself, for @sloaners​‘ Disastrous Discord’s Spring event (originally a Valentine’s Day event, but life got in the way). This is based on the Terribly Romantic Prompt: “__ and __ could have sworn this already happened yesterday with Married in the Future.”

Uintuva did the majority of the writing, and I did the art and a tiny bit of writing. It was fun, and we hope you like this!

---

“Kakashi, wake up.”

A familiar, insistent, voice penetrated into Kakashi's sluggish mind. It was trying to tear him from the comforts of oblivion, but he didn't want it to. Kakashi pulled the surrounding softness tighter against himself as he tried to sink back into the warm oblivion. He had been so comfortable.

“Hey, hey! You're not leaving me alone with this!”

Grumbling, Kakashi scrunched his eyes close tighter and tried to hide from the now louder voice.

“Yeah, no! Being adorable won't save you from this! Wake up!”

Startling completely into consciousness at the sudden combination of yelling and rough shaking, Kakashi took stock of the situation.

He felt drained, body sluggish but no wounds. Mild chakra exhaustion. He was laying next to Obito on a strange, though comfortable bed, in a completely foreign room. A room that smelled like Obito and himself.

Slowly sitting up, Kakashi shivered as cool air touched his bare face...no mask. An already bizarre experience was made even more so when he looked at Obito.

Obito who looked...older. It wasn't immediately clear, but there was some gray at his temples and new lines around his eyes and mouth. It looked good on him; he looked happy.

But he'd been without gray on him just yesterday.

Kakashi pinched.

“Outch! Bakashi! That is not how that works!”

“Ah, but I had to make sure it was you.”

Reality dubiously confirmed, Kakashi got up from the bed. Expertly ignoring Obito's spluttering as he went about changing into something presentable, and noticing at the wedding band he had. It matched the one Obito had.

Together they rushed through breakfast while trying to avoid looking at their surroundings. Everything felt too familiar and comforting, like a safe haven. It was unsettling how calm Kakashi felt sitting across from Obito.

Even being as cautious as they could while readying to leave, Kakashi couldn't help but see a few of the photos around the house. There was Rin, sitting close together with Kurenai and one of them was of him and Obito. In full wedding apparel and a pair of Uzushio wedding bells hanging by it. They looked so happy, even with tears in their eyes. It made a warm feeling bubble in his chest.

Odd.

The whole situation was odd. If it wasn't a genjutsu...what could it be? What could make him have all these feelings….and make them feel like his own?

***

Outside was of no help. It was clearly Konoha and all the smells were right for it too, but...sometimes shops were missing or their location had changed. There were also buildings Kakashi would swear hadn't been there yesterday.

Slowly they walked through the town, pressed close together, fingers sometimes touching, nearly holding hands. It felt natural, safe. Like they'd done it a thousand times.

They were approaching Ichiraku for some lunch when the first person approached them.

“Ah...I don't really want to be a bother but,” the young woman started--Kakashi thought he'd seen her before--dithered a bit nervously. “I was wondering if you would sign this?” She handed over a clean card and a pen.

A little stunned, Kakashi couldn't help but accept. A quick signature later and the young woman was thanking them and speeding away.

“Wonder what that was about? Anyway, you sure you should've given her you signature? What if she tries forging official documents?”

Turning towards Obito, Kakashi simply shook his head.

“What?”

“Of course I used a different one. I sign official papers quite differently,” and then he gave Obito his best ‘I-question-your-brains-existence’ look.

“....”

***

Ichiraku at least was mostly the same when Kakashi and Obito arrived, and their favorites were still on the menu. They were greeted quite warmly by Ayame, who after completing their order left them in peace and privacy.

“What do you think is going on?” Obito asked Kakashi between slurping up the noodles. “I’m sure this is a genjutsu of some kind.”

“With the sharingan?”

“It’s a possibility!” Obito grumbled.

“If you say so.”

Obito eyed Kakashi carefully. He didn't trust that tone.

“You're making fun of me, right?”

“Hmm…”

“You are! You jerk! Don't see you coming up with anything! I'm just trying to be helpful!”

Kakashi smiled at him, and it...it stole Obito's breath. He inhaled sharply and promptly choked, spluttering with a red face. How embarrassing; even Ayame came over to check on him.

It wasn't his fault the bastard looked so pretty when he smiled. An actual happy smile, none of those creepy eye smiles that meant he was up to something.

Obito groaned once more and buried his flaming face in his hands, away from Kakashi's curious prodding.

***

Lunch eaten, Kakashi and Obito continued to wander the streets of this odd Konoha. They tried to puzzle out what was going on, but both kept getting distracted by their own thoughts.

Until Kakashi finally remembered something.

“We...we were at the training ground…” he mumbled, mostly to himself, but it caught Obito's attention.

“Yeah...Yeah! I wanted to show you a new trick I learned!” Then he got quiet. “Did we….what did we do after?”

“I can't remember.”

“Me neither…”

Slowly they turned to each other. Made eye contact and off they went, shunshin transporting them at great speeds towards their usual training ground.

They spent the next hour trying to piece together their fragmented memories, to gather clues as to what could've made all the weirdness around them happen.

They eventually had something of a timeline.

Obito had dragged Kakashi to the training ground.

They had sparred, quite energetically.

They had taken a break, so Obito could show off.

And...nothing. Next thing they remembered was waking up together.

“Useless!” Obito shouts, startling few birds, and flopped down. Trying to suffocate himself with the grass in frustration.

“Hmm.”

Squinting suspiciously at Kakashi, who sat down close by, Obito had to ask.

“What? Don't tell me you aren’t fed up with this?” Obito pushed himself up.

“We are nowhere closer to figur-”

“What did you want to show me?” Kakashi interrupted.

“Ah? Oh…” Obito thought about it a moment “Wait! Are you blaming me?!” he squawked, offended.

“Of course not,” Kakashi smiled. “I’m simply curious. I, after all, don't remember it.”

Accepting this with some suspicion, Obito answered.

“I learned to use my, to activate...my mangekyo. If you remember.” Obito looked solemn as he said it.

And for reason. Obito had used it only once before, when Kakashi and Rin had been buried under rocks with Obito left outside. Somehow the weird ability activated and Obito managed to drag the two to safety.

But he hadn't managed it since.

“Didn’t Sensei class it as a space time technique?” Kakashi wondered outloud, gears turning.

Obito perked up at this, it had been a source of pride to him, even when he couldn't replicate it.

“Yes, he did say that!” then something visibly clicked and Obito's eyes widened in shock

“I actually did this? This is the future??”

“Only one way to find out.”

***

Kakashi and Obito were making brisk pace towards Minato's residence. If someone could help them straighten this mess it would be Minato.

Before they made it there though they got intercepted by a familiar face with a familiar request.

“I don't want to keep you long, I was just wondering if you could sign this?” The woman held a blank card up for Kakashi.

Kakashi went through the correct motions, but when she turned to leap onto the roofs, he stared baffled with Obito.

“I could swear that already happened yesterday,” Obito mumbled, mostly to himself.

Shaking himself out of the stupor, Kakashi promptly replied, “It was today Obito. Are you having memory issues?”

“Argh! Shut up! Today's just been a long day!”

***

They slowed down and paid more attention to their surroundings as they made their way to their Sensei's residence. In case there were more repeating events. It was possible that they were in the future--and the thought that he and Obito would marry someday in their future did something to Kakashi’s mind and heart.

He had been thinking about what Obito meant to him, during this mystery. About friendship, love, and home. About what he already had and what he wanted. And he wanted more; he wanted to be closer to Obito.

But if things were repeating, especially within just a few hours, it could be something more than time travel. It was a worrying thought.

Until they saw a couple people entering a restaurant together at least.

Two women who shared the same face, and who had both apparently decided to ask for an autograph on the same day. Their clothes and hair were different, but similar enough for someone who wasn't acutely paying attention to every little detail to miss.

Kakashi eye-smiled at Obito and waved a hand in the direction of the twins, showing the reason for their sudden deja vu. Obito groaned quietly, and rubbed his face wearily. If he'd used his sharingan earlier, they would have known it was something harmless.

Based on their evidence now though--their memories and everything they'd seen while exploring--they likely were just displaced in time. And they'd already wasted so much time. Hopefully their Sensei would know how to help them, or at least point them in the right direction. Kakashi wanted to get back home. He wanted to see where their future took them.

He grabbed Obito's hand and they ran towards their hope, and eventually towards their future together.

#sloaners disastrous discord #discord shenanigans #my art #uintuva's writing #collaboration #kakashi hatake #obito uchiha #kakaobi #minor time travel #it's fine #they get home safely #and kakashi does propose after a week or so #obito says yes (he's not THAT much of a fool. sometimes) #everyone lives au (because yes) #naruto series #narutoart #kiro draws #long post

[themoonandotherslikeit]

The Hand That Reaches for God- Chapter 7

***Sometimes staying away is the easiest move. Keeping a safe distance, especially for Emerson and Dean Winchester. So, when the Maklen twins come home again, they don’t anticipate the feelings that Emerson will get having to see him again. When tragedy strikes, the Winchester brothers and the Maklen twins are forced to face, not only their feelings, but each other. In a story about pain, family, abandonment, and desire, the couples have to decide if survival, without love, is enough.***

Warnings: Angst, violence, death, mutual pinning, age difference, language, abuse, eventual smut.

Chapter Seven

“Let it hurt until it can’t hurt anymore.” -Liam Ryan

-12 Days After-

The sisters didn’t need to be told how bad it was when the power started to blink in the basement. The water had shut off on day ten, and the air stopped blowing at day eleven. On day twelve everything went dark.

They couldn’t stay there, not anymore. They were out of options.

“So we go.” Emerson said, her arms folded across her chest. “We can’t stay here.”

“Go where?” Sam asked quietly, Pheli was asleep on his lap. She’d been up crying again, it was harder for her to keep it together the longer that they were stuck in the basement. The longer that no one came for them.

They talked in candle light. The room smelled like cinnamon sticks and vanilla. Emerson watched the flames dance in Deans eyes.

“I don’t know. There’s gotta be somewhere. A safe house. We just have to find it. We can get supplies, and move out.” Dean said, his voice low.

“But the air isn’t safe.” Emerson countered.

“We have the oxygen tanks, and gas masks. We can make it. We have to try.”

Her lips were in a tight line. What other choice did they have? They couldn’t sit in the dark forever, waiting for someone to rescue them that may never come. For all that she knew everyone was dead already. Her mom always taught her that it was up to her to make her own destiny. “Save yourselves, girls. It may be romantic to think that you can be saved, to wait around for Prince Charming, but instead of waiting for someone to come along, solve your own problems. Be your own Prince Charming.”

“Okay.” Emerson agreed. “When do we leave?”

“I think we should pack our bags and head out in the morning before the day gets too hot. If it’s anything like it was, the bulk of the day will be scorching. We can’t really risk leaving at that time.” Dean explained.

“Guess we should get some sleep then.” She said quietly.

“Good idea.” Sam said, leaning back on the couch, closing his eyes. “Em you can take my bed, Phel is out like a light.”

“Okay.” She said, standing up. She leaned in and blew out one of the candles, then another, leaving them in darkness.

She pushed into Sam’s room and lowered herself on to his bed. She snuggled under the covers, but stared into the darkness of the bedroom. When they were teenagers, the boys bedrooms were on the upper floor, but when they got older they moved to the recently finished basement. Emerson wondered what the upstairs rooms were turned into when the brothers moved out.

She couldn’t sleep. She didn’t know what the day would bring. She didn’t know what it would all mean. She hadn’t been outside. She’d barely talked to anyone in the last few days, she was reading through Sam’s book series on his shelves. Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones. The classics. All they had was time, at least until that day. Until everything changed.

“Emerson?” Dean asked from the doorway.

“Yeah?”

“Can you sleep?”

“What do you think?” She had been avoiding him since the strip Bullshit situation. It was easy, because he seemed even more embarrassed than she was.

“Want some company?”

Old habits die hard.

“Okay.” She scooted over to make room for him. She turned on to her side and he slid into bed next to her. He laid flat on his back, with an arm behind his head.

“I never slept in Afghanistan. No more than thirty minutes at a time, at most. This isn’t any different.”

“I can’t stop thinking about the what if’s.”

“There are a million of them, it’ll drive you crazy.”

“That isn’t the only thing driving me crazy.” She admitted. It was easier to tell the truth under the veil of night. Blackness made everything less distinct. Fuzzy and nondescript.

“Oh yeah? What else?”

“Dean.” She whispered, waiting for her eyes to adjust. “It seems like... it seems like we aren’t getting rid of each other, right?”

“Doesn’t look like it, Maklen.” She felt him turn on his side, and scoot a little closer to her in the full sized bed. She was now completely aware of his body near hers, his warm breath tickled her face, and the bed dipped toward him.

“I’m sure there’s a million people you’d rather be here with.”

“Not really.” He said nonchalantly. He reached up to her cheek and brushed it with his fingers. “You’re not the worst company in the world.”

“Dean Winchester do you actually like me?” She gasped dramatically.

He snorted a bit, his fingers traveling from her cheek down her neck and arm. “To put it mildly.”

She thought he might kiss her. The air felt thick between them, palpable. There was a pressure, a pull, making her want to scoot a little closer to close the space between them. “You’re not the worst company either.” She admitted.

She was afraid, there was no denying it. She was afraid of what was outside waiting for them. She was afraid of dying, of making the wrong choice, and it’d be easier to let Dean hold her up. She knew he was capable. He had strong arms, and an even stronger disposition, but there was something else in the back of her mind. A question she couldn’t shake. The same one that she asked him twelve days previously, back when things were easier.

“Where’s the famous Lisa that I’ve heard so much about?”

He moved closer to her, their breath mingling, and chests brushing. “Guess its a good thing we got stuck together then.” His nose bumped hers gently, almost as if asking permission.

“And what about you? Sargent Dean Winchester with the US Army, back at home at twenty-seven living with Mommy and Daddy? What the fuck is that about? Where’s your fiancee, Dean?”

“Em.” He breathed. He was close. Maybe he needed her as much as she needed him. They could lose themselves in each other, like Pheli and Sam did. Maybe the weight wouldn’t be as heavy if they were together. Or at the very least maybe she would feel better, safe, even for just a second.

“I need you to tell me about Lisa.”

But nothing was ever that easy, was it?

He sucked in his breath. “Fucking hell.”

“What am I supposed to say?” Emerson spilled. “Am I supposed to ignore the fact that you’re engaged?”

“I’m not engaged.” He said swiftly, with a sigh.

“How convenient.”

“You want the truth?”

“That’s all I’ve wanted to hear since day one.”

“Fine, you got it.” He said between gritted teeth. Emerson’s eyes were adjusting to the darkness and she was finally able to make out his strained expression. His jaw was tight and his eyebrows were together. He wasn’t looking at her. “When I got back from Afghanistan I was pretty fucked up. Sammy didn’t wait up for me, he was away at school. You were gone, and I’d seen some shit. I was messed up. Physically and mentally, and then I met Lis. She was.... she was kind, and she dealt with a lot of my shit. I was drinking way too fucking much. She didn’t deserve the shit she put up with, but I loved her.” He was quiet for a minute, and Emerson let him gather his thoughts. His voice shook a bit when he continued. “She was pregnant. A little boy, and I was so fucking excited. I thought I found my way out of the dark, ya know? Like I’d see god in the face of that baby. Then I caught her with some guy. Turned out I wasn’t the father. She was fucking someone else the whole time. So I left, and came back home.”

Emerson winced. “Shit Dean I’m sorry I...”

“Sorry for what, Em? For prying? That’s all you do! Why don’t you just let me tell you when I’m ready? Why can’t you just trust me when I tell you to leave it alone?”

“Dean I...”

“Just leave it, Em.” He sat up, swung his legs over the side of the bed, and walked out of the room. The door slammed behind him, leaving her more alone than she’d felt in weeks.

-13 Days After-

They stepped out the front door into the bright Summer morning. Dean avoided Emerson completely, by taking the lead for the group. She couldn’t gauge his emotions from under his gas mask. She could hear her own breathing inside of her mask like Darth Vader and it was making her unnecessarily anxious. Or maybe it was necessary.

They each had a large pack on their backs, with an oxygen tank, medical supplies, non perishable food items, a few changes of clothes, and bottled water. Her back was already sore from the weight of the pack.

“Here.” Dean said, passing them each a hand gun.

“What? No way!” Pheli said, pushing it back.

“We don’t know what we are getting into out there. We may need them.” Dean said, seriously.

“Not me. No way. Someone else take it.”

Emerson felt the weight of her own gun at her hip. It felt heavy. She was on Pheli’s side. She didn’t like guns, but Dean was right. They had no idea what they were walking into.

Everything looked just as they’d left it when they entered the Winchester house. Cars wrecked, decayed bodies in the street. The major difference was the plant life, everything was red and menacing from the rain, growing jagged and angry toward the sky. The flowers, grass, and weeds were all growing out of control.

They stepped through them, and the plants tickled above the knee. They decided that they’d go toward the hospital to see if there was any news about the girls mother. They weren’t hopeful, but Ophelia wouldn’t leave until she knew that their mom was at rest.

They walked in a line, carefully, not sure what to expect.

There was no real sign of life. Anyone who had been there were long gone. The world was quiet.

Dean put his fist up to signal the group to stop, and Emerson glanced around to the front of the group, and she put her hand out to stop Pheli. There was a sixteen foot long snake that slithered in front of them. It was black, sleek, and way too fucking large. It was the thickness of Emerson’s thigh at least. Her heart pounded in her chest. Ophelia’s hand tightened around her sisters arm as the head of the snake turned to expose a second head. It was all fangs, it’s maw opening and exposing long black teeth with a hiss.

Dean pulled out his gun, clicked off the safety, pointed it at the snake and pulled the trigger blowing it away. Two shots, one for each head. The long body laid lifeless on the ground, spewing thick black blood out of its open neck holes.

Dean raised his hand and waived them forward again, but Emerson couldn’t move. The Maklen sisters were frozen, staring at the snake on the road in front of them. Emerson wondered if it escaped from the zoo, but she hadn’t recalled seeing anything even that large there. Especially not with two heads.

Sam turned to the girls, wordlessly, and placed his hand on Pheli’s. He gave her a reassuring nod, and she slowly released her grip from Emerson’s arm. The couple laced their fingers together and moved forward. Emerson had no choice but to follow them. Dean didn’t come to her.

-1 Year Before-

“I’ll have a vodka soda, make it a double.” Emerson offered a weak smile as she lowered herself onto the bar stool. She came to think. To try to wipe away all of the thoughts that were dancing around her mind.

“We can’t put her on that machine, Em! It’s cruel!”

“She can’t breathe like this, Phel! It’s over. Okay? It’s over!”

She was the bad guy, again. She was always the bad guy. She had to point out what her sister couldn’t. She had to make the decision.

She took the glass in her hand an downed the drink, signaling for another. The cheap vodka stung her throat and made her head pound a bit. She welcomed any numbness it would bring. Anything to quiet her thoughts.

“Hey.”

Her eyes flickered next to her to find Sam Winchester lower himself next to her. Her sisters boyfriend. She tilted her head to see if Pheli was on his heels like normal. She wasn’t. “Where’s Phel?”

“Still at the hospital with your Mom.”

“Did she send you?”

He shook his head. “No. I wanted to check on you. I was worried about you.”

Emerson and Sam hadn’t ever been close. Not explicitly. He’d always been there, but more of an extension of Ophelia. She never saw him much individually, even though part of her ached for his friendship.

“I’m fine.” Emerson said, but she could admit that it sounded a little strained.

“You don’t have to pretend around me, you know.”

“Yeah.” She sighed. “I think I do know that.” She spun her straw in her glass before plucking it out of the liquid. She took a swig straight from the glass.

Sam watched her expectantly, giving her time to process her thoughts.

“How’s Dean?”

Sam raised an eyebrow. “You’ve never asked me about him before.”

“I know.”

“He’s good.” Sam said carefully, not sure what all to say to her. “He’s getting married.”

She pressed her lips together in a tight line. Of course he was. She couldn’t expect for him to be single forever. It wasn’t how life worked. Nothing was quite how she thought life should work. “That’s good. I’m glad he’s happy.”

“Are you happy?”

Emerson smiled weakly. Her lips tugging at the corners. “Happiness is relative, Sam.”

“I know that.”

“I guess we both know a lot, then.”

Sam reached for her hand at the same time that she reached to finish off her glass. His hazel eyes bore into hers. “Emerson you don’t have to face everything alone.”

“I’m not facing everything alone. I have Pheli.”

“But you’re sugar coating things for her. I watch you do it.”

“I didn’t do that today.”

“No.” He said quietly. “You didn’t, and you’re punishing yourself for it.”

The bar was quiet, it smelled like musty sea breeze. Like molding alcohol. Like it’d been shut up for too long. Emerson wondered if that’s what her heart would smell like if she cracked it open.

“You’re not letting yourself mourn.” Sam said intensely, his voice barely above a whisper. “You need to let yourself feel, Em. She isn’t here for you to protect, not right now.”

Her chest felt like the air right before a rain. It tingled with electricity, her breath pushing itself out of her mouth like a gust of wind. She was bubbling over, like the waves during a storm. She crashed into him before she could stop herself, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in his shoulder. The rain erupted in a thunder of sobs as she cried into his shirt. His arms went around her and he rubbed her back. “Shh, I’m here.”

Her Mom wasn’t there anymore. She was sedated. “We can keep her comfortable, Miss Maklen.” She didn’t look comfortable. She looked like a shell.

“I can’t believe you’re giving up on her, Emerson.” Ophelia said through gritted teeth. “I’ll never forgive you for this.”

She was made Power of Attorney for a reason. Why me? She’d asked herself a thousand times. She wanted to scream. To walk into the ocean and never come back out. She wanted to drown in something else. Anything else.

She would never forget her moms fingers twitching at her side as the medication took over her. The urgency of the staff to put the tube down her throat. The tape on her dry lips. Who would be there to put chapstick on her? She hated dry lips. The hospital smelled sterile. Like medicine. She shouldn’t have to be around that smell. She should always smell like cinnamon. Like baked goods.

Emerson couldn’t breathe. She was gasping, her fingers curled in Sam’s shirt. He pulled back from her, his palms on either side of her face. “Are you okay? Hey, look at me.”

She couldn’t make out his face through the tears, but she grabbed his cheeks anyway. She leaned forward, her lips ready to grab his. To close the space between them. To distract herself. To drown in him, but he stopped her before she got too close.

“Em.” He whispered, pressing his forehead to hers. “I’m not the one you want to kiss.” He said quietly, wiping her tears.

He was right. She knew that. Sam wasn’t the one. He never was the one.

-13 Days After-

The hospital was picked over. It’d clearly been looted, which gave the group a little hope that there were survivors. “She’s on the third floor.” Emerson lifted her mask for a moment to tell them.

They nodded and followed her to the stairs. The emergency lights were barely illuminating the hallways. Gurneys were overturned. Papers littered the floor like a great wind had blown through. There were no staff or patients to be seen, but most doors were still closed.

Emerson scanned the halls, looking for any sign of danger. She stopped in her tracks as her eyes landed on a red smear on the wall. She reached forward and touched it with her gloved hand. Blood. It was wet. She picked up speed. Her heart was pounding. She pushed into the stairwell and climbed, up, up, and up.

Room 315.

If there was blood that meant someone was alive. Someone. Miracles happened sometimes. Didn’t they?

“I read about this time that a MS patient who was able to be weaned off the vent! Maybe after she gets her strength back...”

“It’s not about strength, Phel. It’s her muscles. It’s... she doesn’t work right. Her body is betraying her. No amount of rest can fix something that is so fundamentally broken.”

Maybe she was wrong. Maybe she was a fucking cynic. She turned the doorknob.

The room was surprisingly cold against the summer heat outside of the closed window. It was dark, but a shape could be made out on the bed. It was unmoving.

Pheli ran ahead of Emerson to the side of the bed.

It was Jana. The tube was still down her throat, but all of the machines were off. She laid lifeless, just like the last time they’d seen her. Her arms were folded across her chest, and her hair was swooped across her head.

A miracle didn’t happen. She was gone. They knew she would be dead, deep down. Even if the bomb never went off. It was why the girls came home. They were going to let her go. Somehow, it all was so much harder. Emerson pulled off her gas mask, and Dean stepped toward her back. Sam reached out an arm to stop him.

She moved closer to her mother. “Hi Mom.” She whispered, removing the tape from her chapped lips. She tilted her chin, and slowly pulled the tube out. She let her lay back again, and she finally looked at rest. Her eyes were closed and her muscles relaxed. She could’ve been sleeping.

Pheli removed her gas mask and let herself lay across her mother in a hug. She let out a single sob. “I thought... I really thought...”

“I know.” Emerson said, holding in her own tears. “So did I.” She could feel the familiar sting behind her eyes as she watched Pheli fall apart.

Sam moved toward Pheli, removing his own gas mask, and he pulled her into his arms. She allowed him to take her, then. “She’s gone.”

“I know, baby. I’m so sorry.” He held her, his hand supporting her head as she melted against him. He was there, again, to comfort her. He was always there.

Emerson stood alone, again. At least she thought so, until she felt Deans arms snake around her. She turned to look at him and was met with his green eyes. Her bottom lip trembled and he pulled her closer. “It’s okay, Em. You can fall apart, I’ve got you.”

Somehow she knew that he did. That he always would. So she cried. She fucking bawled. For once in her life she didn’t feel so alone.

—————

Chapter Eight

Get caught up!

Tag List:

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[sometimesrosy]

Yanno with the flame clearly still important to S6 (Kim Shumway's tweet) and The 100 being a sci-fi, why is it irrational for people to believe that Lxa could be cloned from the Flame, hell even resurrection is a possibility on sci-fi. After all the backlash as apparently Bellarke endgame is a trope that makes Clarke's bisexuality and time with Lxa 'a phase' to make way for m/f endgame. So Clxa endgame!!

Are you erasing bisexuality? 

Saying that if a bisexual woman is with both women and men, but ends up with a man that her bisexuality is just a phase? 

I myself know QUITE a few bisexual women who have gone on to marry men, some happily some not so happily, and might then go on to date or marry women after that. I know one who is looking. I know some bisexual women who married women. Some of them are still happily together. Some have split up. They can then go on to date or marry women OR men, that’s what it means to be bisexual. I know a few who idenitified once upon a time as lesbian but are now married to men.

Maybe it’s because I’m older, and I know how long life is and how fluid sexuality is. There are grown women who have finally figured out that they aren’t straight. And maybe it has something to do with seeing bisexual characters on tv who can be with women or men and end up with women or men and STILL BE BISEXUAL and realizing. Oh. Just because I’m attracted to men, that doesn’t mean that my attraction to women is invalid. I am bisexual. 

Your sexuality is not defined by who you date or don’t date, so you should be careful when you invalidate people’s sexualities, or reduce their identities down to your shipwars and gatekeeping.

Be VERY careful. Your identity is not the only valid identity. Our lives are not points in your shipwar games. I don’t accept biphbobia on my blog.  I will block any more.

Now let me move on to the science ficiton theories, although that too is suspect, because it really sounds like you’re just trying to play more ship wars. If that’s the case, then you’ve picked the wrong blogger, because I like the flame. I consider it a science fiction convention, and in my interpretation, it’s not about ships at all. It’s an AI with a human interface. The commanders are many. Not just Lxa.

The flame is important because it’s still part of the story. You don’t mention Madi ONCE. The flame is in HER head, and Gaia is teaching her to use it. AND they are heading to a planet that was colonized using Becca’s technology, and that INCLUDES ALIE. I find it likely that there will be an ALIE on this new planet. Why wouldn’t she send off the first colonists with that kind of assistant. And this one might not be a villain, if it did not malfunction with the perverse instantiation. It might be making life better for humans on the planet.

As for the cloning, I think we’re getting a lot of people who are like geewhilickers A CLONE could be a neato twist, without really thinking about what a clone would be. I haven’t seen any good cloning theories out there yet. And this is the first I’ve heard of Lxa even been mentioned as a possibility for a clone. I never said it would be irrational for Lxa to be cloned, but I’m gonna think about what that means and how the science would happen. 

You seem to be implying that it’s science fiction, so ANYTHING can happen, and that’s not really true. This is tv sci fi, which is not as rigorous as literary sci fi, true. But you still have to follow the rules of the universe. And generally this show does, even if it handwaves actual science, it usually poses an in world explanation for how things work on the show. That you think you don’t need to follow rules when you tell science fiction stories, means you don’t understand the scifi genre. Which means your interpretation is already shaky.

A lot of people are enamored of the cloning theories. I’m not so sure.  I’ve seen not one inkling of cloning hinted at, and they usually hint about things before they come. I suppose it’s possible for the flame to record Lxa’s gene code. But if it did, it would also have Becca’s, and she’s a more likely candidate for cloning.  As the actual scientist who invented all this important tech.

But wait. What kind of cloning are you talking about? Are we talking about just whipping up a person out of thin air who would be the same person who died hundreds of years ago? Where does their physical body come from? Are you saying they come out of nowhere? Like maybe with some sort of replicator? I suppose you’d want to put the flame consciousness into the replicator body? How did that body grow? What was it before the consciousness went into it. How do you PUT the consciousness in the flame into a physical body? Right now it’s in the AI computer chip. Would we need ANOTHER flame in the new body? If so, is it even a real person? Can it grow and change like a human? Or is it, in reality, an android. So yeah. An android is more likely than a clone. Or maybe just the avatar body like with ALIE. But WHY have an avatar when the flame is IN MADI? IDK. Are you saying the commanders should LEAVE the flame and come back to life in a cloned body?

But… why? What narrative purpose would that solve? The commanders are in there to help the current leader. And WHY would we pick Lxa to reanimate? Wouldn’t… wouldn’t BECCA the scientist be the better choice? What is Lxa gonna do? Start another war? Fight with swords? I thought we wanted to be better now? Are you saying we should bring her back JUST to be romantic endgame? Do you really think that’s likely, or are you building up a romance genre story in your head that is deviating from this current one that has Clarke talking to Bellamy for 6 years??? I mean. She wasn’t talking to Lxa for that 6 years, was she? If she had been, I would be changing my mind. I’m surprised you are ignoring the 2199 calls to Bellamy. I mean, if she wanted to talk to ONE person she loved above others, with no hope of getting an answer, why was it Bellamy and not Lxa?

But that’s not really cloning. Cloning is from the genes and is more like growing a baby with the same genecode. It’s more like raising a twin of Lxa. That’s just a new person. Why would Lxa’s genetic code need to be passed on by cloning? And who would raise her? Clarke’s already raising a daughter. And I don’t think you had in mind for Clarke to raise Lxa from infancy like a mom. That’s not the kind of endgame we’re talking about, is it? 

But that’s what cloning IS. A new person. Same genetics. A twin. Not the old person magically come back to life as if she’d never left, or as if she could just pick up from where she left off as a commander. 

Clones are basically TWINS. They don’t take on the personality of the genemother. I mean, Unless you’re talking about raising a clone, a genetic twin of Lxa and then putting her personality from the flame INTO the body. In which case, is she getting the flame instead of Madi? and if the flame can have it’s own body, why does LXA get to be the personality? What about the other personalities. Or would it be, like switching between Becca and Lxa and Madi and whoever else was in there? Or would they build a whole bunch of different flames and split the commanders up into different flames and different clones so they could all come back to life? DO THE COMMANDERS EVEN WANT TO COME BACK TO LIFE?

And if they DID do that, what about the identity of the clone BEFORE the flame went in there. How would that work? Would the flame override the human clone?  

I don’t know how that would happen. Would she need ANOTHER flame to hold that identity? Would the new clone have TWO identities? The one of the clone, and then the implanted Lxa identity? 

You know. I don’t think you’ve thought much about this cloning theory. It doesn’t really shake out very well.

And while there ARE ways they could have technology that could overcome these difficulties, the BIGGEST difficulty is actually a real world difficulty. 

ADC has her own show. She’s the star. She has a contract that made it difficult enough to finish her storyline in season 3. She’s NOT going to get to come back to be the main character’s love interest. So thinking that would happen really is probably something you should let go of. It’s not realistic. The most we’ll probably get is a cameo. 

I’ve got a theory that there might be a Clarke in the flame. Because all the commanders end up in there, and she was a commander for a short time. That would have meant the Flame had uploaded her identity. So if that’s the case, then there IS INDEED a FlameCL endgame. They are together forever, in the flame. Immortal.

But I doubt we’ll see any of those stories. The story remains with the LIVING CLarke, and the LIVING Bellamy, as it always has been. 

And that’s a Bellarke endgame, too.

I kind of wish you could have asked me this question without the biphobia and the shipwars, because I’m always up for discussing science fiction speculation. IN the end, I feel like this whole ask was just trying to upset me? Which isn’t going to work, because a) I believe in bellarke, since that’s the story being told, not this one you’re making up. b) the flame does not bother me at all. I like it. and c) all your theories are pretty shaky on logic and/or philosophy. d) I don’t respect bigots of any kind.

#the 100 #the flame #is this ask as much of a mess as i think it is?

[imagine-shenanigans]

jakslfdafjsdk i wuv you

Strawberry/Grima Soulmate AU

Okay so! I actually have quite a bit of this developed (well, you know that) so! In this AU Strawberry and Grims have marks that expand when they touch for the first time. In Askr, it’s pretty common for people to have very different soulmate... things. Like, lots of people have marks, counters, etc, and you get one when you show up in Askr. If your soulmate isn’t already in Askr, it’s, for all intents and purposes, a dead soulmate  bond until they show up. 

Strawberry never noticed the mark of grima on the back of their neck, until they were asking Sharena to help trim their hair a bit, and the other saw it. With the help of a couple mirrors, Strawberry saw that, sure enough, there was the mark of grima on the back of their neck! 

But, like the dumbass oblivious idiot they are, Strawberry denied that it could be grima they had a bond with, because like, there’s tons of possibilities that could have stemmed from that, right? Like, robin has that mark, so there’s totally tons of different reasons they could have it.

Besides, they reason, they don’t feel anything from the mark, and they don’t know if they ever will, so no use getting caught up in it when its just a weird tattoo, for all intents and purposes until they day they (possibly) find their soulmate. They’ve lived this long without getting too hung up on anyone else anyhow, no use starting now

Cut forward to a few months later, when the Grima Banner comes along. Strawberry, having completely forgotten about the mark by now, is super excited because he looks so cool and she always thought Grima was super cool and interesting anyway (despite not knowing much) and, sure enough, within the first pull they end up getting m!Grima. (Which, of course, is exactly what happened to me)

Strawberry, super duper excited and pumped because this is the first time one of the event banners they wanted a unit from actually gave them that unit and without thinking, they end up hugging Grima, super duper pumped, and pull back, cheering and smiling super duper wide.

They officially welcome grima to Askr, before being called away. They tell Grima that they’ll talk to him later, and get another hero to show him to an empty room that’ll be his, while his dragon body chills out outside of the castle (because he can’t attack it)

Anna, the fearless and money grabbing woman she is, ends up being the first to actually explain anything to Grima (but he refuses to listen) and then later grabs strawberry, who explains everything in detail, before going and taking him to the training tower, and making him their champion. 

(Essentially their main unit, and their bodyguard/the one they send into battle on their behalf)

So, the two get to know each other for a little bit, before it’s time for bed. Strawberry realizes they didn’t tell grima about the soulmate thing only after they’re almost to their room, and ends up letting Anna know (since all heroes have to be told about soulmate stuff, just in case) so that she can go tell him. 

The next morning, Strawberry ends up late to breakfast (they stayed up super late) and Sharena walks in to check on them, and sees Strawberry’s back as their changing. The mark of grima on their neck now has black scales around it in a wide strip that follows Strawberry’s spine (inside the shoulder blades), from the base of their skull, down to the base of their spine. There’s also purple flames here and there, that seem to swirl and move a bit if you look at them for long enough. 

Sharena gasps, and makes Strawberry look at the markings they hadn’t seen before in the mirror, and Strawberry like, just sits on the floor and feels like crying, and is tearing up. Sharena tries to console them, until they say “how will i know who it is now? i don’t even know when it changed!”

honestly it’s

just infuriating at some point yknow

poor Sharena

Sharena just pats Strawberry on the shoulder, and convinces them to get up and get breakfast, before leaving the room so they can get fully dressed. 

Later, in the library, Grima, who is supposed to follow Strawberry around (and does, because he has nothing else better to do and he wants to avoid the falchion users as much as possible) ends up getting sick of Strawberry looking miserable, and tells them to spit it out (whatevers bothering them). Strawberry ends up talking about how they “found their soulmate at some point” but has no idea who it is, because they didn’t look at it.

Grima goes silent, and Alfonse and Sharena, who are watching from behind some bookcases, while Anna is waiting with bated breath (because she has sixteen different bets riding on this). He then says that he found his soulmate at some point since his arrival, but also doens’t know who it is. (And then hastily adds that he doesn’t care, either)

There’s a pause, and then Strawberry pats his hand. “I’m sorry, I hope you find out however it is, whether you choose to pursue that person or not!” and he ends up giving some sort of sound that’s the equivalent of “you too”

Anna cheers silently, Sharena, squats close to the ground, covering her face, and Alfonse looks dead inside

Grima and Strawberry end up spending more time together, not realizing they’re soulmates because they haven’t seen the matching marks, and because they’re both denying/confused by the tug of the soulmarks that has them trying to come together. Strawberry doesn’t understand the feeling, but just assumes it’s because they’re happy to have grima around and are super confused, while Grima isn’t exactly sure what emotions and physical feelings mean in this body just yet.

They grow closer, and one night, while Strawberry decides to make a late night trip to the library without any supervision (no matter how many times she’s warned about assassins, they never take it seriously because the assassins have never actually made it close to them), they’re cornered. 

They end up getting cut on the cheek from the dagger they happened to dodge on chance, but end up falling from the force of it. Scared, and confused, they try looking for a way out, but are cornered.

Until a certain dragon shows up, sees the blood and tears on strawberry’s cheek, and absolutely loses it on the assassin. He ends  up sticking his entire hand through the dude’s chest, before picking Strawberry up, and marching them to the closest healer he can find, and then demands they “fix them”

Grima does not let anyone but that healer (who is Sakura) close to Strawberry, even as Alfonse comes in to check on them and figure out what had happened. 

After that, he ends up being super pissed at Strawberry for leaving their room without saying anything - but is also slightly unwilling to admit he cares about them - and then tells them that, “since you’re so weak, I’m going to have to watch you more closely.”

Which, of course, results in Grima following Strawberry around like 24/7, even going so far as to sleep outside/against strawberry’s door if they’re being stubborn about letting him be their bodyguard. (Because before they did that just to make him feel like they had an actual job, since they didn’t take the position seriously at all. Now, it’s like an insult to the already sore wound they’re licking)

Eventually, Strawbs realizes how stubborn they’re being and apologizes to Grima for being so rude and stubborn. They talk about how they just felt helpless (and how much they hate it) and it was like adding insult to injury in their mind, when really they were grateful he was even willing to help protect them.

It’s a pretty cute bonding moment, and Strawberry (who never shows their face to anyone) ends up pulling back their hood and says that they trust him, and that they’re sorry for being such a dick.

Grima has literally never been so deep in feelings in his life, because after that he can’t stop seeing their face in the back of his mind, and there’s also quite a bit of smugness there because he’s the only one. 

It’s not long after that, that Strawberry ends up starting to realize they’ve caught feelings, but they also don’t want to betray the friendship they have with Grima (feeling it will also betray his trust) by developing those feelings, so they don’t act on them

Until one day, when Strawberry realizes the feelings aren’t going away no matter how hard they smash them into a little box in the corner of their mind (while trying desperately to shred it or burn it so they stop feeling like this) they end up having to talk to Grima

They’re super upset because of it, which turns into a misunderstanding on Grima’s part (very briefly) because he automatically assumes that they’re not wanting to be with him because he’s a villain and killed people etc etc, until they say that they didn’t want to lose his friendship and betray his trust, and how they knew he wouldn’t return the feelings, etc

And then they pull back their hood to show him the “stupid dumb mark” on the back of their neck, and say that it’s probably because of it even though it’s probably not his and-

look, at this point he’s already kissing strawberry, with like, a SUPER firm grip on them

he has to make it painstakingly clear that “no, i like you dumbass, and also we have the same mark so we’re clearly soulmates” because Strawberry cannot wrap their head around the fact that Grima actually likes them and they’re actually soulmates. 

after that, they end up getting together, and finally have Grima sleeping in Strawberry’s room (he was already doing that, but this time it’s ~romantic~)

It’s a couple months after this that Strawberry summons two morgans with their shade of brown hair, pointed ears, and they’re calling her mom. 

The two (Morgan and Morgana - Grima named them, they explain gently at Strawberry’s pained expression, because she was asleep and Grima was charged with naming the twins) have lost good chunks of their memory, mostly revolving around where they came from, but they do have select memories that mainly revolve around times with each parent (Also, they’re manaketes because i like the idea and i said it’s a thing)

Strawberry takes to the kids immediately while Grima takes some time to warm up to them. Morgan loves both his parents equally, but he definitely loves his mom best, because she makes him sweets and bakes with him and encourages him to have interests he normally wouldn’t take part in, because they’re childish (fuck the police! Strawberry says, while shoving childrens books back into morgans arms despite the fact he can read thick tomes in a day - do what makes you happy, as long as you aren’t hurting other people!)

Morgan is also a super sweetheart who puts on a pretty tough act considering he’s cried over accidentally killing a caterpillar before (which is also hilarious, because he’s fought in so many battles without blinking an eye at felling an enemy). He also uses tomes, even though his mom has no clue how to do the magic thing, because he’s weak and doesn’t like hurting other people, and also he doesn’t like transforming

Morgana, however, the little hellion, takes after her mother and father in the worst, but best ways. She loves both parents, but she tends to bounce back and forth with who she likes best, depending on who’s encouraging her to do whatever she wants (even when it’s malicious). She pulls pranks, and makes pitfalls more often, and she wields a levin sword because it’s “fucking cool” and “i’m going to do what i want, and i want a sword that shoots lightning”. She also loves turning into a dragon, much more than her brother, and she unapologetically does whatever the fuck she wants because honestly? who’s gonna stop her?

The answer is, nine times out of ten, Strawberry, who is consistently the only one to be able to talk her out of super bad ideas, and the other times is the one encouraging her

I don’t have uch planned after that, except for shenanigans involving the twins, the dragon kids (the kanas, y!tiki, nowi (even if she is’nt technically a kid), myrrh, etc) who Strawberry adopted and Grima got attached to, and this next fun part i like to call “Sorry I’m fucking your evil counterpart, think we can still be friends?”

It’s where Strawbs and Grima, after the end of everything in Askr, decide to go back to a different version of Ylisse than wherever Grima was from, and lay low and just live peacefully with the twins. Strawberry also remembers Tiki is older, so (as she hopefully puts it) “Maybe we might run into our tiki again! It’s not super likely, but i like to think about that”

Strawberry was never happy in their world, and Grima wasn’t in his, so they figure a compromise of going to a different Ylisse is possible!

When they get there, their intent is definitely to lay low, but the twins have disappeared, and Strawberry really  wants to see if this tiki is their tiki..... so Strawberry, newly made dragon-adjacent, decides that while she searches for the kids, Grima should hold down the fort at home in case they come back to the cave/find their way there.

Grima is not pleased, but agrees that he probably should lay low, considering they don’t know where they’re at in the timeline, and also don’t know what’s happened in this one either.

Strawberry, after finding Tiki (and it’s the right one!), ends up getting a big hug and a “mom!!” before Tiki corrects herself (cause oops) but Strawberry is already like “NAH I LOVE YOU YOU’RE MY KID” and becomes super protective of her.

Which, of course, ends with Strawberry accidentally joining the shepherds with Tiki because fuck, her nowi is here too (and shhh Nowi don’t tell them that Strawberry is fucking grima)

It goes... about as well as you’d think

Strawberry does find the morgans, to be fair, but it’s along with this robin’s morgan (who is. very confused) and right as there would be some explaining happening, like, yknow, “why do your kids look like mine but weird” 

but then more risen show up, and one of them has a Wyrmslayer. Which, on its own, sucks pretty hard when you’re hit by it, but Strawberry learns Pretty Quickly that they are also affected by it now in the same manner as other dragons (which is to say, badly)

It’s around this time that Grima shows up (Strawb’s grima) and everyone’s like “oh okay, this day just went from bad to worse) until he goes “GET AWAY FROM MY WIFE” and let me tell you. nothing is weirder than an alternate and male version of your tactician on the back of an evil dragon, who shows up surrounded in angry purple flames, picking up this peppy, white-cloaked kind of manakete and snarling at anyone who gets near except for Tiki, Nowi, and the Twins, and is saying “get away from my wife”

Robin and chrom just kinda

“what”

after the battle, some explaining is done, but man. it’s wack

#mod strawberry #strawberry writing #strawberry headcanons #summoner: Strawberry #you def sent this in just to call me out on how much of a dumbass i am at any given time #and call out the oblivious energy this radiates #also this is #like #suuuuper rambly but its midnight so

[ardent-x]

Why it doesn’t matter if you are a “true” twin or not. We are all twin souls.

Well, I’ve been waiting to finally complete the “download” on this topic, since I received that info about a month ago but it wasn’t pretty clear to me. Now it is.

So, you go on YouTube or Google and you see all those videos and articles - 

- “Are you a true twin?” ; “How to recognize if you are a Twin Flame?” “11 Signs you have met your twin” - and basically you get the idea, whole lot of crap. 

This whole “fashion” comes from a very ego-based place. First of all, no one can tell you who is your twin. No signs, or symptoms or synchronicities. I mean , come on. Think about it. According to the “prophecy” there should be only 144 000 TRUE twin flames on earth now. Do you even realize how small of a number that is, for the huge fuss it made? I’m not sure how accurate that number is, but truth is in fact MANY of the people who think they are a true twin, are not really. And I’m gonna explain later why it doesn’t matter.

Twin Flames (I honestly have grown to DISLIKE strongly this name due to its mass commercialization, but due to a lack of a better word, I’ll keep using it for the mass) is a mission. Period. That will not change. It takes intense awakening, a spiritual mission, and following its true path. You will never meet your other half if you are not living up to your authenticity. As my DEAR friend @scarletteugenetarot posted in one of her monthly readings, January’s major arcana is the Magician. Magician is all about “as above so below”. So he is a very twin soul card, because as you are ABOVE you must be so BELOW. Above is your true authentic higher dimensional self, and below is your 3D version. So first and foremost you have to be in an alignment with your own self. 

This is indeed a romantic journey. But it’s a journey of a love of a lifetime, love for yourself, romance with the beautiful world we live in and the potential it has. It’s about falling in love with your own self and life itself, and its wonders. 

Many twin souls are born awakened, simply because they have prepared well before they come on Earth, and are old/experienced souls. And because this journey takes time to remember all the knowledge you had before you crossed the veil. Many of their compliments are not, because they don’t need to be. It’s all about the mission you chose for yourself this life. And others might awaken later and experience everything intensely and at a rapid pace. As you can already see, it depends. There are no SURE signs for that.

So why it doesn’t really matter if you are a true twin flame? 

Because this whole movement that the twin flame community is forming triggers in most people the #MeToo mindset. Everyone wants to board the train. Not me tho, when I first learned what twin flames were about my first thought was “M-m, nu uh, I ain’t doing that shit. I wanna have a peaceful life and a peaceful love, period. I’m glad I’m not on that journey.” I couldn’t have been more wrong. However the Universe did listen to me. The Universe gave me the soulmate I wanted. And I realized I can’t do that. I can’t be with someone who cannot follow my soul growth pace, and who cannot help me grow in a positive, loving way. Back then I wasn’t even THINKING of twin flames, this was a forbidden subject for me, because truth is I was terrified of the journey. But just the very fact I sent out the intention of wanting someone who will grow on my pace , it sent out a powerful ripple out in the universe. And I can tell you, you create your own reality. I still don’t have clarity if really my supposed 3D twin is the same as the one I met in the astral, but all I know is they are connected and working together. So even if he isn’t a soul division of my “true twin” , it doesn’t matter, because it’s still happening, and I’m still experiencing this journey at its fullest. And that’s whats it about, it’s not about the OUTCOME, not about the finish line, but the JOURNEY. 

So it is possible you were never on that journey, you were never planned in the supposed 144 000 chosen ones or whatever, but just your rapid and fast soul growth, and sending out the RIGHT vibrations and intentions towards the Universe, might actually bring him in your life. Everything is possible folks.

So this whole #MeToo movement is inspiring a TON of people to focus on their own selves, their own soul path and experience, and growth. Who cares who you meet? Who cares if its a twin flame, a soulmate, or just no one who has a label? Aren’t we here to experience DIVINE LOVE, and isn’t divine love about loving each and every being and soul on earth and above earth? Well, hell yeah. We are the universe experiencing itself, we are indeed all ONE, so technically we are all twin flames. 

You, who are reading this, you are my twin soul, and I am yours, somewhere, in some parallel universe or timeline. 

And still, here are some guidelines to know if you are on the twin flame path, or if you have chosen the “right” embodiment of your twin. Answer HONESTLY the next questions and you will have the knowledge.

1. Has the person you consider your twin soul hurt you, mistreated you, cheated, or shown any signs of lack of emotional intelligence and empathy? If yes, then, ask yourself, why would you call such a person a twin flame? A MIRROR soul? Is that what you BELIEVE your mirrored soul looks like? Your reality is what you believe it to be. But I believe you are better than this. This is why a true twin will mirror your highest vibration qualities, because you are NOW living in your true, authentic version. Because you come from a place of love and joy, light, and the universe will mirror back this to you. 

2. Instead of asking “Is he/she my true twin?” ask yourself WHY are you doubting? What fears are trying to come out that makes you pop that question in your head constantly? There is a reason for you asking that. To either gain knowledge and strengthen your faith, or simply realize that this person is not your true mirror, it’s not who you want to be, or see your highest potential of self in them. 

It’s all about YOU and what YOU perceive love to be or how happiness should look like, so it is a constant journey. So in a sense, technically, when you become your true self, you meet your other half. But who says where the limits lie of your TRUE self? That’s the thing. There is no limit, we will never be our true authentic selves, for there is no limit of who we can be.

So really, IT DOESN’T FUCKING MATTER as long as you are chosing YOU before anyone else, and choosing your own happiness, whatever it might look like to you. 

#Twin flames #twin souls #ascension #soul journey #soul growth #divine #divine compliments #divine masculine #divine feminine

[sky-full-of-imagines]

Hearts Don’t Break Around Here (Remus x Reader)

What can i say? Ed’s new album inspired this xx listen to the song here

She is the sweetest thing that I know

You should see the way she holds me when the lights go low

Shakes my soul like a pot hole, every time

Took my heart upon a one-way trip

Guess she went wandering off with it

Unlike most women I know

This one will bring it back whole

Daisies, daisies perched upon your forehead

Oh my baby, lately I know

You had known Remus since you were a first year; he was best friends with your twin brother, Sirius. Everyone knew that you were both head over heels for each other since second year — it was now fifth year and everyone was pretty much tired of how oblivious the two of you were.

If anyone asked you if you had feelings for the tall marauder you would blush furiously and timidly say no. But you knew that you were lying, you had a crush on him since second year and you hoped to have the courage to profess your feelings to him one day, but were afraid to do so for the sake of your friendship.

If anyone asked him if he had feelings for the youngest Black sibling (youngest by twelve minutes but Sirius dubbed you as the baby of the family) he would nervously say no, that it would be wrong to have romantic feelings for his best friend’s younger sister; inside his mind it was different, he wish he could go on and on about how wonderful you were, how your laugh was his favorite sound and how he was definitely sure that you were sweeter than chocolate.

That every night I'll kiss you you'll say in my ear

Oh we're in love aren't we?

Hands in your hair, fingers and thumbs baby

I feel safe when you're holding me near

Love the way that you conquer your fear

You know hearts don't break around here

Oh yeah yeah yeah , yeah yeah yeah yeah

 Study dates were a Friday night ritual for the two of you, even though neither one dared to say the word date out loud. This particular Friday you had come down with a terrible cold and could barely walk straight.

“Y/N, you really should rest, I’m sure your professors will understand if you miss class today, hell I’ll even make it sound that you’re dying so they don’t give you any problems.” Lily said as she put a hand up to your clammy forehead.

“I’m not upset about missing class…” you mumbled.

“I’m sure Remus will understand that you can’t make it to your weekly library date.”

“It’s not a date.”

“Then what do you call the love sick lingering gazes?” she teased.

“Sod off, Evans.” You muttered as you sank deeper into your blankets.

“Love you too! I’ll see you later, okay?” you simply nodded as she left.

A couple of hours past which were mostly spent sleeping on and off, by dinner time you were starting to feel a bit better and were about to fall asleep once again when a knock woke you up.

“Come in!” You hoarsely called back. You heard a faintly “Alohomora” and Remus came in with a tray of food.

“Hope you’re feeling better.” He said as he made his way to your bed, gently setting down the tray on your lap.

“Now I am.” You replied, smiling broadly. He had made you some chicken broth and tea.

“Just so you know, Pads and Prongs were very close to starting a vigil for you…” he said chuckling. You arched an eyebrow in response, prompting him to go on.

“Lily really did sell the story of you being on your deathbed, you would think that Sirius would know if his twin was truly dying but he claimed that the twin telepathy wasn’t working properly because it was raining today.”

You snorted, shaking your head as you picture the scene, but were thankful that Remus was the brains of the group and that he was kind enough to come and check on you.

“I figured you didn’t want a Sirius induced headache so I set up a few more spells so he wouldn’t be able to come into the girl’s dormitories.”

“Remus, have I ever told you how much I love you?” you said gratefully but quickly turned a deep red once you realized what you had said. He simply looked down and smiled, running his hand through his already messy light brown hair.

You finished your meal and asked Remus if he could bring you another blanket, he quickly went to get you one.

“Scoot over,” he said. You were confused but did as you were told.

“Remus, I don’t want to get you to get sick!” you protested, not because you didn’t want to cuddle with him, but because you really didn’t want to get him sick.

“Don’t worry Y/N, I’m a healthy wolf.” He said with a lopsided grin.

“That was one of the worst wolf jokes…What would the guys say? You can kiss your comedy club goodbye.”

“Well aren’t you the funny one tonight.” And so you spent the rest of the night bantering and laughing. He had his arm around you, protecting you from the world, your head on his chest. You fell asleep to the sound of his heartbeat.

 She is the river flow in Orwell

And tin wind chimes used for doorbells

Fields and trees and her smell, fill my lungs

Spent my summer time beside her

And the rest of the year the same

She is the flint that sparks the lighter

And the fuel that will hold the flame

Oh roses roses laid upon your bed spread

Oh my, hold this, oh this, I know

 Not that Remus needed any confirmation that he was in love with you, but the moment he took a whiff of his Amorentia potion, the smell of your shampoo, chocolate, and caramel coffee overwhelmed his senses and prompted a deep blush to cover his pale face.

“So does it smell like my sister’s fruity shampoo or no? perhaps like the sickly sweet coffee she drinks?” Sirius said as he smirked at Remus knowingly.

“Not now Sirius…”

“I’m just saying, I wouldn’t mind having you as a brother-in-law.”

Remus, Sirius and James left Potions class, both of them were teasing Remus but stopped once they sat down in the Great Hall next to you and Lily. You happily waved to the boys and after a few minutes someone tapped your shoulder. You saw Sirius glaring at whoever was behind you and how Remus had a confused looked on his face.

“Y/N Black.” Called the voice from behind you.

“Lucius Malfoy.” You said as you turned around, of course you would have recognized that snobbish voice anywhere. You had been introduced to the Malfoy family when you and Sirius started Hogwarts but since you three were sorted into rivaling houses, the pureblood friendship that your parents had hope for had vanished. Or so you had thought.

“Will you do me the honor of accompanying me for a short walk?” he said offering you his hand while throwing your brother a condescending smirk.

“What if I say no?”

“Trust me, this is not an offer you can refuse, darling.” The way he said darling made your skin crawl, you decided to go with him just so he would leave you alone. Your friends threw you worried glances and you saw how James had to place a hand on Sirius’s shoulder to stop him from attacking Malfoy, you also noticed how Remus was also glaring at Lucius. Yeah, it was better to humor the Malfoy snob than have Sirius expelled because of a fight.

After a few minutes of  walking in silence, Lucius spoke up.

“I don’t understand why you mingle with those sorts of people.”

“Well, one of them is my brother.” You said curtly.

“But the mudbloods, Lupin and the Evans girl?”

“What about them?”

“As if you don’t know what I mean, with such a pretty face, being a blood traitor is something I could easily ignored.”

“Excuse me?” you said, stopping in the middle of the hallway.

“All I’m saying is that out of you and your so called brother, the only one worth saving and keeping pure is you. What do you say if we got to know each better at the next Hogsmeade visit? “When hell freezes over, Malfoy.” And with that you spun around and went straight to the Gryffindor common room, no longer hungry.

Once your friends got back and saw you sitting by the fire with a scowl on your face they knew that whatever Malfoy wanted was nothing good, and they were right.

“So, what did that git want?” Sirius asked as soon as he spotted you.

“He basically told me that I should consider the Black family ‘motto’ and that by dating him I could atone for being a blood traitor.” The room went silenced as you said, good thing it was only the marauders, Lily and you in the common room because you didn’t want anyone else to witness Sirius’s reaction. In an instant he drew out his wand, James tackled him as Remus shouted expelliarmus.

“HOW DARE HE? JAMES GET OFF ME, I NEED TO GO AND KILL THAT WEASEL.” James was currently sitting on top of Sirius, Remus had his wand with a scowl on his face and Lily just looked apprehensively at the situation.

“Sirius, I said no, he’s a horrible human being. I mean he basically told me what mother is always telling us, to remain pure. I’m not stupid, I obviously turned him down.” You said, putting on a smile for your brother so he could calm down.

You all calmed Sirius down, and soon enough him and James were planning a prank on him while Remus watched you carefully. You were far too quiet and he was starting to worry.

You excused yourself and headed towards the astronomy tower. Lucius words did get to you, it hurt that he spoke of your brother and of your friends in such a way, especially of Remus. You didn’t even realize that hot tears were cascading down your cheeks, it wasn’t until someone placed a handkerchief on your lap that you looked up and were met with a familiar pair of green eyes.

“Thank you.”

“Always.” Remus murmured as he pulled you into a hug, your tears soaking his dark red sweater, as he rubbed soothing circles on your back.

In that moment you fell harder for him, if that was even possible. 

A couple of weeks passed after the Lucius incident, and soon enough the whole school found out that you had turned down one of the most prominent pure blood heirs. Sure enough, Lucius would throw snide remarks your way whenever he would see you, usually you didn’t let that bother you, although Sirius hexed him at least five times over the past two weeks, whereas Remus didn’t like you being alone in fear that the spiteful Slytherin would hurt you in anyway.

Remus and you were making your way towards the library, it was a Wednesday night but the full moon fell on a Friday this month so you had to rearrange your weekly study date. You were laughing at something Remus said when you were harshly shoved aside by someone’s shoulder, your books flew out of your arms and next thing you know, Remus had Lucius pinned down against the wall, wand drawn out and pointed menacingly towards his neck.

It took you a good five minutes to coax Remus off of the now scared looking Lucius. As soon as Remus lowered his wand, he ran off.

“Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you did he?” Remus asked, scanning you over for any sign of injuries.

“You could’ve gotten expelled if you attacked him! What were you thinking?” you asked with a voice full of worry. Remus started laughing.

“Moony! This isn’t funny!”

“Love, I would get expelled in a heartbeat if it meant that no one would ever hurt you.” You didn’t know what to say, his eyes shone with sincerity and love. It was in that moment that you realized that the boy in front of you saw you the same way that you saw him. You hugged him tightly and he did the same, he looked down and asked you if you were really okay, instead of responding, you acted on instinct. Heart hammering wildly, you rose on your tiptoes and kissed his lips. You heard him gasp into the kiss but he started kissing you back in a heart beat, you were both smiling into the kiss once you realized that you both felt the same way.

“I guess we ought to thank that git for this, huh?” Remus said as he took your hand into his.

“I would say yes but he’s already too full of himself…”

Later on that night when you came back to the common room, hand in hand, the whole room did a double take from your faces to your intertwined hands.

“IT WAS ABOUT DAMN TIME!” Sirius shouted as he and James came sprinting down the stairs. Lily squealed as both you and Remus blushed furiously.

“Now Remus, I know that you could easily tear me apart with your furry little problem and all, but if you hurt my sister…” Sirius said, smiling at the both of you. Remus simply chuckled and shook his hand. The rest of the night was spent as usual, only this time around Remus didn’t let go of your hand at all.

Well I found love in the inside

The arms of a woman I know

She is the lighthouse in the night that will safely guide me home

And I'm not scared of passing over

Or the thought of growing old

Because from now until I go

Every night I'll kiss you you'll say in my ear

Oh we're in love aren't we?

Hands in your hair, fingers and thumbs baby

I feel safe when you're holding me near

Love the way that you conquer your fear

You know hearts don't break around here

Oh yeah yeah

Many full moons had passed as you and Remus began dating, the current one came and went, you still weren’t allowed to accompany the rest of the guys into the shrieking shack but you waited for them to return so you could tend to Remus’s injuries. It was around dawn when Remus came stumbling in, dark circles under his eyes, but overall it didn’t look as bad as other moons. You gently dabbed at the wounds on his face and tucked him in. As you were about to leave he grabbed your wrist.

“Stay with me, love? I missed you.” You nodded, a loving smile on your face.

A few minutes passed by, you thought he had fallen asleep but you were surprised when he nudged you.

“I love you.” He said as he kissed the top of your head with a smile.

“I love you too, now get some rest, I’ll be here when you wake up.” You answered back, snuggling closer to him as he wrapped his arm around you.

You both fell asleep intertwine in each other’s warmth and love.

I feel safe when you're holding me near

Love the way that you conquer your fear

You know hearts don't break around here

Oh yeah yeah

You know hearts don't break around here

Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah

#remus x reader #remus lupin x reader #remus lupin imagine #marauders era #marauders imagine #harry potter x reader #remus lupin

[welcometophu]

Revelations 7

Twinned Book 1: Commit to the Kick

Revelations 7

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It seems like that one breakthrough should send them tumbling down a path to resolution, but it doesn’t. Over the next few days, Alaric meets with Pawel and Rory. He has a conference call with Rory’s Gram and Nana. He absolutely refuses to discuss anything with his father. Until he knows more about this new shape, he doesn’t want to try to explain to his father that he’s broken again.

Each new conversation breeds new questions. He smells exhaustion coming off of Mac as she explains her identity to Rory and Thorne, to Drea and Corbin. Rory claps a hand over Thorne’s mouth, forestalling any questions, but Alaric can’t be sure Thorne won’t try again later.

They all try to convince him to shift again into the dragon form, but Alaric can’t seem to call it forth. He wonders if it might be for emergencies only, and he doesn’t want to get into that level of emergency again.

By the time Friday evening rolls around, he’s frustrated enough that the walls at OPT feel like they’re closing in on him. He walks out without a word and walks around campus until he cools off. When he’s back in his room, he stares at the walls, tries to think of something to do while his friends are all at the campus movie.

He grabs his phone, texts, What about tonight?, then sets it down on the desk.

It buzzes. Where are you?

My room. I can be at your place in ten, Alaric texts back.

NO.

It pauses after that, and Alaric’s breath catches, his heart ratcheting faster until the phone buzzes again.

Stay put. I’m coming to you.

Alaric relaxes. He doesn’t know why the caps—why Thorne would yell like that—but he’s coming here. Alaric didn’t fuck everything up. He closes his eyes, breathes in slowly, breathes out. When the door creaks open, and Thorne is standing there in the doorway, hair disheveled, chest rising and falling as if he’s run the whole way, Alaric suddenly realizes where they actually are.

“Wait.” He jumps up, looks at Rory’s bed, then at Thorne. “Not here. Not in this room.”

Thorne pushes a hand through his hair, which does nothing to tame it. He gently closes the door behind him. “Sit down, Alaric. We’re not doing anything Rory wouldn’t approve of.” He pauses, makes a face. “Strike that. We’re not having sex in this room. We’re going to talk.”

They end up sitting on the floor, cross-legged and facing each other, knees almost touching. Thorne’s scent has a sour edge, sorrowed.

“I don’t get it,” Alaric says.

“I know.” Thorne pushes at his hair again, gives up and digs a band out of his pocket, wraps it around to pull the thick mess back into a rough ponytail. “And that’s why we’re going to talk. I don’t think we should keep having sex, Ric.”

“Why not?” Alaric still doesn’t get it. It’s been good. It’s really good to get off with someone else, and he trusts Thorne. He trusts him with all the little details that he’s afraid to tell anyone else about what he wants. What he needs sometimes. “Is this about the dragon?”

Thorne flips one hand palm up, cradles a tiny ball of flame. “I am not afraid of a fire-breathing dragon,” Thorne says with a small smile. “In fact, that makes me appreciate you even more as a friend. Seriously. Have you thought about whether you could carry someone on your back? If there’s ever actually a war, I could ride you into battle and we could rain flames down on all the evil.”

“You’ve really thought about this.” Alaric shakes his head, tries to clear the image away. “You do realize that if there’s a war, our families will be on different sides.”

“That depends on if we take sides and play along like traditional Clan and Mage.” Thorne waves his hand like he’s erasing the conversation. “We’re getting sidetracked, and I need you to understand this. It’s not about the dragon. It isn’t even about you, Ric. I like you. I’m really glad we became friends this year, and frankly, the sex is good,” Thorne admits.

“Then why?” Because Alaric still doesn’t understand. “We’re friends. The sex is good. What’s wrong with that?”

“Are you having sex with anyone else?” Thorne asks quietly.

Alaric’s brow furrows. “No. Why?”

Thorne’s breath huffs out. “Because the first thing you told me is that you didn’t want a relationship. And you and me?” Thorne points to the space between them. “You’re starting to treat this like a relationship. It’s like a crutch. You know you want sex, so you text me. We fuck, that’s it, we go on. But then it happens all over again, and in its own way, that’s a relationship, Ric.”

“We don’t date.”

Thorne laughs softly. “Relationships aren’t always about dating. There are so many kinds of relationships, Ric. And you keep glaring at me when I flirt with someone else.”

“Mac’s not interested in anyone.” That’s the last person Alaric can remember Thorne flirting with.

“I’m not going to sleep with Mac,” Thorne replies. “I know she’s not interested. On the other hand, if Nate’s interested? I’m willing to get in bed with him. The girl who was at my place on Sunday when you were coming back from the tournament in Boston? Pretty sure we’ll hook up again, and she said something about bringing a friend.”

Alaric growls softly. “So you’ll sleep with them, not me.”

“Would you be angry if you texted me and I was in bed with Nate?” Thorne asks

Alaric turns his head, clamps down until his jaw is tight as he stares at the floor. Because yes. Because he’s used to this, accustomed to the idea that Thorne’s there when he wants him. That they have this thing.

“You don’t love me,” Thorne says plainly, and it’s not a question.

Alaric shakes his head.

“But you want to keep me for yourself.”

Alaric licks his lips. “Sounds about right,” he admits.

“I’m not sure what we’re doing is healthy for you anymore,” Thorne says softly. “It helped in the beginning, but you’re hiding from things now.”

“What the fuck am I hiding from?” Alaric bursts out, because… what the fuck?

“That’s the point. You don’t know, because you’re hiding,” Thorne tells him. “I just think that maybe you need to give yourself a chance. Look at what you’re looking for, and figure it out. Think about it. Which might mean trying something with someone else, I don’t know. And you can always talk to me about anything. You want to figure out how to tell someone what you like? I can help with that. You want to rant about something? Fine. I’ll listen. Given what we’ve already done, I’m pretty sure there’s not much left to be embarrassed about.”

There’s heat in Alaric’s cheeks. He’s flushed red. It’s different than when the dragon slips under his skin. He can smell his own embarrassment, his own frustration. “I don’t know what I want. This was—it was….”

“Convenient?” Thorne says, and huffs a laugh when Alaric nods. “It was good, too. I don’t regret it, and I hope you don’t. I just think—I think you’re ready to take off the training wheels. Figure out where you want to go, and go there. Give yourself a chance.”

“But I don’t—” Alaric stops, frustrated by the lack of words to express what he’s trying to say.

“You don’t understand love?” Thorne says, and Alaric nods. “And you don’t fully understand the concept of romantic relationships?” And Alaric nods again.

Thorne leans forward, gets a hand at the nape of Alaric’s neck, holds him there while he kisses him gently. “Just remember that you can find someone who understands you. Who won’t push for more than you can give, but who can give you what you do want. Like regular sex, just with you. And being there as your friend. I’m sure he’s out there.”

Alaric nods again. He’s out of words, out of any way to make sense of this. He feels like he’s losing something, but when he reaches inside his mind to touch the concept, he’s not upset. He’s certainly not heartbroken. As Thorne pushes to his feet, Alaric watches him get further away.

“Thanks,” Alaric mutters.

Thorne grins. “The pleasure was all mine. You okay?”

“Yeah.” He feels like he shouldn’t be, but he really is fine.

Thorne leaves, and Alaric just sits there, cross-legged on the floor, still trying to process.

Something where he’s with someone. One person. Just them. Friends. Sex. It’s what he wanted with Corbin. It’s what he had, in a way, with Thorne. And when he thinks about it, it’s as close as he can get to explaining that he does want something, but he doesn’t want traditional hearts and romance.

He’s still sitting when Rory pushes through the door, drops his bag on the floor and throws his notebook up on the bed, then stops dead. “What are you doing here?”

Alaric blinks up at him. “Thinking.”

Rory folds abruptly, kneeling in front of Alaric. “What did he do? Because Thorne ran out on a session after getting a text, and he only does that when it’s you. But you’re here, and you look a little like you’ve been run over by a bus.”

“We didn’t have sex in the room,” Alaric assures him. “He just broke up with me.”

“Shit.” Rory sits back on his heels, mouth twisted into a frown. “I’m going to kill him for hurting you.”

“Don’t, it’s okay.” Alaric pushes to his feet, unfolding himself slowly. He rubs the back of his neck, seeks words that aren’t anywhere to be found. “I mean it, it’s really okay. I wasn’t in love with him. He didn’t hurt me. He just… he gave me something to think about.”

“Something to think about.” Rory’s expression is dubious as he comes to his feet. He holds his arms out to the side, and Alaric slides closer without thinking, accepts the hug that’s offered. They stand there, with Rory rubbing Alaric’s back in small circles, and Alaric can’t stop thinking.

“I don’t know what I want,” Alaric admits. “I know what I don’t want, but it’s harder to figure out what I do want.”

“Do you want a sounding board to figure it out?” Rory offers.

“No.” Alaric steps back, looks at the bed. “Not yet. I think I just want to sleep. And maybe—” Yeah, no, he’s not going to say that part out loud. He doesn’t want to get into this conversation with Rory.

“You know what? I came up with a potential start to that piece for TJ.” Rory reaches for his notebook. “Thorne had this idea about opening with a piano—like an old-fashioned music box—then twisting the sound into something more modern. So I’m going to go see if TJ’s around to talk to him about it. I’ll be gone a while.”

Alaric relaxes, smiles slightly. “I’ll probably be asleep before you get back.”

“Better that than traumatizing either of us,” Rory quips. “Yell if you need anything. I’ll be right down the hall.”

The only thing Alaric needs is answers, and he’s not ready for help with that yet. He waits until Rory’s gone before he climbs into his loft and closes his eyes, and tries to find a way to finally relax.

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#welcome to phu #welcometophu #commit to the kick #phu twinned #twinned #cttk revelations