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#ah- I've got plenty to draw after this
chipistrate · 6 months
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Day 30: Make a Halloween DLC Design!
Debated between Grimm-Vanny, Frankenstein Monster-Vanny, or Phantom-Vanny, but eventually landed on the last one!
Thought it'd be fitting since she's so elusive and mysterious, with that weird effect showing up anytime she's around, + only Gregory can see her (and the glamrocks but yknow what I mean)
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avelera · 1 month
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Apologies for screaming into your askbox like this but
EVERYTHING YOU SAID ABOUT BENIOFF AND WEISS IS SO FUCKING TRUE AND I AM SO GLAD SOMEONE ELSE IS FINALLY SAYING SOMETHING
As someone who read the Game of Thrones books (probably younger than I should have...but that's beside the point) the sorts of things that the two Ds decided needed to be added for the sake of "realism" or "accuracy" was ALWAYS just an excuse to brutalize someone. Be it kids, be it women (though in GoT is was usually women) and so much of it was not in the books!!! Like, sure, the books have accrued a reputation for being brutal, and they totally are...but they never seem as gretuatus in the way that David and Dan seem to revel in the crualty. Utterly original characters are introduced for the express purpose of being killed or assaulted, and it makes watching Game of Thrones a harrowing experience.
I'm not surprised that this has continued in their other work, in so many ways, the bloodlust became their calling card. I am deeply thankful that most of the other places that had been courting them to make projects have dropped them.
I will say in defense of the no doubt huge team who worked on Three Body Problem that it's not a gore fest or anything. There was a lot I've enjoyed in eps 1-5 (which as far as I've gotten at the moment) and scenes of violence are hardly the only thing that happens (though umm... maybe be prepared for the opening scene. It's also a doozy.)
Anyway, as I see it, Benioff and Weiss's sadism is more like... Tarantino's foot fetish. It doesn't consume the entire story, but when Tarantino does a loving closeup of feet you're like, "Ah, there it is. I was wondering when that would show up." If B&W work on something, like it or not, they're going to mash the cruelty button and heighten the cruelty of canonical scenes (if it's an adaptation) in order to try to get a reaction out of the audience. It's just how they work. For some audiences, that might even be a feature, not a bug!
The thing that makes me so frothing at the mouth enraged about Benioff and Weiss is how fucking coquettish they are about their sadism. They always act so fucking surprised like they're shocked that anyone would think that the gore and the horror were the point and what drew them to the story (I know, I'm just repeating my post at this point but STILL--!).
Look, when I was a teen, I totally first started writing angst to sort of... express this vein of sadism in myself in a safe outlet like fiction. I wanted to make people cry with my writing. So I'd do things like just kill off all the characters and be so proud when a reader said they were sad after.
But that's just... really flat and amateurish angst, y'know? There are so many more sophisticated and meaningful ways to create emotion, including sadness, in an audience other than just killing off all the characters or torturing them.
But I feel I remember enough from those days (I'd like to think I've long since grown out of that impulse) to know a sadist when I see one? And Benioff and Weiss's storytelling, to my eyes again, is simply sadistic. It glories in watching people in pain and it finds ways to exaggerate that pain and the chance to exaggerate moments of pain is what draws them to the stories they like to depict.
And that's fine. Plenty of horror creators revel in gore and cruelty and it's an entirely worthy art form!
But for the most part, those horror creators know what they're doing and they're open or even joyful about the fun they have creating these horror stories! Enjoying creating horror stories or depicting suffering or even being sadistic, particularly in fiction where no one is actually getting hurt, is perfectly fine.
I just fuckin... wish Benioff and Weiss would admit that's what it is goddamn it makes me INSANE.
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iztea · 5 months
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Maybe you have some drawing tips for beginners?
Your style is incredibly beautiful and it just inspires this thing inside me to grab my iPad and start drawing but unfortunately I have no idea where to even begin
Or maybe you have some recs where to look to learn how to draw stuff?
But I understand completely that it’s your thing and artists should never feel pressured to share all their techniques and secrets, you worked hard on it!
I just really really love your art to the point where I just look at it for 30 minutes straight with this big feeling in my chest
<3
ah it was never about being secretive, i'm pretty open about my drawing process since gatekeeping knowledge is a big pet peeve of mine. It was more like,, laziness because writing a cohesive and helpful drawing tutorial is pretty difficult and i wouldn't even know where to start; i'm afraid i'll get maybe too technical and what have you.
As for tips for beginners, i've shared plenty on my couriouscat so you can scroll through the answers there, i also have some drawing timelapses on my twitter account as well (albeit you'll have to scroll a little)
I'm very flattered you feel that way about my art, it really means a lot to me and i'm glad to have inspired you to draw as well that's awesome and i wish you best of luck!
I actually don't know how different drawing on an iPad is compared to a graphic tablet+desktop, so I am actually pretty clueless in that regard. I think Procreate is the most used digital art app for iPad so you can start by getting it and familiarizing yourself with the UI. I think this step is often overlooked. The brushes and the chosen program can make or break the drawing experience. If you simply find yourself not enjoying Procreate, experiment with other apps or maybe try switching to a graphic tablet, maybe that feels better and is more suited to your tastes.
To be completely honest, one "bad" piece of advice that i should probably keep to myself is to draw something you actually enjoy: fanart, Pretty Girl Portrait(tm), your cat, landscapes etc even if it's above your skill level (becoming obsessed/ fixated on some character from a piece of media also works wonders i'm just gonna throw that out there). The main point is to actually care about your chosen subject in order to get inspired and to have that inner desire of "doing them justice" aka drawing them well. The traditional art learning route probably involves studying the fundamentals, shading spheres and cones and simple 3D forms blablbablah which. Yeah ! sure that's probably better advice but i'm telling you what will make you want to keep going and not get discouraged after a few failed attempts.
As for the drawing subject, I highly recommend having photo references to guide you.. you always need refs it's a recurring thing. My fastest artworks are the ones where I have the right references. the less references the more difficult it is to draw something
As a beginner it is also a good practice to draw OVER your photo reference to get the proportions right ( i'm not talking about literally tracing the contour of a face or limb ( just an example ), but moreso identifying the Main shape which makes up that body part and observe how long is it in respect to the other components, how does it connect to the other parts etc - big difference. Tracing won't help you in the long run).
Another thing you can do is to study your favourite artists and see how They tackle whatever it is that you like in their work. how do they simplify facial features? what about anatomy? color/ light etc and kinda reverse engineer your way through their process. ( but i highly recommend to just keep these practice sketches to yourself, and to not share them on social media- unless you get the artist's permission)
This is how i got into drawing and what i did back then, again, for more technical hands-on information i did answer similar CCs before so with a little bit of stalking you'll find them in no time
I wanna finish this with some resources that helped me:
>youtube guys - sinix, ahmed aldoori, marco bucci, and also just speedpaints in general i highly recommend watching those
>for simplified anatomy i found @/ taco1704 's ref sheets to be very helpful but ........... I'm pretty dry here i just look up refs on Pinterest tbvh
speaking of, here's my pinterest i have a bunch of art related boards board cool stuff overall maybe they can help guide you towards some direction or inspire you in some way idk
ok i kinda suck in the resource department listeN. im starving too just.................. watch youtube speedpaints ok
SORRY IT'S SO LONGGGBGGG i hope it was at least a bit helpful? this was all over the place... I'll try to come up with a tutorial as well but i really gotta be careful with how i go about it. I'll leave you with this for the time being. Again, thank you a lot for the kind words, I really am very grateful and touched esp by that last part about staring with the big feeling stuff eeeeeeeeeeeeee really wow T T that's so lovely and a big compliment thanks ty ly
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blessyourhondahurley · 7 months
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Suptober day 4 - Commencement
Castiel completes his training with Rowena, and it all goes very fast after that!
A new part to my 2019 series Rowena's Shop
Suptober prompt: Nimbus Flufftober Prompt: Cinderella Moment Fictober Prompt: “Do you even know what this means?” Inktober Prompt: Dodge
(Read on AO3)
“Oh, well done, Castiel! Very well done, indeed! You've gotten it exactly right! Look!!”
Comfy and dozing in his overstuffed armchair, Dean can hear Rowena's words of effusive affirmation drifting in through the curtained doorway to the back of the store. The cooing, approving tone of her voice is one she's never used with him, of course, but Cas has been drawing it out of her more and more often lately as he's neared the completion of his studies. From the sound of it, he's just ticked another box on the list of spells he needs to master before he “graduates,” whatever that word means for a literal sorcerer's apprentice in the Year of our Lord 2023.
He's starting to doze off again when his boyfriend comes bursting through the doorway, a wide, gummy grin on his handsome face.
“Did you hear?!? I did it!!” he trumpets.
Dean stands to give him a hug. “I heard, honeybee! Nice work!! Does that mean you guys are done for the day, or are you taking a break? Maybe we could go grab a late lunch...?”
Cas gives him a firm, full-bodied squeeze, then pulls away, shaking his head. “No, beloved, I did it. That was the last one. I'm finished. Do you even know what this means?”
Dean watches, mouth agape, as he murmurs a few sibilant words and flicks a finger. The cozy glow of the shop's chandelier dims as a nimbus of luminescent power gathers around Cas's head. The blue highlights in his hair coil and eddy, then the color surges, flowing down the man's body and draping it in a floor-length brocade cloak that perfectly matches his gorgeous eyes. It's a Cinderella Moment if Dean's ever seen one.
“Holy shit,” he mutters.
“Indeed,” Rowena intones sarcastically as she walks into the room. “Eloquent as ever, I see.”
“Hey, screw you, Broom Hilda,” Dean snipes back. “Forgive me for being in awe of my boyfriend the fucking wizard.” He rolls his eyes at her and turns back to Cas. “So, what happens now? Can we celebrate? Go out for a nice dinner? Or should we just skip to dessert?” It's a cheesy line, but God help him, that little display of power got him so freaking turned on. If Rowena wasn't here he would 100% be on his knees right now.
Cas seems to be on the same wavelength, because he's got a dirty smirk on his face. He opens his mouth to respond, but Rowena throws up a waggling finger.
“Ah ah ah, there'll be plenty of time for that sort of business later. Right now I need your help with the last o'my cases.” She gestures behind her, at a teetering pile of steamer chests that definitely was not there a minute ago.
And the same-wavelength thing must still be in effect, because the two of them reply in unison, “Wait, what?”
“I've been stuck here long enough, boys. Now that you're ready, Castiel, I'll be goin' walkabout for a bit.” She points again at the trunks, an imperious quirk to her brow, and the two men scramble to fill their arms.
Rowena herself picks up the tiniest, daintiest little handbag and leads them, shuffling under the immense weight of her luggage, out the side door to the alley. Her car, like her a sporty little compact number of indeterminate age, make, and origin, seems much too small to hold so many massive cases. But of course, like magic, it all fits neatly into the boot, with ample room to spare.
Dean slams the lid down, then rounds on her. “So, what, Cas finished his training five minutes ago and you're getting outta Dodge? How long are you gonna be gone? What's gonna happen to the store? Wh–”
Whatever other question he'd been about to ask dies on his tongue when she snaps her fingers. (He's honestly not sure whether she did a silencing spell on him or he's just terrified of her.)
“It's tradition, you utter gowk. I've nothing more to teach our Castiel, and the shop practically runs itself, has done for centuries. And, much as I loathe to admit it, you've become quite an exemplary assistant in all the years you've been lollygaggin' around here waiting for your fella to do his lessons. The pair of ya'll do fine. And I'll be back around, in a few months or years or... Well, eventually. Cheerybye, boys!”
And she's gone, in a puff of sweet-smelling exhaust.
Dean and Cas stare at each other for a full minute, slack-jawed and stunned. Finally, Dean gathers himself enough to break the silence.
“Honeybee,” he says hoarsely. “What the fuck.”
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your-divine-ribs · 2 months
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Red Part 9
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Words: 2.5k
Y/N is trying so hard to stay away from Van but she can’t avoid him forever… no warnings for this part ❤️
Red Masterlist Main Masterlist
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You can't go on like this... you have to end things with Van...
You repeat the same few lines over and over in your head like a mantra over the following two weeks, almost like it's a sacred incantation that might somehow ward off these feelings that haunt you. It doesn't work though, your heart lurching every time your phone vibrates with a text message. Van's insistent, that's for sure. His texts start out flirty with plenty of innuendoes, but by the third day of you blanking him they take on a more serious tone.
Van: This won't go away just because you're avoiding me. I need to see you.
Van: We need to talk. You can't just keep ignoring me.
Van: I miss you x
The last one just rips into your heart brutally, and from that point on you hit delete quickly every time his name flashes up on your phone screen, trying not to read the contents of the messages. It's safer that way.
Of course ignoring Van doesn't mean that you automatically stop thinking about him though. He lingers there in your mind frustratingly, refusing to budge. He's the first image that pops into your head on waking and the last thought intruding on your mind as you battle with sleep. His whispered seductions in your ear, his hot breath fanning against your neck, the plushness of his lips as they press feverishly against yours... and those eyes... captivating and impossibly blue in the sunlight, drawing you in.
You've stayed away from Larry's ever since the day after the party, feigning a mystery illness, even going as far as insisting that Larry steers clear of your house too in case you infect him. He argues at first, but you insist. After all you are sick. Sick with guilt.
For the first time in all the years that you've been together you find yourself imagining a scenario where you two break up, playing the scene in your head like a movie. Larry shocked and disbelieving, pleading for you to reconsider through his tears. Van there waiting in the wings to move in and claim you, the duplicitous victor who steals you right out of his best friend's arms. No matter which way you play it, the outcome is always the same. Heartbreak for all involved.
You just can't do it.
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"You can't still be ill, surely?"
Larry's tone is disbelieving and you're glad that you're on the phone and not face to face where he could see your flushed cheeks and guilt-ridden expression.
"Honestly, I've never felt so bad in all my life. I don't know what's wrong with me."
"But Sophie says she saw you in town yesterday, you were just coming out of that cafe on the High Street. You can't be that bad if you're out and about."
Sophie.
So she's still on the scene. It surprises you and that familiar jealousy comes flooding back, but you remind yourself that you have no business feeling it. If you don't want Van you're going to have to get used to seeing him with other girls. It's actually a good thing.
It doesn't feel good though.
"Errr... well, I guess I am starting to feel a little better." You flounder at being caught out. "I only popped out for a moment."
But Larry doesn't seem concerned that your excuses could be lies, he's got no reason to think that you'd be so devious in trying to avoid him. He just sounds happy, his voice raising up in excitement.
"Ah great, if you're starting to feel better then you'll be okay to come to the gig on Friday night."
"Gig? What gig?"
"You know... the lids are playing the O2 Academy. It's gonna be great. Tickets sold out in about 5 minutes."
"Oh..."
You're struck with anxiety at the thought of seeing Van again, but you know that you can't hide away forever. Sooner or later you're going to have to face him so it might as well be sooner. And he'll be up on stage for most of the night which should make staying out of his way even easier.
"Yeah... yeah. I should be alright. I'll come. Should be a good night."
You try to inject some form of enthusiasm into your voice but it's strained, not that Larry seems to notice. He's off on an excited rant, enthusing about what a good opportunity this is for the band and his best friend. It twists your heart to hear how proud he is of Van, and this just confirms to you that you're making the right decision by ending things.
"Ahh yeah it's gonna be class, and Dan the manager reckons this is just the start of it. He's just in talks with some of the major festivals and there's a good chance they'll be booking loads over the summer. They're really going places, I can feel it. Next year is gonna be immense! And Van's writing some quality tunes at the moment... proper anthems. Hopefully he might play one of the new ones on Friday."
You find yourself zoning out, Larry's words becoming indistinct until you hear something that makes your ears prick up.
"I'm just hoping this gig'll sort him out. Honestly I don't know what's got into him at the moment, he's been moping around with a face like thunder, ignoring Bondy's texts, shutting himself away in his room... he's been a bloody nightmare. Sophie says he's been snapping at her too..."
You close your eyes and screw up your face, your gut twisting as you listen to Larry's account of Van's mysterious uncharacteristic behaviour. What the fuck have you two been playing at? You're not just risking messing up your own lives, but also dragging other people into this whole sordid mess.
You need to rid yourself of this notion that you're somehow falling for Van. It's lust, that's all it is. Plain and simple. And you can soon put a stop to that. You just need to control your urges and see Van for who he really is. It wasn't so long ago that you were disgusted as he paraded a string of lovestruck girls into his bed. He's only on his best behaviour right now because he's on a mission to bed you. And that's never going to happen. Never. Never in a million years. It's over.
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Gig nights are always accompanied by a mixture of emotions. Bob and Benji are a bag of nerves even though Benji tries to play it down, a contrast to Bondy's quiet, chilled confidence. Van's always hyper and tonight's no different. He's pacing back and forth in the back room of the venue, practically bouncing off the walls. At least the excitement is overshadowing the awkward moment that you two first clapped eyes on each other. Your train of thought had been utterly derailed and you were rendered speechless as you'd pushed through the door and seen him standing there, your breath catching in your throat as he'd greeted you with a rush of words which sounded very much like relief.
"Y/N! You made it. I really didn't think you'd come but here you are!"
"Here I am," you echo weakly when your power of speech returns, immediately dropping your head down to study the floor to hide your red cheeks. Thankfully everyone's so caught up in the pre-gig excitement that they don't appear to notice Van's eyes lingering on you and your obvious discomfort, but you announce that you're going to the bar nevertheless, keen to be released from Van's stifling gaze.
You turn quickly on your heel, head still down, making for the doorway that you've just come through. Various cries sound out from the lads, placing their orders, but you don't turn around. You just carry on walking, through into the corridor where you stop, taking a deep breath and leaning up against the wall, tipping your head back and closing your eyes.
Fuck... you hadn't been expecting the strength of emotions that had come crashing down on you when you'd seen Van. It had hit you like a ten-tonne truck, a wave of longing and craving and pent-up desire, a rush that made you feel weak, your head still spinning as you curse inwardly, trying to compose yourself.
"Are you okay Y/N?"
The female voice catches you by surprise and your eyes flick open quickly to see Sophie standing there, eyes wide and brimming with concern.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine... good... really good actually. I just felt a little... I don't know... faint I guess. It's so hot in there." You fan yourself with a hand, glad to have an excuse for your scarlet cheeks.
"Larry said you'd not been very well so I thought I'd come and check on you. It's not like any of the lads would think to… am I right?"
She rolls her eyes and grins, linking an arm through yours, friendly and conspiratorial. You smile back, pushing your body off the wall, letting her turn you both in the direction of the venue foyer and bar.
"Yeah, guys are shit like that aren't they? Completely wrapped up in themselves."
"Totally! Oh god, especially Van. Sometimes I wonder whether he notices that I'm even there at all!"
You can't help the satisfaction that floods you at her words and you hate yourself for it, pushing it away and playing the understanding confidante, glancing over at Sophie as you walk along.
"Oh, well that's Van for you, he's so easily distracted. So... are things not... errr... going that well with you two then?"
Sophie lets out an audible sigh as you arrive at the bar, both leaning on it with your elbows. "I don't know. He's so moody at the moment, and it's like his mind's always somewhere else entirely when we're together."
Your mind goes to the frequent text messages you've been receiving. You dig in your bag for your purse, ordering pints for everyone. "You do realise that the band always comes first don't you?"
Sophie shrugs, shaking her head slightly, her glossy brunette locks falling perfectly to frame her face. She really is gorgeous, Van must be crazy.
"I know that... and I mean I know we've not been together long, but sometimes I wonder whether he's just stringing me along. You know, until something better comes along."
"Well I don't know about that..." you begin, but Sophie talks over you, eager to tell you her woes, reaching for the first freshly poured pint.
"I mean you did warn me didn't you? About what Van was like? Maybe I should've listened... but I keep finding myself going back for more. He's just so bloody gorgeous it's like I can't help myself. D'ya know what I mean?"
You almost mumble out an agreement before you stop yourself, dipping your head to take a sip of your own pint instead. Sophie's not waiting for an answer anyway, she's on a roll.  And what she says next shocks you.
"It's funny really, I've fancied Van for so long. I tried to catch his eye for ages, turned up to all his gigs, went to all the same parties, then after months he finally noticed me. I thought it was like a dream come true, but now I'm not so sure. I'm beginning to think that maybe Van's not the real catch here... maybe it's your Larry instead!"
You splutter in surprise, nearly spraying her in a mouthful of lager, swallowing it too quickly and making yourself cough. "Larry?" You croak, wiping the drink that's dripping down your chin.
She throws her head back with a hearty laugh, a hand reaching out for your arm. "Oh my god Y/N! You should see your face! Yes Larry... your Larry! There's not many Larry's around here last time I checked!"
You crack an awkward smile, setting your drink back down on the bar. "Yeah, I guess he's a good one."
"The best!" Sophie giggles. "Honestly, he's such a sweetheart. When I got upset over how Van was acting the other day he was so lovely. And he's hilarious too, he had me in stitches telling me stories of what the guys all get up to when they're touring."
Her eyes are all lit up as she speaks and you suppose you should feel threatened that this gorgeous girl's so taken with your boyfriend, but you don't. You just listen on, smiling and sipping your drink as she tells you a story of Larry picking her up from a party when she'd had too much to drink as Van wouldn't answer his phone. You hadn't realised how close they'd become in such a short space of time.
Suddenly she stops mid-sentence, eyes wide and cautious. "Oh bloody hell, listen to me going off on one! I hope I'm not over-stepping the mark. You do know that Larry adores you right? I really don't think that he'd even so much as look at another girl. Ahh shit I feel bad now! Me and my big mouth!"
"No, no it's fine," you assure her. "Larry's one of the good guys, nothing's too much trouble for him. He's like everyone's best mate."
Sophie's wariness evaporates instantly. "Yes! That's just it!"
"Alright ladies?"
You feel an arm on your shoulder as you hear the familiar voice in your ear and you whip your head up to see Larry's wide grin. He's got his other arm curled over Sophie's shoulder and she shrieks excitedly on seeing him.
"Larry! Oh my god, we've literally just been talking about you! Bet your ears were burning!"
"Hope it was all good," he grins, giving you a kiss on the cheek, murmuring a quiet "hiya love".
There's a flurry of greetings and hugs, and again you marvel at how seeing Sophie obviously so close to Larry isn't setting off alarm bells in your head. Maybe it's because you're so secure in the knowledge that he'd never stray. Or maybe it's something else. Maybe the spark really has gone from your relationship, that giddy breathless feeling that Van gives you, so addictive that you're always left craving more.
As Larry picks up the pints that you and Sophie can't manage and you all turn back towards the green room, thoughts are thundering through your head like a hurricane. You know damn well that you'd be foolish to think that the rush of excitement from a new relationship can be sustained, and the comfortable companionship that usually ensues is really the ultimate goal, but you still can't shake that disquieting feeling that your relationship with Larry has run its course.
But this isn't the movies. There won't be some dramatic scene accompanied by emotional turmoil that ends up in life lessons and everyone living happily ever after. The fact remains that not only are you a dishonest cheat, you've done the unthinkable and embarked on a illicit affair with your boyfriend's best friend.
Again the words ring through your head, and a quiet determination blooms inside you.
You can't go on like this... you have to end things with Van...
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anewp0tat0 · 1 year
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Chapter 198
I've wanted a Christmas filler chapter for a while, just because I think it would have some great phantomfam interactions + some snide comments from Sebastian about how useless God is or whatever he likes to brag about... but I know we may never get that, so I am over the moon with this image here. this is all I need😫 Ciel's scarf bow is our Christmas present.
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and Ciel gets a muff too FINALLY☺️. it seems that once again yana really doesn't care about the fact that she's giving him predominantly female gendered clothing for the time era(as far as I know), but when has she ever cared. let's just congratulate Sebastian on his good parenting and feminism. or rather in this case, traditional values?.... mhm
it's just adorable.
...
we also got weird interactions like this:
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yea Theo knows. and he angry. the real question is if in the end, he'll help the others escape their fledging day(most likely O!ciel's aptitude) or simply work to save himself(most likely R!ciel's aptitude).
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finny is the best possible boy though, and who knows maybe this will all be solved by the power of friendship and Theo will ultimately put his trust in team O!ciel. that would be great!
...
;_;
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this truly makes me so upset, it's not fair for Mabel to feel anything other than bittersweetness that her friend is leaving, rather than agony. same goes for everyone else.
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....
these 2 kids are strong and it's is pretty odd, but I guess when compared to other characters like Jane, it's not too surprising...
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maybe Doll gave them circus training, who knows. Mabel most likely, since Doll spends most time with her group, at least I'm assuming from the clothes.
also, I'm not a knife expert but those look like something they probably just plucked from the kitchen. if doll is with them, she isn't giving them special weapons like Layla owned. that's probably just a kitchen knife the "collie class" have access to.
...
honestly, I've tried so far to be very suspicious and hostile towards these kids in the hope that they'll get to walk away into the sunset like the possible side antagonists they are. but really, I'm just very much hoping that they don't end up going through any pain. I don't want any more serious moments where children cry, please...
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so the ambush, why did this happen: I'm guessing that these kids don't just guarding the hallway regularly, and they just so happened to run into Finny today. my guess is that they knew/found out that Finny would sneak around(probably with Doll's insight? cause this is his first night!) and quickly prepared for him. but most importantly, they must know one way or another that the orphanage staff(or Doll?) is prepared to kill Finny soon.
what's most surprising to me is that these kids want Finny alive. idk about the other kids, but I think plenty of us assumed that Theo would rather have Finny(and snake) disposed of. so either I was wrong, or what's going on here is a manipulation scheme where Theo makes Finny think that he's in danger, simply so that he can use him. this makes more sense to me because if both Finny and Snake were in immediate danger, they would probably wake up Snake, too. after all, Theo is a pomeranian, he could think of such a thing. in this case the kids may be working for Doll.
if however this isn't a scheme and instead a genuine attempt to help finny and Snake, then they probably aren't working with Doll, since she probably wouldn't want to sneak them into the inner working of the facility.
ah idk, well find out next chapter. or, the whole next chapter will be spent walking to the meet up room. maybe finny will start flashbacks right there right now. who knows.
where should I place my bets, that these kids are gonna take Finny back to some secret hide out room(possible blood drawing), or are they gonna take him back to where Doll is cause they're working with her...
...
also, it's really interesting how these two stay in "character" right here, both in the typical pose of the person/role they're mocking.
...
actually you know what, Theo probably figured that Finny was worth being recruited after this right here:
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sorry, long post today, lots to worry about, and if you read all this then you mean the world to me! have a great day!
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fe-fictions · 1 year
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Good day/night! :]
Might you have some spare Henry crumbs laying around? I've been on a crowman high lately and you write him so well! <3
(Here's some Henry taking care of a sick wife and baby!!!)
The family had taken a brief, albeit very fun and relaxing, trip in Plegia. Morgan being only eight months old certainly made things interesting. Having the whole family there to enjoy the beauty of Plegia outside war time was fun.
Plus, you were both Plegians, so it was nice to learn about your roots.
It was a magical time. Or at least, it would have been. You woke up the morning after you came home and found yourself unable to get out of bed.
You had a fever, your head was pounding, and you were a snotty mess of misery. Henry was amused until he heard baby Morgan bawling down the hall. You both caught, according to your husband, the Plegian swine flu.
No one was immune from it, not even sweet, innocent little blood bags like Morgan (Henry’s words, not yours).
So Henry quickly went from teasing you and being fascinated by how miserable you were to going into full-blown panic.
Like any disease, a baby catching it had a higher risk of complications. Most recover, Henry explained while frantically scribbling an urgent letter for Maribelle to tie to one of his crows, but itty bitty babies could suffer serious health problems.
Henry got to work on preparing you a bucket of cold water, a second bucket for the kerchiefs you would be blowing your nose into all day, and a third bucket in case you couldn’t keep your food down.
You didn’t.
“Gods, Henry- did you have to send that filthy animal to me? I’m literally down the block! It would take you fifteen minutes to-”
“Fifteen minutes is a waste of time! Morgan and Robin could be dead by then! And if it’s either of them, it’s no joke, nya ha!”
“Then why are you laughing?”
“It’s nervous laughter!” He chuckled again, though judging by how pale his face was, it seemed to be true. 
Maribelle simply scoffed and hurried to the bedroom, ready to treat her friend.
“Robin, darling! Oh, you look positively ghastly!” She gasped, drawing the mask over her mouth and nose. She pulled on her medical gloves, a stave at her side and a big pouch of herbs on her belt. “The Plegian swine flu is no joke...it’s very rarely found in Ylisse, but when it travels with you…”
“I-it’s a disaster.” You wheezed, not before you were overcome by coughing. “Anything y-you can do will be a welcome remedy.”
“Luckily for you, there’s nothing here that herbs and plenty of rest won’t fix. Now Morgan might be a little trickier, given his age...but we can at least get started with you.”
Maribelle was quick to send  Henry off to grind up the herbs, preparing some disgusting concoction guaranteed to get your body back to normal.
Presuming Henry could put it together.
“Now, when did you start to feel ill?”
“W-well, if I’m honest… It started around-”
Crash
“Ah, gods- I broke the cup!!”
“-The time we got home, last night. It was late-”
Smash
“The pestle’s shattered!!”
“-And I just thought I was tired, but...my head feels about the same as-”
Bang
“The herbs are everywhere!!”
“HENRY!!” Maribelle shouted out the door, “What in the gods’ names are you doing?!”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make a mess!” Henry apologized, his voice shaky and unsure. “I-I just meant to help a bit, but it looks like I’m making things worse, nya ha!”
“Why don’t you come and sit,” Maribelle pinched  her brow, “Just settle down until you stop breaking things.” 
You watched as Henry wandered back into the bedroom, looking surprisingly pale and nervous. You had never quite seen him in such a way, before.
After all, it was always good times and weird vibes with your husband. Since when did he become the anxious type?
“I’ll be right back, Robin. I’ll get your medicine.”
“Give some to Morgan, first.” You asked, “I can wait.”
Maribelle nodded to you before taking off, leaving you alone with your husband who was bouncing his leg and fidgeting with his hands with a nervousness that you’d never seen before.
For a few moments, it was quiet, listening to the rhythmic, rapid tapping of his heel against the stone. Eventually, though, you would have to snap him out of it.
“Henry, a-are you all right?” You questioned as gently as you could. Henry started to nod, giving you a cracked, faux grin. Then he paused, his smile fell, and he shook his head.
“Well, if I’m honest? No. Not at all. I feel like I’m dying inside.” He admitted. “I mean, you’re sick, and so is Morgan! My two favorite living people! And there’s not a thing I can do about it- I mean, he’s just a baby, and we’ve only been back together for a year- I dunno. It scares me, y’know? Which is impressive! When’s the last time I’ve been genuinely scared, right! Nya ha ha!”
“There’s nothing to be scared of, Henry.” You tried to assure him. But he shook his head, folding his arms tightly.
“You don’t know that! All it takes is one thing to go wrong and it could be bye-bye wifey, or even bye-bye baby, and I...oh, I couldn’t handle that. Nope, not one bit.” 
It was certainly a reasonable concern. 
“Henry, sweetheart...come here.” You held your hand out to him, insisting he sit with you. You weren’t sure if it was the exhaustion or the pain that numbed your sense of worry, but you were far calmer than he was.
He took your hand, revealing trembling fingers. You squeezed it tightly, trying your best to comfort him despite your situation.
“Maribelle will take care of us. We’ll be okay, I’m sure.”
“But you can’t be sure!” He sighed shakily, “Anything can happen when it comes to Plegian flu. It can either be nothing at all, or really bad! And you never know until it happens. If something bad did happen to you or Morgan, I just...I don’t know what to do! You already told me I’m not allowed to re-animate either of you if you croak, so...I’m out of options!”
“I’m standing firm on that, just so you know.” You informed him with a soft smile, “But, Henry...there’s no value in worrying for worrying’s sake. W-we really shouldn’t be concerned with the unknown until it comes.”
“That’s easy for you to say, you’re not the one having to take care of both of you! What if I mess up?! What if I make it worse!! I already broke Maribelle’s mortar and pestle, there are herbs everywhere, a-and I just-”
“Henry,” You pressed a finger to his lips, “You’re overthinking.”
“B-but I just...I worry about you guys…”
“I know.” You beamed at him, stroking his cheek. “But please, try not to worry. We need to wait for Maribelle’s diagnosis, and we can go from there, okay? It’ll be easier if we take it a step at a time.”
“Gosh, Robin...how’re you able to stay so calm all the time?” He looked at you incredulously, “I’m about ready to pop out of my skin and just run around like a headless Risen!”
“Experience.” You laughed. 
Maribelle came in not long after, informing you both that the flu didn’t appear to be as bad as it could be. 
“Morgan should recover within the week, though we’ll need to make sure he receives two doses of medicine each day; one in the morning and one at night. Henry, you’ll have to make it for him each day- is that something you can handle? Or will I be making more visits this week?”
Henry shared a look with you, seeing your encouraging smile. He took a deep breath and nodded.
“I can handle it, I promise!”
“Good. Morgan’s going to be counting on you. Robin, you should need more rest than anything else, but I’m recommending you take one dose each evening; it will help you sleep better, and it’s strong enough that it should hold you the next day.”
“That’s fine by me.” You agreed; the less disgusting, bitter herbs you had to ingest, the better.
“Your recovery time will be a bit longer than Morgan’s, though, judging by how you’re doing… I’d say two weeks at minimum; a month-and-a-half at most. Now if you want, I can have Lissa or Libra come and help take care of you, so that Henry can focus on caring for Morgan. Or, we can simply send Morgan off with a wet nurse while you’re here.”
“N-no, I-!” Henry interrupted before you could reply, putting a hand to his chest. “I can handle it, Maribelle! After all, if I can’t take care of my family, what kind of man would I be? Just a sad bag of bones and sinew! Not good for anything but crow food.”
Maribelle glanced over at you, looking for some sort of response. You knew she was still wary of Henry, especially now that she was out a very lovely mortar and pestle. But you were confident in his abilities.
“He can take care of us.” You told her, “I trust him.”
“Well...if you insist.” She conceded, earning a whoop from your husband- and an apology for it shortly after when he realized you weren’t to be around loud noises with your headache. “I’ll be coming to check up on you twice a week until you’re all better- until then, Henry, we’re counting on you!”
“You got nothin’ to worry about, Maribelle! We just take it a day at a time, and it’ll be great, nya ha!”
“Robin, if anything changes, or you need help...please don’t hesitate to call me or the other healers immediately.”
“I will.”
“I do mean anything, dear.”
“...I will.”
“If Henry does one thing wrong-”
“Hey!”
“I got it, Maribelle.” You chuckled, waving her away. “Thanks for your concern. We’ll be sure to call for you if we need anything. But I’m positive Henry will take care of us just fine.”
“You can bet your organs on it!” He grinned, giggling happily with his wife’s support. Maribelle gave him a long, hard look, but eventually took her leave. 
Henry was quick to move Morgan’s crib into the bedroom, guaranteeing that he could keep track of both of you and ensure you were both recovering nicely at the same time.
While it was heartbreaking listening to Morgan’s discomfort and those tiny baby coughs, it helped to see him improve day after day.
You did end up recovering about a week after Morgan, all thanks to Henry. He made sure to give you only the best. Most of all you were just thankful that none of you could get the Plegian swine flu ever again.
Especially since he bought Maribelle a replacement mortar and pestle that came from a questionable source, covered in animal bones and bird skulls and...you really didn’t know what corner of Hell he summoned them from.
At least there wouldn’t be another opportunity for him to break anything else of Maribelle’s, seeing as you wouldn’t be getting sick again.
You would take extra steps to ensure that just so he wouldn’t frighten Maribelle with another horrifying “gift”.
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the-kr8tor · 3 months
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Hello Katy it’s been a while. Not in Sydney but I’m in Queensland. I saw a crocodile 😲 or alligator. What’s the difference I don’t know? I HAVEN’T gone out this week so I’m just reading the stuff you written so far. Your work is always great.
Cowboy Hobie?!?!? Omg both of the request were absolutely delicious. The singer reader au? I’m thinking about that a lot now. After the performance, Hobie is like dying to know who is this owner of this majestic voice. AWHH imagine he kept coming back and back just to see. So cute
Pirate Hobie (mentally screaming) BDAS ISN’T EVEN finished but pirate Hobie is my second favourite (TTN on top) .You’re just so good with characters. I really realllly love pirate Hobie, but that fortune taller? I’m a sucker for that trope (it’s like your in my walls) but that got my mind working so now thinking of the possibilities. Also more chapters? More lore more amazing story and of course more of pirate Hobie <3
ALSO 🔥 ANON IS SO REAL PEELING FRUIT IS SUCH A LOVE LANGUAGE (Asian gang) also being Asian means you had to play a sport and an instrument (fencing and piano/violin for me 😔)
Hope you’re great Katy and make sure you’re taking breaks and drinking plenty of water
- 💗
HI 💗!!!! Missed seeing you here! Hope you're having fun in Australia! (Also I hope the spiders are treating you well) omg queensland! The views must be immaculate ✨ I don't know the difference either lol and I'm too afraid to ask, they're all crocodiles to me 😂
Thank you for reading them!! Also yeess cowboy! Hobie debut!! (He has been running in my mind since then 🤣)
YEES MORE BDAS!! I have so much planned for it and I hope I do the story justice with my writing (I'm slowly chipping away at chap 6 I think this one is a behemoth of a chapter too lol) (hell yeah ttn! Hobie #1️⃣ forever) thank you so much! I do most of the planning of a series making the characters perfectly. I'm a sucker for that trope too! I loved writing the entire scene. (Fun fact: that was the first scene I wrote for that chapter!) (*Knocks* im in your walls pls let me out)
Ah yes the pinnacle of romance 🥰
I'm pretty boring on that part lol I've never learned how to play instruments or master a sport 😔 I wanted to tho, but stuff like that costed too much lmao so I more into drawing (although I lost that skill now 😞) and writing!
Thank you for the kind words, angel!! You take care too and be careful! Have fun in your adventures, Love ya ❤️❤️❤️
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Underwater Kiss - Meitaro (KR Saber)
They are such a good couple.
"I'm so tempted to draw on his face."
"Please don't." Kento pulls Touma's hat down over his face to shade him from the sun, other hand curling gently in his hair as he snores softly with his head pillowed on Kento's leg. "I mean, not that he doesn't deserve it a little, but he was up really late last night finishing that story for you."
"I mean, it'd serve him right for leaving things to the last minute again, but I'm not actually going to do it. For one thing, I don't have the right kind of marker." Mei puts her purse down next to the bag of beach things and then pauses just to look at them, smiling. "You two are so cute--ooh."
Kento turns and looks up, shading his eyes with his hand, and says, "Hey, Rintaro. Ready to swim?"
Rintaro nods enthusiastically. "Very, it's extremely hot today. Will, ah," with a thoughtful look at Kento and Touma's position, "will you be joining us?"
A rueful smile and a shrug. "Only if he feels like waking up. It's fine, there's plenty of shade here, I'll do some reading."
Mei's been looking Rintaro over with undisguised appreciation, and he turns to her and ducks his head shyly. "Then, ah. Shall we, Miss Mei?"
She beams at him, says, "I'll race you to the water," and then charges for the ocean without waiting for a reply, leaving him to blink and then run after her.
Despite her head start, she reached the waterline only a second before Rintaro does, but then she doesn't stop, plunging in enthusiastically even as she shrieks about the cold. He follows, laughing, ducking when she drops down and explodes back up to splash him, splashing her in return.
After a moment the giddy delight of swimming subsides a bit, and they can both catch their breath. Rintaro leans against a rock sticking out of the water a few meters from the beach, the water lapping at his stomach and the sun glittering on him, and Mei swims over to him and rests her chin on her arms on the rock next to his elbow, legs kicking lazily behind her. "You seem happy."
"I enjoy swimming." He smiles down at her. "I wish I could say it had to do with my affinity for Nagare, but I've always liked it."
"I'm not surprised, you seem really comfortable in the water. Like a...like a sexy merman."
Rintaro covers his nose in an unsuccessful attempt to hide his immediate blush. "Miss Mei..."
Innocently, "What?" And then, "All right, got my breath back, bet you can't catch me." She takes a deep breath and pitches forward into the water once more.
Now that they've both adjusted to the temperature and gotten some pent-up energy out of their systems it's a little less hectic. Or at least, Rintaro hopes it'll be less hectic; Mei does just seem to be swimming this time. Although the mischievous look she's had for most of the morning hasn't quite gone away. He swims after her, apprehensive but trying to maintain a leisurely pace.
After a bit she stops, treading water, and beckons to him. He swims up to her and stops an arm's length away. "Yes, Miss Mei?"
"You know," she says, "you should really drop the 'Miss' at this point," and with another deep breath she dives under the water towards him, grabs him around the stomach, and pulls him under too.
He does have time to take in air before he's submerged. Their eyes are both closed against the salt, so he can't see her, but he can feel her, her hands finding his face and pulling him in, pressing their mouths together as they bob back up again.
Their heads break the surface, and they both breathe, and then she's kissing him again and he's obscurely, distractedly thankful that the only people who might be on this stretch of beach to see them are their closest friends. His hands find her waist, her arms wrap around his neck, he kisses her and her lips part like a flower blooming and she tastes of salt and is sweet nevertheless.
Back on the beach, Touma shifts, turns his head slightly, looks out from under the shade of his hat with one eye, and mumbles, "There it is."
Kento huffs out a laugh, still combing his fingers through Touma's hair. "How long have you been pretending to sleep?"
"Wasn't pretending. Just woke up. Figured maybe we should stay out of their way for a little bit, though, I saw this coming." Touma yawns and presses his head up against Kento's hand. "That feels nice."
"You're like a big dog sometimes, you know that? So did Mei, uh...mention something about having plans to make out with Rintaro at the beach?"
"Nah, I just saw she had three Caramello bars in her bag earlier when I was giving her my manuscript. She only eats those when she's got PMS. And when she has PMS she always gets like, you know, like that," with a vague wave towards where Mei has now lifted herself in the water to wrap her legs around Rintaro's waist. Another slow yawn and a wiggle to settle himself more comfortably. "I'm just gonna...go back to sleep."
Out in the ocean, Rintaro is doing his best to get them back over to the rock, where they'll be more stable, and Kento watches him visibly struggle to swim while still kissing Mei and laughs again. "What if I wanted to go make out in the ocean? Would you wake up then?"
Snoring. Touma's already falling back asleep.
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gal-vanized · 7 months
Text
thinking again about what members of different guilds would say if you attempted to join their guild while already joined in another and they refused.
Fighters Guild
(joining as mages guild) "Sorry, but we don't do magic here. Go cast your cheap parlor tricks somewhere else."
(joining as thieves guild) "No way, we've heard who you associate with! You're lucky we haven't caught you stealing anything otherwise we'd turn you into the guard, or worse. Get out before you get your hand cut off picking a coinpurse."
(joining as an arena fighter) "We don't take bloodthirsty glory-seekers here, dog. Go back to your cage matches."
(joining as dark brotherhood) "Rumors have spread about you and the things you've done... leave here and don't come back. We aren't killers for hire."
Mages Guild
(joining as fighters guild) "We have no need for hired help, thank you... what? You say you want to join as a student? Hah, sorry but that isn't happening! We'll let you know if your manual labor is ever needed, though."
(joining as thieves guild) "Hm? You want to become a student? What, so you can use magic to get away with your criminal activities unseen by the law? No, we know your ilk and will not allow it. The only thing you will learn here is not to steal from wizards, or else that lesson will be your last."
(joining as an arena fighter) "Eugh, no! You stink of blood. Get out of here, you mangy beast - this is a place of learning, not barbaric bloodsport!"
(joining as dark brotherhood) "No. We will not enable you to commit more heinous acts. You're lucky that we have no definite proof of your deeds, else you would be executed by the city guard."
Thieves Guild
(joining as fighters guild) "Ah... no. Sorry friend, but our type of work requires a bit more finesse than what you're used to. You'd get caught in days, and we'd have to deny ever associating with you. Aw, cheer up pal! Theres still plenty of work in your guild, eh?"
(joining as mages guild) "Let a wizard into the thieves guild? Gee wiz, sure. I'm sure you will draw no attention to yourself at all with your flashy spells, incinerating guards, and summoning daedra... I'm being sarcastic, no we will not let you join us."
(joining as an arena fighter) "No offense, but are you stupid? You DO know what we do here, yeah? No."
(joining as dark brotherhood) "*nervously* Uh... while I'm sure you are very skilled, we explicitly try NOT to kill people on the job. We're thieves, not assassins. You'll have to look somewhere else for work... you're not gonna kill me, are you?"
Arena
(joining as fighters guild) "You think you got what it takes, kid? Sure, maybe you got the skills for it, but do you have the stomach? Could you keep your composure after seeing a man's entrails used to whip himself? What about using someone's spine still attached to their skull as a flail? I can see you turning pale already... go home, kid."
(joining as mages guild) "Y'know in my experience, wizards are usually not very crowd pleasing. That, and they're extremely squishy, don't last long in the arena. I'd know, I've pulped many into bloodied paste myself... this is my way of telling you no, you aren't cut out for this."
(joining as thieves guild) "Is this a joke? What're you gonna do, pick your opponents pockets to death? Get outta here."
(joinging as dark brotherhood) "Judging by what I've heard of you, you'd certainly do well here. And you've definitely got the stomach for it... too much stomach for it, actually, so no. Besides, the Imperials outlawed execution by arena combat ages ago."
IRT the Dark Brotherhood, Lachance (who would know an unnerving amount about you) would comment on whatever guild you'd previously joined.
(joined fighters guild) "I'm aware that you're a part of the Fighters Guild, however I assure you that In our work stealth is merely encouraged, not mandatory. There are some family members who prefer the less subtle methods... such as beheading a mark in sight of everyone. Simple, but effective. You would be no less different, nor efficient."
(joined mages guild) "You are with the Mages Guild, yes? Many of our family members rely on magic, in many ways. Magics that allow one to become be a silent shadow, open locked doors, or kill marks in many creative ways are all very commonplace in the brotherhood."
(joined thieves guild) "Don't be misled by my finding of you; your skills at subterfuge are exceptional. Its no wonder why you joined the Thieves Guild - you make an excellent infiltrator... and would make an equally competent assassin."
(joined arena) "I've seen your work in the Imperial City Arena. You certainly are acquainted with killing... its good to have a stomach for that sort of thing in our line of work."
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only-one-brain-cell · 2 years
Text
Treacherous, a Bridgerton Story
Chapter 11
Summery: their horny idiots in love your honor
Warning: smut
Word count: 2.8k
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 12
I paced around in the drawing room unsure if she was going to show, just when I had given up I herd footsteps. I was ready to come up with a excuse as to why I'm awake at this time of the night, thankfully it was Aurora. She was dressed in a white nightgown this time my eyes trailed down her body as always they stopped at her breasts admiring them as if it were the first time I've seen them all over again.
"I wasn't sure you would be here,” I admitted.
"Me either, after what happened in the garden I was worried we would have to stop."
"Hastings is many things but he wouldn't tell a soul. He would only tell Daphne if she ever broached the subject with him."
"I don't think that Daphne will want to speak about her brother and his rakeish actives."
"What about you?"
"What about me?"
"Will you want to speak of me and my rakeish activities?"
"No, I'd rather partake in them." She pulled me down for a kiss her hands gripping onto my shirt. I wrapped my arms around her one of my hands caressing the feeling of her exposed skin on her upper back. She stared walking back to the couch stopping when her knees hit it. We only broke apart for her to lie down, I gazed in awe at her black hair cascading down her body. I gently ran my fingers through her hair my thumb massaging the exposed skin on her chest. The other fingers slowly moving the fabric off of her so I could see and touch more or her breast.
"Anthony." She gasped "we shouldn't, we got caught tonight." She's right we shouldn't,
"is that what you want? To stop?" I asked pulling my hand away.
"No, I never want you to stop."
"I spent most of my life dedicating myself to my family without so much as a thought about myself. This is the first decision I've made in years for myself, yes we should be more careful and I'm willing to work on that. But tonight you look positively gorgeous in that nightgown and it's not fair I couldn't rip the gown you were wearing earlier off."
"You will have plenty of other gowns to rip off to make up for."
"Starting with this one." I responded true to my word I carelessly ripped at the top exposing her breasts to me. I immediately dove in my mouth on one while my hand grabbed the other. She gasped in surprise then it turned into a moan.
"Anthony." Her moan was cut short, she wrapped her legs around me
"Anthony please, I need you." My other hand dipped down only to realize she once again wasn't wearing underneath and they she was soaking wet.
"Gorgeous, so gorgeous." I looked up at her as I inserted another finger, I stroked her cunt loving the face she made even bending her head back.
"Your so gorgeous like this, my lady."
"My lord, your fingers- ah fuck their so good." Her face full of pleasure and I wasn't even inside her yet, I can't think about they just yet I would soill my trousers.
"You drive me crazy especially when you walk around not wearing anything underneath."
"As if you don't drive me equally crazy, especially when you try to order me around." She gasped loudly "oh my fuck, yes Anthony right there."
She gripped my hair and lightly tugged at it.
"Are you close?" I asked picking up the pace.
"Yes, keep going just like that."
"Who's the one giving orders now?" I asked she smirked.
"I like the appeal I understand why you do it so much." She moaned "Anthony I'm gonna- she gasped and let out a moan before she could finish her sentence, her juices running down my fingers. I stepped away to wipe my fingers with a handkerchief then returned to the couch. She laid there her legs sprawled out for me her cheeks red and a smile on her face, she looked positively radiant. Is this what love feels like? I'm wondering how I'm looking at her, like she is the only women in the world that matters, the only person that matters that I would want to capture this moment forever.
"Take off your clothes and lay down" she said standing up. I was quick to follow since her last idea turned out so well. She made a show of slowly slipping out of her gown,my eyes were glued to her body at every inch of skin that got exposed as the gown came off her body. She cleared her throat and I looked at the gown in her hand, she dropped it to the floor then walked back over to the couch. My hands inching to grab her, any part of her. I didn't have to wait long she got on top of me my hand immediately grabbing at her hips. I moaned when she thrusted herself inside me. She placed her hands on my stomach and slowly started thrusting, my hands gripped her hips even harder.
"You look so good like this." I said my eyes gazing up and down her body.
"I wanted to switch it up, take charge for a change you already do some much for everyone else I wanted to make you feel good."
"Your doing a wonderful job, keep going." Aurora picked up the pace. Her hair cascading her body, her hands gripping the back of the couch.
"Aurora I'm-
"I know, tell me when to move." I didn't, I wanted to finish inside her just like this. I knew the risk would be too great,  if she came to be with child then it could be the start of a scandal. We would be forced to wed and that's not how I would want to start a marriage with Aurora.
"Aurora, you need to get off." She followed through but quickly put her hand on my cock.
"Fuck!" I swore then gasped as she moved her hand up and down, it didn't take long for me to finish all over her hand. My breathing was heavy, I looked at her to find hers was the same.
"Do you" she paused for a minute, allowing her breathing to catch up and return to a normal pace before continuing "do you have a handkerchief or something I can use to wipe off my hands?"
"My suit jacket." I replied. She walked back over to me a smile on her face, she caressed a hand on my cheek. I looked into her eyes hopping that she may be mirroring the same reaction I have towards her.
"No women has ever been on top of me before."
"No? How was it?"
"Amazing, although you do need to warn me next time you put your hand or mouth on my cock, not that I would protest." She smiled nor leaving her spot from the couch, normally we don't stay to long afterwards, fearing we may get caught at any moment but this time was different. It was quite a rare thing in the Bridgerton household and I wanted her close to me even just for a moment.
"Lay down with me." She raised an eyebrow,
"Five minutes I promise you, I just... I want you close to me."
"Ok" she must have known how important this was I was rarely vulnerable with anyone but as always Aurora was the expectation. She rested her hand on my chest my hands caressing her hair.
"No women huh, interesting."
"That's what you want to talk about?"
"It's kind of sad that you never allowed yourself a moment to let someone take care of you, to give you pleasure without them experiencing it as well."
My eyes widened "Aurora did you-
"I did" I sighed
"Good." She kissed me on the lips "your always looking out for everyone."
"It's my duty."
"Yes and one you took on much too soon. I admire you, the way you take on your role, how seriously you look after your family especially after Hyacinth was born, you truly love them."
"Of course, don't all families love each other?" She bit her lip. Damn it how could I be so careless? I opened my mouth to apologize, "Aurora I-
"He hit my mother" I froze.
"She told me, after I was born they had a huge fight. He wanted a son as any man does but he wanted an heir not a daughter. They tried for a year and nothing, my mother never got pregnant again. So he hit her, he called her many names none of which I can repeat." I put a hand to her cheek.
"You don't have to say any more."
"You deserve to know Anthony, why I won't marry. After he hit her he barged out of the door, she never saw him again."
"Aurora-
"When I got a letter that he wanted to see me I almost burned it. I didn't remember his face and I never cared to. I liked that I didn't know what the man who made my mother miserable look like. But then I read it and found out that he was dying, the letter contained an address they wasn't far from where I was staying at the time so I went there. He told me he wishes I was never born, that I am a waste and that all I'm good for is marrying a man and having his children. So I looked him dead in the eyes and told him I'll never do any of those things. I'll live my life bound by what I want and not being controlled by any man. I watched the life drain out of his eyes satisfied that I got the last word."
"Thank you for telling me, I would never ask you to if you didn't want to."
"I know, it would be unfair of me to not tell you. You and your family have done so much for me and my mother I don't know where we would be without you" I smiled.
"That was all my father, he immediately planned for you and your mother to be taken care of."
"I know you don't talk about him much, even less about the day he passed but I went you to know that he would be proud of you. Of everything you've done for your family."
"I don't think he would be to proud of me right now." I admitted.
"I'd like to think your father had a few affairs of his own before he met your mother." I scrunched my face trying not to picture my father engaging in any sort of activity with a woman even my mother, the little mix dared to laugh at my discomfort.
"You find my discomfort amusing?" She nodded her head.
"Whatever shall I do with you?" I sighed, she broke from my grasp and stood up.
"I think you have a few ideas she turned around my eyes dropped to her backside. She picked up her nightgown and slipped it back on, "the sleeve is torn."
"Oops." I said not caring at all that the garment got ripped, she shook her head.
"Good night Anthony."
"Good night Aurora." I watched her walk away her story still fresh in my mind. It makes sense now why she wouldn't want to marry or bring a child into this world, I understand her anger at her father if he was still alive I'd track him down and punch him in the face myself for how he treated Aurora and her mother. Aurora rarely talks about her mother I only remember her as being as kind, carrying and independent as Aurora. I sighed knowing sleep won't come easy to me tonight I went to my room only to grab a cigar I kept hidden in my closet. I try not to smoke at home but there are times like theres where I desperately need something to take the edge off.
I sat outside on a old swing, I smiled fondly of pushing my younger siblings on this very swing. Once again the image of a little boy this time accompanied by a little girl with curly black hair and blue eyes were swinging on the swings.
"Are you smoking?"
I broke out of my dream and turned to see Benedict who seemed both surprised and amused.
"I had a long day."
"Yes tea with the Queen must have been horrible, or do you mean dancing with Aurora? Oh you must be referring to all the men who you glared at when they even so much looked at her." I let out a irritated groan, "they looked at her like she was a prized cow up for auction." Benedict didn't respond I sighed then took another drag.
"If I tell you something you have to promise you won't tell anyone else."
"Brother do you really think so little of me that I can not keep a secret?" I rolled my eyes.
"I mean it you can't tell anyone."
"You sound serious brother, what is it."
"I'm in love with Aurora, I think a small part of me has always been in love with her. I kissed her at Daphnes ball and we've been." I sighed "frequently fucking each other every chance we get. I then discovered my true feelings for her and now I'm in love with a women who I can never marry."
Benedict was silent, I was actually surprised he didn't immediately shout out that he knew it and he told me so.
"Care to say anything?"
"I know."
"Yeah I know you know I'm in love with her it seems everyone else knows besides me and Aurora."
"No I know you two have been going at it like rabbits."
"How-
"I herd you the other night in the dining room."
"Oh"
"Yeah oh, also Colin herd you today in Auroras study I don't know what you two were doing but I think you scarred him for life, he's sworn off women now.
"Yeah let's see how long that lasts, Hastings caught us in the gardens tonight."
"Is he going to tell Daphne?"
"Only if she asks so we're safe for now."
"Yeah for now, won't be for much longer if you two keep going at it on every surface."
"Ok that's a bit extreme."
"Is it?" I was silent for a moment Benedict smirked
"I will knock you off this swing."
"No you won't, because your in love."
"Oh shut up."
"She loves you too." I scoffed
"She doesn't, and that's where my problem lies."
"Really? It's not just the the fact that she boldly announced to us today that she will never marry?" He's enjoying this too much, "I'm happy your enjoying seeing my suffer."
"Stop being overdramatic. There's not a doubt in my mind that Aurora feels the same way."
"Really?" I asked
"Definitely, now why now that's the mystery."
"Shut up" I replied. It was silence for a moment before I spoke. "She told me why she would never marry, I understand why." Benedict didn't press for details knowing I would never tell him, Aurora was kind enough to trust me with the truth and I will never speak of it to anyone unless she has granted me permission to do so.
"So what are you going to do now?" I shrugged my shoulders.
"I can't tell her."
"Yes you can, you may not see it Anthony but I do and so does everyone else. I see it whenever you walk into a room, whenever your spending time with Hyacinth or Gregory, and whenever you two are dancing, I can see the love she has for you."
"I can't ruin our friendship like that."
"Brother you ruined it the second you kissed her" I stood up
"Good night brother."
I walked away trying not to let his words etch themselves into my mind.
Benedict
I sighed knowing I had crossed some sort of line but it needed to be said, Idiots the both of them. The plan seems to be working, but it seems a new plan may need to be made. One that involves Aurora and realizing her feelings that is if she hasn't already.
This one may be a bit more challenging, Aurora rarely opens up about her feelings another thing her and Anthony have in common. Even when her mother died the only one that saw her cry was Anthony, she would be held up in her room for days.
Not unexpected but she wouldn't see any of us, only Anthony for weeks. When we did finally see her she went on about like everything was perfectly normal. Like she had represented her feelings and shoved them down. How these two not realize their perfect for each other I will never understand. I swear I'm gonna to loose my mind trying to get them to see that.
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writteninscarlet · 1 month
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"So, me, being the brilliant genius that I am, using the whole of my brain's horsepower and not, like…That teeny part that's not thinking about transistors-" What, do people think he doesn't realize they make jokes about that? Of course he's heard the transistors jokes, but look at Iron Man, who's laughing now, right? "-I had a flash of true, uh, bril…Lance."
Note to self: Find another synonym for brilliant.
"And realized instead of some big thing for your birthday, low key is probably best, right. So I've decided to make this a thing. I mean…An every year thing." He reaches into the box he's brought with him - because wrapping what's in the box would have been a little hard, and draws forth a small, shallow ceramic pot, filled from one curve to the next with thick, plush dark red leaves that feel like velvet and look like petals. "My mission for you, which I have chosen to accept, is to keep giving you plants you can't kill, until you have a whole garden of plants you can't kill. But if you killed the last one I gave you, that's okay, because I was kind of expecting that, we'll just try again, it's fine. I'll do the remembering to water this one between us."
happy birthday Wanda ;; accepting
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Birthdays were a strange thing. On the whole, Wanda wasn’t averse to celebrations. She might be a ‘party pooper’ with her vegetarian needs and the decision to stop drinking alcohol, but that didn’t mean she didn’t enjoy the parties thrown by friends and families. She could have a good time. And there had been plenty to celebrate over the years - she knew that, and cherished those memories. Things were often tough, but not always bad. There really had been many things worth cheering for.
But her own birthday? Hardly remembered and not an event. It wasn’t the age thing (age would catch up to her but she wasn’t old, after all). It wasn’t embarrassment, though granted she’d prefer to be centre of attention for an achievement or her efforts rather than simply surviving another year.
It was mostly about time and effort. She rarely had the time and a busy schedule often meant planning was difficult. And there were just other things to focus her effort on.
Effort and time put in with Tony was not a waste, not by far. The sight of him made her smile and relax, the familiarity and comfort she already felt around him gradually shifting as she took her feelings more seriously. ‘Birthday’ wasn’t on her mind, though it did become clear in her head the more he spoke. Her smile grew in warmth and curiosity. No, she wasn’t one to celebrate but it felt— well it was good to be noticed by him. To have the date acknowledged. To know it meant something. A birthday meant more when with someone important.
Her brow arched as his bright, amazing plan emerged and though she was ready to joke, it did hit that sweet spot. This wasn’t something small to her. It was impressive. A laugh escaped her, not at Tony but with genuine surprised amusement. And a little delight. Ah. Yes. Surprisingly the Scarlet Witch didn’t have a green thumb - but she did grow a little red in the face as he continued. Sheepishly, she replied, “It was doing really well. Low maintenance, I just— well, it’s the plant that’s lasted the longest.” But that plant had moved on to hopefully a better place.
This time she would do better. She had cared and tried, but life got in the way (as did a fight or too that was too much for a plant). Taking this one, her smile softened but eyes remained bright. “It’s amazing. It IS a brilliant idea, Tony.” He was right. Low key was good. And this was… thoughtful. And something that really did make her happy. It simply worked for her. “Really, thank you.” She leant in one hand reaching up and fingers gently brushing his jaw line as she pressed a kiss to his cheek— shifted, a kiss to his lips. Straightening up, her eyes sparked as she looked at the plant, thoughts already on how to look after it. Where it could go.
“I’m sure between us the plant will survive.”
Still, one little tease— “The wonders that can happen when you’re not thinking of transistors…” Her eyes flickered to his, lips curling up into a smirk. “But really, my brilliant genius Tony, you have outdone yourself.” It was impressive to get her enjoying her birthday, after all.
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living-history-lesson · 7 months
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Warning! The following post discusses animal abuse/neglect, specifically of fish!
So I was a 4-H kid (4-H is basically an organization in the US for primary and secondary schoolers with a focus on community service and experiential learning. It's the main avenue through which farm kids show their animals and crops at county fairs but projects that kids/teens can do and show include arts and crafts, stem, and more.)
Through 4-H in Indiana one of the project categories is Aquatic Sciences. This was exciting as a kid because I already had an aquarium. The premise was you show your fish and/or do an experiment or research project about them. The problem is the information in the handbooks and the project choices were.. very bad
I had fun showing my guppies using prior knowledge outside of 4-H but there was a much more dark side of things. This is the "Novelty Tank" category.
The problem isn't that it's novelty, it's that it's tiny. Kids would bring their own art project of a fishbowl for a bettafish, and voi la they would get rewarded for it.
Below is the only image I found online of this but I've seen many examples including much smaller ones.
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[Image id: a small retro blender has been repurchased into a fish bowl. There is a dark substrate layer inside and the rest is water. The fish inside is either unseen or difficult to see because of the distortion from the glass. On either side are a pink and brown milkshake with a Swedish fish on top instead of a cherry /end ID]
I have seen dozens of these little things, with some entries even having multiple fish bowls. Usually it's just a few entries per year but it's a lot and they're always there. I've seen many fair goers ooh and ah about the more "clever" designs too.
I want to also share snippets from the handbook for thr aquatic sciences project. Here is the link for the full thing. I don't know which year this is from but it seems recent?
To start with the cover is a drawing of a kid holding a fish bowl in front of their face while pretending to scuba dive. Which is definitely a way to start things off.
As usual goldfish are listed as beginner fish. Despite the fact the display tanks you use at the fair are like 10 gallons or less.
Here's the quote that fucks me up on my initial scanning. "In general, a gallon of water will hold six to eight neon tetras (a small, slender fish), two pairs of guppies (small fish), two barbs, or two medium goldfish (medium). A pair of fish totaling one inch in length requires a gallon of water (not more than two inches of fish per gallon if you have a pump and filter). A five-gallon tank will house six pairs of fish together with plants and other animals. The Labyrinth fishes, which swallow surface air, can take more crowding. Male Siamese fighting fish are always kept alone in quart jars. They will kill one another if they are in the same container. It is best to allow fish plenty of room until you m have gained experience, because overcrowding is usually detrimental. Remember: fish grow m and multiply"
I'm not even going to get into this whole quote I'm just. Where tf are 8 fish going to go in 1 gallon of water i am scared.
With that I'm almost surprised this guide even mentions stuff like how to sex guppies or how to clean tanks
I honestly stopped reading after that quote tho so idk what else I missed. I'm just in shock.
Bonus: the bettafish that my home county recently got as a member of their office, in a vase as per usual
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[Image ID: a vase being used as a fish bowl, in front of some plants. The substrate of the tank is blur glass, and the fish inside is a stunning blue bettafish. Next to the vase is a blue plaque reading Indiana FFA. /End ID]
As someone who's going into agricultural or extension education, I hope the next wave of educators can help make a change to things like this in 4-H
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gildedmuse · 2 years
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Happy Birthday Zoro!
So, looking through my inbox, there are a few more prompts im there than expected. Also, half of our staff went and got called off to train with this new software where switching over so on top of regular holiday business, I was covering for like two additional people the last few days. I figure I could probably get to some of the prompts this weekend, but I wanted to post something for Zoro's birthday, and, well.... I did give me word. We all know how Zoro would feel about me going back on that.
So I collected them up, into one post so I could at least wrote a little on each. Some of these might probably definitely get longer versions later, but for now, I've just put down whatever comes to mind for the moment.
Oh, and I didn't spare you the cheesy titles either.
[This was the plan and then I started to go way too long, so I'm breaking even this shorter post up....]
Losing The Plot (Like He Loses His Way)
Prompt: Law is annoyed at Zoro in Wano for breaking character from his mental storytelling.
"Franosuke, though there are not ships in Wano, there is still plenty of need for men of your skills! You shall take the role of a carpenter, working alongside the man that Kaido used to construct his hideaway. With your level of skill, physical strength, and incredible knowledge you will quickly gain a reputation and his respect as a fellow tradesman. You must get him to reveal to you the location of the blueprints that will help us navigate Onigashima!"
"That sounds like a SUPER plan! Don't worry, samurai brothers! You'll have those blue prints! Just leave it to the amazing carpentry skills of me - Franosuke!"
"O-Robi, we will need to have someone close to the shogun. You will go to the Flower Capital and seek out this woman. She is one of the finest okiya in all of Wano! With her training you will soon be invited back to the palace, where you will serve as our main source of information on the shogun."
"I will certainly do my best, Kin-san. I shall be your many eyes and ears within the palace of your enemy."
"Wow! You guys both fit your roles so perfectly! Does Wano have many jobs for the greatest snipper in all of history!?"
"Wow, Usopp! You're really excited to help them take on this yonko and his army!"
"....Army?"
"Hehe, perhaps our samurai friends will not be needed, of Usopp has already taken down all the powerful beast pirates."
"Err.... Yep! I sure will! Stand back, you four, you have nothing to worry about with God Usopp here, the bravest warrior of the sea! Unless, maybe, it would be more helpful if I stayed here and helped the Heart Pirates with the ship..."
"Usohachi, while it is not the role of a great warrior that your reputation deserves, I believe you will be most efficient in helping to spread word of our plan without drawing the enemies attention. You shall be on the streets, among the people, where you can help spread our message and listen to the citizens of Wano, who make speak without fear around a frog oil salesman."
"Hmm? A merchant asking Frog Oil. What's it do?"
"Oh, all kinds of amazing things, I've heard it said you can cure disease, release a person from a curse, pour it into soil to increase your crop yield ten times-"
"Oh! Ha! Yes, I - Usohachi - shall sell the people only the finest and most powerful of frog oils! A miracle cure for any ailment you may face!"
"Ah, so you have heard of it! Excellent, Usohachi, we will leave the recruitment of our allies in your capable hands! Now, as for you, Zorojuro, you shall take the roll of-"
"A Ronin."
Everyone in the room finally goes quiet, turning to stare at Law. He has spent up until now standing silent towards the back of the room - some abandoned farm house they had found on their quick scouting of the Wano coast and nearby area. Law has been listening to Kin'emon laying out his plan, poofing pebbled and sticks into disguises for each of the Strawhats one after another. The plan had been satisfactory, though the Strawhats' cheerfulness and upbeat nature is hardly appropriate considering the gravity of the situation. Still, Law had allowed the Samurai appointing names and jobs to each of his allies, allowing Kin'emon the freedom and respect to explain his own plan.
So far, he feels the man has chosen well. He is lucky to have three of the more competent of the crew here, especially when it comes to things like subterfuge, secrecy, and blending in. He had worried that the samurai's fondness for the crew would make him blind to many of their weaknesses.
Which is why he had stepped in when he had.
Zoro cocks his head, giving Law a strangely intense stare. Only it isn't really, it's just everything about Zoro can be intense, especially when Law has it directed directly at him. "Mmm?"
"Perhaps," Robin intervenes, looking back at Kin'emon who looks thrown by Law's sudden need to interject. "We should allow Kin-san to lead. After all, he has clearly given his plan a lot of thought and has crafted out roles out so expertly."
"Err.. Oh, O-Robi, such kind words..." The Samurai smiles and blushes, hand rubbing the back of his neck as he soaks in Robin's praise. Las just stays where he is, leaning against the back wall, but he rolls his eyes at the display. It takes Kin'emon a moment to get back to himself, coughing onto his hand as he returns to his former, more serious self. "Yes, well, Lawdono had not been that far off on our own plans! I believe the best place for a man of Zorojuro's strength, honor and intelligence is in the very halls of the shogun himself, among his warriors." Law's looks down at the floor, brow furrowed in understandable frusteration. This cannot really be their plan!? "Zorojuro will pledge loyalty to the Shogun and from within will be able to take note on the location and number of weapons stores, estimations on troop size, and possibly even secretly manage to obtain access to their facilities!" Kin'emon ends his speech on a note of pride, no doubt turning to the room and waiting for their continued praise.
After a moment of heavy hanging silence, Law looks back up to look around the room. He blinks as if uncertain of his own eyes. He can't believe what he's seeing.
The other three Strawhats are exchanging glances with one another, clearly not in support of the plan. To Law's surprise they are.... They might be sensible about this.
"Well..." Kin'emon prompts, when he realizes no reactions will be forthcoming.
Zoro opens his mouth to answer.
"As amazing as Zoro would be in such a role!" Usopp jumps in, and literally jumps in front of Zoro, smiling brightly at a very confused looking Kin'emon. "Pleading his loyalty to a stranger, sneaking around their back, acting as a spy.... It - it's almost too good!"
Kin'emon tilts his head, hand on his chin as he considers Usopp's words. "TOO good?"
Usopp gives an exaggerated nod. "Of course it's perfect for him, but it's so perfect he may stand out! This, err, crafty, elusive samurai showing up out of nowhere and ingratiating himself so perfect with the rest of the samurai and other warriors."
"It's true!" Franky jumps in, stomping a foot on the floor and snapping one of his giant mech fingers. "No one would be better for this job as our bro! But imagine how much a skilled swordsman like Zoro will stand out just by being so good at not standing out!"
"Sending in someone to take notes on the number and position of such tactical sites is an incredible plan. I know Zoro would be happy to help collect and record such information, though perhaps he should start in the role Torao suggested. It will seem more natural for him to join the Shogun after being master-less for a while first, wouldn't it?"
"Huh, well, I suppose that's true... Zorojuro? What do you say?"
Zoro simply shrugs. "Sure, let's go with Torao's plan."
Law's heart jumps in his chest. He finds his mouth suddenly dry. Such simple, careless words but to Law they ring across the empty barn.
When he catches Robin glances back at him, he has to shake whatever look is on his face away, putting up a mask of indifference and grumpiness once more. He is simply satisfied that they have seen the intelligence of Law's suggestion, that's all.
Still, with all the pieces in their place and Zoro set to wander the city as a samurai without a master, a swordsmen without a captain, Law can't help but think that maybe Wano won't be a complete diaster. After all, Zoro-ya is finally listening to him.
....
—💚—
I Am Where I Am
Prompt: For Zoro's birthday. We all know he gets lost. Does he get lost in time as well? Oh the potential of who he would meet. And who would lust… err.. meet him in return.
Any attempt at writing this one out would just get me lost in it, I'd be going on forever. But I can tell you where it is I would go...
Obviously, he goes back to meet the future king of the pirates, otherwise known as Gol D Rogers. Who I'm sure would be excited to have a good clash with Zoro and then a good fuck. Rayleigh would be there, shaking his head at his captain's childish joy over battling with someone who has such a unique style, smirking over Rogers's drunken attempts say flirting with the boy after. Buggy is suspicious of this guy, and Shanks keeps whispering about how strange he acts, but also can't help but liking Zoro by the end.
Doflamingo is nowhere near as subtle as a totally none subtle Rogers was about how much he'd really like this pretty young thing to get on his knees and part those sweet pink lips of hiss. It's Corazon's plan to just disappear, but this green haired stranger shows up a few days before he puts his plan into action and saved Law from a mob that had caught a glimpse of his white patches of skin. Zoro doesn't care about that stuff at all (he didn't even know he was saving Law). And Corazon sees how his brother is being, and for some reason since he saved Law, Zoro seems determined to stick around. In case. So Corazon ends up offering to take Zoro along with him and Law, and Zoro goes along because, sure, it seems like they could use the protection (and even though Law is short and annoying, he is still their ally) Corazon and Zoro get along better than you'd imagine, and Law constantly feels the strongest, unexplainable need to shove himself between the two. Because he doesn't trust this guy. No other reason.
The FIRST time he meets Hawkeyes, he is 19 and, like Zoro at that age, is still in his challenge every swordsman you came across stage. It actually gets under his skin when Zoro refuses to accept the challenge because, "there's no point, defeating you when I know you're nowhere near your best yet." Zoro has never seen Hawkeyes so... Openly emotional, even if that emotion is huffiness over being treated like a child. There is a 15 year old Shanks there, too, Zoro doesn't know why but he seems to hover around Hawkeyes in a way Hawkeyes keeps calling annoying but never actually stops him from doing. Shanks seems to state at Zoro more than Hawkeyes approves of, too.
Crocodile has just arrived in Alabaster, and he could certainly use someone as.... Skilled with a sword as Zoro by his side. Zoro tells him he still isn't interested in his offer and Crocodile seems both upset and confused, not a good mix on someone who is use to getting what he wants. And with Zoro I'm the middle of the desert, too. Maybe he should rethink Crocodile's offer (Zoro is sure he can take the warlord, bit he has to admit he's a bit surprised when the sand starts to rip at his clothes, to run across his skin like fingers, to almost stroke him.) He is just about to get serious when suddenly half the desert freezes. A young Aokiji walks by, casually reminding Crocodile that he should be careful how he behaves in public now that he's a shichibukai.... Keep such stuff in the shadows. In the shadows, Zoro is sure he sees a small eye and ear disappear into a wall. Aokiji waves them goodbye, he has someone to find.
It's nice to spend time with Ace, actually getting to know the brother Luffy lost. He didn't realize how handsy the other boy could be though, but maybe it's just because they're stuck on such a small boat together. Anyway, as it turns out, Zoro doesn't mind some causal sex every now and then.
A helpful thing to learn right before meeting Hawkeyes for a second time. He is 29 and waiting at the dock of some small little eastern Island. He seems to remember Zoro instantly, though he eyes him in suspicion, asking if Zoro is ready to give him his match yet. Zoro says no. Both turn at the sound of a drunken Shanks and company singing a familiar pirate shanty. Singing along with them is a five year old Luffy, perched on Shank's shoulders. Shanks waves at Zoro like an old friend. Luffy asks about his three swords and Shanks comments that three is always better than one before sending Luffy off. Shanks comments that it's a good thing he knows from past experiences that Zoro will not go to bed with drunken pirate captains so he won't waste his time. Mihawk eyes Zoro even more suspiciously. Zoro seems confused, having not realized that Rogers was hitting on him, but even he can't ignore it when Shanks drapes himself around Mihawk, unbothered by them still standing out on the docks where anyone can see. Mihawk keeps staring at Zoro, too, even with Shanks kissing and touching him.... It makes Zoro's cheeks go red. Why is Hawkeyes staring so much. Probably because Zoro is so cute, Shanks points out. He should really come along with them, at least for the night. Three is better than one, after all.
Finally, Zoro ends up where he should be, just not yet. It's so strange having Luffy be older than him, and not just by a few years. He's got to be, what, like 23... 25 maybe? ("Shishishi, baka!" Brilliant smile "I turned 30 just.... Umm...." making the same face as he does when Zoro knows him, when he has to think hard "Oh, three years ago! That's right!") Then there is 39/40 year old Law and.... Wow. So much wow. Even if Torao is far too smug at Zoro's reaction. (Zoro really should have picked up on the pattern, being attracted to a younger Rayleigh just as much as the older version when he thinks of it, and then there had been the fact that teenage Mihawk may have been less serious and boring, but Zoro couldn't help but think that he sure is smaller and younger looking than Zoro would have thought. Not that he wants to sleep with his version of Hawkeye, but he does remember drunkenly thinking that it would be more fun if this young Hawkeye had the build more like he does in the future, and also If he changed his facial hair, and if his eyes were a bit sharper..... Just if he looked a bit more like when he's older...) Zoro doesn't really think about it though. But he can't help but notice that Torao looks REALLY good in the future.
(It's also easy for Law to be smug. After all, he is well aware of how attractive Zoro-ya finds him.... Or at least, he knew how attractive Zoro-ya would find him in a few years.) Zoro isn't really sure how to react to seeing himself. They both just sort of nod to each other. Then Zoro goes back to staring at Torao. Older Zoro just shrugging, waving to Law as he turns and heads off. He's fine with having some free time to train, maybe grab a drink. Be careful with him, Torao, he was still so breakable back then. ("What? Tch, what do you know old man!") Now, now, please both Zoro-yas, no fighting. There are far better things they could be doing. Isn't three better than one after all?
—💚—
Three Gift Style
Prompt: Law, Luffy, Kid secretly bought the perfect present for Zoro. Somehow, they realise that they bought the same thing. And here they are, fighting for who will give it to Zoro first.
This idea is just so adorable, my only issue is I'm not even sure how to write Kid/Zoro? I mean.... Does Killer not exist in this universe? Is that how that works? No, that can't be it because, honestly, it feels like even if you did go Kid/Zoro, it would have been Killer who actually suggested the perfect gift.
Kind of like I feel like Luffy would have spent a week thinking about it, asking the crew in a way that he thinks is very subtle and doesn't give him away but totally does.
Law has a damn file on Zoro-ya. He's been studying him, taking his time, planning this out. (All perfectly normal, it's the kind of thing he would obviously have on a guy he has a huge crush on an ally.)
Also Law has a clear advantage. Let the idiots fight, he can just shamble Zoro over. Though, he spends too much time being serious and not direct and before he can actually give Zoro his gift - because of course he's built it up, waiting for the perfect moment - that damn menace of a captain comes slingshoting through the air, clotheslining Zoro at the waist and flying off into the distance.
Which only results on Zoro being irritated (for about three seconds, so like forever in terms of Zoro being irritated at Luffy) and Luffy snickers, all amused at Zoro pretending to be so grumpy. Then he gets kind of blushy because he's still wrapped around Zoro - oh! But he doesn't have time because he has something for Zoro! .... Wait, where is it? Damn, he must have left it on the ship. Hey, Zoro, stay here for a minute okay? Don't run off and get lost on him, shishishi!
Zoro: I don't get los- *Luffy already gone*
Zoro: *sigh* What is Luffy up to anyway? I guess I best stay here in case it's something stupid and - Hey!
And Kid uses his powers to attract Zoro's swords, so of course Zoro is going to go running after them. Hey, whatever invisible asshole took his swords, he's gonna kick your ass! Give them back, you see through bastard!
Unlike those last two idiots, Kid isn't going to waste time. He got Zoro there, he's just going to throw the gift at him and act like it is no big deal, just the first thing he found and he heard Zoro's birthday might be coming up or whatever.
Only of course he throws it and it disappears. "Hey! What was that for!?" And Zoro is lightly pelted by pebbles.
Like Law was going to let Kid give Zoro-ya his gift first he Shambles down in front of Kid... Only to hear the incoming scream of Luffy as he comes shooting in. How dare they go and move Zoro from where Luffy left him!
Zoro just shrugging and leaving the three to argue and fight. It doesn't involve him.
.... Hawkeye? What are you doing here?
Mihawk: I happen to be passing by with a gift for my little rabbit.
Man, it's pretty amazing how three immature, competitive jostling-for-position personalities can so quickly turn around and form an alliance when there is a common enemy to defeat.
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iisuya-simps · 3 years
Text
A Kings Coronation (Royal au – Otoya x Reader)
A/N: I've been trying to write this since his birthday celebration card came out
Klab please let me marry this man ~ I will give him my s o u l
God, I wish this were me...
Enjoy~
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Word count: 2458
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The day of Otoya's 18th birthday. Today he would be crowned king and take over the kingdom. You woke up early and rode all morning from your country to see him. A few hours later you woke to the sun shining in your eyes, seeing how you slept most of the way.
It was crowded when you got there. Guards lined up at every corner. People came far and wide to witness the crowning of a new king. You had to push through the crowd to even get close to the main balcony when a hand touched your shoulder.
“There you are! I finally found you!” You feel someone's arms wrap around your waist. It was him. “Otoya!” You turn and give him a hug, he squeezes you back. “Thanks for coming.”
“How could I miss my best friend's 18th birthday/coronation??” “Haha, this place is totally packed, huh? Just getting over here to you was crazy.” “They're all here for you.” You give a warm smile.
“Congratulations, King Otoya Ittoki.” You curtsy. “Gosh... Hearing you say it all formal like is kinda embarrassing.” He scratches his head. “Well, I'll answer as the birthday king should.” Otoya puts his hands on his hips puffing out his chest. “You have my thanks, dear Y/N.” Then bows. “Maybe that wasn't so regal...” you both laugh.
“Well, today is about to kick into high gear so stick close to me, ok?” “I promise I won't leave your side.”
“Still, I'd find you even if you vanished into thin air. We'll have lots more time to talk if we stick together, plus everyone can know about us right?”
“Know about us?”
“Let's go!” You follow close behind him but find it challenging with all of the people. You hesitate to grab his hand but he takes yours first. You look up and see his bright smile and wink as he guides you through the crowds of people till he sneaks you inside.
“Hey, there's something I'd like to show you.” “Oh?” “Close your eyes.” “Otoya...” You whine. “Come on it's a surprise!”
“Fine.” You close your eyes and he takes your hand guiding you slowly down the hall.
“Don't peek, ok?” “I wouldn't dream of it.” You go down a few halls then Otoya puts his hands over your eyes. “It's just up ahead, so put your trust in me. Keep walking straight.”
Continuing down the corridor you approach some steps and a large door. “There's a small staircase so watch your step.”
“Shouldn't I be the one surprising you?” “Maybe. But it's not often we see each other. Just a few more steps and we're here!” He takes his hands away from your face. “Open your eyes!” Revealed to you is a grand balcony with a gorgeous view of the land. “Ta da!”
“Wow, Otoya!” “Are you surprised?” “This is amazing! I've never been here before.” “This is the prettiest spot in the whole castle, so I had to show you! There's even an awesome view of the ocean!”
You can see every corner of the courtyard. You walk up to the railing and lean forward taking in the sights, Otoya joins you from behind.
“Beautiful isn't it? Wonderful weather, and a beautiful princess.” You giggle. “And a charming prince, soon to be king.”
You both heard a commotion from below. “Uhh, it looks like everyone is looking for me. They won't check here right?” He scratches the back of his head. “Maybe we should go back.” “Nah, it'll only be a few minutes, no harm done. Besides look!” Otoya shuffles in a bag behind his back.
“I brought us some cake for us to eat together!” You cross your arms. “Otoya isn't that for the reception?” “Well yeah but I want to eat it with you now... And it's my birthday so anything goes!” You shake your head and laugh. “Alright then, let's dig in.” “Yay!”
He places the plate on the table to the left of the balcony. “After you, princess.” He pulls out a chair. “How kind of you your majesty.” Grabbing two forks from his bag he sits across from you unwrapping the cake. “Waah, this looks sooo good. Itadakimasu!” You both took a bite savouring the vanilla cake and fluffy buttercream frosting.
“Mmm, I knew it.” “Knew what?” “That this cake is way tastier being here with you than at the party.” “Uh-huh.” “What? You don't feel the same way?” He pouts. ��Everything's better with you, Otoya.” “Really? I think so too... With you I mean!” You both gobble down the rest of your cake not saying a word but simply enjoying each other's company.
“Ahh, that hit the spot. Shall we go?” “You have cake on your face silly. You'll look like a fool if you go out like that.” “Hmm? Where is it?” He licks around his lips. “No on your cheek, here.” You laugh stepping closer to wipe the icing with your thumb from his cheek. Sticking it in your mouth you then clapping your hands together.
“That's better.” “T-thanks...” He blushes but quickly recovers. “Well, the party's just getting started.” You place your hands on his shoulders. “Let's make this the best day ever!”
You and Otoya go back down to greet the people outside in the crowd. Staying closely by his side he never let you out of his sight. “Otoya there you are! I swear you have no sense of time. The ceremony is about to begin!” The queen crosses her arms. “Already?” “Yes, now let's go.” “But Y/N...” “I'll be fine.” You smile. He takes both of your hands in his. “I'll come to find you after, ok?” “Alright, now go get your crown.” You wink.
The crowning ceremony was lovely. Otoya took the coronation oath and made a speech. Afterwards, everyone gathered in the main ballroom then the celebration really began. You were wandering around near the edge of the ballroom when you felt a hand pull you around the corner.
“Hey.” “Oh hi.” You smile and fix your eyes on his crown. “So what's next, king?” “Hehe, come with me.” You spend the rest of the day greeting more people, enjoying the food at the banquet and listening to the royal orchestra. When nightfall came Otoya leads you away from the dwindling crowds to his bedroom to retire for the night.
“Wow, that was a blast.” You jump on his bed and sink into the duvet. “We hung out all day huh?” “Yup seems like it.” “Time flies when I'm with you. Oh! And did you hear the band? They were all like bweeh daa daa doooo.” Otoya mimics a violin shaking his head around.
“Ah! My crown is gonna fall!” He juggles it between his hands leaning over and catching it before it hits you. “Gotcha. Whoa!” The carpet slipping from under him he fell on top of you anyway. “S-sorry y/n!” There was a moment you stared into each other's eyes. You blushed a bright red then laughed.
“Cmon... no laughing. I just let my guard down a bit...” he pouts. “You're just a clutz, Otoya.” You scoot off to the other side of the bed. “Am not! I always act like a king should...” “Uh huh. So what does it feel like to be a king anyway?” He places his hand on his chin and ponders.
“It's not much different than being a prince yet I don't think. Though I guess a big responsibility falls on my shoulders now that I am a king. I have a whole kingdom to look out for after all. And you.” “I can look after myself.” “But you don't have to.” Otoya twiddles his thumbs together.
“Anyway... Today is special! After all, you're here with me.” He raises a brow. “Hey, why are you so far away? Didn't you promise not to leave my side? Come sit by me. You're making me lonely...” He pouts again. “Promise you won't fall on me again?” “Not on purpose.” “Haha.” You move closer and the both of you talk about the day's events. Though the whole time, you couldn't help feel butterflies dance in your stomach.
“I had a great time today, Y/N.” “Me too.” “Everything was so wild during the day, but now all I hear is you.” His hand caressing your cheek. You gaze, getting lost in his eyes. “Those lips hold the voice I cherish most.” His thumb brushes over your bottom lip. Leaning forward his lips meet yours as they come together in a sweet kiss. You stay like that for a moment, then part. You turn away embarrassed. “Wait what's wrong? Don't turn away.” He giggles. “You left yourself open for that.” You laugh too.
“Look at me.” He turns your head and your eyes meet once more. “I'm sorry I guess I just wasn't expecting that...” He places both hands on the side of your face slowly pulling you into another kiss. “Were you expecting that?” “Hehe.” You wrap your arms around his neck and kiss him back. You melt into each other drawing out each kiss for as long as you could. “I don't know, were you expecting that?” You both laugh and he pulls you into his arms.
“Oh, Y/N...” He sighs. “I just want you all to myself.” “So selfish, your majesty.” “Hey, a king's orders are absolute you know. That being said, I order you to stay and talk all night to me.” “I guess I cant disobey direct orders.” “Hehe, no you can't.” You lay back and chat in his arms, steadily getting more sleepy you yawn.
“Will you stay with me tonight?” “I did arrange to stay for a few days.” “Really? He beams then suddenly gets nervous. “W-what is it?” You ask, both looking serious and sit up.
“Y/N, would you stay longer if I asked you to marry me?” Your eyes widened. “O-Otoya I-”
“I know it's sudden, I just can't wait. I want you to be mine.” “Are you sure? There are plenty of other princesses that are dying for your hand in marriage.” “Well of course there are other princesses, but you're the only one I have my eyes on. You're too special not to be my beloved.”
“Otoya...” A happy tear slides down your cheek but he wipes it away and holds your hands. “Hows about I ask you again tomorrow? More formally.” “Okay.”
You're unable to hold back the grin from your face. Marry Otoya? Being his friend is one thing but this is a dream come true.
“Oh! I almost forgot!” You get up and grab your purse shuffling around. “Close your eyes Otoya.” “Ok ok... You take the little box from your purse and open it to place a small wooden triangle in his hand. “You can open your eyes now.” He looks down at his hand to see a small triangular pick. “A pick?” He studies it. “For your guitar!”
“Wha-” reaching under the bed you pull out a brand new redwood guitar. “Wow! For me?! Are you sure?!” “Of course! Otoya takes the guitar running his fingers over the frets and strings. “Happy birthday Otoya.” He sets the guitar down by the nightstand beside him. “Thank you Y/N!” He tackles you to the bed holding you tight.
You spend the rest of the night giddily talking about your goals, dreams and aspirations for the future. Eventually falling asleep next to each other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the morning you wake to a blushing Otoya combing his hand through your hair and your eyes flutter awake.
“Good morning, Y/N.” Otoya presses a kiss to your forehead. “Morning.” You yawn. “Did you sleep well?” “That was the best sleep I've had in a while.” Otoya beams. “Good, are you hungry? Would you like breakfast? I could have the cook bring us something.” “That sounds lovely.”
“I'll be right back!” Otoya rushes off to the kitchen and has a special breakfast made. He returns with the cook serving both of you a buffet.
“Otoya!! We cant eat all this!?!” "That's ok, there's plenty of variety so just pick what you want!” You share a large breakfast together in bed. Otoya insists on feeding you dessert, but after the feast you just had you couldn't possibly take another bite.
After a quick rest, Otoya leads you on a stroll through the garden. It's early spring and the flowers are just starting to bloom. You're walking along when you pull Otoya to a stop.
“Hibiscus!” You wander over to the colorful display of red, yellow, white and pink flowers. “Hibiscus is my favorite flower.” You hold back your hair and take in the sweet almost fruity fragrance. “Y/N.” Otoyas hand takes yours.
“We've known each other since we were kids. As the years have gone by I've realized how special you are to me as a friend and something more. I promise to love and protect you as I will my kingdom. With you by my side, I feel as if I can do anything. I will give you each and every one of these flowers and more.” Otoya kneels down in front of you.
“My heart belongs to you and only you.” You gasp as he opens the velvet box to reveal a dazzling yet subtle ring. “Say you'll be mine, forever and always.”
“Otoya...” You tear up once more. “Yes, of course I'll be yours!” He stood and took the ring out of the box placing it on your finger. You leap to hug him almost knocking him over in the process. This was better than you could ever imagine.
"Otoya, I love you." Your heart pounds as you pull back to look him in the eyes.
"I love you too, Y/N." You share a very heartfelt passionate kiss.
Otoya plucks a flower from one of the branches and tucks it in your hair.
“There, for my beautiful bride to be.” You plant a gentle kiss on his cheek and walk hand in hand back to the castle where you greet the queen.
You feel quite foolish when you realize that it was your parent's plan all along to get you two together, but it worked out so naturally you didn't care. You were getting married to the guy of your dreams, and that was a miracle within itself.
Your wedding was celebrated with your family and civilians from far and wide.
But with Otoya by your side, this truly was a dream come true.
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fe-fictions · 1 year
Note
Where? ~oh~ where? Have those Henry fics gone?~ I needs my crowman
(I've got some Henry taking care of Robin and Morgan when they get sick! Huge thanks to @zankavogue , who compiled a huge archive of fics from the deactivated blog! I'll be reuploading as many as possible!!! U V U)
The family had taken a brief, albeit very fun and relaxing, trip in Plegia. Morgan being only eight months old certainly made things interesting. Having the whole family there to enjoy the beauty of Plegia outside war time was fun.
Plus, you were both Plegians, so it was nice to learn about your roots.
It was a magical time. Or at least, it would have been. You woke up the morning after you came home and found yourself unable to get out of bed.
You had a fever, your head was pounding, and you were a snotty mess of misery. Henry was amused until he heard baby Morgan bawling down the hall. You both caught, according to your husband, the Plegian swine flu.
No one was immune from it, not even sweet, innocent little blood bags like Morgan (Henry’s words, not yours).
So Henry quickly went from teasing you and being fascinated by how miserable you were to going into full-blown panic.
Like any disease, a baby catching it had a higher risk of complications. Most recover, Henry explained while frantically scribbling an urgent letter for Maribelle to tie to one of his crows, but itty bitty babies could suffer serious health problems.
Henry got to work on preparing you a bucket of cold water, a second bucket for the kerchiefs you would be blowing your nose into all day, and a third bucket in case you couldn’t keep your food down.
You didn’t.
“Gods, Henry- did you have to send that filthy animal to me? I’m literally down the block! It would take you fifteen minutes to-”
“Fifteen minutes is a waste of time! Morgan and Robin could be dead by then! And if it’s either of them, it’s no joke, nya ha!”
“Then why are you laughing?”
“It’s nervous laughter!” He chuckled again, though judging by how pale his face was, it seemed to be true. 
Maribelle simply scoffed and hurried to the bedroom, ready to treat her friend.
“Robin, darling! Oh, you look positively ghastly!” She gasped, drawing the mask over her mouth and nose. She pulled on her medical gloves, a stave at her side and a big pouch of herbs on her belt. “The Plegian swine flu is no joke...it’s very rarely found in Ylisse, but when it travels with you…”
“I-it’s a disaster.” You wheezed, not before you were overcome by coughing. “Anything y-you can do will be a welcome remedy.”
“Luckily for you, there’s nothing here that herbs and plenty of rest won’t fix. Now Morgan might be a little trickier, given his age...but we can at least get started with you.”
Maribelle was quick to send  Henry off to grind up the herbs, preparing some disgusting concoction guaranteed to get your body back to normal.
Presuming Henry could put it together.
“Now, when did you start to feel ill?”
“W-well, if I’m honest… It started around-”
Crash
“Ah, gods- I broke the cup!!”
“-The time we got home, last night. It was late-”
Smash
“The pestle’s shattered!!”
“-And I just thought I was tired, but...my head feels about the same as-”
Bang
“The herbs are everywhere!!”
“HENRY!!” Maribelle shouted out the door, “What in the gods’ names are you doing?!”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make a mess!” Henry apologized, his voice shaky and unsure. “I-I just meant to help a bit, but it looks like I’m making things worse, nya ha!”
“Why don’t you come and sit,” Maribelle pinched  her brow, “Just settle down until you stop breaking things.” 
You watched as Henry wandered back into the bedroom, looking surprisingly pale and nervous. You had never quite seen him in such a way, before.
After all, it was always good times and weird vibes with your husband. Since when did he become the anxious type?
“I’ll be right back, Robin. I’ll get your medicine.”
“Give some to Morgan, first.” You asked, “I can wait.”
Maribelle nodded to you before taking off, leaving you alone with your husband who was bouncing his leg and fidgeting with his hands with a nervousness that you’d never seen before.
For a few moments, it was quiet, listening to the rhythmic, rapid tapping of his heel against the stone. Eventually, though, you would have to snap him out of it.
“Henry, a-are you all right?” You questioned as gently as you could. Henry started to nod, giving you a cracked, faux grin. Then he paused, his smile fell, and he shook his head.
“Well, if I’m honest? No. Not at all. I feel like I’m dying inside.” He admitted. “I mean, you’re sick, and so is Morgan! My two favorite living people! And there’s not a thing I can do about it- I mean, he’s just a baby, and we’ve only been back together for a year- I dunno. It scares me, y’know? Which is impressive! When’s the last time I’ve been genuinely scared, right! Nya ha ha!”
“There’s nothing to be scared of, Henry.” You tried to assure him. But he shook his head, folding his arms tightly.
“You don’t know that! All it takes is one thing to go wrong and it could be bye-bye wifey, or even bye-bye baby, and I...oh, I couldn’t handle that. Nope, not one bit.” 
It was certainly a reasonable concern. 
“Henry, sweetheart...come here.” You held your hand out to him, insisting he sit with you. You weren’t sure if it was the exhaustion or the pain that numbed your sense of worry, but you were far calmer than he was.
He took your hand, revealing trembling fingers. You squeezed it tightly, trying your best to comfort him despite your situation.
“Maribelle will take care of us. We’ll be okay, I’m sure.”
“But you can’t be sure!” He sighed shakily, “Anything can happen when it comes to Plegian flu. It can either be nothing at all, or really bad! And you never know until it happens. If something bad did happen to you or Morgan, I just...I don’t know what to do! You already told me I’m not allowed to re-animate either of you if you croak, so...I’m out of options!”
“I’m standing firm on that, just so you know.” You informed him with a soft smile, “But, Henry...there’s no value in worrying for worrying’s sake. W-we really shouldn’t be concerned with the unknown until it comes.”
“That’s easy for you to say, you’re not the one having to take care of both of you! What if I mess up?! What if I make it worse!! I already broke Maribelle’s mortar and pestle, there are herbs everywhere, a-and I just-”
“Henry,” You pressed a finger to his lips, “You’re overthinking.”
“B-but I just...I worry about you guys…”
“I know.” You beamed at him, stroking his cheek. “But please, try not to worry. We need to wait for Maribelle’s diagnosis, and we can go from there, okay? It’ll be easier if we take it a step at a time.”
“Gosh, Robin...how’re you able to stay so calm all the time?” He looked at you incredulously, “I’m about ready to pop out of my skin and just run around like a headless Risen!”
“Experience.” You laughed. 
Maribelle came in not long after, informing you both that the flu didn’t appear to be as bad as it could be. 
“Morgan should recover within the week, though we’ll need to make sure he receives two doses of medicine each day; one in the morning and one at night. Henry, you’ll have to make it for him each day- is that something you can handle? Or will I be making more visits this week?”
Henry shared a look with you, seeing your encouraging smile. He took a deep breath and nodded.
“I can handle it, I promise!”
“Good. Morgan’s going to be counting on you. Robin, you should need more rest than anything else, but I’m recommending you take one dose each evening; it will help you sleep better, and it’s strong enough that it should hold you the next day.”
“That’s fine by me.” You agreed; the less disgusting, bitter herbs you had to ingest, the better.
“Your recovery time will be a bit longer than Morgan’s, though, judging by how you’re doing… I’d say two weeks at minimum; a month-and-a-half at most. Now if you want, I can have Lissa or Libra come and help take care of you, so that Henry can focus on caring for Morgan. Or, we can simply send Morgan off with a wet nurse while you’re here.”
“N-no, I-!” Henry interrupted before you could reply, putting a hand to his chest. “I can handle it, Maribelle! After all, if I can’t take care of my family, what kind of man would I be? Just a sad bag of bones and sinew! Not good for anything but crow food.”
Maribelle glanced over at you, looking for some sort of response. You knew she was still wary of Henry, especially now that she was out a very lovely mortar and pestle. But you were confident in his abilities.
“He can take care of us.” You told her, “I trust him.”
“Well...if you insist.” She conceded, earning a whoop from your husband- and an apology for it shortly after when he realized you weren’t to be around loud noises with your headache. “I’ll be coming to check up on you twice a week until you’re all better- until then, Henry, we’re counting on you!”
“You got nothin’ to worry about, Maribelle! We just take it a day at a time, and it’ll be great, nya ha!”
“Robin, if anything changes, or you need help...please don’t hesitate to call me or the other healers immediately.”
“I will.”
“I do mean anything, dear.”
“...I will.”
“If Henry does one thing wrong-”
“Hey!”
“I got it, Maribelle.” You chuckled, waving her away. “Thanks for your concern. We’ll be sure to call for you if we need anything. But I’m positive Henry will take care of us just fine.”
“You can bet your organs on it!” He grinned, giggling happily with his wife’s support. Maribelle gave him a long, hard look, but eventually took her leave. 
Henry was quick to move Morgan’s crib into the bedroom, guaranteeing that he could keep track of both of you and ensure you were both recovering nicely at the same time.
While it was heartbreaking listening to Morgan’s discomfort and those tiny baby coughs, it helped to see him improve day after day.
You did end up recovering about a week after Morgan, all thanks to Henry. He made sure to give you only the best. Most of all you were just thankful that none of you could get the Plegian swine flu ever again.
Especially since he bought Maribelle a replacement mortar and pestle that came from a questionable source, covered in animal bones and bird skulls and...you really didn’t know what corner of Hell he summoned them from.
At least there wouldn’t be another opportunity for him to break anything else of Maribelle’s, seeing as you wouldn’t be getting sick again.
You would take extra steps to ensure that just so he wouldn’t frighten Maribelle with another horrifying “gift”.
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