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depressing-debbie · 3 years

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REINER SIMP BACK FOR MORE!! If you're interested, of course, fluff alphabet for the absolute blonde of my dreams???

WELCOME BACK, I had so much fun with this one <3

Every time I write for post time skip Reiner it ends up just the slightest bit angsty, so just be aware

Again, I'm using the prompt by @snk-warriors

Post time skip of course! :)

Fluff Alphabet: Reiner

A ctivities - What do they like to do with their s/o? How do they spend their free time with them?

The activity doesn't really matter to him, he really just likes being with them. He’d do any kind of activity that they suggest because he loves the way their eyes light up doing things they’re passionate about. But, if his SO likes going on fun dates, he’d definitely be down to plan something. Probably still something pretty small and intimate, maybe like a picnic or a walk through a pretty area.

B eauty - What do they admire about their s/o? What do they think is beautiful about them?

He definitely loves his SO’s eyes, especially the way they light up when they’re excited. He also loves getting to watch them while they’re moving around or doing something, he thinks they’re so amazing just existing. More than anything, though, he really admires their personality and spirit.

C omfort - How would they help their s/o when they feel down/have a panic attack etc.?

Reiner wouldn’t know instinctively what to do at all, but he’d be so concerned. He’d probably just sit with them quietly the first time, and then have a discussion later about what they’d like him to do in the future. And he definitely commits that to memory, so the next time they’re down or anxious, he knows exactly what to do. He has his fair share of negative experience with mental health and image, so he knows at least to some extent what they’re going through, and he’ll do whatever he can to make sure they no longer have to feel that way.

D reams - How do they picture their future with their s/o?

I think it takes a while for him to actually imagine his SO being in his future just because he’s endured so much loss in his life, but one he finally allows himself to start to make plans, he definitely has a nice rosy little vision for the future. It’s total domestic bliss, with a cozy home, a vegetable garden, and maybe even kids (depending on his SO, of course). He really craves that peaceful security of a boring, stable life because he’s never gotten to experience it before, so thinking of the future makes him really happy.

E qual - Are they the dominant one in the relationship, or rather passive?

It’s definitely pretty equal. He doesn’t go into relationships with any preconceived notions of playing an active or passive role, so it really just depends on his SO and how their dynamic falls. But for the most part, he’s happiest when he’s able to alternate between the two, both comforting and being comforted.

F ight - Would they be easy to forgive their s/o? How are they fighting?

He’s honestly not great with conflict. He really hates fighting and would never instigate a fight, but when it does occur, he gets hurt pretty easily. He has so much going on in his own head, and conflict with his SO just adds to internal self doubt. But, since he really doesn’t want to fight, he’s always open and willing to make up at any time.

G ratitude - How grateful are they in general? Are they aware of what their s/o is doing for them?

Reiner is so grateful. He is constantly showering them in praise and thank you’s, and he just feels so damn lucky to be with them. Every small act of service or gift from them makes his heart swell, and he goes out of his way to make sure that they they know just how much he appreciates them.

H onesty - Do they have secrets they hide from their s/o? Or do they share everything?

I definitely think he would be very honest. Secrets put space between the two of them, which is the last thing he wants. He would much rather have an awkward conversation about something than lie to his SO, which would make him so guilty. He also leans on them for support a lot, and he knows that they can’t support each other if they’re not totally honest.

I nspiration - Did their s/o change them somehow, or the other way around? Like trying out new things or helped them overcome personal problems?

Reiner’s SO has such a positive influence on him. He has a lot of self doubt and a lot of fear when it comes to relationships and commitment, but over time, he began to let himself rely on them and make himself vulnerable. They honestly probably inspire him to be more open and positive, and their optimism rubs off on him, even if it’s just slightly.

J ealousy - Do they get jealous easily? How do they deal with it?

I don’t think he gets jealous often, but he does have a habit of not dealing with it properly. He would never be rude to his SO, he just starts to pull away because his self doubt keeps saying they would be better off with someone else. It’s not hard to help him relax, though, it really just takes some quiet words from his SO and a reminder that he is enough for them.

K iss - Are they a good kisser? What was the first kiss like?

He was really nervous for their first kiss, for literally no reason. He was very careful with his general timing, but in the moment, it probably seemed a bit abrupt just because he was so nervous. He’s a really good kisser, and after the first kiss, it’s a regular occurrence.

L ove Confession - How would they confess to their s/o?

In terms of asking his SO out for the first time, I think he was very nervous and probably make it pretty awkward just because he kept trying to shrink into the background. But if we’re talking about the first time he told them he loves them, it wasn’t awkward at all. It was probably late at night and they were laying in bed together when it really just hit Reiner how happy he was, and how lucky he was to have them. He said it so casually, as if it was already a part of their routine instead of something foreign and new.

M arriage - Do they want to get married? How do they propose? What would the marriage be like?

I think the idea of marriage would scare him just slightly, but it is appealing to him. Again, it’s that idea of stability and security that just seems so cozy and comfortable for the future. He doesn’t indulge in making plans for the future often, but when he does finally let himself think about it, it makes him really happy. He spends lots of time planning the most romantic proposal, maybe even something public if his SO is comfortable with it. The idea of getting married makes him so excited that he wants to share it with everyone. He doesn’t necessarily have a great eye for decoration or color, but he’s so eager to help, so together, they plan a beautiful wedding. Probably small and intimate, and absolutely lovely.

N icknames - What do they call their s/o?

I think nicknames make him a bit embarrassed, so most of the time, it’s just “honey” or your name. Your name is amazing, and he’s more than happy to keep saying it.

O n Cloud Nine - What are they like when they are in love? Is it obvious for others? How do they express their feelings?

When Reiner’s in love, especially at the beginning, everyone can tell. He just gives off an air of contentedness and confidence from being with his SO, laughing a bit more often than usual and frequently being caught zoning out while smiling into the distance. It’s almost laughable how much the stoic man’s behaviors change when he’s finally that happy.

P DA - Are they upfront about their relationship? Do they brag with their s/o in front of others? Or are they rather shy to kiss etc. when others are watching?

He’s pretty private in general. He holds onto his SO’s hand in public and offers them his arm while walking, but otherwise, they don’t like to show off in public. In terms of how much he talks about them, I think it depends on his SO. If they’re a private person, he won’t bring it up a single time. But if he can tell they don’t mind, he’d talk about them with his friends and introduce them as his SO, and he’d be happy getting to show everyone how amazing they are.

Q uirk - Some random ability they have that's beneficial in a relationship.

He’s always warm, even in the middle of the winter. If his SO is ever cold, he offers his jacket (because he’s probably overheating anyway), or he can just warm them up with a hug. It’s really sweet.

R omance - How romantic are they? What would they do to make their s/o happy? Cliché or rather creative?

It makes him pretty embarrassed, but he really is very romantic! He can definitely appreciate the cliched romantic tropes, but I think he also likes to be creative. He love surprising his SO to see the look on their face, and he just loves making them happy. When they’re happy, he’s happy!

S upport - Are they helping their s/o achieve their goals? Do they believe in them?

Reiner has a lot of doubts in his life, especially for himself. But when it comes to his SO? There is nothing they can’t do. He believes in them 100%, and he will do whatever he can to support them.

T hrill - Do they need to try out new things to spice out your relationship? Or do they prefer a certain routine?

He’s absolutely someone who prefers a nice stable routine. Not that he won’t go out and try new things, especially if his SO would like to, but he just prefers to stick to their normal plans. Being able to plan head is a luxury for him, and he appreciates the calmness behind it.

U nderstanding - How good do they know their partner? Are they empathetic?

He knows his SO very well, and he’s very empathetic. He can’t read their mind, and he does still need lots of communication, but he genuinely does almost feel their pain with them. He’s great support through a difficult time because he can empathize so well.

V alue - How important is the relationship to them? What is it’s worth in comparison to other things in their life?

Once his relationship becomes serious, it’s one of the most important aspects of his life. Part of becoming serious with his SO is allowing himself to open up to and rely on them, which creates such a deep level of emotional intimacy. He really wouldn’t trade them for the world.

W ild Card - A random Fluff Headcanon.

He makes his SO coffee every morning. If they don’t like coffee, he makes tea, or maybe even just pours them a glass of orange juice. If they don’t live together, he will literally drive to bring it to them. In his eyes, it’s not only an excuse to get to see them every morning, but he likes making sure that they start off every morning happy.

X OXO - Are they very affectionate? Do they love to kiss and cuddle?

He’s very affectionate! Sometimes it makes him a little bit uncomfortable to be vulnerable like that, but he likes having his SO close to him. Definitely big on cuddling, again because he likes to be close to them, and because it makes him feel safe.

Y earning - How will they cope when they're missing their partner?

He definitely gets a bit sad when they’re away for a long time. If possible, he likes to check up on them in the morning. Otherwise, he just tries to keep himself busy. I think he also gets a bit anxious when they’re gone because they’re such a source of support for him, so he’s very relieved when they return.

Z eal - Are they willing to go to great lengths for the relationship? If so, what kind?

He’s absolutely willing to do what it takes to keep his relationship strong. As much as he loves his routine, he’s always open to make changes that will keep things running smoothly and keep his SO happy. They’re very important to him, so of course he would go to great lengths for them.

#attack on titan headcanons #attack on titan #aot headcanons #aot #shingeki no kyojin #shingeki no kyojin headcanons #snk headcanons #snk #reiner braun #reiner fanfic #reiner brainrot #reiner headcanons #boyfriend reiner #reiner fluff

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osferth · 3 years

Text

nainowale ne || part two

chapter summary: The two girls are older now, which only means one thing for Aethelflaed: marriage. But marriage does not bring the happiness she has been seeking.

word count: 4.4k

tagging: @marv-llous @lauwrite1225 @maggiescarborough @volvaaslaug @wildwren @aadmelioraa @emilyhufflepufftlk @for-bebbanburg @poguesmaybank @cheerylogan @northumbria @geekandbooknerd @morosemagick

part one

The first time Estrid met Uhtred was not until two weeks later, where she happened to come across him at the exact moment he stormed out of the doors of the court. He had nearly barrelled into her in his haste to leave.

“Sorry, Lord,” Estrid said quickly, moving out of the way. She had improved a lot in remembering the terms she needed to use, much to Gytha’s delight. Uhtred paused suddenly upon hearing her accent. They both frowned at each other at the same time.

“You are not a Saxon, are you?” Uhtred asked, crouching down to meet her level.

Estrid shook her head. “You must be Uhtred,” she said. “Aethelflaed told me about you. Were you fighting with the king again?”

The initial anger on his face dissolved and he grinned at the lack of tact one would come to expect from a ten-year-old. “I wonder what you’ve been told about me,” he said. “I was not arguing with the king, no.”

“Then who was shouting in there?” the girl asked, pointing at the door. “I heard someone speaking Danish too, but I don’t think I’m allowed to say what it was.”

Uhtred laughed. “Alright, yes,” he said. “From one Dane to another, that is exactly what happened. It seems you’ve had more success with the Saxons than I have.”

Estrid scowled suddenly. “I mean, I love being Aethelflaed’s friend,” she said, “but everyone else wants me to be baptised. I don’t want to be a Christian! They’re too holy and they think they’re better than everyone else because they are always kneeling and praying somewhere. It sounds boring and stupid and I won’t do it.”

Uhtred tapped her shoulder. “They made me get baptised too,” he told her in a confidential whisper, “and yet I am still a Dane. I don’t pray to their nailed god, nor do I attend church. I think I would set on fire if I ever stepped foot inside one.”

Estrid giggled. “I think I would, too,” she admitted. “But you’re a grown-up warrior. I’m only ten, Gytha will just make me go to church. I think I would rather go to Hel.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Uhtred said enigmatically, standing up. “Gytha is who, a maid?”

“The scary one, yes,” Estrid said. “You’ll speak to her?” she added hopefully.

Uhtred nodded. “Something like that, yes. Take care of yourself, Estrid.”

Estrid smiled and waved as he left. There was a new spring in her step as she made her way to the garden, ready to meet Aethelflaed and tell her everything.

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

When Estrid returned to her quarters that evening, she found a very distressed Gytha meeting her at the door. She appeared quite red-faced and flustered.

“Have you been speaking to Uhtred?” she asked immediately. “He said you have not met him, but I can never fully trust a heathen-”

“Who is Uhtred?” Estrid asked as innocently as possible. Stifling her grin proved to be very difficult, even more so when Gytha threw her hands up in the air.

“He warned me against having you ‘dragged’ to church each week once you are baptised,” she exclaimed. “That you are a Dane at heart and it would be wrong to change that.”

“Oh,” Estrid said, taking off her boots. Her hair covered her face and she allowed herself to smirk in the few seconds before she straightened up, a look of pure concern on her face. “What did you say?”

“I told him I’d try my best,” she muttered, and Estrid’s eyes widened. “It was an honest answer! Do not think you’ve completely gotten away with not attending church, young lady, I will make sure you see the inside of it one day, even if you set on fire upon entering.”

“Funny, Uhtred said the same thing,” Estrid said absent-mindedly. Only an incredulous noise from Gytha prompted Estrid to realise her slip, and she quickly scampered off before Gytha could catch her.

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

Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, Estrid was baptised upon the orders of King Alfred not too long after. At Gytha’s request, it was a private affair, unlike Uhtred’s - according to him, it had been incredibly public. Estrid had supposed the ‘conversion’ of a Dane warrior warranted more of a spectacle than a child’s. In any case, she still called herself a Dane. The baptism did nothing to change her beliefs, a fact Gytha had been forced to come to terms with quite quickly.

Her relationship with Gytha continued to improve over the next few years. By the time Estrid was seventeen, their bond was almost that of a mother and a daughter. Gytha was still as strict as ever, but even she would not be loath to admit that Estrid’s behaviour - in her eyes, at least - had improved solidly under her guidance. Becoming Aethelflaed’s maid the previous year had been a major step for Estrid, though she had already started taking over some of Gytha’s duties earlier on than that.

Estrid’s friendship with Aethelflaed had only grown stronger. Anyone would say that Aethelflaed had matured into a beautiful, vivacious young woman, though she and Estrid were still as thick as thieves. They were hardly seen without each other, something the queen was persuaded into believing as a good thing - Estrid was no longer the wild child they had brought in six years ago, and with Aethelflaed’s influence she would continue to mature and grow in the same way.

Along with that was the very good appearance of piety that Estrid kept up around her and the king, of course.

A meeting with representatives from Mercia, along with Lord Ceowulf himself, ended in tragedy - or hilarity if your name was Aethelwold - when Ceowulf suddenly died halfway through. Estrid had been standing in the corner, watching all of it take place with mild interest. She attempted to make eye contact with Aethelflaed, but found her attention elsewhere.

Estrid followed her gaze across the room to Lord Aethelred, the young man that had accompanied the king of Mercia to Winchester. From what she understood, Ceowulf’s death would now make him the lord of Mercia, but she did not care about that. There was a sharp pang in her chest all of a sudden, and she realised she was glowering at Aethelred. Although he had not even spared a glance towards her, already the Dane did not like him.

It seemed Aethelflaed did, though.

After the chaos of the meeting, Estrid caught up to Aethelflaed. “I saw you making eyes at Lord Aethelred,” she said in a low voice, smiling to cover her irritation. She was unsure why she was beginning to detest Aethelred already, but she was certain that her mind would not change. Although she usually trusted her instincts, she decided to ignore them in favour of Aethelflaed’s happiness.

“I was not doing anything of the sort,” Aethelflaed denied at once.

“Of course not,” Estrid said, “and I am a Saxon.”

The shove she received a second later did not surprise her.

“I was just looking at him,” Aethelflaed added defensively. “There is no harm in that.”

“I never said there was,” Estrid countered. “Look, I know that you like the look of him. And now that he is to be the lord of Mercia, he has risen in standing even more. I know your mother likes him too,” she added.

Aethelflaed’s eyes widened. “She does? How can you tell?”

Estrid did not want to answer that. Already she felt as though she had said too much, but she felt obliged to speak. “I saw her looking at you… while you were looking at Aethelred. She certainly looked approving.”

The smile on Aethelflaed’s face almost made it worth it. “I am glad,” she said after a moment.

“But don’t you realise what that means?” Estrid asked. “You are of age now, you know. They will want you married. And he is the perfect match, especially after what happened today with that old fart.”

“Estrid!” Aethelflaed exclaimed, lightly smacking her arm. The Dane grinned. “I do know that,” she continued. “And is it really so bad? Lord Aethelred seems… lovely. I wouldn’t mind getting married if it was to him.”

“I would,” Estrid muttered, all traces of her grin disappearing. “He looks like a turd.”

“Perhaps you’re just jealous,” Aethelflaed teased.

“Oh, definitely not,” Estrid said, rolling her eyes. She was certainly not jealous of Aethelflaed, at least. “There are just some faces you don’t like, Aethelflaed. His is one of them.”

“I don’t understand you, Estrid,” Aethelflaed sighed. “Is it just because he is a Saxon too?”

“Of course not,” Estrid replied. “He looks more like a Dane, if I’m honest. No, it isn’t that at all, else why would I be friends with you?”

“Then what is it?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted with a shrug. “Perhaps I’m wrong. Perhaps it’s just that I don’t want to see my best friend married off so soon. We won’t be able to see each other as much if he is taking up most of your time.”

Aethelflaed reached out and took her hand with a smile. “If I do end up marrying Lord Aethelred, I won’t leave you here in Winchester. You’ll come with me, and I promise I will not spend all of my time with him. I’ve known you far longer, Estrid, you know how I care for you.”

Estrid met her gaze with a little smile, though her throat felt tight. “Alright. I’ll hold you to that, Lady.”

Aethelflaed laughed then, and everything felt alright, if only for a short while.

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

Estrid’s prediction was correct. She was standing behind Aethelflaed with the train of her wedding gown in hand, the lady Aelswith leading the way to show it to Alfred. Estrid’s breath had caught in her throat for a moment after Aethelflaed had put it on for the first time.

Aethelflaed looked stunning, even more so than she had thought was possible. The dress was quite simple, but the soft pinks and blues brought out the colour of her eyes and the rosiness of her cheeks.

“Do you like it?” she asked, spreading her arms slightly to show it off. Alfred appeared to agree. A rare smile broke out on his face, pride evident in his eyes.

“I have not seen anything so beautiful,” he said. Estrid silently agreed.

“Did I not say the same?” remarked Aelswith.

“I hope that Aethelred says the same,” Aethelflaed smiled. Estrid wished the same, even if it pained her to think about. She tuned out the rest of the conversation after that, her ears perking up when Aethelflaed asked whether Uhtred would be attending.

“Sadly, he will, I'm sure,” Aelswith said, her displeasure evident in her voice, and Estrid could not help but grin to herself. In doing so, she accidentally caught Alfred’s eye and immediately wiped it from her face. He was the only person other than Aethelflaed and Gytha to be aware of her friendship with Uhtred. It was only natural, given that they were both Danes, but it was better for Aelswith not to know.

“I consider him to be our lucky charm,” Aethelflaed said proudly.

“Now, now, there'll be no mention of luck or charms,” Alfred said quickly, making Estrid smile at his godliness. “There is God's will and nothing more.”

“Praise him,” added Aelswith.

Estrid remained silent until she had left the room with orders to take Aethelflaed back to her room and safely store the dress away.

“I can’t believe I’m going to be married,” Aethelflaed told her, her excitement practically bouncing off the walls. “Do you like it, Estrid? The dress?”

Estrid didn’t say anything for a moment, nearly forgetting to speak until Aethelflaed gave her a searching look. “Y-yes,” she answered quickly. “I do. You look beautiful, Aethelflaed, really. That turd won’t know what to do with himself when he sees you.”

Aethelflaed beamed at her. “I’m so glad you think so,” she said, ignoring the insult to Aethelred. “I was hoping you’d like it, I wouldn’t have chosen this one unless I’d thought you would.”

“I wonder what the queen would think of you choosing your wedding gown to please a Dane,” Estrid said, laughing in an attempt to cover the rising blush on her cheeks.

“Keep your voice down!” Aethelflaed urged her, smiling nonetheless.

“Sorry, sorry! But, I really am honoured that you were thinking of me when you chose it,” Estrid continued. “It really means a lot.”

More than Aethelflaed would ever know, she thought to herself.

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

The day of the wedding had finally arrived. Aethelflaed was a bundle of nerves, and Estrid was trying desperately to calm her down.

“Estrid, what if this is the wrong idea?” the princess asked suddenly, and the Dane sighed.

“It isn’t, I promise you,” she assured her, even if privately she, too, was incredibly anxious. That man gave her a bad feeling; he looked too nice. “You like him a lot, and he clearly likes you, too. Nothing will go wrong, I swear.”

She adjusted the flower crown on Aethelflaed’s head. It was something that Estrid had first suggested and then created herself. The women living in Estrid’s settlement had all worn crowns made of flowers weaved together on the day of their wedding, something only Aethelflaed was made aware of. The princess had loved the idea as soon as Estrid explained it to her, though she omitted the Danish influence in her own explanation to Lady Aelswith.

“There. You look incredible.”

Estrid stepped back to admire her handiwork, although the beauty of the princess kept distracting her. It was only a sigh from Aethelflaed that finally prompted her to tear her eyes away. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

“What if my mother was right?” Aethelflaed said, a note of panic seeping into her voice. “We have only met briefly, after all.”

Estrid took her hand. “I saw the look he gave you, did I not?” she comforted her. “Worrying is natural before any wedding, but don’t let it hinder you. You and Aethelred… you will be perfect for each other.”

Her breath hitched for a moment as she spoke. To an outsider, it would appear to be a sign of her happiness that her closest friend was getting married to the man of her dreams, but Estrid could not be feeling any worse. The hour was drawing nearer, and as she reassured Aethelflaed, she felt her own heart pound horribly in her chest. Her throat was tight and she quickly turned to rub her eyes before Aethelflaed could notice. Estrid drew a breath before she spoke.

“Are you ready?”

Aethelflaed nodded silently, and the two of them embraced each other tightly for as long as they dared, until Estrid finally drew back and reached for the veil. She draped it over the princess’ head before stepping back to pick up the train of her gown, her eyes swimming with tears she was thankful Aethelflaed could not see.

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

Estrid was excused soon after that. She could have chosen to remain with Gytha and serve the guests at the wedding feast, but after having seen how miserable she looked, Gytha had been the one to suggest she get some fresh air. So Estrid immediately left to find Uhtred who, as it turned out, was not far from the palace. In fact she found him seated on the steps outside, together with Finan. Sihtric was a few feet away, embracing the woman he had recently been allowed to marry, and Estrid quickly averted her gaze. That was the last thing she wanted to see at that moment.

In front of them was Aethelwold, nattering away about something clearly nobody was interested in hearing. Uhtred seemed relieved to see Estrid standing there, and beckoned her down to sit next to him. “They let you go already?” he asked.

“Gytha did,” Estrid replied. “What’s that turd doing here?”

‘That turd’ scoffed. “I speak of treachery and treason-”

“Nothing important then,” Estrid said, cutting across him. From Uhtred’s other side, she heard Finan snicker.

“You don’t look happy,” Uhtred commented. Estrid shook her head, and he placed a hand on her shoulder. “She is too good for him, I know it as much as you do. But you will be the first to see her tomorrow morning, don’t forget that. You will still be by her side every day after that, too.”

Estrid smiled a little. Uhtred did not know the truth of her misery, how it extended beyond just healthy concern - but then again, she hardly understood it herself. Despite that, he was right. She needed to see the positives for what they were and make the most of them, or risk letting her sadness get the better of her. Without a word, Estrid nodded. She would not have had the time to speak even if she had wanted to, for Aethelwold had resumed his incessant talk once again. Standing near him, however, was a boy she had not seen before. He, too, seemed to be attempting to get Uhtred’s attention, but Aethelwold would not be quiet.

“Excuse me, Lord Uhtred,” the boy repeated, and Estrid nudged Uhtred.

“He wants to speak to you,” she whispered. “For the love of the gods, please say something to him. If I have to hear another word from Aethelwold-”

Uhtred nodded slightly and Aethelwold finally fell silent, letting the boy speak. He introduced himself as Osferth, Leofric's nephew. Estrid had never met Leofric, but Uhtred had told her many stories of their adventures together. She knew how much he meant to the man. Aethelwold then interjected, proclaiming him as Alfred's bastard, and Estrid finally looked up. Osferth did not look much like Aethelflaed, or Alfred for that matter, but she supposed both favoured their mothers.

As Osferth told Uhtred of his intention to serve them as a warrior, just as his uncle had, Steapa appeared behind them. Apparently, Alfred wished to speak with Uhtred immediately, making Estrid wince. Whatever Uhtred had done now, she knew it could not be good. She watched him briefly tell Osferth to find him again, to which the boy beamed and thanked him, before he left to see Alfred.

Estrid did not stay for long afterwards. She stood up and asked Finan to make sure Gytha knew she had returned to her quarters if she asked.

"It'll be alright," he told her, patting her arm. "Just as Uhtred said, you'll see her soon."

Estrid exhaled and nodded, knowing both of them were right. She gave Osferth a reassuring smile before she turned and left for her quarters, willing herself not to cry.

Closing the door behind her, she sank down onto her bed and sighed. At least she could be alone with her thoughts for a while, long enough to collect them and attempt to figure out what exactly was wrong. Estrid was already not fond of the thought of Aethelflaed marrying the man Uhtred had aptly described as a ‘bread-pudding of a boy’, but she was unsure of whether it was because he had a look to him that she disliked, or whether it was simply because he was marrying Aethelflaed.

She supposed Aethelflaed had been right there. If him marrying Aethelflaed was the issue, there was still no reason for Estrid to be upset. It was not as though she would be separated from her best friend, much the opposite.

So what in the name of Odin was her problem?

Estrid had never bothered to sit down and examine her own feelings before. What was the point? She had never understood the way other girls would become so afflicted by their feelings towards the men they were surrounded by, but whenever they became the subject of a conversation, Estrid certainly did not want to feel left out. Every so often, she would search out a relatively attractive young man and force herself to harbour feelings for him, without properly understanding what she was even doing. As long as it meant she fit in, she did not mind.

One thing Estrid noticed, however, was that she had never once spoken of any of these men to Aethelflaed out of what she realised was guilt. And after spending enough time with Aethelflaed, their very names would slip her mind. None of them stood out to her enough to remember anyway, especially compared to Aethelflaed.

The girl groaned and put her face in her hands. Why did it all have to be so confusing?

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

They travelled to Mercia soon after the wedding. Gytha had been teary-eyed upon parting with Estrid, the most emotional she had ever seen the older woman. Leaving her side for the first time was the most painful goodbye of them all, even if she promised to visit as often as she could. Uhtred had wished her good luck as she got on the boat, telling her he hoped her patience would withstand Aethelred’s now-infamous temper, and Estrid had laughed.

She had hardly laughed afterwards.

Aethelflaed had been unusually quiet for the whole journey, hardly meeting her gaze. But Estrid still could not find a moment to speak with her alone, not with Aethelred hovering about.

That evening, she was back to serving food again. Estrid wished Gytha had accompanied her, for the other servants were strangers to her, and she was in no mood to befriend anyone. Silently, she refilled the jug of wine before Aethelred, not even looking up as he spoke.

“You’re eating like a little bird,” he said to Aethelflaed. “Peck, peck, peck.”

Estrid bristled at this. Aethelred could almost playfully be teasing her, if it were not for the snark in his voice.

“I have no appetite,” Aethelflaed said quietly, pushing the plate forward. There was a moment’s quiet, before Aethelred spoke up once more.

“Tomorrow we ride. I would like you to travel with me.”

“To battle?”

“Part of the way.” Aethelred took a swig from his cup. “Or would you rather not?”

“No, no, lord, I would like to go,” Aethelflaed answered quickly. She did not sound eager, but nervous. Estrid frowned from where she was standing, wondering what had happened between the wedding and now.

“Then eat,” Aethelred ordered. “For strength.”

Estrid watched Aethelflaed tentatively reach out and pick up a tiny morsel of food, eating it slowly.

“Out,” Aethelred ordered the servants suddenly. Estrid flinched, nearly spilling the jug in her hand. “All of you, out.” She quickly handed the jug to an older servant who glared disapprovingly at her before they filed out of the room. For a moment, she met Aethelflaed’s eye. The princess gave her a nervous sort of smile before Estrid was forced to keep moving. While the others went their separate ways, Estrid hung back, opening the door slightly. If she could not speak to Aethelflaed, then she would see for herself exactly what was happening.

Through the crack in the door, she watched Aethelred rise from his seat and slowly walk towards her. “You have the palest of skin,” he commented. Estrid felt her skin crawl. “Unblemished.” Reaching out, he brushed his fingers against Aethelflaed’s cheek, to which she recoiled slightly. “My touch offends you?”

“No, it was a surprise, lord, nothing more than that,” Aethelflaed said placatively. “Lord, love should be gentle and kind,” she added.

"Gentle and kind, she says,” sneered Aethelred. Estrid’s hand tightened around the handle of the door. “How is it that you have a knowledge of how love should be?”

“I do not.”

“Am I not the first?”

“You will not insult me.”

“And you will not offer me lessons on how to plough a field!” Aethelred snapped, and Estrid’s hand enclosing the handle began to shake.

“That is not what I was doing,” protested Aethelflaed, to no avail.

“Who is it that you've been with?” he demanded, growing louder by the second. “How many have you been with?”

“Lord, please...”

“Uhtred is one, is he not?”

Estrid wanted to throttle him.

“You have no right to speak to me in this way!” said Aethelflaed, her own voice rising now. Estrid shakily exhaled, glad that she was standing up for herself.

“Of course, I have a right!” Aethelred bellowed. “You are my wife!”

“I am Aethelflaed of Wessex!” she cried, abruptly standing up. “And you will not treat me like I am a servant girl!”

All of a sudden, Aethelred reached out and grabbed a fistful of her hair. “Do not,” he panted, pulling her head down until it thudded on the table, “do not... never... raise your shrill voice to me! You will see a priest and we shall find the truth of this.”

Estrid gasped without meaning to, feeling helpless as she watched him mistreat Aethelflaed. Her whimpers were quiet, but Estrid could hear them nonetheless. It took every ounce of self-control within her to not kick the door down and beat the shit from the turd who called himself the Lord of Mercia.

“This is not love, that is the truth of it,” Aethelflaed said, her voice tremulous as she sat up.

“You will see a priest!” shouted her husband. Estrid felt unable to move from where she was standing, her hand pressed tightly over her mouth, until she realised Aethelred was headed for the door. Quickly she pulled away from the door and turned the corner, pretending to be busying herself with a basket that sat nearby. He walked right past, paying her no mind.

Whatever doubts Estrid may have had about this man, they were nothing compared to what she had just seen. There was no telling what he had done to Aethelflaed the night of the wedding itself, and she certainly did not want to imagine it. Estrid had disliked Aethelred before, but now she despised him. She despised him for marrying her, for daring to think he was good enough for her, for treating her with less respect than a dog.

Aethelflaed was the Princess of Wessex, and Aethelred was unworthy of her. Estrid did not believe for a second that she was worthy either, but by the gods she vowed she would never have even thought to treat her so appallingly.

Her heart broke for Aethelflaed. The romantic dream she had harboured of a happy marriage had swiftly turned into little more than a nightmare, one that she was now trapped in forever, and all Estrid could do was watch from the sidelines, no matter how much she wanted to do something. For now, at least, everything felt hopeless.

#the last kingdom #tlk #aethelflaed #lady aethelflaed #aethelflaed of mercia #aethelflaed x oc #nainowale ne #uhtred of bebbanburg #aethelred of mercia #alfred the great #lady aelswith

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kodzuken-pie · 4 years

Note

May I request a Daichi fluff where him and his s/o wash their BIG dog together? It’s just a big mess and there’s lots of bubbles and giggles. Thank you so much !💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

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[ A/N : I pictured this so clearly in my mind like 👁👄👁 . . . And so I present this Daichi fluff for y’all ]

Pairing : ts!Daichi x reader

Warning : None

Word count : 1,953k

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- 𝑺𝒐𝒂𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒖𝒅𝒔 — — - ✰

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The sunlight filled the room, making it nice and warm. You and Daichi had been lounging on the couch with your Big Alaskan Malamute, Pepper. He had his arms around you while pepper rested his head on your lap, making you trapped between the two. Daichi had the day off and so you both decided to stay home and spend the day being lazy, binging shows and cuddling on the couch. You had closed your eyes as you wanted to savor the moment then you had an idea.

“Hey,babe?” You looked up at Daichi who had his eyes glued to the screen.

“Hm?” He hums in response, not looking away from the screen.

“Let's give pepper a bath.” You said softly, poking his chest.

Both Daichi and Pepper looked at you, making you giggle. Pepper was more or less excited, his head lifted up and his tail wagging. Daichi looked at you with an amused expression, pausing the show as he looked at you.

“What’s up with you? You don’t usually like giving pepper a bath.” His eyebrow was raised at you, a smirk playing at his lips.

“I just want to bathe him, what’s so wrong with that?” You pouted, eyebrows knitting together.

“Ok, Ok! We can go bathe him.” He unwraps his arms around you then gets up. “Come on then, get your cute butt up off the couch!” He grinned at you teasingly, having both of his hands out for you to take.

You playfully stuck you tongue out at him, reaching for his hands and getting up. Pepper was circling the two of you as you got up, petting him as you made your way to the backyard. You took your big poofy sweater off then hung it on one of the lounge chairs you had outside, revealing you in your black tank top and dark blue shorts. Daichi looked at you with so much admiration, his heart making laps as he looked at you. No makeup, Hair up in a messy bun, and just in your pajamas. To him you were perfect, especially at this picture perfect moment.

“Hey, handsome! Like what you see?” You posed in a wacky manner, pointing at him with finger guns.

This made him laugh hard, hard enough to make him put a hand to his stomach. “You are so adorable!” He said in between laughs, his face turning red.

“I am to be and only be adorable!�� You retorted, laughing as well.

Pepper had started running around the backyard, going back and forth between you and Daichi. You straightened up after a bit, getting your breathing under control then walking over to him. He had such a child-like smile plastered on his face, one that had made your heart go over any speed limit.

“What? You seem oddly extra happy..” You put a hand up to his chest, right where here heart was,

“It’s not that, silly little bean!” His smile grew wider. “I’m just in love, that’s all.” He placed a hand on the small of your back and pulled you closer to him.

You feel your face flare up, the heat spreading like wildfire. “Wh-wha-what?!” You stuttered out, clearly flustered.

He laughs wholeheartedly, his eyes disappearing. “Love, it’s been 8 years.”

“I-I know! It’s just..” You shied away from him, looking at your hands that were resting on his chest. “I still can’t believe it.”

“Well, you better.” He gives you an eskimo kiss. “Because I’ll love you until the end of time.” His voice was soft, barely a whisper.

“Oh stop that!” You sniffled, swatting his chest playfully. “Can we just wash Pepper already?” Your gaze flicked up to his for a moment before you pulled away from him, patting your thigh for your dog to lean up against.

He looked at you with such a gentle expression then he shook his head. “Yes, yes. Let’s wash Pepper now.”

He walked over to the little shack that was on the far corner of the yard, going in to grab the little utility tub that you would use when you bathed Pepper outside. You let Pepper follow you around as you took the garden hose and unspooled it from the hose reel, filling up the tub that Daichi had placed in the middle of the yard. Your dog was absolutely overjoyed as the tub filled with water, running and barking all around with her tail waving in the air.

“Yes, yes Pepper! It’s bath time for you!” You cheerfully spoke to her and she barked back, her tongue hanging the side of her mouth.

Daichi chuckled to himself at your exchange with the dog, finding it so cute. “Hey, I’m going to go grab her shampoo, ok?” He kissed the side of your head before walking back inside. “Be right back!”

“Ok! Better hurry up, because she is ready to jump in the water!” You giggled, playfully pointing the spray nozzle on Pepper only to fake her out.

He goes back in the house then re-emerges minutes later with the bottle of dog shampoo. “Alright! I got it!” He freezes as he steps out, the scene in front of him seeming to be slow motion.

You were running around, smiling and giggling so freely while your dog was chasing you. He felt his breath get taken away at the sight of you being so carefree and so happy. You stop running once you notice him, Pepper letting out little ‘gruffs’ as she hopped about.

“Come on babe!!” The smile on your face expanded, inviting him over.

He jogs over to you and without notice, you spray him with water. “Hey!” He wiped his face, arching a challenging eyebrow at you. “I see..”

He tries to pry the hose from you, only for Pepper to run in front of him and jump up into his arms. You spray them both again, Pepper seeming to be the only one entertained. He could see the mischief in your eyes so he squints at you.

“Try that again. Bet.” He challenges you, a smirk on his face.

“Oh yeah? What are you going to do?” You return the tone, your lips curling up into a cat-like smile.

“Do it. Spray me.” He seemed to be confident even though he probably couldn’t do much with a giant dog in his arms.

You took the challenge, snickering after you spray him. You didn’t even notice that he had put pepper down and has now managed to steal the hose from you. He gives a fake evil laugh, the spray nozzle pointed at you.

“Put your hands up!” He changes his stance, smiling wickedly.

You gasp rather dramatically at this, putting your hands up in the air. “Oh no sir! I didn’t do anything, I swear!” You played innocent then put a hand up to your forehead. “Please let me go! I’m just an innocent young lady!”

“Are you now?” He pretends to put the nozzle down but then he sprays you once you’ve let your guard down.

“Hey!!” You looked at him in shock then you started giggling.

“What? You started it first, you know?” He chuckles then he waves you over. “Come on, you were the one who said to bathe Pepper.”

You nod and call Pepper over. “Come on, Pepper! In the tub!” As per command, she hops in. “Good girl!”

“Good girl, Pepper!” Daichi said the same time as you, still chuckling.

“Go ahead and wet her, I’ll grab the shampoo!” You walk over to the lounge chair where he had left the shampoo then you walk back.

You open the tube and start pouring it on your dog, lathering it up with your hands. He sprays her a little more to help with lathering up before he comes over to start washing her too.

About halfway through washing Pepper, an idea came to your mind. You giggle to yourself, peeking at Daichi for a second before scooping up a whole bunch of foam.

He notices you look at him so he squints at you. “What are you up to now?”

“Nothing~” You said nonchalantly before jumping up and blowing the foam bubbles towards him.

He waved it off, making it float around in the air. “Oh, so you want a bubble war, huh?” He takes a handful of bubbles and runs around towards you, blowing it your way.

You ran around, playing ring around the rosie with him. Pepper starts barking and getting excited, shaking all the water and suds out.

“PEPPER!!” You yelled and chased her around.

“Come back!” Daichi grabbed the hose and started spraying Pepper.

Bubbles and foam flew around the air, the atmosphere looked like it was from a movie scene. Time seemed to have slowed and it was like a sweet melody played in the background. Your hair flowed beautifully in the air, yours and his laughter mixed. He chased after you, dropping the hose to wrap you around his arms. The both of you tumbled on to the ground, a big laughing mess. He kept you safely in his arms, laying on your sides.

“I would definitely want to bathe Pepper all the time now!” You wiped your face clear of random suds, laughter slowly dying down.

“Really?” He asked, a bit perplexed.

“Yeah! I mean as long as we bathe her out here!” You beamed up at him.

“I guess that’s what we’re going to be doing from now on!” He returned the smile,

You raised both of your hands up in the air, your face radiated happiness and he loved it. He relished in this exact moment. Bubbles still flew in the air and off to somewhere far away, the grass brushing up against both of your exposed skin. The two of you faced each other, both looking at the other very lovingly.

“My pretty girl.” He tucked your hair behind your ear.

“My handsome man.” You purred at his touch.

His eyes remained on yours, looking deeply into them. You closed the space between you and gave him a chaste kiss, tracing his jaw with your finger. He hummed as you kissed him while you smiled against his lips.

“I still can’t believe it’s already been eight years.” You said softly after pulling away.

“Don’t forget, we’ve been married for half of those years.” He rested his forehead on yours.

You giggled then rubbed his nose with yours. “It’s still surreal to me, being called Mx. Sawamura.”

“It has a nice ring to it though.” He smiled wolfishly.

“It really does..” You traced little shapes on his chest.

“Hey.” He swiped your cheek with the back of his hand and you hummed in response. “I love you.” A soft smile grazed his features.

“Hey.” You tapped his nose again and he scrunched it up. “I love you too.” You giggled lightly, the corners of your eyes closing.

“I love y-“ He gets cut off by Pepper who is now laying in between you two.

You start laughing again, your arms up in the air. Pepper whined, licking Daichi’s face. He petted her head while you rubbed her tummy. Laughs and giggles filled the air again, amusement surrounded by love.

“Ok, ok! Let’s get this good girl washed now, shall we?” He patted her head then got up.

“Let’s!” You took his hand and got up. “Then it’s our turn?” You looked at him bashfully.

“After we dry her but yes, our turn later.” He smiled softly at you.

You finished up bathing your dog and cleaning up. The rest of the day was spent loafing and relaxing in each other’s arms. The warmth spreading around, encasing the place with nothing but love.

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inevitably-johnlocked · 4 years

Text

Five Fics Friday: April 10/20

SPECIAL EASTER WEEKEND EDITION: FIFTY FICS FRIDAY

Hey, everyone!!

Well, I asked on my Twitter and here if y’all wanted to see a special edition 5FF for the Long Weekend since we’re all stuck inside (and some of you stuck with family I’m sure you’d like to avoid or are just tired of seeing), and it was a unanimous YES, because who doesn’t love to curl up all weekend with a good book or fanfic??

So here we are: Fifty fics either pulled out of my ass, recently read, recently bookmarked, or recently Marked for Later! Each section has a count so you know how many are in that section (and it’s for myself when I go to double check the count, LOL). I hope you guys enjoy these!! <3 Love you all, and happy reading :)

As always, read-more will appear on the third reblog. Sorry mobile, please don’t hate me :(

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@johnlockficclub APRIL NOMINATIONS (5)

A Beginner's Guide to Apiology. by VictoryCandescence (M, 10,952 w., 1 Ch. || Retirement AU || Friendship, Love, Bees & Beekeeping, Old Age, Dreamy Sexytimes, Angst, Soulmates, Grumpy Sherlock, Magical Realism) – John and Sherlock meet for the first time as old men in Sussex. (to read)

Through the Clouds by Mazarin221b (E, 20,004 w., 6 Ch. || Retirement, Sussex, Bees, Home Improvement, First Time, Romance) – Sherlock takes a remarkably early retirement at 47, and convinces John that a change of pace would do them both good. They buy an old cottage on the South Downs, and exchange their nonstop life in Baker Street for quiet contemplation, bee studies, and book writing. They might go completely insane, but sometimes it takes stepping outside of the life you're living to find the life you want. Part 1 of Through The Clouds (“WINNER” fic)

The Winter Garden by Callie4180 (T, 31,213 w., 13 Ch. || Post-S4, Retirement, Christmas, Slow Burn, Grown-Up Rosie, Parenthood, Rosie’s Cat, Angst with Happy Ending, Holidays, Beekeeping, Magical Realism, Sherlock POV, Sherlock’s Violin, Future Fic, Sussex, Honey, Magical Healing Honey, Love Confessions, Sherlock’s Scar, First Kiss, Touching, Mycroft is Dying) – As Sherlock nears the end of his career, he's given the gift of a cottage in Sussex. The honey from the beehives out back is amazing. Almost...magical.

Where Else Would I Be? by cwb (E, 34,910 w., 10 Ch. || Retirementlock, Domestic Fluff, Falling in Love, Parentlock, Fluff and Smut, Reminiscing) – John and Sherlock's five-year-old granddaughter spends the weekend with them in Sussex. Sherlock happily indulges her whims, and John takes care of them while quietly revisiting the past thirty years of their lives together.

Crimson Hymns by brilliantlyburning (E, 48,982 w., 9 Ch. || Post-S3/TAB, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Drug Addiction, Unhealthy Coping Methods, Demisexual Sherlock, Boxing, Pining, Sensory Processing Issues, Drug Use, First Kiss / Time, BDSM, Mary is Not Good, Parentlock, Proposal, Happy Ending, Beekeeping, Violence, References to Addiction, Poetry) – He laid his head over John’s heart, eyes level with his silver-rough scar, and listened to the crimson hymns beating beneath the surface. He imagined flowers blooming in his own chest: veins weaving intricate patterns on petals of thin muscle engorged with blood, sinew for stems and tendons for roots—the flowers would be poppies, maybe (addictive) or foxglove (deadly yet useful)—twining gleaming blood-red around the porcelain bone of his ribs. In his mind’s eye the gruesome bouquet all tied together on the left side of his chest, the stems bound together in heartstrings and the flowers fed by the rhythmic contraction of ventricles. It’s yours, he imagined saying to John—from the vena cava to the mitral valve to the arteries it is yours.— Or, the Love Song of W. Sherlock S. Holmes. (to read)

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Roommates are for little people by alexxphoenix42 (E, 69,042 w., 14 Ch. || Teen/Unilock || Forced to Share a Bed, Pining, Hurt/Comfort, Fake Relationship, Sherlock is a Prick, Drinking, Inadvertent Drug Use, Family Wedding, Footballer John / Ballet Dancer Sherlock, Frottage, Slow Burn, Mild Dub Con, Cuddling While Sleeping, Slight Homophobia, Posh Boy, Dirty Dancing, Endearments, Nosy FAmily, Bathing Together, Mild Angst, UST/RST, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Fluff) – John was looking forward to seeing his friends back at uni, but a new year brings new complications, not the least of which is a dorm room with only one bed, and a stroppy roommate with an utterly spectacular arse. God, John doesn't need the headache.

Gold Rush by ShirleyCarlton (E, 71,783 w., 17 Ch. || Post S3 / No Mary, Friends to Lovers, Mentions of Past Sexual Abuse, First Kiss, Case Fic, Slow Burn, Alternating POV, Switchlock, Angst with Happy Ending, Marriage Proposal, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Abduction) – John has divorced Mary and pops round to 221B one evening to find Sherlock in the middle of a case. As Sherlock tries to find the identity of a young woman’s stalker, John realises he can no longer deny his feelings for Sherlock – which then, to their befuddlement, turn out to be mutual. Shy kisses and tentative embraces ensue. But will Sherlock be able to cast off a shadow from his past that he thinks might prevent John from wanting to stay?

Scheherezade by sgam76 (G, 197,576 w., 45 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post-TRF/Pre-TSo3, PTSD Sherlock, Implied/Referenced Torture, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Humour, Protective John, Papa Lestrade, Big Brother Mycroft, BAMF John, BAMF Sherlock, Aftermath of Serbia, Past Child Abuse, Childhood Memories, Drunk Sherlock, Canon Compliant, Suicidal Thoughts / Attempt) – Sherlock is home, he and John are returning to cases, and all's right with the world--right? But a series of minor mishaps and injuries makes two things very clear to his friends and family: first, Sherlock's time away wasn't the grand adventure everyone has assumed it was; and second, that time has left Sherlock with a legacy that's bleeding into his life today. Sherlock is Not Okay, and it's not going away. Part 1 of the Scheherezade 'verse series

POSTED THIS YEAR [WiP’s & Full] (19)

A Bowl of Comfort (Store-Bought is Fine) by tepidspongebath (T, 763 w., 1 Ch. || Food, Comfort, Domesticity, Fluff) – “When did you last eat?” “What day is it?” “Oh, for god’s sake - you can’t keep skipping meals like this, Sherlock.” “It’s Lent.” “And since when do you care about Lent?” “Since you get chocolate eggs at Easter.” (to read)

End of the Curve by doctor_not_your_girlfriend (T, 833 w., 1 Ch. || COVID-19, One Shot, Medical Realism, Major Illness, Recovery, Optimism, Disability, Needles) – July, 2021. Mycroft has a special delivery for Sherlock. Inspired by Proving A Point by elldotsee, J_Baillier. (to read)

Love Is A Smoke by J_Baillier (T, 3,617 w., 4 Ch. || Heavy Angst, Pining, Romance, MCD) – It's spring in 2036. John and Sherlock are no longer together. Sherlock attempts to cope — or doesn't. (to read)

A Study in Beard by Loveismyrevolution (T, 3,810 w., 1 Ch. || Established Relationship, Fluff and Humour, Experiments, Beards, Idiots in Love, Quarantine) – Sherlock has to face the consequences of using up all of their shaving foam. Which turns out to be more fun than expected. Boys being boys, nothing can go without a challenge. Although, being isolated presents a problem. How will they determine the winner? Part 2 of the Hairy Situations at 221B series (to read)

Isolated by CarmillaCarmine (G, 3,926, 3/4 Ch. || WiP || Quarantine From Virus, Fluff, Idiots in Love, Bi-Panic, Cuddling & Snuggling, Coming Out, Bathing/Washing, Bubble Bath, Kissing) – Due to an ongoing pandemic, John and Sherlock find themselves isolated at 221B. (to read)

Sherlock's Solution by PipMer (T, 4,125 w., 1 Ch, || Fluff, Romance, Friends to Lovers, Isolation/Quarantine, Pining, Miscommunication, First Kiss) – Sherlock and John are stuck in quarantine. Against all expectations, John is the one who goes stir-crazy first. Sherlock has a unique solution to the problem. (to read)

The Unexpected Threat by J_Baillier (T, 4,283 w., 1 Ch. || Military AU / Pacific Rim Fusion || Established Relationship, Medical Conditions, Coronaviruses, Doctor John, Bratty Sherlock, Romance, Science Fiction, Futuristic Medicine, Ghost Drifting AKA Telepathy, Medical Hurt/Comfort, Sexual Healing) – The kaiju are not the only threat to the security and well-being of the staff of PPDC's Chard's Rift base. It's the year 2050, and a coronavirus epidemic sweeping the planet has reached The Azores. Part 4 of the At The Edge of Our Hope (to read)

Quarantine by wendymarlowe (T, 6,444+ w., 20/? Ch. || WiP || COVID-19, Forced Isolation / Quarantine, John’s Blog, Humour) – John and Sherlock are stuck at 221B together due to coronavirus concerns. Sherlock slowly drives John barmy. (to read)

Stranded by BeautifulFiction (T, 5,798 w., 1 Ch. || First Kiss, Communication / Relationship Discussion, Pining Sherlock, Sherlock POV, BAMF John, Doctor John, Case Fic, Drinking, Huddling For Warmth, Friends to More) – When stranded on a derelict barge at high tide, John and Sherlock reconsider their friendship.

Attentions, Experiments, Oddnesses by hubblegleeflower (E, 6,383 w., 1 Ch. || Friends to Lovers, Experiments, Frottage, Mutual Masturbation, Kissing, First Time) – John is behaving oddly, and Sherlock hopes it means what he thinks it means, but he has several theories and could well be missing some of the facts. (to read)

Casualty by Silvergirl (E, 12,051 w., 4 Ch. || Canon Compliant Until T6T, Mary’s Dead, Trauma/Comfort, John’s a Good Friend, Friends to Lovers, First Kiss/Time, Sherlock Learns Teamwork, Parentlock) – Sherlock renders assistance at a hit-and-run and is left deeply shocked. When the accident turns into a case, John moves back in to 221b to help—and finds that Sherlock has way oversold his image as an emotionless thinking machine. (to read)

The Night Riviera from Paddington to Penzance and Back Again by Iwantthatcoat (M, 12,918 w., 5 Ch. || Post-S4, Hurt/Comfort Emotional Hurt/Comfort, BAMF John, Devil's Foot Adaptation, Hallucinations, Oral Sex) – Mrs Hudson has decided her boys need a little vacation together (after the events of S4) away from London and has booked them an inordinately (per Sherlock) long train ride from Paddington Station to Penzance. (to read)

A Gossamer Dream by CarmillaCarmine (E, 15,985 w., 4 Ch. || Writer/Teacher AU || First Meetings, Friends to Lovers, Writer John / Teacher Sherlock, Fluff, London, Holding Hands, Online Friendship / Romance, Phone Sex, Anal Sex, Happy Ending) – Sherlock had never realised one could care so much about someone they'd never met in person. Now he is about to meet the friend with whom he's been chatting online for months and his anticipation is reaching a crescendo. (to read)

Contrition by sussexbound (E, 18,556+ w., 5/? Ch. || WiP || Post-S4/TFP Didn’t Happen, Rosie Doesn’t Exist, T6T/TLD is Canon, Year After TLD, Light BDSM, Soft Dom Sherlock / Sub John, Punishment, Light Bondage, Light Masochism / No Sadism, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Tenderness, Aftercare, Forgiveness, Edging, Orgasm Delay/Denial, Mutual Masturbation, Hand Jobs, Anal Fingering, Rimming, Frottage, Communication, Sexual Negotiation, Sexual Tension, Spanking, Head Injury, Anal Sex) – “You’ve been tense ever since we got back, itching for a fight, all your usual tells, but why…?” The truth strikes like lightning. “Oh… Oh! You’re not angry at me. Not this time. Well—maybe a little. But mostly, mostly you’re angry at yourself. Why? For falling behind? For not being there in time. For not taking Wilkes down fast enough?” Sherlock waves a dismissive hand. “It doesn’t really matter.” He lifts a finger to his swollen cheek and cut eyebrow. “You blame yourself for this. And you offered to fix it. But I wouldn’t let you, and… But that’s not what you really want, anyway, is it?” John looks stunned, a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming lorry, frozen, waiting for the lethal strike. “You don’t want me to let you help. At least not right away. No. What you want, what you really want is—punishment.” (to read)

Feeling Seen by jadztone (E, 30,177 w., 9 Ch. || Ballet!Sherlock / Rugby!John, Demisexuality, Virgin John, Experienced Sherlock, Toplock, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Background Molly/Irene & Greg/Sally) – Rugby player John is starting over at a new university, with the help of friends Molly and Bill. Few people know that John is demisexual, but ballet dancer Sherlock Holmes deduces right away that he has no interest in sex unless he’s fallen in love. John finds this strange genius intriguing and would like to get to know him, but Sherlock has a self-cultivated reputation for only wanting casual sex. John has reason to believe that’s not really true, but he’s not sure he wants to risk his twice-fractured heart to find out. (to read)

Sanguineous Serendipity by CarmillaCarmine (E, 34,783 w., 14 Ch. || Vampire AU || Alternate First Meeting, Turning a Character, Vampire Sherlock, Captain John, POV John, Feeding, Blood Drinking, Crossdressing Sherlock, Genderfluid Character, Sherlock in Heels, Transphobic Behaviour, Emotional Hurt / Comfort, Soulmates, Romance, Happy Ending) – Vampire Sherlock meets a dying John in a field hospital in Afghanistan and gives him a whole new life. (to read)

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by SilentAuror (E, 50,635 w., 1 Ch. || Post-S4/S4 Divergence, Case Fic, For a Case / Reverse Fake-Relationship, Conferences, Marriage Equality, Travelling / New York, Pride, Homophobia, Bottomlock, Marriage Proposal, John POV, Sexuality, Love Confessions, Emotional Love Making, Public Hand Jobs, Blow Jobs, Passionate Kissing, Needy/Clingy Sherlock, Virgin Sherlock, Touching / Hand Holding, Bed Sharing, Little Spoon Sherlock, Intense Orgasms) – John and Sherlock go to New York to attend a conference run by the National Defence of Traditional Marriage Coalition in order to investigate the potential bombing of the annual Manhattan Pride parade. As the conference unfolds, John finds himself repulsed by the toxic ideology being presented, which becomes relevent to his own unacknowledged issues and his friendship with Sherlock...

Next Right: Welcome to Westbound Rest Area 818 by elwinglyre (E, 59,874+ w., 13/15 Ch. || WiP || American Unilock AU || Bunk Beds, Anonymous Sex, Homophobia, Closeted John, Roommates, Angst with Happy Ending, Idiots in Love, Music, Rape/Non-Con, Hurt John, BAMF John) – Sherlock Holmes dreams of escape from his smothering family and space to breathe. Studying chemistry at the University of Michigan, he's almost far enough away to fill his lungs. Almost. While John Watson dreams of being a doctor, he also dreams of being with another man. John knows that with hard work and study, he can make the first a reality, but he's certain the second can never be. Until a secret encounter in the dark at Rest Area 818 changes everything. When Sherlock meets his new roommate, John Watson, he sees a man in the closet. Sherlock hides from no one. Except from his own family, a detective inspector who wants his evidence returned, and his secret encounter at Rest Area 818. Thank you to recently folded who lovingly beta’d chapters 1-5 and helped with an important plot point that deeply enriches this story. Also thank you to hotshoeagain for beta'ing the rest of the story.Setting late 1970s, Michigan, USA. POV third person alternates between John Watson and Sherlock Holmes. (to read)

Thermocline by J_Baillier (M, 83,557 w., 14 Ch. || Scuba Diving AU || Adventure, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Marine Archaeology, Asexual Sherlock, Horny John, Relationship Drama, Technical/Scuba/Wreck Diving, Slow Burn, Underwater / Medical Peril, Doctor John, Hurt Sherlock, Anxious Sherlock, John POV, Protective John, Body Appreciation) – John "Five Oceans" Watson — technical dive instructor, dive accident analyst and weapon of mass seduction — meets recluse professor of maritime archaeology Holmes. As they head out to a remote archipelago off the coast of Guatemala to study and film its shipwrecks for a documentary, will sparks fly or fizzle out?

ANYTHING GOES – JOHNLOCK (5)

Talk by illwick (E, 6,364 w., 1 Ch. || Dirty Talk, John’s Giant Junk, PWP, Light BDSM, Size Kink, Oral / Anal, Rough Sex, Dirty Talk, Established Rel.) – Sherlock was never much for dirty talk... until an unexpected visit yields unexpected results. Part 20 of Unwind

Ghost Stories by SwissMiss (M, 22,256 w., 1 Ch. || Pining, Holmes Family, Christmas, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Bed Sharing, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, First Time) – Sherlock's parents think he and John are a couple. They might be onto something.

Pater Noster by SilentAuror (E, 34,256 w., 2 Ch. || Case Fic, HLV/S3 Fix It Fic, Family Trauma, Sherlock POV, Villain Mary) – During the autumn that John is staying at Baker Street again after Sherlock was shot, he ruminates over the similarity between Sherlock's shot and the one that killed his father when he was fifteen. Cold case meets series 3 fix-it. Part I takes place entirely within His Last Vow, Part II takes place starting at the end of HLV and continues after.

The Homecoming Series by sussexbound (M, 51,744 w. across 12 stories, WIP || Domestics, PTSD, Love Confessions, Hurt/Comfort, Cuddling, Jealousy, Family Issues) – Sometimes home is all you need. After three years of horror, betrayals, and crushing loss, John and Sherlock find their way back home to one another, and together find new footing in a world that has changed forever.

The Green Blade by verityburns (T, 72,929 w., 15 Ch. || Case Fic, Bromance) – As a serial killer hits the headlines, the police are out of their depth and the next victim is out of time. With faith in Sherlock Holmes at an all time low, this is a case which will push loyalties to the limit...

ANYTHING GOES – INEFFABLE HUSBANDS (5)

All Roads Lead To You by TardisIsTheOnlyWayToTravel (T, 2,549 w., 2 Ch.|| Pining Crowley, Oblivious Aziraphale, Love Confessions, Feelings, Resolved Romantic Tension, Rescuing, Happy Ending, Snake Crowley, Magic Bracelets, POV Aziraphale) – It had taken Aziraphale quite some time to find the presence he had been looking for, but here he was, in the Reptile House of the London Zoo. As an angel, Aziraphale shouldn’t have been finding amusement in the discomfort of another, but he couldn’t help but do so as he was glared at by a very familiar snake. “Oh my dear,” Aziraphale murmured, “how ever did you end up in this situation?”

The slowest moving object in the universe by chamyl (G, 4,996 w., 1 Ch. || God POV, Mutual Pining, Idiots in Love, Beach Day, Games, Light Humour, Tenderness, Embarassed Crowley, Soft Idiots, First Kiss, Love Confessions) – Crowley and Aziraphale have had feelings for each other for a very long time. It takes a date at the lake and a round of 36 Questions That Lead To Love to give them the final push.

Wings and How to Hide Them by triedunture (M, 10,134 w., 1 Ch. || Mutual Pining, First Time, Love Confessions, Body Swap, Wing Kink, Idiots In Love) – Crowley's been annoyingly in love for six thousand years. What's another lifetime between friends? Or: Aziraphale definitely fucks and isn't that just perfect?

Souls In Creation by Dragonfruit112 (NR [M], 23,110 w., 6 Ch. || Aziraphale was Raphael, Hurt/Comfort, Angst With Happy Ending, True Angel Forms, Memory Loss/Amnesia, Seraph!Aziraphale, Cherub!Crowley, Moments of Time, Pining Aziraphale, Deaths, Disasters Through History, Whump, Taking Care of Each Other, Friendship, Mates to Friends to Mates, Bed Sharing, Sick Crowley, Healing Powers, BAMF Aziraphale) – They knew each other before the Fall. They loved each other before the Fall. They were creation's first soul mates. But the Fall changed everything, and now Aziraphale is forced to live in a world where only he remembers their shared past. Burdened by pain and grief, he hides himself under the guise of a clumsy Principality until he can make his love remember once more. Only, he doesn't know how long that'll take.

Any Way You Want It by LieutenantLiv (M, 27,585 w., 5 Ch. || Holidays, Slow Burn, Fluff, First Time, Eventual Smut, Swimming, Dreams of Dancing, Kissing in the Rain, Self-Esteem Issues, Misunderstandings, Crying Love Confessions, Soft Crowley, Clingy Crowley, Virgin Aziraphale, Romance) – Saving the world is exhausting work. With Heaven and Hell off their backs, it seems as good a time as any for Crowley and Aziraphale to take a proper break. Neither one of them predicts the direction their holiday takes.Who'd have thought that sharing a cottage in Scotland would be quite so romantic?

#johnlock fic recs #good omens fic recs #five fics friday #times ten lol #my fic recs #long post #e-rated fics #coronavirus #quarantine

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relentless-endurance · 4 years

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Fictober Day 3

“you did this?”

Prompt Number: 3 Original fiction: High Fantasy AU (I do not have a proper name for this, sorry!) Rating: General Warnings/Tags: None applicable! Word Count: 737

Day 3 for @fictober-event

A wee bit behind because of work, but I got this one done so I figured I would post it! Can also be found here on ao3.

Eanthe belongs to @abyss-wolf!

In all her years, Ede had never been so excited to be in a city. Not just any city either, the elven royal capitol. On the palace grounds, no less. But here she was, sitting in the royal gardens, watching the sun peek over the treetops of the palace orchard. She was waiting for Eanthe Quax, one of the current guests of the crown. It was not too long ago that they had met, in an alley over the bodies of cultists; as so many do; but she had grown quite fond of the woman, even go so far as to extend one of her her (usually short) stays in the city in an effort to spend time with her; quite eager to get to know her better. So she sat at the base of one of the trees, eagerly waiting for the arrival of her company. Eanthe wouldn't keep her waiting long, soon coming into view at the other end of the orchard, her wolf Arrix on his leash stuck close to her side. He'd catch sight of Ede, tugging gently in her direction. Eanthe's expression would brighten considerably, and she'd follow her wolf's guidance, cane in her other hand similarly assisting her. Ede would rise from where she was sitting, dusting off her cloak and smoothing back her hair. A gesture Eanthe could not see, though her wolf certainly did, the intelligent creature snorting a little bit, as though laughing. "Hey!" Eanthe called as soon as she got close enough. "You made it!" Ede smiled - a gesture that had become habit - and nodded; similarly out of habit. "Of course. No one to stop me in an alley this time." She'd cross the distance between them, towering just a little bit as she looked down at Eanthe, still with a wide smile on her face. "Thats good to hear! Won't have any interruptions today, then." She'd laugh, adjusting her blindfold and then grabbing onto Ede's arm, relaxing her grip on her wolf's leash - and Arrix would simply lie down at her side while the two women continued to talk. "How are you, by the way?" It took a lot of Ede's willpower to not simply just grab onto Eanthe's hand and keep it there - though she didn't stop herself from putting a gentle hand on Eanthe's shoulder. "I am doing well. Yourself?" "Great! Especially now that you're here!" She'd beam up at the much taller woman, tucking stray strands of silvered hair behind her ears. "I know we have plans for today, but before that - I had something I wanted to give you!" Ede blinked, her cheeks turning a rosy shade of pink, for no immediately discernible reason. "O-oh?" "Yeah! Hold on-" She'd take her hand off Ede's arm, and dig into a pouch on her belt. From it she would produce something that only just barely fit in both of her hands, and hold it up to Ede. "Here!" She said cheerfully. The aasimar would look down, cupping Eanthe's hands with her own, and look at what she was being given. It was a cup, cast in clay, with no handle, though there were intricate and skilled designs gently carved into it - what looked to be mostly northern-style filigree and runes. Mostly innocuous phrases, though at the bottom in the biggest letters was Ede's name. "Oh-!" Ede said softly, keeping her hands in place as Eanthe, who looked quite pleased with herself, deposited the object gently into them. "You... did this? You made this?" She'd look up - well, down technically, at the other woman with a very soft expression. "Yep! Wanted to make you something, but I know you travel a lot, so I figured I would make it something you can use! Should be okay to drink out of, and-" The taller woman cut her off mid-sentence, with a kiss on her cheek. Ede wasn't quite sure where the brave gesture had come from, but she didn't regret it - Eanthe's dark brown cheeks flushing a deeper color. "Well!" Eanthe said with a soft laugh. "If I had known that'd be the response, I'dve done this a lot sooner!" Ede couldn't help but blush deeply, though there was a smile on her face, and her heart felt light. Wherever this was going, truly, she was not going to complain. "I suppose so! I will be sure to make good use of this. Now, shall we?"

#fictober20 #fictober #High Fantasy AU #Ede #Ede x Eanthe #making up for the last one which was sad :(#my writing

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lightskinrry · 5 years

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I can’t remember why I loved you, anyway.

The one where Harry and Y/N broke up two years ago and have to spend a vacation together in the Hamptons except they’re not over each other yet, and they both have new S/O’s

Word Count: 3.4k

TW: angst??? fluff??? honestly I really don’t know

A/N: this was a concept i thought about for days and then i sent it to @emotionally-imbruised and she said ‘write it’ and i did???????? (thank you lovely!!)

and thanks to @belladonna-styles for reading it over! You’re the sweetest, Sierra!!! (i love you)

It has been two years. Two whole years since the two of you decided that it was better to go separate ways. When you thought about it, the truth was that it has been two years since the person you loved most in this whole goddamn world turned into the person you hate the most.

The breakup has been hard. It was like running a mile to never make it. A long run of three years of love, passion, tenderness, dreams and future plans turned to ashes. It all collapsed one night. Actually, it took more time. It started in the run of your second year together, when he would be so busy that the only nights you’d spend with him he’d keep talking about work. When you would feel lonely in his presence and won’t even laugh at his stupid jokes. When he started being suspicious of you coming in late knowing there were nights he wouldn’t come home at all.

The third year of your shared love has just been the same stupid fight over and over again. You missed the simpler times… The times when you would do all the crazy things young people in love do. Giving each other a tattoo – he might have started hating you when he discovered your initials on his left butt cheek on a hungover morning. Singing, naked in the rain in the garden – all the love you’ve made and the terrible cold you’d got after. Crashing stranger’s wedding – the first time was an accident, it was when you met him; that night at your friend’s wedding in Hawaii. He was wearing a white suit – who wears white at a wedding? He did. And he was beautiful in it. That night you two became friends; strangely you had a lot in common; from your favorite bands to which Friends character you hated most – Ross, of course.

That night you two got so drunk that you danced on the kids’ table to the Pina Colada song.

And since then, it was your favorite song. Every time you’d hear it, the two of you would start dancing like that night in Hawaii. And he even mentioned once that it would be the song you two first dance at your wedding.

It was on the last night of November that you packed your bags. You spent the entire month sleeping alone. And he wasn’t even on tour. You couldn’t tell if you trusted him anymore and the gut feeling that he was seeing someone else was torturing you.

Every time he would touch you, it would burn your skin because your brain would only picture his fingertips on somebody else’s skin. He came home that night as if he felt that you would leave. And the storm that ravaged your shared home in that cold night of November was one worthy of those Sunday afternoons’ TV drama.

You told him how you felt –your gut feeling, your frustration, your sadness, how you missed him, how you couldn’t pretend anymore. And his stupid self and his incapability to respond and communicate his feelings just let you go. And that’s when you started hating him.

Probably to cover the hurt of feeling like he just never cared. That, you leaving was not important enough that he would try and better himself and overcome his insecurities. He just let you go. And your stupid brain came up with the answer that he didn’t care because he had someone else this whole time. Maybe he did. But it was better if you never knew.

Two years passed. Your life was back on track quickly. You started dating again, finding joy and doing fun things you used to do with him with other friends. The only thing that reminded you of your time together was that you shared common best friends. Your circle survived the split but it would continuously be hard for them not to see you together.

The resentment you both held for each other made you be mean and cruel to each other and on a common agreement you decided that you would avoid each other. If your shared friends were going for a movie and he was there, you wouldn’t go. But the next outing you’d be there and he would ditch. It worked well for you both. You wouldn’t see each other, hear each other or know about each other and everything would be good.

Your friends always said that it was stupid and that you two needed to grow up because it wasn’t nice being in between the both of you. But you knew it was just better. His face reminded you his –supposed– betrayal and being in the same room as him made you just nauseous.

You’ve been lucky enough that the last time your friends gathered together for a paintball party, he’s the one who went, because next weekend your little crew and yourself would be spending four days in the Hamptons in Jeff’s house.

You definitely needed that trip. You’ve been working like crazy those last weeks and spending some time with your friends was exactly what you needed. And it would be a great time to introduce them to your new girlfriend. She was indeed very new; you’ve only been dating for a month.

You have spent the last year going on unofficial dates with whoever you could find in the damn city just to meet her one night at an art exhibition in Brooklyn. She painted something abstract reminding you strangely of a vulva.

When you invited her for a coffee, you talked for hours, mostly about feminism and LGBTQ+ rights because the both of you were activists. She felt comfortable enough to tell you about her transition and how her gender identity always influenced her art. And you quoted the just stoked her hand tenderly to answer the worry in her eyes when she told you she was transgender. She sighed in relief and raised her hand in the air to call the waiter to bring more drinks!

You started seeing each other frequently enough and called your little encounters ‘dates’, and you knew it was the right time to introduce her to your friends.

***

You arrived late at the house, you were pretty much always late, and it was a personality trait at this point. You left your bags in the foyer and closed the door behind you. You could hear laughing and chats coming from the living room. You looked at Danny, your lovely girlfriend who for once seemed insecure and anxious.

“Hey…” You pressed your hands on her shoulders. “It’s going to be okay. They’re cool. I’m sure they’ll like you.”

She took a deep breath and you stroke her cheek with your fingers.

“C’mon, give me a smile, love.” She gave you a tiny smile and kissed your finger. You took off your coat and hers and placed it on the hanger. You grabbed her hand and walked in the living room.

“Your favorite bitch is here!” Your voice resonated in the room. And when you laid eyes on the table where your friends were sitting, you missed a heartbeat.

Harry was sitting there, his fingers intertwined with the beautiful woman sitting next to him. He was laughing out loud but when your voice reached his ears, his smile disappeared. His hair was so short and you remember that when you left him, it was longer than yours. Now it was short and you could see his jawline clench as he looked at you.

“Y/N!” Jeff got up and came towards you. The look on your face clearly read discontent. “Always late, our favorite bitch, huh?”

You looked at him and sighed. “What is he doing here?”

You couldn’t help but be mad and seeing Harry here just threw you off, you even forgot to introduce Danny.

“What is she doing here?” Harry got up and in a moment of coordinated rage, you both gave the darkest look to your friends.

Glenne stood up and laughed nervously. “Surprise!”

“Are you kidding me right now?” You looked over at her and your hissing tone made her scratch her head. Sarah got up.

“We thought it would be a good idea to spend a real vacation all together. We have been torn apart since you two…”

“That’s a prank, right?” You cut Sarah off.

“Look guys. Stop acting like fucking children. We’re not gonna babysit you. You’re both over it, aren’t you?”

Mitch’s words made you realize Danny’s presence and you looked over at her and the confusion on her face made you feel stupid.

“Look, it’s a bad idea….” Harry started talking. You grabbed Danny’s hand again and cut him off.

“It’s a great idea actually. We’re both over it, aren’t we, Harry?” You addressed him with a sneaky smile.

“Anyway. There’s someone I’d like to introduce y’all to.” You raised yours and Danny’s intertwined hands.

Your friends gave you a weird look for a second, certainly because you didn’t mention you were bringing a plus one; you wanted it to be a surprise. And apparently this vacation was going to be, for the least… Surprising.

Jeff, Glenne, Sarah, Mitch, Adam and Emi all smiled kindly to you and your new friend.

“This is Danny. Danny this is the gang.”

You laughed and Danny shook everyone’s hand. Harry’s expression was… Well you couldn’t quite figure it out.

He shook her hand with a smile and welcomed her warmly. He introduced himself and Danny told him she was a big fan, something she didn’t mention to you before, probably because you never brought Harry up in the conversation anyway. He gave you a tease look when your girlfriend mentioned she liked him. It was a bit ironic, wasn’t it?

He introduced the woman he was with. Rosie. Boring name you thought to yourself.

“Pleased to meet you, I’m Y/N. If you want my piece of advice; run away now.” You gave Harry a teasing smile before sitting down at the table.

The weekend was going to be long…

***

The first two days were atrocious. You and Harry fought over everything; from where to eat to whether or not the Brexit was going to happen.

Funnily enough you always had similar political views, but you just needed to get your frustration with him on something and his naïve thought over happy ending Brexit pissed you off.

“No, I want to believe it won’t happen. That we are going to be smarter you know. It has been postponed so many times, it might be cancelled as well.”

He always was too optimistic over the most fucked up things.

“It’s going to happen. Get that in your mind. It’s in the process and they refused the second referendum.” Your tone was so dry; it probably stripped him away.

Whether it was political discourse or the most mundane things, he would be a pest about it.

For instance, when he made pancakes for brunch on the third day –god knows his pancakes were always delicious.

You woke up late, per usual and came down to the kitchen to see all your friends sat at the huge wooden table.

“Oh, smells nice!” You looked over the table and saw a huge pile of pancakes.

“Harry made them! His pancakes are delicious!”

Rosie’s voice would irritate you more than Harry’s sometimes. After all, her high pitch and long blonde hair and her soft manners and ugh…

Of course his pancakes were delicious, you would know better than her. You’ve eaten those pancakes every morning for three goddamn years.

You didn’t say a word and grabbed a plate, and right before you took some pancakes, you heard his voice. “You could thank me. I mean you come down late and find brunch ready, so you could at least thank me.”

“God, are you gonna curse them pancakes if I don’t thank you for doing something I never asked you to do?” You sighed as you put down your plate.

He opened his mouth to talk but you cut him off.

“You know what? I won’t risk food poisoning. I’m getting cereal.” You made your way to the shelf and grabbed a bowl. You could tell everybody was uncomfortable and you heard Harry mumbling, “Still a drama queen.”

“A drama queen? Say the guy who threw a tantrum because we decided to eat Italian instead of Chinese?”

Last night you’ve fought over where to eat, his take was Chinese food, yours was Italian food and your argument won over the assembly. Harry acted all fussed and reluctantly came to the restaurant not to speak a word to anybody except Rosie the whole evening.

“Are you kidding me? You were the one who decided to argue!” He got up from his chair. “You’re a pain in the ass, Y/N!”

“Says who? Mister I can’t fucking admit I was wrong? Mister I must have the final say in everything? The guy who can’t form a coherent argument in a discourse? Please! The only pain here is your lack of conversation!”

You looked over at Rosie. “I can tell you’re bored honey, feel free to leave him, he’s really not worth it.”

Harry’s face became all red and he furrowed his eyebrows; as he was about to spat words, Jeff cut him in his track.

“I’m done with your bullshit! You have been the most obnoxious people for the past three days!”

Everybody agreed loudly with Jeff. They were just fed up with the two of you constantly fighting.

Sarah got up and left the kitchen. You felt guilty for making your friends so uncomfortable and annoyed. You hissed at Harry and he rolled his eyes at you.

Sarah came back down. She took two chairs from underneath the table and placed them in the middle of the room, only a few inches from each other and facing each other.

She pointed at you. “Sit.” She pointed to the first chair. She held one hand behind her back. She ordered Harry to sit in front of you. He reluctantly sat on the chair. You didn’t look at him.

“Your hands.” Sarah’s voice was very directive despite her natural tenderness.

“What?” You asked; your eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Give me your hand. No questions.”

You gave her your hand and Harry reached out his too. You both were very confused. It’s only when she pulled out the handcuffs from behind her back that you realized what was happening.

“Oh hell no!” You tried to argue but your hand was already cuffed with Harry’s.

“Please. This is not funny, Sarah…” Harry’s voice sounded so desperate, it got a giggle out of you.

“This is not supposed to be funny. This is supposed to be a punishment. I’m done with you two being little pests to each other.”

Mitch sat down, and ate his cut fruit like popcorn, a smile on the corner of his lips. “Well done, baby.” Sarah smiled at him.

“What do you expect us to do?” You looked over at everyone and everybody seemed to be very much okay with the situation. You deserved it.

Glenne spoke up, “You’re going to be nice to each other, and let us have our last day of vacation in peace.”

Adam chortled and sat down next to Mitch, he cleared his throat before talking, “Say something nice to each other.”

“What for?” You snapped and Sarah gave you a dark look.

“Say something nice, Y/N, now.”

Strangely her tone made you want to do as she says…

Dom vibe.You thought to yourself and you gave her a promiscuous look.

“Fine, I’ll say something nice.” You sighed loudly and then took a look at Harry who shared a handcuff with you, slightly reminding you of a similar situation the two of you played in the past.

You thought for a second and came up with something basic. “Your haircut is nice.”

Harry raised his eyebrow at you. “Thanks? You look good today.”

Jeff hissed, “Are you guys serious? Dig deeper.”

“What do you want me to say?” Harry threw his head back in disbelief.

“I can’t even remember why I loved you, anyway.” Your voice was low, it seemed that nobody heard you but you caught Harry’s sight and an odd gloomy look on his face.

“Say something you like about her!” Jeff tilted his head over to me to pressure Harry.

“Fine…” He sighed and crumpled his eyebrows in concentration, trying to come up with something that would be good enough to set us free.

“I like your smile. It’s contagious. It never failed to make me smile.” He looked at you for a second and you felt your heart sank, when was the last time you made him smile?

“Your turn Y/N.”

You thought for a moment and when your eyes met Harry’s, you felt out of breath.

“Your eyes have always been one of my favorite things about you. They’re deep and kind. They’re comforting. And I always felt safe and beautiful in them.”

You realized you shared too much when a smile appeared on Harry’s face. You rolled your eyes at him and sighed.

“Good. Good. Harry?” Jeff played the referee here.

“You have…” He breathed for a moment. “Really pretty lips. They’re soft and… I love the shade of red you wear.”

He couldn’t look at you in the eyes and neither could you. You knew it was a difficult exercise for him, he’s never been really good with spoken words; he was always better at writing them.

The crowd in the room looked at you to let you know it was your turn. Sarah added softly “Less shallow, maybe?” You mocked a laugh at her and turned your head to Harry.

“You’ve always been a great listener. You don’t talk much but you know how to listen, you’re attentive and it’s something I’ve always liked about you.”

Harry let out a giggle. “Thanks.” He took a long gaze at your face.

“You’re very passionate. I mean… When you’re into something, you give your all. That’s why I always loved listening to you because you talk with passion and knowledge. You’re the smartest person I know.”

You fought a smile. He was always good at complimenting, wasn’t he?

“You’re one of the most talented people I know. It’s amazing how much work and love you put in your music. It always baffles me that you’re so lyrically smart. For someone who isn’t too keen on communication, your lyrics always talked to me in a way nobody did.”

He grinned widely but before he could thank you, you added a word.

“Oh, and you have the voice of an angel. When you sing and when you talk. It’s soothing. It sounds familiar… Like home.”

He didn’t say a word for a moment, staring at you with a fond smile.

“Your laugh always made me happy. It’s like a serotonin shot. My favorite thing was…”

He thought for a second, wondering if he should keep going.

“It was when we would kiss and you’d laugh nervously, pulling away because you always thought you were a terrible kisser… I mean you are…”

He laughed before continuing,

“You’re not…”

He looked at you.

“I loved kissing you and feeling you laugh against my lips. It was always my favorite thing.”

You felt your heart beat a million times faster. The more you looked at him, the more you remembered why you were so in love with him.

“I loved it too.” You whispered so that only him could hear you.

You felt his fingertips stroke the back of your hand, and you shivered at his touch, realizing how much you missed it, how much you missed him…

“Okay. Game’s over.” Rosie fake laughed a little bit, getting up and asked Sarah to open the handcuffs.

Sarah understood the discomfort Rosie was facing so she set you free. You got up and kept your eyes focus on the ground. You couldn’t even look at Danny.

Harry breathed loudly. The room was silent; the most uncomfortable silence, actually.

You cleared your throat before speaking up, “How about we spend the day at the lake?”

Adam cheered loudly to release the tension, “Yes!! That’s a great idea!”

Emi supported the idea too and when everybody agreed, you all left the kitchen.

Your eyes met Harry’s for a second and you felt your heart sank again.

You remembered exactly why you loved him. Maybe why you still loved him.

#harry styles fanfiction #harry styles au #harry styles fluff #harry styles angst #harry styles blurb #blurbs #writings #harry styles one shot #harry styles thoughts #harry thoughts #harry talks #harry styles fanfic #fanfiction #ICRWILYA

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eldritchsurveys · 4 years

Text

806.

1. Humpty Dumpty: Have you ever felt so broken that you didn’t feel like you could be put back together again? >> Absolutely. And oddly enough, I’m still here, and probably not quite as broken as I imagined myself to be. Brains aren’t nearly as good at predicting the future as they think they are.

2. Jack and Jill: Have you ever tumbled/rolled down a grassy hill? >> Yes. It’s great fun.

3. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: Do you enjoy stargazing? Has anyone ever gotten a star named for you? >> It’s not something I really go out and do, but I do love me some stars. I’ve not had the star-naming happen, though.

4. Little Bo Peep: Have you ever thought you lost something that was actually right in front of you the whole time? >> Yeah, that tends to happen when I get used to putting something in a certain place and then I unthinkingly put it somewhere else one day and fuck myself up.

5. Itsy Bitsy Spider: What do you typically do on a rainy day? >> Nothing different, usually. If it rains in the morning it might change whether I go out for a walk or not, but otherwise my daily activities remain the same.

6. Baa Baa Black Sheep: Do you own any clothing made out of wool? >> I don’t think so.

7. Ring Around the Rosie: Did you know that this childhood song/nursery rhyme is actually about The Black Death? >> I’ve heard that.

8. Five Little Ducks: Have you ever gotten lost before? >> Yeah.

9. I’m a Little Teapot: What is your favorite flavor/type of tea to drink? >> I like herbal teas, particularly ginger and mint. I also like vanilla chai and the occasional fruit variety.

10. Hokey Pokey: How were you taught to understand the difference between your left and right sides? >> I don’t remember how I was taught this.

11. Old MacDonald Had a Farm: What is your favorite farm animal? >> Sheep and goats are adorable. But so are cows, especially those fluffy ones... Regardless of their cuteness, though, I couldn’t be around any farm animal for long because the smell would slowly kill me.

12. Make up your own lyric for “Down By The Bay”. >> Ha, I used to sing this song to myself repeatedly for like hours when I was a kid. I’d rather not make up my own lyric for it now, though.

13. Little Miss Muffet: Would you be terrified if a spider sat down beside you? >> Nah. I am also a spider. I like visiting with my kin.

14. Rockabye Baby: Do you feel that this is a more calming or terrifying lullaby for children? >> I just think it’s funny, because like... yeah. Why the fuck is the baby in the tree, lmao. Nursery rhymes are wild.

15. Hickory Dickory Dock: What are you usually doing when the clock strikes 1? >> AM or PM? If PM, I’m probably gaming or something. If AM, I’m asleep.

16. Pat-a-Cake: What’s your favorite thing to bake/baked good to eat? >> I don’t bake, and I have no idea what my favourite baked good would be... a good bread, I guess??

17. Why do we stomp our feet if we’re “Happy and We Know It”? Shouldn’t we be doing this when we’re angry instead? >> Eh, I guess you could do it for almost any emotion if you put your mind to it.

18. The Wheels on the Bus: Where’s the furthest you’ve ever gone on a bus before? >> From Colorado to NYC. On two different occasions. Definitely not an experience I’d ever care to repeat.

19. Row, Row, Row Your Boat: Do you enjoy boating? (ie: cruises, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, etc) >> I’ve never been boating. I’ve been on ferries? Oh, and once I went to a concert on a boat. That was fun.

20. 3 Blind Mice: Do you know someone who is blind? >> No.

21. 3 Little Kittens: Do you prefer gloves or mittens when getting dressed for chilly weather? >> Gloves, if I must.

22. Jack Be Nimble: Do you enjoy lighting scented candles? >> I mean, sometimes, I guess. I burn incense most often, though.

23. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear: Have you ever made a teddy bear or any other sort of stuffed animal at Build-a-Bear? If not, do you still have a favorite teddy bear/stuffed animal from your childhood? >> Yeah! I have a dog named Reese from there, I love him. Sparrow has an owl, a Pikachu, and a Squirtle, hah.

24. 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed: Have you ever cracked your head open before and needed stitches? >> Nope. I’ve definitely tried to crack my head open, lmao, but I wasn’t any good at it. (Thankfully.)

25. Hey Diddle Diddle: The cat plays a fiddle. What instrument would you like to play? >> Meh. I like singing.

26. Mary Had a Little Lamb: Have you ever brought a pet to school for show and tell before? >> No. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced show-and-tell, actually. I thought it was made up for like movies and shit, lol.

27. Once I Caught a Fish Alive: If you go fishing, do you release the fish afterwards, or do you take them home and cook them? >> I don’t go fishing, but if I did, it wouldn’t be just for the sake of it. I’d prefer to eat the fish afterward.

28. Little Jack Horner: What is your favorite flavor of pie? >> Hmm... sweet potato. Also, apple.

29. Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary: Do you have a garden? What do you plant in it? >> No, we just have a fuckload of potted plants because Sparrow likes them.

30. Miss Mary Mack: Do you wear clothing with a lot of buttons? >> No.

31. Old Mother Hubbard: What is your favorite food to keep in your cupboard? >> Er, I don’t know.

32. There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe: Do you have a lot of siblings growing up? Did you enjoy it? Why or why not? >> I was raised as an only child.

33. This Little Piggy: Do you like roast beef? >> No.

34. Rain, Rain Go Away: Have you ever played outside in the rain before? >> I mean, probably.

35. It’s Raining, It’s Pouring: Do you know someone who snores very loudly? >> Not anymore. My father was notorious for this.

36. Star Light, Star Bright: Do you ever wish on stars? Has one of your wishes actually come true before? >> No.

37. Here is the Beehive: Are you allergic to bees? Do you know anyone who is? Do you enjoy eating honey? >> I don’t know, I’ve never been stung by one. I don’t remember if I know anyone who is allergic. I love eating honey.

38. If All the Raindrops Were Lemon Drops and Gumdrops: What food would you want to rain down from the sky: >> I definitely would not want food to rain down from the sky, lmao.

39. Little Boy Blue: Have you ever slept anywhere other than a bed before? Where? >> Yeah. Tiled floors, subway cars, subway platforms, the sidewalk, couches, parks...

40. Do You Know the Muffin Man?: What is your favorite type of muffin to eat? >> I haven’t had a muffin in ages. I’m pretty sure I just don’t care for them.

41. Wee Willie Winkie: Have you ever sleepwalked before? >> No. Lmao, can you imagine being a sleepwalker while sleeping on the streets? That’d be fucked up...

42. B-I-N-G-O: If you had a dog, what would you name it? >> I don’t know, it would depend on the dog.

43. Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?: Has your pet ever run away from home before? Did it get returned? >> That apparently happened when I was a preteen. We didn’t even have the dog for a full month before he somehow escaped.

44. How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?: What’s the most you would spend when adopting a dog? >> I don’t know, man. I’m not even sure what the going rates are.

45. This Old Man: Do you own any knick-knacks? >> I guess I have a few.

46. 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe: When did you learn to tie your own sneakers? >> I have no idea.

47. Are You Sleeping?: What time do you typically go to bed at night? >> Between 10p and 12a. [a-zebra-is-a-striped-horse]

#surveys #survey #themed survey

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nostalgiaispeace · 4 years

Text

1877.

1. Humpty Dumpty: Have you ever felt so broken that you didn’t feel like you could be put back together again? yes

2. Jack and Jill: Have you ever tumbled/rolled down a grassy hill? yes

3. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: Do you enjoy stargazing? Has anyone ever gotten a star named for you? sure. no

4. Little Bo Peep: Have you ever thought you lost something that was actually right in front of you the whole time? sounds like me

5. Itsy Bitsy Spider: What do you typically do on a rainy day? nothing

6. Baa Baa Black Sheep: Do you own any clothing made out of wool? i don’t think so

7. Ring Around the Rosie: Did you know that this childhood song/nursery rhyme is actually about The Black Death? yeah

8. Five Little Ducks: Have you ever gotten lost before? Yeah.

9. I’m a Little Teapot: What is your favorite flavor/type of tea to drink? chamomile

10. Hokey Pokey: How were you taught to understand the difference between your left and right sides? i don’t remember

11. Old MacDonald Had a Farm: What is your favorite farm animal? cows

12. Make up your own lyric for “Down By The Bay”. no

13. Little Miss Muffet: Would you be terrified if a spider sat down beside you? naw

14. Rockabye Baby: Do you feel that this is a more calming or terrifying lullaby for children? it’s nice i guess

15. Hickory Dickory Dock: What are you usually doing when the clock strikes 1? chilling

16. Pat-a-Cake: What’s your favorite thing to bake/baked good to eat? brownies

17. Why do we stomp our feet if we’re “Happy and We Know It”? Shouldn’t we be doing this when we’re angry instead? sure

18. The Wheels on the Bus: Where’s the furthest you’ve ever gone on a bus before? i dunno

19. Row, Row, Row Your Boat: Do you enjoy boating? (ie: cruises, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, etc) not really

20. 3 Blind Mice: Do you know someone who is blind? no

21. 3 Little Kittens: Do you prefer gloves or mittens when getting dressed for chilly weather? gloves

22. Jack Be Nimble: Do you enjoy lighting scented candles? sure

24. 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed: Have you ever cracked your head open before and needed stitches? yes

25. Hey Diddle Diddle: The cat plays a fiddle. What instrument would you like to play? piano

26. Mary Had a Little Lamb: Have you ever brought a pet to school for show and tell before? no

27. Once I Caught a Fish Alive: If you go fishing, do you release the fish afterwards, or do you take them home and cook them? -

28. Little Jack Horner: What is your favorite flavor of pie? cherry

29. Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary: Do you have a garden? What do you plant in it? nope

30. Miss Mary Mack: Do you wear clothing with a lot of buttons? no

31. Old Mother Hubbard: What is your favorite food to keep in your cupboard? pasta

32. There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe: Do you have a lot of siblings growing up? Did you enjoy it? Why or why not? no

33. This Little Piggy: Do you like roast beef? no

34. Rain, Rain Go Away: Have you ever played outside in the rain before? sure have

35. It’s Raining, It’s Pouring: Do you know someone who snores very loudly? yeah

36. Star Light, Star Bright: Do you ever wish on stars? Has one of your wishes actually come true before? no

37. Here is the Beehive: Are you allergic to bees? Do you know anyone who is? Do you enjoy eating honey? no no yes

38. If All the Raindrops Were Lemon Drops and Gumdrops: What food would you want to rain down from the sky: burgers

39. Little Boy Blue: Have you ever slept anywhere other than a bed before? Where? sure, the couch

40. Do You Know the Muffin Man?: What is your favorite type of muffin to eat? blueberry

41. Wee Willie Winkie: Have you ever sleepwalked before? yes

42. B-I-N-G-O: If you had a dog, what would you name it? Belle

43. Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?: Has your pet ever run away from home before? Did it get returned? no

44. How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?: What’s the most you would spend when adopting a dog? idk

45. This Old Man: Do you own any knick-knacks? sure

46. 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe: When did you learn to tie your own sneakers? when i was 5

47. Are You Sleeping?: What time do you typically go to bed at night? i don’t even knoq

#me #survey

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lovemesomesurveys · 4 years

Text

1. Humpty Dumpty: Have you ever felt so broken that you didn’t feel like you could be put back together again? That’s how I’ve felt for a long time now.

2. Jack and Jill: Have you ever tumbled/rolled down a grassy hill? No.

3. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: Do you enjoy stargazing? Has anyone ever gotten a star named for you? I don’t stargaze per se, but I’ll look up and acknowledge the stars sometimes for a moment. Aww no, no one has had a star named for me.

4. Little Bo Peep: Have you ever thought you lost something that was actually right in front of you the whole time? Yeah.

5. Itsy Bitsy Spider: What do you typically do on a rainy day? I don’t do anything different except for acknowledge that it’s raining. I love listening to the rain.

6. Baa Baa Black Sheep: Do you own any clothing made out of wool? No.

7. Ring Around the Rosie: Did you know that this childhood song/nursery rhyme is actually about The Black Death? Yep. Children back then made nursery rhymes during plagues, people today have memes.

8. Five Little Ducks: Have you ever gotten lost before? Yes.

9. I’m a Little Teapot: What is your favorite flavor/type of tea to drink? Peppermint, spearmint, and chamomile.

10. Hokey Pokey: How were you taught to understand the difference between your left and right sides? Hmm. I’m not sure.

11. Old MacDonald Had a Farm: What is your favorite farm animal? Horses.

12. Make up your own lyric for “Down By The Bay”. Okay, how about: “Down by the bay, where the watermelons grow, back to my home, I dare not go, for if I do, my mother will say, did you ever see a cat playing with a bat down by the bay.”

13. Little Miss Muffet: Would you be terrified if a spider sat down beside you? UH YES. That’s happened a few times where it was near me or even worse, ON ME. lsjfkdfklsd.

14. Rockabye Baby: Do you feel that this is a more calming or terrifying lullaby for children? It sounds calming, but yeah the lyrics are disturbing. “when the bough breaks, the baby will fall, down will come baby cradle and all.” Uh....

15. Hickory Dickory Dock: What are you usually doing when the clock strikes 1? 1PM I’m still asleep. 1AM I’m probably eating ramen and watching YouTube videos.

16. Pat-a-Cake: What’s your favorite thing to bake/baked good to eat? I don’t bake, but I love brownies, cupcakes, and muffins.

17. Why do we stomp our feet if we’re “Happy and We Know It”? Shouldn’t we be doing this when we’re angry instead? True.

18. The Wheels on the Bus: Where’s the furthest you’ve ever gone on a bus before? Not far, like just 10-15 minutes.

19. Row, Row, Row Your Boat: Do you enjoy boating? (ie: cruises, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, etc) I don’t do any of those things.

20. 3 Blind Mice: Do you know someone who is blind? Yes.

21. 3 Little Kittens: Do you prefer gloves or mittens when getting dressed for chilly weather? Gloves. I rarely need to wear them, though.

22. Jack Be Nimble: Do you enjoy lighting scented candles? I like the idea and aesthetic of it, but I don’t actually do it. I wish I were a candle lighting kinda gal.

23. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear: Have you ever made a teddy bear or any other sort of stuffed animal at Build-a-Bear? If not, do you still have a favorite teddy bear/stuffed animal from your childhood? I have a lot of my stuffed animals from my childhood stored away.

24. 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed: Have you ever cracked your head open before and needed stitches? Nooo, thankfully.

25. Hey Diddle Diddle: The cat plays a fiddle. What instrument would you like to play? Piano.

26. Mary Had a Little Lamb: Have you ever brought a pet to school for show and tell before? No.

27. Once I Caught a Fish Alive: If you go fishing, do you release the fish afterwards, or do you take them home and cook them? The only fishing I do is in Animal Crossing haha. In which case, I sometimes keep to sell or let ‘em go.

28. Little Jack Horner: What is your favorite flavor of pie? The only kind of pie I like is cheesecake.

29. Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary: Do you have a garden? What do you plant in it? Nope. I do in Animal Crossing, though lmao.

30. Miss Mary Mack: Do you wear clothing with a lot of buttons? I don’t like wearing stuff with buttons. Too much work.

31. Old Mother Hubbard: What is your favorite food to keep in your cupboard? Ramen.

32. There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe: Do you have a lot of siblings growing up? Did you enjoy it? Why or why not? I only have two brothers.

33. This Little Piggy: Do you like roast beef? No.

34. Rain, Rain Go Away: Have you ever played outside in the rain before? Yeah.

35. It’s Raining, It’s Pouring: Do you know someone who snores very loudly? My dad does.

36. Star Light, Star Bright: Do you ever wish on stars? Has one of your wishes actually come true before? Nope.

37. Here is the Beehive: Are you allergic to bees? Do you know anyone who is? Do you enjoy eating honey? Isn’t everyone, technically? Though some have more severe reactions. I’ve never been stung by a bee, thankfully, so I don’t know what my reaction would be like. I don’t recall the last time I had any honey, but yeah it’s good. It’s good with peanut butter on toast.

38. If All the Raindrops Were Lemon Drops and Gumdrops: What food would you want to rain down from the sky: That doesn’t sound pleasant lol.

39. Little Boy Blue: Have you ever slept anywhere other than a bed before? Where? The couch, floor, and the car.

40. Do You Know the Muffin Man?: What is your favorite type of muffin to eat? Banana (without the nut), blueberry, and lemon poppyseed. Also, Entenmann’s has mini muffins in party cake flavor that are really good.

41. Wee Willie Winkie: Have you ever sleepwalked before? No. I’ve never known anyone who does, but it sounds scary to witness.

42. B-I-N-G-O: If you had a dog, what would you name it? I have a dog, her name is Princess Leia.

43. Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?: Has your pet ever run away from home before? Did it get returned? Nooo. I would be a complete mess if my dog ever ran away. One of my cousins has a dog who roams the streets and comes back randomly and she’s fine with it. I’m just like noooo way. I couldn’t allow that. My doggo is my baby!

44. How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?: What’s the most you would spend when adopting a dog? We paid about $150 to adopt our doggo.

45. This Old Man: Do you own any knick-knacks? Yeah.

46. 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe: When did you learn to tie your own sneakers? I think I was like 4. I remember going around the house tying all the shoes once I learned.

47. Are You Sleeping?: What time do you typically go to bed at night? Like 7AMish. :X I don’t understand how that became my norm these past few months. [a-zebra-is-a-striped-horse]

#personal #text #survey #surveys

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gem-quest · 4 years

Text

[ E N T H R O N E D . . . ]

“i will not be another flower picked for my beauty and left to die. i will be wild, difficult to find, and impossible to forget.” -erin van vuren

real name: selah dufay-paoli

age: twenty

f/c: (young) natalia vodianova

species & class: sylph + rider

guild: moonstone

description of in-game powers: sylphs are the game’s air-type fairies (not to be confused with water nixies or fairies of the courts). sylphs have the ability to utilise magic, but almost exclusively “elemental” magic. therefore, while neddy has the imbued ability to wield wind, she has also been able to learn the ability of murmuritium. however, some darker, tougher mage-type spells/abilities give her some difficulty. generally, sylphs (fairy-kinds) are considered on the weaker side of all the game species- they do have standard fairy abilities like flight (has to be learned but neddy has a dragon for that so she doesn’t feel the need to expend her time with it), “light of foot” (which is essentially the ability to balletically levi-glide through the air), persuasion (all fairies have sky-high charisma points), and sufficient-level light melee.

as a rider, neddy’s able to more easily command animals in the game, and her chosen “mount” is a fully-grown dragon- officially, jack, but she’s more likely to call him “cha-cha” (even she doesn’t know- it sort of grew out of baby-talk.. which she realises she uses to an annoying extent with a mammoth beast that spouts poisonous gas from it’s maw). jack’s abilities are in his weight (though decidedly willowy), his noxious-floral breath, and his wings. other than that, he’s an overgrown puppy (very often relegated to lap-dog status when neddy shrinks him down with drink-me potion).

place of birth: sartène (corsica)

appearance: sylph skin in the game is usually somewhat translucent or pearly, but neddy forewent that option. her only sylph-y features are pointed ears and pale lilac-toned hair. she does have wings that appear sort of glassy when visible, but for the most part she keeps them folded away since she doesn’t use them for flight. neddy also likes wearing dangly, jeweled earrings and silvery collars and circlets. most likely to wear some sort of tits-out, diaphanous number (see: john galliano rtw autumn 2oo9).

"you are like the snow only purer fleeter, like the rain only sweeter frailer you…”

-e. e. cummings

places most likely to be found in-game: 100% on level 10, the gardens of finvarra is her home-base. it’s where she picked up jack (her dragon mount) after she was dropped from her ex-boyfriend’s party. finvarra is flirty and annoying but he really just likes a good time. (no, they have not slept together- he’s an npc and.. neddy is mostly certain it’s not possible.. . not that she’s thought it over or anything.. ) she does like to hang around and help the odd moonstone player out of the prince’s clutches- if that’s what they want.

otherwise, she’s likely hanging around in the midwinter level since it never ceases to bring her joy- and jack loves the snow. or she’s pushing through to clear levels. she’s not yet been on the frontline, but she’s nearing them.

current inventory:

dragon balm x 5

dragon pep potion x 2

medi-elixir x 3

basic light throwing axe x 2

black pearls x 3

blue pearls x 2

madame bellio’s char truffles x 9

ventium scroll

murmurationium scroll

summoner scroll (learning)

drink me x 2

armoured helmet

songbook: dragon chants

songbook: dragon lullabies

rosy shell panpipes

dragon-shaped sugar cubes from the tearoom x 4

apricot tartlets x 2

fig wine

strongest character trait: diplomatic

strengths: caution and understanding are her personal strengths. observing and listening first have rarely ever backfired on her. a desire to make peace around herself and exist in beautiful environments are the only things keeping her sane at the moment. in game, jack is her greatest strength. neddy knows that, on her onesie, she would be gobblin fodder in a fight. however, her ability to talk her way into and out of situations benefits her /greatly.

weaknesses: she’s a textbook over-thinker which hinders her ability to progress through levels in a timely manner. as well, she doesn’t handle being alone very well- she feels she might be too attached to jack who doesn’t even really exist. in game, both her species type and only moderate ability with weapons are really her two weakest points.

player stats: (on a scale of 1-10, 1 being the weakest, 10 being the strongest. try to balance it out!)

STRENGTH: 2 (8 w/ jack)

DEFENCE: 3 (8 w/ jack)

CHARISMA: 9

PSYCHE: 4

WILLPOWER: 8

CAUTIOUSNESS: 7

AGILITY: 9

ENDURANCE: 5

INTELLIGENCE: 7

LUCK: 3

personality: libra .

biography: selah’s parents divorced the year following her birth, and as a result, her mother took her from corsica back to her lenox hill childhood home in manhattan to live. there, selah was raised by her mother, aline, and grandmother, vanessa, who each nurtured her desire to be a singer- more specifically an opera performer. but by the age of fourteen, selah had developed a new interest in dance, having hung around at her friend’s mother’s dance studio for a few months in the summer.

at eighteen, due to family tension revolving around selah’s new boyfriend, selah left home to move in with her boyfriend, callum, and his roommate in a shitty flat in brooklyn while she awaited admission to barnard college to pursue dance. since callum and his roommate played gq from its inception (and had taken to staying in the helmet for hours and hours), selah was interested in joining him on adventures so that they could spend more time together. so, she bought her own vr helmet and instantly fell in love with gq world. in particular, she loved that she and callum could stay together and bond through whimsical quests and battles with other players and monsters. it was like living together in a dream.

until, a few months later, callum (username: plagueis) announced that selah would have to leave their party as he and another mage-knight in their party- a girl called bloodbriars - were “involved”, whatever that was supposed to mean. they’d never met in person, and selah /lived with him, so it was very hard to understand the situation. and by this time, the word about everyone being trapped in the game had come down, leaving selah no means of escaping the awful situation. callum and bloodbriars disappeared with the rest of the party shortly thereafter and selah has not seen them since. she was suddenly trapped and alone.

selah took to camping in finvarra’s gardens to deal with her emotions, and there, she met jack- a then-untamed queen of poisons-like dragon with sleek violet-black scales, willowy limbs, ears like aconite, and inky venom eyes. she liked him instantly, but for him, it took a little more effort- lots more dragon-shaped sugar cubes from the tearoom level than any one player could stomach. after a few days of coaxing, she was able to secure him as a mount, and the new duo was born.

since then, selah’s rededicated herself to clearing levels and locating callum, aka plagueis, at the same time- whether to kill or not, that remains to be seen.

“artemis knew better than all of them. her only love affair was with the moon. my heart understood this. profoundly.”

-lola ridge

**note: selah’s heard a rumour that plagueis and bloodbriars have the supernova scroll in their possession.

relationships: (OPTIONAL, fill out whenever you want to)

PLAGUEIS . aka callum king, neddy’s live-in boyfriend and former party member. recently booted neddy from their party to- neddy supposes- lessen the awkwardness of having left her for another party member (that he’s never even met in person). callum and the party disappeared weeks ago and neddy hasn’t seen or heard from him since. however, she ends up hearing a rumour that he might be in possession of a supernova scroll- which, given his mounting instability since becoming imprisoned in the game, is troubling to neddy, to say the least. f/c: charles melton

BLOODBRIARS . real name unknown, plagueis’ new girlfriend and neddy’s former party member. all neddy knows about her is that she’s a moonstone guild member and a mage-knight. f/c: unia pakhomova

INFERNA . nana o. to neddy’s nana k. neddy met her on ten amid a feast of steaming mystery meats with sweet wild berry sauces and fluffy raspberry rose cakelets- which inferna might have eaten had neddy not had the knee-jerk reaction of batting the red-headed girl’s fingers away from the fairy food. she and neddy got along right away despite being from opposing guilds- after all, neddy was very isolated at the time and she needed a person to interact with (outside of finvarra and his tittering harem, of course). inferna and jack took a shine to one another, but as inferna’s one to keep moving, neddy hasn’t seen her since that day. she does, however, think of her often.

MORNINGSTAR .

TSESAREVNA . fellow moonstone,

playlist:

the magic place by julianna barwick

winter circle by balmorhea

rodeo by lil nas x, ft. cardi b (in regards to being dumped for another girl- but also i kind of just can’t get this song out of my head so.)

white rabbit by emilíana torrini

violence by grimes, ft. i_o

fairytale by enya

var det du by ensemble galilei (which i just imagine as gq “menu” music tbh)

alone by halsey

overture ii by sleeping at last (sappy but: aka the song in neddy’s head when she gets to be on the midwinter level and watch jack play in the snow~)

favriel by grimes

pinterest: { oc. ENTHRONED }

#written by fanfan #character info #enthroned #selah #moonstone

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theawkwardterrier · 5 years

Text

things left behind and the things that are ahead, ch. 10

AO3 link here

Drea is the only one of his kids who Steve successfully gets into baseball. Rosie at age six tells him seriously that she has other, more important things to do than watch grownup men get excited about a ball, Em sits patiently through a couple of games that she clearly has no interest in, and Nate, when offered a chance to visit the ballpark for the first time at five years old says, "If you would be happy about it," in such a sweet, guileless way that Steve chokes up and tells him right away to forget about it. (Peggy is only too happy to have him look for someone else to bring - while she knows the rules by now and has watched a few games herself, he thinks that she'd have happily abdicated her seat to any passerby who wanted it. It's fine: she once tried to explain the rules of cricket, and he thinks he might still be comatose.)

But Drea loves it enough for all the rest of them, collecting cards, scanning the sports section each morning as the season approaches, and talking statistics like they're her second language. Nothing much has changed for her since they moved to Maryland: she has a group of boys to trade cards with, her best friends even as she enters junior high, and she's still a solid early choice in a schoolyard or street pickup game.

Steve's too cheap to shell out for Orioles season tickets - they live closer to DC, so getting to Baltimore is less convenient especially for weeknight games, but he's pretty sure that Washington loses their team sometime soon and he doesn't want his daughter getting attached and going through the same heartbreak he did - but he makes sure to take her to a few games a season, just the two of them.

It's a beautiful May Sunday, and the Orioles have just absolutely trounced Kansas City. Steve tosses their hot dog wrappers in the trash on the way out - four of his, one of Drea's - and wraps his arm around her, kissing the top of her baseball cap-covered head as they join the chattering crowd on the way back to their car.

"That was a great game," he says. "I think the O's have a good chance of making the series this year, huh?"

"I'm not very much like other girls, am I?"

It's more momentum than anything that keeps Steve walking. "What do you mean?" he asks carefully, looking down at her. The brim of her cap blocks him from seeing her face, but her shoulders hunch a little under his hand.

"I'm not like Mom," she says. "Or like Emma."

"Well that’s good, because I don't know if I could handle two Emmas. We'd never be able to finish all the desserts." Steve jokes. "And it would be a pretty big coincidence if you were like Mom." Everyone in town is used to the Carters by now, but when they had moved down from New Jersey five years ago, the variation in looks between the children and their lack of similarity to either parent had brought reactions ranging from pity to outright disdain.

"That's not what I mean." Drea starts to walk a little faster, even knowing that her dad can keep up. Her words come out in small, breathless bursts, and Steve aches a little at the bravery it is taking her just to keep speaking them. "It’s just...they know about girl stuff. Mom knows when to wear fancy gloves and pearls and it never looks weird, and Emmy just knows how to talk with other girls. They understand everything without even trying. They like this stuff. The only stuff I like is boy stuff."

"Hey," he says, pulling her to the side of the crowd so he can stop and bend to face her. He peers into the shadow beneath her ball cap, finding her jewel-dark blue eyes. "You're a girl. Anything you like is girl stuff."

She turns away from him. "Yeah, okay."

"I know that Em is a certain kind of girl—" Emma has already requested her own set of mixing bowls for Christmas. Practically the only time she wears pants is in the garden. She used to spend entire afternoons pouring “tea” for a dozen dolls and stuffed animals, signing politely to them as she sipped with an extended pinky. "But your mom put up with a lot during the war, and even now there are plenty of people who say that she isn't doing the things a woman should do. And what about Rosie? She doesn’t exactly fit into a box."

"It's different for me than it is for Rosie." That she says it simply, without a sigh or a teenage eyeroll, makes him sad. Even sadder than that: she's right. As much as he doesn't want it to be, it is different for her than it is for Rose, or Emma, or even Peggy.

"Okay," he says. "You're different than some girls. But that doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. And I would hate for you to change the way you are or the things you love just because you felt that you had to fit in.” He tries to smile. “Besides, Bucky and the family are coming to visit over the summer and I promised them a good time, which means a trip to the ballpark with the two of us."

This time she does sigh, a tiny hiccup of not being entirely understood or at least of realizing that her father can't fix everything for her. "Yeah," she says again. "Okay."

Steve stands to his full height once again and hugs her against his side for a moment. He and Peggy have changed a lot, but there are some things even more stubborn than they are.

Tonight was supposed to be a date night with Steve, but there’s been a new FBI head for three, nearly four years now, and Peggy is only just getting around to inviting him and his wife for a collegial dinner engagement. Steve very sweetly said that he doesn't mind any of the time that he gets to spend with her, but she knows that this isn't exactly his idea of an enjoyable evening out. She'll have to remember to make it up to him.

"Which one?" she asks Drea, holding three dress options in front of herself. There's a deep, vivid scarlet number, a classic flared black, and a black and aubergine paneled silk with the tags still on.

Drea considers. "The red. Daddy likes it when you wear red."

"So he does." She strips off her robe and leaves it on the back of the chair as she slides the dress over her head, moving to the mirror to do up the last of the zip and smooth it over her hips. Peggy keeps herself fairly trim, but it's been a while since she wore this particular dress, and one never knows how things might have changed.

In the glass, she glimpses Drea, her black hair tangled and wild around her shoulders as always, her knees tented as she tucks nearly her whole narrow body into the white T-shirt she's wearing: one of Steve's undershirts, no doubt. Drea practically lives in them as it gets warmer. If it were prior to Lula-Cat's escape of the previous summer, the beast would surely be purring on the bed beside her favorite Carter, allowing herself to be petted as she got fur all over Peggy's clean pillowcases.

She is almost fourteen, Peggy realizes with a pang, and not only because her children are growing up even more quickly than she had expected. They will have another year of people plausibly believing her to be a late bloomer, perhaps not even that. She, Steve, Drea and her doctor have an appointment soon for a discussion, and Peggy makes a note to sit down Howard with as well. The little tools he's made for Emma - the vibrating clip for her swimsuit for when they go to the beach, the egg timer with its flashing lights - have been helpful, but the things he could make for Drea might be lifesaving.

As she moves to the vanity and fixes her face, traces on her vividly red lipstick with a practiced hand, thinks for a moment and adds pearl earrings and a simple crystal necklace which Steve gave her for their fifteenth anniversary, she fights to keep both the fear and calculation from her face. Drea already looks melancholy enough.

Peggy sits at the edge of the bed to put on her hose and her pumps. She is just about to get up and take in the final product when Drea says from beside her, "Mom, can you teach me how to put on makeup?"

Peggy pauses for just a moment, then asks, "What brought this on?" She allows only a tiny amount of surprise into her voice. It would be unbelievable otherwise, but the true amount of shock she feels at the question would be insulting, would drive her daughter away.

"Some girls at school are starting to use it. And I—" Her voice falters a bit, then comes back stronger, perhaps too strong, as if she's given herself a stern lecture. "I think I should also know how."

"I think you're a bit young for it, and I'm not sure that 'because everyone else is doing it' is a particularly good reason," says Peggy, continuing over the beginning of Drea's protestations. "But if that's what you truly want, I can certainly give you a lesson or two." She sighs, perhaps a bit theatrically. "Goodness knows I'd have liked for Rosie to ask before she made her first attempts."

It works. Drea laughs a little, remembering Rose's early experiments with cheap drugstore eye makeup and vending machine lip color in a particularly revolting shade of tangerine that gave her a rash.

Peggy stands, smoothing her dress one final time and going over to the closet. She takes out a handbag, and riffles through Steve's tie hanger, selecting a red one which will match her dress and coordinate well with the gray suit she had watched him put on earlier.

"Are you ready?" Drea asks, her voice a bit less dispirited than it had been a few moments earlier, and Peggy nods and moves toward her. Drea spritzes the perfume precisely, two sprays that float in the air for Peggy to walk through. She had always touched on her own scent, a bit at each wrist and at her throat, and just a drop or two on a sachet in her brassiere, but then the children had come along, and now this was a particular tradition whenever one of them helped her get ready.

"Be good for Rose," Peggy says as she leaves the room, and Drea calls back, "If she's good to me."

Rose herself is sitting sprawled out in the doorway of her bedroom, scribbling into a notebook. She is in the midst of a hard-fought campaign for presidency of the upcoming senior class, and lately seems to have decided to plop herself down whenever an idea might catch her. Her legs aren’t long, even at the end of her growth spurt, but she’s positioned herself so they stretch out into the hallway and Peggy steps over them as she passes.

"Don't forget about bedtime," she reminds her eldest, and Rose makes a vague affirmative sound before she places a firm full stop at the end of whatever sentence she is writing and, stretching, looks up at her mother.

"What did you say?"

"Bedtime," Peggy repeats firmly. "Your siblings must adhere to it. As should you. I know that school is coming to an end, but it isn’t here yet."

"Fine," Rosie says with a wave of her hand, and Peggy knows that she'll see the bedroom light snap off just as they turn up the driveway. She starts on her way again (if Rose wants to develop poor sleeping habits, that is her responsibility) but then turns back.

"And be kind to your sister," she tells Rose, dropping her voice a bit. "I think she's having a hard time."

"I can make her a Surprise," Rose suggests, and Peggy shudders, and not just because of Rosie's notoriously poor cooking skills. Drea is the only one of the children with clear memories of her birth parents - she was five when they were killed in a fire while out for their anniversary dinner. One of the things she remembers most clearly is the multitude of casseroles her birth mother made: Hamburger Surprise, Tuna Surprise, Potato Surprise... Peggy has no doubt that they were as ordinary, or perhaps as lackluster, as any example of such a dish, but Drea had built them up in her mind, built them up for Nate, who had no memories of their parents, such that she had spent her childhood requesting various types of Surprises for birthday meals or following an especially good report card.

Steve has turned into a good cook and with Emma at his side they can turn out almost anything, but a Surprise has never been Peggy’s idea of fine cuisine.

"Supper is already being taken care of," Peggy says, adding the thankfully for you only mentally. She can smell Sam's Cornbread in the oven now, can hear the airy silence downstairs, punctuated with little sounds that signify Steve refereeing a fight between Emma and Nate, likely about how much spice to add to the chili. "Just be nice to Drea."

"If she's nice to me," Rosie says, and Peggy refrains from lifting her eyes upward and asking why she had been given two daughters who were so similar and yet refused to realize it.

"Everyone's finished their schoolwork, but make sure that Nate’s book report ends up in his bag. And Emma is trying a new recipe for creamed Brussels sprouts - please tell everyone that they must at least taste it. Don’t simply take the whole pot and bury it in the garbage pail, and certainly don’t try to throw it in the woods the way you did the spinach," Peggy tells her shrewdly, but a new idea seemed to have struck and Rosie is back to her notebook again.

Peggy moves on. Rose has minded her siblings before, and Peggy doesn't want to be late to the dinner and cause an inter-agency incident; Howard would never let her hear the end of it. Besides, she and Steve will have an opportunity to discuss Drea in the car over - there comes a point where even a night away from the children is never truly away from the children.

Rosie lets Nate and Emma stay up for an extra half hour to cement herself as a Cool Older Sister. Once they're asleep, she knocks on Drea's door, barely waiting to be invited before she enters.

Drea is lying on her back on her bed, tossing a ball up and catching it.

"Be careful it doesn't hit your face," Rose says, hoping that it doesn't come out mean or bossy the way her words sometimes do when she's talking to Drea.

"It’s never happened to me before.” Drea doesn’t take her eyes off the ball. “Just because you’re still scarred from the Wiffle Ball Incident—”

“You said you wouldn’t ever mention that!” Rose comes in and closes the door all the way. “Ugh, just move over.” Drea groans as she sits up against the headboard, but she tucks her legs up to make room and Rosie takes a seat. “Look, I heard you asking Mom about makeup and stuff. Are people giving you trouble at school? Because I’ll give them a talking to if they are.”

“You’re not queen of the high school yet. No one has to just listen to you when you go blab in their face,” says Drea, jutting out her chin, although they both know that when Rosie gives someone a talking to, it not infrequently involves violence. (There had been a question about whether or not she was even allowed to run for the student council based on the number of detentions and suspensions on her record.)

“You’re my sister,” says Rose, setting her own chin. “And if someone’s making problems for you, I’ll take care of it.”

Despite herself, Drea laughs. “You sound like Jimmy Hoffa.”

“Maybe, but Mom would make sure that I covered my tracks better than he did.” Rose lies back across the bed, legs just long enough for her feet to still touch the floor. She turns her face, her hair fanned around her as she looks at Drea, curled up at the head of the bed. “You know I’m serious, right?”

“I know. But it’s not really someone in particular, it’s just...life.”

Rosie sighs. “Yeah.” She puts out her hand, and Drea scooches down to grasp it. “Life’s hard.”

Sarcasm is on the tip of Drea’s tongue - “Tell me more, oh wise one!” - but instead she stays quiet and holds her sister’s hand until their parents return.

Drea and Steve go with Bucky, Layla, and their kids to watch a blowout Orioles win during their vacation at the end of July - Drea cheers louder than anyone. In August, after they've returned from their own vacation, Peggy sits Drea down at the vanity and walks her a half dozen different beauty products, while Rose comments loudly from the bed. Just before school starts in September, Drea uses her allowance to get a flat iron and gives herself three burns learning how to use it.

The Orioles lose the Series to the Mets, and Drea starts wearing dresses for the first time since she was a child.

It won’t be any help, Steve realizes as she sits down across from him at the breakfast table, settling her skirt self-consciously, sitting up straight and crossing her ankles with awkward politeness, to remind her once more that she doesn’t need to do this. She has a good head on her shoulders, and she’s using it to process everything in the world that tells her otherwise. He remembers what Peggy has said about it, that she’ll come back to herself, she’ll come back to them, when she’s ready. So instead he says, “Hey, kid,” and when she looks up at him, he smiles and tells her, “there’s always next year, you know? Always another shot if we need it.”

And to his relief, she smiles back, the expression familiar, wild-edged and lovely, the same as it’s always been. Hello in there, he thinks.

“Yeah, Dad,” she says. “There’s always next year.”

More chapters here

#Steggy fic #Steggy #Steve Rogers #Peggy Carter #things left behind fic #probably nothing new next week while I do other fic prep

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parf-fan · 5 years

Text

Followup: Blackfryars!

Mount Hope, I’m begging you. 👏 Hire 👏 a 👏 copy 👏 editor. 👏

As always, visit the Faire’s website for headshots

Estelle Angrist : Millicent Goodnestone – Apprentice Stone-Carver

Inside every stone is a piece of art, so says Millicent. All you need to do is listen to the rock and take away the unnecessary pieces. Now, the artistry comes in the patience with which one removes the extra bits of stone. Patience, hammer, chisel, and a light touch are all that are required. Otherwise, a good piece of stone can become a dust pile very quickly. Thank goodness today is a festival day, because Millicent has been sweeping piles of dust for a while.

Alessandra Appiotti : Bernadette Albright – Matchmaker

The shire is being visited by the World’s most famous Bachelorette: Queen Elizabeth! If Bernadette can find the one for Queen Elizabeth, she will go from rising star to full-on supernova! She’d better get started lining up eligible bachelors! Or Bachelorettes! She hasn’t met Her Majesty yet, so who is she to judge her tastes?

Andréa Barton : Lady Blanche Parry – Lady in Waiting

This devoted Lady has served the Queen from the time our monarch was in nappies! They are boon companions, sharing court life and all its intrigue and frivolity. While she may look like the marzipan on the cake, her skilled organization of the Queen’s library and fondness for a good jest keeps her wit sharp enough to cut like a knife. Just ask the fool that attempts to play with her heart strings or guitar strings!

Kristin Bauer : Frances Newton, Lady Cobham – Lady in Waiting

Lady Cobham is thrilled to be on progress with the Queen. After all, this busy mother needs some time with the Ladies. With her soft nature and quick smile, she can often times be found with the children of the Shire, telling stories, rhymes, riddles, and playing games. Her sense of mirth does not leave her without a streak of mischief, as she does love to put her finger in the pot, give it a stir, and see what happens! Naughty or Nice? You be the judge!

Lauralette Bernard : Tolly Muneford – Harbor Master

Nothing comes in or out of the shores of Mount Hope that Tolly doesn’t know about. Her web of knowledge reaches far and wide, and she does it all in the service of the Shire. If only she wasn’t so keen on sharing all this knowledge with literally everyone, she might be able to use it for personal gain.

Jennifer Blackwell-Yale : Emily O. Bales – Fire Brigade

It has been 15 years since a monarch last visited the Shire of Mount Hope. Coincidentally, it has also been 15 years since the last fire in the shire of Mount Hope. Emily is always ready for action, but no one is quite sure she would know exactly what to do should action arise. When in doubt: stop, drop, roll, and have some wine. It seemed to work out just fine for the Old Dun Cow!

Karen Rose Bitzer : Rosie DuLait – Milkmaid

This milkmaid typically spends her day milking the cows and goats on the farm; carefully churning the butter; separating the curds from the whey; making the precious cheese to sell at market; all the time, singing and talking to her fine, generous, milk-laden friends! Is it any wonder that Rosie’s dairy products are highly sought for their sweet, creamy nature? It is even said that her happy cows seem to prance in the fields, as if dancing to a jig. Is that even possible? With Rosie, one never knows! Today she was up early: the Queen is expected and she wants to offer the sweetest cream and the finest butter to lay upon the Queen’s table.

Tabitha Borges : Abigail Montgomery – Governess to the Lady Mayor

Abigail has always had a way with children, and has taken care of all the Lady Mayor’s progeny, which means she is quite resilient! Of the many duties, trials, and tribulations the Penburthys have put her through, her favorite activity is still telling stories, and she is a masterful storyteller. Now that the Penburthy children, Calvin, Penelope, and Danforth, have all grown up, she is experiencing Empty Nest Syndrome far more than Delores is!

Elizabeth Burkholder : Paraffin Dyson – Bellows-Mender

Paraffin is a fan. She is a fan of fans. Her bellows will blow you away, that’s how big of a fan she is. Sometimes she can be a bit of a blowhard, but usually she can play it cool. And yet, even the coolest of bellows-menders may have a difficult time not having a meltdown with our Queen on the Shire. Time will tell if Paraffin maintains her composure or has a blowout, but one thing is for sure; she will certainly enjoy this festival day!

Jasmine Crist : Mary Robin Richland – Shire Ne'er-Do-Well

Every shire has one, ours is Mary Robin! While good-natured and always seen with a smile, it is known that one must keep a hand on your purse and an eye on your goods, for you may come up short when the back side of Mary Robin you see! Slight of hand, quick of feet, and always with a jest to share, it is her good nature and sharp wit that keeps her just on this side of the law, for now! It has been heard that she has high aspirations, but for what? Ask her, she may or may not share!

Ashley Crowther : Ira Roth – Actuary

Everyone’s heard of mad scientists, but a mad actuary? That’s much rarer. If you stare at numbers all day long, apparently they start staring back. Eventually, everything starts to look like a ledger, and you can see the numbers everywhere. Sure... that adds up...

Josh Dorsheimer : Jakob Werner – Landsknecht

Professional mercenaries fight the wars of the Kings of Europe. Professionals like Jakob. He does his level best to never think about any of that, though! He would rather spend his time gallivanting around town, spending his hard-won gold on drink, friends, and frivolity. The oldest of the family, Jakob is sometimes mistaken as the decision-maker of the clan. While he won’t outright deny this, the three siblings all know who really calls the shots: their baby sister!

Elisia Freeman : Agnes Lambourne – Apple-Monger

Apple cider, apple butter, apple sausage, apple crisp, apple cake.... Just ask this happy-go-lucky lady what you can do with all those apples, and she will tell you! Be prepared, her list is LONG! Apple juggling, apple carving, apple tossing, apple dicing, apple bocci. Do not be fooled, she knows that man does not live by apples alone; everyone knows you need a little cinnamon and a lot of laughter!

Corey Graff : Wagner Werner – Landsknecht

Wagner travels all over Europe fighting battles with his brother and sister for one reason: he loves them both dearly. Honestly though, he would much rather be laying down in a meadow watching butterflies. Sometimes suffering from middle child syndrome, Wagner’s gadabout ways certainly make life interesting for all the Werner siblings.

Steve Hager : Rip Skeleton – Gravedigger

There are two things certain in this world: Death, and Taxes – and Rip ain’t no accountant. Its always nice to have a friendly face build your final resting place.

Jeremiah Halteman : Ronald P. Eversmeyer – Yeoman Guard

They say history is written by the victors. Ronald has every intention of ensuring that our good Queen’s name goes down in the history of the world as the greatest victor of them all! He is always prepared to put himself between Her Majesty and danger, wherever it comes from, in whatever form it takes, and at any personal sacrifice! His extensive training in the art of personal security has rendered him one of the elite of the yeoman guard; as long as Her Majesty is not attacked from the air. Unfortunately, Ronald has a fear of butterflies. Something about the wings just throw off his rhythm, but no worries....butterflies in Mount Hope? Never!!

Jonathan Heise : Sir John Giffard of Chillington, Minister of Parliament, Knight – Nobleman

This Minister of Parliament felt it his duty to be present during the Queen’s progress at Mount Hope. Concerned that perhaps this tiny village would not be up to the task of hosting our Queen, he would be quick to move the festivities to Chillington. Upon arrival he realized his foolish mistake; never had he seen such a shire, and thought perhaps ‘twas time to move Chillington to Mount Hope! However, for now, why not enjoy the festivities?

Brianna E. Holmes : Mary Hill, Lady Cheke – Lady in Waiting

This gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber is well loved by all. Her husband, John Cheke, a gentleman of the court, encourages her in her service of the Queen. The Queen has blessed them often with gifts, grants, and an estate or two. Even at this show of opulence, Lady Cheke takes it all in stride. She finds joy in the simple things in life; her children, her rose garden, and her love of arachnids. Their homes, their legs, and loving little eyes; can you ever have enough? I think NOT says Lady Cheke.

Anastasia Keno : Louise Weaver – Shepherdess

A diligent if mischievous shepherdess, Louise has a passion for all things fluffy! Why should sheep be the only animals allowed to graze free? Let the cats graze free! Let the puppies graze free! Let the mice graze free! Free the animals! Sorry... she can be very passionate.

Jennifer Litzinger : Cherie Piquant – Spice Merchant

If the first pinch of salt is free, be prepared to pay dearly for everything else. A shrewd business woman, do not let Cherie’s smile fool you. She was born to barter, and barter she will! Well-known on the shire as the woman who can get what you need, do not be afraid to ask; as long as its cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, or cardamom, by day’s end, it will be in your kitchen. Ask for a song, and you could be in for a treat.

Dana Micciché : Katherine Champernowne, Lady Kat Ashley – Lady in Waiting

Appointed governess, tutor, friend, and confidante, Lady Kat Ashley ensured that her Queen had all the necessary tools to rule England. Well versed in astronomy, geography, history, Latin, Spanish, Italian, and Flemish, this unassuming woman is also trained in the art of swordsmanship, axe-throwing, archery, and caber tossing! Think you know a little about a lot? Lady Kat knew it first!

Traci Mohl : Olivia Charnwood – Huntress

The family tradition of hunting and tracking lives on in the guise of Olivia. Like her mother and grandmother before her, ear to ground, sniffing the air; hunting prey is in her blood. Mount Hope’s finest archer, Olivia never fails to bring home the meat – just don’t ask her to cook it!! On this festival day, she plans on showing off her tracking skills by sniffing out a merry time!

Beverly Newton : Charlotte Seaswift – Shipwright

This buoyant aquatic engineer helps keep the Harbor of Mount Hope afloat. An eye for design and a passion for innovation drive Charlotte. She knows that the fine line between sink and swim is just a patch away, and she is always ready to keep things floating on.

Jared Nocella : Miles I. Gore – Professional Henchman

Some people are natural born leaders. Miles is not one of those people. Miles is a natural born lackey, and he’s the best there is at being second fiddle. Always down for doing the dirty work, and he does it dirt cheap! Miles is a sidekick with a smile and has a flare for following.

Alexandra Pentz : Dorte Werner – Kampfrau

The youngest of the Werner siblings, but make no mistake: she is the one that keeps the family together. From designing the boys’ clothes, managing the family finances, and fighting her share of battles, she is as clever as she is dangerous. And after all that, she still has the ability to be the most mischievous of the three!

Lianna Pike : Rosalind Anne Uxbridge – Gardener

Rosalind has had her hands deep in dirt, up to her elbows, preparing for the Royal visit. The gardens must be perfect! Simple details like stone placement can be so critical, yet every time she plants, those chipmunks and rabbits have a feast . That is why Rosalind has a bed in all of her garden plots. She sleeps in a different flower bed each night. Thank goodness the festival is finally here, she can finally get out of the beds and enjoy the beauty of her work with the rest of the shirefolk.

Nicolas Rainville : Grayson Thomas Hemplewhite – Squire to the Master of Horse, Sir Robert Dudley

What an honor to serve the horse that carries the saddle that seats the man who serves the Queen so closely! To say that Hemplewhite is a hard worker is putting it mildly. His work is never done. Clean the tack, muck the stall, check the hooves; not to mention ensuring that Tinker, the horse, is always sweet-smelling for his Master to ride. But today is a festival day. Tinker smells sweet, now its time for Hemplewhite to have a bit of merriment.

Jessica Reesor : Holly Teacake – Baker

Everyone likes sweets at a festival, and Holly has made sure the shire is stocked with confections to please any palate. Fruity, chocolatey, savory – whatever your taste, Holly has you covered! An obsessive planner, Holly loves the order of a recipe. It is a mathematical equation for pleasing people. If only everything else was that simple!

Laura Reesor : Pearl Topstitch – Tailor

A visionary designer with an eye for style. Never satisfied with the same-old same-old; when something works once, she’s done with it! Her appetite for new and exotic is matched only by her skill. She can look at a piece of fabric and see the hidden...pearl...of genius within. Now it is time to show off her skills to the Queen.

James Riley : Adam Cringer – Yeoman Guard

A newly-minted member of the Yeoman Guard following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father before him. Legend of Adam’s monster-hunting exploits have already preceded him. Now it is time to see if the man can match the Legend.

Victoria Sangston : Dorothea Anne Heartley – Etiquette Mistress

Today is a big day for the shire of Mount Hope, and the Lady Mayor has tasked Mistress Heartley with making sure everyone puts their best foot forward. Of course, is that the right foot or the other right foot? Joyfully surveying the shirefolk, she knows everyone will be on their best, smiling, bowing, hat tipping, formal greeting behavior – or else!

Michael Sheffield : John Dee – Royal Astrologer

A good ruler has good advisors. Time will tell what kind of advisor John Dee will be. He says he talks to angels. Perhaps he does. Perhaps he’s just a brilliant con man. One thing is for sure – eccentric only scratches the surface of describing this stargazing man.

Jessie Smith : Polly Lynne Pickering – Apprentice Rag-picker

Polly Lynne has been following in her mum’s footsteps for as long as she can remember. Mum does have a keen eye for bits and pieces, but Polly Lynne is impatient! When she is THE Rag-Picker, she will be much more efficient! Would anyone REALLY notice if a bit was snipped off a gown here and there? Bushes and scissors are a picker’s best friend. She has heard of the fine fabrics worn by the Nobles of the court and is hoping to snip.... errrr....snag a piece or two of those fabrics for herself!

Mary Smith : Penelope Ann Pickering – Rag-picker

Some call it rag-picking, but Penelope prefers to call it fabric repurposing opportunities. Opportunities abound in the shire of Mount Hope, all you have to do is look around! And look she does!! With a keen eye for bits of fabric, lace, gossip, and good will, she has a kind word for everyone and perhaps a bit of scrap for those in need; and, really, who doesn’t need a bit of scrap now and then? And now, with the training up of Polly Lynne, she’s busy busy busy! Thank goodness for the Festival. Mirth, merriment, and fabric scraps!

Evelin Stayner : Buttercup M. Rosehips – Scullery Wench

This young lady is happy when surrounded by a pile of dirty anything. Beginning, middle, end! That is where she finds her joy. Every day has its adventures, and they all start when the sun comes up and last throughout the day. You may find her dancing, singing, or generally making herself an asset to the Shire of Mount. Hope. Some might even call her a fledgling pillar of society; probably more like a fence post. But everybody has to start somewhere!

Katrin Stayner : Eva Froman – Sausage Queen of the Shire

Blessed with infinite patience, and a lithe mind to keep up with her husband. The Fromans are nouveau riche, and happy to flaunt it. Eva is the true brains of the operation. Her wurst is the best, and her husband is the best at being the worst. [the Sausage King is being played by one of the improv directors who doubles as an independent act.]

Jordan Taft : Dorothy "Dottie" Brooke – Lady in Waiting

This Maid of Honor is a seasoned Lady of the court. Certainly Lady Dorothy has done it all, seen it all, and has the bodice to prove it. However, Mount Hope intrigues her. After all, it is time for her to settle down and have a family of her own, and the matchmaker of the Shire is famous throughout the land. She may leave here betrothed, or at least,with several good prospects. Love is in the air, or, is that TURKEY???

Robyn Thompson : Fiona Erin O'Donald – Personal Foot Post of the Lady Mayor

When Fiona came to Mount Hope, the first person she met was the Lady Mayor, who had just lost her third foot post in six months. Fiona needed a job; she had no idea what a foot post was, but she knew she could do it! She is Irish after all! As it turns out, she is the best foot post the Mayor has ever had!! Messenger, she’s the Lady Mayor’s personal messenger!

Sandi Trait : Becky Billingsly – Town Crier and Lady Mayor’s Official Letter-Opener

Becky Billingsly, the voice of the shire, knows full well the weight her proclamations carry. As Official Letter Opener for the Lady Mayor, she is at the forefront of all the news that is news in the shire. Of course, nothing beats today’s happenings! The young Queen makes her way to the gates of Mount Hope. How thrilling to share her news and tidings with the court of her Majesty!

Ariel E. Urich : Kathryn Bridges – Lady in Waiting

This Maid of Honor is on her first progress with the Queen. She has lived her entire life in training for this very time and now that it is here, she realizes that something is missing. She knows how to carry the cup with grace and style; the basket is a simple matter; smiling at the proper time, sitting, standing. So, what is the problem? She has this deep desire to make people laugh! So far, she has shared a bit of her talent with the Ladies of the Court, but perhaps this small shire is where she can be a bit more free with her jests and merriment. Oh, the festival day could not get here soon enough!

Brianna Yale : Lydia der Schlachter – Butcher

Leaving home to work for the Fromans was a tough decision but one she is happy she made. Butchering brings her such delight. From the time she begins to sharpen her blade to the beauty of well-cut chop, this butcher knows her way around a slab of beef, pork, and lamb. However, never ask her for a capon! She has been squeamish since the capon incident of 1552. Enough of that! This is a festival day, and she plans on celebrating with the shire folk and perhaps even catching a glimpse of the new Queen.

Darrell E. Yoder : Sylvan Farelight – Tinker

If it needs mending, this is the man to do it. If it needs replacing, step right up, he has it. If you need a bit of magic in your life, having Sylvan on the streets ensures that your needs will be met! Always popular when he arrives on shire; Sylvan can be counted on to share a bit of news from afar; a bit of wisdom from within; and a bit of magic from, well, from where magic comes from!

To the newcomers, welcome! To those returning, welcome back!

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yourfriendlyneiborhoodneerdowell · 6 years

Text

Waxing Poetic

Ship: Samwise Gamgee x Frodo Baggins

Rating: G

Tags: tooth rotting fluff, sam wants kids, Frodo talks in his sleep, post-quest fix it fic, slight pining.

Description: Sam wonders why he doesn’t feel right having a traditional family.

It was a bright, sunny day in the shire. Spring had brought the flowers to bloom and the grass to feel cool and sweet beneath the feet of the hobbits who inhabited the little land.

Beneath an old oak looking over the rolling hills surrounding bag end lay a peculiar hobbit.

Not of the sort of cheerful folk who walked pushing their barrows to and fro from the market to their cozy smials, but one with a creased brow from countless days of worry and a tired, almost upset look in his pale eyes.

For indeed Frodo Baggins had seen more of the outside than the average hobbit had the mind to. Scars from a chain weighted with an unfathomable burden lay on his breast. A cold wound like a freezing burn still ached on his shoulder.

His small body was worn, for all the healing that had been done simply could not erase the brokenness his journey had caused.

“Ah, here we are Mr. Frodo. I've made summat special this morn for tea. Chamomile and honey, some apple butter gifted last fall by the Took family.” The other hobbit bent to join him on the grass with a sheepish smile, “ And I tried my hand at making some of Mr. Bilbo’s cinnamon scones, hopefully they turned out as good as I'd hoped.”

Frodo rose slightly to grab one of the lovingly prepared, if not misshapen pastries.

“Dear Sam I have told you time and again to address me as Frodo. Nor mister or master, you are no longer a servant. However I thank you kindly for thinking of me, you needn't have gotten up so early and tended to tea. Honestly, you think of everyone but yourself and you know just as well as I that we are both in need of rest.”

He was right, despite the weight he had gained back and the cheery smile which had greeted him. Behind it all there was a definite exhaustion surrounding his friend.

Trusted, faithful Samwise, Frodo thought to himself. If ever he were to settle at bag end with another they would have to be comparable to his dear friend. Not that he ever intended to. For no lass in the shire could bring warmth into his often hollow chest, sense his unpredictable and often times un-gentlehobbitly like mood, and ask nothing in return quite like the gardener of bag end.

As he enjoyed the pleasantries of Sam’s company and the sweet, rejuvenating food the two recollected fond memories as if they were dreams only faintly remembered after deep sleep.

Bilbo’s 111th birthday party, marvelous fireworks and all. The peaceful summers which came after in which Frodo had taken up as the young master of the smial, carefully watching Sam out in the garden. Of the times he had brought out some ancient Sindarin book through which they could puzzle out meaning with their combined knowledge of the elvish language.

It was not long before Frodo realized he had kept on in his dreamlike state and gone back to thinking about Sam. It seemed these days that every pondered road in his mind eventually brought him back to his friend.

Not sure of the meaning he shook himself to reality.

A fondness was what it was, he was simply fond of Sam.

How could he not be? They shared an undeniable bond. Sam had gone without during their days of hunger, braved roiling waters, and even carried him when the weight of the cursed object was to much to bear. In all respects he was loved as family, loved closer than a friend. There was no word which came to mind to describe the feeling woven so deeply in Frodo’s heart for his gardener so fondness it was.

“Sam,” he asked, butterflies starting to form in his stomach. “I was wondering...what will you do now, I mean now that our journey is over?”

Sam took a thoughtful sip of his tea and looked into the distance as if studying something far away.

“I suppose I’ll be tending to the garden as I always have, no reason to let such a splendid thing go to waste.”

Frodo cracked a smile and laughed.

“Of course you will. But beyond the smial? What will you do with yourself Samwise? You’ve a long life ahead and surely you must fill it with more than gardening. What about..” Frodo’s throat suddenly tightened without he himself quite knowing why,

“About Rosie Cotton, you once told me that you dreamed of settling with her?”

Sam piled the tea tray with the leftovers, cheeks turning unmistakably pink as he did so.

“Aye, I did. Or at least I thought so. We’ve been so free with our time lately I’ve been doing a lot o thinkin’. Too much I reckon. The more I think about Rosie, the less I’m thinkin’ about her. Which don’t quite make sense I suppose.”

“No I don’t suppose it does.” Concern filled Frodo, he wished dearly for his friend to be happy after all they had gone through and the thought that Sam was conflicted reminded him of poor Bilbo. He wished very much that Sam wouldn’t find his heart elsewhere and live properly happy in the shire.

“What about your thoughts is troubling you, if I may ask?”

Sam’s eyes shut and he leaned back into the grass as if reaching deep inside himself for an answer that might sound more clear.

“Well Mr. Fr-erm I mean Frodo. It seems fine to think about at first. A house full of bustling babes and a caring, fine lady like Ms. Cotton.”

Sam paused again to think, “However, sometimes I wonder… is it really her that I’m looking for? Begging your pardon if it sounds selfish sir, but I think perhaps it might just be the family I’m missin’. Almost like I can’t wait to have a family of me own. No mistake I’d choose Rosie over any lass in the shire, but I wouldn’t if I could make my own little hobbits without her or any other so to speak.”

Unable to contain himself any longer Frodo tore a handful of grass from his side and watched as it fell gently on his friend’s head, then burst into an unrestrained fit of giggling. He watched as said friend went from pink to a darker shade of red.

“You silly hobbit!” He exclaimed, “You want to be a pa! Without a lass? You sound like Bilbo dear Samwise! I’m sorry I shouldn’t poke fun, but do you intend to be married?”

“Of course married!” Sam huffed indignantly, “Just not to any lass in the shire! I mean if I had to pick I would pick Rosie,”

“Then perhaps another lass?” Frodo’s teasing was starting to become insufferable. “Tell me sam, would you have an elf? Perhaps a fair woman of Gondor? Even a dwarf?”

Frodo immediately regretted such a bold jab when he saw the gardener frown and cast his eyes to the ground, clearly deeply upset.

“No,” he half whined, half whispered. “A hobbit.”

“A hobbit, but just not anyone from the shire. Everyone knows everyone else around here, but truthfully I can’t see meself’ settling with anyone here, if you catch my meaning.”

Frodo, looking puzzled, clasped his hand on his friend’s shoulder.

“I can’t say that I do, but we will think on it together.” He paused, “So you want a family, and a hobbit lass to settle down with, but no one in the shire strikes your fancy?… Samwise you are a riddle of a lad.”

A soft wind began rustling the leaves on the tree above the two, sweet scents from the garden began to waft in their direction and birdsong had ceased. Frodo yawned unnecessarily loudly and rolled to his belly. He hardly felt the tickle of the turf on his cheeks as began to feel himself doze a little in the pleasant damp of the lawn.

In fact he was on the edge of sleep when thought he felt strong hands around the crook of his legs and back. He settled into the floating feeling, It must be the wind that made him feel as if he was suspended above the ground.

In the briefest moment he thought he caught the sight of golden curls bouncing above him. Someone was looking down at him with tender eyes and soft smile about their lips.

He was sure now that he had fallen asleep, for he recognized the face as his beloved gardener. His hands felt light, drawn toward the figure above. He reached out and cupped sam’s cheek. It felt rough from spending time in the blazing sun.

Sam leaned into the touch and his eyelids fluttered. At this point there was no doubt in Frodo’s mind that he was deeply asleep.

Rationally it was not the wisest of ideas however easy it would be to brush off his talk as rambling. Without the common sense of an alert mind he dared now to call out to his friend.

“Beautiful Samwise who is always at my side when I need him. How I adore you so. How I wish you knew…” He was sad to remember that only in dreams could he express the unexplainable feelings in his small chest to Sam. However it was such a welcome outlet that he continued.

“ Bright as the summer sun, and sweet like the first harvest of fall apples. Strong and diligent in duty. Enviously handsome. My heart beats only for you…”

***

Frodo awoke to a savory smell. He was a little perturbed to find fresh linen about him and a plush pillow underneath his head. Perhaps Sam had carried him to his room after all? He dearly wished not. Although it was not a habit of his to speak whilst sleeping the thought that occurred to him made his body feel frozen and prickly.

Of course it had to be a flight of fancy. Even as a child he had been a quiet sleeper. It was not possible in any conceivable way that any of his thoughts had become audible. This soothed him in the slightest, allowing Frodo to slip from the bed out of his nightshirt and into proper clothes. That was probably Sam’s doing too…

At last he conceded that the only way to be sure of what had actually happened was to go about the rest of the day in his normal fashion and watch for anything peculiar.

And peculiar his day was going to be for as soon as he stepped into the kitchen to see the short figure in dusty brown overalls he heard a distinct clatter as if a cooking utensil had been dropped.

The other hobbit continued to chop the carrots on the counter, his movements getting quicker with each step Frodo took into the room.

“So you’re finally awake then?” A pause like the quiet after a thunderclap echoing behind the words. Frodo already knew what Sam was going to say before he spoke.

“ I never knowed you talked in your sleep sir.” The voice tried to sound casual but the crack in the middle gave away his nervousness.

My god, Frodo thought. He’s heard, he’s heard everything and now he thinks I’m repulsive. He won’t come back after finishing his cooking, tomorrow his father will be up here to inform me that his family no longer wants to have anything to do with the Bagginses. I am a fool, a disgusting fool who should not even dream of being closer to Sam.

Frodo’s mouth was so dry he couldn’t even answer, his throat swelled and he fought viciously to keep tears from his eyes. He wheezed the only reply that would come out of him.

“You’ve done enough today, perhaps you should go home Sam.” Yes, home and as far away as possible from me.

The chopping stopped and Sam turned, body facing Frodo but looking away as if something down the hall was interesting him greatly. The other hobbit wanted to roll into a ball underneath his bedsheets, why had he left his room at all?

A sniffling sound caught his attention. Sam’s eyes hid behind his hair but by the tears dripping down his face Frodo could tell he was Very upset. No longer able to hold in his own feelings the other began sobbing into his hands.

Nothing would be the same again, now that Sam knew.

He waited for the words to come. Vile, horrendous, repulsive. Those were what he felt in his heart.

The sniffing got closer but Frodo couldn’t force himself to take his palms from his eyes. Was Sam so truly upset that he should think of something like hitting him? No, Sam was too kind, too gentle to harm any form of life.

Instead of a smack Frodo felt his right hand gently pulled away by warm, calloused fingers. He could see his friend frighteningly clear now. His hazel eyes deep with overwhelming thought and tears still falling down his flushed cheeks.

“Begging your pardon…” Sam hiccuped, “ Mister Frodo...Blast it! Frodo, would you mind if we had lunch in the living room today?”

He simply nodded in reply fearing the shameful whimpering that may have escaped instead.

At this Sam visibly relaxed, eyes brightening a little. He wiped his eyes and nose across his sleeve. Hurriedly he set about piling together the tray of cold meats, vegetable soup, cheese, crackers and tart jam that was intended to be their lunch. Sam was in and out of the room like a bee at work in a patch of wildflowers. Soon enough Frodo could hear fire crackling in the hearth and the clink of Bilbo’s silver mugs as each was filled with light ale.

Nervously the young master made his way to the next room and then threw himself down on the plush armchair where he often sat to read. This time he quite wished that he could see nothing entirely so he buried himself among the pillows and the old throw blanket on which he was sitting.

Sam came back to quite the sight. Two pale blue eyes, puffy and red about their edges, peeking from beneath a mountain of fabric. Sam didn’t look much better but he had refused to hide like a swatted pup. Seeing his master so afraid hurt indefinitely more than whatever had brought him to tears and he was desperate to clear the look of fear from his eyes.

“It’s ok.” Sam said gently, “ You ain’t hurt no one and I ain’t mad.”

A nose appeared from under the bundle, followed by the rest of Frodo’s head.

“How much have you heard?” His voice trembled audibly.

“Now hold your horses, I asked you if you would eat with me so you could hear me out and help me. What I have or haven’t heard isn’t the topic of conversation. If we started there I fear I should become biased when trying to tell you this darned tangled thought.”

Sam sat near the fire and exhaled to expel hesitation from himself. After offering Frodo food from the tray and making sure he was sipping at least enough of the ale to feel less trapped like a hunted rabbit he judged that it was a good time to restart.

“I’ve had more time to think since this morning, about having a family. I’ve however not been thinking about any sleepy ramblings you’ve been doing.” Sam looked a bit sleepy himself as he lapsed into memory.

“I never noticed the surroundings when thinking about the family I wish for. I’d only thought to notice how happy I was imagining telling your stories to a little hobbit lass sitting on my knee or playing near the garden.

I tried very hard to see what else lie in my daydream. Where I was, who was with me. It weren’t no use. Then I’d noticed you fell asleep sir and well I couldn’t just leave you to lie outside. Seeing you so relaxed put my heart at ease and I was smiling like some dopey tween asked to their first dance. It made me think how glad I was that you’re healing. Maybe you aren’t healed completely, but every little bit feels like a victory for me. Then you looked up.”

Frodo, lightened by the alcohol and the pleased tone of his friend’s voice but not enough so to shed the old blanket, rose and sat next to him inquisitively. Sam let him get settled so as not to rush anything important he needed to say.

“I looked up and?” Frodo’s sniffled.

“And, I knew the answer to my problem. It was like someone had taken my noggin and set it so I was seeing straight again. You looked up and I felt my daydream flash through my mind crystal clear. Me and the young one at bag end. Digging in the garden, rolling down the hill, racing to the door for elevensies. Cold winters sipping cider by the fire, just me and my beautiful family.

Celebrating Yule, watching the summer fireflies together while the babe was tucked up in bed.

Always I would look up to Bag End and sitting on the bench beneath the trees smiling bright as I ever seen one smile, there was you.”

He smiled bashfully, wringing his hands and looking away. Sam knew in his heart why he fancied no lass in the Shire, he knew and as was his nature he’d been honest as best as words could convey. Even if Frodo felt nothing more than a familial bond with him it was enough. Love for the sake of love filled his heart in a way that he should be content no matter the outcome. He had said his piece and was no longer afraid.

Frodo was caught unawares and tongue tied in the worst possible moment. Sam had heard him and refused to take his sleepy ramblings as a confession. He had waited patiently until Frodo could truly confirm the words he spoke. Understanding clocked him over the head like a brick. Sam hadn’t been crying over what he said, he’d been crying about finally resolving a question that had been eating away at him for longer than he had guessed. The great weight lifted off of his shoulders was such a relief that even stout hearted Samwise wept with relief. Still, he didn’t want to assume wrongly, even if he had guessed right. The only way to know was to ask.

“Sam, why were you crying in the kitchen earlier? I was afraid I upset you terribly by some things I might have said. But you found a reason to stay, which didn’t make sense to me at the time.”

“Why never,” a boldness came about the gardener, whether to comfort his friend or express his feelings was beyond Frodo’s guess.

Sam reached out and clasped his hand gently, the sudden contact almost made the young master pull away but Sam’s sturdy reassuring grip calmed him.

“I thought you’d think me a delusional ninnyhammer when I told you that I had figured out what I was missing. But to understand and feel wonderful love that I had not understood before left me right confused.”

Frodo was in definite danger of falling into tears once more. His eyes stung and his heart beat wildly. He did the only thing his body would allow him to.

Throwing the blanket from himself he lept forward into Sam’s arms and buried his heat against his chest. Sam smelled like grass clippings, tulips, sunlight, and all that was beautiful in the world. He was warm and comforting and Frodo could feel the tattoo of his heart against him. Sam pulled him in close and wrapped his arms about the other hobbit.

“If I have said as I think I have, It is true. Oh Samwise, dear Sam, I mean every word with my whole heart. You are brave and faithful, kind and generous. More beautiful than the halls of Lothlorien and more precious than the mithril of the lonely mountain. Sweet as the air after spring rain. I am not simply fond of you Samwise Gamgee, I adore you with all that I am. I apologize for waxing poetic but I just cannot seem to stop myself.”

As easily as if he had done the action a thousand times over Sam lifted Frodo’s face and kissed him gently. There was no over eagerness in either hobbit. Both treated the other as if they would break at the slightest pressure. It was chaste and full of endearment more intimate than any other profession of love one could imagine. In that time they exchanged their hearts, saying all that could not be said in all the languages among middle earth.

It was Sam who finally broke the kiss.

“I’ve always loved your poetry my dear Frodo.”

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