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finelinevogue · 3 years

Text

unrequited love

Description - you reunite with harry after some years, but lots has changed. except from your feelings towards him.

A/N - this is very angsty and it incorporates my dream of owning a flower shop, because seriously that would be perfect!! anyways hope you enjoy - it’s slightly edited from the wattpad version!

warnings : angst, swearing

[ masterlist ]

It was a slow Thursday.

'Flowers from Freya' was the name of the little florist you worked at. It was a cute corner shop on the main, but quiet, market street, in the paradox of a city it was situated in; London. The frail old woman, Freya, whom owned it had taken you under her wing when you'd told her that you were in desperate need for a job. It worked out in your favour, though, since you loved all things nature and flowers.

You'd been working there for over a year now, trying to conjure up enough money to go travelling, like you’d always dreamed of. You'd gone to university but found it heavily overrated, so you decided to drop out much to your parents disappointment. Your parents were so pushy that they never stopped for a minute to even ask what you actually wanted to do with your life, or what you were actually good at. Sure as hell wasn't Law, which was what they recommended you to study at university. What shambles that was.

Your parents had cut you off monetary wise, which made your respect for them lessen. You can’t just stop loving and providing for your child when they don’t want to do things your way. You hadn't spoken to them since the massive argument about the situation, and that was about a year ago too. It wasn't your fault for not wanting to spend 9 grand a year on a shitty education, so if you wanted to travel it would have to come out of your own funds.

The independence made you happy. Freya always paid you more than you expected each month, which you hated, but she always just passed it off as wanting to see you tour the world and experience life beyond The Big Smoke - beyond her little quaint flower shop on Heartwood Lane. And definitely beyond the country where your past kept you trapped.

You contently replaced the haggard, unidentifiable, flowers for the beautiful fresh smelling roses in a bucket of water ready to be put on display. Business had been slow today, no thanks to a new Sainsbury’s being built down the road and them selling flowers too, so you were just doing some house-keeping to pass the time. However, as you knelt on the floor to arrange the roses in their bucket, making them look more presentable, the happy chimes of the doorbell signified a new customer.

"Hello deary! How can I help you today?" You heard Freya ask, whom was most likely sat on her favourite wooden chair behind the desk.

Freya was old - 83 to be precise - but she never gave up with her passion for flowers and gardening. You’d visited her home garden once and you weren’t exaggerating when you say it was bigger than her actual house. It was beautiful too. Freya had planted trees upon trees, some being fern and some being fruit, bushes upon bushes, some being rose and some being berries, and she even had an exquisite pond with a running waterfall. For 83 years old, she was still pretty trendy.

"Hi! I'm actually looking for Y/N? She still works here right?" A woman's voice replied.

"Ah! Our Y/N is just around the corner, I believe." Freya told her, to which the lady thanked her. Freya always talked about you as if you were her own and it made you feel so special and.. wanted.

The customers soft shoes could be heard on the wooden shop floor, due to how quiet it was in here. There was the distant sounds of an 80s CD being played, but the machine through which it was being played through was so old you never understood which button could turn up the volume. It had been your idea to play some music throughout the store, but Freya had caught on that it was more for your pleasure than the customers - not that she minded one bit.

The shoes made their way around the corner as you finished placing the roses accordingly. "Y/N!" The anonymous woman cheered excitedly.

You turned your head up in shock to see one of your most favourite people in the world; Anne. Otherwise known as Harry’s mother, whom he was also known as 'boy-i've-had-a-crush-on-my-whole-life-but-have-never-had-the-balls-to-tell-him'. Harry was the most favourite person in the world - and yes, that didn't make sense to you either. Even after everything that’s changed over the past few years, he still held a very special place in your heart - even if you felt your heart small at the thought the recent past.

"Oh my gosh, Anne!" You quickly stood up and wiped your wet hands on your khaki apron, before engulfing her in a hug. "What are you doing here?"

You hadn't seen Anne in a couple of months, mainly because she lives further up North than you can physically afford to get to. It was always so good to see her - feeling a little more at home within her comfort. She was the mum you had but a billion times better. Anne had always cared for you from a young age, taking you on trips to the park with Harry and buying you ice-cream just because. Your actual mum was always too caught up in work to ever care to do any of that. That’s why you often thought of Anne as your better mum.

She stepped back from the warm hug, analysing herself to make sure your dirty apron hasn't left a stain on her lovely white shirt. "I'm back in town for Harrys' birthday party!" She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion over why you’d ask such a silly thing, thinking that you'd just forgotten about the important date.

You'd certainly not forgotten it was his birthday. Turns out he was the one who'd forgotten to invite you. It wasn't hard for him to forget you. To him you were a nobody in his world - his high-life rockstar world.

You'd seen him about over a year ago now. Anytime you tried to reach out to him the call would always cut out, as if he'd blocked your number. You tried reaching out on social media; nothing. Email; nothing. Even letters; nothing. Turns out he lived over in L.A. now, so it wasn't like you could charge up to his front door and demand an explanation from him. You craved to be so mad at him, for abandoning you in such a heartless way, yet your goddamn feelings for him wouldn't leave you alone.

"Oh. That sounds nice." You replied, not wanting to show how hurt you were that your best friend, and crush, had not invited you to his birthday party. Whether it was intentional or unintentional, it hurt really bad.

"Don't tell me you didn't get invited." Anne’s face grew stern.

"Something like that." You raised your eyebrows and shrugged your shoulders .

Anne tutted and rubbed her hand over her forehead. "I specifically told her to invite you specifically."

Your heart warmed to the feeling that Anne hadn't forgotten you. "It's okay Anne." It took you a moment to process her words. "Wait... her?"

"Yes. Her. Honestly, Y/N, this new girlfriend of Harry’s is awful. She's nice to him and whenever she's around him, but as soon as you're one-on-one with her she's a beast." Anne shook her head, probably worried for her son. Anne was a good woman and a good mum so when she was worried, she was worried.

"And she was the one in charge of inviting people?" You asked.

"Of course! You don't know!" She said as if she just had a revelation. "It's a surprise party."

Oh, it made sense now.

"Is she American? Is she pretty?" You asked, rubbing your hand up and down your arm, letting your insecurities get the better of you.

"Yes and define pretty." She smirked, making you giggle at what she was implying.

"Compared to me, then?" You blushed. It wasn't that big of a deal when it came to talking about your deep adoration for Harry to Anne, seeing as all she ever goes on about is how great your children would look.

"Let's just say, they don't have my blessing like you and Harry do." She puts it simply, making your heart flutter at the words.

You were still curious as to what she looked like. She most likely was beautiful.

"Have you told him about your dislike for her?" You asked Anne, knowing how upfront and transparent she liked to be about these things.

"Of course." She sternly stated. "He just doesn't see what he's missing, yet." She warmly smiles, brushing some hair out of your face.

"Oh stop! Please!"

"So. This is me telling you you're invited, alright?" She rhetorically asked. "It's at the pub, down the road, the Red Lion is it? Tomorrow, at 7pm okay?"

"Sounds perfect." You beamed, even though you were slightly nervous to be meeting the girlfriend. You were going to be a jealous bitch all evening, you could already tell.

"And i'll take a bunch of flowers please?" She kindly asked.

"Oh you don't have to buy anything just because, Anne." You waved your hands in protest, knowing she was only buying them to support the business. To support you.

"Don't be silly. Anything to help you on that plane out of this bloody country!" She lightly joked, but deep down her words meant so much more. She knew how hard the past few years had been for you and manifested your travelling dreams even more than you did.

"Ok, then, what can I get for you today, love?" You put on your best customer service voice, making Anne laugh.

"What do you recommend?" She played along with your act.

"The roses are pretty lovely..."

••••

The next day had flown by pretty quickly. You were busy with customers all day in the shop. Friday’s always were extra busy for some reason.

Freya told you that you could head off early this afternoon to get ready for the party. She knew all about your feelings towards Harry, and she swore that if he ever stepped foot in her shop it would only be for you - otherwise he'd get kicked out. She hadn’t decided whether she liked him or not yet, but would let you know when she’d figured it out.

The road started to get busier in the afternoon and you suspected it was due to the pub only being down the road for Harry’s party. Guests probably wanted to get a decent, and free, parking space if possible. Luckily for you, you only lived down the road so would be fine with walking there. You didn’t quite understand why the party was here out of all the places in London, but you had an inkling that Anne might’ve chosen this pub and place - because it just so happened that it was the same place where you’d told her your feelings for Harry really blossomed. He had only been playing pool with his friends, just drinking a beer with the lads, but it was enough for your heart to know you loved him for someone different than your best friend.

"It's getting busy out there." You stated obviously, trying to start a conversation to shadow the nerves that were trying to swallow you whole.

"Will you stop that, pet!" Freya told you off, as you started biting your nails subconsciously.

"Sorry." You took your fingers away from your mouth. "I haven't seen him in over a year, Freya. What if he hates me now?"

"How could anyone hate you, pet?" She compliments making you roll your eyes and smile.

"And this girlfriend of his!" You dug your hands in to your hair out of frustration. You had no idea what you were in for tonight.

"Life has a funny way of making things work out in favour of those who deserve it." Freya spoke, with her wise terminology, like the true fairy godmother she was.

"Do you think I deserve it?" You asked curiously.

"It's more of a question of whether you think you deserve it." She replied and you groaned in frustration. Freya was smart, but she could never directly answer a question and sometimes it made your head hurt. Like now, for example. But yes, you thought you deserved a bit of happiness.

You spent the next half an hour constructing a bouquet of flowers for Harry, trying to remember what his favourites were. It included some fern leaves, lush white roses and his favourite; sunflowers. You didn't really have the time to order him anything else, and with the shops on this street you'd be lucky to find anything that wasn't from the 19th century. You made sure to bury a hand-written note in to the flowers. Freya had allowed you to use the freshest batch of flowers, in exchange for a an extra hour of work on tomorrow's shift. You looked at your masterpiece in satisfaction. Ithere was one thing you were good at, it was gifting a bouquet of flowers together. You made the plain and boring paper packaging look like the flowers were wrapped in pure gold.

"What do you think?" You asked Freya, who was working her way, tediously, through an intimidating spreadsheet of numbers.

"Oh Y/N, that looks beautiful!" She exclaimed, clutching her hands over her chest in awe.

"I know." You teased her, causing her to shake her head. She got back to her numbers as you got back to work. You placed the flowers in a bucket of water, ready for you to take home, whilst you went about changing the water in all the buckets - seeing as it was 3 days old now.

After you'd done that, taking a total of 48 minutes, you were about to start sweeping the floor before Freya stopped you. "Pet, you can go home early. I want you to get really glammed up for this ball, okay? Take pictures so you can show me tomorrow." It made you chuckle that she thought you were going to a ball, but nevertheless agreed to take many photos.

"Have a good night, Freya." You called out to her as you collected your coat and bag from the back office, and then your flowers for Harry. Thank goodness you were going to be inside the pub, this evening, considering it was raining the oceans out there.

"You too." She winked, knowing she meant having a good night with someone else - Harry.

••••

You had to admit you felt pretty fresh.

You made your way out of the shower with a towel wrapped tightly around your hair and another towel securely wrapped around your body. You'd applied your apple scented body wash, which had left you smelling sweet and fresh. Your shampoo softened the fruity smell with its lavender scent. You had to apply a little plaster to your sensitive legs since your razor decided to attack you, whilst you were peacefully singing along to the radio.

'Mother fucker!" You screamed as your straighteners scolded the back of your neck. You were always so careful with your straightening iron, but you decided that your clumsiness was down to the overbearing nerves of seeing Harry tonight. You continued to straighten your hair, despite the fresh burn. Evening out your hair, to make it look like a contained lions' mane, was the hardest part. You applied your everyday, routine makeup and headed to your closet to figure out an outfit.

You wanted to go casual, because that's what you felt the most comfortable in, but this was Harrys birthday and so you thought it would be best to put in a little effort tonight. Plus, Freya was expecting a fancy outfit from you. You started by putting on your mandatory underwear. You browsed through your skirts, trousers and overalls but ended up being drawn to your dresses. You played around with a few options before deciding on a dress that you'd worn on your first ever date, with a boy named Alfie. It was a gorgeous, black coloured dress with little white speckles dancing all over it. It was made out of a really comfortable, silky mesh material and had a fake tie feature at the front.

Oh how your mother wouldn't like this kind of dress, but it reminded you of a missing piece of innocence you lost; your first kiss.

You threw on a white cardigan and added some black Dr Martens, with your white knitted socks poking out of the top of the boots. On your way to the door you picked up your clutch, with all its vital necessities, and your flowers for Harry. Locking your door was a hassle, as the lock was always temperamental, but with a heavy pull and a solid bang you were satisfied.

The walk to the pub didn't take too long, especially since you were dashing to get out of the rain, as you only lived on the road behind the road the pub was on. Living where you lived also was great if you wanted an easy escape tonight. Which you were sure was likely going to happen.

The closer you got towards the pub the more nervous the butterflies in your stomach got. There were a lot of people outside the pub. Many, with their American accents, were people that you didn't know but you did recognise some of Harrys close mates.

"Y/N!" A lad shouted at you from where he was standing around a table, beers resting in all the guys hands as more littered the umbrella-sheltered table. You walked over, noticing it was Harry’s best mates from your old school. Max had been the one to shout you over.

"Hi Max! Lovely to see you again" You approached the table with open arms and he engulfed you in a large and manly hug.

"And you. It's been what? 3 years or so since we've last seen you?" He asked, stepping back.

"Yeah, something like that!" You said in shock of how long it had been. "Hi Alex." You went to give another man a hug. It took you about 5 minutes to get around the group of guys, just having a quick catch-up. Some of them now had wives, some had husbands, some had babies, some had kitten. It was crazy to think that these people were the same ones as they were 3 years ago.

"Alright, i'm going to find Harry." You gestured towards the door to the pub.

"Good luck." Max rolled his eyes as he took a swig of his beer.

"Why?" You laughed at his lack of enthusiasm.

"Lets just say the girlfriend doesn't like him hanging around other people." Alex added, dragging out the word 'girlfriend' with disgust.

"That bad huh?" You seriously asked, really not liking this girl before even meeting her.

"Why couldn't you just have dated him Y/N?" Another lad, George, whined, making you laugh and shake your head.

"I'm going to go, before the girlfriend hears and I get in trouble!" You joked and promised them you'll return to speak with them later, really having missed the boys from up North. Shame that your budget didn't allow for trips up to see them.

You wandered in to the surprisingly light and modern looking pub. The walls were all sparkling white and there were beautiful wooden, oak beams running along the ceiling in parallel formation. There was a roaring fire, crackling away in the corner, filling the room with warmth to escape the chilling weather outside. The barman was heavily busy with customers calling for pints of lager left, right and centre.

You politely greeted some people that you sort of knew, because of Harry, but insisted on finding the man himself before anyone else. You spotted Anne, before Harry, and thought that she was a good place to start looking for the birthday boy.

"Anne!" You called out to her, from where she was stood at the bar talking to an elderly woman. The woman was dressed in a silky bodycon dress, with an embarrassingly large, orange, feather jacket stuffed on over the top. Her make-up was done so excessively too, it was hard to even tell what her face might look like without it.

Anne turned around to the sound of your voice and her eyes lit up at the sight of you, looking relieved to see you.

"Y/N, my dear! So glad you game." She took you in for a hug and talked in to your ear.

"So glad i'm here." You replied as she pulled away. You looked towards the elderly woman and back to Anne, hoping she would introduce her to you.

"Oh, Y/N. This is Katherine, with a K. Katherine this is Y/N." Anne introduced you. You held out your arms to give her a hug but she just lightly grabbed on to your fingers to give them a pathetic hand shake. Noted; Katherine doesn't appreciate physical contact.

"How do you two know each other?" Katherine asked, her American accent catching you off guard. No way was she the girlfriend… She was old and.. just not what you ever thought Harry’s type was.

"She's best friends with my son." Anne proudly told her, resting her firm arm around your shoulders.

"Just best friends I would hope." Katherine spoke condescendingly. She sure seemed like the bitch everyone was talking about.

"Yup." Unfortunately - you added in your head. Anne squeezed your shoulder in comfort.

"I'm going to the restrooms." She announced like anybody actually cared. Once she had gone Anne sat down on a bar stool in defeat.

"Was that the girlfriend?" You asked carefully. Anne shook her head, which was palmed in her hand and laughed.

"No. You'll know when you've met the girlfriend. That's her mum." You didn't know whether to be relieved that Harry wasn't in fact dating an OAP or scared at the fact the girlfriend was, apparently, worse than her mum.

"I still haven't seen Harry, yet." You said, looking around to try and catch a glimpse of the curly headed freak.

"No surprise there." She mumbled, rolling her eyes.

"What do you mean?" You asked, sitting on the barstool opposite her.

"I mean that I haven't seen Harry either, yet. Well, i've seen him in passing but he was too busy being lead to the toilets with the girlfriend that I couldn't even say hello." Anne sadly said. You could see the tears in her eyes too and your heart broke for her. Harry really fucked up by choosing this bitch to be his girlfriend. Even when you find out what her name is you decided you’d still call her bitch, because that suited her better. The fact she's worse than her mum too... "I just miss my baby." Anne shook her head to try and discard her tears, but they weren't leaving.

You'd has enough of this.

You didn't mind that Harry didn't keep in contact with you, for whatever bullshit reason, but not being polite and hanging out with his friends or even with his goddamn mother was something else. Something that you weren't happy about.

You passed the flowers to Anne and stood up from the barstool. "Here hold these a minute." You say, taking off your clutch that's draped over your shoulder and hand it her, too.

"What are you doing?" Anne asks.

"I'm going to go find my dickhead of a best friend and set his priorities straight. You, being number one." You firmly told her, leaving her sat at the barstool before she could protest.

You head to the back of the pub, knowing you have a strong chance of finding him back here. You stormed past the cheerful guests, not feeling the same as them, and towards the toilets. You walked down the grey painted hallway and towards the toilets. You shoved open the girls toilets first but finding nothing, except from a girl applying lipgloss to her already heavily painted lips. You rolled your eyes at her and quickly left the room as fast as you entered. You proceeded to the men's toilets next. You barged in and saw Alex stood at the urinals.

"Omg i'm so sorry Alex!" You throw your hand over your eyes. Alex laughing in the process. You heard his zipper being done up and tore your hand away from your eyes, relieved to see him washing his hands.

"Are you drunk?" Alex laughed at you.

"Wha- Oh the mens toilets!" You stupidly answer, pointing to the drawing of a man on the door. "Yeah, no i'm not drunk. I'm just really pissed off and trying to find Harry." You smiled, still holding the door wide open.

"Harry, hey? You really must be ticked off if you're calling him Harry!" He finished washing his hands, making his way over to the door and signalling for you to exit before him. You’d always called Harry ‘H’ in front of his friends and him himself, but only when you were ticked off at him would you call him Harry.

"You have no idea." You roll your eyes and laughed along. You both exit and closed the door behind you, before hearing a disappointing chuckle behind you.

"Couldn't even say happy birthday to me before shagging my best mate, could you?" You turned around, fists clenched, to be met with the man of the hour. How dare that be the first thing he say to you after a year.

God. Why did he have to look so fucking perfect when you were trying to be mad at him? He was dressed in a basic white t-shirt, black skinny jeans and a little bandana around his neck, and yet he still made it seem like he was in Paris Fashion Show. His hair was gorgeously dishevelled and the light gave the perfect glow on to his angelic face.

"Woah H! I didn't touch her. She was looking for you." Alex defended you, putting his hands up in mercy.

"No it's alright Alex. Let him think what he wants to think." You calmed yourself, remembering why you were even in this situation in the first place.

"Hiya love." Harry winked at you, which pissed you off because he didn’t see how much of a prick he was being.

"I'm not your ‘love’ today, Harry." You spat out. He looked a bit taken aback, probably because you've never called him Harry with such venom before. He was always H, or sunshine, to you and it was like a slap in the face to head you call him anything else.

"What have I done?" He shouted back, raising his voice.

You stepped forwards to him and pushed him back slightly with your hand against his toned chest. You were never rough, or even confrontational, but seeing Anne upset tonight had struck a nerve and you had to do something about it. It was taking all of your strength right now to not wrap your arms around his loving torso and bury yourself in the depths of his chest, listening to his warm and gentle heartbeat against your ear. You'd missed him terribly and this wasn't the reunion you were hoping for. It really didn't help that he smelt impeccable, either. It surprised you that he was wearing a cheap Lynx spray, that you used to buy him all the time - and still do at Christmas - rather than the expensive Gucci shit he could buy himself. He smelt like memories. He smelt like home.

"Great question." You sarcastically answered. "How about you being an ass and not keeping in contact with me over the past year? How about you acting like a stranger to your best friends?" You turned to point at Alex, who was awkwardly stood behind you with his hands in his pockets. "How about you being a jerk to your own mum, Harry?" You turned back to him. He wasn't looking at you anymore. He couldn't. "How about you losing yourself for some fake model-wannabe from America?" Your last question brought Harrys attention back to you.

"So this is all because you're jealous?" Harry stupidly said.

Your eyebrows furrowed with fury, but couldn't bite back because someone else did.

"Everything alright babe?" A high-pitched, American, voice came from around the back of Harry. When she popped out from behind Harry she looked exactly how you expected. Fake. You could see it so clearly in her eyes that she had no love inside of her, or for Harry.

Her nails were manicured to perfection, unlike your stress-bitten ones. Her eyes were glowing, unlike your dull and tired ones. Her skin was flawless, unlike your slightly acne scarred skin. Her lips were full, unlike yours. Her figure was the ideal hour-glass one, unlike your uniquely curvy one. Her dress sense was designer, unlike your charity bought one. You understood why Harry would go for someone like her, who ticked all the boxes, and not someone like you. You were never someone to be self-conscious, until this moment.

"The girlfriend?" You asked, turning to question Alex who nodded at you sympathetically.

Fuck sake.

"And who are you supposed to be?" The girlfriend asked sneeringly, latching on to Harrys arm. You could literally smell the jealousy smoking off of her.

"Y/N." You answered, not really wanting to get in to a conversation with this Hollywood phoney.

"Oh! You're the infamous Y/N." She narrowed her eyes at you, making you question what she was talking about.

You turned away from her and directed your attention back to Harry. "Don't you think you should maybe apologise to your mates and your mum, Harry?" You asked hopefully.

"Why would he need to apologise? My baby's done nothing wrong." The girlfriend put on a baby voice at the end, sounding really patronising. Oh how you wanted to pull hard on her extensions and fling her far across the room. Far away from you and even further away from Harry.

"He's been an arsehole to his best mates and his own mother, darling, that's what he's done wrong." You turned to face her since she wouldn't shut up.

"But it's his birthday." She dumbly stated.

"I couldn't care less if this was his wedding day. He knows he's in the wrong, but you've inflated his ego too much and now he thinks that it doesn't matter." You tried to keep calm, but your balling fists claimed otherwise.

"I know you think that you and my boyfriend are close, but let me tell you princess. You're nothing to him compared to me. I don't even remember inviting you to this party." She said smugly, making you scoff in response.

You looked to see if Harry was going to defend you, his day-one-best-friend, but no he was going to stand with his blonde bimbo instead. Coward.

"I don't think that much of myself anyways, love, so don't feel like you're making me feel bad about myself. Anne invited me, for the record." You said and moved on, quickly, to Harry. "You know her? The woman you've dismissed for so long and whom you walk all over without a goddamn care in the world?" Still nothing from him. "She's your mum for God sake Harry!" You shouted to him, hoping to get through to him.

"You need to back off bitch. I don't know who you think you are, but you need to leave." The girlfriend pushed your shoulder slightly, probably because you were too close to Harry for her liking.

"Fine, i'll leave. Just don't expect me to ever willingly see you again, Harry. Unlike you, i'll respect when i've pushed boundaries or hurt someone." You looked at Harry as you spoke, but he couldn’t make eye contact with you. "And as for you." You turned to face the bitch of the century, who was towering over you in her ridiculous heels. "I hope you take care of Harry. He has a good heart and he deserves to be treated with love and kindness, not the poison I can see you carry. Don't hurt him."

You turned to nod at Alex, signifying you were done with them. You looked over your shoulder, just the once, and caught glimpses of Alex and Harry talking. It made you smile, even if they could've been arguing.

You walked back to Anne, who was still sat at the bar, now with Gemma. You felt like complete shit. Harry hadn’t stood up for you and hadn’t even acknowledged that what you were saying was true. You felt like you’d finally lost your best friend.

You snook up behind Gemma and hugged her from behind, making her flinch to your touch. "Oh my god, Y/N!" Gemma squealed when she saw you, after turning her head over her shoulder.

"Hello to the better Styles!" You laughed as she swizzled around in her chair to engulf you in a hug.

"Don't get me started on that idiot." She rolled her eyes and took an impressive gulp out of her wine glass, making Anne smile - at least she was happier.

"So what happened?" Anne asked you, raising her own drink to her lips.

"Oh you know, the usual. Losing the best friend, getting verbally attacked by the crazy girlfriend and then being kicked out of the pub by said crazy girlfriend." You stuck your thumbs up for sarcastic effect.

Anne and Gemma both had very pissed off faces.

"Wha—" Gemma started, but then you hear a clearing of a throat behind you so she stopped. You turned around to see Harry stood there, without the girlfriend.

"Sorry. I was just leaving." You said picking up your bag that Anne was still guarding.

"Actually I want you to be here for this. I was going to ask someone to film it if you weren't here, but you are so…" He awkwardly waved which almost earns a chuckle from you. Almost.

You sighed and nodded your head gently before he stepped forward, once, towards Anne.

"Hi mum." Harry starts, looking and sounding very nervous.

"Hi love." She warmly smiles, and you couldn't get over how big her heart was. She truly was the kindest woman on the planet. You aspired to be like her someday.

"I want to start off by saying two words that I know mean absolute shit without actions; I'm sorry." He began, the mere sound of the words coming out of his mouth making your heart flutter. "I have been the worst son recently that might've actually existed in this lifetime, but I promise you i'm going to change." He cupped his mums shaking hands in his, making your heart swell even more. "I love you mum." He finished by bringing her hands up for him to kiss.

"I know, sweetheart. I know." She brought him in for a tight hug.

You were proud of him. I mean, you were pissed that you'd had to say something to him for it to get across to him - but still proud.

You watched Gemma get in on the hug, and you took that as your queue to leave. You made sure to move the flowers slightly, so they were in their line of vision more so Anne could give them to him without you intruding. You quietly walked out of the pub and past the buzzed guests. You waved to Max and the mates on the way out, telling them to enjoy the rest of their evening and that Harry was available if they wanted to play catch up.

The rain was awful and you could barely see 10 meters in front of you it was that heavy. You cursed yourself for not bringing an umbrella, but then again the rain sort of made you feel alive.

Apart from looking like a drowned rat, having lost your bestest friend, feeling like utter shit after being compared to the girlfriend and just receiving a message from your heating company saying you forgot to pay this month and so your heating was being switched off until you do, you thought today was average.

Your tears were strong, but you kept them contained. You didn’t want to cry for someone that didn’t need or love you anymore. You felt empty and at a loss, something you’d felt too many times in your lifetime and yet something that still burned your chest with heartache all the same. You just wanted to be loved.

Tonight had shown you just how quickly things can change in your life. It showed you how important family was and how important friends were just as much. You wished you had that kind of love and happiness, but all you could do was mooch of other peoples love. Tonight had shown you you worth, or maybe lack of.

It made you think about just how easy it is for you to lose somebody you thought you’d have forever.

#harry styles #harry styles x reader #harry styles fanfic #harry styles x y/n #harry styles fanfiction #finelinevogue #finelinevogue harry styles #harry blurb #harry oneshot #harry styles concept #finelinevogue blurbs #finelinevogue oneshots #unrequited love #unrequited love finelinevogue #harry styles angst #harry styles sad #harry styles phh #night changes inspired

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falcor-thee-luck-dragon · 3 years

Note

hey love🥺🥺

can i request smth for aragorn pls🥺🥺 prob based on this post cus hes so crazy HOT in this but yeah everything else is up to u!! hope ur having a wonderful day<3

Yes girl here we go. I hope this is alright.

Aragorn x Elven reader - Find Me

Summary: With your elven duties done for the time being, your heart yearns for a certain Ranger as he travels in the wilds of Middle Earth.

Warning: fluff, Aragorn just being a beautiful softy

Folding your arms you look out upon the great valley of Rivendell, with her beautiful elven homes, shimmering waterfalls, and never ending ability to always have singing nearby from elven voices of pure golden honey.

You truly love this place with all of your very heart and soul, it has been your home for the past four-thousand years or so, but in the recent five-hundred have you been traveling throughout the wilds of middle earth in search of adventure. But it would just so happen that on one of your travels through a lonely mountain range did you happen to come face to face with the dirty but admittedly handsome likeness of a Ranger.

His crystal blue eyes grew wide in awe and wonder as your angelic form drew forth from the woodland, it was like all troubles and fear had vacated from his body the moment those beautiful ocean irises saw your smiling face. He was undoubtedly aware that you were in fact an elf, but his heart swelled anyways and he blessed whoever would listen for a single chance in all his lifetime to have seen your face just this once.

Though this would not be the last time you’d meet him, far from it, it just so happened that when looking upon his scruffy face did you feel an intense pull to him in a way that you couldn’t explain, nor have ever felt before. It was a strange but wonderful feeling all in one, that night would the two of you talk for hours. Leading into a week of traveling with him, this Ranger seemed content and joyous with your company.

It did not take long for feelings to grow and spark into a magnificent fire, swirling with admiration, respect, trust, and love for one another. It did not feel rushed, it felt completely right, like you had waited this long for something so pure and meaningful, and were not disappointed in the slightest.

This handsome Ranger would not utter his true name until the next time you two would meet, a year and a half later after you had to assist Elrond with something gravely important dealing with some strange pack of dwarves and a quest to claim their homeland. The things you do for that elf.

Though when you returned to the wilds, and it did take some skilled tracking, you had found him once more and still looking as dashing as ever. Though this time he greeted you with a chaste kiss, his eyes so full of love and relief for your safe return to him after such a long time apart. Under the stars, wrapped up in his arms with the light of a lowly burning fire flicking shadows across your faces. Did the Ranger tell you his name, Aragorn, your heart leapt with joy once the words had parted from his lips.

Aragorn.

You would learn of his heritage and that he was the rightful king of the great white city, so far away. But just the same you would accept him anyways, he was grateful and loved you twice as much. In the next couple years would you leave for Rivendell and your duties then return to your Ranger, staying with him for months on end, the two of you soaking up every moment together with stories, fleeting glances, laughter, and the sweetest of kisses.

Though right now, standing on a grand balcony in your true home of Rivendell do you feel that familiar pang of longing deep in your heart, you miss Aragorn more then you’d be able to say with words. But Elrond has needed you recently, claiming no other elf can slay so many orcs with such stealth and precision. Indeed a truthful compliment, and yes you’ve upheld to your duties to protect the realm, but you can’t help but feel called to your Ranger.

He misses you deeply.

You tilt your head to the sky as a light soft breeze caresses your face, you can hear the familiar patter of light footsteps as they walk down the steps behind you. Crossing the opened room, the source of the intrusion stands by your side, yet he is still a calm and comforting presence, “My dear Y/N, you have done well to protect these lands in the past couple months. But I can’t help but notice how your smile seems fleeting these days. What troubles you?”

Sighing you glance at Lord Elrond, “The Ranger.”

“Aragorn.” He says knowingly with the tiniest of smiles.

“Yes. It has been many moons since last we parted, I worry for him. But I understand that I must keep to my duties here. So I will stay.”

Elrond smiles like a kind father, “So it would appear that the world would have you two meet once again. I ask you this, Y/N. Would you find your Ranger and bring him to Rivendell, I very much would like to speak to him again.”

A small smile tugs at the corners of your lips, your heart practically leaping with joy, “I would be honored.” You laugh, “Like you had to ask my dear friend, he will not be able to hide from me. I will find him in due time.”

The old elf smiles, “I do not doubt it. Your tracking skills are rather outstanding, though your heart leads you in more ways then you know.”

“Always with the wise words,” You tease, “you’re around Gandalf too much I can tell.”

“Oh Y/N.” A small chuckle escapes him, “Maybe so....but I must tell you, your horse will be awaiting you at dawn. Your weapons and travel pack just the same, stay safe, I fear more beasts lurk around every corner these days.” He warns.

“Well, perhaps it’s a good thing I know how to use a sword. And with my bow, they’ll never see me coming.” You add with a sly grin, he nods in agreeance.

“Til we meet again, Y/N.” Finally speaks Lord Elrond handing you a small smile as he turns to leave and go about his other duties.

“Farewell.”

In the early hours of the morning, just before the sun began her bright ascent into the clouds, did you make way for the mountain pass. Atop of your dashing steed, sword at your hip, bow held to your back, and determination in your heart.

To find your sweet Aragorn.

It had been many days, then turning into a couple weeks of riding and endless tracking before finally, finally, did your elven eyes land on a familiar boot print in the mud. A horses hoof by its side, not even three days old, he is close now. But as you take another few steps does your nose crinkle in disgust, you follow the scent to a tree where a dead orc is laying upon the ground rotting from a slice to its neck and chest.

Aragorn.

He was without a doubt here, the evidence is truly telling. You turn, quickly throwing yourself atop your horse before taking off in the direction of the tracks. Just as you’d thought, it would take about a day and a half to find him. His trail leading into the woods, a thicker more secluded wood, full of great green pines and giant ferns littering the opened ground. Sliding off of your horse, you walk around to her front, grabbing the leather reins to lead her forward into the unknown.

Not even an hour later do your pointed ears pick up the sounds of someone trying to dig out roots, if they were attempting to be quiet, mission failed. Not wanting to be made known of your presence, you leave your loyal steed by a downed log and stealthy walk your way to the source of the noise.

Is it him?

As silent as an owl in flight do you unsheathe your shimmering silver sword, it flashes in the dying sunlight as you take cautious feather light steps to a certain Ranger, he’s almost hilariously oblivious to your staring. You watch as he cuts out a thick root from the disturbed earth, you glance to your right and notice his horse, it feeds unaware to your presence.

With a smirk do you take another couple steps forward, he doesn’t even know, another step now and you’re an arms reach away. As sly as a fox do you bring your sleek blade to the side of his throat, he tenses immediately.

“What’s this? A Ranger caught off his guard?” You smirk, a mischievous tinge to your voice as he lets out a breath. His body relaxing once again as you move your blade from his throat, sheathing it once more.

A smile graces his lips as he slowly stands up, turning around to face you with those beautiful blue eyes of his, “Y/N.” You smirk at him. He’s so close now.

“Aragorn.”

You don’t have time to speak another word, for your king has captured you in his arms, blessing your lips with a warm kiss, it’s full of love, longing, and adoration. You can tell how much he’s missed you after these longs months apart, hopefully he’s able to tell how much you happen to feel the same. After another couple wonderful seconds does he pull away for breath, his hands hugging your sides close as he presses his forehead to yours.

“Meleth nin.” Whispers your Ranger, “What brings you to the wilds? I thought Lord Elrond was in grave need of you for something important?”

You smile, “That time has passed. My duties are done for now, I could not bare to keep away from you for much longer. It would have driven me mad.” He tilts his head to kiss the tip of your nose affectionately.

“You’ve blessed my soul once more, Y/N. My moon amongst the darkness, I am grateful to see your face once again.”

“Aragorn.” You speak breathlessly at his heartfelt words, you hug him tighter, a warmness blooming from deep within your chest, “Come with me back to Rivendell. Elrond has missed your company and I would very much enjoy having you close.”

“Then I am yours my lady.” He whispers lovingly into the evening air, your heart flutters with excitement.

The journey back to Rivendell felt much shorter and less lonely with your dirty faced Ranger by your side keeping you company and warm on the cool nights as you both slept underneath the thousands of dazzling stars. Soon enough your horses had made their way onto the white stone path leading into the great kingdom. Birds chirp happily from nearby as you both listen to the soft roaring of the waterfalls.

You and Aragorn ride up to the front, a long stairwell in front of you leading into a large gathering area, your horse neighs as footsteps be fall upon the pale stone steps. Your elven eyes glance up to find Lindir as he carefully walks down the steps, stopping on a flat platform just above more of the marble stairs.

“My Lady Y/N, Aragorn, it is a pleasant sight to see the both of you doing well on this fine morning.” States Lindir with a genuine smile.

You laugh, “You mean to say, it’s good that we have not been slain by goblins in the dead of night?” Aragorn chuckles from behind you as he sits upon his steed.

The elven man blinks, a small laugh escapes him, “Perhaps that was what I happened to be implying. These days we can never be to careful, terrible beasts lurking around every corner it seems.” He pauses for a moment, remembering what he came down here for, “Forgive me, I meant to ask if you’d join Lord Elrond for breakfast, he is eager to speak with Aragorn...I will have my men take care of your horses. You two must be tired, I will have baths prepared for you two at once. Excuse me for now, my friends.” Rambles Lindir as both you and Aragorn jump down from your horses, two elves coming to your aid as they take the leather reigns from each of your hands.

As they guide the loyal beasts away, you turn to take a step up the stairs, stopping to look at Aragorn, “Now you.” Your eyes trail him up and down, “definitely need a bath.”

He jogs up the steps, coming to a halt next to you, “Have you seem your face melleth nin.” He teases, though you don’t have a speck of dirt on your skin, being an elf does have its perks like that.

You laugh, “I don’t need to my love, I’m already the most radiant creature you’ve ever been lucky enough to see.” The most adorable smile breaks out upon his dirt smudged face as a light pink dusts his scruffy cheeks, even knowing you for so long are you still able to make him blush.

“Perhaps I cannot disagree there. Now let’s get something to eat.” He adds with a smile, a flash of excitement crossing his features as he thinks of actual real food.

You playfully scoff, “And you a bath.”

“Am I not the most radiant creature in all the land?” He teases.

Rolling your eyes you let out a chuckle before continuing to walk up the stairs, “Aragorn. Come on.” He smiles while watching you lead, feeling rather blessed to have you so near once again.

——

Breakfast had been delicious without a doubt and your bath was warm and definitely needed, even if you can’t seem to get as dirty as a certain someone. Now dressed in your normal elven attire do you wander around the halls of Rivendell in search of your Ranger who has appeared to have gotten himself lost. Well not really, you’ve more so misplaced him, this kingdom is rather big after all.

Not even ten minutes later do you find him, he’s standing on the edge of a crystal blue pool, watching as some beautifully colored fish swim around the water unbothered and free. You slowly walk into the opening of the large room, taking light steps to see if you can sneak up on him again. Your breathing is low as you skillfully take your time to cross the room.

But alas your plans are foiled once he happens to glance in your direction, his blue eyes locking onto your smirking face as he takes you all in, “Were you trying to scare me?” He wonders in that velvety voice of his.

You bite your lip, taking a few more casual steps forward as you gently touch the side of his arm, “Me? Scaring you? I would never do such a thing.” You play off, he laces his arm through yours as you both begin walking towards a balcony.

“Your absence these last couple months have been more taxing then I had first realized.” Begins your sweet Aragorn, shifting the mood to a more serious tone, “But I am glad to have you now, my dear Y/N, thank you for coming back to me.”

You hand him a kind smile, “I will always come back to you, in every lifetime, you may be the most skilled hunter I have ever known. But I will always be able to find my way to you.” You lightly squeeze his bicep with your free hand, “I love you more then life, you know this.”

His eyes look to the floor for a moment, “Are you still certain?” He asks, finding your gaze once again, though you know exactly what it means.

You nod, “Without a doubt in my heart, I am.”

He brings you to the balcony overlooking all of Rivendell in all of her grand beauty, his face true as he looks deeply into your eyes, “You know what your choice means Y/N, my life may be longer then most men’s, but I don’t want you to give up your life for mine.”

You gently touch the side of his cheek, your other hand pressed against his chest as he holds onto it tightly, “Aragorn. I have lived many lifetimes on this earth, and in every one of them alone. Indeed I am very old, but I would rather be apart of yours then suffer another three thousand alone. It is not your fault that I feel this way for you, you have to understand that.”

He sighs, looking deeply into your loving eyes, “But your life here.”

Shaking your head you smile, “My true family has been sleeping in the ground since the last great war for middle earth, all I have left his Elrond. I made my choice the moment I decided to follow you into the wilds. You are all that I want, all that I care for in this life, do not push me away because you think I should live longer.”

He frowns, “I would never do that to you, I swear it. I just want you to be happy, that is all I care about.” Oh, Aragorn you sweet man.

You remove your hand from his cheek to gently hold his arm that’s wrapped around your side, “I am, and I plan to follow you to death, I don’t believe even a Balrog could make me leave your side.”

He chuckles holding you closer, “Y/N, I do not deserve you.”

You let out a quick laugh, “Definitely not.”

#aragorn x you #aragorn x reader #aragorn #middle earth x reader #middle earth imagines #middle earth imagine #king of gondor

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botwstoriesandsuch · 4 years

Note

Idk if you do ship ask but I've always hc that most ritos are affraid of thunder, since that could very easily harm/kill something flying (like a rito), so do you have any headcanons about link comforting revali during a thunderstorm?

Heya! Thanks for sending this ask, I had so much fun writing it! If you wanna know why it took so long, it’s because I accidentally keep making these essentially oneshots instead of headcanons...I get too wrapped up in the atmosphere lmao.

Anyhow, please enjoy, and thanks for your patience! :P

Revalink during a thunderstorm:

2553 words

Revali always thought green was a decent color, it paired well with his evening blue feathers and eyes after all

But this trip was really challenging his beliefs…

“Tree. Tree. Large tree. Giant tree. Leaf. Bush. Greenery. Tree. Giant leaf. A verdant green. Emerald green. Fern green…” He listed off his observations rhythmically

Revali suddenly stopped walking, patting Link on the back.

“Why Link, you won’t believe this, but if you look up now, you can experience this rare sight of a tree. Impressive isn’t it?”

Link turned his head to see Revali gesture grandly at the Faron scenery, before rolling his eyes. ‘You’re such an ass…’

The Rito smirked, content with the annoyance he was causing Link, before continuing to walk beside him, pointing out the “variety” of nature.

He had been traveling with Link across the jungles of Faron, helping him fly over the waterfalls and rivers for...reasons he had forgotten. Something ordered by the Princess? Checking Shrines? Updating ruin locations? Something, something, Zonai, Sheikah, database...and other nonsense words that Revali didn’t really care for, point was, “this expedition would run all the more smoothly with your skill set,” so, here he was.

In hindsight that was probably only said to flatter him into coming, but it’s not like Revali was going to complain. One on one time with Link wasn’t an opportunity he would have passed up on, anyway

Walking under the lush forest canopy, Revali picked at the 700th vine tangled in Link’s hair. “This exploration stuff sure is paying off...I’m experiencing so many new things. Like plants, and water, and bugs. Never could have experienced this anywhere else.”

Link raised an eyebrow, holding up his hands to sign, ‘Come on now, don’t be like that. We’ll be done with this soon, so quit being pretentious for two seconds and enjoy the beauty of nature!’

Right, because the beauty of the sweltering, sickly green, claustrophobic jungle crawling with insects and slimy creatures, dwelling in a sticky, sappy, foliage that seemed to tie your wings down to the earth with it’s grasping vines and prickly leaves… THAT was just the thing for a Rito from Tabantha to enjoy

Revali clicked his tongue. “You think I’m the pretentious one? That one leaf is the size of a Hinox’s arse. What’s even the point of that?? Do the lizards hate the sky that much?” He gestured towards the thick canopy above once again

Link’s expression suddenly changed as he peered through the leaves, noting how the sky’s sunset colors had started to darken with greying clouds. He spoke bluntly

‘There’s a storm coming.’

“Oh? Wonderful…”

‘I think there’s a cave we can use for shelter near the northernmost waterfall.’

“Think? My ability of flight, and overall state of being, is not suited for moisture, so I’d really prefer if you were a bit more certain than, ‘think!’”

‘Well we can always sleep out here if you want… We’ll have to stay overnight judging by the size of those storm clouds.’

Revali shuddered as another sapphire blue lizard crawled across the forest floor near his talons, much too close for comfort. The image of laying down in the dirt, being mocked by the infectious green that covered the sky, for over eight hours, he audibly groaned.

Fine, hypothetical cave it is.

“Get on my back already. The sooner the day is done, the better, I suppose.”

Flying through the air, Revali feathers rustled in the growing wind, he could start to smell the storm in the air. Thankfully, Link’s cave turned out to be real, providing dry shelter from the oncoming, feather-drenching rain, thank Hylia. If he had to do his braids and ribbons again after he spent all morning just—

BOOM!

Not two seconds after Revali had landed them both in the cave, a deafening sound shook the ground and carried Revali’s soul to hell, heaven, and back. The sound that escaped his beak was none short of a shrill squeak you might hear come out of a thousand baby birds.

Behind them, green sparks fizzed against the earth, starting a small fire, before it was quickly extinguished by the now pouring rain.

Revali shuddered, shaking off the few droplets on his wing. His feathers seemed to tremble from the charge in the air, and his mind was racing with thoughts of what would have happened if he was two seconds slower in his descent, but he concealed it all with a neutral frown.

“This forest is lucky the rain started, that bright explosion of death nearly made me think we were under attack, I’d have nocked a bomb arrow or two.”

‘The...thunder and lightning, you mean?’

“Shut up I know what lightning is.”

‘I guess it makes sense you’re not that familiar...the most action you’ll see in Rito Village is cold winds and snow.’

“I said I know what lightning is.”

‘Oh, don’t worry, I heard you. I heard you very clearly a few seconds ago…’

Revali let out a few “hmphs” before sitting down on the cave floor. Link started to chuckle to himself before starting a fire, the cave was wide enough for the smoke to escape and not suffocate them, and it’s warmth was welcomed wholeheartedly by the Rito Champion.

Link thought that would be the end of it, Revali volunteered to take the first night watch, and the Hylian thought nothing of it. Before either of them knew it, Link had somehow drifted off into a peaceful sleep

BOOM!

Another crack of thunder. Sure, thunder had been roaring in air for the last two or three hours, but this time the lightning struck close enough to the cave that Link could feel the vibration against the earth.

He rose with a yawn, stretching his arms as if he had been woken by chirping birds, and not the midnight sky’s roars

Glancing towards Revali’s direction, concern started to creep onto Link’s face, as he watched the Rito with furrowed eyebrows and a frown

As far as he could tell, Revali hadn’t moved an ant’s inch from when Link had last seen him before he dozed off. His jade eyes were fixed on the jungle, and the feathers on his neck seemed to raise everything the sky glowed a shocking flash of green.

Despite having sat up from the fire, Revali didn’t seem to notice that Link had woken.

Link waved his arm in front of him, trying to catch the Rito’s gaze.

‘Hey? You ok?’

Link’s actions cut into Revali’s tumbling thoughts, but he quickly recovered from his initial shock with a click of his tongue

“I’m fine. Just watching to make sure your tired person doesn’t get ambushed by some crafty lizalfo. You’re welcome, by the way.”

Link paused, but in the end, he nodded his head in acceptance. ‘Alrighty then. Well, you go ahead and get some rest. I can take the next watch.’

“...ah. Right.”

Revali awkwardly shuffled closer to the fire, pinning his back a bit deeper into the shallow cave.

He didn’t bother to lie down

‘Are you sure you’re ok?’

“I’m fine. I’m just not tired yet is all”

‘Well you should try to get some sleep, cause tomorro—’

“Yes, I’m well aware, I don’t need the reminder of our schedule.”

‘It would probably help to not face the forest, cause the movement and noises can be distracting when you’re trying to sl—’

“Yes. I understand, thank you. As I said I’m not tired so—”

‘But Revali, I just said—’

“Look! I’m fine, stop pestering me about it, OK? All I want is to just be able to—”

BOOM!

Comically— or perhaps in this atmosphere, un-comically— a lizard fell off the side of a tree near the cave’s mouth, visibly fried and very much dead

Link, ever the survivalist, grew excited at the prospect of a free elixir ingredient, but as he turned to Revali to share this good news, he was greeted with a very still Rito, his feathers pressed stiffly against himself as he seemed to be holding down his other wing, presumably because it was shivering.

That was strange, considering Link had taken care to keep the firewood stocked. He looked at Revali again, his green eyes seemed to be swirling with racing thoughts and fears

......fears…

Hylia he was an idiot

Although in fairness, it works both ways

‘I’m sorry...I should have realized you had a greater fear of lightning given the circumstances…’

The Rito suddenly jerked his head, his voice rising in pitch by the second. “W-What?! I don’t know where you got that idea from. Circumstances?? I’ll have you know I’ve trained for years to be quite fearless.”

A sudden flash of light came from the corner of his eye, and Revali had to clamp his tongue to keep silent. If it weren’t for his feathers, he’d be as white as a dove.

‘Are you sure? I’d imagine the thought of thunderstorms are a lot worse for you Rito..’

‘You know, given all the rain, and the chance of being electrocuted, and shot out of the sky by a bolt of lightning, and the loud sounds that probably remind you of an avalanche or a bomb, and also falling out of the sk—’

Link suddenly cut himself off, realizing a bit too late that the explanation of the factors involved with thunder and lightning wouldn’t exactly help Revali’s attitude.

The Rito only stared at Link, his beak clamped shut. Finally, he let out a sigh.

“I’m fine.”

Silence, then a scoff from Link.

Yeah, right.

He started pulling out an assortment of items from his small pouch—how Link magically managed to fit cart-fulls of apples, armour, and weapons in there was beyond him. Link joked that it was because of magic tree children, at least, Revali thought he was joking

‘Ah-ha! This should make you feel better!’

Link pulled out a golden helmet, it looked Gerudo in style, and it was covered in green, red, and blue gemstones

‘This thing absorbs lightning, and disperses it, so you don’t get hurt!’

Revali raised an eyebrow, hesitant

‘No! Seriously! This thing has saved me dozens of times, it’s seen hundreds of storms, and it’s taken on countless lightning strikes directly on this part!!’

He pointed excitedly to the bright green gemstone’s at the helm’s crest.

Revali could only shift his weight in discomfort, and Link finally got the hint.

‘Ah right. Maybe the lightning prone object isn’t for you...but…’

Link pulled out a weird, flexible hat, in the shape of a fish. It’s giant eyes stared askew at the cave’s walls, and when Link put it on for demonstration purposes, it basically looked like an octorok had spat a starving fish on his hair

‘This little guy is called Lucky. He’s made out of this thing called rubber, and it’s supposed to help keep electricity from touching you. Pretty nifty fashion choice too, right?’

“I will be plucked dry and drowned before you catch me wearing that hideous thing.”

‘Lucky doesn’t appreciate your unkind words…’

A few more minutes pass by, Link unloading the items in his satchel in an attempt to ease Revali’s mind. But most suggestions failed to truly convince him. Occasionally, the storm would boom again, and Link would rub Revali’s wing gently, if only to keep his attention on the weird yellow mushrooms in his hand. Nonetheless, it was a small thing that the Rito appreciated.

After a few more rounds of talking, Revali finally sighed in defeat. “I appreciate your gesture Link, I truly do. But I’d really prefer to just, not think about lightning at all, rather than be surrounded by your cluster of trinkets and tools.”

“So again, it’s fine. I can just sit here and wait it out. Don’t torment me any further with your...endless basket of comfort foods. I do hope that you donate some of those to the needy, I can’t be seen walking around with a selfish, hoarding hero after all.”

Link ignored the quip and Revali’s attempt to deflect the conversation.

‘Are you sure there’s nothing else I can offer you?’

Revali opened his beak to say no, before closing it. He looked Link up and down, from his fuzzy golden head, to his pathetic and dirty blue tunic, to his brimming, sky blue eyes.

Revali opened and closed his beak again, before saying, “no, it’s OK.”

Link frowned, tapping his fingers to his chin.

Then, he swiftly grabbed at the blue scarf around Revali’s neck.

“W-Wha—hey!”

‘Just borrowing this for a sec!’

Despite Revali’s attempts to retrieve it, Link was already unfurling the scarf to its full length and width. Surprisingly, it was long enough, long enough for Link’s plan, anyhow

He turned back to Revali. ‘Snuggle up closer to the fire. If we’re gonna sleep towards the back of the cave like this I’d prefer to be as warm as possible

Revali’s expression was indescribable, at least verbally. Through the power of writing I can only describe the expression as something that conveyed feelings such as:

?!?!?!!?!!??!?!?!?!!!??!?!?!!?!!?

‘We’re gonna hug, you dense bastard’

Revali started to sputter out questions, and list of logical reasons as to why that suggestion was absurd. But suggestion turned to action as Link wordlessly wrapped the scarf around the two of them, before snuggling into Revali’s feathers.

On the brightside, Revali was stiff for different reasons, other than lightning.

In hindsight that was probably part of his plan

The Rito was silent, as he struggled with the decision of either allowing himself to be comfortable, nestled with his favourite soft scarf, and his favourite (he would never admit it) Champion

Or to put up his usual quips and walls

Was Link annoyed about this? Happy??

Spirits above he was so embarrassed, Link was probably doing this out of pity, like some mother tending to an infant...

Or maybe it wasn’t like that...? Was it something else?? Some other feeling that had cause him to take such a drastic action to—

‘What’cha thinking about?’

Revali felt Link’s arms move under his wing, and he looked over at the Hylian. He looked so...tranquil, and relaxed...and...stunning....despite his terribly kept hair

“Nothing.”

Link raised his eyebrow, ‘Yeah?’

Revali narrowed his eyes in confusion, but nodded, to which Link turned back and nestly his face into his soft feathers.

What kind of a question is that? What am I thinking about? This situation that came out of no where of course!!

What else would he be thinking abo—

...

The Rito could only smirk to himself finally putting together the pieces of Link’s scheme

Another moment of silence. At least, to Revali it was silent. The only sounds he could hear were of Link’s breathing, and his own heartbeat.

The thunder whispered in the background

Revali smiled, while resting his beak on Link’s soft hair

Then finally, thoughts turned to dreams turned to peace; Revali slept sound as the rain pattered to the sound of his beating heart

HA god what a loser it’s so corny I could die. Who would even right such a thing ahahaahha— oh wait

[If you enjoyed this content, a like and a reblog is greatly appreciated! Let’s me know that I should make more, while also giving me that extra serotonin.]

#botw #breath of the wild #legend of zelda botw #loz botw #botw headcanons #fuck it i might just tag this as fanfiction #botw fanfiction #revalink #revali #link #link botw

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fatehbaz · 4 years

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Why is it called the “Caribou Rainforest”?

Of all the grizzly bears, wolves, wolverine, lynx, mountain lion, elk, moose, salmon, salamanders, slugs, mushrooms, giant cedars, and mosses that live here, several of which only live here, why caribou? Came across some newly published map stuff and info that kind of addresses the question of why the name makes sense, and describes the close relationship between lichens, the endemic caribou facing imminent extinction, and the unique inland temperate rainforest region. As unique as the region is, there is not really a formal name or label that has been applied to it, until recently. From some recent visits, here are some typical habitat in the inland temperate rainforest, where the smaller creatures (fungus, moss, ferns, terrestrial molluscs, amphibians) dwell:

Ascaphus montanus, the “inland tailed frog,” is endemic to the region, like the southern mountain caribou. They are small, silent, cold-tolerant, and highly-aquatic creatures of the streams. Their tadpoles have suction-cup “sucker” mouths, so that they can attach to rocks without getting carried away in the strong current of the fast-flowing streams.

In 2019, when the last of the southern mountain caribou were relocated outside of US borders, caribou were declared extinct within the contiguous US for the first time. A majority of the rainforest, and most of the southern mountain caribou herds, exist on traditional Sinixt land (who were wrongfully declared “extinct” by the Canadian federal government decades ago, and who are now actively engaged in legal pursuit of recognition).

Basically, this is one place where a specific type of caribou not only inhabits mountain landscapes, but also depends on the presence of intact rainforest and cannot exist outside of the rainforest.

Older maps, because I wanted to give a shout out to the some of the rainforest’s iconic endemic amphibians.

Another endemic species: Coeur d’Alene salamander, whose distribution range closely follows the limits of the inland temperate rainforest. These salamanders are usually subterranean for much of the year, but they apparently love living in “watefall spray zones,” where they hang out on the rock faces, doused in mist, next to the rainforest’s many small waterfalls. I’ve also read that waterfall spray zones are important in the inland temperate rainforest specifically, because they provide adequate moisture for “oceanic species” of mosses and ground-dwelling plants that typically live along the Pacific Northwest coast, allowing them an opportunity to live here, away from the ocean where it’s drier. [Photo from me.]

More caribou:

The “Idaho giant salamander” is also endemic to the inland temperate rainforest region, but has a much more limited distribution. [Photo from me.]

Here, rainforest species more typical of the marine-influenced coast (amphibians, salmon, slugs, cedar, hemlock, ferns, mosses) mingle with species more typical of the Rockies and boreal forest (grizzly bear, gray wolf, wolverine, fisher, lynx, puma, moose, elk, caribou). Chinook salmon still migrate into the portions of the rainforest within US borders, and white sturgeon and other anadromous fish still live in the Canadian portion. It sits within a wider region known as “the Columbia Mountains”.

But in recent years, the moniker “Caribou Rainforest” has become popular.

‘Since 2002, the Valhalla Wilderness Society has sponsored research on inland rainforest lichens [...]. They have found that the inland temperate rainforests contain one of the richest tree lichen floras in the world – richer than BC’s coastal temperate rainforest. [The sponsored researchers] found more species of lichens in the Incomappleux Valley than tree, shrub, herb, grass and moss species combined.’ [Source: Valhalla Wilderness Society, 2008.]

Many of the special endemic species of this rainforest are plants (like mosses and ferns), invertebrates (like molluscs and harvestmen), or amphibians (like giant salamanders and tailed frogs). So, maybe comparatively, the caribou is a “cuter” animal to use as a popular emblem. But also: There is a special relationship between lichen and caribou that seems very emblematic of how temperate rainforest involves many close relationships and exchanges between the sea and the land; rivers and forests; aquatic animals and terrestrial animals; etc.

The so-called “southern mountain caribou” is a special population of caribou that lives only in the inland temperate rainforest region. The region has a lot of ocean-influenced moisture, like the coastal rainforest. But since this inland region is mountainous, much of the moisture comes as winter snow, unlike the coastal rainforest. Deep snow usually covers lichens growing on the ground, which would normally deprive caribou of access to wintertime food, so many caribou might usually avoid high elevations and deep snow of mountains in winter. However, the cedars and hemlock of the inland temperate rainforest have many lichens hanging from their branches, which are accessible as food for caribou throughout the winter.

Anyway, newly-published map and data:

Here, CTR stands for coastal temeprate rainforest; ITR stands for inland temperate rainforest.

From the authors: ‘Deep winter snow plays important roles in Inland Temperate Rainforests, preventing frost from penetrating into the ground and protecting shrubs, herbs and soil biota from extreme winter cold. Melt of the winter snowpack is vital for groundwater recharge, sustaining springs and seepage areas that support ancient cedar stands. ‘

Local extinction and demise of individual caribou herds in the inland temperate rainforest: Caption from authors: “Trends in mountain caribou abundance for selected herds in the Caribou ITR (Central Selkirks, Columbia, Groundhog, Narrow Lake, South Selkirks) and Interior Wetbelt (Purcells South). Adapted from British Columbia provincial government status reports [...].”

Worth noting that most of the southern mountain caribou populations live on traditional Sinixt land. [Map of their traditional territory, from Sinixt Tribe’s online portal.]

The Canadian federal government declared the Sinixt people “extinct” in the 1950s.

As of 2019, the (contiguous) US now considers the caribou “extinct” within its borders.

Found this aquatic larva of the Idaho giant salamander. They dwell in the small mountain streams. Unlike most other salamanders, whose larvae live in still water like ponds or lakes or vernal pools, these salamander larvae live in the tumultuous and fast-flowing streams, where there are many little waterfalls and broken cedar logs creating nooks and crannies for hiding.

A cryptic friend. There are many slugs and land snails in the inland temperate rainforest. The presence of so many molluscs is unique for a location so far away from the moist and mild climate of the ocean’s shore. Many of these molluscs haven’t been formally documented.

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charming-eel · 3 years

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I started the pond cleaning process today. To be honest I didn’t do much with it over 2020. I was originally going to re-add fish and work on the landscaping etc but we all know last year was a challenge with... everything.

So anyway! I had it “unplugged” over winter and didn’t cut back any of the plants before it got cold so everything was extremely overgrown and possibly not properly winterized.

Here’s the before picture

I knew I wanted the banana trees gone, they are just way too big. I actually originally bought it unlabeled at 1’ tall and thought it was a canna... nope.

So today I:

Chopped down the bananas, drained the pond, cleaned out SO MUCH leaf debris and muck, cut back all the creeping jenny, repotted and cut the water lilies, cleaned the fountain and waterfall pump, and got the bog filter cleaned out and everything running again.

It’s still refilling (it takes a couple hours to refill) but I’m happy with the work I got done today. The perennials are starting to emerge, I’m unsure if the taro made it over winter though. They did last season and we had a very mild winter but I didn’t cut them back so.. we’ll see.

(Irises, ferns, and ornamental grasses coming up)

Over the next few weeks I would like to: do another deep clean to get more leaves out, add a stepping stone / paver walkway in the path the dogs have run into the ground, cut back and separate the sweetflag (maybe use some in the turtle tanks?), add a few native aquatic plants and terrestrial plants, and just let it sit and reestablish.

I also would really like to get a fountain spitter since I’ve got one plug left haha, I think it would be cute too.

After it’s had several weeks or so of running and the water tests come back clear I’ll start thinking about fish.

#fishblr #goldfish pond #freshwater

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undermounts · 4 years

Text

Bound―Chapter 8: Chosen

AO3 | Masterlist | Playlist

Summary: Ancient creatures lurk in the forest.

Pairing: Gaius Augustine/Diana Leigh (BB MC)

Bergen, Norway, 2042

The sun had already set long before Diana woke up from a deep and dreamless sleep. She stretched out amongst her tangled mess of blankets, pressing her face into her pillow as she yawned, joints popping. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up, glancing around the dark hotel room. Gaius’s bed was empty, a shallow impression in the mattress where he had slept. She wondered how long he’d been gone for.

She checked her phone for any updates from Jax, but there was nothing. Only a few pictures from Kamilah, updating her on a few new seasonal additions to her garden. Diana smiled softly and replied before tossing her phone on the bed and retreating to the bathroom for a hot shower. Afterward, she lounged in a swivel chair in a bathrobe, feet kicked up on the desk as she flipped through a Norwegian tourist magazine. And then another. And then a pamphlet.

Sighing, set all of the booklets she had perused on the desk and absentmindedly spun in circles in her chair. It was yet another night in Bergen and she hadn’t learned anything new about the third artifact or the Tree of Death. She supposed she should be glad for the lull in activity, and in a sense, she was grateful for the downtime. It had allowed her to catch up on sleep, which she definitely needed after long hours of sifting through Gaius’s memories.

But now, she was restless. Perhaps Jax had rubbed off on her in the last twenty years.

Diana rolled her shoulders, turning her gaze to the glass sliding door and the town beyond, the dark sea glittering with reflected golden lights. Perhaps it was time for her to get out and stretch her legs. Her eyes flicked to the cover of one of the magazines she had read, its glossy surface picturing a waterfall surrounded by lush foliage. The Bogstifossen.

She could go for a hike.

Diana tugged on the psychic bond as she got to her feet and crossed the room to her duffle bag of clothes. How’s your night going?

…You must be very bored if you’re asking me that, Gaius replied coolly and Diana rolled her eyes.

Guilty, she admitted and she heard him chuckle, the sound silky and low in her head. Find any trouble?

No. Quiet night; the creatures here are rather benign. Although I did pick up some supplies.

Anything sweet for me? Diana asked, pulling out a pair of thick, wool leggings, a long-sleeved shirt, and a weatherproof puffer jacket. Having a bit of sweet tooth, he had certainly read up on all of the most popular Norwegian desserts over the last few days, although she had yet to try any.

I said I got supplies, not your groceries, Gaius snipped and Diana was willing to bet he was rolling his eyes. There’s nothing out here for me tonight. I’m heading back.

See you. Diana bid him goodbye, but he dropped the connection, leaving her without a reply.

“Typical,” she huffed before slipping into the bathroom to get ready.

Diana had just finished brushing her teeth and sat down on the foot of her bed to lace up her boots when Gaius returned, a large paper bag tucked beneath his arm. He looked her up and down, a single eyebrow raised as he closed the door behind him.

“And where are you going?” he questioned, setting the bag on the desk in front of her. “On an expedition?”

He was teasing her, but Diana let it go. “Of sorts,” she answered, swiping a magazine off of the desk and tossing it to him. “Going to take a hike. Find a waterfall or something,” Diana shrugged, peering into the paper bag he left on the table. She raised a brow, hefting out a gallon bag of blood. “Um, do they just sell these in supermarkets now?”

Gaius rolled his eyes. “I got it from the local butcher.” He inspected the magazine, humming thoughtfully to himself before tossing it on the bed. “I’ll go with you. To the waterfall. It’s been a while since I’ve been in these woods.”

“Alright,” Diana shrugged, relieved that she didn’t have to ask him to come with her. Odd as it was, she wasn’t afraid to admit that she had grown used to his company. Had even come to enjoy it sometimes.

Gaius gave her an odd look, as if he had been expecting her to protest, but as quickly as it had come, the expression faded and he withdrew another paper bag from inside of his coat. “Here,” he said, tossing it to her. “For you.”

Diana sent him a question glance as she caught the parcel, but as soon as she caught a whiff of vanilla and cardamom, she abandoned all suspicion and opened the bag. She beamed. “You brought back pastries for me?”

Inside sat about half a dozen shard-shaped cookies edged in ridges and dusted with powdered sugar as well as several thick, flower-shaped cookies, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. She closed her eyes and inhaled deep, stomach growling in response to the delicious aroma that flooded her senses.

“There’s your something sweet. The baker said these are fattigmann and rosette cookies,” he said casually, then seeing her expression, he lowered his brows. “Don’t give me that look. I just used the extra cash you gave me.”

Diana smiled slightly as she crossed the room to him and pulled out one of the rosette cookies. She grabbed his hand and pressed it into her palm before taking one for herself. “Thank you.”

Gaius’s lips parted as his gaze flickered from Diana’s face to the cookie in his hand, as if surprised by this small gesture of kindness. Then he shook his head and turned away, biting the cookie as he shrugged off his coat and swapped it for another jacket that was better fit for hiking. “Hmph.”

Diana huffed a laugh and rolled up the bag, setting it with the rest of their snacks. “I’ll save these for later. Ready to go?”

Gaius merely grunted in response and she took that as a yes. She glanced at her sword, debating whether or not to take it before deciding against it. Instead, she grabbed a pair of daggers instead and slid them into her boot, just in case.

“So we don’t have a repeat of the tunnel,” Gaius said, holding out a cylindrical shaped object. A flashlight. Diana smirked, then took it, placing it in her pocket.

“Right, then,” she declared, zipping up her jacket and striding towards the door. “Let’s go hiking.”

Diana wasn’t sure when was the last time she had been deep in the wilderness.

Growing up, she loved the outdoors. She loved the scent of moss and wet soil, loved the way the leaves whispered when they played with the wind. But for the last leg of her life, she’d grown more accustomed to concrete jungles, the scent of sewage, and the sound of idle engines and blaring horns.

Being out here in some distant forest, thousands of miles away from home… it reminded her of simpler times.

This forest was ancient. Diana could feel it in her bones. Even in the dark, the forest seemed to be breathing, feeling, watching. The thought that it was alive didn’t unnerve her nearly as much as she thought it would. Diana knew very little about Norway or Scandinavian mythology, but she had a suspicion that whatever creatures roamed these lands were good-natured―at least most of them, anyway. It felt as if the forest wanted them here.

The air seemed to hum, leaving a metallic taste coating her tongue. Far in the distance, thunder grumbled with the promise of rain, and with that, renewal.

You seem...content, Gaius wondered inside her mind, although he showed no indication of having paid her any attention as he trekked ahead of her, following an overgrown path.

I like it here, Diana admitted, reaching out to stroke the spine of a fern that stretched its fronds in front of her. It’s peaceful. You’d never even know what was going on in the rest of the world if you stayed here.

I see what you mean. I imagine if you wanted to go somewhere you would never be found, this would be the place to be, Gaius hummed thoughtfully, tone reflective. These forests have been here long before us. They will be here long after.

Diana wondered if that sort of philosophy retained to her now too.

They continued on in silence for sometime, the trail they followed eventually bringing them alongside a small river. Inexplicably drawn to the water, Diana paused at the grassy bank and knelt down to dip her hand into the stream, feeling the current surge against her palm. The water was freezing cold, but in it, Diana sensed immense power, ancient and pure. Through it, Diana sensed everything the river connected. She closed her eyes, seeing the plants it watered, the animals it hydrated, the fish it sheltered. Life.

We’re not far now, Gaius said. The waterfall is just ahead…

Diana heard him stop, as if just realizing she wasn’t following him anymore. Footsteps soft on the mossy ground, Gaius backtracked. She felt his hand on her shoulder as he crouched beside her.

Diana… look.

Confused, she withdrew her hand, resting her forearm on her knee and opened her eyes. Across the river, deep in the shadows of a massive yew tree, lurking around its trunk, were three sets of tiny, glowing eyes. She inhaled sharply through her nose, legs tensing to stand, but Gaius’s hand held her in place.

Diana flicked her eyes to him, questioning. He caught her gaze and held a single finger to his lips, then nodded towards the hidden creatures on the other bank. Trust your senses, Diana, he advised. Breathe. What did you think about the forest?

That it’s good, Diana replied, sucking in a deep breath. As she did, she felt the power beneath her skin dissipate. She hadn’t even realized she had called it to her in the first place. And kind.

Yes, Gaius said, squeezing her shoulder in approval. Now, watch. Listen.

Diana nodded silently, doing as he said. She slowed her breathing and focused, tuning out her own heartbeat. She heard Gaius’s beside her, calm and steady, the rushing river, the rustling leaves, the whispering wind, and amidst it all, the sound of small creatures, moving all around them.

Slowly, more eyes blinked open around them, glowing like little stars in the shadows. Diana thought back to the feeling she had earlier, as if the forest were alive and watching them, and realized that, of course, it had been.

What are they? she asked, placing her hand on Gaius’s knee, partially to steady herself and partially just to feel his warmth on her skin.

The Little Folk, he answered, hand sliding down to the small of her back, an action for an action, a touch for a touch. The little ways they communicated, she thought absently and without consequence, as if being in each other’s heads wasn’t enough. Small fairies. In the old days, they used to bring gifts to travellers.

And now?

And now they like to keep to themselves. Humans don’t even know they exist. I imagine the last vampire to have seen one did so over a century ago. Diana stared in awe as more eyes looked back at them. She sensed their interest in her, their curiosity. They only reveal themselves to their own kind and other creatures of magic. Or those they deem to be even better.

Her brows drew together. Like what?

A pause. Then, Like goddesses.

Diana stiffened, pulling away. Did he mean her? Judging by the look he gave her, intense and challenging, she assumed he did. Diana shook her head, pursing her lips. No, I’m not… I’m not a goddess, Gaius. I don’t want to be.

He stared at her for a moment longer, expression unreadable. In this lighting, his eyes were an enticing shade of midnight blue that Diana thought she could drown in if they had belonged to any other man in any other place.

Gaius turned away, expression softening. Regardless of what you want or don’t want, they seem to disagree.

Diana followed his line of sight to the other side of the bank where a few glowing eyes peered out at them over a rock at the water’s edge. A minuscule arm reached over the top of the rock and nudged something forward before darting back into the shadows.

It was a crown, woven out of willow twigs and vines, laced through with bluebells and baby’s breath. Diana stared at her, a lump in her throat, as she fully felt the weight of the dozen sets of eyes on her, her wonder transformed into something indescribable that made her chest tight.

Slowly, so as not to frighten the Little Folk, Diana stood, Gaius’s hand slipping to his side as she sought the spot where the river was shallowest and crossed. She shivered as the cold current went rushing around her calves, both from the temperature and the way her own power awakened. All at once, she was both bleeding power into the water and drawing upon it, whatever she possessed mingling with something far older and more legendary. As she crossed to the other side, she felt more of the forest come to life around her, as if other creatures she could not see were suddenly watching.

As Diana reached the rock the Little Folk had set her crown upon, she peered around it, although her benefactors had retreated from the water’s edge, preferring to watch her from afar. Chewing her lip, she picked up the wreath of vines and twigs, careful not to destroy it. It was light and finely made, little wisps of moss and lichen clinging to its edges. Diana couldn’t help the small frown that tugged at her lips. This crown was far too delicate and beautiful to be held in hands as bloody as hers.

When Diana looked up, the eyes had all disappeared, the Little Folk vanished. They had given their gift to her. They would not let her give it back.

What had she gotten herself into? Or had this been a long time coming? A result of the power she assumed, the ancient blood in her veins? Diana had always thought her lineage and history of vampires had been shrouded in darkness and violence, but perhaps there was some bond to be had between the creatures old, who had seen the world rise and fall together. Who would see it rise and fall again.

“Why me?” she whispered into the forest, but her question went unheard.

Diana gently tucked the crown into her pack, careful not to break it. She couldn’t bring herself to leave it behind, but she also couldn’t bring herself to wear it either, beautiful as it was. Not until she was certain she had deserved it.

After crossing back to the other side of the river where Gaius stood, watching her with an odd expression. Diana opened and closed her mouth, unable to put her thoughts and feelings into words. What had just happened? “Gaius, I―”

She cut herself off abruptly and they both turned in unison, facing upstream. There was… music, suddenly. A long, drawn out note, and then a flurry of faster, higher notes that gradually fell back into that long lapse and began again. It sounded as if someone had been playing an instrument―a violin perhaps, although the music was far more upbeat―just a little ways up the river.

Diana and Gaius exchanged a look, then followed the sound of music.

What is it? Diana questioned as they hastened along the path, weaving in between trees and shrubs. Diana could hear the roar of the waterfall, it’s sound increasing with the music that continued to play. It had broken free of its joyful, repetitive tune, the music transforming itself into something slower, more curious. Diana didn’t know a lot about music, especially folk songs, like the one they heard now, but she knew that she had never heard anything more lovely than this.

I’m not completely sure, but I have a suspicion.

Diana didn’t miss the excitement that colored his tone. It was not an expression she was used to him showing, which only piqued her interest further.

At last, they finally came to the foot of the Bogstifossen, the waterfall they had been searching for. Here, the music was loudest, cutting through the thunder of falling water with ease. It didn’t take long enough for Diana to see why.

It’s… a man? she asked, perplexed. What appeared to be a bearded man with long, dark hair stood in the river at the base of the waterfall, seemingly immune to the thousands of gallons of water that crashed around him, surging around his bare torso.

A water spirit, Gaius amended, and Diana noted that he was practically a walking encyclopedia about all things mystical and supernatural. The Fossegrimen.

Diana watched the Fossegrimen with increasing curiosity. A good water spirit?

Neither good nor evil. He simply is, Gaius replied and Diana had to refrain from rolling her eyes. How many times had she heard that before? Her lip quirked down. Hell, how many times had she said that herself about something? She supposed life only became more gray the longer you lived it. He lives to play his fiddle, and that’s all. Sometimes he teaches aspiring musicians. For a price of course.

What, like their soul? Diana raised her eyebrows at him and was surprised when Gaius laughed softly, eyes sparkling.

No, nothing like that. A piece of meat will do. Gaius tilted his head as he leaned against a tree and watched the Fossegrimen with naked fascination. His foot tapped against the loamy soil, the sound muffled by moss. I had heard about how magnificent his songs were. I never imagined I would ever hear them.

Diana’s eyes flicked between Gaius and the water spirit, noting that Gaius seemed more than content to watch from afar. Don’t you want to meet him?

Gaius glanced at her sidelong for a moment, then closed his eyes and leaned his head against the tree’s trunk. Honestly, no. It’s possible he may leave once we make ourselves known. And this is enough for me. To hear the songs of legend. Some things are best left undisturbed and observed from afar.

Diana nodded at this, leaning against the tree beside him. Her eyes wandered from the Fossegrimen, to the majestic waterfall, to the sky full of diamonds above, her view fractured by the winding branches of the yew tree. An entire, enchanting song passed before she spoke down the bond again. You love music.

Is that a question or a statement?

An assumption, Diana clarified, bumping her shoulder against his. Am I wrong?

...No. You aren’t. Gaius exhaled softly beside her and Diana felt some of her own tension dissipate as well. I have always enjoyed it. Over the years, it is the one thing I have never tired of.

Do you play? she questioned, glancing down at his hands. His fingers were long fine-boned. She tried to imagine them holding an instrument rather than a sword and found that this possibility wasn’t as outlandish as she once would have thought.

A little. The pianoforte. Gaius cracked an eye open, studying her. He smirked to himself before closing his eye again and shifting against the trunk. One day, I’ll show you. Perhaps.

Diana hoped that “perhaps” would become a promise.

A few minutes passed again before Diana once again broke their silence, starting to get a little restless. Why do you think he’s here?

Gaius opened his eyes, fixing her with a look. You’re just as bad as Matsuo. You can’t sit still.

Leaning against a tree isn’t exactly uncomfortable, Diana snapped back, pacing away from the tree until she found a fallen log to perch on. She set her pack on the ground between her feet and leaned her elbows on her knees. But seriously. You said you never thought you would get to hear the Fossegrimen, but here he is. Why?

I thought you were the one who said not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Gaius rolled his eyes, sitting beside her on the fallen tree. Or some butchered version of that.

She narrowed her eyes. Gaius.

He huffed, tilting his head to the side. Fine. I don’t think you would like the truth, so I’ll offer you a lie: mere coincidence. Perhaps he’s got a schedule he follows, travelling around Norway to play at the bottom of different waterfalls and our schedules just so happened to line up. Lucky us.

Diana could hear the sarcasm dripping off his words and she glared. Gaius.

You want my honesty, then? Gaius teased, lip quirking. He shrugged and faced the waterfall again, looking at the Fossegrimen, deep in consideration. Very well, Diana, he sighed into her mind before she could bite his head off. I think he is playing for you.

Diana frowned and glanced down at her bag. She unzipped it, carefully withdrawing the crown the Little Folk had given her. Diana sighed to herself, turning the crown in her hands as the music washed over them and Gaius returned his attention to the Fossegrimen. As she studied the crown, she couldn’t help but wonder why the forest had apparently chosen her and what for.

Whatever it was, she hoped that when the time for answers came, she would not disappoint.

Back in the hotel room in Bergen, Diana was just climbing into bed, the first hints of dawn peeking in through the sliding door curtains, when her phone rang. Diana glanced at the caller ID, rubbing her eyes.

Jax.

She sat up straight, feeling Gaius’s questioning stare on her from where he sat in his own bed as she answered the call. “Hello?”

“Diana,” came Jax’s voice, tone serious. “I did what you asked and looked into the islands around Demetrius’s.”

Diana’s heart was in her throat. “And?”

“And there are reports of entire communities on the closest islands going Feral. They were mature, isolated communities made up entirely of adults and their elderly, so no children were involved, but…” Jax trailed off, clearly agitated and upset.

Diana’s entire body went cold. “Entire communities,” she echoed, her voice hoarse. “Feral.

Across the room, Gaius stiffened, his eyes burning into her skin.

“Diana, whatever this is, it’s not good.”

“What’s the radius?” she asked, gripping her phone so hard her knuckles were white.

“About fifteen miles,” Jax replied and her stomach plummeted. “The islands in the region were either scarcely populated or completely uninhabited. But Diana, you need to tell me what this is, or what you think it is so I can tell Kamilah and Adrian. They have to know.”

“Yes,” Diana breathed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she felt a headache coming on. The back of her skull was prickling with such an intensity, she had to close her eyes, fighting to stay focused. “We think it’s Demetrius. For some reason, his influence is growing, and I can feel it sometimes. Gaius thinks it’s because I’m his descendant, but―”

Gaius inhaled sharply and Diana realized her mistake too late, breaking off mid-sentence.

“Gaius? ‘We?’” Diana winced, Jax’s shouting adding to the pounding in her head. “Diana, what the hell? You didn’t tell me you were―”

“Now’s not the time to go into that, Jax,” Diana cut him off, opening her eyes and glaring at the corner of her bed. “Listen. Tell Adrian and Kamilah that Demetrius’s influence is growing. I still haven’t figured out why, but I feel like finding these artifacts will help me stop it. They have to. But I need you guys to evacuate the islands nearest to Demetrius’s zone, just in case. I don’t know how fast it’s spreading, but I can’t risk any lives.”

“Diana―”

“Please, Jax,” she pleaded, a spike of pain shooting through her skull. Distantly, she heard Gaius swear as if he felt it too.

What the hell? he snapped in her head and Diana could only shrug helplessly. There was too much going on at once.

“I promise, I’ll explain everything in due time, but right now you have to tell Kamilah and Adrian and I have to go,” Diana said quickly, tossing back the sheets and climbing out of bed. She was moving on instinct, driven by the tingling sensation that always preceded a vision.

“Fine,” Jax replied, not sounding very happy about it all. “I’ll talk to the others and we’ll figure out a game plan. But then, you’ll talk.”

“Promise,” Diana replied, crossing the room to the closet and wrenching the door open. “Call me later, okay? I have to go. Bye, Jax.”

Diana hung up, tossing her phone on to Gaius’s bed, which was closer to where she now stood.

“Diana?” he asked, confusion and concern coloring his voice at the phone call and her erratic movements.

But Diana didn’t respond, all of her focus trained on the amphora, which they had hidden with the amulet in the back of the closet. The prickling sensation intensified and Diana knew with utmost certainty that it was the ancient vase that was causing all of this commotion in her head.

It was finally ready to talk.

Note: Check out the Fossegrimen’s song here

Tagging: @bachelorettebound14, @somin-yin, @bigmemesplz, @mkamra2355, @dorkylittleweirdo, @xbobbatea, @mindlesschicca, @vesselsynths, @mikewawazoski

#gaius augustine #gaius x mc #my writing #choices #bloodbound #jax matsuo #kamilah sayeed #adrian raines #lily spencer #rheya apostolous

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wallaceandpestle · 5 years

Text

warrior cats beauty standards

frankly in a organized society as complex as Warriors there would definitely be things considered attractive, standards of beauty, clan aesthetics, etc. this includes physical cat features, general traits, objects, etc.

thunderclan:

* thunderclan cats generally find that “big cat features,” resembling lions and panthers, are most attractive, and thus, are common and typical of thunderclan cats. this includes features like thick snouts, broad faces and noses, far-apart, smaller eyes, etc. seem to have “friendlier” faces, much more round.

* wide paws with long claws are seen as signs of strength and prowess (good for climbing trees and navigating the forest)

* thunderclan cats are generally the biggest out of all of the clans, and appear to have the most muscle mass,

* but tbh they just have some of the thickest fur. they’re the only clan to regularly have a “winter coat” and a “summer coat,” the former much thicker and longer. fur is seen as especially attractive in the form of manes around the neck or fluff on the belly (the really plume-like tails are more riverclan reserved, however).

* coat colors can vary, and from what we see in the books i cant really gather common traits (modern tc is so mixed with other groups anyways) but i like to imagine that colors are generally very saturated, somewhat brownish and earthy. brown and ginger tabbies are especially common, but tortoiseshells aren’t unheard of as well (tortoiseshells are more common than calicos).

* cats aren’t dirty by any means (i mean these are cats we’re talking about, sharing tongues is a huge tradtiion) but thunderclanners can be seen visually “Carrying” signs of their environment. pelts flecked with moss and leaves, flowers in the ears of queens, mud streaked along the coats of playful apprentices. every single “crown” headcanon people come up with for plants are valid. all of them.

* obviously every thunderclan cat has a different thing they look for in a mate, but stereotypical (straight) queen signs of attractiveness in toms includes a sense of duty to protect his family/clan, friendly and warm, etc.

* thunderclan cats love foliage and trees. there aren’t a ton of wildflowers in the territory, with how wooded the land is, so instead they favor things like vines and bushes. bramble bushes have long been signs of strength and defense, while softer plants, like ferns and bracken, usually indicates a sense of family, familiarity, or comfort.

* moss is like designer silk to these babes.

shadowclan:

* think thunderclan, but sharper, sleeker, edgier, when it comes to faces. long, narrow snouts, sharp angles in cheek fur and ears and eyes, etc. eyes are often slanted, with very angular corners, while ears are generally very deep-folded (like they curve on the head a lot, with big folds on the sides, idk how to explain it lol).

* coats can range from medium-short to long, somewhat wiry fur. almost wolflike in appearance, with the underbelly fur even brushing the ground. it’s generally accepted that the older a cat is, the longer his fur grows.

* brokenstar cut his longer growing fur with thorns and burs and his own claws to maintain a sharp, clean look. long coats are somewhat associated with elders (and by extension wisdom, knowledge, etc), and he didn’t want that.

* mustaches!!!! long fur on the muzzles, long whiskers, beards!!!!!!!

* for colors, almost all cats that aren’t brown or grey tabbies have white somewhere, in the form of a calico cat, a white chest and belly, white paws, etc. colors are a bit darker and desaturated from thunderclan. most calicos are dilute in some way (as in, they’re grey and cream instead of black and red).

* long curvy claws here too, along with long teeth and fangs (goof for hunting).

* the camp is kept as very secluded between thick pine trees, so there’s no weak spots, and little light let in as well. pine needles are the most common plant, so obviously they’re used for almost all purposes where they can be used.

* mushrooms are very common around the camp, and have become a tiny little motif of shadowclan! most of the other clans dont get them, aside from small ones growing on tree bark (which they hardly notice,) so shadowclan likes to think it’s starclan’s little gift to them. just dont eat them.

* cats are very methodically clean, although they never enter water. especially in the forest territories, most water is somewhat muddy (i mean they lived on a swampland). it’s perfectly safe to drink, but esteemed shadowclan cats probably wouldn’t want to bathe in it.

* medicine cats keep herb gardens!!!! they’re signs of tenderness and clan growth and health, and warriors respect them, refusing to walk through them. apprentices get in big trouble if they trample them.

* cats cant climb the trees, as they’re all confiers, and usually have too many branches close together, with thick pine needles difficult to manuever through, even for cats. but somehow the stereotype of glowing shadowclan eyes in the trees is a thing. shadowclan cats HATE this.

riverclan:

* riverclan cats are viewed as the most luxurious of all the clans, and they love it. plump, well fed bodies, long, sleek, shiny fur dripping down like waterfalls, beautiful, regal faces, are all the beauty standards of riverclan, and often other clans too.

* i mean cats in general find riverclanners physically attractive, often. in the books we see riverclan involved in a lot of forbidden romances, but these take a much milder form all the time in thunderclanners eyeing the gorgeous riverclan she-cat, or windclanners gawking at the stregnth of that tom.

* although, “riverclan crushes” dont usually extend past the physically, since most of the other clans agree that riverclanners let their good looks get to their heads, and are stereotyped as cocky, arrogant, luxurious, demanding, etc.

* it is true that they are very picky with their food - and they get a lot of it. some creative medicine cats and queens take the job of preparing fresh kill for the leaders to be extra tasty and well presented, whether that means serving it with flavorful herbs, or arranging flowers around it, etc.

* many leaders joke about wanting *only the fattest, finest fishes.” it is true that riverclan is much more reluctant to share prey in the books, but in the clan itself, leaders obviously make sure everybody is fed.

* dens, as well, are often decorated with flowers and herbs are stored in the nursery, to help calm queens with their scent. certain flowers symbolize different things, usually related to luck in some way.

* riverclan cats are the only clan that regularly bathes in the river. it usually replaces “sharing tongues,” but cats get just as clean.

* coats are long, healthy, and very smooth, sometimes even wavy. obviously cat’s cant do hairstyles, but the same attractive features in long human hair translates to riverclan cat’s tails, often like feather plumes (feathertail is the riverclan equivalent of naming your child after their beautiful luscious locks).

* cats have big, big eyes, and small noses, with little delicate snouts and mouths (but really sharp teeth). riverclan is the only clan that regularly has flatter snouts, shadowclan occasionally has them but since riverclan has the least need to run around and be active, they can afford a more persian look.

* ears are absolutely fULL of fur.

* webbed feet for easier swming!! all cats have webbed feet to some degree but riverclan cats have it a lot.

* the main areas of long fur are congregated on the elbosw, ankles, tail, neck/chest, cheeks, and ears. the actual body has a very sleek and flat coat for ease in swimming.

* colors are vibrant, usually cool-toned. brown and ruddy tabbies are less common than silver ones, and aside from those and tortoisehsells most cats are solid. exotic patterns, like leopard spots, colorpoint (siamese), ticked, persian, etc, are rare, but definitely possible (and very attractive) in riverclan.

windclan:

* windclanners are the smallest of all the clans!! they’re just short and low by nature.

* because they’re so small, windclan cats are very compactly built, as they have to fit a lot of muscle in a little space. they aren’t the strongest or heaviest in a fight, so they can’t pin down their attackers, but they have really long, strong legs.

* windclan cats have such great legs because they have to run around the moor a lot. they have a really big territory, like it goes really far, but because it’s all just moor and fields the clans aren’t really jealous. they have to traverse all this territory multiple times a day, so they train for speed and endurance a lot, hence the powerful limbs.

* long legs are tucked under the body when they sit/lay, like a rabbit! you ever seen a rabbit run??! the legs are all tucked under so they look really small, but when they get up they go on for miles.

* good hunting abilities are very desirable in a mate. when a bunch of cats have a crush on the same one, they might engage in a “race” in front of them to prove their speed. cats woo their mates by sharing prey with them, and letting them have the first bites.

* in terns of facial details, windclan cats dont have a lot of discernable features. they have generally shorter snots, but not compressed, as this makes it difficult to run and breath heavily. ears are small (and flattened against the face a lot), eyes and noses are big.

* tabbies, especially brown and grey, are extremely common, and any other look is pretty rare for windclan. many cats felt an inherent unease about tallstar being leader, since he was black and white, very uncommon for windclan.

* cats have the shortest fur, to keep away dust, sand, and grasses from getting stuk in their pelts. short/cropped tails are common as well.

* cats love the feeling of being open, of sunshine and total exposure to the elements. sleeping under the stars together is very romantic for windclan mates.

* dens are usually hollows in the sides of hills, often abandoned fox or badger burrows. whatever bushes are there are scraggly, and cats can’t really live in them, although their leaves are usually taken to be bedding for queens (other cats just forgo bedding entirely).

* this is kinda gross but i imagine windclan woudlnt really have a dirtplace?? they pretty much live in a sandbox so there’s just certain areas of the territory they use.

skyclan:

* so i havent read much of the books with skyclan so i cant say much. but from what i understand, as they have a long and sordid history of hardships, traeling, and fighting for their rights, skyclan cats value durabilty, resourcefulness, etc.

* cats are taught from a young age to push through any pain they have, even if minor. medicine and herbs have become largely lost on the clan (i mean leafpool helps them but before that) so the mentality of “get over it, it doesnt hurt that bad” is taught in kits from a young age.

* queens have lots of smaller litters, as when cats are hungrier, they tend to have less kits. so to make up for it, any she-cats able to have kits re admired for having as many litters as they can.

* cats are physically very varied, usually on the thin side. durable, strong bodies are valued as they can survive harsher condition. cats are wirey and thinner, more spry and flexible than any other clan.

#warriors #warrior cats #warriors hc #headcanon #warriors headcanon #thunderclan #riverclan #shadowclan #skyclan #windclan #im taling bout what the cats think is pretty/cute/handsome #like what they look for in a mate or what they generally think looks good #pls dont be gross #long post

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oroku-sanquin · 4 years

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The evening air was sweet from the cherry blossoms, the cool air rolling up off the cobble stone as Oroku walked from the shore of the Shirogane docks. He had come here looking for contract work, but ended up joining a local crime family. A small Yakuza group by the name of Higanbana, that had been running a bath house as a front. They had given him a warm enough welcome, accepted him quickly. A sense of trust he felt he had yet to earn, seeing as they did not fully have his yet ether.

As he turned the corner he saw it, a small bath house with cherry blossoms and purple fern trees, the sound of the waterfall behind it. He had slept in the rental rooms the night before, and found it to be more comfortable than his other arrangements, also known as a street corner or a dusty Inn with dirty sheets. No he had enjoyed himself, the family had been at a fight event backing some fighters the night before, he had made an appearance but felt out of sorts. The bath having been empty and closed to the public for the evening, he utilized it to its fullest. A hot shower before a refreshing dip, an open tap pitcher of ale, and one of his favorite Garlean Cigars, and solitude a long forgotten friend of his. He had gone to sleep before anyone had truly come back.

“Heh, what are you doin, ya old fool.” he said to himself thinking how he had pampered himself. “Ye do a job and you move on.” he let out a sigh before walking down the path and into the bath house.

It appeared as if no one had shown yet, although he did hear light music coming from one of the other rooms. As he entered he saw a Au’ra sitting and sipping a drink working on papers.

“Aye lad, how are you?” he said bluntly as he approached.

The Au’ra without a hint of surprise, looked up from his paper “Oh hello, how are you?” he asked in a calm voice.

“Oh you know, here for some work is all.” Oroku said, sitting down across the table from the other man.

Looking somewhat puzzled for a moment before realizing “Ah yes you are that new member to the family. I'm sorry I haven't had the opportunity to introduce myself yet.” he said, pouring a glass and offering it to Oroku.

“Aye, it be alright, been a few I haven't met yet, names Oroku.” he said taking the drink offered to him and peering down at the what was now obviously a type of alcohol, a type Oroku was not sure, but drank anyway enjoying the subtle taste of it.

“I am Shou, it's a pleasure to meet you Oroku.” he said leaning back slightly “Shar has told me a small amount about you, will you be joining us on the outing this evening?”

Thinking for a moment, “What outing?” he asked, looking over as Shou pulled a cigarette from a gold case and put it in his mouth then offered a second to Oroku.

“We are going to be going out and doing some collections on properties in our territories that would otherwise be helpless against thugs, thieves and the occasional drunk without our protection.” he said as Oroku took the cigarette and lit his own.

Oroku lit his cigarette with a small magitek lighter he had stored in his jacket “Ah, so we are on a mission of goodwill, spreading the word of fiscal responsibility.” he joked taking a drag of the cigarette, it almost being swallowed by his enormous fingers.

Shou let out a laugh “Mission of goodwill? My, I have never heard it called that before.” he said taking a drag and then drinking the last of his brandy.

He looked up at the clock, and quickly began organizing the parchments he had been reading over.

“I do apologize for this short meeting Oroku but I need to take care of some matters before we head out. It was a pleasure, I look forward to working with you this evening.”

Oroku nodded at him and flicked some ash from the cigarette, and drank the last of his drink.

“See you there.”

As Shou left, Oroku looked around the music hall, the very room he had wandered into the night he joined Higanbana, before promptly being removed by Shar, a Small Au’ra he couldn't help but respect due to the power she had in her tone. He chuckled to himself and got up putting the last bit of the cigarette out before heading for the door.

As he came through the door he noticed two he had originally met, Suto and Lucia standing in the lobby, Suto was wearing loose clothing with his mask on, Lucia a white tank top, short and what appeared to be combat boots.

The duo noticed the large Hrothgar come out and nodded to him. He politely nodded at them.

“Hey, how are you two doin this evening?” he asked as he walked up from behind the counter.

“Well, you?” Suto asked as he approached.

“Not bad, not bad.” he said leaning against the counter.

“You joining us tonight then big guy? Lucia asked “They tell you what we are doing?”

Oroku nodded, in confirmation but didn’t say anything.

“Well then you boys want to grab a drink before we head out?” she asked the two.

“I would always have a drink with you, love.” Suto said, smiling at her under his mask.

“I'm always up for a drink, period.” Oroku chuckled

The three then headed upstairs to the bar, where Suto quickly leaped the counter,

“What can I get for you big guy?” he asked as Oroku sat down on a stool, the wood creaking under his weight but holding.

“Just fill that tankard up with some ale.” he pointed to the wooden tankard he had used the previous night.

Suto nodded and grabbed it and quickly filled it letting some foam come to the top, before sliding it to Oroku.

“What about for you gorgeous.” he asked Lucia

She looked at him while leaning against the counter.

“Whatever your having, will be fine.”

“Whiskey it is.”

He began pouring, as he was doing so, the door downstairs opened and shut with a loud bang.

“So Oroku?” Lucia motioned to him as he was drinking his Ale.”What type of weapon you prefer?”

He set the mug down and showed a pair of razor sharp claws that he could retract in and out.

“I use these when I am trying to make a point.” he then patted the handle of his gunblade, “And I use this when I need it to be a bit more permanent of a message.”

She eyed the gunblade handle “I prefer to use my hands.” she said standing back a bit, before ejecting two large Magitek blades from her arms.

While a bit surprised Oroku did not show it, his life had taken him to many places and he had seen many things, a Viera with blades in her arms was a 8 of his 10 scale of surprise.

“Those look like they could do some damage.” he said clearly impressed

She retracted them as Suto placed her whiskey on the counter “You know it.” she joked, giving him a teasing wink.

As Suto picked up his whiskey the strong smell of booze and vomit wafted into the upstairs lounge.

“SUTO! Get meh ah drin.” the slurred drunk speech of a Miqo’te female with a heavy accent filled the air.

“Oh gods,” he said, leaping back over the counter and walking over to her. “Leo how much have you been drinking?” he asked, somewhat guiding her fall onto one of the stools where she then took another swig of a flask

“No, the queshion ish, how much, ave I been drinkin.” she said again slurred.

“Maybe you should help her to the bath.” Lucia said, still sipping on her whiskey, Oroku just watching in silence with no judgement on his face, for he had been in that state before.

“Right, let's get you sobered up and clean.” Suto said to Leo who for a few moments longer continued to fight against the idea, before finally breaking and stumbling down stairs Suto assisted in each step.

“This be an interestin group.” Oroku said finishing off his beer

Lucia was eyeing him, before finally asking “So why did you join? Just here for a contract or going to stay?”

He thought for a long moment

“It was going to be just a job, but something about this place made me want to try not bein so disconnected with those I work with.” he shrugged while reaching over and filling his mug back up.

“That was my case as well.” she said leaning again against the bar.

They sat in silence a moment,

“Well it should just be about time, I think Shou said we are meeting out front.” he said pushing off the bar.

Oroku downed his beer and got up, securing his gunblade tightly, the two headed downstairs, hearing the fighting that was happening in the bath as Suto attempted to clean a very drunk woman. Oroku opened the door and the two headed out into the brisk night air to meet up with everyone else.

End Part 1

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laughingpinecone · 5 years

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Yuna sat beside him and he was real and human and her equal

1374w, Rikku pov, Yuna, Braska, worldbuilding. Chocobox treat for Wingsyouburn!

When they first touched land on Besaid again and felt the warm sand under their feet after the fall, after the losses, after Spira was free, Yuna went missing.

Lulu and Wakka shared their thoughts on the matter in silence, needing nothing more than a glance and a private smile as they let the sun and the brine of home fill the space between them; Kimahri grunted in agreement.

“What?” asked Rikku.

Lulu's smile grew fonder.

“What?” Rikku asked again. Her home was far away. She knew many of its secrets, not these foreign shores’.

“Summoner on the cliff,” they told her, eventually, with a shrug, and Lulu turned around to look at the line of trees up above. “About time.” “Yuna back by nightfall.” “Let her be, ya?” “She will tell us what she wants to tell us, when she wants to.”

Rikku cocked her head at this display of collected wisdom, well-meaning for sure, and sensible too, no doubt, and loving, but of no more use to her than the trumpeting of a shoopuf's snout. She waved goodbye to the trio, to Pops and Brother farther back on the beach, and turned her back to the sea.

The thick underbrush of Besaid's woods soon closed in around her. The paths were wide and clear, marked by dashes of paint on rocks and bark, but as they climbed closer to the promontory they split off into a maze of crossroads that covered the mountainside like a web. With no signs and no map, Rikku could only trust her instincts, her bond with her cousin and, with some luck, that wistful look Lulu had shot earlier, aimed someplace far up and to the East. “Summoner on the cliff”, they had said, but there were no summoners on Spira anymore, not even hidden among faraway palms and ferns. Not even Yunie. Still, the island's most prominent cliff, she believed, was to her right and at least half an hour away.

An hour later, a parched throat put an end to a long string of Al Bhed profanities and approximations thereof, with frequent refrains aimed at Yevon's smelly feet. Abandoned by the comforting sound of her own voice, Rikku sighed and leaned against a rock, letting the sounds of the woods surround her. The whistling of a breeze. Birds, calling each other among the branches. The crystalline splashing of thin waterfalls down below. Nearby, faint words, human words, Yuna's words. Rikku perked up.

“We have all paid our prices,” her cousin said from beyond the trees, and if her words echoed the speech she gave from the Grand Maester's seat her voice did not, it stayed private, personal. “Mine… I mean… how long did you keep your smile? How long is it fair to keep our smile? How much of it was ours? What part of it isn't ours, but Yevon's, I will leave behind and hear nothing of it anymore. I think you agree?”

Rikku followed the voice into the trees away from the winding trails, hearing it so close now in front of her, separated only by a veil of leaves.

“Because I know... that it wasn't all Yevon's. I know the warmth wasn't.”

Past the last fern, the view took Rikku's breath away. A glade opened on a small sunlit basin by the southern cliff, protected by a thick grove and by boulders on the other side. Water pooled on the rocks, one of Besaid's many springs, clear and sparkling in the late afternoon sun. Uncle Braska sat beside it, splashing his feet like a man who hadn't been dead for ten years and didn't have a care in the world, either. He wore his robes loose, chestplate unbuckled, ribbons undone, and had left his heavy headpiece behind, freeing soft brown hair to be caressed by the wind. The holy man (the kind man, the friend of Al Bhed - too friendly, as Pops would have it, but then again, Pops said many stupid things) was massaging his sore neck muscles with a sheepish smile.

Yuna sat by his side, almost daring to lean on his shoulder, to bask in his contented grace, and talked to him, frank, relieved, understood. She told him of the first time she wove a rope, of a plaque in Bevelle, of the finest points of boiling an egg and it sounded like there was some shared history there that remained safe between them. Small talks, small steps dancing around the words that gripped her throat.

“I missed you…” she said, eventually, and he splashed his feet some more. “I missed you so much that I couldn't come here. I couldn't afford to be reminded that you were so much more than the hymns and the statues, father. I wanted to, so badly. But I couldn't. The void you left… I had to let it grow smaller. It would be the void I was going to leave in turn, as I followed in your footsteps, and I had to believe that Lulu and the others would… you know.”

Rikku wished she could hug her then. Hug them both, maybe, in that strange moment out of time which she didn’t want to make sense of. A fair, solid hug. But summoners never got fairness, did they. Not even when they weren't summoners anymore. Not even when they were dead. Braska didn't hug his daughter, but he looked down like he understood her pain and all the world's pain and said, softly: “I know.”

Startled, Yuna looked at him. She shook her head with a little smile and sat in silence for a while, brightened by his warmth.

“There is one more thing… then I will tell you again about the chocobos sculptures we made with the sand, I would like very much to tell you about the chocobos. But I need to be honest, with you and with myself, so I will tell you this when I have never told it to anyone on the island. Not even to Lulu, who knows everything. I never came here, father, because I could not stand to find out how you really were. Not only to remember your love from when I was a child, but to meet you again eye to eye, as my own person, and… find out that you were so much more... more kind, more bright, more human than I could ever hope to be. But now… Sin is gone and… we're not so bad, are we? We can sit together like this. I can tell you about places you never saw and people you never met. We made it. Can you believe it? We made it.”

In that moment he turned to look at Yuna with his kindest smile and faded for a moment in a burst of pyreflies. Rikku blinked. Enthralled by the apparition and by the sun's reflections, she hadn't registered that the small basin was filled with pyreflies, like a chest holding a precious memory. One day, ten years earlier, Braska had stopped there. Rested there. Smiled at his guardians or at a new friend. His pilgrimage had urged him on, but a trace of him had remained in the basin, a summoner on the cliff watching over the island he had come to love.

So Lulu was right (big whoop, she always was): this moment was for Yuna alone, no matter how much restraint it took Rikku to keep her peace. If she ever felt like getting to know her uncle a little better, she would wait for her turn, another day, another year. Anyway, Besaid’s treasured apparition was just memories, after all, a record stuck in a loop - not the Al Bhed's way. She would rather ask Pops and Yuna and try to make sense of the man behind their words.

And yet. As she turned around to begin her hike down toward the village, the memory of Braska's words gave her pause. Coincidence, surely. Lucky timing in the pyreflies’ recording, a soft understanding uttered a lifetime ago to different people coming back at just the right time. Her upbringing allowed no other explanation. And yet. She walked down with a spring in her step, feeling loved. Feeling that Yuna was loved, always.

#final fantasy x #ffx #yuna #braska #rikku #fanfiction

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starsilversword · 5 years

Text

The Jungle Island

By Starsilversword. (Please do not use my work or repost)

“So… Do any of you know a card game that we can play?”

“Are you serious!?” Henry exclaimed, eyebrows shooting up. “We’re stranded on an island in the middle of the Pacific!”

I looked up from where I was sitting cross-legged on the sand. Of course, I was on top of my jacket so sand wouldn’t get in my pants. That would be annoying and not fun. “So?” I asked.

He stared at me like I was crazy, but I think he is the one who was crazy. “Oh my gosh. We are on an island for crying out loud! We need to do stuff so we can survive!” He pulled at his golden brown hair in worry. A dark-haired girl with gold eyes and warm mocha skin came up to him. I think her name was Sea, I can’t remember. I’m not good with names.

“You have no need to worry,” she said, voice soft. “The others have already prepared everything.” Her eyes watched us carefully, “Now all we need is someone to go find some food.” The way she was looking at us was like she expected us to volunteer or something without saying a word. Then I had the most amazing idea.

I lept up, grabbed Henry’s hand and raised it with my own. “We volunteer as tribute!” Henry tore his hand away.

“Hey!” He exclaims, “Why’d you do that!” He crossed his arms and turned away. Wow, such a drama queen or should I say, king.

Sea blinked in surprise, a small smile appeared on her face before vanishing. As if it was never there. Cool, I didn’t think that she was one for showing emotion. “Okay then,” she said. “All you need to do is go in there,” she pointed to the dense tropical forest more inland. “And bring back anything edible.”

Henry stared, “Hold on a second.” He said making a stop sign with his hands. “You want-” I cut him off.

“Cool, looks fun.” He gave me an Are you serious look. Whatever. “Come on Henry,” I said, picking up my jacket and tying it to my waist. Not after getting the sand off it of course. “Let’s go!” I pointed to the trees, ponytail nearly hitting Henry in the face. I started marching. I took several steps before turning on my heel. “Henry!” I yelled. “Stop flirting and get going!”

He came over to me. “Fine,” Henry grumped. “You’re mean Isra.”

“I’m mean, whatever for?” I asked sarcastically. Then once again I faced the forest. “Alrighty then, into the jungle we go.” After a moment I added, “Where there will be lots of wild animals and strange bugs.”

As we started walking I heard Henry mutter, “Not cool dude, not cool.” I smirked, it was fun to tease him about his extreme dislike for wild animals and bugs. We were at the treeline when Sea called out to us.

“Guys,” she paused. “Stay safe and don’t get lost okay!” I gave her a grin and a thumbs-up while Henry got a terrified look on his face. Then we stepped into the forest, ready for any adventures that may come.

*********

Or at least I was. Henry, not so much. We had been barely walking for 5 minutes, I could tell because luckily my watch had survived the trip when Henry started complaining.

“Why haven’t we found anything yet?” He whined.

“Seriously,” I asked, wacking a vine with a stick I had picked up. “Stop complaining and start looking.” I examined some leaves before dismissing them.

He pointed in the direction in which we had come. “But there was some yummy looking fruit back there,” he said. I turned to face him.

“And I told you that they were poisonous.”

“Fine,” he said crossing his arms. “Then when will we find something that we can eat?” I responded with a sigh.

“When we do, we do.” Then I continued trekking forward. Henry following close behind. We walked for a while longer when I stopped and held up my hand. Henry walked into me. Rude.

“Why did you stop?” He asked. I put my finger to my lips. Signalling to him for silence.

Softly I said, “Listen,” he went quiet. Head tilted slightly. “What do you hear?” I asked.

He seemed to be in deep concentration before he said, “Water. I hear running water.”

“Exactly!” I exclaimed. “Which means fresh water that we can bring a back to the others. And…” I paused for effect. “Where there is water there are sure to be animals. Which we can then follow to find edible plants.” I pointed in the direction where the sound was coming from. “Onward troops!”

Henry looked uncertain but followed anyways. As we got closer the shrubbery started to thin. I could see the afternoon sun high in the sky. Piercing through trees with beams of light. “Isra,” Henry whisper-shouted.

“What?” I whisper-shouted back, annoyed.

Coming very close to my face he whispered, “Did you say animals?” His blue eyes flitted back and forth. Awaiting my answer. I was in a tricky situation. I could tell the truth and have him run away, or lie and not have him run away. I chose to lie, then at least we could finish our mission.

Looking Henry in the eye, I said as calmly as possible, “No, I did not.” He stared at me for a few more seconds before going back to his normal, cheerful self.

“Okay!” He chirped. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized that I was holding. I nodded my head in agreement, and then we continued on. As we kept going forward the sound of running water got louder and louder. Then we arrived and the sight was spectacular.

There was a magnificent waterfall crashing into a large turquoise lake, which then drained into a small river. Different kinds of plants grew on its banks. Trees, flowers, whatever that is. And the wildlife, it was so diverse. There were so many different types of animals gathered here. A yellow and brown butterfly flew by. I couldn’t believe it.

Of course, Henry hated it. “I thought you said that there would be no animals.” He hissed.

“We are in the middle of the jungle, what did you expect!?” I exclaimed, “Its a miracle that we haven’t run into up to this point.” I pulled him behind some ferns. Peeking between the leaves I looked for the least dangerous animal to follow. Another butterfly flew by, this one was black and yellow. I had just spotted a herd of deer that we could follow when a scream pierced the air.

I tumbled forward in surprise. Falling out of the ferns and out into the open. Henry ran out soon afterwards swatting at the air. So much for stealth. Getting up, I brushed the dirt off myself before taking a deep breath. “What the heck was that!?” I screeched at him. He shrank back slightly, oops. Looks like I was being a little too loud.

“I saw a bug and I wanted it to go away,” Henry said. I mentally facepalmed. “But it wouldn’t and, it was scary.” I sighed, at least we could still go get water.

“Okay, whatever.” I started to turn back to the lake when Henry grabbed my wrist. “What now!?” I asked annoyed.

His eyes had fear in the and he was staring at something behind me. “Stay very quiet,” he warned, slowly backing up. “And don’t turn around.” Guess what, I turned around. Bad idea.

Behind me was a fuly grown tiger, watching us with its yellow eyes. “N-nice k-kitty?” I stuttered. It tilted its head. Well, we’re screwed. “Run away!” I screamed and we both bolted into the trees.

*********

We kept running until we finally collapsed on the forest floor. “I think we lost it,” Henry breathed, gasping for breath.

“Yeah,” I gasped back. “Only one promblem,” I sat up and looked around.

“What is it?” Henry asked also sitting up. There was a twig stuck in his hair, haha,

I deadpanned. “We are hopelessly lost.” He stared at me. I picked up a fruit off the ground and inspected it. Pretty sure I recognized it from somewhere.

“You’re joking,” he looked scared. “Right Isra?” Slowly I shook my head.

“I’m afraid not. Wish I was though.” I sighed and flopped back down. Not caring that I was getting covered in dirt. We just stayed there for a while, sitting in silence. The shadows growing longer and more menacing. Finally, I stood. “We should get moving. Who knows what roams here at night.”

Henry lept up and clutched my arm. “Y-yeah,” he stuttered. “Let’s go.” I picked a random direction and we started walking.

*********

I froze, Henry bumped into me. By now it was pitch black, the moonlight barely making it through the roof of leaves. Strange noises could be heard, but one in particular got my attenttion. “Do you hear that?” I asked, straining my ears. “Sounds like music.”

Henry tilted his head. “I don’t hear music. Just crickets.” A thought popped into my head. I grabbed his hand and ran, pulling him in the direction of the sound.

“Listen!” I cried out in excitement. “It’s getting louder!” By now I could hear the steady beat of drums. We ran faster.

“I can hear it now!” Henry shouted. With that we went head on. I could see torchlight through the thinning plants. We started to slow down. Henry pointed ahead of us, “Look, a town.”

I looked, there were people wearing colourful clothing and dancing. “It looks like they’re having a festival of some sort.” I paused, “Hey! Maybe we can ask them to help us. Then we can get help to the others as well!”

Henry nodded in agreement, “Sounds like a plan.”

“Okay!” I exclaimed, jumping and sticking my hand in the air. “Let’s do this!” With that we stepped into the light. As we approached the people I said, “At least I know where we are now.”

“Where?” Henry questioned, glancing at me.

“Indonesia.”

The End

#adventure stories #short story #ocs #my ocs #original character #indonesia #henry #isra #(i literally copied and pasted from a word document)#island stories #travel stories #adventure #short stories #writer #writers on tumblr #writers #stories #please don't steal

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jaguarundis · 5 years

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Dream Made Real

A little oneshot for xio @kuurapika ‘s lovely characters!! This is way overdue, but it was lots of fun to work on and helped me stretch my writing muscles a bit. Hope you enjoy it!

1.3k words on girls being gay UNDER the cut

The sun glows white-hot and overly bright in a blue, blue sky. Winged creatures sing strange and musical songs from the treetops. Somewhere out of sight, a waterfall is making a quiet rushing sound.

Azari relaxes her shoulders and closes her eyes, drinking in the sounds and sensations of nature around her. These are the best days: whimsical, serene, full of magic. Full of content.

That is, until the peaceful spell is very rudely broken by a crashing sound from a distant grove of trees. Which can only mean one thing--

“Found you, Azari!”

Yup. It’s Ina, looking disheveled from her travel through the woods but also unfairly pretty at the same time. The sight of Azari’s girlfriend--girlfriend!! She still can’t believe it--makes her heart jump suddenly against her ribcage. It’s been far too long.

“You’re late,” Azari points out, trying to hide her smile.

“Excuse me for having trouble making it to the middle of nowhere,” Ina fires back, but there’s no bite to her voice. “This whole thing was your idea! I just got dragged along for the ride.”

“So you’re not happy to see me, then?”

“Hey, I never said that.”

Both of them are quiet for all of a second before glancing at each other and bursting into laughter. Even after months of dating, they’ve never gotten tired of their own banter. Azari knows that she, at least, will never pass up an easy opportunity to get a laugh out of Ina. She suspects that the feeling is mutual.

“Well, let’s get going. If we manage our time right, we can probably hike all along the longest trail by sunset.”

“Lame,” Ina says, but she’s grinning anyways.

Sometime later, the sun has traced a wide path across the sky. Noon brings with it more warmth, but also more insects. Far too many insects. Azari swats aside an iridescent winged menace for the umpteenth time before linking her fingers with Ina’s. She doesn’t miss the redness creeping into Ina’s cheeks and the tips of her ears at the gesture. None of them speak to acknowledge it, but the silence is comfortable. It settles over them with the lightness of silk threads.

As Ina and Azari weave their way through fallen branches and overgrown shrubs, the various sounds of the woods fade into the background, overtaken by the distinct noise of a something else: something new.

A waterfall.

The very waterfall that Azari remembers hearing earlier that morning, in fact.

Except oh, it looks so much grander up close, and all the more breathtaking. Azari has to crane her neck to see where it begins among the frothy white bubbles: upon her examination, it seems to trace back to a craggy collection of boulders, about seventy feet up in the air.

Azari kneels down beside the pool where the waterfall ends and dips the fingers of her metallic arm in its coolness. A thin orange-blue fish zips by her hand, a blur of color and motion. The water sighs and burbles in the way that water does, and Azari is so caught up in its rhythm that she almost doesn’t notice Ina sneaking up behind her.

Almost.

“Watcha up to? Talking to the fishes?” Ina has both of arms draped around Azari’s shoulders from behind, and she’s taken the liberty of propping her chin on her head too. Azari can feel her skin tingling from the contact. Her enhanced senses are a blessing and curse, times like this.

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Azari finally manages, trying to look up at Ina backwards. It doesn’t work.

Ina absentmindedly twirls a strand of Azari’s hair between her fingers. “Mhmm,” she hums, voice dreamy. “I think we should have something to eat, don’t you? I’m famished.”

Azari blinks at the sudden change in topic. She wriggles around in Ina’s grasp to face her, tucking her legs underneath herself to sit properly. “Well, my pack isn’t just for show. You can help yourself, you know. I have some boar meat in there, rice from yesterday’s leftovers, cornbread, a bottle of raspberry wine I snuck out of the pantry…” She trails off with a sly smile when she sees Ina’s eyes go wide.

“No way.”

“Yes way, and I can prove it!”

Ina beats her to the worn leathery hunting pack, though, and fishes out the bottle in question. She makes a face. “Azari, you bold faced liar!”

Azari giggles. She can’t help it. “Well, you see, it technically is raspberry juice, and who knows how long it’s been in Mom’s cupboard, so--”

“Come on, Azari! What happened to good old-fashioned drunken fun?”

“Hilarious. You can say that again when we’re of age.”

Ina pointedly sticks out her tongue, but doesn’t argue. Instead, she plops down on the grassy ground and fishes out a sizable loaf of cornbread from Azari’s pack. Azari settles beside her, but not before retrieving the aforementioned rice for herself.

The sky twists and contorts into a sunset: blue and purple and orange clouds sprawl out across the pink backdrop. Azari watches with her head tipped back, not wanting to miss a moment of it. Around her, she can make out the shadowy shapes of tree trunks and smooth boulders and forest ferns, as well as the jagged rocks shaping the waterfall nearby. Ina is shadowed by the sunset, too, but only halfway. The sun’s managed to illuminate a strand of her hair so that it looks glossy and faded all at once, and her eyes are unusually bright.

Unusually bright-- and focused on her. Azari feels her skin tingling again, not unlike before. She knows Ina inside out. She knows her desires, knows her dreams and aspirations, knows her fears and sorrows.

And she knows what that look means.

Azari suddenly feels uncomfortably aware of herself: her right hand, with the fingers splayed out on the soil and grass. Her hair brushing against the back of her neck. Every movement of her mouth as she swallows. Her heart pulsing in her chest like a contained beast.

Slowly, carefully, she shifts to face Ina. Their eyes meet. And Azari’s breath catches when she sees Ina’s eyes-- really sees them, every fleck of color and every flash of emotion.

Ina is so beautiful it hurts.

But as it is, Azari doesn’t have long to agonize over the fact, which is just as well. If she did, she’d surely sink so far into the depths of infatuation that she’d never return.

No, Azari doesn’t get the chance to contemplate her bubbling feelings further, because Ina seems to read her mind and smiles--really smiles, pure and compassionate-- before cupping Azari’s cheek in her hand and kissing her.

Around them, time seems to trickle impossibly slowly. Clouds inch unhurriedly across the sky. The crickets barely whisper. Even the waterfall’s incessant roar sounds muted. The forest is bathed in pink and black and orange, and it’s beautiful, and Ina’s beautiful, and Azari is kissing her back.

For that moment, nothing else exists.

It’s been a minute, or a few minutes, or an hour, before the two of them pull apart. Azari feels flushed all over. Her mouth buzzes with the memory of Ina’s lips on hers.

She’s certain Ina is in a similar state, but she can’t tell for sure. The shadows have expanded to cover every part of her save for the glint of her teeth in the dark.

A beat of silence, and then:

“Azari, the look on your face!”

“Oh, shut up!!”

But they’re both smiling now, because the world is dark, and the night air is soothing, and nothing warms the heart like cornbread and leftover rice and a shared kiss during a sunset.

Azari relaxes her shoulders and closes her eyes, drinking in the sounds and sensations of nature around her. These are the best nights: whimsical, serene, full of magic. Full of love.

#my words #love you xio!! this really was lots of fun to write so I hope it's to your liking (●´^｀●)

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writingthingsisdifficult · 6 years

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The man in my dreams

This is a story of dreams, of heartbreak, and soulmates. Some fluff, some angst, a little bit of blood, a little bit language...

I worked hard on this, so please let me know what you think. I also have a tag list; so let me know if you want on it. Or if you want off it, I guess. There’s a few people I can’t tag anymore. Let me know if you’ve changed your url or something, yeah?

Edit: I don’t know what the weird symbols are, but they disappear when you click the read more. Also: yes there is a read more - but for some reason it doesn’t show up on mobile. Sorry.

Word count: 7107

He grips my foot tighter as he bandages the wound. It is just a small nick, but he seems uneasy, and I don’t want to upset him further, so I don’t move. “Tell me,” he says, and there’s an emotion I can’t interpret laced in his voice.

“W-what?”

“Your story. Tell me.” He waves his free hand, indicating for me to get on with it. “From the beginning.”

“Uh…” I clear my throat, and try to ignore the burn from the screaming. “M-my first memory is…” This is harder than I thought it would be. I’ve always had dreams and aspirations, but it’s not to die by the hands of some nutter who gets off on people’s sob stories. Of course I’m not my usual top self.

Growling, he gathers a fistful of my hair and yanks, pulling my head backwards. The pain brings tears to my eyes. “Now!”

I let out a long breath, and a plan of sorts forms in my head. Maybe I can distract him long enough to work my hands free of the rope. And then? Let’s worry about that later. “Y-yeah… hhhhso. First mem-memory. Uhhh… I remember waking up, screaming from a nightmare where I was covered in flames. If I close my eyes I can still feel the heat on my face… I screamed so hard my throat ripped and I could taste blood on my tongue, and… and Dad spent hours trying to calm me down. Heh… it wasn’t until he started humming along to the soft rock radio station I finally closed my eyes and drifted off into an uneasy sleep. I guess I must have been around three or something.”

He nods, and his apparent calm encourages me to continue. I brace myself and bring forth the story I intend to tell him.

“I had a very happy childhood. I did. My parents loved me, and I never wanted for anything. Yet I always felt something was missing. Like I wasn’t whole. I tried not to think about it too much, because like everyone else, I just wanted to be normal and accepted.

But sometimes this longing crept out; when I was sleeping and had no control over myself. When I turned five the dreams became more frequent, and I started to recognise a pattern.” There’s always a pattern, if you know where to look, and it didn’t take me long to see it.

“’Momma! Momma!’ My cries were followed by frantic footsteps on the soft carpet. I think there was a sharp crack, then a low curse being thrown into the room, but I’m not entirely sure. I was too scared to care that Mom had trodden on one of my favourite Barbies.

‘What is it, pumpkin? Another nightmare?’ Mom’s voice was like a soothing blanket over my frayed nerves as she picked me up and held me close. Yes, it was another nightmare, but it wasn’t an ordinary nightmare. My six-year-old brain recognised that much.

Wiping my nose on Mom’s shirt, I sniffed and blinked away the tears that stuck to my eyelashes. ‘Uh-huh. The same… A dark, um, monster was coming in through the window, and he was so scared, and… and then someone was shooting…’ The flash of flames from the gun was what woke me up. To this day, I’m still terrified of… of fire.”

I sigh, and try not to think about my current predicament. Right now a little fire almost seem like a good thing. “Anyway. So Mom stroked my hair and smiled softly. ‘Oh,’ she said, as if she was holding back. ‘You were dreaming about, about S… Sander? again?’ She always struggled to remember the dreams I’d told her about before, and for some reason that annoyed me exceedingly.

But I didn’t know how to tell her that, of course. I was only six, so I banged my fist weakly against her chest. ‘Sam, Momma. His name is Sam.’

Mom gave me a sad smile, and kissed the top of my head. ‘Sorry, honey. It was just a dream. There’s no such thing as monsters –“ I’m interrupted by a low chuckle, and I frown at my captor, who has seated himself at the bottom of my chair, with his feet crossed, and his head in his hands as if I’m reading him a fairytale.

“Nothing,” he smirks, and nods for me to continue again.

“Uh-huh. Well, Mom told me to go back to sleep. She said that nothing could hurt me in my bed. Then she tucked my blanket tight, but there was something about her face that made me suspicious. Like she wasn’t telling me the truth. But then again, Mom always said I wasn’t a very trusting child, so I archived the feeling in the back of my mind where all the other weird ideas I had would eventually end up; like ghosts were real and that werewolves really looked like ordinary people. Oh, the look on Mom and Dad’s faces when I told them. Of course they knew better. There’s no such thing as ghosts – the only monsters out there are…” You, I want to say, but I’m not sure how he’ll react to that, so I sniff, and cough.

“May I please have a glass of water?” I ask, my mouth so dry it hurts to smack my tongue.

“No,” he simply replies, and straightens his back.

Right. My story. Pri one, obviously. “Some dreams are vague like feelings or memories of colours swirling over a blank canvas, or emotions etched into my mind for forever, but without context or a story.

Others, uh, others I remember as if… as if they happened just minutes ago, like those piercing, yellow eyes. So cold, so… evil. I never really saw who they belonged to, but they frightened me so much Mom and Dad thought about sending me to a professional. I wonder what would’ve happened if they did. Those eyes still haunt me sometimes. Sometimes I even feel I can see them when I’m awake… But in the middle of them all stands Sam, like a pulsing beacon of light and safety. Even though his face is blank in my dreams, I always knew it was him, you know?”

He fidgets and shifts on the floor, looking uneasy, but he quickly hides his emotions behind a stern façade. “Tell me about the dreams about Sam.”

“Hum, okay. In those dreams he was there, sometimes almost as we were the same person, or sometimes we would meet and do stuff together. It never, uh, never struck me as weird when I was little, that I never saw his face. It felt natural, and those times I saw others, it was like watching them through a filter, or maybe through his eyes even.

Dean appeared often. His brother. Sometimes like a knight or a caped hero,” I smile from the memory of the tough looking kid in a Batman cowl and the cape flowing behind him as he ran through the streets. “He… uh, would swoop in to save us when we’d gotten lost. Flowers sprouted and blossomed where he walked, and wherever he went darkness cowered. I always liked Dean. He made Sam happy.

Sometimes older people appeared too. At least when I was younger. A man named Dad felt strong and safe, but sometimes he felt distant and sad. Those dreams always made me cry with the heartache Sam tried to hide away.

There was another man too. A gruff, but kind looking old man. Sam called him Uncle Bobby.” There comes a low growl from the floor, but I ignore it. “His hugs scratched my chin, but they were bigger and better than I’d ever known before. Sometimes Uncle Bobby was Uncle Dad. Those were not happy dreams. Well, the dreams were. Usually filled with fun stuff like soccer or baseball and ice cream, but they were almost always immediately followed by a pang of inexplicable guilt and embarrassment before I was rudely ejected from the dream.

Those nights I used to gather all my stuffed toys in my bed with me and place them meticulously around me so they’d know I loved them all equally. That wasn’t entirely true, though. My stuffed gorilla, Hannibal, was my favourite, but I would never admit it out loud so my toys could hear it. But Hannibal always slept in my arms. He knew all my secrets. Like when Dad left with another man when I was seven, and uh…” I let out an uncertain laugh. I hadn’t meant to tell him that. But it’s like I can’t stop myself from it.

“Anyway. When I was nine, I remember the dream so vividly… I was in this, this meadow, I think. So unfamiliar, I’d never been there before, but at the same time I knew exactly where I was, and that there was something important there. Everything was so distracting. The colours were so vibrant I was pretty sure I could touch them if I tried; the air buzzed with excitement, and all around me birds chirped and danced over the tree tops.

Next to me flowed a small brook, and the bubbling reminded me of laughing babies. I followed it. Nothing bad could happen if I just followed the brook, right? Just as I skipped over a rock to cross the water, a shadow flitted across the corner of my eyes, but when I turned, all I could see was a bright green fern stretching to lick the sun.

The water ran upstream, it seemed, but I didn’t think much of it. It was as it should. Eventually I got to a waterfall that flowed upwards, but I was too preoccupied with the table laid out with every candy I could possibly imagine – and quite a bit more, I believe. Sam was there too, and another man I couldn’t really see. They were laughing. I’d never seen him that happy before.

When I approached, Sam got up and hugged me. I was so surprised I totally lost the ability to speak. He introduced me to his friend, I-I’ve forgotten his name, but he was so proud of Sam, and he told me that I was good for looking out for him. Then we gorged ourselves on candy and marshmallows and junk food, and watched cartoons and played Twister.

When I told Mom about the dream, she ruffled my hair and smiled, but under her breath she muttered: ‘That poor boy. He must be feverish –‘ But to me she said: ‘It was only a dream, honey.’

You know… I nodded, pretending I hadn’t heard her, but that’s when I understood: she believed me, even though she didn’t tell me the whole truth. I decided to ask the wisest person I knew the next day: my best friend at school, Lou. He was a year older than me, and he knew everything there was to know about everything worth knowing.” I exhale through my nose and shake my head. The picture of Lou in the schoolyard is almost absurd. And it was so long ago. How young we were.

“Lou folded his hands in his lap and looked at me with the air of a benevolent ruler who’s just about to educate his favourite subject on a very serious matter.

‘You have a soulmate,’ he said matter-of-factly. Several of the onlookers gasped. Some sniggered.

‘Nuh-huh!’ Tilly from science protested. ‘My Mom says there’s no such thing.’ We could practically hear her roll her eyes.

‘Then your Mom is wrong,’ Lou countered, and I huffed in agreement. He’d clearly won the point, even though I didn’t really know what he was talking about. ‘Just because she hasn’t got one, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist!’

‘You know those are just stories, right?’ Maggie chimed in. She was in Lou’s year, and pretty much ruled the school. She cocked an eyebrow and crossed her arms.

“Yeah, no, I’m telling you it’s real.” I was desperate for Lou to be right; I never liked Maggie, and besides nothing would ever convince me that my dreams were just dreams.

“Well, my mom says that it’s just a fairy-tale Nana used to tell to make us go to bed without arguing.”

Lou got to his feet and crossed his arms too. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Maggie shrank back a bit, because he was like a head taller than her, and probably weighed twice as much, but it only took a second or two for her to bounce back, with Tilly in tow.

I don’t remember what Tilly said, but I do remember throwing a few punches. It’s a miracle we didn’t all get suspended. Got detention, though. And it felt so unfair. Because Tilly deserved everything she got. She was a despicable… Anyway. I went home and asked Mom. Mostly because I was sure the teacher was going to tell her what the fight was about anyway, so I figured I’d beat her to it.

The answer I got wasn’t what I expected. I think I thought she was going to deny it and tell me my mind was running away with me again, and that Lou shouldn’t have lied like that. But she sat me down and ran a hand through her hair. ‘It’s a controversial topic,’ she began, ‘and many believe it’s untrue, or that it’s a threat to free will. It’s a rare condition. That’s why we don’t talk about it. But wouldn’t it be wonderful to know someone out there is made for you?’

‘Like you and Dad?’ I asked, rubbing the bruise on my forehead.

She looked at me with tears in her eyes. ‘Honey, I… your father and I kept it quiet because… well, you see, your father and I weren’t – I never had the dreams, though he did. We worked hard to make it… work, and we never thought that… because we, uh, sorta thought it would… uh, that it would…’ She obviously struggled to speak about it. In hindsight I realise that it hurt her greatly, but back then I was just a stubborn brat with insensitive questions.

Trying her best to swallow the lump in her throat so that I didn’t see, she coughed, and moved the cushion half an inch to the right, then back again. ‘It seems silly now,’ she continued after a while. ‘Thinking his soulmate would appear just from us talking about it… As if we could keep him away just by keeping quiet,’ she added with a huff, more to herself than me. “Anyway… those dreams… yes. Sam’s your soulmate, but I can’t tell you when – if – you’ll meet him. Nature is, I wouldn’t exactly call it evil, maybe more tricky. And there hasn’t been much research on the subject, since it’s pretty rare to begin with, and… well, since it’s about love and all. But I think I read somewhere that it’s most likely hereditary. There was a research paper published, I think about twenty years ago, that claimed that only males carry the gene, but I’m not sure. I don’t know.’ Her voice was soft and airy, more vulnerable than I expected a Mother to be.

Mom always did that when she was sad: spoke to me like I was a grown-up, and I always nodded and practised my “understanding” face, but truth be told I didn’t understand half of what she said.

What I did understand, though, was that Sam, the boy I’d been dreaming about my whole life was real, and that one day I might meet him. That thought made me giddy and warm inside, and I couldn’t wait for us to play together. I was only nine, mind you. Uh… May I please have a glass of water?” My voice crack, and he slowly gets to his feet. I use the few seconds alone to wiggle the rope a little further.

When he gets back he watches me with… almost fearful eyes, and he gently helps me to drink. The water is cold and refreshing, and I gulp it down greedily. He wipes my chin, and then sits back down. “Now continue.”

“Right.” I want to ask him why, but I don’t think it’ll do me any good. “The years passed, and I no longer wanted to play with Sam. Somewhere deep in my brain the seed that had been planted when I was born began to grow and bloom.

Mom never mentioned anything about soulmates again, and I quickly learned not to bring it up at school unless I wanted to be ridiculed and laughed at. But the dreams continued.

When I was thirteen, and just starting to figure out my feelings and getting confused with more of them, I had this dream that really stuck with me for a long time. I think it was in September, and I remember I struggled with school a bit at that time. Anyway. In this dream, Sam and me, we were at a museum.

I wasn’t entirely sure how we got there, nor did I know exactly where we were, but I also did know that we were in San Francisco, and this was the gigantic Prehistory Museum that obviously had to be there, since that was where we were. Which is funny, because I’ve never been to San Francisco. Incidentally this was when I learned how to pronounce pterodactyl, heh…”

He gives me a dark look, and I hurry to continue my story.

“This museum, it was, I don’t know, round-ish… the huge cylindrical core was made up of glass, the hundreds of windows gave us glimpses of the exhibitions inside, and we strolled down along the walkway that wound itself around it like a giant vine. It felt like walking through a rainforest – everything was so green and lush.

Each floor was home to a new exhibition, and even though quite a few of them looked interesting – I never really got over my dinosaur phase – we didn’t feel like leaving our jungle path. The rooms were too crowded, or too loud, or both, and we just wanted to be together.

Once we stopped by a souvenir cart, and Sam bought me a miniature model of an ichthyosaur skeleton, and I bought him a lollipop in all the colours of the rainbow, because that was what he wanted more than anything.

We didn’t say much, for what felt like forever. Occasionally Sam would stop and point at something new or unusual, and sometimes we’d get distracted by a sound or the sight of traffic outside, but it only took seconds and then we were back together again on the neverending carpeted spiral.

At one point, Sam’s hand brushed mine, and we both jumped. He coughed and hummed, I blushed like I’d never touched another human being before, and then we both looked away. It was the best feeling in the world: my heart hammered, I was on the verge of throwing up, yet I was floating just a couple of inches above the ground, because I knew what was coming.

A wave of courage hit me, and I reached for Sam’s hand just as he reached for mine. The moment we touched the world went darker, as if the sun suddenly went down, but then thousands of tiny lights blinked all around us. One of the lights landed on my nose, and I squinted to look at the firefly. When I looked up again, Sam was closer than he was before. I’m pretty sure there were fireworks too. Wind lifted my hair, and I closed my eyes and leaned in – only to be interrupted by a loud screech from the velociraptor exhibit. We turned our backs to it, but the sound continued, so I opened my eyes and cursed loudly. I was back in my bed, the alarm clock shrieked at me, and I had two hours of history and maths waiting for me.

I think that dream lingers because most of the others were so dark and scary. I can’t tell whose dream is who’s anymore, but I remember dreaming a lot about those yellow eyes. Especially in combination with black smoke and a smell that stung my nose. And sometimes I would comfort Sam, or he would comfort me, and I would wake up with tears in my eyes. I guess it was because our minds were getting used to each other. I dunno.

There were a lot of monsters. But sometimes, sometimes… I recognise the dream as fully mine.” I close my eyes and dip further into the memory. “I don’t know why I was crying. Maybe it was just that time of the month, maybe something horrible had happened that I couldn’t remember, or maybe I was just exhausted from Mom’s constant talk about college. The applications were written, but I didn’t know where I wanted to go – or even what I wanted to do. At any rate the tears wouldn’t stop falling, and soon I sat in a big puddle of water that rose higher with every plop. Kinda like Alice in Wonderland. Heh… that was one of my favourite books when I was little.” I open my eyes and sigh. I feel like crying now. But I guess it won’t do me any good.

With another sigh, I continue; “Suddenly an arm snaked around my shoulder, and Sam’s head leaned against mine. ‘I’m here.’ No questions, no fussing. He knew what I needed: company and silence. I didn’t even have to say thank you, but I tried anyway.

My voice was too raw, no sound would come, but Sam nodded and pulled me closer. ‘Any time,’ he said, and that was it.

We sat for a while, watching the world scuttle past. Piles of baked goods appeared and disappeared again. A small monkey walked on ropes between two dumpsters. In the shadows I’m pretty sure I saw Ross Geller hunt for rats, but I didn’t say anything because it looked like he didn’t want to be disturbed.

Breathing out, I noticed my cheeks were dry: all that was left of my tears was a dull aching in my temples.

The clouds shifted, and we sat inside a rainbow, floating high above the grassy fields I recognised from that school trip in fourth grade when André and Lionel scared half the class by finding a huge slug and running after all the girls with the poor creature dangling from their hands.

‘It’s a nice memory,’ Sam said after a while.

‘Yes. It is,’ I replied, not knowing what else to say. I turned towards him to ask about his school trips, but he was gone. His warmth and scent lingered, but the place he’d been sitting in was empty. I missed him.

That was the last time I saw him for a long while. I guess I was busy with school, and I don’t remember dreaming much at all. Got a boyfriend, though it didn’t last long, because he found out about Sam. Read it in my diary, I guess. Wasn’t too upset to see him leave. He wasn’t too interesting anyway.

But when I was… around twenty, I had another dream. As I drifted off to sleep I felt the fabric of reality stretch around me, and I let it, knowing it would soon settle again. I wasn’t afraid.” Not like now, I almost add, but I bite my tongue. I don’t want to show that… that creep… that I’m scared of him.

“The darkness faded and revealed a rolling meadow filled with all the flowers I’d ever heard of. And probably a few I hadn’t. I immediately recognised the place: it was my safe space. My Ghibli meadow. I’d watched “Spirited Away” with a reverence bordering a religious experience not long before. Nothing could hurt me here.

The sound of the summer breeze harmonised with the birds as the familiar sounds and smells brought me home. Finally I could breathe.

Soon it became clear to me that I wasn’t alone as I expected, and I looked around with my heart pounding in my chest. The colours paled and the shadows lengthened – and then I spotted him: standing a little way away, looking curious and almost shy for intruding.

My heart slowed as I realised who it was, and I smiled and beckoned him over. ‘Hey, Sam,’ I whispered as he came closer, knowing he could hear me. Around us the colours grew stronger again, and warmer, and the sun rose higher in the sky.

Now, I didn’t know much about Sam, I still don’t, but I knew he had a troubled soul. It wasn’t hard to see. Hell, I didn’t even know his face, but I knew he was tall, and I knew that he was beautiful, both inside and out. Even here I had to bend my neck back to look up at him.

‘Hey,’ he said, giving me chills from the big grin in his voice.

‘Haven’t seen you around in a while,’ I replied, hoping he’d detect the longing in my voice.

He looked away into the distance. ‘I know. Things have been… busy. So this is… this is you, huh?’ I thought I could detect guilt in his voice, but I was never good with people, so I didn’t say anything. Instead I focused on the curiosity in his mind, and how warm it made me feel. The flowers around us rustled proudly.

‘This is me.’ I let out my arms and spun around on the spot, almost stumbling over an overgrown bush of berries.

Sam smiled. I could feel it in the sunshine. ‘This is…’ He paused. ‘Nice. It’s nice.’

It was so good to see him again, to be with him. We walked for a while, talking about nothing and everything. He picked a flower and placed it behind my ear, and I blushed furiously.

I desperately wanted to kiss him, but he held back on me. I didn’t understand why, because I saw the same connection we’d always had, but I figured he had his reasons, so…

Well, after we passed the small cabin where I used to go to sort my thoughts, another woman joined us. Um, not joined as such. She wasn’t really there, more of a fleeting ghost or projection of a thought. I’d never seen her before, but her name was clear in Sam’s mind. Jessica. He called her Jess. And she called to him, and… Sam just… he faded. I…” The memory still stings in my chest. I don’t know if it’ll ever go away. I swallow and blink to stop my tears. He dabs my eyes with the sleeve of his sweater, and stretches. He yawns, and then his stomach growls.

“Go on,” he murmurs. “I wanna hear the rest of it, before…” he trails off, leaving me confused. What has he planned?

“I hated that woman for ages. She appeared in almost every dream we shared. She stole my Sam. But… I knew she made him happy, so somewhere, deep inside – I would never have admitted it then – I was grateful. Dean had… Dean had all but disappeared from Sam’s dreams, and when he did pop up it was usually to argue. At least Jess kept him company. And his dreams were… nice. No monsters, no darkness. But my dreams changed too. They lost their colours. They felt colder too. Once, Sam asked me about it. He said he’d noticed, but I turned away and didn’t answer him.

For a while I dreaded going to sleep. I didn’t want to see her again. Didn’t want to carry that feeling of, of betrayal. I wasn’t… angry… at Sam. I was disappointed, sure, but I didn’t own him. No, I was pissed at the universe for punching me in the gut like that.

Then suddenly, the dark dreams returned. The fire too. It was stronger, burned hotter. I could see the outline of a woman in the flames. Her face was contorted in pain, and her blood trickled down the walls.” I shudder. It had dawned on me one morning, after watching her maimed, burning body, that the woman was Jessica, and that she probably was dead in a fire. My heart had bled for Sam that day. Still does.

“I can barely talk about this. Please. I gotta… I gotta…” I lean back and rest my head on the back of the chair. “It was bad, okay? I don’t know what happened to Sam. He was so happy, and then almost nothing but demons and blood and monsters under the bed. And the torture. Oh god, the torture. I could almost feel how Sam’s limbs were ripped apart and put together again. They plucked out his eyeballs over and over. Cut him, bled him dry… I feel like throwing up just by thinking about it. The images are seared into my brain, and I wish to god they weren’t!

In the beginning, I tried to reach out to him, and occasionally he’d welcome my light, as he put it. He said I made the suffering bearable, but as time went on, he stopped responding to me. And then… nothing. Nothing at all, for a whole year!” My voice breaks and my heart with it.

“It was nothing like before when I didn’t dream about him. Then I’d sorta sense him; know he was there, doing his thing, you know? But now? It was as if he didn’t exist. That was the longest year of my life. What if something happened to him? What if he died?”

He laughs as if the thought amuses him, and I suppress the urge to spit in his face. Yeah, there’s no such thing as monsters, but he’s one alright! Twisted and vile. And there’s no one here to stop him. And if I get my hands free? What can I hope to do?

“My heart longed for Sam, but after so long without anything, I started thinking I’d made it all up. Yeah. I’m an idiot. I should’ve -- But I… I started to come to terms with the thought that maybe he was… The whole romance thing, the idea of soulmates – what kind of nonsense… I mean, not everybody has one, right? But I started questioning it: like what made a soulmate a soulmate and not just two people that were so very in love?

Sure, you have the dream thing, but they say we only dream about people we already know or have seen, so it might as well be a dream about that plumber you saw that one time you went with your mom to work. But then there were the thing with the faces… yeah… I didn’t really believe my own doubts, but I worked so hard on pretending I did, that I forgot. So when the dreams returned, I almost spooked myself awake.

Yeah, the dreams came back. Just as suddenly as they’d stopped. And it was worse than any horror film. They hurt, physically and mentally. Like someone pressed a hot nail into my brain. There was light flashing in front of my eyes, and sometimes it was pitch black, and we could hear something scuttling past just outside our reach.

I remember squeezing Sam’s hand once, and he yelped as if it hurt him. It was all dark around us, and there was not a sound except for the soft pitter-patter of rain on the lawn – no, that wasn’t it. That was the sound of footsteps. Naked feet slapping silently against concrete floors. I grabbed Sam’s other hand. He was totally calm, but he squeezed my hand in a quiet gesture of safety. Whatever this creature was, he wasn’t afraid of it. But Something was coming, and Something was going to bring Sam to his knees. I just knew it.

And when it came… oh jeez… ‘You’re a freak, Sammy. A monster. You should’ve died!’ Just the voice was enough to make Sam crumple to the ground. Dean appeared in a haze, his face distorted, but I could see the disappointment still. But it wasn’t him. I knew Dean. He loved his brother – deeply. He would never. NEVER. Say something to hurt him. But Sam never saw this false image. He cowered on the floor, his face buried in his knees and his arms around his head. He was… was rocking back and forth, and I know he was crying. I could feel it. And every word from Dean cut him open.

There wasn’t much I could do. He wouldn’t acknowledge me anymore, but I stroked his hair and told him he was perfect, and he flinched away from me. I told him to not listen to the creature that had taken his brother’s face, but I think he closed his mind to me.

I felt him crumble. I stumbled over his frail form in the darkness, terrified and frozen.

I kinda didn’t recognise him. Sure, he had the same silhouette, and the same homely smell surrounded us, but it was as if he didn’t see me. No: he ignored me on purpose, flinching away when I got too close.

‘Sam,’ I said, trying to keep desperation from my voice. ‘It’s me.’

The only response I got was a low hum, and him leaning away slowly.

‘Hey,’ I tried, softer this time. ‘You don’t have to be afraid of me. I won’t hurt you.’ Why he would be scared of me was a mystery, but the claustrophobic weight of panic descended on us. I could hardly breathe.

‘You’re not real,’ he whispered hoarsely, and I wondered if he’d been screaming. Maybe he was hurt – or ill. He did rub his hand as if it was painful.

‘Are you hurt?’ I asked, reaching for his hand, but he snatched it out of my reach.

‘Not real.’

‘I am real,’ I countered. ‘But this is a dream, so…’ I cut myself off. I wasn’t making it any better. Suddenly Sam started to fade from me. I caught a glimpse of what looked like charred wings before I was engulfed in freezing flames. I woke up panting hard and still feeling the cold spreading over my skin. My heart was dancing in my chest, and high-pitched ringing filled my ears.

It’s hard to separate one dream from another. They continued for a long time. Nothing but fear and confusion, and sometimes cold fury. He was hunkered down in a corner, trying to hide from something. Despair and anger radiated from the shivering pile, but it was so dark I couldn’t see him properly. Still, I knew it was him. The familiar feeling of a tether drew me to him. ‘Sam?’ I asked, as quietly and gently as I could, just as I always did.

His head snapped up, confused by the new presence, but he recognised me too. I think. ‘Who are you?’

Once again he broke my heart. ‘It’s me; Y/N.’ We’d been through this a thousand times, and I didn’t understand how I hadn’t just given up yet. But the bond between us was so strong I don’t think I could have, even if I tried.

‘You’re not real,’ he replied. ‘You’re created to make me… to punish me for…’ He was suddenly on his feet, and I could see he was falling apart. His clothes were torn, and the rags were swaying in a wind that wasn’t there. He had burn marks on his arms, and his face was gaunt and grey.

‘Get away from me!’ There was so much pain in his voice I almost started crying. His words punched me in the stomach, and for a second it was so, so hard to breathe. I felt ill. Frost rose from his mouth, and darkness swirled around us again. Howling winds brought a cold that froze our bones, and I just couldn’t seem to warm up despite the fact that there was a fire burning in front of us.

‘Sammy, Sammy, Sammy,’ a mocking voice sneered. ‘She’s just as real as I am.’

Sam fell to his knees again and started muttering. ‘Go away, go away, go away…’

So yeah… that was a fun time. But I think he got better. He doesn’t avoid me any more. The monsters are still there, but Sam’s stronger now. Still sad, still haunted, but he’s almost back to his normal self. Back to his kind, caring self. I… I have this dog I dream about sometimes, and when they meet, Dog really lights up, and Sam can spend hours playing with him. But I’m…” I look away. The past is hard, yeah, but it’s the past. Knowing what comes next is… I’m getting desperate. “I’ve tried to ask him where he is. If we can meet, but I never remember his answer when I wake up. And.. I-I think I might never meet him in reality, you know? So when I saw that bar in his dream, and I actually remembered and knew where it was, I…” I give him a flat look. “Yeah. I’m starting to think that was a mistake.”

He’s not gonna let me go. I can see it in his eyes. And now that my story is finished, well… I might not take him out, but at least I can leave a few scratches on his face: I’ve almost managed to work my hands free. Just a few more minutes…

It’s difficult to decipher the look on his face. Fear? Nah, that can’t be it. Pity, maybe. “Aw,” he says after a short pause. “That’s a nice story. I’ll make sure to tell him if I ever run into Sammy-boy. Hell, it almost made me feel for you. But,” he continues with a creepy smile that doesn’t reach his eyes at all, “I’m still gonna eat’cha!”

What??? His statement takes a moment to reach my brain, I mean, really reach my brain, and in that short time a second, pointy, set of teeth has descended over his normal ones, except that is impossible and I definitely need to get my head checked.

I blink, and he’s moved to my throat – what the hell? Does this dude think he’s a vampire or something? Ow! That really hurts! I think I’m bleeding, and… Suddenly he flinches, and he looks up at me with hungry eyes and a wicked grin. “Don’t go anywhere,” he says and there’s blood dribbling down from the corner of his mouth. I giggle. He’s a messy eater – I think I’m gonna throw up, or faint, or… yeah, fainting sounds good right now, and I can sorta feel the floor crash into my head as I topple off the chair, but I really don’t care. I just wanna rest. This has been a crazy day!

When I come to, I’m lying on my back and there’s someone standing over me, pressing something to my neck. I don’t think it’s the same guy.

“Hey, hey… there you go. Wake up. Can you do that for me? Open your eyes?”

His voice is pleasant and feels kinda familiar, but I can’t place it, and I’m too tired to ask. But I do as he tells me, because I want to make him happy; blink a couple of times and shake my head – ow, that hurts!

“Careful. You’ve lost a bit of blood, and you hit your head pretty hard. But you were lucky. That sonofabitch didn’t have time to make a proper incision, so he only drank a little…”

What the hell is he talking about? Oh. Yeah. Crazyboy. The one I thought were going to show me a good time, but instead tried to… eat me. Excellent. I groan and scoot up so the pain in my back goes away.

The skin is raw where the rope cut into me, and I rub it gently, whining from the pain. Nimble hands put a bandage over the cut on my neck, and I try to stretch a bit.

“Sit still, please. I gotta see your hands too.” His fingers brush gently over the bruises, and he wraps a strip of fabric around my wrist. To protect me from infection, I guess, but I get a sudden flash of being tied down, and throw my hands up. I don’t know, maybe I hope to punch him in the nose or something.

He backs away and holds up his own hands. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. I won’t hurt you. I promise.”

Looking up at my saviour through shielding hands, I see kindness in his eyes. He is oddly familiar, and though I think I’m supposed to be terrified, and I am, I feel unusually calm and collected.

Then I spot the other guy over his shoulder and the world grounds to a halt. Looking from one to another, back and forth, my mind spins so fast I get dizzy. Could this be real? I know I’m not dreaming... but… Standing in the doorway with a goddamn machete swung nonchalantly over his shoulder, is Dean. Dean from my dreams. Brother of…

“Sam?” I whisper, scared that he’ll disappear once I’ve said his name out loud.

He looks at me, the confusion evident in his face – that face I’ve never seen before this moment, but that I’ve loved with all of my heart. His brows knit together, and his lips part slightly – my god, those lips… and he kneels beside me. The cogs in his brain turn furiously. I can see it. Then he lights up. “Y/N?”

“What, Y/N? Like Y/N?” Dean drops the machete and hurries over.

Unable to keep a smile from my face, I nod and roll onto my knees. Before I can stack my feet under me, Sam takes my hand and pulls me up.

“Y/N…” he repeats almost inaudibly. “I half thought you didn’t exist at all.”

Sam smiles at me and my heart soar. It’s like coming home after a long and gruelling hike in the woods. I can relax. And breathe.

I lean closer and Sam follows suit. The moment our foreheads touch, I swear angels sing – even if it sounds tacky!

“This is so weird,” Sam whispers, sending shivers through my whole body. “We just met, but I’ve known you since… always…”

Just as I’m about to answer with something really cheesy, Dean appears in the corner of my eye. “Oooh! Are you gonna kiss now?”

Sam’s face contorts into an expression only ever seen on fed-up little brothers, but I grin widely and reply: “Bitch, we might.”

My lovely tag crew:

@awesomeahwu @brynleewolfe @funwithfanfics @babeinthebowtie @savingapplepie-eatingthings @winchesterprincessbride @savvythedork @littlegreenplasticsoldier @youtubehelpsmesurvive @blackcherrywhiskey @mrswhozeewhatsis @schwarzwaelder-kirschtorte @aiaranradnay @fandomismyspiritanimal @barneybrigade @mogaruke @wstrumpel @whovianextrodinare @hennessy0274-blog @sushi-senpai-chan @tardis-is-mine @badasssweetsrebel @jensensjaredsandmishaslover @megasimpleplan4ever @wh1sp3r1ng-impala @iamreadinginsecret

#sam winchester x reader #reader insert #spn #fanfic #sam winchester #supernatural fan fiction #fluff #angsty at times #soulmate!AU #the man in my dreams #writing is hard

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scriptflorist · 6 years

Text

Hi! Hope I submitted this correctly. Thanks for this and I appreciate your help!

Name: Harana “Ynaguinid” Amosin, Jericho “Barangao” Amosin (as a boy)

Nickname: Hara, Jeri (when she’s a guy)

Alternate identity: She have various identities, though the ones that she uses the most often is “Hikari Sensogami” or “Hikaru Sensogami” (when they go undercover in Japan) and “Haliya Ramos” or “Agwe Ramos” elsewhere.

Birthday: June 21st

Zodiac: Cancer

Birthplace: The Philippines (known as Kapatiran in her dimension)

Dwelling place: A small mansion hidden within an enchanted forest, miles away from the city.

How do they live: Due to being renowned, honorable warriors for centuries, Harana’s family is wealthy, though not super wealthy (think middle-upper class). Hangs out with friends at school and hops between two families (their blood-related family and their guardians/godparents, who look after her training while they’re on their missions).

Appearance: Medium-dark olive skin, short-medium length black hair (sometimes wears their hair in a waterfall braid when they’re a girl, and when in battle, has her hair tied in a ponytail; and as a boy, will sometimes tie his hair in a half-up); dark brown eyes, wears a few magic bracelets that are enchanted and can transform into weapons at her will, and a necklace with her deceased parents’ wedding rings and a key in between them. Also has another necklace that holds her mp3 player. Sometimes wears headphones around her neck. Has a magical tribal tattoo as well that signifies her Filipino-Polynesian heritage.

What’s in their bag/pockets: Swiss Army knife, some small daggers, a small first aid kit, a small flashlight, a magic tablet and charger, a journal, a pencil and pen, an eraser, her cell phone, some extra earphones, rope, a small book of contacts, a makeup kit (just in case), a wallet, a book on Caelistian religion (which she is required to carry around with her anyways), and her lunchbox.

Species: Caelistian. Caelistians are from an alternate universe in which history went wild and took a completely different turn (aliens invaded during the American Revolutionary War). They descend from humans and are incredibly technologically and spiritually advanced, using a mix of technology and magic. They worship the universe itself as a deity, and they protect and watch over the dimensions and keep it in balance.

Features of the species: Due to the alien invaders often experimenting on humans and creating new species, many centuries later, there is a wide variety of Caelistians in all shapes and sizes (even the ones that worship the Void look inherently different because of differing ancestry). However, they mostly look human or take on human form.

Name of parents: Rafael and Mayumi Amosin

Name of siblings: Kidlat Amosin, Tala Amosin, Luntian Amosin (half-brother), Maria Dizon (half-sister), Orion and Sirius Callahan (adopted)

Others next of kin: Her guardians, who see her as their adopted child, and many of her godparents and godsiblings

Not-in-blood-but-in-bond-family: Orion and Sirius, whom they see as brothers, their fellow brigade members (too many to list here)

Family history: Harana has a large, but loving (though a bit quarrelsome) family; she has her grandfather, Losi, and her grandmother, Somilge. On her mother’s side, she has five aunts and three uncles, and on her father’s side, she has two aunts and six uncles. They have around eighteen cousins. Half of them are deceased, however, as a result of the war.

Favourite colour: Blue, indigo, silver

Favourite animal: Dragons, mermaids, birds, sharks, penguins

Favourite book: The entire Harry Potter series, the entire Lord of the Rings series, Jules Verne books (especially Journey to the Center of the Earth), A Wrinkle in Time, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Discworld, and a lot more

Favourite film/show/series: Zathura, Underworld, Doctor Who, and a lot more (too many to list)

Favourite genre: Action, fantasy, sci-fi, romance

Favourite food: Lumpia (Filipino egg rolls), pepperoni pizza, flan cake, cheesecake (any kind), chocolate chip cookies

Favourite place to be: The forest where she lives; she can sing as loud as she wants to while taking walks. She also enjoys being outside on the large balcony of the mansion, where she goes to watch the stars at night and relax while listening to some oldies or playing songs on her guitar.

Personality: Harana is a cool, level-headed individual. She has a sarcastic sense of humor and has a funny but kind demeanor. While she may seem calm, as a result of having been kidnapped and dealing with horrible foster parents before the war, her horrific childhood of being forced to enter a war as a child soldier a week after her birthday, and the death of many of her loved ones by the time the war ended, she has terrible anxiety and panic attacks (though they don’t occur as often as they used to). After many centuries of recovering, Harana has come out of her shell and has improved a lot since then, however, the scars still remain. She has a ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ sort of thinking when it comes to hiding her pain and insecurities (since she’s afraid that if she voices them, she’ll become a burden) and she’s become a master at it, to the point where only her closest friends and family can tell her true emotions at times. Harana was thrown into the army at a young age due to her incredible observation and logic skills (something which she got from her father and her grandfather, respectively), as well as her ability to lead and strategize. She is very experienced in the world and how the universe works due to having apprenticed under a great dimensional traveler who taught Harana the skills she has now, though unfortunately, he and his family died at the end of the war. While she does care deeply for others and is overall a good person, she can be very guile and sometimes manipulates and tricks people into doing things (though they aren’t terrible, necessarily). Harana overall acts obedient and follows the rules, but when the rules are too cruel and unjust or when the rules no longer fit the situation, she either bends the rules, finds a loophole, or throws them out the window.

Misc: Harana’s sixteen years old (in human years); she’s pansexual and genderfluid. She uses male and female pronouns, switching between them depending on what gender she feels like being for the day, though most of the time, she prefers to be a girl. Harana enjoys singing, dancing, and various other creative outlets as a way for her to calm herself and her emotions. Her main guardians are her father’s close friends, who are all happily married to each other and live in a rich neighborhood closer to the city. She used to be mute, though eventually, halfway through the war, she gets her voice back. She’s adept at various kinds of weapons and magic.

____

Hey there,

don't worry you did everything right!

Birthplace: The Philippines

The national flower of the Philippines is the Arabian jasmine, it doesn't have any meaning though.

Dwelling place: A small mansion hidden within an enchanted forest, miles away from the city

angelica – magic, inspiration

circaea – spell

enchanter's nightshade – spell, sorcery, witchcraft, fascination

fern – magic, sincerity, fascination, confidence, shelter

holly herb – enchantment

magnolia – love of nature, dignity, perseverance, nobility

persimon – bury me amid nature's beauties

rose (lavender) – enchantment

rose (purple) – enchantment

sycamore – woodland beauty, curiosity, reserve

vervain – enchantment, superstition

violet (blue) – enchantment, faithfulness, watchfulness, love

witch hazel – a spell

based on how they live

acacia – friendship, platonic love, secret love

acacia (rose) – friendship, elegance

apple blossom – fame speaks you/him great and good, preference, better things to come, good fortune

ash tree – grandeur

austurtium – splendour

bay tree – glory

bellflower (chimney) – aspiring

chrysanthemum – wealth, abundance, cheerfulness, loveliness, truth, you're a wonderful friend

copihue – there is no unalloyed good

corn (cockle) – gentility

daphne – glory, immortality

freesia – lasting friendship, innocence, trust

geranium – true friend, stupidity, folly, envy, gentility

geranium (oak-leaved) – (true) friendship, lady deign to smile

gillyflower – bonds of affection, lasting beauty, enduring beauty

imbricata – uprightness, sentiments of honour

indian cress – resignation, warlike trophy

laurel – glory, treachery, virtue is beauty, success

laurel (mountain) – ambition

lily (tiger) – wealth, pride, prosperity

palm – victory

poppy (yellow) – wealth, success

based on species

cedar – spiritual strength, strength, I live for thee, think of me

cereus (creeping) – modest genius

cherry blossom – spiritual beauty, insincerity, impermanence

clematis – artifice, mental beauty, poverty, filial love,

eucalyptus – protection

flax (dried) – utility

geranium (pencilled) – ingenuity

heather (white) – protection, good luck, wishes will come true

hemp – fate

honeysuckle (coral) – the colour of my fate

juniper – protection, asylum, succour

julienne (white) – despair not, god is everywhere

leadwort – holy wishes

magnolia (laurel-leaved) – high souled, dignity

penstemon azureus – high-bred

pine (pitch) – time, philosophy

reed (flowering) – confidence in heaven

schinus – religious enthusiasm

favourite colour: blue

agapanthus – no meaning

cornflower – delicacy, refinement

forget-me-not – forget me not, true love, memories

gentian – virgin pride, intrinsic worth

gentian (closed) – sweet be thy dreams

gentian (fringed) – intrinsic worth, I look to heaven, autumn

geranium (silver-leaf) – recall

hydrangea – (a) boaster, heartlessness, you are cold, dispassion, frigidity, thank you for understanding

larkspur (delphinium) – big-hearted, fun

larkspur – lightness, ardent attachment, inconstancy, levity, flights of fancy, swiftness, an open heart

nigella – perplexity, you puzzle me

morning glory – affectation, coquetry

silver weed – simplicity

based on personality

abantia – fickleness

achillea millefolia – war

aconite (christmas) – wit

adonis (flos) – sad memories, painful recollections, sorrowful remembrance

agnus castus – coldness, indifference

allspice – compassion

almond (laurel) – perfidy

anemone – forsaken

apocynum – deceit

balsam (red) – touch me not, impatient resolve

basil – hate, hatred

berberry – sourness/sharpness of temper, petulance, sharpness, sourness

bird cherry – perfidy, hope

borage – bluntness, rudeness

box – stoicism, constancy

broom (prickly) – misanthropy

buckbean – quiet, repose, calmness, calm repose

bur – rudeness, you weary me

butterfly weed – let me go

camellia (red) – unpretending excellence, you're a flame in my heart

canary grass – perseverance

cardamine – paternal error

chamomile – energy in adversity

chestnut – justice, do me justice

cistus (gum) – I shall die tomorrow

clotbur – rudeness, pertinacity

columbine (purple) – resolved to win

columbine (red) – anxious and trembling

convolvulus (blue, minor) – repose, night

convolvulus (major) – extinguished hopes

cress – stability, power

cypress – despair, mourning, death

darnel – vice

date plum – resistance

euphorbia – persistence

evergreen thorn – solace in adversity

everlasting – never-ceasing remembrance, always remembered, never ceasing memory

fig marigold – coldness of heart, idleness

frog ophrys – disgust

goosefoot (grass-leaved) – I declare war against you

greek valerian – rupture

hand flower tree – warning

harebell – submission, grief

hazel – peace, reconciliation

helenium – tears

kennedia – intellectual beauty, mental beauty

lantana – rigour, sharpness

larch – audacity, boldness

laurel (mountain) – ambition

lint – I feel my obligations

liverwort – confidence

machineel – betrayal, falsehood, duplicity

marigold – grief, contempt, trouble, inquietude, chagrin, pain, cruelty, pretty love, sacred affection, caress, sorrow

marigold (garden) – uneasiness

meadow lychnis – wit

meadow sweet – uselessness

mignonette – moral an intellectual beauty, your qualities surpass your charms, “without pretension to beauty possesses qualities which command profound respect and affection”

milfoil – war

milk vetch – your presence softens my pain

mushroom – suspicion, I can't entirely trust you

nasturtium – a warlike trophy, patriotism, resignation, conquest, victory in battle

nettle – slander, cruelty, you are spiteful

ophrys (spider) – dexterity, skill

parsley – useful knowledge, festivity, feast

persicaria – restoration

petunia – your presence softens me, thou art less proud than they deem thee

pheasant's eye – painful/sorrowful remembrance, remembrance, sorrowful memories

pride of china – dissension

raspberry – remorse

rhododendron – danger, beware, I am dangerous

serpentine cactus – horror

snakesfoot – horror

straw (single, broken) – rupture of a contract, dissension, broken agreement

sultan (yellow) – contempt

sumach (venice) – splendour, intellectual excellence

tansy – resistance, I declare war against you

thistle – misanthropy, surliness, harshness, austerity, sternness, never forget,

thistle (scotch) – retaliation

tiger flower – cruelty, for once may pride befriend me

walnut – intellect, stratagem

weeping willow – mourning, forsaken, sadness, melancholy

wood anemone – sickness, forlornness

xanthium – rudeness, pertinacity

yarrow – war, to cure, a cure for the heartache, cure for a broken heart, cure for heartache

zinnia – absence, thoughts of absent friends, I mourn your absence

misc

acanthus – the (fine) arts, artifice

geranium (ivy) – your hand for the next dance, your hand for the next quadrille?, bridal favour

viscaria – will you dance with me?

- Mod Jana

Disclaimer

This blog is intended as writing advice only. This blog and its mods are not responsible for accidents, injuries or other consequences of using this advice for real world situations or in any way that said advice was not intended.

#flower language #victorian flower language #harana #jericho #flowers for characters #ask answered #mod jana #submission

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