#i don't remember if they exchanged letters in canon | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

bg-brainrot · 5 months

Text

Day 8 of the BG3 Holiday Challenge with some found family <3

Prompt: Chosen Family

Featuring: Astarion x Rogue!Tav

Series: Fits into Love at First Knife, AO3 link here

Premise: You don’t have any family left in Baldur’s Gate, so when it comes time to celebrate Midwinter, you invite the family you do have: all of your old companions that can make it. Shadowheart, Gale, Halsin, and a few others join you for a meal and gift exchange.

Tags: POV Second Person, Gender-Neutral Pronouns, Fluff, Holidays, post-canon, chosen family, extended family of ragtag adventurers, even volo is included

Word count: ~1.4k

“My dear, I’m afraid that staring at the clock won’t make our guests arrive any faster.” You turn to see Astarion standing at the doorway to your drawing room, holding a stack of letters. He’s dressed impeccably in his holiday best, even sporting a small red poinsettia in his lapel. Initially, he’d resisted the festive addition, but you reminded him that, while mild, a poinsettia is poisonous. Not a moment later the flower had found its way into his outfit.

You’re also adorned festively, a bright branch of holly weaved into your belt. Dressed to impress and ready to party for the Midwinter celebration, all that’s left are your guests– which aren’t due for another ten minutes. You sigh at Astarion’s words, knowing that he’s right. “How else am I supposed to spend the time?”

Astarion walks over to your seat on the coach and hands you half of the stack of letters. “Well, I figured this might be a fantastic opportunity to make sure we had an accurate headcount. In case we need to ask Gale to conjure any chairs.”

You take the letters gratefully and pat the seat next to you. He sits and you begin to sort through the papers. “Good idea, let’s see…” The first letter is from Alfira. It’s a lovely little letter, thanking you for the invitation, detailing her Midwinter plans with Lakrissa, and ending with a short little poem for the holiday. “Alfira already had plans.”

“Oh good,” Astarion says with a small clap. “I don’t think my poor ears could take yet another rendition of the Twelve Days of Midwinter.” He waves the letter in his hand as he follows up with, “Rolan also already had plans, something about Cal and Lia wanting to travel for the holiday.”

“Maybe we should have done that,” you say to Astarion, filled with more dread at hosting a party for your closest friends than you’ve had fighting any monster.

He knows you don’t really mean it, but agrees anyway. “We still have time to escape! I hear the feywild has some lovely weather.”

“How would we get to the feywild?” you ask, taking a look at the next letter in your stack.

“I don’t know, we’d figure it out,” he responds, before rolling his eyes at the letter he’s holding. “Why did you even invite Volo?”

You shrug, honestly unsure what compelled you. “He seems lonely, I guess?”

“Well, he’s still a yes,” Astarion says, grimacing.

“Good, I suppose.” You wave the letter in your hand at him, before adding, “Dame Aylin and Isobel can’t make it. Something about seeing Midwinter's arrival in each others’ arms.”

“But of course. We could have done the same, you know.”

Your love gives you a suggestive look, which you smack with your next letter. “Stop tempting me! I know we can do this, and apparently the guests we do have are looking forward to it. Remember, Gale’s immediate yes? He’s even bringing Tara.”

“Do you suppose she requires her own chair?” Astarion asks, tapping his chin with what could only be Shadowheart’s letter, its writing neat and flowing.

“I think I already took her into account for chairs.” You’re positive you had, lest you offend the great Tara. “Is that Shadowheart’s response? Did she send an update?”

Astarion looks down at the letter, as if he'd forgotten that he was holding it. “Let's see. It says, ‘Don't worry, I'm still able to make it. Is it alright if I bring the owlbear? I wasn't able to find someone to watch him.'"

You stare at Astarion who only stares back. You break the silence to ask the question on both of your minds, "Where will we put him?"

"Perhaps Gale can shrink him for the night?"

"Good idea," you say with a nod and move on to the next letter in your stack. It's a short missive from Dammon. An appreciative message, though he already has Midwinter plans as well. “Dammon was a no.”

Your love smirks, giving you a knowing look. “Likely because Karlach couldn’t make it. Still can’t make it I take it?”

“Karlach and Wyll gratefully declined,” you say, holding up their letter. It’s been written quickly, has some scorched edges, and smells deeply of sulfur– truly no mystery as to why they couldn’t make it. “But Halsin said he would be here.”

"Someone, who I think is Withers, just sent back 'no'. Hmm." Astarion looks at the small piece of parchment containing the singular word and holds it up to you. “Why did you invite Withers? Scratch that, how did you invite Withers?”

You simply raise a shoulder in a noncommittal shrug and say, “It felt rude not to invite him.”

He looks at you for a second, as if pondering whether or not it’s worth digging into the ‘how’ when a knock sounds at the door. “Oh, I suppose our first guest has arrived. Would you like to wager on who it might be?”

“Why bother,” you say with a snort, setting aside the rest of the stack and heading to the door. “We both know it’s Gale.”

Astarion laughs at your confident proclamation, and laughs even harder when you open the door to a smiling wizard, dressed in what can only be considered a holiday robe, lit up with faerie lights. Tara stands next to him, proudly wearing a red ribbon.

“Welcome! Come in, come in,” you say, waving him into your house. Once they’ve entered, you give Gale a hearty hug and Tara a small bow, which she seems to appreciate. After you take his coat and they settle in, Astarion serves them both a drink, a wine for Gale, a bowl of broth for Tara.

You spend some time talking and catching up until your next guests arrive with a soft knock.

At the door is Shadowheart, wearing a markedly less ostentatious holiday outfit, a simple green sweater with silver pants, followed closely by a large owlbear. After a quick bit of magic from Gale, they both make their way inside to warm hugs and their own drinks.

They’re just about sitting down when another knock comes.

The night continues in much the same fashion as Halsin arrives, then Volo, then Jaheira with several of her children in tow. Then, just when you think no one else will arrive, Minsc shows up with Boo wearing a single jolly bell.

The entire group settles in for drinks, food, and merriment, discussing all that they’ve been up to since you’ve last gotten together. The company is lively, the atmosphere warm, and you’re immensely satisfied with the outcome of your efforts as you finally take a seat next to Astarion. You begin to wonder why you were worried about hosting this at all.

Ahead of the party, you hadn’t received a response from Lae’zel. She was likely too busy in the Astral Plane to respond, so you tried not to think too much of it. However, partway through the night you receive a message from her through a Sending spell: “This is Lae’zel. Apologies, I’m indisposed. I’ve been informed Midwinter is a celebration, so consider this my celebratory message.”

You laugh and send your own message back, “Thank you, Lae’zel. Hope to see you for the next one!”

Astarion smiles at you once you relay the message to the group, squeezing your hand in his. He knew you’d been worried about her despite it all, and knowing that she, too, was alive and safe would finally set your mind at ease. And it did– like something that was missing finally clicked into place and you could just breathe.

You knew that not everyone would be able to make it, and you’re still not confident in your hosting abilities, but somehow, you’re still so very content. Something about sitting in a room with your love, your closest friends, and even Volo, fills you with so much hope for the upcoming spring.

When the group lifts their glasses to cheer for all that you’ve accomplished this year, the trials and tribulations you’ve overcome together, you can’t help but add, “And to the family we’ve made along the way. May we always find our way back to one another!”

The night passes in a haze of joy and love– somehow, by the end of it, you've agreed to host again next year. You can feel Astarion's amusement as he chuckles and holds you close.

#astarion #astarion x tav #fanfic #rogue + rogue #astarion x reader #bg3holidayfluffle23

37 notes · View notes

faintingheroine · 4 months

Note

If u don't answer those 20 questions.

Okay I am answering after a long while

Questions:

(Link)

My answers for Magnificent Century:

1. I don’t remember. I thought throughout Season 1 that I would hate Nibrahim but when it finally started happening I fell in love. Maybe it was the taking-Leo’s-letter scene from Episode 23.

2. 1) Nigar:

2) Ibrahim:

Complex. Unintentionally funny. Always fun to analyze. Plus I find him sexy.

3) Hürrem:

One of the most brilliant characters ever in any Turkish show. Never has a boring scene. Always human and complex and brilliantly written.

3. Erase the scene in Episode 57 with Ibrahim monologuing about how he actually loves Hatice and is only with Nigar because he is angry at Hatice and how his relationship with Nigar is “a sea of lies” yada yada. Erase it!

4. 1) One gif showcasing Nibrahim (gif by @serraseastar )

2) One gif showcasing Hürrem and Ibrahim’s banter:

3) Hürrem’s victory (gif by @hurremhasckis )

5. Ibrahim taking Leo’s letter from Nigar at the end of Episode 23 (also see the first question).

6. My current underrated fave is Sokollu and Selim’s relationship. AllyOTP.

7. I am not likely to follow them at all. Not making the same mistake again.

8. “Don’t forget this face Ibrahim. Don’t forget these almond-shaped eyes, this shapely nose, these silken hands. She is yours, she is of your blood. She only belongs to you. She is not the daughter of the Ottoman dynasty, nor the daughter of the Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha, but the daughter of the son of the fisherman Manolis, the convert from Parga Theodoris. Look after her Ibrahim, protect her even in exchange of your life. Because she is the only thing that belongs to you in this wide world. She is your fate Ibrahim”.

9. I would like to see more of Şah and Nigar’s relationship.

10. A lot. A lot.

11. All three mains in the first three seasons (Süleyman, Hürrem, Ibrahim) are great and complex and deserve their status as the mains. Mustafa, not so much.

12. All the fun segments I watched on YouTube of women scheming against each other.

13. Hatice/Ibrahim of course.

14. Something between fix-its and pining fics for my OTP.

15. Eh, almost everyone dies in the canon anyway so no one.

16. I think I could have rage-quitted if Yılmaz Şahin wrote Esmanur too dying.

17. It is a historical show but I really admire them for ignoring history and just making men and women freely interact. Good storytelling trumped historical accuracy in this case.

18. I think four seasons was right for this show. Now, the show didn’t always spend that time in the right way, especially in early Season 2, but the amount of time was right even if the way it was used wasn’t.

19. I can’t think of anything in particular right now but I like the commentary on the female characters in the second episode of the documentary series.

20. As you can see from my blog, it nearly possessed me and ruined my life.

#magnificent century #muhteşem yüzyıl #20 fandom questions #nigar x ibrahim

10 notes · View notes

pumpkinspice-prouvaire · 1 year

Note

i only just got into les mis but the fandom is so intimidating skjdgj qwq any tips

hi!!!! welcome to the fandom!!! Don't be intimidated I promise we're all really nice!!!

I think my top tip would be if you're consuming content by creators in the fandom, interact with it, whether that's through comments on ao3 or reblogging art on tumblr and leaving lots of screaming in the tags or anything else. As a fic writer I remember the names of my regular commenters, and when I see them on my dash my immediate reaction is :D friend! :D And if you're a content creator yourself, post your stuff and tag it! I can't speak for artists and other content creators, but in terms of fics kudos and comments can sometimes be slow to come (especially if you're not writing ExR) but the right people will find it and love it!

Also from personal experience I've found those reblog ask games really effective for making friends, if you reblog and send the person you reblogged from an ask, a lot of the time they'll send one back. Yay, communication!!!

The fandom is sort of split into canon content and modern au/fanon content. Everyone has a preference, and you'll find that group of blogs you enjoy the most soon, but if you are chill, you can enjoy both. This goes without saying, and I hope I'm not being condescending, but if you disagree with an opinion/post/ship/person, you are under no obligation to interact with it. Block the tag and or blog and move on, PLEASE be chill.

You've also joined at a good time, because we're part way through Les Mis Letters! We're a good bit through Volume II by now, but if you've read the book previously orrrr can just Sparknotes Volume I (or be completely unhinged and do a mega catchup over the next few days- let me know if you achieve this and I'll make you a cake), you can totally join and post commentary/meta/jokes anything else! The blog is @lesmisletters , I believe there's also a Discord server

One that note, there's plenty of Discord servers if that's your thing! I can name a couple off the top of my head (Hoes for Enjolras, Lame Mis, Discorinthe) but don't have links, I know there's a post out there somewhere I will try to find it when I have time!

You've also joined at a good time because there's plenty of fandom events coming up soon! It's too late to sign up, but the ExR Big Bang is in a few weeks, Barricade Day aka the biggest Les Mis event of the year is 5th-6th June, Drink with Me aka the platonic Les Mis exchange normally happens in August time (Although I'm not positive if it's happening this year yet), and I believe Logic and Philosophy week aka Enjolras and Combeferre week is in September time? There's probably more that I'm missing out but those are the one I know are happening soon!

I think all that's left now are some blog recs 😌😌😌

@/pilferingapples @/alicedrawslesmis @/thecandlesticksfromles mis @/shitpostingfromthebarricade @/hfullofblagden @permit-it @/unicorngunter @/weisbrot @/thelawsofdaylight @/butts-of-the-barricade @/fuckyeahlesmiserables @/guide-ferre @/secretmellowblog @/barricade-blondes @/aromantic-enjolras @/p-trichor @/wild-oats-and-cornflowers @/everyonewasabird @/juliensorelisoverparty @/see-you-on-the-barricade @/probably-enjolras @/jesuisserieux @/cx-shhh @/ueinra @/kjack89 @/shamedumpster @/dolphin1812

I'm definitely missing some great blogs there but at least you have a starting point lmao I hope you enjoy!!!

#answered #long post

48 notes · View notes

silverwings22 · 13 days

Text

Caught in the Crosshairs: Chapter 66: Safe and Sound- Taylor Swift

Series warnings: Smut, mind control, canon typical violence, childhood trauma, language, chronic illness Chapter warning: canon typical violence

Previous chapter:

Next Chapter:

“Bye bye, sweetheart.” Miria waved to a little boy of about four as his mother picked him up. He was the last of her students, a pre-school class she'd volunteered to teach three afternoons a week in front of the Archium so their parents could get more work accomplished. She loved it, and had about ten happy little ones learning their letters and shapes. She even got to bring Mayrin, and the days she didn't teach were the days Crosshair didn't pick up work around the dock. They both had time with their daughter, and each other. Speaking of which… “I think it's about time to start walking down to find your father, don't you?” She looked down at the infant in her carrier on her chest.

Mayrin cooed, both legs kicking eagerly. Sunset meant her daddy would be coming in to scoop her up and spoil her, and she knew it. Then something new caught her eye and she set up a determined little babble. Omega skidded into view on Batcher’s back. “Hi Miri!” She squeaked, clambering up the big flowering tree.

“Hello, padawan mine. What are you doing?” Miria frowned.

“I have to get this white flower back down to the cavern before the sun sets. Fennec's contact arrived and she's testing my M-count.” The girl explained hurriedly. “I'm running out of time.”

Miria raised an eyebrow. “Come with me.” She took Omega by the hand. “Batcher, meet us at the cavern.”

The hound barked and took off, Miria walking Omega to the edge of the wall and climbing on. “What are we doing?”

“Hold onto me, please.” Miria chuckled, then hugged Omega close and stepped over, running down the sheer wall like a moon-yo. Omega squealed and Mayrin giggled. “Are your brothers all down there? No one called me about the contact.” Miria grumbled as they hit the sand.

“There was a lot happening at once.” Omega said sheepishly.

Miria shook her head and stepped into the cave, spotting immediately both the unmarked gunship and a yellow lightsaber pointed at Hunter’s throat. Wrecker was lifted off the ground, choking, and Crosshair was on his knees.

Before Omega could say a word more than a horrified gasp, Miria's saber was ignited and she was moving, one arm around her daughter and the other pushing the yellow blade away from her sergeant.

“Get away from them!” She snapped, twisting when the opponent took an offensive stance and they started exchanging blows at terrifying speeds. Miria moved like a dancer; up the rocks and twirling down again, securing her footing with the Force when they were slick, ducking and going low. She knew this style of fight. She'd fought this duelist before, though with a greater shake in her arms then.

Quickly, she shoved the other women back into a ray of light and froze at the tattooed face and white hair of a female Dathomerian zebrak. “.... Ventress?”

“Halcyon?” The former Sith froze, staring at her. “You survived the Purge?”

Miria put her saber back on her belt. “I did. What are you doing on Pabu?”

“I thought these were the clones I remembered you with on Felucia.” Ventress put her own saber on her hip and walked over. “You look better than I remember.”

“As do you. Your hair looks lovely.” Miria chuckled. “Now why were you trying to kill my husband and brothers-in-law?”

“They started it.” Ventress huffed. “I'm not the enemy here. We all were pawns in this war, and we all lost.”

Miria nodded, looking over at the three brothers with a sigh. “No one thought to call me before getting into a fight?”

“You had the baby.” Wrecker called back sheepishly.

“Baby?” Ventress eyed her. “... Halcyon, did you just jump into a duel with an infant strapped to you? Are you insane?”

“Probably. What are you doing here?” Miria frowned. “Not that I'm unhappy to see you, of course.”

“Fennec sent me. Said a couple clones were inquiring about high M-count targets. That's dangerous, Halcyon. Particularly for you.”

“So that's confirmation? The Empire is testing midichlorians?” Miria’s frown only deepened. “That doesn't explain why they're after Omega. She's a clone. They can't be Force-sensitive… can they?”

“You really never tried testing the kid? Some Jedi.” Ventress hip-checked Miria and nearly knocked the smaller woman over.

“Less than a year ago I was dying, Asajj.” Miria grumbled, catching herself as they started back up the rocks to the clones. “I wasn't looking for traits if Force sensitivity.”

“Does she have any?” Ventress gave her a curious look.

Miria frowned. Omega had incredible compassion and empathy, but that could have been chalked up to her innocence as a child. She befriended animals easily, but that wasn't exactly a sure tell… there were a few suspiciously lucky blaster shots, too. Nothing concrete. “... I don't know.”

“Then I'm going to test her.” Ventress huffed.

Miria sighed as they got up to where the clones and ship were. “Are you all alright?”

“Yeah.” Hunter sighed, glancing over at Crosshair. He looked like a tooka with its tail in a light socket, stiff limbed as his wife made his way back to them.

“We need to talk this over.” He muttered when she got to them, putting a hand on Mayrin. “Back at home.”

Ventress eyed them. “You're not as safe here as you think you are, Halcyon. And neither are those kids.”

Miria sighed, slipping an arm around Crosshair. “Let's go back to the ship to talk this over. Ventress, I'll come see you in the morning. I don't have classes tomorrow.”

“Fine by me.”

Miria led her clan back up the mountainside, expression thoughtful. It was fully dark by the time they'd gotten to the Marauder to talk, and she sent her parents a message they'd be home late. This needed to be a Bad Batch decision, and as much as she loved Jet and Annalise, they hadn't seen what this group had. Not of the war or the Empire, collectively.

“I can't believe you got into a light saber fight with Mayrin.” Crosshair huffed first.

“I saw a weapon at Hunter's throat. I didn't have time to hand her to Omega.” Miria shook her head, curling in a deck chair with the baby. “And I had Asajj going pretty well with one hand. I'm stronger than I used to be.”

“I don't trust her. Not with Omega.” Hunter said firmly. “Not after the kind of war criminal she used to be.”

“She turned around on Felucia. You all were there.” Miria pointed out.

“I still remember her stabbing you in the back.” Crosshair hissed. “I didn't like it then and I don't like it now.”

Omega shook her head, and Miria was struck by how grown up and level headed she sounded. “I don't know much about the war, but if she was trying to hurt us why didn't she kill you three when she had the chance?”

“We were just getting warmed up.” Wrecker grumbled, arms crossed.

“Right. Still, I think she's trying to help us. And Miri trusts her.” Omega looked at the woman. “People can change.”

“You're being naive.” Crosshair fiddled with his toothpick. “Both of you.”

“We never gave up on you, did we?” Omega put her hands on her hips.

Crosshair froze, eyes darting from Miria to Omega and back. His sister looked serious, the single ship light they'd turned on casting half her face in shadow. It reminded him of Hunter's tattoo, a mark he'd subconsciously always thought of a sign of leadership even when he wanted to put his fist in the middle of that inked skull. Miria’s eyes caught the light as she looked back at him, shining like amethyst lanterns.

Wrecker cut the silence with his unique insight, which Miria appreciated always got to the heart of the problem. “I don't see why we need her to test Omega. If this M-count thing really is about the Force, Miri would have known about it. Right?”

Every eye turned to Miria, who just shook her head. “Perhaps I should have. But I didn't. There are things that, on reflection, could indicate a Force connection… or just good luck and a kind heart. I've never looked for it, and I'm so used to her energy now I'm not sure if I'd notice unless she did something overt.” She looked at Omega. “I sometimes brought young ones to the temple. But I never was the one who determined which child came or didn't. Ventress is a former Sith, but was trained by a man who was a wise Jedi before he turned to the Dark Side. If there's a secret I don't know, she's likely to have learned it.”

Hunter deflated some. “You think we should let Omega go test with her. All by herself.”

“Oh, absolutely not. I'll be going with her.” Miria said with a quiet smile. “I'll be going for my own reasons, but I won't interfere with the testing. And neither will you three.”

Wrecker and Hunter nodded. Crosshair just grumbled quietly. “Then it's settled.” Omega smiled. “Let's go back home and get some sleep. Tomorrow sounds exciting.”

“Be ready at first light.” Miria told her, and the girl nodded and ran out of the ship. Hunter and Wrecker followed, so Miria and Crosshair closed up the ship and walked together. “Are you upset with me, darling?”

“No… I just didn't like seeing you dueling again.” He admitted. “I don't like you fighting anymore. I know there's not a choice, but… it took me too long to get back to you. I'm not losing you again.”

Miria slipped her hand into his. “That's pretty much how I felt when I saw you on the ground.”

“Sorry… we may have jumped the gun. But we all care about Omega.” He murmured.

“I know. It's one of the many things I love about you. How good you are to your sister. And Mayrin.” She chuckled, bringing his knuckles to her lips as they reached the house.

They walked inside and Miria waved to her parents cuddled on the couch before they headed to the nursery. “Speaking of Mayrin. Don't take her with you tomorrow. It's hard enough knowing you and Omega are going with Ventress.” He grumbled as he changed the baby into a clean diaper and her pajamas, while Miria mixed a bottle.

“That's fair enough. Why don't you keep her for the day instead of my parents? She's really not to fussy in the carrier, and you can let her lay on a blanket on her tummy for a few minutes every couple hours when you feed and change her.” Miria chuckled, handing him the bottle casually.

The grumpy black-ops sniper sat down in the rocking chair and held the bottle for his daughter, giving Miria an incredulous look. “You really trust me to babysit her all day?”

“It's not babysitting, Cross. It's parenting. Which, I might add, you're very good at. Look at her.” Miria tried not to snicker when he looked down at Mayrin and blinked.

“... I've literally never had her by myself. You or one of your parents has always been there.” He finally said softly, watching Mayrin fall asleep nursing.

“Your brothers will be there.” Miria gently took the baby and tucked her into the crib. “You said you wanted their trust back. Now you need to give them yours.”

He nodded quietly, following her to their room once Mayrin was tucked in. Miria set herself an alarm and changed into her nightgown, climbing into bed and opening her arms. Crosshair stripped sky climbed in with her, putting his head on her chest above her tattoo. Since he'd come back, it was the only way he'd found he could sleep without nightmares. Miria's arms stayed folded around his shoulders the whole night, and if he started to stir her gentle caressing over his skin settled him again.

She couldn't fix him, but she could help give him a fighting chance to fix himself.

“I love you, my darling.” She murmured, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

“Ni kar'tayli gar darasuum.” He mumbled back.

Bright and early, as promised, Miria walked down to the cavern and found Ventress sitting in the morning sun at the mouth of it. “Morning. I brought you some caf.” Miria said softly.

Ventress got to her feet. “Thanks. Your clones not with you?”

“Omega is getting ready. The guys agreed not to interfere… well, except my husband, but he's got our daughter so he'll stay out of it.” She chuckled, taking a sip from her own thermos of tea and handing Ventress the caf. “How will you be testing her?”

“I rented a boat for the day.” Ventress shrugged. “We'll see if she can connect to the wildlife out in the water.”

“This will be interesting.” Miria chuckled. “I'll be riding along.”

“I'm surprised you haven't started training her.” Ventress pointed out as they walked up to the docks.

“I have. Just… different training. More than a soldier, but not how we were trained.” She looked at the zebrak quietly. “Asajj, did Quinlan-”

“Don't.” There wasn't venom in Ventress's tone, so she couldn't tell if that meant the other Jedi had been killed, broken up with her, or simply was waiting at home somewhere.

“Alright.” Miria sighed.

They stepped up to find Omega eagerly waiting for them. “No chaperones?” Ventress raised an eyebrow. “I'm sure they told you about what I did during the war.”

“They did.” Omega smiled brightly.

“You're an odd little clone.”

Miria looked up and spotted two sets of binocs and a scope pointed at them from the mid levels. She tried not to laugh, following Asajj and Omega into the boat and sitting down as the former Sith took them out deep.

“Crosshair have the baby?” Miria asked Omega.

“Yeah. She looked so confused that he’s there during the daytime.” Omega laughed.

Ventress eyed Miria. “I remember you telling me you were engaged… but I still never expected the Order's poster child to be a mother.”

“The Force works in mysterious ways. You know that.” Miria said mildly. “The Empire is after my daughter, as much as they're after Omega. That's why we need answers.”

Her mind kept turning back to Crosshair’s fear on Teth. He still can't talk about the clone assassins…

Ventress stopped the boat a good distance from shore, turning off the engine. Omega looked at her. “We're out pretty far.”

“It'll be easier to tune out distraction.” Ventress was blunt and hard, so unlike Miria's soft edges Omega knew better. She glanced at the Jedi, who just nodded for her to listen. Ventress opened an outboard platform. “Many Force-sensitives have an affinity for nature. Give it a try.”

Omega frowned, but stepped out. “What am I trying?”

Ventress didn't give her a straight answer, just watched her expectantly. Omega sighed and closed her eyes with her hand extended, trying to feel… something. Anything. Miria said the Force was the energy of the galaxy. She just needed to feel it, and something would happen…

Ventress looked at Miria, who was watching the young clone seriously. She couldn't help but feel a little sorry for the Jedi, with so many people she'd loved dead behind her. Ventress had lost people too, and she knew the agony. But an entire Order, including the creche, and all the clones she'd cared about…

How was the little Master still standing?

Omega turned around and looked at them, frustrated. “Nothing is happening!”

“Because you're not letting go of your conscious mind.” Ventress huffed.

“What does that even mean?” Omega grumbled, stepping back into the boat. “I bet you don't even understand it. Miri, can you explain any of this?”

Miria chuckled, steepling her fingers and resting her chin on them. “I promised I wouldn't interfere… but Ventress might be able to show you.” She suggested casually, giving Ventress a smile. Ventress might have been more in practice with the Force nowaday, but Miria did know children best.

Ventress nodded, getting up and stepping over to the platform while Omega sat down beside Miria. The young clone watched both women shut their eyes, Ventress reaching out a hand and flexing her fingers while Miria relaxed and tilted her head back. Miria opened her eyes first and smiled.

“Nothing’s happening.” Omega frowned.

“Are you sure?” Miria pointed, and Omega looked out into the water. Beneath them, a large school of glowing green mantas were swimming in a circle under the boat. “Aren’t they beautiful?”

Omega leaned out, hand coming to the surface as the rays skimmed just below her palm. “How’s she doing this?” She whispered.

“When you learn how to connect with the Force, you can feel their spirits. And when you interact with it, they can feel yours and come to see.” Miria smiled, looking up as Ventress turned around. “It wasn’t so long ago that small things ran away from you. Now look.” She looked proud of the former Sith, her former enemy who she’d last embraced as a friend. No matter how the Empire’s rise had hardened them both, she was still delighted to see Asajj Ventress stepping further from the darkness.

Ventress bit back a slight chuckle and gestured. “Do I still not know what I’m talking about?”

Omega scrunched her nose, getting back up to try again, when Miria suddenly stiffened. “Asajj…” She looked over the edge of the boat. “... we may have a problem.”

Ventress paused and looked at her, eyes widening for a moment, before a large purple tentacle wrapped around Miria’s waist and snatched her from the boat. Before Omega or Ventress could react, the rest of a massive vrathean surfaced and flipped the boat over.

Up on the island, all three brothers watched their little sister go flying and their general in the air. Crosshair, who’d been pacing between looking through his scope, grabbed Hunter by the shoulder. “Can we interfere now?” He’d been less than thrilled about being sidelined to send his wife and sister to hang out with any war criminal besides himself. Especially after he figured out Miria had probably tasked him with keeping Mayrin in order to distract him, when Hunter had made the suggestion of renting their own boat to follow and he’d realized there was no way he was taking Mayrin on the water without sixteen forms of floatation device.

“Yeah. Get to the Marauder.” Hunter ordered, and they all took off as fast as they could to the ship.

Back in the water, Omega and Ventress were clinging to the upside down boat as Miria was slung around. “Did you call that too?” The girl squeaked.

“Not intentionally.” Ventress groaned.

Another tentacle wrapped around Omega, and both she and Miria were dragged underwater. Ventress swore softly and went dove under, pulling her lightsaber and cutting the end off a tentacle to drag Omega back to the surface in a smudgy haze of bluish blood. When she dove back for Miria, the smaller woman had gone completely still and was staring into the giant creatures eye when it brought her close.

It looked like there might be a peaceful resolution, until the Havoc Marauder flew by and started shooting. Ventress dragged herself to the surface. “Tell them they’re making it worse!” She snapped. “Call them off.”

Omega nodded, clinging to the boat, and lifted her comm to her mouth. “Stop shooting!”

Hunter and Crosshair exchanged anxious looks in the cockpit, but circled back. The sniper's leg was bouncing, his daughter making unhappy sounds in the carrier on his chest.

Ventress let the vrathean pick her up around the waist and bring her to its face above the water, also bringing a coughing Miria next to her. Both women exchanged their own understanding looks, and two hands outstretched towards the leviathan. Slowly, it brought them both closer and closer to each eye, and Ventress opened hers to look at it. Miria on the other side stretched, and her hand touched its open beak at the same time as Ventress. Miria smiled at it, voice soft as she spoke first. “There now. That’s better.” She said gently.

Omega watched in amazement as the sea creature set both women down on either side of her atop the upside-down boat and disappeared into the depths it had come from. Miria looked at Ventress. “There was no way I could have managed that on my own.”

“You saved our lives.” Omega grinned.

“Stop smiling, both of you. It’s unsettling.” Ventress huffed, looking up as the Marauder came around to pick them up.

Crosshair double timed it down the stairs with Mayrin still on his chest and reached for Omega, who was closest. “You okay?”

She nodded and let him help her up the stairs before turning around and looking at Ventress, who didn’t need the help. Still, Omega’s words from the night before sat heavily on his shoulders. We never gave up on you, did we?

Ventress was surprised when he held out a hand and politely helped her onto the ramp. “Thanks.”

He just nodded and turned back to get Miria, who was giving him a smile he hadn’t seen in a long time. The kind of proud one he’d gotten when he first started getting along with Echo, or said something sweet after a long moment of reflection. She took his outstretched hand and was promptly lifted off her feet and to his side. “What are you looking at me like that for?” He mumbled, pressing his face into her wet hair. It wasn’t the first time she’d almost drowned on him, but he could offer a much better reunion than he had last time.

“Before the war, you wouldn’t have offered her a hand.” She said softly. He’d have stubbornly held his convictions she was dangerous, like he had yesterday when she’d turned up. He’d have offered no quarter or change… “I’m so proud of you.”

He chuckled weakly. “Well, come do it inside. You’re soaked.”

Miria nodded and he pulled her in, sitting them both down. She smiled at Mayrin, catching the chubby baby hand between her thumb and forefinger. “Hello there, starshine.”

The baby set up a squeal that sounded more like a wordless lecture, and Ventress raised an eyebrow. Miria’s expression dipped for a moment, understanding in her eyes, before she turned and looked at Ventress.

The former Sith gave her a tiny, wordless nod, and turned back to observe Omega as she tried to describe what she’d experienced.

The next morning, Ventress said goodbye to the collection of cloned and lavender-eyed family. Omega was bouncing on her heels eagerly. “So what’s the verdict? Do I have a high M-count?” She asked curiously.

“From what I’ve seen… no.” Ventress shook her head.

“Then we still don’t know why the Empire is after me.” Omega deflated, and Wrecker immediately put two huge hands on her shoulders to comfort her.

“The truth is rarely comforting.” Ventress muttered. “But you’re better off if you’re not.”

Omega sighed and shook her head. “We’ll figure it out, I guess.”

Miria patted her shoulder with one hand. “We will.”

Omega waved goodbye and backed up, heading down the beach with Wrecker and Batcher. Crosshair waited until they were out of earshot to cross his arms and stare Ventress down. “You’re lying.”

“About which part?” Ventress almost sounded coy, an echo of the way she’d taunted Miria years ago when they were enemies.

“You tell us.” Hunter demanded.

Ventress looked dead at Miria. “If she was Force-sensitive, she would need to be trained. And two of them may be more than you can handle on your own, Halcyon. You couldn’t fully reach the vrathean through the Force, only feel it.”

“What will you do now?” Miria met her eyes, shoulders straight despite the criticism. Ventress wasn’t wrong, despite how blunt she was.

“I still have a few lives left.” Ventress smirked slowly, turning to walk back towards her ship.

Crosshair snorted, eyes fixed on her back. “I still can’t decide whose side you’re on.” He said quietly. It wasn’t a lie. Omega had all the hope in the world, and Miria was far more forgiving than was good for her even if she still harbored a grudge on Cid and Palpatine. He might have extended a hand to Ventress, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t willing to pull it back if he had cause. He would wait for cause, at least.

“My own.” Ventress said coolly, looking back over her shoulder. “Things are worse out there than you know, Halcyon. And you’re not as safe here as you think.”

Miria stiffened, watching the zebrak get into her ship and pull out of the cavern. She stared after it long after it disappeared beyond the atmosphere, until Crosshair gently tugged her arm. “What was she talking about, cyare?”

“Hunter, you didn’t tell Fennec our coordinates, did you?” She murmured.

“No. I didn’t tell her anything.” Hunter shook his head. “Why?”

“Then Fennec couldn’t have given them to Asajj.” Miria murmured, looking at Crosshair. “There are Force-sensitives in the Empire. If Ventress can find us without coordinates, so can they.”

#explict #original character #clone force 99 #the bad batch #crosshair #star wars #fanfic #caught in the crosshairs

3 notes · View notes

squarebracket-trickster · 2 months

Text

Pass On the Dialogue Tag

Thank you @sm-writes-chaos for the tag<3 (we're gonna ignore that I've been sitting on this since November hehe)

Rules: turn some lines of dialogue from your own WIP into an incorrect quote that the person you tagged can insert their characters into. (original concept by @olive-riggzey)

My lines (from @sm-writes-chaos):

Ieuan le Thewles: Okay then, I’ll call you…Kerny Aldis (Isolde): What? Ieuan If you’re not going to tell me your name than I’ll just call you something else Aldis: Fine! Then I’ll call you…Terny Ieuan: Thats just one letter different than my name for you!

(Aldis and Henry have a similar exchange in canon but this seems more like it would be Ieuan's voice. If Aldis and Henry tried to share a braincell like this it would end... uhhh... badly...)

Gently tagging, as always: @late-to-the-fandom, @marz-writes-shit, @mundanemoongirl, @kjscottwrites, @ijustwritehonestly, and an open tag to anyone else who wants to do it! (because I haven't seen this game go around in a while and it is truly a fantastic idea we should keep going).

Your dialogue is:

Character A: I made a promise to you [Character B]. I said you were living on borrowed time. Character B: Before you kill me I think I should like to collect the winnings from our bet. Character A: Oh? Character B: Don't you remember? The loser must address the winner as your highness for a day. That means... do whatever pleases you but, no matter what happens, I am going to live through the day. Character A: You think death is the worst I could do to you, your highness?

-- courtesy of the trainwreck that is Aldis (Isolde) and Henry trying to share a bed hehe

#wipvii #tag game

4 notes · View notes

ultraviolet-ink · 2 months

Note

For the shipping grid ask game… interested in what you think of BaroSusa as a dynamic.

ooohhh that's one of my favorites!! :D The only reason it's in the first quadrant is because they don't talk all that much in canon. I remember reading a really good epistolary style fic where Barok and Susato exchanged letters post canon and it was very Austen-esque 🥺

Sauce here!

#ask game #the great ace attorney #dai gyakuten saiban #barosusa

3 notes · View notes

shecommunes-moved · 4 months

Text

ok so i don't entirely .. subscribe or really like aerith as presented in crisis core. one of my biggest gripes is so many of aerith's defining traits are defined by zack, stripping her of her own traits she was recognized by in the first game. her ribbon? zack gave it to her. selling flowers? zack's idea. i don't like it. i also don't like how zack and aerith met. CC on several occasions felt like it was choke slamming the viewer with HEY REMEMBER THIS FROM OG? zack and aerith deserved their own meeting, just as much as cloud and aerith deserved their own meeting not tied to zack ( neverminding them bumping into each other on the street; names weren't exchanged ).

but one thing i really, really don't like and will not acknowledge on this blog as canon ( that pains me to say b/c i love to study canon ) is her sending countless letters to zack when he went missing. aerith is a fiercely independent teenager turned young woman. i don't believe for a single second she'd spend years pinning and writing a boy that, as far as she knew, just moved on from her one day. in OG she acknowledges he was a flirt and a bit of a player and had assumed that he just found another girl, as much as that broke her heart. if she thought zack replaced her with another girl, she wouldn't make desperate attempts writing him for years in hopes of a response. this perceived 'dumping' she went through devastated her, if what elmyra says is anything to go by. she didn't know zack took their relationship serious enough to actually tell his parents about her and wouldn't until several years later.

if she did write letters, they'd be kept for herself and only herself. the most i'd offer is she wrote one or two .. but aerith wouldn't relentlessly write a boy who she thinks ghosted her and replaced her. at least, i don't see her doing that. more than anything, aerith is guarded on keeping what is vulnerable to her secret and presenting a strong front in the face of it.

can we also write out cissnei telling zack that aerith is a cetra because unless she wanted zack to idfk DO SOMETHING WITH THAT INFO there is literally no reason why a girl raised and conditioned by the turks would reveal such top secret information. like.. there's no reason for zack to know, aerith would not want to tell him, and it feels like the dev's just wrote cis telling him so that he would know even if it doesn't make sense for her developed character.

#.ooc #she still would've hoped for a long time he'd come back #possibly ask the turks #ready to give him and ear full #or at least some closure #but it'd never happen

2 notes · View notes

thebreakfastgenie · 1 year

Note

For M*A*S*H

1, 3, 7, 8, 17, 25? 😌

1. the character everyone gets wrong

I'm going out on a ledge here but Hawkeye. Specifically, I think certain aspects of Hawkeye get flanderized a lot. Hawkeye does have a lot of sex with multiple partners and he is very sex positive (as is the show). But he doesn't really dress slutty (look at him he literally dresses normal) or flaunt his body in public. I think people try to fit him into some sort of slut archetype and that's not him! The one time he does get naked publicly it's for a bet that no one will notice and when people do he quickly tries to cover up. In later episodes, he'll try to cover up if he's stranded without his robe in the shower. Trapper and Oliver are casually shirtless much more than Hawkeye is.

3. screenshot or description of the worst take you've seen on tumblr

I saw these tags one time about the alleged dynamic between BJ, Hawkeye, and Margaret that said BJ and Margaret could continue their parts with other people but Hawkeye couldn't?? It was like "what's he supposed to do, pretend he wasn't in love?" and like literally yes? Or acknowledge that he was and just. Move on? Get over it? People literally do it all the time? Hawkeye was left by the love of his life (Carlye) twice and he literally moved on and had relationships with other people. Like what on earth.

7. what character did you begin to hate not because of canon but because how how the fandom acts about them?

So I've mentioned BJ before and I figured I should explain why I hate fanon BJ. I limited my exposure to fandom before I finished the show, but deliberately chose to have some because I didn't want fandom participation to coincide with running out of new episodes to watch. So, I was aware of fanon BJ and since everyone posts about it like it's canon, I kept waiting for him to start acting like that. He never did. So I felt pretty misled, lol. It's not necessarily that I would dislike fanon BJ if he were canon, it's just that he's not. I was also really taken aback by his popularity, because he's the character I find least interesting. I also didn't realize people thought he was attractive for a long time lol I'm a lesbo. And the fanon BJ characterization kind of interferes with other things; like "you can't trust what he says" to me describes Hawkeye, because he Just Says Stuff and some of it is literal and meant to be taken at face value and some of it isn't. But because "you can't trust a word he says" was assigned to BJ, no one really discusses it with regards to Hawkeye. And I can't even make semi joking headcanon posts about Hawkeye exchanging regular letters with Trapper and just not mentioning without people saying "that's BJ behavior." This inaccurate characterization about a character I don't feel strongly about is inescapable. I don't hate (canon) BJ, but every time I get accused of hating him I'm like maybe I should lol.

8. common fandom opinion that everyone is wrong about

Sidney being a hardcore Freudian. He references Freud and obviously studied him, but there is no indiction he's a particularly close follower. I can't remember if it's in the final episode or just the script, but there was a reference in Dear Sigmund to the exercise of formatting his diary as a letter to Freud being something he started doing as a student. Freud is also, whatever your opinion on him, a famous and massively influential figure in Sidney's field. If Hawkeye wrote a fictional letter to Hippocrates or Halstead (famous surgeon) I don't think people would take that as evidence that he was a huge fanboy. He also makes jokes about Freud/Freudian psychology. I think canon points to Freud being one of several influences on Sidney's practice of psychiatry, not to Sidney being a devotee. Sidney is also clearly not strict follower of any theory or of theory in general and learns a lot from hands-on experience.

17. there should be more of this type of fic/art

Can I say gen fic again lol. I think I would like to see more canon divergence! I don't usually care for full on AUs, but there are so many fun opportunities with canon divergence! I'm also really fond of Hawkeye/OC (usually OFC but I like both) fics, but not ones where the OC is basically a reader insert.

As for art, I like silly little comics.

25. common fandom complaint that you're sick of hearing

"Stop making everything about Trapper vs BJ" especially when it's in response to things that were not even Trapper vs BJ. I mean, Trapper vs BJ comparisons are unavoidable anyway, and comparisons don't have to be inherently divisive. I too am weary of the ones that are, especially because they're usually really about a ship war I'm not invested in. But it's also become a way of shutting other things down. There was a really good post about how the early seasons don't get enough credit for having the most pointed political episodes because BJ wasn't there that got a very defensive reblog about how "it's not about Trapper vs BJ." And, like, it wasn't! OP didn't mention Trapper. The point was that BJ is a popular fandom fave and therefore the fandom doesn't give enough attention to the seasons he's not in.

#mashposting #sorry this took so long lol

8 notes · View notes

krikeymate · 1 year

Note

dredge au (me again):

im thinking of all the ways richie can come back and terrorize the girls bc i love angst so this is what i came up with (which probably isnt very good but hey):

Amber lives on little Woodsboro, and she hears of these new comers. she herself was from the mainland, a long time ago, and she hasnt seen Sam and Tara for a long, long while. but it’s unmistakable, the love they have for each other, Amber would recognize it anywhere, shes never seen two people be so devoted to each other.

She remembers that Richie had an interest in them, back when she was on the mainland. and so, she writes a letter, sends it off with an uknowing traveling merchant, the letters R.B. on the seal. she tells this merchant that the dockworkers would know who to give it to.

Richie receives a letter, from someone he knew ages ago. A young woman, who he had the great (mis)fortune of knowing years ago, when she was so young, so innocent. The letter tells him where to find Sam, where to find his prize, but the letter is also a warning.

‘The sea must grant you passage. You need to give something it wants, in exchange for your safety.’

Enclosed in the letter, he finds a ring with the initials S.P.

‘Bring this to the Collector, before you take your revenge. He has a special interest in it.’

And so, with only the knowledge the letter provides him, he takes his leave, and makes haste to Woodsboro.

My dear intended, we're engaged now, sorry, don't make the rules.

Anyway. I love you? This is a great call.

I think I made their ages 20 and 15. Canonically Tara is older than her peers but here she gets to be younger. Amber is 17 and left 2 years ago under a scandal. The Freemans are well-known merchants, and their daughter being caught in bed with someone (Ritchie) other than their intended (Wes, of the Hicks, son of the one law enforcement officer not under someone else's payroll and due to follow in his mother's footsteps (they want him under their payroll, hence the engagement)), was quite the scandal. It reflected poorly on them, so they sent her away, to live with her trader uncle, Dewey. (He's got something going on with the mayor of Greater Woodsboro, it seems, always exchanging letters with G. Weathers, but neither leaving their respective islands).

The arrival of the Carpenter sisters causes quite the stir, it has the town people in a tizzy. Newcomers are rare. Newcomers that stay are rarer. Newcomers that stay and fish and live never happen. Amber used to play with the sisters as children, before social convention kicked in and she was reminded they're not the sort of people one of her status associate with. She would still enjoy the younger sister's company on occasion, she enjoyed the look of awe and admiration she would send her way as she gave her a taste of the other side. The older one was trouble.

She receives monthly news of the happenings from back home, from family, from friends left behind. The news that Tara Carpenter has fled engagement from Ritchie of the Bailey's, and that he's offering a reward for knowledge of her whereabouts, is intriguing. (They don't like to lose what is theirs, and a substantial debt was wiped clean, they're owed their reward). She pens him a letter.

He offers money - of which he has plenty - of the opportunity to leave the godforsaken little island she is trapped on, to move back to the mainland, to a city, if only she would be so kind to reveal the location of his intended. He sends it with gold, weighing the letter and his words.

She sends him back a location, a warning, and a special ring from her uncle's hidden collection. She tells him to bring her money with him. She's learnt so much about the sea and its magic since she's been here, she's sure it will eat him alive. But not until she gets her money. Perhaps it will even leave her the boat.

#/mp #ask box #Scream #AU: dredge

7 notes · View notes

yellowsomethings · 7 months

Text

beans exchange letter 2023

hi its us thebeans you have been selected to secret us a santa !! this is going to be a bit of a tutorial letter so everyone else knows what exchange letters are like, so rest assured it will be as comprehensive as i can manage. remember that you do not need to fulfill All of the conditions the recipient lists, just at least one of them to the best of your ability. woo

want:

1. hermits

big fan of grian, scar, mumbo, ren, doc, bdubs, zed, joe hills, things of this nature. i think the slapfight goes here if it goes anywhere. we have seen seasons 6/7/8/9 and a little of season 5 so if you go before that we will probably be Confused but Willing To Roll With It. idk theres the wonderful world of hermits and crafting

2. lifes

you are probably well aware the extent to which we like the life series. things you could cover include property police kiss on the mouth secret life (or property police cold patrol new life which isn't getting its own entire bullet but it's a thing), treebark slash fairydog slash renb, toxic yaoi majorwood, the bad boys, last life grumbo, idk get silly with it !! slash p or slash r it is all good <- applies to all listed items in this letter not just here

3. empires

empires:). for season 1 there's flower husbands; you could do kathgempearl or some duo permutation; arenaduo; the whole wra tbh; smallidarizzie trio; scott and xornoth content (you could write the one billionth postcanon xornoth finds out what happened fic if you wanted). for season 2 HEAVENTRIO OBVIOUSLY; or arenaduo again or hallelujahduo or roundhousekickduo which i still need to come up with a better name for; best buds jim and joel; kathgem; pixlriffs; the crossover; fairytale trio i also like; maybe some olieddie as a treat if you're so inclined

4. eswap

free space basically. scottpearl !!!!!!! or arenaduo or kathgempearl again (or duo permutation) or pearl and pix bonding maybe idk what the state of eswap is gonna be pixwise by the end of november. or if some other part of eswap compels you then go for it. you might wanna write the watcher grian crossover idea that jay2 had that one time. up to u :D

5. pirates/rats

yeah babyyyyyy this is the writing to pander to littlesound zone. i love datastream martyn interacting with this-is-just-their-world other characters such as oli or sausage or olive or shelby or owen or scar or other people that don't start with the letters o and s. kisstrels obviously (including shep and shub); you could do property police with martyn and safety rat; farmer rat scott, baker rat lizzie, he had a pretty sweet bond with will. maybe mratyn watching as oli tries and fails to seduce the butler with cringefail affection in his eyes. maybe mratyn trying and failing to seduce one of the brown wild dogs at the edge of the grounds while scott looks on in disappointment. p!bek is canonically aroace so if you write pirate bekel you'd probably get Comments about it but like if you don't fear the fandom then fuck it. SPEAKING OF:

6. witchcraft

YURI OPPORTUNITY AGAIN BUT FOR BEK INSTEAD! beky's finally figured out her witchcraft bek au which is that el is a not-so-famous witchtuber and bek is one of her few very dedicated commenters so when el randomly stumbles across the supreme witch crown where scott dropped it then she ends up asking bek what to do and they bond from there, so you may wanna do something with that.

7. dsmp

if you are dsmp inclined and you want to go classic style then you cannot go wrong with a little bit of crimboy/clingy. bee/bench and michael could also be fun; i like niki, big q, JACK MANIFOLD, fundy, eret, hbomb, foolish, and i miss honq every day babyyyy <- not every day but often. if you'd like to add to the hit canon ao3 tag tommyinnit crashes own funeral (dream smp) then that would be very welcomed too, i canonised that shit with my bare hands

8. au ideas

well i said all of that for canon concepts but what if you want to write/draw an alternate universe? goooo fuckin crazy with it my friend. some concepts i enjoy reading are: royalty; urban/low fantasy; newly discovered/obtained superpowers; domestic roommates setting; famous & doesnt give a shit about that fame; creative type & muse; guardian angel & human. idk have fun!

9. not mcyt

i'm adding this section because i know some people will want to do this but mine will be quite short because i . do not watch anything else. uhhhh the magnus archives. moon knight 2022. i like quite a lot of musical theatre but mostly the modern post hamilton shit and i have not seen hadestown. thubs up

do not want

don't do scottpearl if it isn't eswap please! or any hermit pearl actually! uhhh nothing particularly viscerally gorey but it's ok if people die or get injured. this isn't a dnw but it is a specification, if you would like to trans some genders and neo some pronouns then you should feel absolutely free to go ahead love is love. i think i'm gonna make no nsfw a rule for the entire exchange so i don't need to clarify that. probably best to have minimal cleo inclusion if any. any fics which are specifically about the moment after a life series game where characters see each other and talk about what happened because those are weirdly common and we don't like it and it feels weird. no blinding, no throats slit, no being suffocated/choked. ummm ya if you arent sure whether something would be ok then go ahead and ask!

will write

this one is gonna be much shorter

hermits: bdubs cub doc gem scar grian joe pearl ren tango xb zed cleo

life series: scott ren martyn pearl joel grian scar bdubs lizzie skizz mumbo jimmy gem

empires 1: scott gem joey kath lizzie sausage pearl joel jimmy

empires 2: scott gem joey kath lizzie sausage pearl pix shelby joel jimmy oli

pirates: acho aimsey bek puffy eret scar guqqie martyn kyle sausage olive oli owen ros shelby scott el tubbo

rats: bek el jimmy lizzie martyn oli olive owen scott shelby tubbo

witchcraft: scott joey pris shelby el cleo

dsmp: eret callahan eryn bbh puffy phil niki karl sapnap george quackity foolish jack manifold hbomb fundy aimsey slime wilbur sam ranboo schlatt dream punz tommy tubbo techno dxd

misc: honestly i think if you asked me to write qsmp phil tubbo fit cellbit bagi bad foolish wilbur tallulah chayanne then i probably could at this point. but don't ask me to. also the afterlife/new life smp i will write for also

won't write

i'm sorry i can't write the copper people on empires i just have not seen them enough to. highly doubt my ability to write crastle/best/ties/similar groupings well. dear god please don't make me write the syndicate it won't be good for either of us. i will not write nature wives i can't do it to my girlo. pirates!scott ships also. if it's gonna get me cancelled then i may still be willing to write it but i will not post it on ao3, it's going straight into fools writing discussion channel when it goes live. i won't write . idk pregnancy? you probably weren't gonna ask for pregnancy. again feel free to ask :thumbsup:

3 notes · View notes

deathbyoctopi · 7 months

Text

SongXueXiao 2023

So apparently!! Treats are an opt-in in this exchange, and for it you need a letter. ok, consider this my letter >w<

These are the different takes I can suggest for this thing. Look out for DNW at the end, plz!!

The Yi City option

Fluff in Yi City! Or smut in Yi City!! Or crack in Yi City!!! XD ...Just don't give me angst. Let's have an established relationship with XueXiao, when old XXC's flame comes along. Don't have them die like in canon!! Have Xue Yang do whatever it takes so Xiao Xingchen doesn't discover his secret and Song Lan doesn't blow his cover, even if that something is somehow blowing Song Lan! Guy is resourceful. Demonic cultivation, his aptitude for disguises, excellent storyteller and liar... IDC if he blackmails Song Lan, or he somehow manages to hide his identity from him, or convinces him he's gone insane and thinks he's the Emperor of the Heavenly Court. Hell, make it omegaverse if you want and baby-trap him. Free range!

The angsty option

Ok, time for angst! Two to choose from here, both pre-Yi City. In both instances, SongXiao might be an item and Xiao Xingchen might have been infatuated with Xue Yang at some point. EXTRA KUDOS if XueXiao actually got to flirt at some point before the Chang massacre, or even get in bed together... 1. Xiao Xingchen's fist night hunt after he lost his sight, barely after he descended from the mountain and was still getting used to his eyes. His mission? Appease the souls of Baixue Temple, which he didn't even have time to bury properly when he rescued Song Lan... 2. The whole reason Xue Yang hurt (not killed) Song Lan was because he wanted Xiao Xingchen to bring him to his master... And in doing so, revealing the location of the sacred mountain to Xue Yang! Can the immortal and her disciples fight against an unhinged demonic cultivator looking for revenge?

The non-con option! >w<

So this is for everything non-con, which very necessarily sets it in M or E. Again, free range here! Any canon or canon-adjacent setting, any pair or threesome, any levels of consent. Xue Yang non-conning the hell of the two daoshis? Blackmailing Xiao Xingchen with Zichen's death so he gives himself to him? Omegaverse induced heats? Dark!XXC and/or Dark!SL willing to teach Xue Yang a lesson? Aah... Options! Just know that. At LEAST one of the three must be non-willing. The only one that can be "spared" from sex for plot reasons is Song Lan, but he must be well aware of what is happening.

The Time Travel option!!

SongXiao are reborn back in time (in their adult bodies) and are tasked with taking care of Xue Yang. If you think this has already been done, consider... Xue Yang also remembers their previous life! XD Maybe he tells them, maybe he doesn't. Maybe he had already been in Xiao Xingchen's bed, or maybe he never got to take that last step. He certainly knows it feels good to be in daozhang's arms...

And finally... a bunch of Do Not Wants

1st and 2nd person narrative, scat, gore and watersports... AND NECROFILIA, please, Xiao Xingchen MUST be alive. Song Lan being a sentient fierce corpse wouldn't "technically" count as necrophilia as far as I'm concerned. About underage... I'd rather not, if Xue Yang has not hit puberty, even if he has an adult mind. And EVEN if he would probably be ok with sex in his child body, XXC would probably be categorically opposed to it. On the other hand, any mentions of underage and/or child prostitution are a-ok (again, because XXC would be horrified to learn such things...)

Yup! That's it! I'm not sure if this counts as a "letter", never done one, so just in case I'll finish it with a flourish.

Treats are such a rare and precious thing, that all is welcome. Long or short, fic or art, if you find anything here that inspires you, I'll be very happy if you want to share it with me.

In the meantime, I remain your fellow mdzs fan,

Valls_Safanoria (deathbyoctopi)

#mo dao zu shi #songxuexiaoexchange2023 #ao3 #letter #prompts letter #Imma going to put this HERE #because I really have no idea where to put it otherwise

2 notes · View notes

flammenkobold · 8 months

Text

got tagged by @kd-heart and @bittercape

no-pressure tags for: @wishflower4, @theallknowingowl, @howshouldiknowboutlife

Rules: Go to your published works on AO3 and list the first fic you ever published there, the last fic you published, any fic that you wrote for a fandom/ship only once, your favorite fic you wrote in the fandom/ship that has the most works, the fic you wish more people read, the fic you agonized over the most, the fic that sprang fully formed from your mind without any effort, and a work you are proud of—for whatever reason.

First fic published on Ao3: Teen Wolf, Stiles/Peter, The Raven and the Wolf, posted in 2013. It was an lj exchange fic and before that I mostly posted on the pit of voles and lj. I think that was the time when everything on both sites fully collapsed in terms of fandom stuff, so it was a good time to move over to AO3. My earliest fic posted was on ff.net and from 2005 (I think).

Last fic published: The Magnus Archive, Peter Lukas, drabble, Home Sweet Home, written during the tma convention in one of their panels. I'm currently working on an RQ big bang fic which hopefully will be posted soon.

Fandom/ship I only wrote once: uhhhh a bunch? gave myself the challenge for Whumptober 2022 to write a drabble for a different fandom each day and I'm also a filthy multishipper. I hope to write more for some of these eventually but... Anyway lets stick to fandoms only? long list and the rest of the answers under the cut:

Whitechapel (TV) (1) Star Wars - All Media Types (1) Good Omens - Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett (1) Batman - All Media Types (1) The Mechanisms (Band) (1) The Amazing Spider-Man (Movies - Webb) (1) Star Wars Legends: Thrawn Trilogy - Timothy Zahn (1) The Librarians (TV 2014) (1) Sunless Sea (1) Killjoys (TV) (1) Stardew Valley (Video Game) (1) Kingsman (Movies) (1) The Exorcist (TV) (1) 9-1-1 (TV) (1) Succession (TV 2018) (1) Titans (TV 2018) (1) Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (Anime & Manga) (1) Tales of Arcadia (Cartoons) (1) The Silt Verses (Podcast) (1) Halloween (Movies - Green) Malevolent (Podcast) (1) The Cellar Letters (Podcast) (1) The Locked Tomb Series | Gideon the Ninth Series - Tamsyn Muir (1) Parkdale Haunt (Podcast) (1) Moon Knight (TV 2022) (1) The Sandman (TV 2022) (1) Cobra Kai (TV) (1) Badlands Cola (Podcast) (1) Eat the Rich - Alexander J. Newall (1)

Favorite fic in most popular fandom/ship: sobs in rarepair and mini fandom shipper I've written for bigger fandoms and ships but I'm going to go with Pacific Rim on this one and it's Chuck Hansen&Angela Hansen + Chuck Hansen&Herc Hansen, Universe Hopping fic, Taking a Shot. (also this is me realizing that tma has more fics than pacrim and how? ok well so if we're going with tma then I'm fond of this little dinghy fic feat. Jared Hopworth called Lover's Rose)

Fic I wish more people read: My last years entry for the Rusty Quill Big Bang! Sasha/Grizzop, class swap fic based on a romance novel blurp, A Wicked Liason. Also The Six Disappearances of Ella McCray fics mostly because I wished there was more content for it and more people who listened to it.

Fic I agonized over: All of them, currently the RQBB from this year (coming soon)

Fic that popped out fully-formed: pretty much all of my drabbles and most fics tbh because I don't like writing without having a clear idea of the story. But the last fic that wasn't a drabble that I remember punching it's way into my brain fully formed and then wouldn't leave was Due South, Fraser/RayK, ace discussion fic, Cassette Player.

Fic I'm proud of: All of my longer fics, because I am not very good at writing longer things. But especially Home Coming (Teen Wolf, Stiles- centric, canon divergence) which is 51,687 words long and the longest fic I've ever written. For reference, this is currently longer than my past RQBB fics combined (new fic not counted).

#ask meme #zero writes

2 notes · View notes

pugszler · 2 years

Note

re fanfic ask game: ✏️, 📬, 🎡, 🪜

thank you blake!!! <3

✏️ The first fanfiction you ever wrote? (doesn’t have to be a posted fic)

hmm well technically i did start out in middle school writing crack/humor fic for kingdom hearts (albeit they were in the form of screenplays). i had a huge ass fucking binder of them and there were A LOT, all hand written on wide ruled paper. i never technically uploaded them online (sometimes i shared mini ones in comment sections on a fan site i used to troll on... 😬) but i did have an audience at school! i had two friends (who i prob bugged relentlessly) to read my stupid stories but i honestly think they liked them and were always super nice to me about them and gave me praise. one of my friends even drew fanart for some of them :')

📬 The best comment you ever recieved?

aaaah omg i can't remember specific ones off the top of my head but i Know that the best comments i've ever received on my fics were from both @icannotweave and @artiemisiaa!

raye, you've left enormous essay-length comments on multiple fics of mine and you rlly made it clear to me that you loved what you read and each part that you liked the most and just. gosh i'll always remember just how much interest you showed in my dumb self-insert fic w kohei despite never having interacted w the canon material. your comments were basically love letters to my writing and i'll never forget your kindness and enthusiasm :'))) <3

artie, i know it's been a long while since i last updated domino effect, long enough that Both of us have kind of lost most of our interest in bnha, but i just want to say that your chapter-to-chapter comments Really helped me keep writing through the bulk of that fic! it was SO NICE to know that someone was enthusiastically following along w each update i uploaded and that you were having fun while reading! you also praised my ideas and characterizations a lot and that was... incredibly validating for me :') i worried A Lot during my time writing domino bc i was afraid of how well i was writing my favorite characters, but you assured me multiple times that i was doing them justice. you're my favorite type of commenter, thank you again <3

🎡 Your favorite scene to write in -insert fic-?

aw blake, buddy, dude, my pal... "-insert fic-" means you gotta specify one of the fics i've written before lmao ah well don't worry i'll pick one for ya :P hmm i think my favorite scenes to write in Any fic are funny ones (i like to pretend that i Am actually a comedy genius sometimes lmao). i remember one of the scenes i loved writing the most was from "gradual shift" (aka the fic where shouto gets turned into a cat) and izuku attempts to hide cat shouto in his hoodie while he sneaks him into the dorms but then he runs into shinsou at the elevators who is absolutely delighted to meet a new feline friend and izuku is just freaking tf out and shouto is just like "mrow" (mrow meaning hi)

🪜 Tell us a random fact about any fic!

by some miracle (i.e. prior to 2015 when my mental illnesses started to wreak havoc) prob half of the fics i wrote at first were basically All written within the course of a 24 hour period. several of them had actual deadlines (like for events and exchanges) so that really got me into that last minute panic kind of productiveness (which makes sense since i was attending college just around/before this time period so i was Very familiar with this method of getting important projects done lmao). i pulled full all-nighters for Many of them and honestly... it was a blast. prob one of the best experiences in my life lmao. writing entire ass fics over the course of a single evening until the sun rises is a wild experience. felt really fucking good once you finish.

(link to ask game)

#replies #ask game

4 notes · View notes

saundraswriting · 2 years

Text

Old Habits Die Hard

SUMMARY: Ash Lynx died one cold wintry day in New York City. Aslan Jade Callenreese-Lobo was adopted by a recently remarried Max and Jessica Lobo on a similar wintry day in New York City. One almost spring day, Aslan took his money, his new name and one plane ticket to JFK, never looking back. One cold wintry day, Eiji Okumura felt his heart shatter with one phone call. He stayed frozen and cold until one almost spring day.

WARNINGS: This is set post canon but still banana fish is heavy proceed with caution.

NOTES: This was for the banana fish secret valentine's day exchange.

Ao3 // Masterlist // Twitter

Eiji shifted the bag of groceries to get a better grip. 'I always underestimate the trip home. I need to start working out more.' He resolved to start working out as soon as possible. He had been home for months now. The time to move on had come. He had been helping Ibe-san with his projects lately while trying to figure out what he was supposed to do safe on the other side of the world from where he wanted to be. 'Stop thinking useless things.'

"I'm home!" Eiji called out in Japanese, barely successful in bringing the groceries and taking his shoes off.

"Welcome back." A chorus of voices responded in Japanese.

Eiji began lecturing as he came through the doorway not lookimg up. "Mei, I hope you are being a good host. Did you offer tea and snacks to your friends?" He was pulling items out of the bag to put away, unaware of his mother joining him.

"Eiji. t isn't your sister who has friends over." She said. Eiji paused, brows furrowed.

"Is it Mahjong night? I thought that was yesterday." His mother shook her head. "Mom, I am not sure I understand. I haven't spoken to anyone but ibe-san since I came back. I certainly don't have company." Eiji brushed off his mother's unusually cryptic attitude.

"Ei-Chan, please. Stop for a moment." Mei grabbed him by the elbow, leading him to the living room, the table full of snacks and tea.

Eiji saw his fingers first of the mysterious stranger there to see Eiji. Fingers he saw too often wrapped around a gun. Eiji continued scanning upwards, heart pounding, breath quickening. He felt hope bloom like a live thing in his chest.

Broad chest.

Strong arms.

Sharp jaw.

Green eyes.

Blonde hair.

Eiji felt frozen in place, excitement and astonishment and confusion filling him.

"Aslan." An exhale. Shaky and weak.

Eiji." Ash's smile was as shaky and weak as Eiji's voice.

Eiji sat down heavily, eyes never leaving Ash's. "Ash. My Ash. You're here? In Japan. Alive."

"Yeah. I wasn't meaning to surprise you like this. Are you okay?" Ash couldn't bring himself to look at Eiji after all this time.

"Me? Am I okay? What about you? I wasn't the one stabbed." Eiji snapped, absentmindedly making a cup of tea.

"Yeah. I'm asking if you're okay. You were the one shot though. I haven't seen you in almost three months." Ash said.

"Ash. I'm fine. I missed you like crazy. For the first time in a long time, it feels like I can breathe again. I am beyond thrilled to see you again. I thought you died." Eiji couldn't help but be honest. His heart and soul were lighter than they had been in weeks.

"I can't even imagine how you felt. Eiji, if I thought you died..."Ash trailed off, a pained look on his face. The two of them remembering an interrupted Japanese lesson. "I couldn't tell you. You had just gotten home, you were safe. I wasn't going to put you in danger again, just because I was stabbed."

Eiji stopped shy of slamming his cup down. "You are important to me. You always will be. I know it was my letter that got you stabbed. Do not insult my intelligence. " Eiji's voice broke on a sob. He pressed his hands against his mouth to stifle any more noises. "I just want an explanation."

"Max, Jessica and I decided that since I survived, that it would be best if I died. A dead whistleblower tell no tales. We broke the news of Papa Dino and Banana Fish. I used the money to get my new name and take care of everyone back there. The second I could I hopped a plane to be here. With you." Ash finally looked up from where he was staring holes in the table. "Eiji, you mean more to me than you will ever know. I couldn't stomach being away from you any longer than I had to. I know I am couple months late, but I really want to take you up on your offer." Ash's smile reminded Eiji of a cup of tea on a cold day, warming you up from the inside out slow and soft.

"Absolutely. Ash, I'd never turn you away no matter what happens. I will be by your side. Forever." The two of them grew quiet, unsure of how to proceed.

"Ei-Chan, is your friend staying?" Eiji's mother broke the silence, her soft Japanese soothing.

"Yeah. He'll sleep on the spare futon in my room. He'll be here for a while, getting settled." Eiji responded. He got up gathering the dishes. "Mom, this is Aslan. We met in New York. He is a dear and close friend of mine. Please bear with us." Eiji told her. Her eyes crinkled a little with her smile, eyes twinkling. 'Eiji looks like her.'Ash thought.

"Thank you Okumura-san.:" Ash said in moderately accented Japanese. "I tried to learn a bit before I came." Ash said switching to English in response to their surprise.

"Look at you, well on your way to being a sloppy Japanese." Eiji teased.

"No, thank you. I'll leave that up to you, it comes naturally." Ash teased back. He grew somber. "Eiji-"

"Nope. Yoi are welcome here. We can tell her more later. Right now, I just want to enjoy the fact you are here with me. Finally." Eiji cut off Ash's attempt at apologizing.

"Completely sure. Now, let's get ready for bed." Eiji caught his sister's gaze and looked at the barely cleaned table. She nodded waving them off with a hand. Eiji grabbed Ash by the hand pulling him up. "Good night, both of you. We will see you in the morning. Aslan, did you bring luggage?" The two of them headed off to Eiji's room, voices fading, unaware of his sister and mother sharing fond looks.

Eiji and Ash entered his room, Eiji pulling out two thinner mattresses and some blankets. "Here we sleep on futons. I will set them up while you are in the bath." Eiji led the way to the bath, taking the time to explain all o the buttons and options that were labelled in Japanese. Ash repeated some of the lesson and confident he could manage Eiji left him alone. "I will be right across the hall if you need something." Eiji reached out like he was going to touch him but pulled back, leaving instead.

Ash sighed unsure as to why the lack of contact hurt him. Eiji never hesitated to touch him when in New York. 'Maybe, he doesn't want me here.' Ash shook his head, stripping down. 'No, you just came back from the dead to him. He needs time and space. Your being in love with him doesn't excuse that.' Ash lectured himself. 'I'm fine. I am safe here, welcome here with perfect Eiji.' Unbidden the image of Eiji's surprised face and warmth from his hands filled Ash's head. 'Yeah, we'll be just fine, me and my Eiji.'

A while later there was a knock on the door. Ash blinked out of his light doze, both awed he slept and accepting he may be more jet-lagged than he thought. "Aslan, I have some clothes for you. I unpacked your clothes and things. I have it all on in a drawer in my dresser and on my desk." Eiji called. Ash felt affection well up in his chest. 'Perfect Eiji strikes again, always taking care of me.'

"Come on in, I don't mind." Ash looked up when the door opened, Eiji had his eyes closed. Ash felt his heart ache, this simple idea of consent, Eiji not looking while he was in the tub made him melt. "You can open eyes Eiji."

"Thank you for telling me. I am trying to respect your privacy. Your autonomy." Eiji placed the neatly folded clothes on a counter.

"You have no idea what that means to me. You don't have to be so careful. The difference between them and you is intention." Ash tried to explain. "On accident or on purpose, it isn't the same. You are different, you always have been, always will."

"I want you to know that I will never take from you. You are more to me that a...a...a pretty face. To me." Eiji huffed a sigh, trying to quell his agitation. "I am not having a discussion on body autonomy and consent on you first night here. Come now, let's get you out and properly dry. You'll catch a cold." Eiji grabbed the large fluffy towel on the counter.

"Eiji, that is what I mean. You keep taking care of me. You won't take anything from me, I will give everything, anything to you." Ash wanted to get out of the bath. He wanted to touch Eiji, but he felt if he got out the conversation would end.

"I will never not ask." Eiji held out the towel, putting an end to the conversation. "Please. Let's discuss this later." Ash felt like if they didn't discuss it now, they never would. The two of them would be stuck in a limbo of not wanting to trigger the other. Ash stepped out, not wanting to fight the first night he was with Eiji after being dead for months.

Eiji looked away, holding the towel out. He left Ash to get dressed. When Ash entered their room, The beds were made and Eiji was dressed for bed. "Come. Sit down. I'll dry your hair." Ash handed over the towel, sitting down before Eiji. "You're staying here right? Until we get a place for us to get settled, My family won't mind having you stay."

"Us? I like the sound of that. Just like old times, without the ever-present threat of death." Ash threw a bright grin over his shoulder. 'He is different than the last time I saw him. Lighter. Happier. Livelier.' "As long as they are okay with it. Just say the word and I'm gone." Ash interrupted Eiji's thoughts.

"I said forever, didn't I?" Eiji asked.

"Yeah you did." Ash closed his eyes enjoying the sensation of Eiji drying his hair. 'I could get used to this.' Was the last thing Ash remembered.

The summer passed in a blur. Eiji was busy helping Ibe-san but occasionally brought Ash along. When he didn't Ash spent his days helping around the house while learning his Japanese. Eiji's mom was enamored with his manners and integrity. Eiji even introduced him to the therapist he saw upon returning from the states. They spent their days together, Eiji never pushing past the limits that Ash set, physically or verbally. They didn't try to have another discussion like his first night there again.

Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. When Ash was moderately fluent and mostly mentally sane, he brought up finding a place to stay. "Eiji! I don't want to impose on your family anymore. I really want to move out." He was sitting in front of Eiji, reveling in the feeling of Eiji drying his hair. The quiet domesticity of the moment not lost on Ash.

"If that is what you want. I think you are fine and would be able to handle it on your own." Eiji's tone of nonchalance rubbed Ash the wrong way. 'Come on, Eiji. Show a little more than that.'

"Dummy. What I want is for you come with me. You were the one who promised me forever. Why are you surprised when I take you up on your offer? How are you this dense? Eiji, I followed you halfway across the world."

"If that is what you want. I would love to move in with you. Do you have preferences or a... what is that list called?" Eiji pulled out a notepad, making Ash smile.

"A wish list, Eiji. All I want is for it to be a house with a yard. Not in the city. And a large kitchen and an extra room for an office or library. I want what you want." Ash stared Eiji down for a bit, silently daring him to say something. Eiji flushed a light pink at the extended eye contact.

The conversation Ash and Eiji had with Eiji's mother and sister was easy. Eiji had stressed over it for days, mumbling under his breath constantly about how he is to convince his mother he was safe with the man who kept in New York for so long. But like most people, he underestimated the great Ash Lynx.

"Okumura-san, I cannot thank you enough for taking care of me for all this time. I will always see you as a mother figure in my life. That being said, I am ready to move forward, and I want to do that with Eiji by my side." Ash bowed his head.

Eiji's mother and sister sat on the other side of the table, their after-dinner tea growing cold. "Aslan-chan, you never have to thank me for that. I did what any mother should have. I am glad even with all the time you kept him, you make him happy, and he makes you happy. If you need anything, either of you please, let us know. We are your family. I wish you both all the health, happiness and safety you can receive."

"Does that mean I can call you onii-chan now?" Mei laughed. Eiji spluttered and blushed. Ash just grinned a little manically.

"Maybe one day you can for real." Ash whispered in her ear, face softening at her giggles. Then the words registered at she snapped her head towards him, eyebrow raised.

"wait, you really like my brother?" She whispered back.

"Mei, your brother is more important to me than anyone in the world. I have not had great experiences with love or people, but I am pretty sure I am in love with your brother." Ash whispered. Mei squealed quietly.

"What are you two being all secretive about over there?" Eiji's eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"Nothing!" They chimed simultaneously, Ash with a poker face and Mei with a smug smile.

"I don't believe you." Eiji shook his head. "Thank you, mom. We already got a place picked out. We should be moving in a week or so."

She pulled him into a hug. "You are my son. I will support you no matter what. I am just glad you finally found someone. You were so lost for so long and if this man helped you find your way, then who am I to deny you that. You have always been a worrier, especially to those who you love."

"I-mom-Ash and I-I'm not in love with Aslan. He is too good for someone like me. He will do great things. I am just meant to stand by his side. He is so brilliant and bright and wonderful and strong. Once he finds a place to stand on his own, he won't need me there anymore. So, I refuse to take more than I can handle, take more than he is willing to give." Eiji waved a hand frantically by his face.

"Son, no one is willing to fly halfway across the world for just anyone. That man loves you. He is making his own way and taking you with him. Don't shut him down before he even tries to reach out." Eiji's mom brushed his bangs out of his eyes, planting a soft kiss on his forehead. "Just be you. Wonderful, perfect you. You will find out what I mean, one day."

"Okay, enough mushy stuffs. Let's get to business." Eiji's mother grew stern. The two men grew nervous. "Have you done any shopping for this new place?" She looked at both their faces frozen in horror and shame. "Obviously not. Well, you said you had the place picked out."

"Yeah. We get the keys tomorrow." Ash said proudly.

"Okay, then I get to pull the mom card and help you shop. We will need to get you guys some dishes and food and basics and furniture." Eiji's mother looked almost overly excited about the whole thing. "I cannot believe we have a week to get this done."

"That would be my fault. I wasn't sure how well you would take the news, and every time Aslan wanted to tell you I froze." Eiji said. His mom just ruffled hir hair.

The week passed quickly. Eiji's mom was diligent in preparing her two sons' for their future without her. She helped them pick out everything from towels to dishes to the western style beds they wanted (twin sized in the same room with a shared dresser and closet just like here and New York). Ash paid for everything, sparing no expense, and ensuring they had everything they would need for the house. Aslan had a room for his office and Eiji had a studio. The yard was decent sized, with a nice patio. They even had a guest room at Eiji's request. The next few weeks were a mess of boxes, packing tape, moving, organizing, not-quite-arguing, organizing, moving. Settling in took time, but they figured it out.

"Aslan, if you are going to the library today again, leave out your laundry. I'll do it when I get back from class." Eiji said as he finished the final touches on breakfast.

"Sure. You know I can do it too?" Ash no longer had an entire government plot or mafia to demolish, he had more time to help Eiji maintain their home. 'He fell back into old habits.'

"No, I like doing it. You have enough to worry about, trying to increase your fluency and getting settled. You should just do things you like to do." Eiji said.

"You have class and work with Ibe-san and do all the chores. I just do some writing under a pseudonym. I can help out more." Ash tried to push again.

"Aslan, everything is fine. I go a handle on this. Enjoy your freedom. You worked hard to get it." Eiji kept his eyes down, a sign he was hiding something from Ash. 'Don't you get it? If you don't need me to help with this much, then I have no purpose here.' Eiji felt his eyes welling, h took a few shaky breaths trying to calm down.

"Don't hide from me please. I want you to be happy here. This is our home. I share it with you. I can't help you-" Ash was cut off. Eiji slammed his hands on the counter.

"I am happy here. Has anything I said or done; made you think otherwise?" Eiji demanded. Ash's eyes widened. 'No. Please say no. I can be better. I can do better.' Eiji felt the panic well in his chest.

"No! Eiji, what?" Ash could barely talk, words caught in his throat, the feeling of Eiji slipping through his fingers winding him. "Eiji, please. Talk to me."

"It nothing. I go to class." Eiji quickly put breakfast on the table. Ash grew even more worried, Eiji's English hadn't been this broken since New York. "Text me later, yes?" He left without hearing Ash's answer. 'Oh no. You are not getting away that easily.' Ash resolved to make Eiji talk to him when he got home. Until then, the plan was to eat and clean and research.

Ash used the time Eiji was gone to do the chores that needed done. Eiji had been trying to keep up with keeping the house clean, but they were still trying to get settled. On top of Eiji trying to balance the house, a part-time job and part-time classes, there wasn't much time. They talked often about what needed done, so Ash did them, doing a bit of shopping nearby to finally finish the house. He sent a picture of the last of the boxes and trash sorted and broken down to Eiji. 'We are officially moved in. I did the last few things that we had been talking about today.' Ash waited a few minutes for a response but there was none. He tried to not feel hurt from being ignored, not wanting to make this issue about him when Eiji was clearly suffering or harping on something.

Next, Ash looked up way to help Eiji relax. He got some ideas, getting the preparations done to be ready when Eiji came home. Hours later, Eiji's familiar voice called out in Japanese "I'm back." Ash practically sprinted towards the front door, shifting impatiently from foot to foot as he removed his shoes. The second he stepped out of the entryway; Ash swept him into a tight hug. They didn't partake often in physical contact, Eiji out of respect for Ash's consent and Ash tried but didn't want to make Eiji uncomfortable.

"You came home. Welcome back." Ash squeezed. "I am so happy. Now, come on. I made dinner, but I also have a bath ready. or a movie and snacks ready to go."

"What?" Eiji's voice was muffled by Ash's shoulder. "You're not going to kick me out?"

Ash froze completely, his heart stopping. "Eiji Okumura. What do you mean kick you out?" Ash's voice was cold and deadly. Eiji was reminded of the gang leader days.

"Nothing. I was being stupid. Forget it." Eiji tried to pull away. Ash let him, missing his warmth already.

Ash thought back to the old dance they had been doing since he got here. Eiji seemed to be holding back for months, going along with what he perceived as what Ash wanted. Ash didn't push, trying to respect boundaries he only vaguely understood.

"We need to talk. It isn't nothing. Eiji, you've lost weight and haven't been sleeping. I want to help you!" Ash trailed after him.

"You don't have to help me. I don't need help! I'm fine." Eiji paced the living room.

"Eiji, we need to talk. There is something bothering you and I am right here. You aren't alone." Ash wasn't sure how to comfort Eiji, always have been the one being comforted. He looked at the couch and the large blanket he had bought. He remembered how warm Eiji was. He snatched his hand, leading the Eiji to the couch.

"This is not a big deal. I will be fine." Eiji seemed to grow smaller the more Ash pushed.

"You said 'I will be fine.' that time." Ash settled down, Eiji settling between his legs, reclining on his chest without coaxing.

"Aslan, I invited you to Japan to be safe and happy. I didn't invite you here to be with me." Eiji said. Ash was surprised he was actually talking. "If I was by your side or not, I knew Japan was the best place for you. Even when I thought you were dead, I thought I should have pushed the issue more but hindsight and all that. Then you were alive. I didn't want to be a reminder of what you had survived. If I was just a stop on your way to true happiness, then so be it." Eiji took a breath. "Then you decided to move out. I never thought I would actually have to face the idea of you moving on without me. But you wanted me to come along. I was so happy; I could have cried."

"Eiji, you are the reason, I am here. Don't sell yourself short. How am I to survive without you?" Ash asked. He ran his finger through Eiji's hair.

"I didn't want to lose you after all this time. So, I decided if nothing else, if you couldn't-" Eiji cut himself off. "If nothing else, I would be useful to you. You wouldn't have anything to worry about. You paid for everything, the least I could do was work to pay some bills and the housework. I have never been much help for you. I wanted to take care of you like you take care of me." Eiji's shoulders shook as his breath hitched. "I wasn't able to do that. You've been worrying over me this whole time. Then you-you finished the house...I figured that meant you wanted me to leave. " Eiji's voice broke, Ash felt his heart break.

"Darling. My darling Eiji. No. I never want you to leave. I did that today to show you that you can depend on me. We are a team. Forever remember. Eiji, I love you. I love you so intensely it scares me. I want you to lean on me, like I lean on you." Ash confessed. Eiji's sobs got harsher. Ash just kept hugging and caressing, murmuring sweet nothings until he calmed down.

"Ash, my sweet Ash. My sweetheart. I said forever and I meant it. I love you too. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'll do better, I'll be better. You are so brilliant and smart and strong; I want to be able to stand by your side. " Eiji promised.

"Eiji. There is nothing to be sorry for. I love you. You, the one who showed me there was more to be then a child who was abused in terrible ways. I don't want to be better. I want you to be you. I want you to talk to me. Promise me that you won't hide from me again. I love you too much to see you suffer like this again." Ash soothed.

"I'll try to do better." Eiji tipped his face up, a small smile.

"Old habits die hard they say. You have always had a habit of putting others before yourself." Ash said. "Now, how about you take a bath, and we can have a quiet movie night. We can talk about this more in the morning. We can even have a chore chart and a budget sheet, so you feel like you are contributing more. I don't want this to happen again. I am worried for your health." Ash murmured in Eiji's hair.

:"A bath sounds wonderful. I need to wash my face anyway. You want to reheat dinner?" Eiji wiggled his arms around Ash squeezing him tight. "I do love you. I have been in love with you since the beginning. I am glad we made it this far." Eiji tried to stand up but was pulled down again. He looked up as Ash looked down.

"I would like to kiss you now, please." Ash waited for Eiji's shy nod before pressing their mouths together. It was a sweet soft kiss, syrupy slow and gentle. They pulled away, Eiji blushing and Ash grinning. "I love you too. Now, get your bath my darling, I'll reheat dinner."

"Yes, sweetheart, I'll be back in a bit." Eiji got up, Ash let him. After a moment, Ash got up and headed into the kitchen, soul thrumming pleasantly at the memory of their kiss.

'Yeah, I could get used to this' Ash thought while puttering around.

'Yeah, I could get used to this.'Eiji thought while getting out of the shower.

'We have forever, after all.'

#asheiji #banana fish #post canon banana fish #ash lynx lives #slight canon divergence #bf #ash lynx #eiji okumura

6 notes · View notes