Tumgik
#marriage before God will send you the fulfillment of those things. it’s good to want those things
countess-of-edessa · 4 months
Text
new hot take is that "i don’t need anyone but God" is pretty much wrong and we should stop telling people they can’t get married/have children/etc before they believe this fully. unless you have the spiritual fortitude of a hermit it is untrue. obviously God is perfection in which no lack can be found but we are not in His full presence by virtue of being on earth! if we were then we would be in heaven but we are not! in the meantime, the experience of God we have on earth necessarily includes other people whether they be friends or spouses or children. if that was not true God would not have said "It is not good for man to be alone" and given him a companion even though God himself was interacting with Adam! in this current state of separation from God as it exists on this earth, very few people can really be without all other people and rely only on contemplation and prayer. obviously God is enough and will always be enough, but our perception of Him in this fallen world is seriously lacking if we cannot experience His love through the experience of loving and being loved by others.
66 notes · View notes
love-advice-on-call · 11 months
Note
Hi! This is like my first time asking any advice so sorry if this is a bit tmi or a weird ask 😬 So for religious reasons I'm not doing the do until after marriage. The problem here is, all the guys wont really date you unless your down to do smth with them ( which i'm not!!! ). I know i shouldn't really rush into a relationship cause i'm literally only 15 and their overrated and romanticized by the media anyways, but i'm an absolute hopeless romantic 😔 I just really wanna have a romance book typa relationship. I wanna send gm and gn texts w/ someone and be on ft with them for hours just talking or doing nothing and just basically have someone to obsess and rant over to your friends. But I don't want to have the superficial relationships that my friends/others have in my school.
Like majority of the guys in my school are racist, colourist, homophobic and are just mean people in general. I would NEVER wanna date a person who acts like that, let alone be friends with them! But it seems like everyone doesn't really care in a sense because they're cute/popular. I feel like the odd one out because everyone has been in a relationship or had a crush or like a fling and I haven't. I'm always left out of these conversations and just feel like i'm missing out on the high school experience! ( i'm literally finishing grade 10 in 2 weeks and haven't even talked to a guy romantically )
In a sense i feel like because of that ( and since i went to an all girls private school from gr 3-8 ) I tend to romanticize the smallest things a guy does or says to me which is such a big problem!!1! Like you crack a joke with me? In love. Pick me first in gym when making teams? Brb i'm writing our wedding invites. Even my cousins around my age were shocked when I said I haven't talked to a guy romantically before. Its even worse that I'm so shy around guys and just overly insecure considering I NEVER had any boys in my school. Everyone always calls me a grandma already because of the way I talk and act and now i'm really starting to believe it.
My parents are pretty strict about this kinda thing and my sisters are all older then me/are naturally extremely pretty so they didn't have to worry about being unlikeable ( people had crushes on them in high school AND they were in relationships ). I just feel really lost and unlikeable :(
Hi,
So I think waiting till marriage is a totally fine thing and waiting in general would be a good decision for a lot of folks, not just you. I didn't wait till marriage, but I did wait a long time for the right person and in my personal experience it made it significantly more fulfilling when comparing it to how almost all of friends lost their virginity during teen years. I really wish that more folks had the opportunity to wait.
Wanting to be in a relationship this badly I think is something MANY people your age feel and I think it is totally normal. This feeling you're feeling, doesn't really ever go away I think. It may come and go in intensity, but if you at this age feel like wanting to be in a relationship, then you can expect to buckle in for a lifetime of this being at the back of your thoughts.
"Like majority of the guys in my school are racist, colourist, homophobic and are just mean people in general." Unfortunately, this is just "Welcome to Teen Boyhood", most of these guys (God willing) will grow out of it, though I've met a lot of men who never emotionally/mentally went past age 16.
There are some dudes who are not terrible people at ~15, but usually those guys do not attract girls easily. Less popular guys definitely, but solid dudes at heart. It could be that maybe you are also just hanging around the wrong crowd? I doubt your whole school is like this and you should be able to find someone your age who shares your values. They wont be the perfect guy, no one is at 15 or really any age, but they'll be better. I know it is SUPER incredibly indescribably tough to shift social circles and meet people within your own school, but I suggest that you try to simply make more guy friends in general and look for the sweet spot of dudes that are decent guys. It will also help with your anxiety around boys and may help smooth you out so you're used to talking to them. Once you find a guy you like, then you can work on building up the courage to ask him out.
Maybe join clubs at school, look into after school programs (tutoring, co-ed sports, etc.), or check with your friends to see if they know anyone they can introduce you to. When I was in high school, some people would also just date guys from other schools because they weren't down with the ones who were immediately around them. They usually met through mutual friends or at non-school events.
Also, you telling me that you don't want to date guys because they want you to be down for something while your sisters were in relationships at your age. I mean, I feel like put two and two together. It's not JUST because your sisters are pretty 👀. But gossip aside, your parents can't be that strict if they let your sisters see guys or if your sisters found ways around not telling them. So I wouldn't worry about them too much. As a former teen, there are always ways to getting around parents.
All in all, I think it sounds like you do have a good head on your shoulders and you know what you want. Being a grandma isn't always a bad thing, it just means that you don't take BS from other people and you know what will make you happy. That's something that takes almost a life time of development and you've got that now at 15 so I've got confidence in you that you're going to be alright.
As a side note: I do appreciate you listing out how you romanticize the situations. It gave me a laugh and this is definitely one of my favorite asks I've gotten in a while. Talking to people about navigating teen dating is like one of the funnest topics period.
June 13, 2023
2 notes · View notes
orthodoxydaily · 10 months
Text
Saints&Reading: Friday, June 23, 2023
june 23_june 10
THE MONK THEOPHANES and St PANSENNE of ANTIOCH (363)
Tumblr media
Saint Theophanes of Antioch was the son of pagans. At a young age, he entered into marriage, but after three years, his wife died. Saint Theophanes then came to believe in Christ and accepted Baptism. He gave up everything and began to live beyond the city in a manner of self-denial. He zealously taught the keeping of the commandments of God to everyone who came to him. He exhorted people to lead a pure and chaste life and condemned the debauchery of the people of Antioch. When Saint Theophanes learned about a certain profligate woman, Pansemne, who was caught up in the devil's snares, he wanted to save her. Knowing how difficult it would be to fulfill such an intention and be conscious of his infirmity, Saint Theophanes prayed, and he besought the Lord to help him save the sinful woman.
Finally, the saint dressed in fine clothing took along much gold, and then went to Pansemne. The monk gave her the gold and asked her to forsake the dissolute life to marry him. Pansemne happily consented and gave him her word to become his wife. Saint Theophanes set the sole condition for Pansemne to accept Baptism. Because of the attractive marriage offer, Pansemne consented. Saint Theophanes instructed her in the Christian Faith to prepare her to receive Baptism. He explained that the truth of God does not tolerate sin and corruption but that the love of God is gracious to those that repent.
Having accepted Baptism, Saint Pansemne, by God's grace, was utterly reborn as a person. She distributed all the riches that she had acquired through profligacy, and she settled into a hut beside the monk's cell and began to live the life of an ascetic. After 22 months, she died the same day as the monk (+ 369).
VENERABLE SILVANUS THE SCHEMAMONK OF THE KIEV CAVE (14th.s)
Tumblr media
The Holy Schemamonk Silvanus (Silouan) of the Kyiv Caves zealously preserved the purity of soul and body, subdued his flesh with fasting and vigils, and cleansed his soul with prayer and meditation on God. The Lord granted him abundant spiritual gifts: a prayerful boldness towards God, constant joy in the Lord, clairvoyance, and wonderworking. The monk lived at the end of the thirteenth and beginning of the fourteenth centuries. His relics rest in the Caves.
Holy St Silouan pray to God for us
Tumblr media Tumblr media
MATTHEW 10:32-36; 11:1
32 Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. 34 Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man's enemies will be those of his own household.'
Commentary of the Church’s Fathers
John Chrysostom (AD 407) Again, He sets forth the more painful things with great aggravation: and the objection they were sure to meet Him with, He prevents them by stating. I mean, lest hearing this, they should say, For, this then are You come, to destroy both us, and them that obey us, and to fill the earth with war? He first tells Himself, I am not come to send peace on earth. How did He enjoin them to pronounce peace upon entering each house? And again, how did the angels say, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace? Luke 2:14 And how came all the prophets too to publish it for good tidings? Because this, more than anything, is peace, when the diseased is cut off when the mutinous is removed. Thus, Heaven can be united with Earth. Since the physician, too, in this way, preserves the rest of the body when he amputates the incurable part and the general when he has brought to a separation them that were agreed in mischief. Thus it came to pass also in the case of that famous tower; for their evil peace Genesis 11:7-8 was ended by their good discord, and peace made thereby. Thus Paul also divided them that were conspiring against him. Acts 23:6-7 And in Naboth's case, that agreement was at the same time more grievous than any war. 1 Kings xxi For Concord is not always good since even robbers agree. The war is not the effect of His purpose but of their temper. For His will indeed was that all should agree in the word of godliness, but war arises because they fell to dissension. Yet He spoke not so; but what says He? I am not come to send peace; comfort them. As if He said, For think not that you are to blame for these things; I order them so because men are so disposed. Be not ye, therefore, confounded, as though the events happened against expectation. To this end am I come, to send war among men; for this is my will. Be not ye, therefore, troubled when the earth is at war, as though it were subject to some hostile device. Heaven is knit unto the better when, the worse part is rent away. And these things He says, as strengthening them against the evil suspicion of the multitude. And He said not war, but what was more grievous than it, a sword. And if these expressions are somewhat painful and of an alarming emphasis, marvel not. For, it being His will to train their ears by the severity of His words, lest in their difficult circumstances, they should start aside, He fashioned His discourse accordingly; lest anyone should say it was by flattery He persuaded them, and by concealing the hardships; therefore even to those things which merited to be otherwise expressed, He gave by His words the more galling and painful turn. It is better to see a person's gentleness in things than in terms.  
1 When Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, it came to pass that He departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.
HEBREWS 13:17-21 
17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.18 Pray for us; we are confident that we have a good conscience in all things desiring to live honorably.19 But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.20 Now may the God of the peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Commentary of the Church’s Father
John Chrysostom (AD 407) Anarchy is evil, the occasion of many calamities, and the source of disorder and confusion. For as, if you take away the leader from a chorus, the chorus will not be in tune and in order; and if from a phalanx of an army thou remove the commander, the evolutions will no longer be made in time and order, and if from a ship thou take away the helmsman, you will sink the vessel; so too if from a flock thou remove the shepherd, you have overthrown and destroyed all. Anarchy, then, is an evil and a cause of ruin. But no less an evil also is the disobedience to rulers. For it comes again to the same. For a people, not obeying a ruler is like one who has none, perhaps even worse. In the former case, they have at least an excuse for the disorder, but no longer. In the latter, but are punished. But perhaps someone will say there is also a third evil when the ruler is bad. I, too, know it, and no small evil it is, but even a far worse evil than anarchy. It is better to be led by no one than to be led by one who is evil. The former indeed are often saved and often are in peril, but the latter will be all together in trouble, being led into the pit [of destruction]. How then does Paul say, Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves? Having stated above, whose faith follows, considering the end of their conversation, Hebrews ver. 7, he said, Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves. What then (you say), when he is wicked, should we obey? Wicked? In what sense? If indeed concerning Faith, flee and avoid him; not only if he is a man, but even if he be an angel come down from Heaven; but if about life, be not over-curious. And this instance I do not allege from my own mind, but from the Divine Scripture. For hear Christ saying, The Scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat. Matthew 23:2 Having previously spoken many fearful things concerning them, He then says, They sit on Moses' seat: all therefore whatsoever they tell you to observe, do; but do not ye after their works. Matthew 23:2-3 They have (He means) the dignity of the office, but are of unclean life. Do thou, however, attend, not to their life, but to their words. As regards their characters, no one would be harmed [thereby]. How is this? Because their feelings manifest to all, and he was ten thousand times as wicked, he will never teach what is hostile. But as respects Faith, [the evil] is not manifest to all, and the cruel [ruler] will not shrink from teaching it. Moreover,
21make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 note · View note
formenis · 3 years
Text
Lines
Anon asked “Can you do one shot were before the Kira case L and reader were trying for a baby but after he takes the Kira case they agree to stop and after L meets Light reader finds out she is pregnant. L tries to send her away but she refuses and they end up fighting in front if the Task Force and that's how they find out L and reader are married and that she is pregnant “
pairing: L x fem!reader
warning: mention of food play
requested: yes
A/N: I apologise for the mistakes you will find in my stories but English is not my first language. Sorry ^^”
Y/A = your alias
Tumblr media
Negative.
Negative.
Negative.
Y/N sighed placing the pregnancy test on the sink. It was the second one that week with that same result…Y/N started to believe either she or L were able to have a child.
After a little time off, she washed her face, now her S/C skin was flawless and smooth, and then the teeth. She brushed her H/C hair and took a moment to observe her own reflection: the exhaustion in her E/C eyes was clear (and her job wasn’t helping her) and even her skin lost a bit of colour. In moments like those Y/N wondered what someone as the greatest detective in the world found attractive in her.
Her negative thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.
«Miss Y/N? It's Watari, I brought you breakfast» the kind voice of L's right-hand man showed a hint of concern and this made Y/N smile. Watari was always by her side, God blessed him.
«Thank you Watari» before leaving the bathroom she threw the pregnancy test in the bin and adjusted the PJs. Once outside the bathroom she saw Watari serving the breakfast in the cart: fried eggs, sausages, back bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, fried bread and a slice of white pudding; it was accompanied by tea and hot, buttered toast. To sum up: a typical British breakfast.
«Watari, you don’t have to spoil me like that…» Y/N told him already drooling.
«Miss Y/N, I believe you need some fresh air and relax. Please, enjoy me this afternoon at the shopping centre, I will need your precious advices» and then the old man placed a hot cup of tea on the cart with the rest of the breakfast.
It was not the first time Watari would make such an offer, he knew very well that being L's wife could be stressful. Yes, you heard right: Y/N L/N was L's wife. Despite the young age, both of them got married few years ago and they couldn’t be happier. Well, actually there was something that would make them happier: a child. Both L and Y/N wanted their own child despite the Wammy's House had many orphans.
«They're not orphans, Y/N. They are all adopted by me» L said few months after the marriage when the topic popped out in a conversation. He considered those children as his own, he loved being surrounded by their presence. Maybe because L was a bit childish himself.
However, despite their strong desire to have a kid on their own, it seemed nature didn’t agree with them.
But back to the present. Y/N was thinking about Watari's offer. If people considered L's life as secretive, his wife's one was twice as secretive but Y/N accepted it when she married him: she knew the risks and the conditions of being the greatest detective in the world's partner. So when Watari asked her to go with him at the shopping centre she seized the opportunity and said yes.
.
.
.
Disguise check. Sunglasses and hat? Check. F/C wig? Check. Y/N was ready to leave L's secret base with Watari.
«Are you ready Miss Y/N?»
«Of course, Watari. Let's go!~»
Unaware of Miss Y/N, Watari hadn’t to buy anything at the shopping centre. It was an excuse to let Y/N leave the base, a chance to get some fresh air. He pretended to buy some stuff for him: a new fedora and raincoat to be precise. He would need them for the new case L was going to take.
«Are you feeling better, Miss Y/A?»  
«Yeah! Thank you Watari! I really needed to leave that place» Y/N was smiling again, her skin had a more healthily colour and all the tiredness in her eyes was gone. Watari smiled too. «However…»
«What is it, Miss?»
«Today's test was negative again and…» Y/N sighed and checked the time on her phone.
«If I could dare an advice, Miss, things will come when you stop looking for them. So don't be sad, it only means it's not the right time…»
Y/N looked at him and smiled. «You're right, Watari»
♰ TIME SKIP ♰
December 2003. L was going to take part at one of those boring ICPO meeting. An emergency Interpol meeting, with delegates from all around the world, held in order to discuss a rather strange situation that was occurring in Japan. They are convinced that something was happening but cannot be sure what it is.
L was going to take the floor but before that he called Y/N.
«Did you call me?» Y/N entered the private and empty room that was L's personal "office": a desk, a fancy armchair and many many computer screens at their highest brightness level.
«Yes. Please, come closer» L replied. When he was with her, his usual monotone voice would become warmer and gentler, something reserved to his wife only.
Y/N walked towards him, next to his armchair waiting for an explanation. «Y/N, this case seems quite interesting. I think sooner or later we have to move»
«We?» she was surprised. Was she really going to go with him? It would be the first time.
«Indeed. If you agree, obviously»
«Of course I agree. I'll help you as always, L»
He smiled and took her hand, kissing tenderly the knuckle. «So would you agree with me if I say that it's better stop trying to have a baby, my dear?»  
Y/N thought for a while, calculating every scenario. «Yes, you're right»
L smiled again, this time wider. «Thank you, my love»
Y/N smiled as well and L returned to his bright screens. Then she noticed his personal stash of sweets beside him and took the opportunity to steal a Bon Bon Cherry (A/N: they are shortbread cookies wrapped around a cherry and topped with cherry frosting).
«Y/N, those are mine»
She snorted but ate the sweet regardless of L's warning.
♰ LATER THAT NIGHT ♰
«Are you coming to bed, L?»
«Not now, Y/N»
She walked closer to him and hugged the detective from behind. «But I prepared some creme pat~»
At those words L froze. Those words meant one thing: food play. And L couldn’t renounce to food play. «How much?»
«Two bowls…one has chocolate too~» she whispered alluring to his ear. In one swift movement, L was already up with Y/N in his arms –bridal style- leading towards the bedroom.
♰ TIME SKIP ♰
Japan was so full of life, wherever you turned you would be surrounded by different cultures. And the people was so kind and polite, they had a very high respect of other costumes and traditions. Y/N loved everything about Japan, she wanted to visit each district of Tokyo: from Akihabara (Tokyo's Anime & Gadget Town), to Shinjuku (Culture Clash) and to Kichijoji (a glimpse of Japan’s rural life within the city). She even prepared a tour on foot for each of them.
But at this point a question could arise: what was Y/N's job? Everyone who had the opportunity to work with L knew that each of his "co-worker" had a specific task to fulfil. So what was Y/N's real task? To be L's shadowy wife? Oh no, nothing like that.
Her role was very important in the couple: she "filtered" the information from Watari to L, she represented L in many circumstances and helped him in solving cases. In other words, Y/N was a sort of "Watari 2.0".
Once the couple moved to Japan, they booked a room at the "Imperial Hotel", one of the fanciest hotel at Tokyo. Until the construction of the new Japanese HQ wouldn’t be complete, L and Y/N had to change often hotel for safety reasons. But Y/N didn’t mind, for her it was the chance to visit the city.
"Kira…eliminating those FBI agents has got to have put you on the defensive. What are thinking right now?" L thought while looking outside the window, in front of him a breathtaking view of Tokyo at night but he wasn’t focused on it.
«Ryuzaki, are you still awake?» Y/N entered the room, she was already wearing her F/C PJs.
He nodded and watched her walking closer through the reflection of the window. She hugged him from behind and observed the scenario outside the window.
«Tomorrow you'll meet your task-force, you have to sleep»  
«Maybe later, Y/A»
They stood there, their bodies were hugged together but their minds had different thoughts. Between them, a pleasant silence filled the air, the couple was enjoying each other presence.
However, Y/N had to break said silence. «Maybe I'm intolerant to soy sauce»  
«To soy sauce?» L asked concerned.
«Yes…today I ate the famous Kobe meat but not much after that I threw up»
L stood in silence, deep in thought for a while. In those minutes he was analysing the current situation: what if Kira found out Y/N's true identity? Would he use her to blackmail L? He was so focused on those things that he almost didn’t notice Y/N was leaving.
«I'm going to bed, dear» Y/N kissed his cheek on tiptoes. «Please, rest for a bit alright?»
L smiled at her taking her hands in his. «Good night, my love» and then he kissed first the knuckles and after her lips. From this point of view L was really romantic despite his external cold behaviour.
Y/N smiled at him and left the room, now L was alone again with a new thought in his mind: «Since when Y/N is intolerant to soy sauce?»
.
.
.
January 2004 could be sum up with three major events: Raye Penber and Naomi Misora's deaths and the surveillance at Yagami and Kitamura's households. In particular, L's suspects moved to the son of Soichiro Yagami, Light. Technically he had access to the police's private dossiers and database since his father was the Chief and most importantly…he was too perfect according to L.
«Y/A, I don’t want you to meet Light-kun»
«Do you really think he is Kira?»
«It's not an assumption but a matter-of-fact. Of course he is»
However, it was inevitable. Light noticed Y/N's presence at the hotel and he wanted to meet her. He had to. So he "pretended" to be lost and asked Y/N for directions.
«Excuse me, Miss. I think I'm lost, do you know where room 684 is?»
Y/N, with one of her disguise on, turned towards the teenager: in front of her a young man, standing at above average height with light-brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a school uniform with a bright red tie.
«Uhm no sorry…but if you follow the numeration on the doors it must be easier for you» and with that Y/N left an astonished yet angry Light Yagami in the middle of the hallway.
She hadn’t the time to think about him, she had a more important thing to do. Since December, she missed her period twice: at first she thought it was because of the sudden trip to Japan but it was already the second time it happened. Could it be…?
«Such a bad timing…» she said out loud once in her room. However, she couldn’t hide the nervousness: she agreed with L to stop trying to have a baby before the Kira case and if the test she bought was positive…what would be L's reaction?
«"Get rid of the cause and you get rid of the problem" they say…let's do this then»
.
.
.
The task-force was working quietly in L's room, sharing information and dossiers. However, that atmosphere was abruptly interrupted by someone that thrusted open the door.
«Ryuzaki! Ryuzaki! I have something important to tell you!» Y/N appeared in the room, tears in her eyes and a wide smile on her face.
The entire task-force looked at her in awe and confusion. Who was that woman?
L turned towards her as well. Of course when she barged into the room he was shocked not only because of that sudden appearance but because now the task-force knew about her. There must be a really good reason for that.
He stood up and walked towards her. «Please Y/A, not now. You'll tell me later»
«No Ryuzaki, you need to hear this now!» she was so excited that she couldn’t be still.
«Y/A, it's not the right moment. You have to leave, please» L insisted trying to guide her towards the door.
«Ryuzaki stop! I'm your wife and you need to listen this!»
The task-force behind them stared in shock (and Aizawa almost spilled all his coffee). Did they hear right? Wife? What? Someone like L…married?!
«No Y/A, you have to stop. Your behaviour is highly unprofessional. Moreover, you don’t have the permission to stay here so please leave» L was becoming more and more bothered and it was clear by the tone of his voice, deep and fierce at the same time.
«Ryuzaki, I'm pregnant!»
 .
Silence.
 .
It was so loud that you could hear a pin falling down.
 .
Heavy and tense air was breathable, even the task-force noticed it. Y/N was there, with her heart in her throat, waiting for a reaction or a word from L. Fear was soon replaced by terror because L wasn’t saying anything.
«Are you…?»
Deducing what he was going to ask, Y/N showed him the test: two blue lines. At that sight L hugged her tightly, starting spinning together. Y/N burst in a resounding laugh, all fears and nervousness were gone.
«Oh my, Y/A. Finally! I knew it was not intolerance at soy sauce» he placed the forehead against her own and smiled widely.
They stood hugged together for a while and in the meantime the entire task-force was complimenting them about that news (especially Soichiro).
«We have to tell Watari too» L added shortly after the hug.
«Yes, he is going to become a grandpa after all»
242 notes · View notes
song-of-the-swans · 3 years
Text
Natalia did nothing wrong.
I recently reread Bronze no Tenshi and oh my God I love Georges D’Anthès with all my heart - as if I already didn’t love him enough when I first read this manga. He’s so respectful, he’s ready to sacrifice everything for Natalia and he understands a woman’s struggles. 
I don’t despise Pushkin in Bronze no Tenshi as it often happens to me with the other “love rival” of Saito’s stories, sometimes I pity him, but I also think a lot of people overlook his flaws and mistakes in his relationship and attitude towards Natalia out of their admiration for the figure of the real Pushkin, the poet. On the other hand, I see a lot of blame put on Natalia, when, if you really think about it, Natalia did nothing wrong. Natalia cannot be the usual strong, single-minded, fierce woman that Saito portrays in her stories: it wouldn’t be realistic and true to the time when the events take place. In my opinion, Natalia was a good person that always sacrificed herself for the people around her, who had for once the chance to do something exclusively for herself when she met the love of her life, D’Anthès. 
I personally am analyzing the events and the characters of the manga as someone who didn’t know Pushkin the first time she read Bronze no Tenshi. I see a girl who grew up in the country, with her relatives advising her not to speak her mind or reveal her true personality to anyone, with a crazy father who traumatized her, with a strict, oppressive mother who forbade her to read books, only ingraining religious concepts in her, and who tried to sell her to the best offerer when she was only 16. Everyone makes her believe her only merit is to be beautiful. When she is 16, she meets Pushkin who feverishly falls in love with her and, moved by his persistence, she develops a crush on him and agrees to marry him. She sees him as an escape from her condition and as a chance of independence from her mother. She knows he can treat her right and, in her innocence, she believes that would be enough to make her happy, because she is not interested in love, having never experienced it. Natalia says that love scares her because people in love act irrationally, so she keeps on living a peaceful life with Pushkin fulfilling her duties in the way she was brought up. But she doesn’t know love and... she’s never truly happy or satisfied. Then D’Anthès arrives in Russia. In a certain sense, he’s someone used to be treated as an object of desire by the others just like Natalia. When he sees her the first time, he finds her beautiful just like every other man, but he doesn’t try to pursue her, nor is he interested in her. When Natalia tries to get close to him for her sister’s sake, he misunderstands her at first because he thinks she’s just treating him like the other women. Then their interactions increase and they find each other insufferable. They bicker, because D’Anthès doesn’t idealize her. People do nothing but point out Natalia’s beauty to the point of exhaustion, but D’Anthès actually treats Natalia as his equal - even recognizing how it must be tiring to be always told the same compliment over and over - and more importantly as a woman. And during their arguments, Natalia’s personality comes out to her own surprise, the personality that we only saw at the beginning of the story when she’s alone with her sisters and that she was told to suppress. She gets emotional and worked up. He gets a reaction out of her.  They get to know each other as two people of the same age. He advises her. He protects her. He starts to understand her and he realizes she’s genuine and naive, that she doesn’t scheme, that she doesn’t do things for her own good, that she doesn’t want to hurt others and that she has no experience of life… and love. And they fall in love madly, to the point they will sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of seeing the other safe and at peace, since there’s not a place on the earth where they could possibly be allowed to be together. Anna Karenina is quite an example. Their only option was to flee abroad but that would’ve meant for Natalia not to see her family and children anymore. Leaving aside that I wouldn’t even have blamed Natalia for abandoning a whole brood of children that were literally put into her as if her body didn’t belong to her, D’Anthès understands that for her. When the day comes, he decides that he has to be stronger for her sake, because even if Natalia was willing to leave, she could’ve blamed herself all her life and died out of guilt. Ironically, D’Anthès has understood and known Natalia more during their illicit affair of stolen glances, confessions that lasted the time of a dance and secrete meetings, than her husband, who’s lived with her for years, ever did. Natalia always thought about the others. She first sacrificed herself for the sake of her family when they wanted her to get married. She restlessly gave her husband children he put in her one after the other without even letting her recover from the previous pregnancy, without ever objecting. After her marriage, she took her older sisters in her house to allow them to live a happier, social life in town and she escorted them at balls to chaperone them even when she was pregnant and had to take care of her body. She started to interact with D’Anthès to introduce him to her older sister who had a crush on him. She never wanted to hurt her admirers, even those who were pestering her. When she finally meets the love of her life, she fights back her feelings as much as she can and even avoids to be intimate with him because “her body doesn’t belong to her”. The moment she’s about to flee with him and make love to him, she physically stops herself because “she was about to be happy” in such a dramatic situation and “that is unforgivable”. Natalia is not even free to put an end to her life, because she has obligations, she’s leaving a family behind. So when she thinks D’Anthès doesn’t love her anymore when he sends her back home, she also knows she has to keep on living. And, in the end, we know her biggest sacrifice was to give up for good to the only person she ever loved for the sake of her children, her husband, her relatives and for social pressure… but even that is not enough for her husband.
Nevertheless, readers still blame her, just like Natalia blames herself for having fallen in love, just like she guilt trips herself throughout the story when she thinks she’s become someone who only thinks about her own happiness. After Natalia puts an end to her affair for her family, Pushkin decides to duel D’Anthès anyway and die, leaving her not only alone, but also making impossible for her to remarry with her lover decades later and abandoning the children just like Natalia would have done had she fled abroad with D’Anthès. With the only difference that Natalia would have done it to be with the one she loved after having lived a life that didn’t belong to her, whereas Pushkin did it for pride and vanity.
I suppose people blame Natalia because they think that she cannot make up her mind, but the truth is that the characters’ feelings are very clear in Bronze no Tenshi: Natalia doesn’t love her husband romantically and never has. You hear her thoughts, you watch her actions. She repeatedly confirms that she sees Pushkin as a relative and a father figure, even before D’Anthès came in the picture. Natalia didn’t fall out of love because of D’Anthès and D’Anthès didn’t steal her from Pushkin: she simply never loved him and Pushkin knew before and after marrying her. But he does nothing about it, he is happy to have her because she is beautiful and because he idealized her. Sure Pushkin loves his wife, but he doesn’t actually know her. He treats her like a muse, he calls her angel, he acts like a father towards a child, he scolds her, he keeps secrets and financial issues from her and when Natalia begins to show a firmer and more mature personality after she meets D’Anthès, he admits he liked her childish side more. He doesn’t treat her like a woman and an equal like D’Anthès does. If Pushkin had been depicted truer to his real physical appearance and age, I don’t think many people would’ve overlooked his obsession with making Natalia pregnant out of insecurity to “leave his mark on her” because she’s his possession.
When Pushkin got engaged to Natalia, he even promised her mother that he would’ve stepped aside in case Natalia realized one day that her life could’ve been different had she not married him. But he doesn’t. Or let’s say he does, but in an egoistical and manipulative way. Yes, it’s understandable on his part because it’s not easy to give up to the one you love and Russian society didn’t allow divorce. Yes, he doesn’t blame his wife for falling in love and he also waits for Natalia to come back to him...  but he doesn’t realize that Natalia cannot be who he used to think she was through his rose tinted glasses and this to me shows that he’s actually more egoistical in his love than D’Anthès is with Natalia. D’Anthès is ready to be hated by her for the sake of seeing her happy. The moment D’Anthès is close to obtaining happiness and fulfilling his dream to live with her in France, he realizes that Natalia won’t ever have the chance to live with him in a dream, because she has too many things at stake that even love cannot make up for: the price she has to pay for becoming his wife is too high, it would kill her. So he sends her back home and he hurts her, pretending he never loved her in order for her to give up on him more easily. D’Anthès never once tried to force himself physically on Natalia, he never had to be told “stop” twice. He is ready to die for her, to marry someone he doesn’t love to protect her honour. D’Anthès doesn’t want Natalia to break under the burden of having left her family to be with him, Natalia doesn’t want D’Anthès to willingly die in the duel with Pushkin because he can’t live without her. Natalia returns home but becomes an empty shell because she thinks her love hates her, D’Anthès goes mad because everything he did to see her happy turned out to be useless. They aren’t allowed to find peace whether they’re together or not.
When that becomes evident, Natalia will finally do something for herself. She makes love with her lover to say goodbye and to carry that memory forever in her heart, before returning to her husband’s side. But we all know what her husband’s final decision was to put an end to this situation. He dies, D’Anthès leaves Russia forever, Natalia loses her dear husband and her lover. She meets D’Anthès again 15 years later in the same place they became aware of each other, they reminisce about their young days, but they can’t be together this time as well.
Despite her tragic endings, Saito always treats her heroines more kindly than her male character (s). It’s like she protects them. They’re always mentally stronger than their lovers and they are resilient… in a way they are always able to find a happy ending in their misery. Natalia is mentally stronger, she survives, she remarries to protect herself, but, partially because this is based off real events, she also is probably the most miserable heroine portrayed by Saito. In the end she doesn’t find her happy ending, nor does she succeed in anything. She just finds peace of mind that she imposed on herself by sealing her feelings for D’Anthès and grieving her first husband, fulfilling the role society required. And I truly pity her. I honestly don’t know how people can blame her.
21 notes · View notes
scrawnytreedemon · 3 years
Text
Shit I’ve Been Winding Up For A Long Time Now But Am Very Aware Will Probably Hold No Relevance Should I Actually Go Into This More--
This is about Bhunivelze.
I.
You know, when I was chilling out, on my bed, that evening on that half term in early June, deciding to check up on ClementJ64′s FF retrospective because-- Hey! It’s been awhile, I wonder if he’s got around to doing the final bit of the FFXIII saga --You know, I was there, chilling, just for a laff. Just a laff.
The rest of that week was spent spiralling into a hyperfixation I absolutely did not anticipate in any way, shape, or form, because the way they introduced that character was “wwhdhfjjhHJDFJKHKJHW H A T??”
That retrospective and a good amount of wiki-scrounging is all I have as a basis for this. This is not a coherent character analysis-- Though I might tag it as that for ease of access. This is not, by any means, the thoughts of someone deeply familiar with FFXIII on the whole beyond plot synopses and overarching themes.
I don’t think I’m brave enough for that.
Reading the vast yet surface-deep lore on those wiki pages on my birthday while in a delirious state of mind was enough to make me somewhat nauseous.
Do you think I’m going to go through all of that in real time?
(Someday, someday.)
Ugh, I don’t know how to begin, but let us, I guess. I’d recommend you read this church-mime-demiurge’s FF Wiki page if you want the same level of base-knowledge I had, and maybe the aformentioned retrospective if you want the experience, because I don’t think I have the wherewithal to get into all of that from the bottom-up.
I am also, so, so fucking sorry for any remaining FFXIII fans in advance. There is like, a good chance I may be butchering the characterisation completely, so bear with me here.
With that... we begin?
Where do we even start with this guy?
How on earth to you begin to explain the absolute monolith you’ve constructed from crumbs of a Guy, some material no doubt spliced in from the Pale King, Sephiroth, y o u r  o w n  G o d  O C and other characters, and the mountains of religious trauma you carry around at all times that is probably the only reason you’ve been able to latch on as hard as you did?
I’m going to try.
What gets me, in summary, about Bhunivelze is how he’s a prime example of how love and concern can become deadly forces if in the wrong hands. His first acquainting with human emotion was by deceiving and possessing Hope, reverting his body to a teenage state, and planning to live among humanity through him. He sees human sorrow and suffering, and decides that, to End This(because it must be ended, you see) he’s going to destroy all the souls of the deceased that make up the Chaos that’s been eating this world for the past five-hundred years so they all forget and Are Happy. :).
Capital G God here hasn’t been present for the vast part of human history because he’s hidden himself away from Everything due to paranoia from killing his own mother and throwing her body into the Cosmic Basement, THEN creating the beings that would come to create humanity and OTHER beings because he didn’t have the keys to the cosmic basement. And also he believes death is a thing because she’d’ve somehow cursed all things to pass(including him) out of Spite.
Which explains why he’s so fucking averse to it and anything to do with it.
Bhunivelze, to put it lightly, is Shit at stepping into others’ shoes and Getting their experiences-- All the FalCie in FFXIII are, but him especially. It’s clear(again, in the f u c k i n g JP--) that he makes attempts to sympathise with them and does what he can to help, but it’s with such a loftiness and a complete inability to Understand why anyone would want grief, The Worst Fucking Experience In Existence, and even less why they’d be willing to Go Up Against Him And HisThe New Perfect World just for it-- And what would it matter, anyway, forgetting their loved ones. It’s not like you can grieve lost memories, right?
Right.
It reminds me of when at the end of the story of Job in the Bible, where, after putting this man through hell on earth, God rewards Job by giving him ten new children to make up for the ones that he lost. I. And that’s fucked! Nothing can replace the sheer uniqueness of each individual person you loved so dearly! But if you were a nigh-omnipotent deity high and mighty, with a cursory, almost mechanical knowledge on the functionings of the human psyche, that would seem adequete; enough.
Bhunivelze is doing that on a cosmic level.
I now want to get onto the romance: that being, his affections for Lightning. I don’t know how much I’m going to say, but it’ll probably be alot. It’s something that hits very close to home.
There is this... thing, within certain branches of Christianity, perhaps even in those of various Abrahamic faiths, where God’s love is posited to be the love-- The ultimate, most-fulfilling, all-encompassing love you could ever imagine --Because, well, he is love, so the story goes, and so often the best way to convey that is through the imagery of...
Marriage.
Giving up yourself so completely, to serve, to be the Bride; to be bound by him for all eternity; and for there to be no higher bliss than this.
This angle is pushed on young girls and women the most; from the mere parallels to the woman’s role in marriage, all the way down to downright-horrifying ultra-Evangelical purity pacts. With men, God is your dad, your best bud and confidant, your boss, your king, your this, your that, and the ‘marriage‘ as it were is relegated to a sort of half-thought; a metaphor.
For me, God was an attempt at all that, and my arranged groom.
(It was almost incestuous; was incestuous, that my own Divine Father would reach for my hand in marriage.)
Bhunivelze experiences Emotions™ for the first time through Hope, experiences Hope’s sheer overwhelming admiration for Lighting(whether there were any baby-crush feelings mixed in, I can’t say), and promptly falls into a nigh-romantic obsession with Lightning, deciding that she will be Etro(his all-but daughter)’s replacement, will be his Goddess of Death to-be-- He even calls her as such, before the final boss-battle--
...In the JP.
What happened in localisation, probably due to a number of factors, all the way back in early 2014, was that everything emotionally challenging about Bhunivelze was scraped off, like it was extra fat, and tossed aside, leaving us with the bland, clichéd shell of a foe-god we’ve seen time and time again. And I mean everything. I mean his very love for humanity; the fact his ploy was, in his eyes, to save them. Because if they’d left that all on, then it would raise the question of even if there was such a seemingly pure, all-knowing, loving being hell-bent on setting things “straight,“ would they truly be unquestionable? Would we have the right to fight for our humanity in the face of the Creator of the Universe?
To reject a love so personal?
That’s what gets me about FFXIII’s tackling of God, no matter how hackneyed and poorly-executed. It’s personal.
It’s from a feminine experience.
I know that terming is... vague, and problematic, but the way Christianity and much of the video game industry handle femininity itself is weird and problematic, so as it stands, I’ll have to simplify it. Apologies.
What sets FFXIII’s Let’s Kill God™ plot aside from most JRPG Let’s Kill God™ plots is that with our protagonist being a woman, and one who is very in touch with her femininity alongside her sheer strength; often, in these stories, God is reduced to Yet Another Foe, expected or unexpected, and you are tasked with taking him down unquestioningly for the Good of Mankind-- You will fight God, because you are right to, and you will go man-to-man-to-however-many-men you decide to bring along for the bloodbath.
And that just, doesn’t speak to me.
Even as an Extian.
Especially as an Extian. And an AFAB one with a deeply complicated experience with my gender, at that.
Leaving Christianity was painful. Questioning God was painful. Coming to terms with the fact that I had been mentally, emotionally, and spiritually traumatised under the guise of All-Encompassing Love was so, so fucking painful. I had been taught since I was five years old to devote myself to him, spent my life desperate to feel something, anything, to stay connected because I just, I never could Feel It on a deeper level, never could Give Up Myself, all I was, couldn’t Die A Spiritual Death And Be Reborn As His Eager Vessel, thus deeming myself to be worthless and a broken vessel for years and years on end... And for all that to have been... Nothing.
Lightning is hollowed out, the shards of her dead sister ripped from her in-stasis, leaving her emotionally numb for the majority of the game, Bhunivelze sweeps it under the rug, pretends he’ll perform a miracle and return Serah to life in exchange for her compliance, then sends her on her way to do his work, all the while knowing he’s going to pull said-rug from under her and elevate her such dizzying heights in the aftermath--
That he’ll deny her humanity.
Sand down all the rough edges that make her her, and polish her up afterwards, gild her as he is gilded, make her a Goddess.
And he’ll do it all because he loves her.
You can’t fight God like you can everything else. To fight It is the fight Existence Itself; FFXIII even conveys that by making Bhunivelze’s model part of the arena; it’s baked into the fabric of the game, no matter how minute.
While Lightning Returns is far from perfect in its execution of this concept, and that in itself makes me wince, not even taking into account the horribly botched excuse for a localisation Bhunivelze endured, it speaks to me more than anything else I’ve seen so far.
And it’s helped uncover some things within me. Helped me untangle them, just a little more.
So, yeah. I have alot of Thoughts on Bhunivelze, I want to share them, and I’m kinda really sad I have no one but my currently-absent friend Vee to share them with. I could get into alot more, like his very Fucked relationship with familial bonds, and how Lightning’s role as saviour so deeply parallels the overwhelming panic and never-ending guilt of Evangelical proselytisation, but I think I’ll leave those for another time.
In short, Bhunivelze is the epitome of Divine Love gone deeply wrong; on all fronts.
And if all of that isn’t enough to intrigue you, then, in Vee’s words, Lightning and Velze are literally canon endgame Sefikura lmaOOOOOOOOOOOOOO--
18 notes · View notes
skycollides · 3 years
Text
Missed You
Billy Russo x Reader
Authors note: I apologize in advance for grammar or spelling mistakes
English isn’t my native language.
Let me know if you want to be tagged.
Requests are open. Feel free to send them in.
Warning: smut, fluffy end
Words: 2.045
Tumblr media
It is Friday night and you’re waiting for your boyfriend Billy to come home. You hadn’t been able to spend some proper time with each other since you were both busy with work lately. He promised you to come home earlier today. You’re currently in the bathroom checking your makeup one last time when you hear Billy call out for you.
’’Y/N you home??’’ you hear his voice.
’’Yes’’ you reply and leave the bathroom only wearing your newest lingerie and one of his shirts.
’’There’s my girl’’ he says and licking his lips walking towards you.
’’Hey my love’’ you say before he grabs your jaw with his left hand bringing your lips to his.You wrap your arms around his waist brining his body closer to yours.
’’I missed you’’ he says after you pull away to get some air.
’’I missed you too Billy. ’’ you smile and start kissing his neck.
’’I love you Y/n so much.’’ you pull away to look in his eyes and all you see is love and adoration. 
’’I love you too babe.’’ 
’’You look so good in my clothes - better than I do to be honest. Have I ever told you that before?’’ he says and watches you with hungry eyes while licking his lips. 
’’You look so incredibly sexy baby. God what are you doing to me’’ he says and you notice the growing bulge in his pants. He picks you up and you wrap your legs around his waist pressing your lips onto his. He carries you to your shared bedroom and towards the bed. Billy lays you down. You sit up and open his belt while he is undressing his upper body.
’’Looks like someone missed me Mr.  Russo.’’ you say smiling while stroking his dick through the material. Billy lets out a low moan. 
’’You have no fucking idea Y/N. I have been missing you like crazy.’’
You slowly take of his boxers finally freeing his throbbing dick. You can’t help but smile at the sight in front of you. He looks down at you and you smirk at him before you give all your attention to his erection. You give his tip a soft kisses.
’’Don’t be such a tease babygirl.’’ he says and his hands find their way automatically to your head grabbing your hair pulling them together into a ponytail. You look up to him one last time admiring his handsome face before before you slip his tip in between your lips before taking him deeper into your mouth. He lets out a low moan and you feel him shift under your touch. Your lips work their way up and down his shaft. He started to thrust forward meeting your face each time. You become more eager wanting to have all of him inside your mouth. You grab his thighs before taking him in all the way all. He lets out a loud moan. His big cock causes you to gag but you shrug it off and keep going finally hearing what you were longing for the entire time.
’’God baby. You are amazing. You take me so well babygirl. You’re so good to me. Fuck please don’t stop.’’ You feel his hard length twitch in your mouth and pull him out. You lick your lips and he wipes your mouth with his hand.You move back to the middle of the bed waiting for your man to join you. Shortly after that Billy is hovering over you. He smashes his lips onto yours slipping his tongue into your mouth. You feel one of his hand sliding down your upper body in between your legs stroking your clothed pussy gently. You moan into his mouth. He releases your lips before speaking up.
’’You’re already so wet for me - so ready to take me and I haven’t even touched you yet. Who made you this wet baby? Who?’’
’’You did Billy Russo. Only you can no one else.’’ you say looking into his eyes.
’’That’s right baby I did. You’re mine!’’ he says with his husky voice. You love when he gets this possessive. 
’’Hips up’’ he says before you do as you’re told and he frees your now dripping wet pussy. He throws your thong away while you get a rid of your bra. You lay down again and his hand goes straight to your throbbing heat. He lets his thumb glide over your clit before sliding 2 fingers inside of you. 
’’Fuck Billy - Faster please’’ you beg him and he fulfills your wish. Your moans get louder each time he thrusts into you. ’’I-I’m gonna cum please don’t stop’’ 
’’Cum for me baby girl. Show me the good girl you are and cum all over my fingers’’
Hearing those words leave his mouth is enough for you. Your walls clench around his fingers and you scream out his name.
’’God there is nothing more beautiful than seeing you cum undone Y/n’’ he says and pulls his fingers out of your pussy before sticking them into his mouth needing to test you. 
’’You taste so sweet baby I swear this is my favorite flavor.’’ 
He spreads your legs with his hand before kneeling down in-between of them. 
’’You ready for me Y/n?’’ he asks and you nod not trusting your voice right now.
He takes his cock in his hand stroking it before sliding the tip between your lips moving up and down.
’’I need you Billy please!’’ you beg. With one thrust his cock is buried inside you all the way. The both of you can’t help but moan out each others names after finally becoming one again. He starts trusting slow at first to make sure his girl is comfortable. Billy leans down and kisses you passionately sliding his tongue in your mouth. You grab his head pulling him closer. One he releases your lips you look at him and ask ’’Let me be on top of you?’’
He stops in his tracks pulling away from you. You can’t help but whine after he pulled himself out of you. He lays down and you swing your leg over his waist sitting on top of him. He strokes your thighs as you get in position and lower yourself on his length. You bring your hands down to his chest for support before you start moving. You quicken your pace needing to hear Billys moans.
’’God you take me so well baby. You feel so damn good around me. This is my pussy. This is where my cock belongs right Y/n?’’
’’Yes it’s your pussy yours alone Mr. Russo.’’ 
’’That’s right!’’
He sits up moving his lips to your right nipple sucking and nibbling on it while his other hand gabs your ass supporting your movement. Once he releases your right nipple he repeats his action showing your other breast the same love.
’’Fuck Billy you feel so good. I can’t believe I had to miss out on this cock for 2 weeks.’’
He lets go of your breast and says ’’Neither can I. Never again. I try to be home earlier. I don’t wanna go without you more than I have to’’.
After that he flips the both of you over so he’s on top of you again.
He quickens his pace and you can’t help but let out a scream every time he hits your spot. 
’’Tell me what you want Y/n. Huh? What do you need my love?’’  he asks with an unsteady voice.
’’Go faster - harder please I beg you’’ he grins and does as he’s told and you can’t help but scratch his back needing to hold onto him while he is pounding into you hard.
’’Fuck babe I’m gonna cum’’
’’Cum for me baby girl’’ he orders and you follow his order. Tears are forming in your eyes because of this unbelievable pleasure. You scream out his name never wanting this moment to end. He keeps pounding into you and you feel his cock starting to twitch.
’’Please cum inside of me. Fill me up Billy. I beg you.’’ with that being said he can’t hold back and empties himself inside of you covering your walls with his cum . He thrusts a few more times and kisses you before laying down on top of you trying not squash you under his weight. You wrap your arms around your man stoking his back while the both of you are trying to catch your breaths.
’’Shit this was amazing you were amazing. I love you Y/n’’
’’I agree babe. I love you too Billy so much.’’ you answer him. Once Billy breathing is back to normal he is trying to remove himself from you but you won have it. You wrap your legs around him stoping him in his movement. He gives you a questioning look.
’’I’m not ready to let go of you yet. I need to feel you inside of me just a little bit longer.’’ you say and he nods understanding. He flips you over so you’re on top of him and he wraps his arms around you giving you a kiss on the head.
You caress his chest while his fingers are moving up and down your back. The both of you are laying there enjoying the silence simply being happy to be in each others embrace again.
’’I’m off the pill Billy.’’ you say and look up to him.
’’I know and it’s okay.’’ he says and smiles.
’’So you knew and you still decided against the condom?’’ you say with wide eyes. You’re surprised since the two of you never talked about children before.
’’Yes. I love you Y/n. I love you so much it scares me sometimes. I never felt anything like this in my life before. You’re my endgame Y/n. I will make you Mrs. Russo one day I swear. Back to the whole condom thing. I wouldn’t mind having a little you or me running around. Whatever happens - happens. You end up pregnant I’ll be happy. If not that’s okay too. We have our whole life in font of us.’’
Saying you’re shocked is an understatement. When you met Billy 3 years ago you got to know him and learned about his way with woman. So him telling you about his feelings and that he wants to be with you - to be in a serious relationship with you came as a surprise. 
’’Babe I don’t know what to say.’’ you say trying to find the right words.
’’Forest I said something’’ he says shoving you off him trying to get off the bed but before he can you pull him back.
’’Stay Billy. Listen I want this too do you hear me. I want you William Russo , all of you. You can’t get a rid of me’’ you laugh.
’’I’m just surprised because we never talked about kids or marriage. When I met you you had a different women every time we met. I never saw you as a guy who would settle down. Now we’ve been together for 2 years. I’m happy Billy I really am. You make me happy. By the way Y/n Russo has a nice ring don’t you think?’’ you say.
’’Yes you’re right. I was quite the ladies man. Frank always takes about quality over quantity so when I really got to know you better I finally understood what he was talking about. I changed my ways for you , for us - for our future. I can’t imagine being with anyone else but you.’’ he says and you have to yawn.
’’Tired babygirl?’’
’’Yes you wore me out babe.’’ you say and lift the covers hoping he will get under with you.
’’Take a nap with me Billy?’’ you ask him sweetly and he lays down with you.
’’Only if I can have you again after we wake up’’ he smirks
’’As if I would deny it to you.’’ you say and cuddle into his chest. He kisses your head and wraps his arms around you and closes his eyes.
’’Night Y/n. I love you.’’
’’Nighty B. I love you too.’’ you say before drifting off to the dreamland.
92 notes · View notes
luhanvirus · 4 years
Text
Butterfly Effect
 In which a 29-year-old gay LXC married his 26-year-old family friend JC (who happens to be a trans man) out of convenience so that both of their traditional families would leave them alone and let them live their lives, without thinking that he will find love in this marriage.
N/A: Xicheng AU based on that Redditor who shared his touching AF love story.
For the #CultivaTober2020, another story that no one asked me. Incomplete for the lack of time.
Day 23: Butterfly
.
A lot of people like to think that love comes before marriage, oftentimes it doesn't always work out that way. 
Sometimes people get married because of different pressures and expectations put on them by society and their families, but that doesn't mean you can't find love in this kind of situation.
Lan Xichen didn’t expected falling in love with his husband.
They didn’t marry for love, actually they married to make a giant scam on their families.
It maybe be weird, but Lan Xichen was a gay man that came from a wealthy and traditional Chinese family where he managed the business extension abroad. 
And as the current heir of the company after his father’s death, the elders didn’t liked when he came up openly about his homosexuality and they didn’t accept it. No matter how many times Xichen said them that he wouldn’t marry a man, they still wanted him very married to a lady from a good and influential family.
One day Xichen got tired and said them clearly that he will just stay single, so they should stay out of his business.
That kind of worked for four years, until the last year when uncle Lan Qiren trapped him in a visit with a this “girl” that was the single “daughter” of one of their business allies and left them alone in a room.
Xichen looked at her, she was pretty indeed. His posture emitted an air of confidence and his almond gray eyes resembled storm clouds, like lighting bolts would appear in any moment to attack, her short black hair was pulled into a bun with a purple ribbon and she wore a big violet hoodie that covered all her body curves. 
It was so obvious that neither of them wanted to be here.
Anyways, Xichen didn’t expected that this person would misunderstand the whole situation:
“Listen to me, because I’m not going to repeat myself. I’m a trans male and I’m not out of my family and I DON’T WANT to get married to you”, blunted out the person. “You don’t want to be married with me because I am a MAN, so just leave it!”
Lan Xichen blinked, really shocked.
Did she.... Did he really thought that I set up the visit?
“I don’t even like women, what do you mean?” Xichen babbled, confused at least.
The boy looked at him, suspicious.
“What did you said?”
Xichen massaged the left side of his forehead, without knowing if the should laugh or cry at the turn of the events. “Well, I’m gay.”
When he said it, he didn’t wanted to be funny.
He was serious.
“Oh my god,” mumbled the boy before to start laughing loudly. “My mom will die if she knows!”
At least one of them was having a good time, finding the whole thing hilarious.
Xichen didn’t noticed when he started to laugh too.
Well, could you blame him? This was so ridiculous. Yet, they ended being friends after that unfortunate turn of the events. They even exchanged numbers before to part away.
.     ·  ✦
“I knew it was her, she’s perfect. Well mannered and ...”
Uncle Qiren was delighted at the idea that Xichen was cured from homosexuality, the poor man still has hopes that he would change his mind and will fall in love with the little daughter of Jiang Fengmian haha.
If you only know, uncle. Thought Xichen, having a good time that night.
Unlike Wangji who seemed worried, he was his only support in those kinda family meetings.
“Brother.”
Xichen smiled at his brother, relieved that everything ended in good terms even if it was a disaster. “Don’t worry, Wangji. I know what I’m doing.” 
He couldn’t be more wrong.
Wangji looked at him, unconvinced. “If you say so.”
However, Xichen didn’t overthink it in the moment because Jiang Wanyin was someone really nice to talk by the way, so he keep talking with him.
And they talked a lot through nine weeks.
What made both families to get excited at the match, they never got this far with any other candidates. 
So they kept pushing them about marriage.
Xichen didn’t knew why, but one day they just accepted to marry each other. He remember that both were "like yeah, screw it" and that’s how they got quickly married in Yunmeng a summer day of August to get their families off of their backs.
Wanyin moved at Gusu with him and both pulled a giant scam on their families and got away with it.
No matter how you see it, it was a win-win situation. Wanyin lived his own life and take the guest room for himself while Xichen didn’t get more cutting remarks about being gay because he has a “wife” now.
Life was easygoing, so he let Wanyin cut his hair short and stop dressing feminine as his family forced him.
It was a little gesture, but that small change resulted in something unexpected.
.     ·  ✦
The things had been so smooth sailing between them that they even adopted a dog, Xichen was having a good time when he come to his house now that he has a roommate and a pet.
It felt more like a home than the place where he’s slept.
He didn’t noticed before, but his house didn’t felt like a home before he married.
Wanyin resume his university studies and made new friends, he was so comfortable and happy that he started to cooking dinner for both of them recently. Sometimes Xichen couldn’t eat with him because he returned at home passed by midnight, but he tried to return early at home to share at least a couple of dinners together at week.
That night Xichen got a little late, but Wanyin stayed with him in the dinning room. Looking him eat everything and even repeating a dish.
“Were you hungry, huh?”
Xichen was used to not talk when he eat because he was educated like that, but he found rude to not reply his husband at the same time. So he did an exception that night.
After all, Wanyin cooked that delicious food for him and waited for him.
“I didn’t have lunch today.”
Wanyin looked at him, with a bothered frown in his eyebrows. It reminded Xichen the first time that they share a dinner in home and he couldn’t stand the spicy food that Wanyin cooked. 
That time he thought he would die, but he survived to Wanyin spicy food.
Now he’s getting to used to piquant food.
“I can cook your lunch.”
“You don’t have to do it, Wanyin.”
“What kind of husband am I if I left my spouse starving?” Wanyin teased him, smirking.
.     ·  ✦
Next morning Xichen didn’t expected that Wanyin would fulfill his word and made a lunch for him, even his coworkers seemed surprised to see him eating in his office instead to skipping the lunch when he had important meetings. 
That day he had a meeting with Nie Mingjue and Jin Guangyao, so they planned to invite him to eat a hotpot without knowing that Xichen would refuse.
When they saw why he refused, they stayed to accompany him.
It seems that it was a friendship duty annoy at your recently married friends.
“Now Xichen-ge gots lovely lunchs made by his wife, I’m jealous”, said Jin Guangyao as he looked for food delivery on his telephone for him and Mingjue, they didn’t want to leave his friend alone if they could tease him.
Mingjue nudged at Xichen, grinning “As your childhood friend, I demand to be the godfather of your first child.”
“That’s unfair, Da-ge! Let Xichen-ge chose the godfather!!”
Xichen smiles nervously at his friends, feeling a cold sweet in this forehead.
“We are not having kids.”
Mingjue raised an eye brown, confused. “Why not?”
Xichen felt conflicted.
Well, these were his friends and he should trust them, right? He wasn’t ashamed of his husband, actually he felt proud that he could be himself since they met.
“Uhm, how I could say this? My “wife” is a trans male, so...”
“Oh.”
“It’s complicated, we got it.” Ends the conversation Jin Guangyao, putting a hand in Mingjue’s mouth. 
.     ·  ✦
Months passed fast and it was December when Xichen realized that his husband started to getting closer to him.
Not like they were strangers before, but something changed after Christmas.
Wanyin started to watch tv with him in the sofa when Xichen was in home, eating with him every time they can, buying him stuff and even texting him more frequently, sending photos of him and Huan Huan when he go to walk their puppy. He even started staying in Xichen’s room to facetime his mom because she always complained about how he always facetimed alone so he came to Xichen bed to get him to say hi.
And after a while, Wanyin got tired to get out of Xichen’s bed to go back to his own to sleep, so he moved to Xichen room permanently.
Before Xichen knew, they escalated to cuddling awaken and sleeping.
Contrary to Xichen could think, it wasn’t that weird.
Actually it felt heartwarming to hold his tiny husband on his arms, specially when their puppy dog was in the middle of them. Enjoying the warm between his owners.
It made him feel something, but he wasn’t sure what.
.     ·  ✦
“When are you two going to give us a grandchild?” Wanyin’s mother asked them one day via facetime.
Wanyin went all red, screaming. “Mom!”
It was obvious that he didn’t wanted to have this conversation with his mother.
Xichen was beside him in the bed, working on his laptop before to speak in the name of the two. “We want to enjoy our youth first. So no kids for now.”
Hoping that Wanyin wouldn’t mind with his idea.
They didn’t talked about children, yet.
His mother-in-law sounded a bit beaten after that, but she insisted on encourage Wanyin to make his own family as if their dog wasn’t their son already. 
When Wanyin cut the call, Xichen finished his work so he put the computer aside.
“Sorry, Xichen.”
“Why? It’s not your fault that your mother want another grandchild.”
Wanyin looked at him before sprawled out on top of him, doing random things and Xichen was unsure what it means. “Then, how many children do you want?” 
He asked so suddenly that got Xichen out of guard.
“What?”
“I’m joking, do you want children anyways?”
He was always like that since they got close to each other last year, always joking around him.
Sometimes Xichen didn’t know if he was joking or being serious.
“I don’t know, I never thought about having kids.” Xichen blurt out of his mind, smiling at the thought that they have this level of communication to talk about things like this. “What about you?”
“We have Huan Huan, enough for me.”
“I don’t think your mother 
“Well, Huan Huan would be the only grandson that I’m going to give her.”
.     ·  ✦
They almost kissed twice, one time when they were cuddling in the bed and the other one when Wanyin started sitting on Xichen’s lap, nuzzling him and stuff like that.
Their faces were so close that Xichen thought they were going to kiss.
It was so close that he could feel his hot breath, but then Wanyin went all red and jumped ship at the last minute. Xichen felt so disappointed that they didn't kissed already, but he thought that he understand why Wanyin might not kiss him.
He must be thinking that he doesn't want this or something like that.
Contrary to what people could think about his husband, Wanyin had the tendency to overthink things.
He still was working on this, but Xichen couldn’t handle with the self-isolation and the romantic? tension in the house every time he saw Wanyin flustering and getting shy around him.
It was odd after met the confident and a little arrogant side of his husband, so this new side made him feel things that he didn’t know he could feel for Wanyin.
Xichen even feel butterflies in the stomach every time they get close for any reason.
He just wants to kiss Wanyin so badly that he felt embarrassed.
He was so screwed.
.     ·  ✦
One day, Xichen couldn’t stand the situation anymore. He was still a little unsure about his own feelings so he talked long and tended with his friends at the bar about how he wants to take Wanyin on dates and kiss him and let him speak as much as he wants because Wanyin likes to talk about the things that he loves and how much he loves their dog, he could talk about Huan Huan all day and Xichen wouldn't mind, he loves their puppy too.
In the end, he ended asking advice to asking his husband out.
“I want him be happy and I want myself be happy. So how can I ask my literal husband of nine months to be in an actual relationship with me?”
"Talk to him. Tell him what you’re feeling. Ask if he feels the same way," said Mingjue.
“You made it sound that simple, Da-ge.”
"I think you should let him know that you’re open to having a more intimate relationship. It seems he’s feeling something too since he’s cuddling you,” added Jin Guangyao.
“I don’t know what to do.”
Mingjue take a a big sip of wine before to talk again. “Just close your eyes and jump, man. You got this."
67 notes · View notes
little-chattes · 3 years
Text
Ok so I’ve done a complete re-read through and one thing that kept nagging at me was how little Gideon and Harrow’s relationship makes sense given its quite frankly abusive origins. Harrow spends her whole life making Gideon’s a living hell and Gideon just… forgives her. Total and complete forgiveness for an irredeemable girl.
At first I took the sudden shift in their relationship as lazy writing to rush along the end of the story, but that didn't make any sense either. Muir strikes me as an intensely purposeful writer. Then I remembered that Muir is also an intensely Catholic writer and it hit me. Muir isn’t writing a story about a healthy human relationship, oh no, she’s writing a story about Christ’s relationship with The Church… if Christ was a sword toting butch lesbian and The Church was a sardonic bone witch. Call it tender blasphemy. 
Now Gideon’s role as a Christ figure is fairly easy to parse out given that her dad is… God. But for the sake of self indulgence (I have to put my 15 year long flirtation with Christianity to use somehow) I’m going to go through all the parallels anyway. There are a LOT of them.
Let’s start at the very beginning (a very good place to start).
Miraculous Conception
Luke 1:34-38
34 But Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I [e]am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason also the [f]holy Child will be called the Son of God. 
Gideon is conceived by artificial means when one of God’s own servants (Mercy) delivers a sample of John’s genetic material to Wake, a ‘normal’ human woman who chooses to carry Gideon in her womb. Notably, the sample lives far beyond its point of expected viability, thus making the conception somewhat miraculous (“Only the sample was still active, no idea how considering it was twelve weeks after the fact” HTN 441). 
The Cuckold
Matthew 1:18-25
18 Now the birth of Jesus the [a]Messiah was as follows: when His mother Mary had been [b]betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, since he was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her, planned to [c]send her away secretly. 
Gideon the First decides not to kill his lover, Wake, and releases her out the airlock (AND HE TOOK PITY ON ME! HE TOOK PITY ON ME! HE SAW ME AND HE TOOK PITY ON ME” from Harrow’s vision of Wake’s note, HTN 124) just as Joseph took pity on Mary, his betrothed, by deciding to divorce her quietly instead of making her infidelity public which would condemn her to death by public stoning (Deuteronomy 22:21). Gideon the First knew that Wake was pregnant and didn’t tell John because he thought the baby was his. Similarly, Joseph goes on to raise Jesus as his own son.
The Birth
Luke 2:7
And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a [f]manger, because there was no [g]room for them in the inn.
 Neither baby Jesus nor baby Gideon were given a proper cradle, one being laid to rest in a manger where the animals ate and the other stuffed in a transplant bio-container (GTN 23). 
The Dead Children
16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.
King Herod intends to kill the prophesied King of the Jews and instead of finding the specific baby, he just has a bunch of them slaughtered. However, Jesus escapes the slaughter of the innocents by Herod when his parents secret him away to Egypt.
 When the great aunts gas the nursery and kill the 200, Gideon is meant to die along with them but escapes her fate.
Now this event has a completely different biblical connotation for Harrow. 
Firstly, the murder of the 200 children represents Original Sin. In the bible, Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, and as their descendants, all of humankind is doomed to also bear the weight of that sin from the moment we are born until the day we die. This is a fact that is drilled into Christians as soon as we’re able to understand it, we are born wretched and unworthy sinners, and there’s nothing we can do ourselves to fix that. 
“I have tried to dismantle you, Gideon Nav! The Ninth House poisoned you, we trod you underfoot—I took you to this killing field as my slave—you refuse to die, and you pity me! Strike me down. You’ve won. I’ve lived my whole wretched life at your mercy, yours alone, and God knows I deserve to die at your hand. You are my only friend. I am undone without you.”
Harrow is a multitude, she is 200 children, the entire future of her house. Shes not just one human being,, she’s the whole damn church.
Naz/Nav
he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.
Although Gideon is not from the Ninth, she is given the Ninth name Nav when she arrives as a baby. Similarly, Jesus is known as Jesus of Nazareth, though that is not where he was born.
The Poor Bondservant
Jesus' role as a servant is emphasized many times in the bible. He was a carpenter's son born in a stable 
Philippians 2:5-8
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
 Gideon is described as being made “a very small bondswoman” (GTN 24)
The Sword
Matthew 10:34
Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
The Wretched Sinner
Harrow is wretched, self loathing, and cruel. 
She is in thrall of the enemy of god, a figure who was once gods most favoured warrior, cast into hell.
She is like the depiction of the sinner who loves the devil
It's important to note that Harrow isn’t a single person, she is a multitude, the entire future of her people condensed into one body. 
The Enemy of God
20 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, nholding in his hand the key to othe bottomless pit1 and a great chain. 2 And he seized pthe dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and qbound him for a thousand years, 3 and threw him into othe pit, and shut it and rsealed it over him, so that she might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.
Before the fall, Satan was described as a “guardian cherub” who resided in the garden with God (Ezekiel 28:14) 
(a funny aside, in the bible the devil is known as the great deceiver but in HTN Muir specifies that Alecto is incapable of lying)
A Life of Abuse 
Isaiah 53:3
"He was despised and rejected by mankind,
    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem”
They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff" (Luke 4:28–29).
Gideon lives a life of mockery and is abused by Harrow.
An Unlikely Savior
Despite the fact that Gideon does not fit the expected image of a Cavalier, Harrow chooses Gideon to be her sword and protector.
Despite the many openings Gideon has to make Harrow pay for the pain she caused her, she remains loyal to her
Trust
Harrow realizes that she cannot face the lyctor trials without Gideon, and places her trust in her
Christians are told they must place their trust in jesus in order to reach salvation
Purifying Water
Acts 2:38
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Harrow confesses her sins to Gideon and puts herself at her mercy
Gideon forgives Harrow totally and completely, she baptises her
One Flesh
Mark 10:8
and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh.
“The imagery and symbolism of marriage is applied to Christ and the body of believers known as the church. The church is comprised of those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and have received eternal life. Christ, the Bridegroom, has sacrificially and lovingly chosen the church to be His bride” (x)
Ephesians 5:25-26
25 gHusbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and hgave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by ithe washing of water jwith the word,
They take the vow of necro and cav, one flesh one end
Gideon’s forgiveness of Harrow is reaffirmed
Harrow risks her life to stay and fight with Gideon, even if it means her death and thus the destruction of her death. Her love for Gideon is now greater than her love for the Body.
The Sacrifice
John 19:34
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
They will look on the one they have pierced'" (John 19:36–37).
Gideon chooses to die for Harrow, death by piercing
and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
In order to complete the lyctor process, Harrow both physically and spiritually consumes Gideon
Because of Gideon’s sacrifice, Harrow attains eternal life at the right hand of god
The Tomb
The Resurrection
1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus
Harrow turns her body into a tomb for Gideon, a tomb fashioned after that on the Ninth
Resurrection on the Third Day
Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:46-47 
“So many months had passed: and yet, at the same time, she had only lost Gideon Nav three days ago. It was the morning of the third day in a universe without her cavalier: it was the morning of the third day—and all the back of her brain could say, in exquisite agonies of amazement, was: She is dead. I will never see her again.” (HTN 374)
Just in case you missed this important piece of information, Muir repeats it three times.
Go, and tell them, then, that he that was dead is alive, and lives for evermore, and has the keys of death and the grave,"
10 notes · View notes
Note
Hello yes, could you elaborate on the Comte wedding event pleease. Crying and fangirling and dying are all acceptable. I missed it and I adore your rambles about Comte? Thank you either way.
Tumblr media
!!! I’d be delighted to!! And awww, I’m so glad :D I love to write about him in any capacity, it makes me so happy to know people enjoy it when I do! Tysm for the full license to cry/fangirl/die because lbr it ain’t a Comte event if all three of those things don’t happen .Please don’t worry, I don’t mind talking abt it anyway! 💕💕💕
Okay my fellow Comte stans, you know the drill! I’ll be placing the details of the Wedding Story Event (jpn version) below the cut! Please don’t read if you want to wait for the official translation, and I hope you enjoy if you do take a peak! c:
AIGHT Y’ALL in fair Verona where we lay our scene-- This event begins on a lovely summer day with Comte and MC at a boutique picking out a wedding dress for their upcoming ceremony. As usual, she provides a bit of background as to how we got here. Comte doesn’t have a proposal event (as far as I know) like the other suitors because he actually proposes marriage in his MS. I won’t go too far into details just in case, but they essentially swear their love to each other in a church at night--just the two of them. (I’m not 100% sure, but I think this event takes place on the anniversary of the vow that they shared, what Comte called becoming “a vampire’s bride.” Yes it’s as hot as it sounds AND I LOVED IT). Now, despite their private promise to each other, Comte does specify that he fully intends to have a public wedding whenever she feels comfortable doing that. As such, this event is picking up from there.
With all the nitty gritty settled, it’s time to get to the fun bits. So Comte is weaving in and out of the dresses, trying to find the perfect one for his beloved. MC is equal parts exasperated but amused, and she notes that it reminds her so much of when she first debuted in high society (reference to the beginning of Comte’s MS). Back then, when she agreed to debut, he told her that he would immediately send word to his tailor to make the necessary preparations. It’s a kind of nostalgic moment; she remembers how thorough and excited he was (”I’ll be sure to show off your every charm”), and he’s effusing that energy in the boutique too. Eventually he settles on two of them and requests that they both be prepared, and MC sputters. She’s like Comte???? W H Y we only need one dress???? And he insists that, since it’s a special occasion, there’s no harm in it is there? He also goes on to say that it is in line with her culture’s tradition of “dyeing the bride in the husband’s colors.” MC shoots back that the tradition doesn’t entail several wedding dresses for the bride, but he pays the correction no mind. Y’all. I loved this part because it just emphasizes how much of a LIL SHIT he can be. Like he’s 100% harmless but I was like BOI IF U DON’T--I WILL KISS UR CUTE FACE. YOU STOP THAT.
I find it interesting especially because it remains in line with a trend about Comte that is so arresting for me, something that I find so endearing about him. I’ll note other places in the event I find it, but in this moment he is revealing something critical: for all of his capacity to play with the language and expectations that other people have/use, he only ever uses it for good. Here he’s purely being playful (with a stark note of respect and awareness); he has no intention of overwhelming her or undermining her cultural expectations of what a wedding means. Especially because MC, even in her monologue, isn’t truly upset--she honestly seems to find it adorable and funny more than anything. It’s also clear that Comte is working within her comfort zones. While he would buy the entire damn boutique if she let him, he settles on two because he knows it would stress her out otherwise (MC tends to be p pragmatic, not really about extravagance she is a mood).
And so they make their selection and exit the boutique, and they’re walking arm in arm back to the carriage. Comte laments narrowing it down to only two, but he’s happy they found something nice. MC thanks him for bringing her along, but he says it’s only natural--he wanted to pick out the dress the world would see together, he would never be happy with it otherwise. MC melts (WHO WOULDN’T) and says she’s really looking forward to wearing them, and he’s shook AF. 
(OKAY BUT I NEED TO SCREAM ABOUT THIS. DOES HE UNDERSTAND HOW TOUCHED I AM. DOES HE KNOW. His route hammers home this idea that for Comte, being with someone absolutely means being on the same page. It means being there for each other yes--but it also means making sure the other person feels wanted and included. He could have so easily just picked his favorite and been like “yeah this is what we’re going with.” But not only does he not do that, he refuses the very idea of a ceremony without it. He wants this to mean something for both of them, and he’s more than willing to put in the time and effort to ascertain that. I’M FUCKING TENDER OKAY. HE CARES SO MUCH AND I SOB)
He asks her if there’s anything else that she really, really wants for their wedding, and she thinks it through. It’ll be a reasonably sized wedding, with the men of the mansion in attendance and most of their closer high society friends. They’ve picked out a dress, the venue is set, the people closest to her will be there...she really can’t think of anything else? So she asks him if he has anything he really wants to do for the wedding, and he replies in the negative too, saying that “My only ideal wedding can be one in which I can see you at your most happy." ARE YOU KIDDING ME--Before MC can recover from that, he goes on: "Even now, I'm enjoying the preparations, and I want to do whatever I can for you." MC feels like she can never win against his sweet affection, so she nearly kills him with her answering line: "It’s more than enough. More than anything, being able to swear our love together again--to renew our vow--is the best part of it all." Comte is visibly shocked and is quiet for moment (MAN DOWN!!!!!!!!! VAMPIRE DOWN GET THE DEFIBRILATORS!!!!! LEONARDO PUT THAT LIGHTNING ROD AWAY I SWEAR TO GOD--) before he just replies with a “Is that so :>>>” And translating this nearly killed me [At the sight of his gentle smile, I smile back.] IM GOING TO SCREAM THEY ARE JUST SO TENDER IM SOFTE????????????
As they’re walking, Comte asks MC to tell him about weddings in her time. What were they like? He wants a reference point. She goes on to describe how ceremonies really range from formal to more informal affairs, and gets to a little custom that’s apparently held in Japan. When a groom intends to marry a bride, he will go to the bride’s family to ask for their approval. Comte visibly seems concerned about it, and I’m pretty sure he feels bad denying her that experience; not only did he propose to her without knowing any of that, her family isn’t within range to be able to honor it properly now. Even so, he keeps listening and comments now and again with a great deal of interest, paying close attention. He asks, what happens if the groom is rejected by the family? MC goes on to say that it’s a kind of test of perseverance: the groom is expected to ask/prove himself until he gets an answer in the affirmative. Internally, she notes that such a thing rarely ever happens irl--it’s mostly dramatized in movies and TV shows. She used to dream of how thrilling it might be to have someone do that for her, but it was mostly just a silly little fancy, nothing she was obsessed over. Comte, being a literal fucking legend, senses this emotional shift in milliseconds, and starts musing about something. When she tries to ask what’s up, he’s like not to worry leave everything to me.
PLEASE CUE THE CIRCUS MUSIC. BECAUSE THIS IS ABSOLUTELY GOING TO TURN INTO A CLOWN FEST.
So it cuts to them back home and Comte is asking Sebastian to give MC’s hand in marriage. Sebastian is utterly bEWILDERED and is like “I mean I understand I’m probably the closest relative she has right now but also WHAT!? YOU’RE MY BOSS/LORD I’M YOUR BUTLER FOR CRYING OUT LOUD”. Comte 100% is undaunted by this very normal reaction and insists that class/status has no place in matters like this, and Sebastian and MC are desperately trying to stop him from bowing his head/kneeling. MC notes she never expected him to take it to heart, tells him "Comte, you really don't have to go that far, it's a custom not a duty--" (IT’S SO FUCKING FUNNY????? YOU CAN FEEL THEIR MOUNTING CONCERN AND I CAN’T BELIEVE COMTE WAS STRAIGHT UP JUST “i am not above begging” AND THEY’RE LIKE YOU SHOULD BE YOU SHOULD BE ABOVE BEGGING)
The circus only escalates when Leo comes in LAUGHING HIS ASS OFF "damn...bahahahhahahaaaaa now THIS oughtta be good/interesting." MC (and I simultaneously) start yelling at him and he replies "What? Comte's already ready and willing, why stop him?" For whatever reason, this gives Comte an idea (NEVER A GOOD SIGN) and he’s like you know what? That’s actually perfect, get everybody in here I’m gonna ask them for permission too :D
Several things I want to say about this. 1. COMTE LITERALLY DOES NOT EVEN REACT TO LEO’S MOCKING HE JUST “omg ur face was useful for smth for once this gives me an idea” 2. META TIME. First and foremost, I seriously can’t deal. This man knows MC has nothing because of her traveling through time, no friends or family--he’s always so, so aware of what she’s sacrificing to be with him. It is never outside of his thinking. Not only does this decision solidify her presence as a member of their family (I’m just so UGLY SOBBING about the fact that he does not consider them all ANYTHING LESS--THEY ARE HIS CHIRREN AND HE LOVES THEM AND I’M SOFT) this is also such a brilliant, strategic move on his part. Not only is he doing this to fulfill her younger wishes of having someone be so confident in their love for her that they would insist on it in front of her family/loved ones--his doing this also solidifies her presence as his wife within the mansion from here on. There can be no mistake; this is an unquestionable statement as to how her identity has shifted in meaning, a powerful allusion to his possessive streak. (and WE LOVE THAT FOR US HELL YEAH) 
Furthermore, I continue to be fascinated by the way he keeps subverting traditional or expected forms of supplication. While many could see this as a yielding of his pride (and in some ways he undeniably is) this choice to acknowledge her culture’s customs yields much more valuable dividends for him. 1. MC--notorious for never betraying the things she wants, having trouble asking for anything--is have her dreams fulfilled even if they were just silly little fantasies from when she was young. He’s actively making her happy, and he gets to openly gush about how much he loves her (FOR HIM THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF A WIN-WIN YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND--) 2. This is a way for him to make amends and do proper respect to the marriage customs of her place/time, and that’s infinitely important to him. He’s trying to set a precedent; that even if he ever does make a mistake or neglect something (even if accidental) he will do his utmost to make it right, pride and money be DAMNED. 
While it can be argued that he’s just being silly and over-the-top, when you look closely this is 100% a clever, very mindful approach to their future. While it may partially have been executed on an emotional/excited whim, he is also claiming MC as his own in the most clear and respectful way possible. And tbh that’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen 
So, after Leo walks in on them everyone else starts filing in one at a time (OKAY YOU CAN’T CONVINCE ME THAT THEY WEREN’T ALL HUDDLED UP TO THE DOOR SQUIRMING TO HEAR WHAT WAS GOING ON AND AT SOME POINT LEO SAID “omfg i gotta see this dumbass bitch on his knees” AND BLEW THEIR COVER/MADE THEM EVEN MORE CURIOUS):
Jeanne: "It's so noisy in here." 
Mozart: "What's going on?"
Comte: "Ah, excellent timing. I want to get permission from everyone."
Vincent: "?????? Did you do something wrong Comte?? What could you possibly need forgiveness for?"
Isaac: "A mistake made/wrongdoing by Comte?...Why am I dreading what it could be..."
Dazai: “Ah yes, yes I see, you are asking for a young lady's hand in marriage” (IM WHEEZING BC EVERYONE ELSE IS SO LOST AND HE'S JUST 100% ON THE BALL KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT'S GOING ON THE NARRATIVE DISSONANCE IM CRYING)
Theo: Young lady??? The hell are you going on about
So things are getting increasingly chaotic and MC is just [jfc this is getting out of hand, Comte they don’t even know what you’re asking them to do]. She tries to explain but falters, and Comte puts an arm around her--signals that he’ll give  them the context. So he tells them "You all know that our wedding day is approaching. As such, I'm asking you all for your approval in taking MC as my bride. No matter what happens, I promise to make her happy forever--for every moment, every second of our time together. Please, forgive my taking her" (WHEN I TELL YOU MY HEAD WAS IN MY HANDS IDK HOW MC DIDN’T DIE ON THE SPOT S I R. SIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) MC: [...Comte...My heart melts at his confession, at his earnest plea. It feels like every single iota of our feelings are infused in every word he speaks, teeming with the love shared between us in overwhelming measure.]
For a little while silence falls until Napoleon speaks up, and honestly? It was so sweet ;-; I tear up every single time: “Forgiven. You know how much I dislike formalities anyway. And besides, who could say no to le Comte?” MC notes that everyone murmurs in agreement and a kind of warmth settles in the room. Arthur notes that MC will be a Comtesse very soon and MC just. I’m going to be a WHAT now (”C-c-comtesse??”). And it’s so FUCKING FUNNY YOU CAN FEEL THE RED EYE EDIT MEME ON COMTE WHEN HE GOES “Oh? Is there anything wrong with that? Everybody said yes, after all :>” MC internally accuses them of ganging up on her, but reveals that more than anything she’s a little overwhelmed by the outpouring of love in the best way:
MC: [Overwhelmed with feeling; touched, a little shy, embarrassed, but also full of joy--my eyes burn at the edges with tears] “I'm glad everyone approves c:”
Comte: Agreed :> your country/homeland has a nice custom. A v important step to inviting my loved one into my life as my wife :>>>>
So it then cuts to them in Comte’s room after the circus and MC thanks him for the sweet confession in front of everyone, tells him how happy it made her. He insists that it was only natural he would, and that it isn’t even enough.
Comte: “I am the one...your life, your time as a human being; I'll be taking all of it from you.”
MC: [...Comte? He took my hand with a very serious expression]
Comte: "As I said before, I will make you a vampire someday."
MC: “Don't call it that--a price. I want to live with you too!”
MC notes that while she hasn’t made the leap yet, she knows she’ll be ready for it soon enough. 
Comte: “Thank you. But the last thing I want is to take things from you, I want to do everything I can to make you happy, to make you smile. Whether that means weddings, requests--anything in my power.”
COMTE REALLY SAID "she is entrusting me with her future and that means I have the responsibility of not only ascertaining her happiness, but proving my unwavering devotion to it" AND IM HOLLERING????? LADIES GET YOU A FUCKING MANS. MC finally begins to understand this, and she’s like OMFG is that why you went off so hard this afternoon???? And Comte’s like :>>>> guilty as charged, though I think I'm also just still excited about the wedding too, haha! They hug it out (YESSSSSSS LET ME H O L D) and MC asks him again if there’s anything he wants for the wedding too. Aight y’all I would be irresponsible if I didn’t warn you beforehand, get fucking tissues. I’m still upset abt his answer and I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL. He thinks about it for a bit, before kissing her forehead and saying “I suppose, can you pray for my happiness too? That's enough."
AIGHT IMMA GO BACK TO THE EVENT IN A SECOND BUT I GOTTA SAY. BITCH. BITCH ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME????? COMTE THAT ISN’T OPTIONAL THAT’S A GOD DAMN PREREQUISITE?????????????????? OFC WE WISH FOR YOUR HAPPINESS WHAT THE FUCK??????????????? THE A U D A C I T Y. I’VE NEVER BEEN MORE INSULTED IN ALL MY LIFE. OKAY RANT OVER.
MC is surprised but naturally agrees to it, having wanted that for him even without prompting. She continues to think on it, insisting that she wants to do something for him too. An idea sparks but it only says that she made preparations without telling him anything for now, preparing a tangible sign of her love for the wedding.
The premium end begin here. She’s getting dressed for the wedding, and she’s--as usual--in awe of his perfect selection of accessories/jewelry to go with the gown. She’s about to put on her shoes when she notices something odd, and there’s a knock at the door. Comte enters to ask if she’s ready, and they both freeze and stare at each other. They both sheepishly admit to being completely taken with the sight of the other, and they laugh about it together. Comte tries to ask if she’s ready again, and she assures him that she is--just that she found something unexpected in her shoes.
He explains that the coin is an English six pence. Sebastian told him that they are no longer made in her time, and Comte explains he acquired it about three hundred years ago in England when he was living there (he says that he kept it back then because he liked the design on it). He explains that there is a tradition, that the English would put a six pence in a bride’s left shoe in the hopes of wishing her good fortune and prosperity in her oncoming union. MC has her understandable and customary (JESUS I FORGET HOW OLD THIS MAN IS SOMETIMES) and he places a hand over hers that’s holding the coin when she starts staring at it. 
Comte: "Hey, MC....Time goes by, and various things will continue to change. Among them, it is only vampires who survive without dying or changing."
MC: "Comte..."
Comte: "I used to think that made it--made us--empty. But...I don't think that's the case anymore. I'm proud of being able to keep this undying, unchanging love for you."
[He put the coin back in my left shoe, and offered them to me--gentle as though they were made of glass(Cinderella's)]
MC spends this exchange on the verge of tears, but keeps it together for the wedding. It depicts their loved ones all around them as they walk down the aisle, and skips to the end of the ceremony. The priest tells Comte he may now kiss the bride (WHEN I WAS TRANSLATING IT SAID “KISS YOUR BUSINESS” AND WHEN I TELL YOU I WHEEZED), but just as he’s about to lift her veil--she stops him in his tracks. He’s confused, and says her name, but she reassures him that she just wants to offer him a wedding gift before he lifts it. Hidden in her bouquet are two pins that she had made, and she pins them to his jacket. They were made from preserved flowers, encased in metal to render them undying/everlasting. 
MC: [Me too...I want to wish for your happiness...]
MC: “For you, things might feel fleeting--like they just pass you by, are lost before you can grasp them. But even so, my feelings won't change; just like this preserved/undying flower and the life of a vampire--dedicated to [Comte's real name] in everlasting love."
COMTE.EXE HAS CURRENTLY SHUTDOWN. REBOOTING.
MC notes that his eyes get misty and he leans his forehead against hers.
MC: [Comte's real name]? 
Comte: .................I want to hug you as tight as I possibly can, but I'd hate to ruin the flowers/your gift to me
BITCH WHEN I TELL YOU I SOBBED. WHEN I TELL YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1. I CANT GET OVER THE FACT THAT HER GIFT IS NOT ONLY CANON BUT ITS LITERALLY ON HIS WEDDING SPRITE, HER LOVE IS A VISIBLE MANIFESTATION ON HIS PERSON ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2. THE FACT THAT SHE ONLY ADMITS TO BEING THE HAPPIEST SHE CAN BE WHEN SHE SEES HIM SO HAPPY TOO. THIS IS SO MUCH. SO M U C H
And so Comte lifts her veil and kisses her gently uwu cover ur eyes chirren, the hall erupts in raucous applause and the crowd starts congratulating them!! Comte then encourages everyone to have fun, and the reception takes on the vibe of a kind of social gathering. MC notes that he seems to prefer this level of interaction, just relaxed and everyone chill, and she turns to tell him that it seems like it’ll be fun! Before she can finish her sentence, he kisses her fiercely before leaning back with a sigh, "It's still not enough, but I'll save the rest for later tonight." BITCH!!?!?!??!??!? HOW THE FUCK CAN ANYONE FOCUS ON A STUPID PARTY WHEN YOU SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT, HELLO???????MC notes: [Everyone from the mansion that saw the kiss made fun of me endlessly, and I hid my face in my bouquet] SAVE HER. Once again, it skips to the end of the reception and they’re now in Comte’s room. (I will blink twice if I think you need tissues BLINKS TWICE) 
Comte: "Yup, perfect." [He places the flower pins I gave him next to THE hourglass in the room, looking pleased HNGNNGNGNNGGNGN MY EYE HOLES ARE SUFFERING
MC: "I'm glad you liked the gift c:" 
Comte: "It is proof of your unchanging love, of course I cherish it :>"
She’s just so happy to see him so delighted with it. He asks how she liked the ceremony, and she gushes about how much she loved it. He hugs her (AWWWWWWWWWWWW) and then he notes that while it was fun to celebrate, all he wants now is time with his wife (AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA). He starts kissing her like the world is ending, and she says she needs to get changed--but he doesn’t care, says she’s fine as she is and that he wants her right now.
Aight usually I don’t get into epilogue territory, but honestly, this shit was JUST too good. Now this man made of magic asks MC if she’s wearing her bridal garter (you know, the one that usually comes with the whole bride ensemble in Western tradition). And she’s like ???? Uh, yeah, of course? Why... He says that he saw something interesting at a friend’s wedding reception once upon a time, and explains that the garter is usually removed and thrown to the bachelors (analogous to the bride’s throwing her bouquet, and whoever catches it will be the next to get married). PLEASE NOTE HE IS KISSING HER FOR LIKE 90% OF THIS IT’S AMAZING
MC: "So it's like the bouquet toss?" 
Comte: "Yes. Now then, how did he remove the garter...?”
HE DUCKS DOWN AND SHE’S LIKE COMTE!?!?
Comte: “...Ah yes, the groom removes it with his teeth >:D”
And so this man HAS THE TIME OF HIS LIFE tugging it down slowly under her dress, caressing her legs and loving every part of her. MC’s face is on fire, and she’s torn between being turned on and embarrassed. Eventually he reappears after teasing her MERCILESSLY and admits that he didn’t do it at the reception because he didn’t want anyone else to see her reaction. Blushing, shy, desirous--all of these feelings are his to keep and enjoy. (I!!!!! LOVE!!!!!!!!!! HOW SUBTLY POSSESSIVE HE IS AAAAAAAAAA) MC notes internally that she feels the same way about him, how he only shows this intensely passionate side to her. Comte is uncharacteristically impatient and frenzied that night, and they both go at it.
It skips to midnight where the two are cuddling in the aftermath, just being cute and happy. Comte, the absolute MADLAD is already thinking about how to celebrate next year--and she just giggles at him (he’s a wackadoo but he’s her wackadoo LMFAO MOOD) and he laughs with her. They essentially swear to promise their love over and over in the future, and it just ends on that wholesome note :>>>
Also can I just. The fact that he lived for so long alone, but was always, always paying attention to all of these little things that are done with a person’s loved one ;-; that he would remember his friend doing that at his wedding and be like BROOOOO I WANNA DO THAT IF I EVER GET MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!! I just. It’s so heartbreaking and touching at the same time, I just want to hold him forever ;-; the fact that he doesn’t seem to worry as much about his own happiness, seems absolutely floored that MC would do anything in return. I JUST LOVE HIM WITH EVERYTHING INSIDE OF ME 
Tumblr media
THIS IS WHAT PEAK PERFORMANCE LOOKS LIKE
176 notes · View notes
ariel-seagull-wings · 3 years
Text
PRINCE CSIHAN (NETTLES).
@princesssarisa @sunlit-music @superkingofpriderock @amalthea9 @mademoiselle-princesse
(Hungarian tale, variant of Puss in Boots)
There was once—I don't know where, at the other side of seven times seven countries, or even beyond them, on the tumble-down side of a tumble-down stove—a poplar-tree, and this poplar-tree had sixty-five branches, and on every branch sat sixty-six crows; and may those who don't listen to my story have their eyes picked out by those crows!
There was a miller who was so proud that had he stept on an egg he would not have broken it. There was a time when the mill was in full work, but once as he was tired of his mill-work he said:
"May God take me out of this mill!" 
Now, this miller had an auger, a saw, and an adze, and he set off over seven times seven countries, and never found a mill. So his wish was fulfilled. On he went, roaming about, till at last he found on the bank of the Gagy, below Martonos, a tumble-down mill, which was covered with nettles. Here he began to build, and he worked, and by the time the mill was finished all his stockings were worn into holes and his garments all tattered and torn. He then stood expecting people to come and have their flour ground; but no one ever came.
One day the twelve huntsmen of the king were chasing a fox; and it came to where the miller was, and said to him: 
"Hide me, miller, and you shall be rewarded for your kindness." 
"Where shall I hide you?" said the miller, "seeing that I possess nothing but the clothes I stand in?" 
"There is an old torn sack lying beside that trough," replied the fox; "throw it over me, and, when the dogs come, drive them away with your broom." 
When the huntsmen came they asked the miller if he had seen a fox pass that way. 
"How could I have seen it; for, behold, I have nothing but the clothes I stand in?" 
With that the huntsmen left, and in a little while the fox came out and said, "Miller, I thank you for your kindness; for you have preserved me, and saved my life. I am anxious to do you a good turn if I can. Tell me, do you want to get married?" 
"My dear little fox," said the miller, "if I could get a wife, who would come here of her own free will, I don't say that I would not—indeed, there is no other way of my getting one; for I can't go among the spinning-girls in these clothes." 
The fox took leave of the miller, and, in less than a quarter of an hour, he returned with a piece of copper in his mouth. 
"Here you are, miller," said he; "put this away, you will want it ere long." 
The miller put it away, and the fox departed; but, before long, he came back with a lump of gold in his mouth. 
"Put this away, also," said he to the miller, "as you will need it before long." 
"And now," said the fox, "wouldn't you like to get married?" 
"Well, my dear little fox," said the miller, "I am quite willing to do so at any moment, as that is my special desire." 
The fox vanished again, but soon returned with a lump of diamond in his mouth. "Well, miller," said the fox, "I will not ask you any more to get married; I will get you a wife myself. And now give me that piece of copper I gave you." 
Then, taking it in his mouth, the fox started off over seven times seven countries, and travelled till he came to King Yellow Hammer's. 
"Good day, most gracious King Yellow Hammer," said the fox; "my life and death are in your majesty's hands. I have heard that you have an unmarried daughter. I am a messenger from Prince Csihan, who has sent me to ask for your daughter as his wife." "I will give her with pleasure, my dear little fox," replied King Yellow Hammer; "I will not refuse her; on the contrary, I give her with great pleasure; but I would do so more willingly if I saw to whom she is to be married—even as it is, I will not refuse her."
The fox accepted the king's proposal, and they fixed a day upon which they would fetch the lady. "Very well," said the fox; and, taking leave of the king, set off with the ring to the miller.
"Now then, miller," said the fox, "you are no longer a miller, but Prince Csihan, and on a certain day and hour you must be ready to start; but, first of all, give me that lump of gold I gave you that I may take it to His Majesty King Yellow Hammer, so that he may not think you are a nobody."
The fox then started off to the king. "Good day, most gracious king, my father. Prince Csihan has sent this lump of gold to my father the king that he may spend it in preparing for the wedding, and that he might change it, as Prince Csihan has no smaller change, his gold all being in lumps like this."
"Well," reasoned King Yellow Hammer, "I am not sending my daughter to a bad sort of place, for although I am a king I have no such lumps of gold lying about in my palace."
The fox then returned home to Prince Csihan. "Now then, Prince Csihan," said he, "I have arrived safely, you see; prepare yourself to start to-morrow."
Next morning he appeared before Prince Csihan. "Are you ready?" asked he. "Oh! yes, I am ready; I can start at any moment, as I got ready long ago."
With this they started over seven times seven lands. As they passed a hedge the fox said, "Prince Csihan, do you see that splendid castle?" "How could I help seeing it, my dear little fox." "Well," replied the fox, "in that castle dwells your wife." On they went, when suddenly the fox said, "Take off the clothes you have on, let us put them into this hollow tree, and then burn them, so that we may get rid of them." "You are right, we won't have them, nor any like them."
Then said the fox, "Prince Csihan, go into the river and take a bath." Having done so the prince said, "Now I've done." "All right," said the fox; "go and sit in the forest until I go into the king's presence." The fox set off and arrived at King Yellow Hammer's castle. "Alas! my gracious king, my life and my death are in thy hands. I started with Prince Csihan with three loaded wagons and a carriage and six horses, and I've just managed to get the prince naked out of the water." The king raised his hands in despair, exclaiming, "Where hast thou left my dear son-in-law, little fox?" "Most gracious king, I left him in such-and-such a place in the forest." The king at once ordered four horses to be put to a carriage, and then looked up the robes he wore in his younger days and ordered them to be put in the carriage; the coachman and footman to take their places, the fox sitting on the box.
When they arrived at the forest the fox got down, and the footman, carrying the clothes upon his arm, took them to Prince Csihan. Then said the fox to the servant, "Don't you dress the prince, he will do it more becomingly himself." He then made Prince Csihan arise, and said, "Come here, Prince Csihan, don't stare at yourself too much when you get dressed in these clothes, else the king might think you were not used to such robes." Prince Csihan got dressed, and drove off to the king. When they arrived, King Yellow Hammer took his son-in-law in his arms and said, "Thanks be to God, my dear future son-in-law, for that He has preserved thee from the great waters; and now let us send for the clergyman and let the marriage take place."
The grand ceremony over, they remained at the court of the king. One day, a month or so after they were married, the princess said to Prince Csihan, "My dear treasure, don't you think it would be as well to go and see your realm?" Prince Csihan left the room in great sorrow, and went towards the stables in great trouble to get ready for the journey he could no longer postpone. Here he met the fox lolling about. As the prince came his tears rolled down upon the straw. "Hollo! Prince Csihan, what's the matter?" cried the fox. "Quite enough," was the reply; "my dear wife insists upon going to see my home." "All right," said the fox; "prepare yourself, Prince Csihan, and we will go."
The prince went off to his castle and said, "Dear wife, get ready; we will start at once." The king ordered out a carriage and six, and three waggons loaded with treasure and money, so that they might have all they needed. So they started off. Then said the fox, "Now, Prince Csihan, wherever I go you must follow." So they went over seven times seven countries. As they travelled they met a herd of oxen. "Now, herdsmen," said the fox, "if you won't say that this herd belongs to the Vasfogu Bába, but to Prince Csihan, you shall have a handsome present." With this the fox left them, and ran straight to the Vasfogu Bába. "Good day, my mother," said he. "Welcome, my son," replied she; "it's a good thing for you that you called me your mother, else I would have crushed your bones smaller than poppy-seed." "Alas! my mother," said the fox, "don't let us waste our time talking such nonsense, the French are coming!" "Oh! my dear son, hide me away somewhere!" cried the old woman. "I know of a bottomless lake," thought the fox; and he took her and left her on the bank, saying, "Now, my dear old mother, wash your feet here until I return." The fox then left the Vasfogu Bába, and went to Prince Csihan, whom he found standing in the same place where he left him. He began to swear and rave at him fearfully. "Why didn't you drive on after me? come along at once." They arrived at the Vasfogu's great castle, and took possession of a suite of apartments. Here they found everything the heart could wish for, and at night all went to bed in peace.
Suddenly the fox remembered that the Vasfogu Bába had no proper abode yet, and set off to her. "I hear, my dear son," said she, "that the horses with their bells have arrived; take me away to another place." The fox crept up behind her, gave her a push, and she fell into the bottomless lake, and was drowned, leaving all her vast property to Prince Csihan. "You were born under a lucky star, my prince," said the fox, when he returned; "for see I have placed you in possession of all this great wealth." In his joy the prince gave a great feast to celebrate his coming into his property, so that the people from Bánczida to Zsukhajna were feasted royally, but he gave them no drink. "Now," said the fox to himself, "after all this feasting I will sham illness, and see what treatment I shall receive at his hands in return for all my kindness to him." So Mr. Fox became dreadfully ill, he moaned and groaned so fearfully that the neighbours made complaint to the prince. "Seize him," said the prince, "and pitch him out on the dunghill." So the poor fox was thrown out on the dunghill. One day Prince Csihan was passing that way. "You a prince!" muttered the fox; "you are nothing else but a miller; would you like to be a house-holder such as you were at the nettle-mill?" The prince was terrified by this speech of the fox, so terrified that he nearly fainted. "Oh! dear little fox, do not do that," cried the prince, "and I promise you on my royal word that I will give you the same food as I have, and that so long as I live you shall be my dearest friend and you shall be honoured as my greatest benefactor."
He then ordered the fox to be taken to the castle, and to sit at the royal table, nor did he ever forget him again.
So they lived happily ever after, and do yet, if they are not dead. May they be your guests to-morrow!
8 notes · View notes
despicablenotions · 3 years
Note
Ah Hello there *Roblox winning smile*
I'm 🐑 anon over from boob's blog. I heard that you were in need of Simpbur brianrot, so I present to you a couple of suggestions.
Consider, Butler Simpbur. A servant that would be oh so eager to please his master and fulfill your deepest desires using his body. He'll cook and clean for you like a proper house husband, do the chores with absolutely no complaints all with the most content smile on his face. Acts of service and physical love is the most worthy type of affection to him
And you'll get a couple of bonus cookie points if you do a little praise here and there to get him all worked up and flustered before fucking him over the kitchen counter and peppering kisses all over his neck when you come back from important rich people paper signing.
Oh, but then you remember that he's a butler! Duh! He doesn't care too much about himself, he wants to pleasure you and you only! Your body is something to be worshipped, not wasting yourself on a lowly man such as him.
So he'll carry you to the main bedroom before throwing you gently on the bed and diving for the meal of his lifetime.
And then over here, we have Writer!Simpbur.
He's a very talented book seller, describing the emotions and power of his books with such wonderful words. His books are the most popular amongst highly recommended artists.
His books usually consisted of things that were simple to the mind but complex to the thoughts. Basically speaking, they were intended for people of a higher mentality or curiously intelligent people.
But quite recently, fans of his work noticed a change within his usually inspiration. It had gone from incredibly controversial topics to a almost obsessive passionate ramble about a person he has only met twice or so.
And that person was you.
The meeting between you two was simple and something to be expected of since you two were soon to-be workmates.
He had been walking to his office before stumbling into what seemed to be an angel in his eyes. You were so nice and kind, just bitterly sweet in his opinion and it was shame that you two had a depart on such short notice.
But even after that, he couldn't get the thought of you out of his head.
He thought passionately about you, the way you spoke and held yourself around him or how pretty your figure looked and that lead him to start writing full-on books about you and how he'd make you orgasm.
He'd write about how pleasant your body would feel grinding up on him or how satisfying it'd be to breed into you with such force. Ah, the though would elict such lust in his heart.
Eventually, it had gotten so bad to the point that he would obsessively write your name in his personal journal as if he was manifesting you. Hell, he jerked off to the page. With how far down the rabbit hole he had gone, there was no saving him.
And last but not least, we have Homewrecker! Simpbur.
A man of simple respect and honesty, or at least that's what he used to be.
He never truly was interested in the idea of marriage or romantic relationship as a majority of those types of connections usually ended with a sour taste in his mouth.
But then he met you...and your husband Jared.
He instantly crossed out Jared as unworthy and undeserving of your love.
Now you, you were the definition of god's personal lover. So perfectly crafted in the image of what worshippers should truly bow to.
He felt that if he approached you any closer, his knees would buckle in and force him to the ground. But of course, he didn't want to appear as a creep and hurriedly made his way home for fear of exposure to the tightness around his pants.
And later that night, he pleasured himself to an image of you and your full on nude body. He imagined the way your body would react to his teasing touches or how wet you'd get to his electric stroking and how easy you'd give in.
He'd be so eager to fuck you dumb and breed you like an animal, he wants your husband to come home to the sight of you being absolutely destroyed by a man he met merely minutes ago.
The thought sent him over edge as he came all over his blankets with his eyes rolled all the way into the back of his head. His breathing and gasps uneven with hiccups as he frantically touched himself, trying to calm his body from the violent high
Anyways, i hope that was good enough for you! Gonna knock out probably
-🐑 anon
🐑 anon I'm kissing you rn this is so good. Pls, never stop. Send me all the brainrot whenever you want, i love this. I love the greasy stalker boy.
6 notes · View notes
Note
Oh!!!! Caroline and Klaus are both attorneys on opposite sides of a case. They are litigating which party can go to which social venue on which days (I've actually dealt with this shit) and both of them are fed up with their clients for being ridiculous.
Hey, I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to fulfil something small for you and this was sitting in my drafts just begging to be finished!
♡ KLAROLINE DRABBLE #56: The Coffee Shop on Third ♡
It had taken Caroline some convincing but as Katherine was utterly incapable of playing nice, she agreed to represent her in the divorce. She liked Stefan and she couldn’t say she approved of Katherine’s actions but the choice opposing council was already introducing some bias. If his best man was representing him, then her maid of honour would help balance things out.
Klaus had sent her a message prior to their first proceeding not long after she agreed to it.
I look forward to a good and clean fight, sweetheart.
Naturally, she spent the following ten minutes debating on the level of flirtation she could get away with. Ever since the wedding, they had cultivated a fine friendship of equal parts provocative and rivalrous. Their views on the law and general courtroom etiquette differed—he was Law and Order while she was more Legally Blonde—but their obvious physical attraction was undeniable. At group events, they engaged in lengthy debates, always itching to just say to hell with it and let the alcohol take charge. Yet they had done all but crossing that line.
Afraid to get your hands dirty?
She had chewed on her nails after sending it. She didn’t usually take such a bold route but the wine she had been drinking that night was mighty encouraging.
If you’re willing, game on.
So far, the proceedings had gone smoothly. Stefan got their apartment, their dog (Katherine was never really a pet owner) and their television. Simple. That was until it came to social venues. She laid her pen over the papers and stated, “My client believes it’s only fair she gets the coffee shop on Third as she was the one who introduced your client to it.” She watched Klaus carefully, trying to evade any and all ogling of him in that well-tailored suit. Though they talked law, they had never seen each other in action and now that she had? She was interested in another type of action.
Stefan interjected before either council could reply or add, “Well, if your client believed in fairness, she wouldn’t have slept with my brother.” He was leaning far into the table, shooting daggers at Katherine, who was coolly inspecting her nails.
Klaus sighed and began to place a hand out on the table. “Stefan, mate.” Caroline pressed her lips tightly at the sight of his Adam’s apple bobbing. It was really the last thing she should have been thinking about during the deterioration of their friends’ marriage but it was so easy to get caught up in the idea.
Katherine hummed, “Maybe I wouldn’t have slept with your brother if you hadn’t been flirting with my cousin.” She finally gave him eye contact and grinned.
“Elena and I were just friends!” Stefan argued, gesturing wildly. Caroline couldn’t help the small smile on her lips (Stefan had always had a soft spot for Elena) and when she found Klaus staring right at her with the same expression, she bit down.
“Yeah?” Katherine, as grandiose as ever, rose from her seat, the six-inch heels she had insisted on wearing only adding to the drama. She rested her fingertips on the table and leaned forward to whisper, “How was your date last night?”
“That happened after you slept with Damon,” he retorted, his whole face scrunching at the words. She exchanged a blank look with Klaus. They all knew that wasn’t strictly the truth. Emotional cheating was just as detrimental to relationships. It just so happened Katherine was the one inclined to the physical. Stefan eventually huffed and flitted his hand out. “Fine. You can have the coffee shop. I get the bistro.”
“Now, that’s unfair!” It was Katherine’s turn to raise her voice. Caroline tugged her by the wrist, encouraging her to sit down. Katherine obliged, thankfully, but there was no chance of such obedience occurring in any other context. “You know that bistro is the only place I’ll eat burgers from!”
Stefan offered a short smirk, folding his arms tightly. “Then I want the coffee shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That’s when you can have the bistro.”
Katherine’s eyes widened and she not so politely, pointed out in offence, “I’m a vegetarian on Tuesdays, you asshole!”
Klaus shot a dull look Caroline’s way and she nodded. She took Katherine by the arm and leaned away from the table to whisper, “Can’t you be a vegetarian on Wednesdays?”
“Absolutely not!” Katherine whispered back with a sharp tone. She then gestured loosely to her body, eyebrows raised. “My modelling agency has me on a strict meal plan.”
Caroline’s brows knitted closely. “Then why the hell do you want the bistro so badly?”
“I don’t really,” Katherine murmured, a small laugh choking out under her breath, “I just want to piss him off.”
Caroline’s lips parted as she watched her friend shrug. “Jesus, Kat...” she groaned, rubbing her temples. She loved the girl but she could stand to be a little less...everything.
“Miss Forbes?” Klaus called softly across the table. His voice was pure heaven to her ears, the kind that she could fall asleep and wake up to.
She fluttered her eyelashes and threw a glance his way. “My apologies,” she replied abruptly, sitting up straight. “My client will accept those terms under the condition that only she may use the Mystic Nightclub on Fridays.”
“Nice,” she heard Katherine mutter beside her, undoubtedly smirking. Yes, that was more her preference than Katherine’s, but their divorce impacted her social life just as much as theirs.
Stefan was swift to whine, “But Friday is their double shot night!” It was in moments like this it was easy to remember he was the youngest in his family. The straining notes of displeasure were so obvious.
“Miss Forbes, my client has been rather generous considering the circumstances,” Klaus attempted to point out, tilting his head towards Katherine. If this were settled in a bar, she was sure his language would consist entirely of insults. Katherine had landed on her feet and in the bed of Klaus’ older, better dressed (her words) brother not long after the divorce was filed. That only added insult to Stefan’s injuries, including, but not limited to, estrangement from his own brother. And seeing as Elijah was staying with Klaus for the time being, it was complicated.
She tossed her blonde locks behind her and remained firm in her reply, “Your client can have any other day of the week.”
Klaus studied her for a moment, eyes narrowing. She had no time to consider how attractive it was; they were negotiating on their friends’ lives, after all. With the clearing of his throat and a small adjustment of his tie, he asked, “Don’t you think such an agreement might have an impact on third parties?” His brows twitched upward and his eyes searched hers.
Caroline knew exactly the reason for his question. Mystic Nightclub had been the location of one heated dance between them not too long ago. It was also where she had come to realise he was the magnet for many other pretty ladies. It wasn’t a game she would play unless she was sure to win. She traced an invisible line across the page, her pen hovering, and mused, “That depends on one of the third parties’ intentions, Mr. Mikaelson.” She offered him her blue eyes, raising an eyebrow.
“They are most pure, I assure you,” he replied calmly and the corners of his lips curled just a tad. It was a familiar expression. He had used at the club one night. One more drop of alcohol and she would have bit the bullet. Oh, she was so screwed.
“God, get a room,” Katherine finally groaned, slumping back against her chair.
Stefan squared his shoulders and nodded. “That I can agree on.”
“Fuck off, Stefan.”
Tumblr media
                                                REVIEW HERE
18 notes · View notes
Text
17th of First Seed, Middas
The letter swapping has been going well so far.
I have been learning the handwriting for Urtisa’s contact and have made several forgeries now. I have even attempted a few draft letters. They look passable except for the quality of the parchment, I will need Nabine to steal a couple sheets of parchment when she has the chance. I have gotten the same type of quill and ink, but the parchment is so far the only difference.
I have also gotten word that uncle Urnel has given his word that he approves of the consent for Kuna’s recognition and that the decision is being brought before the Council to give their opinions before the finalization of things.
Word has also been given to me that Kuna’s name will be added to the family registry as my child and we have been asked if she is to be put down with the Indoril family name or under Mossbrook for her mother.
Nabine and I discussed it over the course of dinner. Of course, I had assumed that Nabine would like to keep her family name, since record of the matriarchal line is so important. She asked how it would change things if Kuna was to carry my name.
So I had to explain that when you enter any of the great Houses, you are given that House’s name to be put before your personal and family names, so that you are immediately recognized as being a part of the House. That Kuna could certainly be Indoril Kuna Mossbrook, retaining Nabine’s family name as her family name and just being taken as a part of the House. In that case, however, people would assume from the name that Kuna was accepted into the House, but that there would be no indication that she was part of the Indoril bloodline, since only those with Indoril blood are allowed to take Indoril as their family name. Having Kuna take the name would prove to any from the moment her name was announced, that she was blood linked to the House, affording her more respect instantly. Although once her parentage became more widely known that might improve, having the name would open doors more quickly.
Nabine actually considered the matter more than I expected.
After some time of asking for the finer details and implications, Nabine asked me if there were any precedents for having more than one last name.
I told her that I was unsure of times outside of when there are two Great Houses joining,  and so I sent a request by messenger to the Chancellor of Precedent.
Before the end of the evening we were informed that most typical it was for cases of marriages between Houses. Though, given that Kuna is part of a different culture, we could certainly attempt a similar argument with the Family Registry Office.
In typical cases, the order of family name is determined by the House that the child was being raised by, placing it in the final position, that of greatest importance.
As an example, Sildras’s official name is Indoril Sildras Hlaalu Indoril. If he were to also join House Hlaalu, he would be known as Indoril Hlaalu Sildras Hlaalu Indoril. House naming order, of course, is determined in the reverse, so that the one which is your primary loyalty is placed first. Of course, membership to more than one House is so very rare that it is only granted in the most selected circumstances, since membership to one House usually is seen as a conflict of interest in joining another. After all, there is so much in-fighting it would be difficult to truly follow the directives of more than one House objectively.
When presented with this naming option, Nabine said she would like to petition to see if, given Kuna’s mixed parentage, she would still be allowed to take both names.
I made sure in drawing up the request for the House Registry Office, to cite the precedent number given by the Chancellor, along with an overview of Bosmeri naming rituals and the fact that it was important to the Mossbrook family, in order for Kuna to remain a recognized part of the family, to keep their surname name. So the proposition is that, until she undergo the joining and recognition ceremony, Kuna be added to my family registry as Kuna Mossbrook Indoril. Upon the completion of her joining and recognition, she will then be known as Indoril Kuna Mossbrook Indoril.
Before I set my seal and sent the request off, Nabine and I sat Kuna down and discussed the matter with her as well. We wanted to make sure that she understood that it would afford her more, while also expecting more of her. There would be more lessons and more responsibilities in the future. And while we were aware that she was very young to be making such a decision, it needed to be done now and could not be undone once it was completed.
Of course, she was very enthusiastic, her wild dreams of godhood clouding her judgement.
It is unfair to make a child choose at this age, I know. But there is no other option given the cultural traditions of my people.
So I made sure to go over, once more, all the things she would be expected to do. That she may, in future, be asked to prove her loyalty, to fight, to send others to fight, that she might be expected to choose the path of other people’s lives, and that her decisions would determine the lives and deaths of people.
That did make her seem to think more. She had a few questions and I did my best to answer them. I even told her that she could talk to Mother about all her questions if she wished to wait before deciding.
She shook her head and said that she would not become a god if she did not have the ability to make good decisions  on her own. I told her that there was much wisdom in seeking the knowledge and experience of others and that even Almsivi counciled with one another and with other people before making much of their decisions. I reminded her that even queens and emproresses had councils to help them make the decision that was in the best interests of everyone.
Kuna said that she would like to speak with Mother before deciding and asked if we could send the request after she spoke to Mother about it and her tutors.
I said she was most wise for her age to do so.
Nabine laughed at me. I did not mind. It is a big decision and it is hardly a bad skill for Kuna to get accustomed to discussing her choices with others before making them. If she ever does become a part of the House in a greater capacity, she will need to do so.
After the girls were in bed, Nabine gave me a long, silent look.
I asked her if I  had something on my face or if she was simply struck by how handsome I was again.
She threw a cushion at me and we laughed.
Nabine explained that she had not known why it was that I had given up everything and risked being poor, even if it meant leaving a cage. But seeing now what it was like, she understood. And that she was amazed that I would go to such effort to see that Kuna had as much choice as possible.
I laughed, expecting her to be jesting, but she placed a hand on my shoulder and told me she was serious.
I told her that I had not been given any choice and that I was forced on a path that I ultimately was unable to take in the way presented. That I was given only one choice and then told it was my fault that I was unable to meet those impossible goals. There was nothing I wanted less than for any child of mine to have to go through the same hurt. Especially since I could do little to help prevent Sildras from having started his life with the same fate. My one consolation was that he was a gifted mage with a love of knowledge and learning, and so would be able to fulfill that which I had not been able to. The House would be able to easily find a myriad of uses for his skills and eventual knowledge. 
Nabine pulled me close and stroked my hair and told me that I was not to blame. I told her that I knew, but she just pulled me closer and kept saying to me that I was not the reason for that hurt, that the system and the adults involved were responsible, no matter how they loved me, that they had let that hurt come to me.
When I tried to speak against it, Nabine threatened to bite off my tongue and told me to just listen.
She spent a long while telling me how amazingly I had grown into an adult and that given all that had happened, I had done well for myself. I had managed what many could not. And that she loved me, soul or no, always. That no matter what was to come, she would always love me.
I kissed her and told her I felt the same. My emotions were welling up and threatened to spill out like a fountain in the pouring rain. And as she spoke of things that had passed, my eyes, ever so slightly, let out a couple of tears.
Nabine and I made love afterwards in a way that felt as though my old wounds were being healed. Not fully, it was not enough for that, but they were soothed, as if by a cooling salve.
Thank the Three for delivering to me not one, but two, amazing people into my life who love me in the ways that I need most. I feel your blessings and see them as reward for having proved my character in overcoming challenges and facing one of the Four Corners.
Should there be any other task which you require of me, I will gladly take it.
2 notes · View notes
pocket-luv101 · 4 years
Note
So for days I've been meaning to ask if you can do a sequel to another fanfic you did last year. Apple blossom is literally one of my favorite one shots! So like Kuro asking mahi to marry him and the wedding! *Q*) and tsurugi walking her down the aisle!!! -////-) thank you!! You the best!
KuroMahi {Apple Blossoms} Fem Mahiru
“The kingdom has been peaceful lately. I hope this continues and we can enjoy more quiet nights like this.” Mahiru sat on a horse with Kuro sitting behind her. He had arms wrapped around her so he could hold the reins and lead the horse down the countryside. “The most I have to worry about is Hyde and Licht getting into an argument.”
“They’re like two children who tease their crush to get their attention. Can’t deal. I can talk to my brother for you.” Kuro offered. She started answer but a yawn escaped her. Mahiru quickly covered her mouth but he could see an embarrassed blush appear on her cheeks. They had been travelling throughout the day so he understood why she was tired.
Since she was an ambassador for the sorcerers, she travelled to different kingdoms to speak with their leaders. Despite how tired she was, she looked over the notes she made for the day. It was night so it was difficult to see her own writing and she had to hold up the paper to the moonlight. He admired how hard so she worked but he hoped she wouldn’t push herself too much.
“Licht is a great leader but politics and negotiations aren’t her strongest skills. When the griffon’s ambassador requested a political marriage, she threatened to send rainstorms to their mountains and cause landslides. I don’t know how I managed to de-escalate that argument.” Mahiru sighed as she leaned back against Kuro’s chest. “I can’t blame Licht for her reaction though.”
She recalled when she almost accepted an arranged marriage for the sake of her kingdom. Mahiru was grateful that she stopped the wedding. The experience made her realize that she had feelings for Kuro. He was her guard and he protected her throughout their missions together. They had been through a lot together and there was no one she trusted more than Kuro.
“I hope I didn’t keep you from the apple farm too long. The apples will be in season soon and your siblings will need your help to harvest them.” He was the vampire king but he always made time for her. Kuro didn’t answer her and she tilted her head back to see his expression. He had been quiet during the ride home and she assumed he missed his family.
Mahiru wrapped her hands around his on the reins and gently pulled the horse to a stop. “Your family’s orchard is nearby so we can visit them. It’s late so we can also stay the night. It would be nice to say hello to your siblings as well. My uncle knows I’m with you so he won’t worry if I arrive home a little late. He knows you won’t let anything happen to me.”
“I was planning to visit the apple farm tomorrow but this is a good time too.” With a flick of his wrist, he changed direction and took them to the apple farm. They were already close to the farm and she could see the trees in the distance. Kuro stopped the horse next to an apple tree and he dismounted.
He held up his hands to help her off the horse but she was looking up at the night sky. She rose onto the saddle so she could reach the tree branches. The blossoms were still beautiful in the night and she carefully broke off a branch of the flowers. She cradled the apple blossoms in her hands and then jumped into Kuro’s arms. He caught her and held her against his chest.
“You’re the most reckless woman I know, Mahiru. You should’ve told me that you were going to jump at least.” He said but he had a subtle smile.
“I knew you would catch me.” She told him confidently as he lowered her to the ground. “I’ll send a message to your siblings so they’ll know we’re on our way.”
Mahiru took out a small paper airplane and blew magic onto it. The airplane flew away and they walked after it. She took Kuro’s hand into hers and threaded their fingers together. With her other hand, she held the apple blossoms to her nose and breathed in their subtle scent. She moved closer to Kuro so she could lean her head against his shoulder. He let go of her hand to wrap his arm around her waist.
“There will be a festival next month to help bring the kingdoms together. We’ll have food, fair games and there will be a tournament. The vampire clan is invited but you won’t have to participate in the competition. I hope you’ll still come and enjoy the day with me.” Mahiru looked up at him expectantly and he could never disappoint her while looking into her brown eyes.
“I’ll be there. I’m your guard, afterall.” His answer brought a smile to her lips. Since Kuro was a vampire, he could see her clearly in the night. He was certain that her smile was bright enough that he could see it without the ability. Kuro noticed her shiver and placed his cloak over her shoulders. He traced the stars embordered on the cloak. Mahiru had the created the cloak and it protected him from sunlight. “My siblings will enjoy the festival, I’m sure. That’s because of you, Mahiru. Thank you.”
“You were the one who helped me find the spell. I wouldn’t be able to help so many people without you, Kuro.” She pulled the cloak together around her and lifted the fabric to her lips to hide her blush. Kuro’s scent mixed with the apple blossoms and the two things were comforting to her. “You won’t participate in the tournament but will you dance? I’ll save my first dance for you.”
Before he could answer, a bat flew in front of them. There was a scroll tied to the bat’s foot and she assumed that it was a response from his siblings. Kuro untied the scroll and scanned the writing. “Wrath says that she’ll prepare a room for us. She asked us if we could find a ring for her. She lost it while she was tending to the farm this morning. It belonged to our mother.”
“Did she say where she might’ve lost it? If she hasn’t, I have a spell that will help us find precious metal. We can locate the ring with it.” Mahiru was quick to offer her help. She took out her spell book to cast the spell but Kuro pointed to the bushes near the entrance of the apple farm. She nodded and knelt in front of a tree. “I’ll start here and you should search over there. I’ll make a light to help us.”
She cupped her hands and fireflies gathered over her palm. The light they created was enhanced by her magic and it was enough for them to see the area easier. Mahiru began to shift through the bushes and searched for the ring. She was slightly surprised when Kuro said: “I found it, Mahiru.”
“That was quick, Kuro. Where—” Mahiru stood and turned around to face Kuro. She let out a small gasp and her hands covered her mouth in shock. Before her, Kuro was on one knee with a ring in his hands. “Oh my god, Kuro. Is this what I think it is?”
“Mahiru, I love you. I’m not the best with words so I’ve been practising what I would say to you a thousand times a day. But, I’m so nervous right now, I can’t remember a word. I’m sorry.” Kuro bit his lip but then he felt Mahiru’s warm hand on his cheek. The fireflies circled them and he could see the tender love in her brown eyes. He turned his face into her hand and kissed her palm.
He took a deep breath and started again. “Mahiru, I love you. You brought sunlight into my life when all I knew was the night. You accomplished that by simply smiling at me and I’ll be forever grateful for you. I can’t believe someone as brilliant as you would choose me for a lover. I thought I could repay you by being your guard and protecting you. But then, those feelings grew and I want to stay by your side as more than your guard or a lover. Will you marry me, Mahiru?”
“Oh, Kuro, I love you too. Of course, I’ll marry you.” Mahiru fell to her knees in front of Kuro and circled her arms around his neck. She clung to him as she kissed him. Her heart was racing with happiness and excitement so much that she wondered if he could feel it. Kuro took her hand and squeezed it gently before he slipped the ring onto her finger.
Tumblr media
The last time Mahiru wore a wedding dress, she vowed that she would only wear it for Kuro. Mahiru was happy that the promise would be fulfilled in an hour when they’ll trade their vows. She sat in front of the mirror and her friend helped clip a veil into her brown hair. On her lap was a bouquet made of hydrangeas and apple blossoms. Mahiru held the flowers to her chest where her heart was racing. She thought she would feel nervous yet nothing but joy filled her heart.
“Your hair is finished, Mahiru. I’m so happy for you.” Licht hugged Mahiru tightly. She was careful not to disturb the delicate flowers she had just finished weaving into her hair. However, she was so happy for her friend that she almost forgot her strength. They had been friends for years and she had seen how happy Kuro made Mahiru. “I was getting tired of waiting for you two to get married. For someone so smart, you can be oblivious.”
“You’re not one to talk, Licht. When I toss my bouquet, you better catch it and give it to Hyde.” Mahiru laughed when a flustered expression appeared on her friend’s face. There was a knock on the door and Licht went to answer it. They still had time before the wedding began so she wondered who it was. She stood when her uncle stepped into the room.
“I wanted to see you before the service started. I have something I wanted to give you. These belonged to your mother.” Toru showed her a pair of earrings and Mahiru took the box into her hands. “You look beautiful like your mother. I can’t believe you’re going to get married in an hour. I wish I could walk you down the aisle.”
“You’ll be officiating the wedding.” Since he adopted her when she was young, Mahiru thought of him as her father. She put the earrings on and smiled at him. “Tsurugi was happy when I asked him to walk me down the aisle.”
“Did someone call my name?” Tsurugi entered the room with a silly grin and Mahiru chuckled at how animated he was. He held out a pair of white gloves to her and said, “You uncle got you something old so your brother bought you something new. It’s tradition.”
“Thank you. Both of you.” Mahiru was happy that her family and friends were so supportive of her marriage. She searched for a place to put down her bouquet so she could slip on the gloves he bought her. Then, she noticed a branch covered with apple blossom was resting on her window sill. “May I have a moment alone? There’s something I want to check. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
“Okay. We’ll be outside if you need anything.” Toru said as he ushered Tsurugi and Licht out of the room.
Mahiru waited until they were gone before she walked to the window. She picked up the cluster of apple blossoms and carefully slipped them into her bouquet. The curtains were closed but she could see a shadow cast onto the translucent sheet. Without opening the curtain, she lifted the window. “Kuro, you know it’s bad luck to see your bride before the wedding.”
“I wanted to hear your voice.” Kuro was still surprised that Mahiru had accepted his engagement and he thought that it was a dream. She slipped her hand through the curtain and blindly reached out to him. He gently took her hand and kissed her wrist.
“You need to wait until we say our vows before you can drink my blood.” She peaked through the curtains to see Kuro in his suit. “Wait for me at the end of the aisle.”
24 notes · View notes