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#monthly writing prompts
ilovecherries2 · 1 year
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Prompts for January 2023
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Here is the prompt list for January. There are dialogue prompts, short prompts, and an emotion prompt that can be used together.
Dialogue prompts:
"I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner."
"Hello?" "BOO!" *Screaming* "That wasn't me, who was that?"
"Do you think it'll snow?"
"You should tell them the truth." "How?"
"It's always the liars."
"There will always be this. This is the one thing that doesn't change."
"It was your fault!" "We both know it isn't. They shouldn't have gone. If its anyone's fault its theirs. They shouldn't have gotten in my way."
"I'm so glad we didn't get snow on Christmas and instead we could sunbathe."
"Who is the real villain of the story? Huh?" "Shut up, Villain. I have been trained to ignore such venom."
"My new year's resolution is to eat as much chocolate as possible."
"The trees are talking." "Yeah, she's nuts."
"Don't I know you?" "No. No, you don't. I'm, uh, just passing through. Sorry to bother you."
"She was my great great grandmother."
"You're a liar."
"Who is the hero?"
"I should have known nothing stays buried."
"Aren't crows omens of bad luck?"
"My new year's resolution is to read."
Short Prompts:
Coffee Shop
Second Chance
Graveyard
Library
Soulmate
Youtube
Zombies
Demons
Dragon Tamers
Fire Works
Fake Dating
Investigation
Knitting
Werewolf
Lemonade
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There will still be weekly prompts as usual as well as weekly prompts from this prompt list.
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Back to September
3. Foggy Mornings
Based on this prompt list
AO3
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The beach was blanketed in fog so thick, it felt like he was alone in the world. All he could see in any direction was thick, hazy grey. The pre-dawn light—grey and pearly in its own right—filtered through the mist. The light barely managed to trickle through, but it was enough to reflect off of the droplets in the air and cast the world in a silvery grey haze. Even when the sun began to rise, its golden light wouldn’t be able to pierce the fog for some time. 
It muffled the sounds the way it did the sights. The whispering of the waves was faint and sounded far off, even though he was only a little way up the beach. Just far enough that the water wasn’t lapping at his heels. Every so often, a shorebird would call out. But their cries sounded distant. 
The early risers of the city would only just be waking now. But even if the city was awake, he doubted the hustle and bustle would be more than white noise through the fog. No. The only sound he could hear clearly was the song of the ocean and the beating of his heart, racing with anticipation. 
He drew in a slow, long breath, curling his toes into the soft sand as he tried to calm himself. But it was futile. How could his heart not race and bound like the dolphins riding cresting waves? 
His ears twitched at the sound of an approaching song. It was quiet. Muffled by the fog. But he would know that song anywhere. He scanned his surroundings until a solid mass appeared in the fog. As it drew closer, the shape cleared into the silhouette of an approaching figure. 
She stepped through the fog and into his sight. And the moment her eyes met his from beneath the hood of her grey cloak—a necessary precaution to help her blend in with the fog; they couldn’t risk her being followed—they began to shine. Her eyes put all the jewels in the royal treasury, even the crown jewels, to shame. 
“Luka!” Her voice was quiet but bright. And it was full of all the warmth the world could hold. She let the hood of her cloak fall back as she rushed to meet him. He swept her into his arms, holding her close and inhaling the scent of her perfume. Her fingers were tangling in his damp hair, and she was barely on her feet. Her arms tightened around him as she buried her head into his chest. 
He could have stayed there forever. But they couldn’t stay on the beach. Even with the fog, it was too risky. They could still be caught. 
He pressed a kiss to her hair and then reluctantly placed her back on her feet. “Come on, love,” he murmured as he threaded his fingers through hers. Together, they made their way to the boat that was waiting for them at the shore. She clambered into it, being careful not to trip over the voluminous skirts of the pink gown her cloak concealed. Once she was settled, he began pushing the boat into the water. When the water was just shy of kissing his toes, he gave the boat a final heave and pushed it out into the water before diving in after it. 
The transformation was almost instant.  The trousers Marinette had made for him disappeared—he didn’t worry about them; they would reappear the next time he was on land— as the familiar, exhilarating rush of magic washed over him. His legs melded together, merging into a strong and powerful tail as the magic of the ocean filled his lungs. 
With the smallest flick of his tail, he was by the boat in an instant. He placed his hands firmly on it and began pushing it out to sea.
Once they were somewhere vaguely at the centre of the bay, where the fog would remain thickest the longest, he surfaced and rested his arms on the side of the boat, being careful not to rock it. The boat dipped down towards the water, but then there was the sound of metal scraping against wood, and the boat righted itself. They had learned months ago that counterweights were necessary to keep the boat from capsizing and toppling her into the water.  
Her smiling face appeared over the side of the boat, and he reached up to cup her face even as she leaned down towards him. Her fingers tangled in his hair as he guided her face towards his. She gave him a sweet smile, and then their noses were almost touching. Her eyes slipped shut. So did his. Her soft lips brushed against his. And he kissed her. He kissed her like she was the air and water and magic he breathed. He didn’t stop kissing her until his lungs were screaming in protest. 
They broke apart, both gasping for breath. 
Her fingers were still tangled in his hair, and one of his had slipped into her silken strands. At some point, her necklace had slipped out from beneath the bodice of her dress. The silver chain and the iridescent scale at the end of it sparkled in the foggy light.
He leaned a little heavier on the side of the boat to rest his forehead against hers. The boat wobbled but remained upright. She brushed her lips against his, sighing in contentment as she leaned further down. Slowly, he lowered himself back into the water as she propped an arm against the side of the boat and rested her head on it. Lazily, she began trailing her hand through the water. He caught her hand as it passed him, and he tangled their fingers together before bringing her hand to his lips. She watched him with a soft and serene smile. 
 But then her smile faltered as her eyes drifted out into the fog. Back in the direction they had come. Back towards…
“Marinette?” 
She bit her lip as her gaze returned to meet his. “It's getting harder to sneak away. I wish-“
“I know, my love. I know.” 
“I wish we didn’t have to hide. If only…”  
He pressed another kiss to her hand. “Peace, love. We're here now. Let's enjoy what time we have together. We already have so little of it. I would hate to waste it thinking of other, less pleasant things.” 
She sighed. But then she smiled, and drew their joined hands towards her. Hey eyes seemed to glow as she pressed a kiss to his hand. “I suppose you’re right.” Mischief flashed in her eyes and tugged at the corners of her lips. “Your highness,” she giggled. He groaned and rolled his eyes. “Tell me, what royal duties must you attend to today-“ she squeaked as he gave a sharp tug on the edge of the boat. Not enough to capsize it, but enough to send her tumbling half out of the boat and into his waiting arms. 
“Luka!”
He smirked at her. “I thought you were calling me by my title now.” He cut off her unsaid words with another kiss. One she eagerly returned. 
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violet-flowers-fem · 2 months
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Violet-Tinted Flowers: Feminine Love
─ a Genshin Impact Femslash Month
✧.* MASTERLIST *.✧
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Welcome to Violet-Tinted Flowers: Feminine Love, a Genshin Impact Femslash Month held to create more cotent for the feminine identifying characters in the game! Here, you will be able to find all the information you need to participate in this event! If you have any questions, the inbox is open!
CARRD
2024 PROMPTS --- WORK IN PROGRESS
Ao3 COLLECTION
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thepromptfoundry · 3 months
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The prompt theme for February 2024 is a Fannish Fest February!
Come, join in the party, celebrate your fandoms, fandom history, and community!
If you use this list, please tag me here @thepromptfoundry, I’d love to see your writing and art!
Feel free to combine different days' prompts with each other, or combine them with other seasonal events. Respond to as many prompts as you want or as interest you, don’t worry about missing or skipping any. Remember, this is supposed to be fun!
If you have any questions or musings, check our FAQ, and if you don't find your answer, shoot me an ask.
Plain text list below the cut:
1 Your First Fandom 2 Your Current Blorbo 3 A Character Who Deserves More Love 4 Your Favorite Bit Of Fannish History 5 Characters Swapping Clothes 6 A Fannish OC (yours or someone else's) 7 Patching A Plot Hole 8 A Fanfic Trope You Always Love 9 A headcanon with canon support 10 A headcanon with no canon support 11 Cosplay 12 A Character Who's Totally Not Dead 13 If The Characters Found The Fanworks 14 Your OTP (or OT3+) 15 A Crossover 16 A Fanfic Trope You're Very Picky About 17 A Ship You Don't Ship, But Do Respect 18 The Sequel We Deserve But Never Got 19 Different Versions Of The Same Character 20 A Friend's Blorbo 21 A Fandom You Didn't Expect To Get Into 22 A Non-Human Character Made Human 23 A Human Character Made Non-Human 24 A Rarepair 25 How You Would Do A Gritty Reboot 26 A Villain Who's So Good At Being Bad 27 Your Smallest/Least Active Fandom 28 A Bit Of Backstory 29 What The Future Holds (Post-Canon)
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landwriter · 1 year
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Desperate Measures | Dream/Hob | 1.2K | G v silly and fluffy, literally 90% air, dream attempts a romantic gesture, hob is a sap and forgetful, human au, part text fic
for @domaystic drabbles, Day 6: Under the Same Umbrella
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Dream woke up to 26 texts from Hob. He put on his glasses and began his morning read. It’d replaced Times for him. The editorial quality, he thought, was far superior.
Hob (7:19 am) heading out, gave you a wee forehead kiss and you didn’t even stir. sleeping bloody beauty. love you disgustingly much x
Hob (7:26 am) couldn’t find my umbrella anywhere can you take a look if it’s not too much of a bother? feel like i’ve gone mad
Hob (7:30 am) christ it’s bucketing down!! standing under the eaves just to tell you how much it’s bucketing down
plants will be happy at least so will my goth boyfriend ;) hope your writing goes well today love. extra atmosphere!!
Hob (8:42 am) nevermind don’t look for it remembered that i left it in my office told johanna she can use it since i’m at the archives all day anyway glad i’m not the only one who’d forget their own head if it wasn’t screwed on :) :) :)
Hob (10:11 am) you should’ve seen the look lisa gave me when i showed up had to dry myself off in the men’s w half a forest of paper towels there goes my carbon offset from walking i said christ you’re probably still in bed asleep warm dry!! lucky bastard
wish i could come back already and drip puddles all over you
Hob (10:37 am) if this keeps up i’m going to look like mr darcy in the rain on your doorstep tonight don’t worry i promise not to propose marriage while insulting you xx although i do love you most ardently
...elizabeth
Dream smiled, read them all again, contemplated, and then sent his reply.
Dream (11:01 am) Sir, I appreciate the struggle you have been through
Hob replied moments later.
?? you sound like a customer service agent wait you’re quoting the film you can’t reject me if i’ve not proposed to you!! yet!!!
Dream snorted. 'and I am very sorry I have caused you pain' went the line. They’d watched it last weekend. Hob had cried, and Dream had privately decided that if Hob proposed, he’d say yes. Even if it was poorly done. It wouldn’t be, though. Not if Hob was doing it. He sent a second text.
...and I am very sorry you were drenched by rain.
Then he got out of bed and shuffled into the kitchen. His phone buzzed anew as he made tea and toast. He smiled at the sound. On their first date, Hob had warned Dream that he had a bad habit of annoying boyfriends over text. Dream, on his first date in six years, had wondered what it might be like to be so effusively charming that you could have enough boyfriends to form habits around them at all. He hadn’t known what to say, and Hob had ducked his head, grimacing a little, and said, “Just tell me to piss off, please, if I do? I know I can be a bit much.”
Dream believed it, because the man was telling him about his habits with boyfriends after one date. Not that he minded. And three months in, Dream had yet to tell him to piss off.
Turns out, a bit much was exactly what he’d wanted. Needed, in truth. Someone to tether him to the real world. His phone had become a modern-day lodestone in his pocket, a comforting pull of Hob-ness that would always point him back to life whenever he’d emerge, blinking and disoriented, out of the mire of his work. Work that he loved - creating worlds out of nothing, writing stories that would change people - but, coming on the age of thirty with nothing to show for it but recurring wrist strain and an upmarket flat that never had any guests, work that had also made him spend so much time apart from the rest of humanity that he was sometimes unsure how to rejoin it.
The tipping point had been when his eldest sister had found out that he hadn’t spoken to anyone else in between two of their regular dinners. Which were monthly. It had been mortifying. She’d smiled sadly, which was excruciating enough, and then gotten the gleam of a plan in her eyes, which had been far worse. “I’m setting you up,” she’d said. “I know just the guy. We go way back. I think you’ll like him.”
He had. Now, when his phone buzzed, he found himself frowning if it wasn’t Hob. (An exceedingly rare occasion.) But this time it was, of course. Four short messages sent one after the other:
hahahaha ok fine that was v good enjoy your day x
Five hours later, not even the curtain of rain awaiting him outside could douse the anticipation in his belly. An idea, he knew, was a powerful thing. Dream didn’t have an umbrella - Hob always shared with him, and would’ve apologetically nicked his if he had - so he would make the first leg of the journey as Hob did. He intended to go and get something nice, but once in the cold downpour, his resolve failed him almost at once, and he ducked into the first shop that had umbrellas in the window.
“Hiya,” said the girl at the counter without looking up from her phone.
Dream ignored her, blinking the rain out of his eyes, belatedly registering all the merchandise had a unifying theme and that he’d made a terrible mistake, borne of sheer desperation.
“Would you happen to have any other umbrellas? In black?” he asked. Hidden behind the counter, perhaps. If only you knew to ask.
The girl looked at him with an air of disbelieving reproval only accessible to teenagers and the very elderly. “You could try Boots, you know. It’s just down the street.”
Dream looked out the window. Rain torrented down. Commuters hurried past with their sensibly coloured umbrellas. From places exactly like Boots.
“Or we’ve got rain ponchos,” she added. It sounded like a threat.
“Nevermind,” said Dream quickly. “I’ll take it.”
“Enjoy your visit in London, sir,” she called out as he left.
He stepped outside and flicked open the umbrella with slightly more force than necessary.
Dream waited a few paces outside the archives, wanting to surprise Hob properly. Two separate pairs of tourists had thought he was their London Ghost Tours guide, and he was beginning to regret not holding out for longer, drenching be damned. Then Hob emerged, striding out and immediately stopping to pull out his phone. He was smiling at it. Dream smiled too, in anticipation.
A moment later his own phone buzzed loudly in his coat pocket, and Hob looked up in surprise.
“Oh my god,” he said. Then he said it again.
“I heard you needed an umbrella,” said Dream. He’d had the line already, since he got the idea. It had been very dashing and romantic in his head. It was somewhat undermined by the dreadful costuming choice that had been forced upon him.
Hob looked between Dream and the umbrella, bafflement melting into a happy laugh. He ducked underneath, pecking Dream on the lips. “I’m not sure I needed one quite this badly. Did you rob some poor tourist?”
“Unhappily, I paid for this.”
“Oh no,” said Hob, pulling away and pretending to inspect him for injury. “My poor darling. Your dignity.”
Dream sniffed. “I will recover.”
“Here,” said Hob. “I’ll carry it for you. You’ll only be guilty by association, then.”
They began walking, a bobbing Union Jack in a sea of blacks and greys. After the chief sin of ugliness, it was also a little small for two grown men, but Dream found he didn’t resent that at all, as Hob tucked him tightly into his side to keep them both dry. People gave them a wide berth. Tourists could never be trusted with umbrellas.
“You’ve rescued me, you know,” said Hob, nuzzling into his cheek.
“It wouldn’t do to have you dripping puddles all over the floors,” said Dream.
“Even if I looked terribly handsome, all wet and ardent?”
Dream bit his lip and smiled a little. “Perhaps you can be wet and ardent in the shower. Instead.”
Hob laughed again. It was Dream’s favourite sound. “Much warmer than the rain anyway. Deal.” Rain drummed down on their private nylon ceiling. “I was thinking chicken tikka masala for dinner?”
And so they made their way home, and although the rain never let up, Dream was so content and warm that he might’ve sworn they were walking in the sun.
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psychologeek · 3 months
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Lab Rat (pt. 3)
FEBUWHUMP 2024 PROMPTS: DAY 5: rope burns DAY 6: "you lied to me" ALT 2: "i love you"
“You lied to me,” Jazz sounds at the edge of tears. 
“What?” He can hear Danny argue. “I did not –”
“You lied to me,” she repeats. “I asked you if you'll be okay. I asked you if you are safe, and you said that you were. You said that I don't need to worry. That it's okay.”
“It was–” the kid sounds confused.
“Being tied to a bed and tortured is not okay!” she nearly screams. 
“That wasn't torture–”
“I saw the ropes, Danny.” Her voice is soft and fragile. “I saw how they tied you up to your bed. Just because you told them you were different.”
“They were scared, that's all. You know how they can be. It didn't hurt me.” He still tries to protect them.
“Danny, sweetheart,” she says quietly. “You still had rope burns when I found you. And even if you didn't – even if it was silk ribbons, and you could open it at any time– even if you never got a single scratch – it's still wrong. They shouldn't do it. They should have never hurt you, kiddo.”
There's a long quiet.
Jason takes the chance and takes a quick look across the corner. Dannys sitting there, on the couch, hugging his legs. Jazz is sitting by his side, not touching, a soft expression on her face.
“It wasn't a big deal,” the kid finally whispers. “It wasn't like- well, at the end. You saw. It wasn't that bad. They just did it because they cared, and they didn't want me hurt or–”
He's shaking now.
“I love you,” his sister says and hug him. “I love you, and I care about you, and I promise I'll do my best so one day, you'll learn that love isn't supposed to hurt.” 
“Sounds fake, but okay,” Danny says with a cheeck and hugs her back.
He still has healing wounds. His scars are massive and easily observed. His hands are shaking, and he's jumping at loud noises.
He's got a long way to go.
But Jason can see a faint smile on the kid's lips, and something inside is quiet.
(There's still hope.)
(Like it? I have more mini-fics in this au. And full size fics on ao3. please vote in my update poll! And the one for next week! Bc I try to work ahead LMAO)
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laidee-flegman · 12 days
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April journaling prompts
What are three things you're grateful for as spring begins?
Describe your favourite springtime memory from childhood.
How do you feel as the days get longer and the weather warms up?
Write about a recent moment that made you smile or laugh out loud.
Reflect on a goal you've achieved so far this year and how it makes you feel.
List five things you want to accomplish before the end of the month.
Write a letter to your future self, discussing your hopes and dreams for the coming months.
Describe your ideal spring day from start to finish.
What new hobbies or activities are you interested in trying this season?
Write about a recent challenge you faced and how you overcame it.
Reflect on the changes you've noticed in nature around you this month.
Write a poem inspired by the sights, sounds, and smells of spring.
Describe a favourite outdoor spot where you love to spend time during this season.
How do you plan to prioritize self-care and relaxation this month?
Write about a book or movie that has inspired you lately and why.
Reflect on your relationships with friends and family. How can you nurture these connections?
What lessons have you learned recently that you'd like to remember moving forward?
Write about a moment when you felt proud of yourself and your accomplishments.
Describe your favourite springtime foods and why you enjoy them.
How do you plan to celebrate Earth Day this year? What does nature mean to you?
Write a list of things that make you feel energized and motivated.
Reflect on the importance of growth and renewal in your life.
Describe a recent adventure or spontaneous outing you enjoyed.
Write about a challenge you're currently facing and brainstorm possible solutions.
Reflect on the role of gratitude in your life and how you can cultivate more of it.
What are three things you love about yourself and why?
Write about a recent moment of kindness you experienced, either giving or receiving.
Reflect on the significance of April showers and how they relate to personal growth.
Describe a recent dream you had and what you think it might symbolize.
Write a love letter to yourself, celebrating your strengths, resilience, and uniqueness.
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salmonight · 4 months
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Fentonic 2024 - A February Danny Phantom, Art/Writing Monthly Prompt
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Heya fellas! As I seen February did not have a monthly prompt yet for DP so I created one just for the kick of it! I made on for MLB with a very specific theme last October and I enjoyed it a lot so i thought i'd create another one, this time for DP as am mainly drawing for this fandom these days.
This challenge/prompt can be taken as a pure DP or a DC x DP (Batpham) one. If u wanna spice it up? You can even mix in other fandoms too! Go wild!
This challenge/prompt can be taken as both an art or a writing one, whichever you'd prefer. I tried to make it so all days can be both drawn and written with the given prompts (at least one of the two). Hope i managed it well enough.
As February is mainly know for Valentine's it will contain a few romatic prompts but most can be taken as platonic. For those not comfortable with writing or drawing romance: feel free to leave out that half of the prompt or even skip that day, no pressure.
Also let's not forget about the other half of it: winter. So stuff associated with it like cold, hot drinks, winter sports and more-
Prompts:
Day 1: Hibernation / Curse
Day 2: Locked out / Childhood friends AU
Day 3: A deadly accident / Snowboard
Day 4: Morning routine / Claws
Day 5: Soulmates AU / Torn paper
Day 6: Smug / Cupid's bow
Day 7: Cooking together / Roses
Day 8: Flirting / Viral
Day 9: Cuddling / Cape
Day 10: Holding hands / Love letter
Day 11: Chaos / Plushy
Day 12: Enemies to lovers / Love song
Day 13: Magical girl transformation / Hair dryer
Day 14: Snow storm / Dry
Day 15: Fur & fluff / Fireplace
Day 16: Failed confession / Ink blots
Day 17: Melting / Shackles
Day 18: Injury / Hot chocolate
Day 19: Mourning / Hug
Day 20: Stardust / Candies
Day 21: Timeloop / Scalpel
Day 22: Symbiosis / Cabin in the woods
Day 23: Love at first sight / Scarves
Day 24: Sleepy / Pink ribbon
Day 25: Skiing / Snowflakes
Day 26: Solitude / Mask
Day 27: Clothing swap / Clone
Day 28: Unexpected / Snack
Day 29: Sunset / Ice sculpture
Ao3 page: https://archiveofourown.org/collections/fentonic_2024
Hope you guys will enjoy this little challenge I made! Cheers!
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zazuprompts · 4 months
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Picture ID under the cut:
[ID: A list of prompts in three columns. The background is a desaturated photograph of purple grape hyacinth. The bottom corners have credits on them. The right corner is the credit for the background, which is to Lauri Poldre @ Pexels.com. The left corner is the credit/signature of the blog, Zazu Prompts. The title and prompts are as follows:
January 2024 Prompts List:
Confident
Growth
Erase
Protect
Teleport
Tradition
Mercy
Bubble
Muster
Companion
Walk
Keeper
Bless
Dragon
Quiet
Next
Hero
Steel
Find
Dark
Attack
Mark
Swap
Rough
Jagged
Stack
Sorcery
Black
Shell
Duck
Presence
End ID]
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hardly-an-escape · 10 months
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I'm stuck on you (I'm mighty glad you stayed)
Square: D3 - "Why did you do it?" (June monthly prompt replacement) Rating: M Word Count: 8767 Ship(s): Dream of the Endless | Morpheus/Hob Gadling Warnings: No archive warnings apply Additional Tags: Dreamling Bingo fill, alternate universe - human, alternate universe - no powers, stuck in an elevator, claustrophobia, panic attacks, strangers to lovers, love at first sight, first kiss, post-break up sex, bog people, poetry recitation, bisexual Hob Gadling Summary: Hob is a secondary school teacher running late to meet his exacting girlfriend for lunch. Morpheus is a famous novelist just trying to fly under the radar on his way home. But when the elevator they’re in together experiences mechanical difficulties, Morpheus’s claustrophobia leads to a bonding experience that changes the lives of both men. Read on AO3 | fill for @dreamlingbingo | prompt from #dreamlingweek2023
The elevator has barely lurched into motion when it suddenly shudders to a stop. Hob is willing to bet it hasn’t even surfaced from the depths of the underground parking garage he is trying to exit. He rolls his eyes, checks his watch, and presses the door open button. Nothing happens. He presses it again, and a third time. Nothing. “Fuck,” he mutters under his breath. “I don’t need this, I’m already late.” He hits the emergency call button with perhaps a little more force than is necessary and glances over his shoulder at the other occupant of the elevator, a handsome, dark-haired man who nods tightly when Hob catches his eye. “Alright, mate?” he asks. But before the man can answer, a tinny voice crackles through the speaker.
Hour Zero, 12:08 PM
The elevator has barely lurched into motion when it suddenly shudders to a stop. Hob is willing to bet it hasn’t even surfaced from the depths of the underground parking garage he is trying to exit. He rolls his eyes, checks his watch, and presses the door open button.
Nothing happens.
He presses it again, and a third time. Nothing.
“Fuck,” he mutters under his breath. “I don’t need this, I’m already late.”
He hits the emergency call button with perhaps a little more force than is necessary and glances over his shoulder at the other occupant of the elevator, a handsome, dark-haired man who nods tightly when Hob catches his eye.
“Alright, mate?” he asks. But before the man can answer, a tinny voice crackles through the speaker.
“Templeton Elevator Company. Are you experiencing an emergency?”
“Yeah, we’re in the lift at the underground car park on Monteagle and it’s just stopped.”
The tinny voice asks a series of questions, which Hob answers with increasing impatience.
There are two people in the elevator. Yes, they’re both adults. No, they don’t have any food or water with them. No, they don’t have any pressing medical issues (after waiting for a headshake from the stranger). Yes, he’ll hold while they contact technical services.
The tinny voice is replaced with tinny hold music. Hob curses under his breath again.
After a moment the voice returns. The elevator they are currently occupying appears to be experiencing a mechanical failure. High demand on technical services at this time. Their safety is important to the Templeton Elevator Company. A repair technician should arrive within the hour.
Click. And then silence.
“Fuck,” says Hob again, feelingly. “Fucking fuck.”
He sighs. Sits down. Takes out his mobile. No signal, of course. Or wait – maybe one bar? He dashes off a quick text to Gwen and sets the phone down gingerly on the floor in front of the door, thinking vaguely that the signal might filter down through the elevator shaft. It’s probably daft.
Heh. Shaft, daft.
He is going to lose his mind.
Hour One, 12:08-1:08 PM
“My girlfriend’s going to kill me,” he says conversationally. “We’re supposed to be getting lunch with some old school friends of hers. I’m already on thin ice, she’s always getting on me about being late all the time. This’ll probably be the final nail in my coffin.”
“Surely,” says the stranger, “being trapped in an elevator is a reasonable excuse for tardiness.”
“Yeah… She’s a bit strict about some things. I don’t know. She just wants the best for us, she’s just a little intense about it sometimes.” Hob shakes himself. “Sorry, mate. I shouldn’t be whinging to a total stranger. My name’s Hob, by the way. Hob Gadling.”
They are both sitting, now, on opposite sides of the elevator. Hob’s legs are stretched out casually and the stranger has his knees up, his arms wrapped tightly around them, hands gripping his own elbows, knuckles white. He looks almost defensive, Hob thinks, extending his hand across the elevator to shake. After a moment, the stranger takes it, squeezing briefly.
“Hob. That’s an… atypical name,” he says.
“Suppose so,” Hob laughs. “It’s Robert, actually. Hob is an old-fashioned nickname, but I got saddled with it in uni and it just sort of stuck. I studied history,” he adds in explanation.
“I am – you can call me Murphy,” says the stranger. Murphy. It has the flavor of untruth about it, but if a stranger on an elevator doesn’t feel comfortable giving his real name, who is Hob to judge?
“Pleasure. Have we met before? Only there’s something about you that seems familiar.”
“I do not think so.”
Murphy curls, if anything, even tighter in on himself. Hob does not pursue the topic.
They sit in silence for a while as the air grows slowly stuffier.
Hob taps at his phone and tsks when he sees his text has failed to send.
“I don’t suppose you have any service?” he asks hopefully.
Murphy pulls out a slim, expensive-looking phone from the pocket of his slim, expensive-looking suit jacket and gives it a cursory glance.
“I am afraid not,” he says.
“Damn. Oh well. Nothing for it but to wait, I suppose.”
Murphy clears his throat.
“How long has it been now?”
“About… twenty minutes?” Hob looks at his watch. “Twenty-five?”
“Thank you.”
Murphy’s voice is taut, and his knuckles are white where he is gripping his knees. Looking more closely, Hob can see sweat beading on his forehead, and realizes his chest is moving a little too quickly.
“Are you alright?” he asks.
“I am fine.”
“No offense, but you don’t look fine, mate.”
“We are not mates,” snaps Murphy. “Nothing is wrong.”
“Okay, okay.” Hob holds up placating hands. “Whatever you say. No need to bite a bloke’s head off.”
Silence reigns for another minute.
“I. Apologize,” says Murphy finally. “That was uncalled for.”
“No worries.”
“The truth is that I am. Not fond. Of confined spaces. I am finding the prospect of being in this elevator for much longer. Distressing.”
“God, I’m sorry. You should have said. I ought to have told the elevator company, I’m sure claustrophobia counts as a medical issue,” says Hob. “Especially under the circumstances.”
But Murphy is already shaking his head.
“It does not rise to the level of a diagnosable condition,” he says.
“Even so,” objects Hob. “Do you want to call back? Tell them? Maybe it’ll get someone here more quickly.”
“It does not matter.”
“Isn’t there… is there anything I can do to help?”
Murphy looks puzzled.
“Why would you want to help? You do not know me.”
“Because I have a basic sense of empathy?” Hob says, slightly appalled. “Because you’re a human being who’s distressed? Jesus, what kind of people do you hang out with?”
“You will probably be shocked to hear,” says Murphy dryly. “That I have very few close associates and even fewer friends.” Hob snorts. “But I. Thank you. For your willingness to help. Unless you happen to have a Xanax somewhere on your person, I doubt there is anything you can do.”
“And here I am fresh out of benzodiazepines. I knew I’d forgotten something at the chemist’s this morning,” Hob says, and is rewarded with a tiny chuckle.
The rest of the hour passes slowly, but not too badly. They chat, stiffly at first, but more fluently after Murphy admits that the conversation is helping to distract him from the little metal box they find themselves in. Hob certainly talks more – but then, Hob generally talks more than everyone, something Gwen not infrequently rolls her eyes at.
He learns they both were graduated from Oxford, although their time there didn’t overlap. Murphy is cagey about what he does for a living, but shares that he studied literature and dabbled in student drama. He seems interested when Hob tells him about the secondary school where he currently works, teaching history.
“It’s funny, I used to picture myself as a professor at a university, you know, doing my own research on the side, publish or perish, all that,” he says. “Gwen – that’s my girlfriend – she thinks that would be better. Sounds better to be a professor, I guess; more money, too. But now that I’m working with teenagers, I can’t imagine doing anything else. They get a bad rap from everyone, you know, but they’re so interested in the world, and all they want is for someone to listen to them and take them seriously…”
Read on AO3 >>>
massive massive thanks to @tryan-a-bex and @karalynlovescake for beta reading. I can't thank you enough!
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green = complete, orange = WIP
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nocturna-iv · 10 months
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August Challenge 2023
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Week 1
“Technically, it’s not illegal.”
Observe.
Flowers in my hair and demons in my head.
Bullets.
“Is it possible to love too much?”
Magic Curse.
“I don’t need luck; I have ammunition.”
Bonus:
Library.
“I don’t regret anything.”
Meaningful glances.
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Week 2
Share.
If you’re excited to think about it, imagine doing it.
Tea.
“I would like you to stay.”
Paralyzing Poison.
“There can’t be someone so good.”
Appropriate.
Bonus:
Coffee Shop.
“Bestow upon me a smile.”
Pretend to be Allies.
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Week 3
It’s difficult to be unpleasant by accident.
Bottles.
“I can’t concentrate without you here.”
Mind Control.
“No matter what I want.”
Bite.
The sunset is the dawn of those who work in the shadows.
Bonus:
Boulevard.
“You possess innate talent.”
Infiltrate in Disguise.
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Week 4
Appetizer.
“Would you reconsider your answer if I wasn’t drunk?”
Body Swap.
“Don’t touch what is not yours.”
Devour.
In feelings, the most difficult thing is to coincide.
Honey.
Bonus:
Casino.
“I adore you.”
Devil’s Advocate.
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Week 5
“My thoughts... wander as we dance like this.”
Kiss or Death.
The truth.
Bonus:
Office.
“Are you using my cologne?”
The calm before the storm.
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ilovecherries2 · 2 years
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July Writing Exercise Prompts 2022
Prompts for the rest of the month. Use any, change any:
Universes: modern-day coffeeshop, space scifi, Urban fantasy, High/epic fantasy
19)     Wrong Priority 
20)    Disliked Bear  
21)    Fake Roar
22)    Inspector For A Murder
23)    A Dozen Problems
24)    Comfort Zone
25)    Missed Match
26)    Lost Safety
27)    Wrong Error
28)  Lost Stranger
29)  Safety Net
30)  Hidden Royalty
31)  Haunted Library
Use any you want.
I added extra words to words I got from a word generator ( https://randomwordgenerator.com/ ). Hope this helps.
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April Showers
Another set of monthly ficlets. Based on this prompt list from the incredible @creativepromptsforwriting
I did not want to start any more writing projects this month, but this list was too good. 
AO3
ladybug
basket
pastels
easter egg
sunlit
berry red
river
nature
kitchen table
basil
seeds
fireflies
windmill
smiling
daisy
art supplies
nest
caterpillar
skyline
dessert
bicycle
vegetable garden
friends
clouds
hot-air balloon
games
soft breeze
dates
mushrooms
teasing
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[Masterlist]
Welcome to Choices September Challenge!
Hello everyone! I'm Aura (@midnightmelodiz ). This is my first time hosting this monthly challenge, so I'm really excited about it. I really hope you all will like the prompts chosen for this month.
🍁GUIDELINES🍁
This is a prompt based contest. There's a prompt given for everyday, using which you'll have to create a content. Some days have multiple prompts, and different types of prompts. Feel free to use them all in the same work if you want.
You can use multiple prompt for the same work if the prompts are for same day. Don't mix and match prompts from different days.
Almost all kind of contents are acceptable. List of acceptable contents : fanfictions, drabbles, short-story/one-shot , poetry, microtale, art, mood board, theme, banner or other graphics etc.
Work based on any book from the Choices universe are welcome.
Submitted works will be featured on a weekly masterlist.
You can participate as many times as you want throughout the month.
Multiple entries for the same prompt, or same day prompts are allowed.
If your work contains NSFW/mature or triggering content, please use appropriate warning.
Mention/list the prompt(s) you are using in your content.
If possible, in stories, drabbles etc., write the prompt(s) in bold.
You can use the tag #choicesseptemberchallenge2023 & #choicesmonthlychallenge .
Please tag @choicesseptemberchallenge2023, feel free to tag me too : @midnightmelodiz . You can dm me your entries as well since Tumblr glitches a lot. Honestly I'd prefer if you dm your works, as Tumblr tags don't always work.
If I don't mention your work in the weekly masterlist, please send me a dm with the link.
🍂PROMPTS🍂
🍁 DAY 1 : Memories •||• "I can't be who you want me to be"
🍁 DAY 2 : Stars •||• Two people who keep crossing paths but miss actually meeting.
🍁 DAY 3 : Sea, Ocean •||• "You really like it?" "No, I was kidding."
🍁 DAY 4 : Moonlight, Moon •||• They have been secretly in love with each other for a long time.
🍁 DAY 5 : Diary, Journal, Notebook •||• "We're here now. Everything's alright."
🍁 DAY 6 : Dreams, Day Dream •||• "I'm in love with you!"
🍁 DAY 7 : Hope •||• Sharing something personal about them that they've never shared with anyone before.
🍁 DAY 8 : Coffee, Hot Beverage •||• "Come back! I'm not ready to get up yet. So you aren't either."
🍁 DAY 9 : Date Night •||• "I'm home, sweetheart!"
🍁 DAY 10 : Gift •||• "I care about you. I always will."
🍁 DAY 11 : Travel, Holiday , Vacation •||• Sharing an ice-cream together.
🍁 DAY 12 : Books, Reading, Writing •||• "You and me, it's never going to happen."
🍁 DAY 13 : Flowers •||• "I want to be with you." "I don't."
🍁 DAY 14 : Polaroid, Picture •||• Clicking candid pictures of their S/O to capture the special moments.
🍁 DAY 15 : Childhood, Nostalgia •||• "I love you. It's always going to be you."
🍁 DAY 16 : Cooking, Baking •||• Pretending to date each other to get out of a situation.
🍁 DAY 17 : Picnic •||• "That's all I really need. Some time with just you."
🍁 DAY 18 : Cuddle, Snuggle •||• Taking care of the other when they're sick or feeling low.
🍁 DAY 19 : Museum, Library •||• Picturing a future together even though they know it might never be true.
🍁 DAY 20 : Blue •||• " Are you saying that there's hope? Maybe in the future-" "No."
🍁 DAY 21 : Love, Kiss •||• Sending love letters to the other.
🍁 DAY 22 : Friends, Friendship •||• "It feels like I've known you forever."
🍁 DAY 23 : Fall •||• "I'm seeing someone."
🍁 DAY 24 : Serene •||• "Guess all those romance novel paid off after all, huh?"
🍁 DAY 25 : Secret, Surprise •||• "Is that my shirt?"
🍁 DAY 26 : Chocolate •||• Predicting the other's words or moves.
🍁 DAY 27 : Sunset •||• "Why did I know you would say that?"
🍁 DAY 28 : Wedding •||• "I always knew you would get together someday. What took you two so long?"
🍁 DAY 29 : rêveur, rêveuse •||• " You are all I could ever ask for."
🍁 DAY 30 : Home, Heart •||• "I'm here for you. Always."
**{Credit for most of the dialogue prompts goes to this blog~ @youneedsomeprompts}**
Have fun creating!
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thepromptfoundry · 4 months
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The prompt theme for January 2024 is a January of Firsts!
If you use this list, please tag me here @thepromptfoundry, I’d love to see your writing and art!
Feel free to combine different days' prompts with each other, or combine them with other seasonal events! Use your OCs, your favorite characters from media, whatever tickles your fancy.
Respond to as many prompts as you want or as interest you, don’t worry about missing or skipping any. Remember, this is supposed to be fun!
Plain text list below the cut:
1) First impression 2) First step in a journey 3) First snow 4) First blood 5) First fitting 6) First gift 7) First take 8) First touch 9) First day at work or school 10) First chair 11) First love 12) First loss 13) First meeting 14) First star 15) First cut 16) First look into the unknown 17) First kiss 18) First point 19) First class 20) First time on their own 21) First choice 22) First in line 23) First word 24) First draft 25) First spark 26) First runner up 27) First base 28) First aid 29) First born 30) First taste 31) First night
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decaffedthoughts · 10 months
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Firsts and Flowers
pairing: non idol sana x gender neutral reader
word count: 4.6k
fluff and a touch of angst
summary: scenes from yours and sana’s relationship firsts, accompanied by the bouquets you bring to each, from introduction to anniversaries and beyond.
a/n: guess who’s back! i do have specific photos for what sana is wearing for every single scene lol, ask me if you’re interested. low/no plot, just me fawning because i am down horrid for sana. this is for clownracha’s may prompt, flower language
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First date
Bouquet: white roses, calla lily, hibiscus
Her number had come through a mutual friend, Bang Chan. A former coworker of yours and a current coworker of hers. You'd heard her name a few times through him but not much else. Chan knew practically everyone in the damn country, or at least seemed to at times, so you trusted that he could tell who was similar and who would work well together, at least as well as one human could.
So, you sent a small "hello" to the provided number that night.
Hello
Is this Sana? Chan gave me your number
Sana speaking
And who might you be
The first tricky part of meeting someone was completed. Now it was just the other hard part of staying in touch. It was a Friday, so both of you were relatively free to text late into the night, not needing to worry about your semi-soul-crushing schedule ruining the night. At some point, you realized you'd never seen her face and decided to shoot your shot for a selfie. You told her to choose whatever she pleased, hoping it's not too glamourized to make you unintentionally feel wrong in your chip-dusted sweatpants.
In the end, nothing could have prepared you. Sana was clearly in lounge clothes, she might have even taken it right before sending it to you, but she was still the most gorgeous woman you had ever seen. Maybe it was because she was not some high-held celebrity that hardly seemed human, but something about her still felt otherworldly.
Your sleepiness allowed much of that sentiment to flow through your texts, which you could worry about later. For now, it was simply wondering how Chan could have set you up like that without warning. You'd be sure to get him back for that somehow. Your attention diverted from revenge plans back to Sana when she sent a simple question mark, and you realized that the effusive praise was simply a draft.
Sorry you broke my brain by being wildly gorgeous
Did you take that just now?
Mhm
Decided you were special enough to get a never before seen picture
Chan likes everyone, but he doesn't keep everyone around
It's almost annoying how many friends he has
I can barely have a public conversation with him, I swear
It was easy like that for weeks. One text every few hours, or on lucky days a spree of a few hours with just a minute or two between responses. It progressed to something other than simply friendship feelings for you. Could you continue to be friends if that invitation was rejected or didn't work out? Sure, but you wanted to try, and I hope that Sana feels that same feeling too.
Hey
Do you want to get dinner with me next week?
Are you asking me on a date? Spicy
Give me the details
You did, and she agreed. It felt unreal. Maybe she didn't have the same feelings yet, or maybe she did, but it seemed she was at least open to them. Next week was far enough away that it gave you enough time to adequately plan everything, but now the same date was too far away, and each minute of waiting seemed to drag on.
As time does, it passed, and the day arrived in front of you. Sana's apartment was closer to the restaurant, so you agreed to meet there and walk over. You ended up very early due to sheer nervousness and saw a flower shop not far away. Not wanting to show up that early, you headed over but only planned to look.
Almost immediately, many of the flowers caught your eye, and you rethought that "just looking" idea. Deciding that the cashier would likely know more than you do, you headed up to them.
"Hey, any good recommendations for a first date? Kinda impromptu, so I don't have much time." You explained to them, Dongmin, according to the name tag.
They nodded and took you around the shop, picking up a few flowers and explaining their meanings. You checked the time and had a few extra minutes, especially if you walked quickly. On the way out, you thanked Dongmin, and they wished you good luck on the date. You smiled, fresh white bouquet in hand. Maybe you could come back if all went well.
Steadying your shaking hand and knocking on the door correctly took you a moment. Before properly taking in Sana, you shoved the bouquet toward her. You knew you might end up stunned by her, so you took a moment before it happened. When you finally got the courage to open your eyes, you were more right than you knew.
Her hair was now a soft purple, tied up by a large black bow. She wore a shoulderless black sweater under her blue-gray dress, and, as predicted, you just couldn't stop staring. Silently, which may have made her a little nervous or uneasy, admittedly, but what words could you use to describe the practical angel in front of you? And she wanted to go on a date with you? She took the bouquet with gratitude and a smile, bidding you wait a moment while she put it in a vase. There wasn't much else for you to do or anywhere to go, so you inspected what you could see of her apartment from the doorway. When she returned, she held out the flowers in a large jar, notably not a vase.
She laughed sheepishly as you stared, "People don't really give me flowers, so I didn't plan for this. More about the flowers than the container, right?"
You didn't have an answer, so you just nodded because they looked perfectly fine in the jar. You were more surprised that people didn't give her flowers often. If you had to guess, you would have said she had a long line of suitors waiting to give her gifts. Maybe she did, and they just weren't partial to flowers. It was the only thing that made sense; Sana was too beautiful not to give gifts to.
You walked down the street together, unpopulated since it hadn't warmed up too much. Despite having only text conversations to that point, your conversation flowed well, and the silences were short but comfortable. Each of you had various ideas and stories to share. Walking down the street also provided plenty of distractions for you both, mainly in the form of cute animals needing the time to be outside.
It passed in what feels like no time at all. And the meal went just as fast. The food was acceptable, but you knew that wouldn't be what you remembered regardless. Instead, you noted how Sana's face lit up when she laughed or how shyly she reacted when you complimented her, among other things. Surprisingly, she retaliated on the compliments quickly, smirking when you responded.
Honestly, you didn't see the sun setting in the window, nor the number of people that entered and exited as you sat there talking. As expected, a waiter came over eventually, asking if you wanted to pay. You almost didn't notice them in the middle of a story of one of your coworkers nearly destroying the microwave.
For a few minutes, you gathered up everything and left, but the moment you were back outside, you began to laugh together again. That seemed to be the theme of that first date, and there was no reason you could find to complain about it. It was significantly darker that time, which removed your visibility of Sana's face, but it made it easier to step closer and feel the backs of your hands brushing as you walked. You didn't know who finally made the move to intertwine your fingers, but neither stopped to comment, simply enjoying the moment and letting it breathe. Her hand was soft, and you found yourself wondering what it would be like to be able to hold it as often as you wanted in the future.
You arrived at her doorway faster than you had expected and far quicker than you wanted to. After a few minutes of awkward and stuttered goodbyes, Sana took a step forward and briefly hesitated before pressing a kiss on your cheek. When she stepped back, she opened her mouth to say something, but you felt a small and uncontrollable smile spread across your lips. She must have seen it because she closed her mouth and gave you a small smile. Each of you whispered a final goodbye before you turned and headed back down the hallway.
First makeup
Bouquet: chamomile, zinnia, lotus flower
It wasn't a fight about something stupid; you had learned better than to minimize your own feelings by now, but it was something that didn't need to be a fight at all. One or maybe a few conversations, and you could have worked it out together. Instead, you held it in because of a misguided vision of being a "good" and "unproblematic" partner, especially this early in your relationship. Eventually, as should be expected, you couldn't hold it in anymore.
You felt that Sana didn't set aside enough time to text you or text you back during the day, and she was equally unavailable on some nights. On the weekends, she was much more active in calling or texting you. But other times, she could be virtually unreachable for hours.
You could hardly remember what had set you off just a few minutes later. The more you walked and thought, the more embarrassed you became. Here you were, with an adult job and living independently, yet you still didn't communicate properly with your girlfriend.
Without really realizing it, you had walked the reverse path you usually did. That time from Sana's door to the flower shop you often visited. You walked in, unsure if you wanted to buy anything, but simply being around nature was calming.
Ultimately, you decided it couldn't hurt to show up at her apartment with a bouquet. Along with a heartfelt apology and readiness to communicate, pretty flowers always help. So you asked the cashier if there was a common "after a fight" bouquet or flower they might recommend.
It took a few minutes of searching, in which you stewed in your thoughts even more, but they did come back. The chamomile and the lotus were instantly recognizable, even to you. And the other one was a white zinnia. Or was it a zinnia? You couldn’t remember, but it was a pretty flower and fit perfectly with the calm white theme.
You distracted yourself on the way back by constantly fiddling with the flower petals and placements, not wanting to think about what you'd do in a few minutes. What would you do if Sana turned you away or didn't open the door? You'd have to leave the flowers, text her that they're there, and hope she reads them rather than just swiping them away. You wouldn't blame her if she did, but you'd continue hoping for the best.
You knocked hesitantly and waited, scuffing your foot along the floor. Mercifully, she opened the door, but her face fell slightly when she properly saw you.
"You're not my kimchi jjigae." She said simply.
You winced. Kimchi jjigae was a spicy comfort food for her, so it must have hurt her more than you thought.
"I'm not. I hope you'll let me apologize anyways. I'm sorry for not talking about any of my problems before they exploded. I didn't want to cause any problems so early into our relationship, and I wasn't sure what you would think if I did. Clearly, this was worse, and now I seem immature as well. It doesn't have to be right now, but I hope you can forgive me."
You chewed and pulled at your bottom lip as you waited for her to answer, and her face was impressively smooth and impassive.
"I'll need more time to move on, but I forgive you. Come in, and I'll tell you how to make it up to me."
You perked up significantly and followed her inside as quickly as you could.
"Yes, ma'am! Thank you, baby. I'm sorry again."
"First step in making it up to me. Stop apologizing."
First birthday together
Bouquet: yellow tulip, yellow jasmine, dwarf sunflower
It was Sana's first birthday while she was with you, and it was a big moment. You wanted to get a gift that she liked and made the day worth her while. It was mid-winter, so flowers were generally out of season, but that wouldn't stop you. Quite the opposite even. You'd be going for a yellow bouquet to mimic a piece of the sunshine that you were so missing during these months. It included some dwarf sunflowers, which, despite the name, were still relatively large and perfect for your idea.
It was technically a late birthday gift and date, as her friends got the first pick for surprising her on the day of. Genuinely, it was more than worth it. You had shown up for a date as if you weren't taking her directly to them when they were simply waiting just around the corner, almost literally, just behind a curtain in the private area of the restaurant. She had left your side to greet them almost immediately, though not without a small kiss full of gratitude first. It didn't bother you at all, her friends were all wonderful people, and she looked radiant as she took in the whole scene. When you left for the night, she had complained about her cheeks hurting from smiling so much, but even the whole way home, she couldn't stop gushing and giggling about it all.
So, you simply sat back and listened, nodding even though you were sure she wasn't paying attention to you. You knew you'd get her full attention the next day regardless. Though when you returned to her apartment, you told her how beautiful she looked so happy, which only made her laugh again and jokingly swat at your arm.
She joked about it again the next day, asking if you were taking her on a date this time or if you'd secretly bring her to see her family. Honestly, it wasn't a bad idea for a future birthday, but you didn't say that, only repeating the idea in your mind to return to later.
The aquarium was rather crowded when you got there, with many people having the same idea. A weekend, insulated from the cold, and a generally nice place for a date. Of course, you had been expecting this, so it didn't ruin your experience entirely, even if it made moving around and looking at the tanks a little more difficult.
You'd been to an aquarium on a previous date, it was hard to come up with wholly original date ideas all the time, but this one was much bigger. That experience helped you know that Sana's reactions would be much more entertaining to watch than the fish ever could be. She had a perpetual curiosity and affection for the creatures of the world that you never got tired of. One of her many admirable and adorable traits. If you got into all that, you could be there all day.
The water shimmered and moved, entrancing patterns across the angles of her face, and you truly couldn't look away even if you wanted to. After watching the school of fish moving in inscrutable patterns, she finally noticed you staring at her and started pouting and whining.
"Look at the fish! Aquarium time, baby!" She took your hand and dragged you closer to the glass, forcibly turning your head with a pout every time you tried to rotate it back and look at her.
Eventually, you accepted the motion and stared at the fish, slowly separating your mind from all the people you knew were there and immersing yourself in the sight. Of course, Sana began to get impatient and tugged on your hand again after a while. You snapped out of your haze and followed wherever she planned to go next. Planning was evidently a generous word, as you were sure she was just walking to whatever caught her fancy as she saw it, but you would have followed her anywhere by then.
Much of the time passed like that: watching Sana and then watching the fish at her urging before she saw something new and exciting and dragged your stumbling self behind her. You wouldn't even dream of having it any other way.
You told her you wanted to take a slight detour on the way back. You didn't tell her where, but it wasn't like the florist was overly exciting by now. Or, it wasn't for you, but Sana's previously mentioned affection for the world often extended to plants as well. Especially very pretty plants like all the flowers hung up in that shop. You freed her to wander around as she pleased while you headed up to grab your pre-ordered bouquet. It was even prettier than you thought it would be.
"Princess!" You called out to her and heard Sana's shoes hitting the floor a moment later.
"Baby?" She asked before seeing the bouquet in your hands and running the last few steps.
"Oh, it's so pretty! My personal sunshine for the winter months, I love it." She took the bouquet from you and stared at it, sighing dreamily.
The walk back to her apartment was filled with her softly stroking the flowers, sighing, and several instances of her almost tripping. You very nearly teased her for it, but it was hard to when it happened because she was too busy staring at something you bought her.
She thanked you one more time at her door with a small kiss, and you were left staring at her door with a little dopey smile.
First anniversary
Bouquet: daisy, hibiscus, white jasmine
It was hard to believe a year had passed with Sana at your side. At that point, something very obvious first came to mind to commemorate the occasion. Buy a new bouquet. They were a nice way to celebrate big events and a reminder of you that Sana could look at every day, even if you couldn't be there with her. After confirming they would work with flower meanings, you decided to ask the florist for a bouquet meaning something like "love for a beautiful person." It was the one major descriptor that came to mind when you thought of your girlfriend. She was beautiful in every way, inside and out.
In the last few years, so much had happened, individually and together, but the excitement of knocking on her apartment door was always the same for you. Sometimes, between the moments of knocking and Sana answering, you daydream about when you wouldn't have to knock on this door at all. You would plan a day and simply see Sana emerge from behind a door while you waited. Or maybe you would make her wait for you. Whatever the situation, you longed for the day that you could share more time and space with her.
For now, the excitement remained. When Sana opened the door that time, you were more than excited, you were shocked. She opened the door, peeked around it, and you saw her hair was pink! You gasped and pushed in to get a proper look at her. As if the sight was unbelievable, you reached out and ran a small amount through your fingers, but the color stayed the same. It was a delicate floral pink, and it made her shine. Maybe you should go away for a few days more often if something like that was going to happen. As soon as you thought it, you knew that was unsustainable because you couldn't even imagine being away for that long now, and certainly not by choice.
"I love it. You're gorgeous. And happy anniversary, I love you." You stepped forward and rested your hands on her hips, practically hypnotized by the smile your words brought forth.
"My beloved," she crooned, holding you close. "Happy anniversary to us, the first of many, I'm sure."
You stood there for a few minutes, simply enjoying each other's presence before you had to leave and face the wide world once more. Thankfully, when you stepped back, you could survey her outfit. You didn't have to, as you could be sure she looked great, but then again, why wouldn't you? A simple black outfit, a skirt with a little pearl belt, and knee-high black boots. But you processed all that fairly quickly, though with some needed appreciation for her legs, because you were drawn back to her bright hair falling down her shoulders.
The way Sana giggled made you sure she noticed, but if she didn't expect that much reaction, you clearly hadn't shown your appreciation for everything about her well enough thus far.
Sometimes you thought your relationship became a little routine, which was comforting in its own way, and wondered if you and Sana could even surprise each other anymore. Well, this was proof that you most certainly could.
If it were someone else, or maybe some time else, you might have been concerned about someone trying to make a move on her. By then, you were confident and secure enough. She had told you that when she dressed up, it was for herself and maybe for you. And if anyone else had the gall to approach her, she was generally quick to rebuff them and point you out as her loving, doting, and sole partner. Although there had been a few times she'd let them keep trying for laughs as you looked on from a few feet away. It was mostly fun to watch the excitement dull as they realized she was not some doll to bend to their whims but a strong-willed and opinionated person.
Thankfully, tonight no one like that should bother you. It was a little cliche, but you returned to the restaurant of your first date, and it felt like stepping back in time. The place wasn't popular enough to have the money for major renovations, but it was popular enough that it was well-maintained and looked practically the same as you remembered it.
It wasn't private by any means, but that worked to your advantage as you and Sana spent about an hour scoping out passers-by and making up stories about what they might be doing. You both started pretty regular, but as time passed, you both came up with more ridiculous possibilities that sent you both into giggling fits.
The sunset, and eventually, you both had to leave. Not because you were disturbing people but because you had other exciting places to be. Or you might have planned for that, but Sana immediately turned back towards her apartment, pulling you behind her. When you wordlessly expressed your shock and confusion, she giggled.
"Listen, I had fun, but I'm tired and don't want you to leave yet. I mean, you can if you want, but I want you to come with me."
"No! I wanna go with you; we can do whatever you want at your apartment. It's our anniversary until I leave."
You walked the rest of the way back in happy, companionable silence. As soon as you got in the elevator, you drifted towards each other, pressing as much of yourselves together as possible. Of course, you reached her floor all too quickly, but Sana didn't hesitate to pull you forward, clearly excited as a puppy for whatever she had planned behind her apartment door. And you followed dopily, endlessly drawn into her gravity.
First proposal
It is the height of summer, but thankfully there is a light and cool breeze for your picnic today. Sweating through the heat is not generally attractive. Sana is wearing a rather casual outfit filled with bright yellow and pink for the summer, topped off by heart jewelry she had bought on a previous date. You've got a camera bag slung over your shoulder, with the excuse that it's just a nice day and you want some pictures. In reality, you want something like a proposal to be captured with something better than a phone camera. Which is all well and good if she says yes, but that inevitably leads to what will happen if she says no. No, you will not psych yourself out 2 minutes before you need to leave.
To your credit, it's a cute ass picnic date, even without the promise of a later proposal in your mind. You spend it talking about nothing, asking benign questions, and hardly paying attention to the answer because you could be entranced by your pretty girlfriend instead. It's a beautiful arrangement.
The sun is still high and hot in the sky, but when you look at Sana, it simply feels right. So you stand up and reach a hand out to her.
"Will you come with me, princess? I have a place I want to show you." You say.
The place is not the thing of importance that you want to show her, but she doesn't need to know that yet. A small clearing dotted by flowers and a surprising lack of weeds. You put the bouquet and the basket down while she looks around and peers at every type of flower.
"Baby?" You call, and she comes bounding back to you, her smile wide and eyes gleaming.
"Yes, darling?"
"The bouquet. The white roses you may recognize from our first date, where I ambitiously got them as a sign of new beginnings. I wanted so badly to know you better and hoped I could convince you to stay. I'm so glad that whatever I did or said worked. The little ones are yarrow for everlasting love. Which I hope we have because I can't imagine life without you now, and I hope I never see what it's like. Honeysuckle are the spindly ones poking out the sides, and they're for the bonds of love. For me, that is not a duty to stay but rather an agreement that we both have made and wish to stick to. And the firework-like ones are myrtle, but there's something else I have to do first."
There's no grand reaction, so you don't think Sana has caught on to you yet. Or if she has, she is holding her emotions in very well. You reach into a tiny pocket at the bottom of your camera bag and pull out the small blue box. There's no hiding what it is, so you turn and push out one knee. And the way her face scrunches as she bursts into a strange combination of tears and smiles is the picture that will be etched into your mind forever.
"The myrtle means love in a marriage, which I believe we could have for the rest of our lives if you would like. So, Minatozaki Sana, will you marry me?"
"Oh goodness, of course I will! I'm too in love to ever dream of saying no, and how dare you think otherwise."
You laugh through what may be your own tears; no one can confirm nor deny and wonder how you could have believed otherwise. You've never felt this happy before, and you won't likely have many moments better than this one, if any.
"I love you, princess. I love you so much."
"And you better keep loving me. You're stuck me to you now, and I'm not letting go."
"I would never want you to."
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