#they are found family your honor and i love them. also they remind me of the group dynamics in bsd which is probably why i love them

[inmyfxith]

Blessed Union

Pairing: Neteyam x human!reader

Summary: Neteyam and you are in a serious relationship, but Neytiri and Jake believe your inability to procreate makes it impossible. Eywa sees your love and blesses you with a spiritual pregnancy.

A/N: Neteyam and you are around 20.

Warnings: None

Words: 3k3

-> Requested

Pandora was a remarkable place, not only because of its breathtaking biodiversity, but also because of the beings that inhabited this distant moon from your birthplace. In just a few short years, your human existence had completely changed. You had gone from a human lost in a wonderland to the potential future partner of the leader of a recognized clan.

Sitting on top of a hill, you watched the sunrise. The sky was painted with shades of pink and orange, and the clouds seemed to glow with the rising sun. A feeling of peace suddenly washed over you as you enjoyed the beauty of the landscape. Closing your eyes, you took a deep breath, letting the cool morning air fill your lungs and the first rays of the sun warm your skin.

When your eyes opened again, the sun was already above the horizon, casting its scorching glow over the forest. You sat there for a while, simply enjoying the solitude and peacefulness. It was a moment of pure beauty and serenity. A shadow passed through the sky so quickly that it took you a few minutes to realize that it was Neteyam's ikran floating in the air to join you.

“You look so handsome up there,” you called out to him as he gracefully landed next to you. Neteyam's smile was nothing short of infectious as he came to sit next to you.

“Thank you, my love,” he said, leaning in to plant a kiss on the top of your head, your face being inaccessible due to your exopack. You felt your cheeks flush and a warmth spread through your body. Moments like these always reminded you of how lucky you were to have Neteyam in your life. He was not only physically attractive, but also kind and loving, and your love was special.

As tradition dictated in his clan, upon the death of his father, Neteyam would become the new Olo'ektan, the leader of his clan, and you knew he was working hard to live up to his father's greatness.

“My love,” he began, “we’ve been together for long and I can’t imagine going through this journey without you by my side.” Neteyam took your tiny hand into his. “You have been a constant source of strength and support for me, and I know that you would be an amazing tsahik.”

Your heart filled with pride and joy as you listened to his words. Your hands found their way to his cheeks and your thumbs caressed his soft, blue skin. “I promise to do my best to live up to your efforts. I am proud of you, Neteyam, and so honored to be able to stand by your side,” you said. The young man leaned in to place another kiss on the top of your head, his eyes shining with love and determination.

Together, you remained there for a moment, enjoying the moment, knowing that your love was strong enough to weather any storm.

As a human, it had taken you some time to adapt to Neteyam's clan. Due to the actions of your kin, many Na'vi had been hostile to your presence in the High Camp, and you often had to endure disguised criticism or whispered conversations in a language you were not yet fully familiar with. Over time, tensions had eased somewhat, it was still too early to talk about trust, but the Omaticaya were now more affable towards you. Bringing fruits and other herbs collected on the way to the laboratory to the family of your beloved, your run was however stopped when you heard voices rise from the hut of the current Olo'ektan, Jake Sully, Neteyam's father. According to what you could perceive, Jake was in the company of his wife, Neytiri. Not wanting to disturb them, you simply waited near the hut, becoming an involuntary witness to their conversation.

“We must do something, Jake,” Neytiri began, her voice full of concern, “It seems clear that Neteyam's mate is not able to bear children. As the future Olo'ektan, it is his duty to produce offspring for the clan. With her around, our future is in danger.”

“I understand your concern, talking to them will probably not be a viable solution. They seem to love each other deeply, and it would be unfair to end their love in the name of tradition. Maybe we could find a way to...convince him to let go of this relationship and choose a mate who can fulfill his duties as a leader,” Jake replied. His mate sighed, pacing around the hut.

“I know you're right, but what other options do we have? I don't like the thought of causing Neteyam pain, but you're right. The needs of the tribe must come first. We'll have to find a way to gently persuade him to see reason."

Understanding the terms of the conversation taking place under the tent, your heart tightened. The basket filled with fruit that you held in your hands hit the ground, spilling its contents on the ground of the camp. Without a word, you ran out of the Omaticaya's cave, tears rolling down your cheeks as you delved into the forest. You couldn't bear the thought of losing Neteyam and everything you had built together. Your foot hit a root, causing you to fall to your knees. Holding your head in your hands, you hadn't realized that the Tree of Voices was now rising in front of you.

Minutes passed without you being able to stop crying. A hand rested on your shoulder, and without even looking up, you knew that Neteyam had arrived.

"Y/N, what's wrong?”

“I-I heard your parents talking,” you choked out, your voice shaking with emotion. “You need a mate who can have children, and I can’t do that. I-I just don’t want to lose you.”

Neteyam knelt down beside you, taking your small body in his arms and offering you all the comfort you needed. “I love you, Y/N,” he whispered, kissing the top of your head. “I don't care about having children. I just want to be with you. You're the only one that matters to me.” You sniffled and looked up at him, your eyes filled with gratitude.

“Thank you,” you whispered to him before burying your face in his chest again. He held you tightly, as if to prove to you that no one could ever stand between him and the woman he loved. As you gradually regained your senses, sitting on Neteyam's lap with your face against his chest, you quietly meditated, trying to erase from your mind what you had heard.

“Y/N, open your eyes,” Neteyam whispered to you again. When you did, dozens of woodsprites were floating in the air, surrounding Neteyam and you. Admiring the spectacle that the goddess Eywa was offering you, you extended your hand, palm up, and a woodsprite landed on it.

“It seems I'm not the only one who has chosen you.” Neteyam smiled slightly, happy to see that the pure and sacred spirits were on your side.

The next few days passed without much trouble. You continued to meet Neteyam at the top of your hill every morning, as a little ritual before starting the day. As a natural reaction to what you had heard, your behavior towards Neteyam's parents became colder, more distant. You were still polite and relatively friendly, but nothing more.

However, as time passed, a singular tiredness began to consume you slowly. No matter how much sleep you gave yourself, you felt continually down. This situation worried your mother, who, despite being a doctor, had no expertise in human medicine. She kept a close eye on you, putting her hand on your forehead to monitor your temperature, but your condition seemed to be getting worse by the day.

Your fatigue was soon followed by weight loss, your cheeks gradually hollowing out, your bones becoming more visible without any clear explanation for your sudden condition. Neteyam was not fooled either, he was also worried to see you in this state and had repeatedly offered to speak to his grandmother, Mo'at, who knew the flowers and herbs of Pandora better than anyone else and whose knowledge was equal to that of the greatest Olo'ektan of the Tawkami clan. But you always refused, not wanting to give Jake and Neytiri another argument to chase you away.

One morning, as the sun was about to emerge from the horizon, you tried to climb to the top of your hill to meet Neteyam who was about to land on his ikran. But as you climbed the steep path, your legs began to feel heavy and your already diminished energy flew away like a feather in the wind. You tried to keep going, determined to reach the top, to see Neteyam, but, exhausted, you ended up stumbling down the path in the opposite direction. Just as you were about to pass out, a voice called out to you softly. Neteyam had run to you after seeing you from the sky, his facial expression reflecting the immense concern he felt.

You were thin and fragile, your skin pale and clammy. Neteyam led you back to his camp, to his grandmother's hut, hoping it wasn't too late to help you.

As he approached the hut, he saw Jake Sully standing outside, a worried look on his face. "What happened?" Jake asked as Neteyam approached.

"I found her on the hill," Neteyam replied, his voice heavy with concern. "She's sick and in pain. I think she broke something."

Mo'at sat quietly by your side, her eyes closed in concentration as she prayed to Eywa for the health and safety of her patient. She had prepared a number of herbal concoctions to help strengthen your body and boost your immune system, and she carefully administered them one by one.

Neteyam stood nervously by your side, watching as Mo'at worked. He had tried to speak to his father about your condition, but Jake had been too consumed with the preparations for the ceremony to pay much attention. Neteyam was worried about you, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was not right.

As the day passed and the sun began to set, Mo'at placed a gentle hand on your belly. She frowned, feeling something unsettling beneath her fingertips. She turned to Neteyam with a grave expression.

"Neteyam," she said, her voice heavy with concern. "Your mate is with child."

Neteyam's eyes widened in shock. "A child?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.

Mo'at nodded gravely. "It is early yet, and it is small. But it is there, and it is growing."

Neteyam's mind raced as he tried to process this information. He had always known that you were not as strong as the Na'vi, and he had worried about your ability to survive. But a child? He had never even considered the possibility.

As he stood there, trying to come to terms with this revelation, Mo'at placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Do not worry," she said softly. "Eywa will guide us and protect your mate and your child. We will do everything we can to ensure their safety and well-being."

Neteyam nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over him at Mo'at's words. How could his mate be with child? They had never made love, and he couldn't fathom any other possibility.

As he sat lost in thought, his mind raced with possibilities. He immediately went back to the night under the Tree of Voices, when the woodsprites had surrounded them. Could that have had something to do with your sudden pregnancy?

Because of the complex and unprecedented nature of the child's conception, Mo'at insisted on keeping you under observation in her hut. At the time, when she told you that a child was growing in your belly, you didn't believe her, thinking that your mind was playing tricks on you. However, as the days passed and your belly grew, the news became more and more real.

Your mother was not happy about this news and when she came to exchange your exopack with another one, she was shocked by your situation. She entered under the hut, her face distorted by anger. "What does this mean? My daughter is pregnant and you're standing there watching calmly," she shouted at Neteyam who was standing beside you.

Neteyam raised her hands in a gesture of peace. "I understand that you are upset, but try to understand that it was not intentional. We never...I am just as confused as you are about how this happened."

Your mother's expression softened as she turned to you. "Are you sure you're pregnant?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. You nodded, tears streaming down your face.

"I don't know how it happened either, but I'm sure I'm carrying a child."

Mo'at, who was quietly preparing herbal concoctions in a corner of the hut, spoke up. "It is possible that the child was conceived under the tree of voices. The woodsprites are known to bless couples who pray to Eywa under its branches."

Your mother let out a sigh of frustration. "This is all so confusing. I just want what's best for my daughter."

Neteyam stepped forward and put a hand on her shoulder. "I also want what's best for her. I will do everything in my power to keep her and the child safe and happy."

Your mother looked at Neteyam with a mixture of anger and gratitude. "I hope you mean that," she said before turning to leave the hut. Neteyam watched her leave before turning back to you and taking your hand in his.

This pregnancy was rapid, in just three months your belly had swollen so much that you could hardly move without the help of another person. Thanks to Mo'at's care, your fatigue had decreased and your physical condition had clearly improved so much that she allowed you to escape her surveillance for an evening.

With Neteyam, you had not gone very far for fear of not being able to return. You had simply settled in the heights of the camp, together, far from prying eyes. Your heavily pregnant belly sticking out in front of her, Neteyam was sitting beside you, his hand gently resting on the roundness of your belly as he spoke softly to the baby growing within you.

"You are my little miracle, my son," he whispered, his eyes filled with love and wonder. "I will do everything in my power to protect you and your mother. You are both the most precious things in the world to me."

You smiled up at Neteyam, your hand covering his as you both felt your baby's movements. “I can’t believe how much he has grown,” he said, his voice filled with wonder. “I can feel him kicking and moving inside you. It’s like he’s already a part of us.”

“I can’t wait to meet him,” you answered softly. “I know he’s going to be strong and brave, just like his father.”

Neteyam leaned down and kissed your forehead, his eyes full of love. “I promise to always be there for him, to protect him and guide him. He will always be my greatest treasure.”

Your heart swelled with love, and tears welled in your eyes, as you listened to Neteyam’s words. You knew without a doubt that he would be a devoted and loving father to your child.

As the moments ticked by, Neteyam and you lay together in peaceful silence, your love for each other and your unborn child filling the air around you.

-----

Neteyam paced outside of Mo'at's hut, his heart racing with anxiety. He couldn't bear to hear the sound of your screams echoing through the air. Every time you cried out in pain, his heart seemed to stop. Jake, who had been standing beside him, placed a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him. "It's going to be alright, son. Your grandmother knows what she's doing."

But Neteyam couldn't shake the feeling of dread that seemed to be settling in his chest. He couldn't imagine life without you, and the thought of losing you during childbirth was almost too much to bear. Finally, the screams stopped, and Neteyam froze. For a moment, he couldn't move, couldn't speak. He was certain that his worst fears had come true.

But then Mo'at appeared in the doorway, a wide smile on her face. "You have a son, Neteyam. A strong, healthy son."

Neteyam walked into Mo'at's hut, his heart racing with excitement and nerves. As he approached the bed, he saw you, covered in sweat and tears, holding a tiny bundle in your arms. He rushed to your side, taking your hand in his own.

"Is everything okay?" he asked, his voice shaking with emotion.

You nodded, tears streaming down your face as you smiled up at him. "We have a son," you whispered.

Neteyam's heart swelled with love and pride as he looked down at the small, blue-skinned baby nestled in your arms. He had a head full of jet-black hair, and big, bright eyes that seemed to take in everything around him. His tiny fingers were wrapped around your thumb, holding on tight.

Neteyam reached out a hand, gently brushing his son's fingers open so he could stroke his soft skin. "He's beautiful," he whispered, tears welling up in his own eyes.

You smiled at him, your own tears of joy and exhaustion mixing together. "He looks just like his father. He's our little miracle,” you said softly.

Neteyam leaned down to press a gentle kiss to your forehead, then to the top of his son's head. He knew that from that moment on, everything in his life would revolve around these two people, and he couldn't wait to spend the rest of his days loving and protecting them.

-----

Neteyam stood behind his son, his strong arms wrapped around the small child as he gently guided his hands on the bow. A sense of pride and nostalgia was swelling in his chest. He remembered the day his own father had first taught him how to hold a bow, the weight of it in his hands feeling like a rite of passage. The five year old looked up at his father with wide, curious eyes, taking in every movement and instruction with eagerness.

"That's it, my little hunter," Neteyam said with a soft smile. "Just like that. Now, let's see if you can hit the target."

The little boy nodded determinedly and focused on the distant target, taking a deep breath before releasing the arrow. It flew straight and true, hitting the center of the target with a satisfying thud.

Neteyam beamed with pride as he lifted his son off the ground, swinging him around in a joyful embrace. "Well done, son! You have the makings of a great hunter."

As they practiced together, the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the clearing. Neteyam couldn't help but sneak glances at you, who were watching them with a soft smile on your face. He knew that you were just as proud of your son as he was, and it warmed his heart.

As they wrapped up their lesson for the day, Neteyam lifted his son into his arms, giving him a warm embrace.

"I'm so proud of you, my little warrior," he whispered, planting a gentle kiss on his son's forehead.

The little boy giggled and snuggled closer, and Neteyam knew that this was exactly where he was meant to be - with his family, surrounded by love and joy.

#avatar #avatar the way of water #awow #neteyam #neteyam x reader #neteyam imagine #neteyam imagines #avatar imagines #avatar imagine #jake sully #neytiri #blessed union

[teriri-sayes]

Reactions to Young Master Shield's Chapter 209

TL;DR - Lily worries about failure and disappointing her family. Everyone reassures and supports her. Cale meets academy staff and is overwhelmed by the welcome. Effric keeps saying stuff that makes Cale embarrassed. Sui and Alberu laughing at Cale's situation. A wanderer gatecrashes the event.

Lily's Worries The first quarter of the chapter was about Lily. She was happy that her brothers were attending, but also worried about her future. Like what if she failed? Fortunately, everyone was supportive of her.

CH said with a sincere and gentle smile that he couldn't study and was bad at it. Basen told her that he was bad at swordsmanship. And Cale told her that it was fine to fail. Her family would not be disappointed in her even if she failed. Awww~ 🥰

Effric's "Attacks" on Cale The entire chapter after Lily's part was so hilarious. Effric, the president of Roan Academy, dealt several blows on Cale that made him feel so embarrassed. And Raon's comments that his human's eyes kept shaking added to the fun. 😂

Effric: *bows at a 90 degree angle* It's an honor to meet you, LORD CALE! Cale: ... Various deans from other departments: IT'S AN HONOR TO MEET YOU! Raon: Human, your eyes are shaking! Effric: A lot of people wanted to hear your speech, and we barely managed to reduce it from the tens of thousands who wanted to. Cale: (Huh? How many thousands?!) Effric: We cleared all schedules today for your speech! Hahaha! Raon: Human, your eyes keep shaking! Effric: I'm sure you'll be a great role model for the students. And for us adults too! Hahaha! Raon: Human, why is your smile like a shrivelled persimmon? Effric: I am looking forward to it, Lord Cale. No, Commander Cale. Hahaha! Cale: ...Yes... I'll do my best...

Cale: *sees the academy plaza* Effric: What's the matter? Cale: It reminds me of the capital's plaza. Effric: You're right. It was modeled after the capital's plaza. Cale: *freezes* Effric: *smiles* I guess you remember that time. Cale: ...Pardon? Effric: Where the legend began. Cale: *freezes again* Effric: *talks more about Cale's shield legend in the capital plaza* Cale: *awkward smile*

Embarrassed Cale Next part was funny. The way to the podium had a red carpet laid on it, and Cale felt embarrassed walking on it while thousands of eyes were watching him. Raon's comments weren't helping him either, especially the one about how Sui kept laughing for some strange reason. Cale could only mentally curse and hold it in. 😂

Cale was dressed in his black commander uniform, so the students were very excited. And when Cale met eyes with a knight student, the "Shield" chant began and spread all over the plaza. Cale was embarrassed again, and Raon made it even funnier again.

Raon said that Alberu had arrived and was laughing out loud at Cale... 🤣🤣🤣 Poor Cale... 🤣🤣🤣

We did get some thoughts on Cale about his past. His KRS self found school life as dull, and he found speeches boring, so he decided to keep his speech short. And also a line about original Cale not having gone to school because he was busy acting like a trash.

Speech Curse is Real We were all expecting the speech, right? Unfortunately, Cale's speech curse is back! 😂 Anyway, we find out that CJS actually headed back to report to GoD after his time on the Central Plains. Cale had messaged GoD, asking to send CJS and reporting about his finding of the Five-Colored Bloods being like wanderers, but GoD ghosted him... 😂

As for the speech curse...

Cale to the students: Nice to meet you. Raon: Human, CJS is here! Cale: (Okay, I just greeted them...what now?) Raon: CJS said it was urgent! He said he could sense another wanderer nearby! Water AP: The sky is strange. Cale: *looks up the sky and sees an incoming black dot* Cale: (Is that a person? A wanderer? No, why is this always happening to me?) Cale: Damn it.

Ending Remarks I loved today's chapter. Reading about an embarrassed Cale is so fun~! 😂 And the speech curse at the end! 🤣🤣🤣 Given the chapter title, I guess we'll see the return of Cale's shield legend next chapter. I can't wait for Friday to come!

#tcf spoilers #trash of the count's family

[dancingbabya-notes]

Your scars are beautiful

<-•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•->

Everyone gains scars; it's a part of life, no one is immune to that. From small ones that are barely noticeable to ones that signify or are a reminder of a very strong memory. A badge of honor, a reminder of a mistake, luck that no one else was harmed, or a bad memory. (PS the only reason I wrote this is because the most recent chapters I've read are rotting my brain and I sometimes think a little too hard about my own scars)

Characters: Todoroki, Mirio, Midoriya, Amajiki, Bakugo, Kirishima, Kaminari, Shinso, Shoji

Spoiler warning: there are spoilers for the bnha/MHA manga in Shoji’s part so if you don’t want that please don’t bother reading.

Tw: trauma, mention of falling from extreme heights, mentions of child abuse, mentions of abuse, mention of self harm, 

<-•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•->

Todoroki

Sometimes you would walk into your shared room with Shoto, he looks at his face so intently in the mirror. But trying to imagine him without the burn scar on his face was difficult. That was your only image of him since school. Today he seemed to be intently picking at the skin around the old scar.

Walking up behind him you put his hands down so they sat in his lap as you hug him tightly. “Sho, Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” He states, his low voice not expressing much emotion but for some reason you just knew.

“Do you wanna touch my scar?” You ask, he blinked.

You were very protective of your own scars, it wasn’t because it was an old scar. It wasn’t because of anything sad, it was because you went too far. Like Icarus you flew too close to the sun and lost your wings. When it happened you remember him reaching for you and the pain in his eyes.

“Are you sure, my love?” He looks at you in the mirror.

“Of course, you always tell me you find comfort when I touch your scar,” you smile.

“No,” he shakes his head, his hand sitting comfortably in yours. “Just sitting with me right now is fine.”

“Do you wanna talk about it?”

“It’s an old story.”

“That doesn’t mean it can stir new feelings,” you offer, giving him a slight squeeze.

Shoto thinks for a moment, mouth opening and closing a few times as time seemed to stretch before he found the right words. “I know now…why my mother felt the way she did. But I can’t… help but feel I had been too hasty in forgiving her. Or… that I’m wrong for not forgiving… my father.”

You try to think of a good thing to say but you weren’t sure if your words would bring him solace or pester the pain more. “I think you need to talk to them again. While it may open old bleeding wounds I feel telling them how you’re feeling might help. If you want I can sit with you when you do?”

“No, I feel it will only cause me unnecessary pain,” he sighs.

“But emotional pain can come up later,” you mumble then to realize. “Sho, are you worried that we will be bad parents to our children?”

“Yes,” he pulls on your hand a bit, stretching it a bit beyond to position that was slowly making pins and needles prick at your skin.

“No one’s perfect, but all we can do is try our best and make up for the mistakes we make. If you want when we start a family we can go to counseling,” you suggest. “That way we can get a second option, you might also get some closure with the pain you feel regarding your parents.”

Shoto pulls you around to face him, kind of sitting his lap but with his arms around you instead of you’re around him. You smile as he buries his face into your hoodie.

“You always seem to know what to say my love.”

Kirishima

“Babe?”

Flinching you quickly roll your pant leg back down. It was moments like these where you wish the mirror didn’t make you feel so small.

“There you are,” Eijiro smiles as he pulls you into a hug. “I thought you were asleep or something.”

“I was just antsy,” you mumble. “Sorry I should have said I was in here.”

He looks at you and he can tell. “Your scars are making you anxious, aren’t they?”

You nod.

He starts peppering your face in kisses. “It’s not your fault, it wasn’t something we could help. Nurse didn’t know.”

Nurse. Without her you didn’t want to know what would have happened to you. Your hero career would have ended that day. Even the short month to recuperate wasn’t enough time, you still had nightmares, waking up screaming, and the phantom pains. The reminder was the scars. Why couldn’t you move past this?

“I know.”

Eijiro picks you up and sits on the bed with you in his arms. He kissed your face, but you could tell where he was kissing. He had a purpose. Your body was littered with scars, the proof of your life and the things you’ve dealt with. The thin one just above your eye was from when your brother spent a day drawing portals through the house and you had fallen through one out into the tree. The smooth one by your ear from a surgery that had been found to be unnecessary: the hospital had mixed up your chart with another child patient, your mom was not enthused.

The one under your eye from when you accidentally cut your face, having thought you put the exact blade down, you were lucky you didn’t get your eye. He brings your hands up and he kisses your fingers, the paper thin cuts you’d gotten from learning how to cook and other craft related accidents. A small giggle escapes as he looks you in the eye for a moment.

“You don’t have to do this,” you smile.

“But I want to.”

With each kiss you were reminded of the origin of the scar. Your left hand: a wet rock from the river by the summer house. Your right wrist: the bracelet you wore during a spontaneous rescue during second year. Your shoulders: the burns from an old mission. Your stomach: an inconsolable attacker. Every memory was fine until he kissed your legs. The perfect lined scars that cut straight accords your knees.

Your breath shook a bit as the tears started. You were so scared. Plenty of other times you’d been scared but when you couldn’t feel your feet or toes, or even just the pain, were the most terrifying two minutes of your life.

His hands touched the scar and you flinched. “I know that I’m lucky. So many people pity me now.”

“Who cares what they feel about your scars,” your boyfriend pulls you back into his lap, peppering the top of your head and your forehead with kisses. “What matters is you are here, you are safe, and the pain you feel will disappear. It will fade into a bad memory.”

“I know. But what if-

“Y/n, if anything had happened we would have figured it out. Okay?”

You nod. “Thank you Eiji.”

Midoriya

When you see Midoriya’s scars, the ones on his hands, his arms, anywhere you wonder, would it have been better if you realized and accepted your second quirk sooner. You had grown used to using the regenerative ability given to you by the monster that forced your creation. Body torn to shreds over and over again, everyone always talked about how lucky you were. But were you?

You could lose a finger and if you consume enough toxins you could grow it back without worry. Your body showed no signs of scarring, well not visible at first glance. You had one scar. It was small and you just knew it was a part of you now.

“Cookie? Is there something on me? Don’t tell me there’s another water-

“No, you’re fine.” You shake your head and you smile looking at your boyfriend. “Have I ever mentioned that you’re beautiful?”

Midoriya didn’t seem to know what to say, his jaw hung open as he quickly covered his mouth and turned away. You chuckle slowly breaking into a laugh as he blushes so hard you could see it on his back from his shoulders.

“Cookie,” he whines and you slowly try to catch your breath.

Standing up you smile before taking his hand and kissing the first scar you’d ever seen on him. “It’s true. I think you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met.”

You weren’t sure what it was but he pulled you close to him before kissing the top of your left ear. Which made you embarrassed, the only imperfection you had. A slight notch in the top of your ear. Like someone had cut a slice of it out. At the time you must have been no older than three or four, the faint memory of pain and then it ending.

“I think you are far more beautiful than I am,” he smiles before you push him away.

“Put on a fucking shirt,” you scold.

Mirio

“Sunshine, are you okay you’re shaking?”

Putting the pot down you think. “I’m fine though. Huh?”

Turning your. Hands over and over you did notice a slight shake, but that was normal right? Frowning it was odd when old memories would be triggered.

“Ah, I know what’s wrong.” You chuckle nervously. “I remembered when my mom had a hard time moving the pot to the table because she didn’t want us to burn our hands on the plates.”

Mirio was a bit confused. “Why did you think about that?”

You flex your wings and shift the feathers to the side a bit to show the one spot where only short feathers grew, it didn’t impair  your flying and you were surprised you could even fly at this age. “She dropped the pot, my dad was so angry he hit her and got me in the crossfire.”

Though you had a light hearted smile on your face Mirio frowns. “I’m sorry to hear that Sunshine.”

You wave your hand dismissively. “If I hadn’t witnessed that I’m sure you and I would have never met. Don’t apologize, it made me think that I hope my mom is in a better place, and I will be very very careful who I marry if I ever do.”

Mirio had thought much about how you’d grown up, it was partially because you never talked about it. He didn’t want to pry usually but he did want to know as much as you were comfortable sharing.

“How do you feel about scars anyway?” You ask.

“They’re proof we live,” he smiles before brushing his hand against your feathers.

You shriek, pulling away quickly and stumbling forward. Groaning you clutch your side, having effectively slammed your entire weight into the corner of the counter.

“A warning,” you gasp. “Please, my feathers are sensitive.”

“R-right.”

Shaking your head you start laughing only to be paused from the pain shooting up your body.

Amajiki

Your partner watches intently as you work. He always did this, because he said it made him feel better. Watching you work when he had nothing to do. Somewhere along the way of learning you had been given the task to create new things for uniform fabrics. He remembered how when you both met and you made him something only for him to learn how your quirk actually worked.

Your blood infused with fabrics could change them drastically. A fabric that couldn’t be cut with most known blades unless you bled on it. A super stretchy fabric that didn’t wear easily if at all, water resistant fabric, changing a fabric to be flame retardant. Your quirk was virtually limitless if you had drawn enough blood.

“Tamaki? You’re staring pretty hard right now, did I mess up the pattern somewhere?” You pause a bit confused as you look over the piece.

Chuckling a big he shakes his head. “I just thought you looked beautiful.”

Okay now you messed up, quickly switching off the machine you felt yourself gradually melt to the floor. “What did I do to deserve someone as kind as you?”

“N-no I’m the lucky one,” he argues.

“I’m not beautiful and you know that, all these scars from trying to figure out how to use my quirk.” You laugh jokingly.

But Tamaki grabs your hands tightly. “You are beautiful, scars and all.”

You couldn’t help but smile, it was a stupid smile that one only makes when they’re drunk on love. “You’re beautiful too Tamaki. As beautiful as the moon.”

His face quickly reddens, but he did have enough sense to pick you up off the floor. Your work space was a workplace hazard in more ways than one.

“Don’t ever say your scars aren’t beautiful, without your abilities some many more people would be in danger,” he huffs, his ears burning from his embarrassment from your earlier comment.

“Mm, I’ll try.”

Bakugo

Katsuki hardly cared about his scars. He took care of his body and as long as he could do his job as a hero who cared what he looked like. But usually he’d skim over his scars when getting changed and a recent exchange made him angry seeing his scars.

You were working like usual, heroes were still plentiful but the job was safe. Your hero costume featured a mask to shield your face from others. Only he and a few trusted people ever saw your face without the mask. So during the recent publicity event when someone chastised and scolded you for your scar Katsuki had to be held back.

“It’s fine, I’m used to it,” you had said, but you still cried yourself to sleep in his arms.

It was a scar that left you permanently inhibited, taking one eye with it. After all the healing you’d gone through and everything one person’s comment could still bring you down.

“Tsuki? Are you okay?” You ask, crossing your arms.

He scoffs. “I’m fine.”

“Tomorrow is the gala right?”

“Mm.”

“Would you be mad if I said I’d rather stay home?”

Why? He didn’t want to go, you didn’t, might as well.

“Then we don’t have to go.” He shakes the wrinkles out of his shirt before folding it.

You pause. “What?”

“I didn’t stutter.”

“I never said you did, are you sure we can just-

Katsuki stops folding the clothes and faces you. “I’m tired, so are you. Plus, you need a break from your mask. Whose fucking idea was it for it to be so tight to your face? Can’t even fucking breathe properly in that damn thing.”

You blink. “Wait, do you think I’m upset about what that person said?”

He narrows his eyes.

“Katsuki, seriously? I’ve had this scar since I was like five. Sure as shit ain’t pretty, but someone who doesn’t matter to me isn’t gonna make me upset.” You laugh. “If this hadn’t happened to me I would have never learned how to feel around for water and sense things with it.”

He smirks, pulling you into a hug. “Damn right. But we’re still not going to the gala.”

“Don’t wanna wear a tie?”

He didn’t answer you.

Kaminari

When you got married to Denki the first thing he did was make you cry. Because for some reason that was shut what he did. At your wedding in front of all your friends. Were you drunk? No. Had it been a long day? Yes. But somehow it was even more memorable.

Instead of a traditional or western “wedding” you both decided a small get together for family and friends would be so much better, on the condition your parents even showed up. As you looked at the scar that you both shared across your arms you couldn’t help but giggle.

“What are you looking at bumblebee?” He asked and his voice seemed to fall. “Oh.”

For Kaminari it held a different meaning. You were always so careful, it came with the territory of being a support item creator especially with a quirk like yours. Telekinesis could be powerful and used in many different ways but you used it both as a crutch and a tool to protect yourself. So when he saw that his mistake blemished your skin he thought “I just vowed to protect her and got her hurt.”

“I feel like it’s beautiful. Luckily Yoko could heal it up,” you smile brushing your fingers on your own scar.

“I’m sorry.”

You frown. “I like this scar. It’s not the first one I’ve ever gotten but it’s ours.”

“I didn’t know that knives could split like that if the wrong pressure is placed on it.”  He mumbles.

“It’ll be a good teaching moment for when this one gets older.” You coo brushing the hair from the child’s eye. “I’m sure Teru will think it’s funny how his parents share a scar. Though I think the story of how we met  will top that.”

“I guess you’re right. But I’m still sorry,” Kaminari pouts.

“You have more than made up for it, my overpowered pikachu.” You grab him by the face and squeeze it a bit before kissing him.

“Do you think Teru will get scars?”

“As he gets older yeah,” you nod, looking at the baby again.

“You’re happy with me right y/n?” Denki squeezes your scarred hand with his own.

“Of course I am. Accidental exploding knife and all. I think that made our wedding more memorable for me,” you chuckle. “I feel like it was my fault.”

“No, you can’t do anything wrong.”

Shinso

You smile as you finish giving the kitten a bath. Fostering the stray cats so they could be taken care of or at least fixed was probably one of the few things you were glad your house could accommodate. Which made you think about the first time things like this happened. Trying to help a stray dog which resulted in a nasty bite as a child. But regardless you got the dog to safety. Your mom wasn’t all that happy about the bite.

“Hey puddin,” you smile as the older cat rubs against your face. “You know where to leave your gifts. Hitoshi will be coming over tonight.”

You giggle thinking about the first time you met him. Helping out at your parents' rescue center Shinso Hitoshi came in with his arms and face bleeding as the cat tried to free itself of his hold. You damn near panicked because of it. Even laughing with him as you patched him up.

“Look we match.” He joked showing his own bite mark wound.

As he walked in you held the now dry kitten, purring snatched the kitten from you and started taking care of it herself.

“Okay mama, looks like my job is done.” You roll your eyes about to wash your hands.

“Was there any trouble?” Hitoshi asks puttting the groceries down.

“No, I just thought about how I met you.” You hum.

Hitoshi thinks for a moment and nods. “Oh, well I’m glad we match. Doing stuff like this would be hard otherwise.”

You look at the scars you both bear, if not for these you might never have met your best friend.

Shoji

When you met Shoji you had never expected it to be through your quirk. The ability to walk through people’s dreams and exist in that separate space. He’s much taller than you so even if your eyes weren’t glued to the floor you wouldn’t have usually made eye contact with him. Once you spent more time with him you had wondered about the mask why he wore it, but in fear of prying you kept your questions to yourself.

You’d always lived in the city you read about the way heteromorphs were treated in rural areas so seeing it first hand through a nightmare of his. Made you hurt. People who thought they were better than others hurt innocent people, it made you angry. But as he lays in your lap sleeping after a long day of hero work you keep your tears at bay.

“Why is this coming to mind now?” You mumble.

Shoji stirs in his sleep, and you bring your hand to his hair, rubbing his head much like how he did for you when you apologized for your inability to control your own quirk. His scars weren’t what made him, and you were glad at least he could come to terms with it. But the people who cared for him— like you. Will probably always feel pain. Leaning down, you kiss him and he chuckles.

“Are you crying again?”

You sniffle trying to make your voice normal. “No.”

“It’s in the past, things are slow to go but there’s been change since we were in school.” Shoji yawns a bit before sitting up. “Aside from thinking about the past, what are you thinking?”

“How beautiful you are,” you hum, stretching up a bit you cradle his face in your free hand. “Because it takes a lot to be this beautiful.”

He kisses the inside of your hand. “Only you say things like this.”

“And you know that I mean them. Just hold me back after counting to three if anyone dares say anything.” You clock your tongue.

“Hmm, I’ll give you five seconds.”

“Truly kind indeed to couple with your beauty,” you giggle, bowing your head a bit. “I am not worthy.”

But he didn’t laugh this time, instead he pulled you into his lap and just held you there. He does take your cup away from you.

“I thought you weren’t supposed to be drinking coffee after five, stardust?” He frowns at the liquid and you avert your gaze.

“It’s decaf.” You lie.

He smells the cup and puts it on the coffee table before locking you in his hold. “I believe that’s enough ‘not coffee’ for one evening.”

Leaning back on his chest and looking up at him you still smile. “While your scars come from a bad memory I hope since they’ve healed you have a million more to make the bad seem insignificant. Plus I meant it when I said you’re beautiful.”

It was his turn to hold your face in one of his hands. “I know stardust. I know.”

#bnha x reader #bnha x y/n #bakugo x reader #midoriya x reader #kirishima x reader #mirio x reader #amajiki x reader #todoroki x reader #shinso x reader #kaminari x reader #shoji x reader #shoji mezo x reader #bnha angst #bakugou x y/n #bakugo x y/n #bakugo x you #bakugou x you #bakugou x reader #midoriya x y/n #midoriya x you #kirishima x y/n #kirishima x you #mirio x you #mirio x y/n #amajiki tamaki x reader #amajiki x you #amajiki x y/n #todoroki x y/n #todoroki shouto x you #todoroki x you

[pianostarinwonderland]

I'm curious do you think that it's possible to have a healthy relationship with Azul??

I've been reading a lot of Azul x reader fanfics and they're all Nice and all, but it also got me thinking of an actual healthy relationship with Azul Coul be possible? since you know he has a lot of issues and since your a Azul Stan and you seem to know him quite well, do you think it's possible??

OOOOOOH rubs hands gleefully I love this ask holy shit

So I'm going to start this by saying that a lot of this is my opinion, and it's one that's formed by not just how I read Azul but also by experiences I've gone through with relationships, both romantic and platonic. I'll try to give an essay that's as close to his character as possible, but this is already written with biases.

So anyway, the short answer to this is: Yes. I believe you can have a healthy relationship with Azul. But it's going to take a fucking long time till you even get there, and you really have to prove that you're not only a good friend to begin with, but someone trustworthy and someone with a dash of Fucked Up to understand him.

The long answer?

One of the first things about Azul that must be understood when you write him in a romantic setting is that his view on relationships is damaged. And I mean that with italics. It's not exactly a secret with his transactional mindset. He follows the give and take policy, contract or no contract. The best example you'll see of this is his PE Uniform story, with how he didn't want Jamil to give him flying lessons, not until Jamil asked for a price. He's not into gifts either, because he'd give something back to you anyway, which you see in his first Valentine's letter.

But if we dig deeper, this also may stem from his home environment and past bullying.

Starting with the home environment, his parents divorced. It must have left an impression on him, all the more if there were arguments in the household. First impressions last, and there may always be that little reminder in his head that many relationships can fall apart, even with an official contract in place.

Then the nature of Coral Sea and his past with bullying. Jade in his Platinum Jacket story (TL by mysteryshoptls) narrates a time when some sharks didn't fulfill their promises to him.

Jade: I wouldn’t say that… Back in the ocean, there were a few sharks that had refused to honor their promises. As I was entreating them to fulfill their duty, they all decided to bilk their promise altogether.

Coral Sea doesn't seem to be a very friendly environment, at least in the perspectives of the Octavinelle trio. They also seem to be discriminated against, with Azul's being pretty obvious and the tweels more on the speculation side. Thus, Azul was prone to that sort of unfriendliness and even betrayal. It wouldn't be surprising if some merfolk or animals did the same thing that the sharks did to Jade.

Overall, Azul's relationship with... relationships is not exactly healthy due to the circumstances he grew up with, and that has to be taken note of.

However, I do believe that Azul wants to connect with someone deeply. And it's probably one of his biggest yearnings. It seems ironic that he being so guarded and transactional with people would yearn for such a connection. But honestly, it's the very guarded people who desire that kind of relationship the most. It's tiring to carry your guard up all the time. Wouldn't it be great for once to have a relationship where you just don't have to keep it up anymore?

I think there's reason to believe that Azul is hopeful for such a connection to enter his life too. His mom found a second man, and from the few stories that he shared of his family, she and her new partner seem to be doing really well. Azul calls him 'father', and has described him to be kind and sensitive. And their relationship is likely to have started when Azul was still very young, if we assume that the restaurant boomed in business during his mom's second relationship. So Azul may have witnessed his mom's divorce really young, but he also saw early on that there can be a relationship that thrives with the right person.

To a big extent, you'll see this desire he has to have a deep connection with people in canon. An obvious but still notable one is Azul and his relationship with Jade and Floyd. A big part of his OB had to do with the two of them not following him and Floyd calling him lame. The Octavinelle CM exhibits this attachment he has to them as well. In Jade's Platinum story, Jade says he occasionally gives Azul coins. In Floyd's Lab card lines, he states that he'd give Azul shiny things on occasion. They both give Azul these gifts, and there's no hint that Azul gives them something in return, which is unlike his usual principle of give and exchange.

Outside of the twins, you also can see that it is possible to get Azul to be comfortable with someone. Book 6 showcases this at the end of the Riddle-Azul tower, when Azul fell asleep on Riddle's shoulder. This is after clearing their huge misunderstanding about why Riddle is often shielding Azul. Azul thought Riddle was underestimating his strength, but his reason for shielding Azul is just so he wouldn't have to treat a mer without a license or he'd be breaking the law. And it's so Riddle coded that Azul easily took it as the truth and saw that Riddle was really looking out for him. The progression of trust being built in this case seems pretty quick, sure, but it has to be noted too that Azul knew Riddle for more than a year at this point. They're both some of the top scorers in their year level, and they're fellow dorm leaders who have worked together. And Azul definitely knows Riddle's honesty and strict adherence with all kinds of rules, so it helps him trust Riddle more.

Honesty is not the only thing that Azul needs, though. He likely wants to connect with someone who's got that brand of fucked up like him. And this is where I bring up his dynamic with Jamil.

For this part, I'd like to link this wonderful thread made by @/kennae_bae because it highlights a few things I want to discuss here. This thread is mainly in the light of Azul/Jamil, but it goes into the need for connection that they both have as individuals. Of course, for the purposes of this essay, we mainly focus on Azul.

To an extent, Azul's view on Jamil gives us an idea of what he does when he wants to connect with certain folks. Firstly, it's seen in how he likes to approach Jamil a lot more so than other characters. He's offered on more than one occasion for Jamil to transfer to Octavinelle, which the thread has elaborated on. Even though he sees benefit in getting closer to other characters like Malleus (which has been shown in both Halloween Azul and Lab Sebek vignettes), he gives this offer to Jamil because he knows his potential. Azul is the type to see the strengths and potential of most people, and usually, he'd either see use for it or simply comment and do nothing with it if there's no benefit. But Jamil is different; it's true that if Azul just wants him to work at the lounge, he'd be much more forward with it and name a price. However, by wanting Jamil to join Octavinelle, and thus work together with him, Azul is also implying that he wants Jamil in a closer circle of friends.

But that's just one small part of it. I think the part that really shows his yearning to connect with someone like Jamil is in Book 4-34, when Azul gives his own thoughts about the situation between Kalim and Jamil:

Azul: The things you say out of unwavering faith in others will rub people like Jamil or I the wrong way. Rather, to those who live their lives on a budget, it sounds like condescending sarcasm. (TL by shel_bb)

Notice how Azul mentions himself along with Jamil in that one sentence. In that line alone, it sounds like he's connecting himself with Jamil because he feels that they are similar. And that acts as reassurance to Azul, that there's someone else (outside of Jade and Floyd) that could understand his pains.

However, having similar traumas and everything isn't a huge requirement to get to connect with Azul. If it was, he definitely would have let Jamil teach him flying in his PE story. But if he can at least see that you can understand the things he goes through (and maybe even empathize just slightly), it definitely opens up gates to having a deeper relationship with him.

Now okay, we really just covered one half and a bit of the question: is a relationship with Azul possible? Yes. But now we have to address the other half: the healthy relationship part.

To which case, I would say yes. I think the longevity of his relationship with Jade and Floyd is already a testament to this in some way, and all three of them have stayed together in spite of his overblot.

Now this is definitely biased, but I believe a glimpse of a possible healthy relationship with Azul can be found in Book 3-38. After everything that had transpired, Azul goes to return the photo to the Atlantica museum. And I believe most of you reading this will know this conversation.

Azul: I thought that if I could erase all the photos from my past, my time spent being bullied as a "dumb clumsy octopus" would vanish with them. The Sea Witch never hid her dark past but faced it and worked to overwrite her reputation. I kept saying I wanted to be like her, but... in the end, I couldn't accept who I was and tried to act like it never happened. (TL by shel_bb)

In this segment, we have Azul becoming vulnerable to us about his feelings. And I think this is important to bring up because (1) most of the OB characters do not get this vulnerable about their feelings post-OB (aside from Vil, who even then had a professional front when he apologized to the NRC Tribe), and (2) you just don't get Azul sharing something so vulnerable very often. He usually keeps his feelings unsaid so that people don't potentially use them against him. Yet there he is, admitting to you the reason why he wanted the photo he made you steal. And then Yuu reassures him and compliments him, to which Azul responds with:

Azul: My... hard work? Pfft. There is no need for you to flatter me. I only wanted to get back at those who had made fun of me for so long.

And that's all said with a smile. He's happy to get those compliments. =w=

But to cap it off, a healthy relationship with Azul means that it's a relationship where he can let himself be vulnerable to the other person. It is definitely huge bonus points if the other is not only trustworthy but also someone that can understand him somehow.

However, it definitely still takes him a lot of time, especially with how much he goes through. I think that's why you really have to prioritize friendship in order to have a healthy relationship with him. Being able to have a good lasting friendship with Azul would let him trust that you'd be a great partner in life. It definitely will take years, but when you can connect and be open and honest together, a healthy relationship with Azul is possible.

#twisted wonderland #twst #azul ashengrotto #ask

[justmystyles]

Hey, you are literally one of my favorite writers out here. I honestly love every piece you've written, it's just all really really really good. (guess I am not as good with words as you, oops)

Anyway, I am so glad your requests are open. I was wondering if you could write something where the reader comes from a difficult family. emotionally abusive mother, distant father, eldest daughter syndrome, all that jazz.

So she's sort of moved away but still keeps in touch with her family cuz she does sorta love them but it's hard. So it's like she's got some body image issues and she's closed off, pretty funny but likes to use humor to hide her feelings, has a lot of acquaintances but doesn't like sharing herself with people much (why do I feel like I am describing someone specific lol)

And one day it all just becomes too much ig. I don't know exactly how the story goes, guess I am just looking for some comfort. had a weird few days.

Honestly, love you work. You're great. Thank you for reading that bs. Doesn't matter much if you decide to write it or not. You're already perfect. <3

Let's talk about this ask I got a few weeks ago, shall we?

First of all, I am honored to be considered one of your favorite writers on here, your words are so sweet and I love you.

Now, getting down to business, this ask genuinely made me cry because I know this reader. I am this reader and it was truly terrifying that a stranger on the internet described me so well to me. As soon as I read this, I knew it was going to be my next series, and after weeks of taking down notes and ideas, I finally started actually writing it today.

It'll still be a bit before I start putting it out there, this premise means so much to me that I want to really take my time and do it the justice it deserves, but I have included a little teaser for you below the read more so that you can get a taste of what I'm working on. I've also tagged my tag list peeps so that you all can see what I've been up to.

I'll still be working on NYIML and the other asks I have (if you sent me one, I love you and I'm working on it, please be patient, life has kind of blown up over the last week or so).

You would watch on in awe, watching the music come to life, watching Harry work. From time to time, you would meet his gaze, noticing a softness in his eyes that warmed your insides. You brushed your feelings off, reminding yourself that Harry was just a kind person. He probably looked at everyone like that. He would often invite you to join the group for lunch, or drinks after a successful session. You always declined politely, certain he was just asking to be polite. 

But Harry wasn’t just asking to be polite, and those looks that he threw in your direction were different than the way he would look at anyone else. He was fascinated by you, he felt like he needed to know more. When he met you, he thought you were beautiful, and the refreshments that you had laid out showed how kind and thoughtful you were. But he knew there was more to you, and he couldn’t wait to find out all of it.

You truly were the studio mom, always making sure everyone had what they needed. You would bring coffee and breakfast in the morning, make everyone’s lunch orders, or reservations if they decided to go out. But you would never join them. He found that curious, but also disappointing. He understood if you wanted to focus on work while you were all locked away in the studio, hoping to take those lunches and extra curricular times to get to know you, but those moments never came. 

He had asked your coworkers about you, hoping to gain some kind of intel that could help him break the ice. Everyone told him how sweet you were, always asking about them and their goings on, but often changing the subject when the conversation would turn to you. He also learned about how funny you were. He would have never guessed, based on how quiet you’d been around him. He figured some of that was because of his celebrity status, he was used to people being shy around him, but they would typically warm up over time. You hadn’t. 

There was a bit of worry in his mind that maybe you had an issue with him. You weren’t cold with him, you had always been incredibly kind in your interactions with him and that threw him for a loop. He racked his brain, trying to think of anything he might have said or done to upset you, but nothing came to mind. Perhaps you just weren’t a fan of his? Whatever it was, he was determined to figure it out. 

One afternoon, he was coming back from lunch and he overheard you talking to someone in one of the studios. He lingered by the doorway, he knew eavesdropping was wrong, but he was desperate. 

The conversation wasn’t much, you were just talking about a television show, but he heard the excitement in your voice and couldn’t help but smile. You sounded so cute. And then you laughed, and he could have died right there on the spot. You had an incredible laugh. He wanted to do anything to be the reason that beautiful sound came out of your mouth. 

Harry was so distracted that he didn’t notice that you were coming out of the studio. You weren’t expecting anyone to be standing there, so you bumped right into him. 

“Oh my gosh, I am so sorry Harry.” Your eyes were wide with panic.

He put his hands on your shoulders to steady you. “Don’t be. That was on me. It’s what I get for zoning off in front of doors.” He chuckled. 

You smiled politely and nodded at him. “Are you okay? Do you need anything?” 

“I was actually hoping to talk–”

He was interrupted by the ring of your phone. You pulled it out of your pocket and saw your mother’s name flash across the screen. “Crap, I’m so sorry it’s my mom. Do you mind if I take this?”

“No, not at all. You should always take calls from your mum.” 

“Right,” you scoff. “You’ve never talked to my mother.” You answer the phone, walking away quickly. 

He noticed your posture stiffen when you answered, and he hoped everything was okay. Once you were out of sight, he left, returning to the studio. “Y/N is taking a phone call, she’ll be right back.” 

When you finally returned, you apologized with a smile on your face, but Harry could see the sadness in your eyes. You took a seat at the computer, and he came up behind you, placing his hand softly on your back. You subconsciously relaxed into his touch. 

“Is everything alright?” He asked. 

You put on your best fake smile, which he immediately saw though. “Yeah, thanks.” 

He wanted to press, but he knew it wasn’t the right time or place. He also wasn’t totally sure you even liked him.

@allthelovehes @ameerakane20 @ash-craze @bethanysnow @blue-ballad @blueraspberryreader @brightlightsinlife @creativelyeva @cute-as-ducks420 @deannaard @fanficismydrug @gem1712 @golden-hoax @gothmingguk @groovychaosavenue @hillzrry @iceebabies @indierockgirrl @jerseygirlinca @jng4kook @jooniesbabie @kaverichauhan @laurxn-robinson @lexiecamposv @likeapplejuicenpeach @lilfreakjez @mrs-anna-styles211994 @n0vaj3an @potterheadandsherlocked @rach2699 @ravenclawdirectioner @stylesfeverr @superchrystaldrug @tenaciousperfectionunknown @tiaamberxx @thechaoticjoy @theekyliepage @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @youknowwhaaat

#harry styles #harry styles fanfic #harry styles x plus size reader #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles x fem!reader #harry styles x reader #harry edward styles #harry styles headcanon #harry styles x you #harry styles imagine #harry concept #harry styles fan fiction #harry styles angst #harry styles fic #harry styles x y/n

[kazoosandfannypacks]

chapter summary: sabine is thrown on the spot to give a speech. later, she and ezra hang out for a brief moment at his party. chapter word count: 1K a/n: no beta we die like kanan taglist:@laughingphoenixleader@accidental-spice@kanerallels@piraterefrigerator@jedi-nurse@dootchster@lucasbridger@redroverrider@light-umbra@commander-tech {if you’d like to be added to or removed from my Sabezra taglist, let me know!}

also on ao3!

Chapter 5: Solus Tome

 After the parade, Senator Organa took to the platform at the edge of the balcony and began to address the people. Sabine listened, but the speech was interrupted by a tap on her shoulder, and she turned to see Ryder Azadi.

 "I know it's short notice," he said, "but we thought that you might like to give a speech as well to celebrate Bridger's return."

 "You're right," Sabine shook her head, "it is short notice."

 "We felt it'd be best not to give you enough time to give us a repeat of last time," he half laughed.

 Right. Last time she had to give a speech and turned and ran instead, because one of Lothal's heroes had yet to return. Now that he had, what excuse did she have, besides being woefully unprepared?

 Though, she could always fake it with some stuff she'd prepared for the last speech.

 "I guess," Sabine shrugged.

 "Great," Ryder said, "because Senator Organa is introducing you right now."

 Sabine turned to see Senator Organa saying her name and turning to her with a gesture of welcome.

 "Now?" Sabine turned back to ask Ryder, but he'd already left.

 She then turned back to where Senator Organa stood. Everything in her was telling her to run instead— but then she saw Ezra, standing next to Organa, with an encouraging smile.

 "You crossed galaxies for him," Sabine thought, "public speaking for him should be a walk in the park in comparison."

 She stepped up to the front of the balcony, met by a warm handshake from the Senator, then spoke to the crowds of thousands below, hoping her words wouldn't get her into any trouble this time.

 "Hello, people of Lothal," Sabine said, and the people started cheering, "I may not have come from Lothal— in case the armor hasn't made it obvious— but in many ways, Lothal is a home to me. The people of Lothal have always been friendly, and brave, and even in great darkness, you've had hope in the light and fought for your future. That's what Lothal is to me, and no one captures that Lothal spirit like Ezra Bridger."

 She looked at Ezra, standing next to her, looking at her with the kind of smile and look in his eyes that sets two people apart from the entire galaxy, and her next words were almost only for him, "I'll admit, it took a while for that spirit to grow on me, but I'm glad it has. It's an honor to serve with you through the years, and even more to be the one to bring you back," and the crowd's cheering rose to a scream that couldn't be ignored, reminding Sabine of her place again, and she turned back to them.

 "Where I come from, as a Mandalorian, the only thing we valued more than our weapons was our family. I may," Sabine took a deep breath, shaking her head, "I may not have a lot of family left, but Ezra always will be part of it. It's an honor to have him home."

 The crowd cheered as she concluded, and their cheering didn't fade as she found herself smiling at Ezra, followed by them pulling each other into a hug.

 Even with everyone on Lothal watching— even if everyone in the galaxy had been watching— it may as well have been just her and Ezra in that moment. It's one thing to hug a friend and it's another to hug someone after saying all those nice things about them, and it's another thing entirely to hug someone once you've found out you're in love with them— and when all of those are true? It's a moment to be treasured for a long time.

 ———

 After the speeches were over, there was a huge party— but Sabine had never been much of one for huge parties, and found herself much more content to stand against the back wall of the room and watch the party from the sidelines.

 But the party soon came to her— or at least, the guest of honor did, carrying a drink in each hand.

 "Still not a fan of parties?" Ezra asked.

 "Oh, parties are fine," Sabine said, taking one of the drinks as Ezra handed it to her, "it's the people I can't stand."

 Ezra smiled, but then his expression shifted into confusion.

 "Don't worry," Sabine said, taking a sip from her glass, "you're not one of those people."

 "Good," Ezra said. He leaned on the wall next to her and took a couple sips of his drink, mostly glancing at the others in the room, though not without a few glances at Sabine.

 "Do I really know all these people?" Ezra asked, looking out at the party that'd gathered for him.

 "Most of 'em," Sabine said, "looks like there's a few Rebellion heroes that it would've been an affront if the New Republic didn't invite."

 Ezra squinted into the distance, then almost dropped his drink in surprise.

 "How did Lando Calrissian get an invite?" Ezra asked.

 "He's one of those Rebellion heroes," Sabine explained, "double crossed Senator Organa and her friends one time, then had a change of heart and joined the rebels, or, something like that."

 "I guess sometimes people really can change," Ezra said.

 "You can say that again," Sabine said, having especially thought a lot these past few days about how much she and Ezra had changed.

 "What?" Ezra asked, looking at her in a way she wouldn't've liked him to years ago, but that now gave her a stupid rush of emotion.

 "Nothing," Sabine shook her head, not having realized she was smiling as she stared at him, "it's just good to have you back."

"It's so good to be home," Ezra said, "thanks again for, well, everything."

 "Don't mention it," Sabine said, and she made the beautiful mistake of looking him in the eyes as she did so, and getting herself lost in them, "I think it was worth it."

 As stupid as Ezra's smile at her was in that moment, Sabine was hit by three realizations— one: that she really liked his stupid smile, two: that she was probably responding to his stupid smile with a stupid smile of her own, and three: that he probably really liked her stupid smile too.

 "There's no way we're not in love," she told herself, "and maybe that's a good thing. If he tries to flirt this time, I won't stop him."

 Ezra sighed with contentment. "You know, I really…" he started, but didn't finish.

 "What?" Sabine asked.

 "No," Ezra looked away from her, though not at anything in particular, "I just, uh…" he glanced back at her and shook his head, "I have to go, uh, talk to people."

 "Okay," Sabine nodded, though she was not, in fact, okay.

 Sabine knew why Ezra'd just left— because she'd left him last night, and he was respecting that.

 But as she watched him walk away, immediately greeted by friends and surrounded with camaraderie, she couldn't shake the feeling that, even with the hundreds of people around her, she was entirely alone.

#star wars #sabezra #sabine wren #ezra bridger #fanfiction #sabezra fanfic #ahsoka series #ahsoka spoilers #star wars rebels #lando calrissian #ryder azadi #leia organa #kazzy writes #kazzy writes fanfic #otp: im counting on you

[the-wayside]

I'm clearing out my fic rambles of things that I wrote that might have been things but probably won't be (at least for a while). I just need them out of my brain space so I can focus on the important stuff.

the memories of you, t/m?, 2k. Older Porsche/younger Kinn. A prologue I guess? It traces to the point at which the hypothetical story would start.

(Heads up, there is ten years' difference and they meet when Kinn is thirteen. nothing underage happens.)

Porsche has worked for the Theerapanyakul family a long time and even amongst all of those years, his loyalty has only ever been to the one who picked him up off the street, bloodied and broken in too many places, and told him he would help him take care of his brother. P’Chan had been his hero in more ways than one, but unfortunately, it’s been almost as many years since Porsche stood at the bottom of P'Chan's open grave and said his goodbyes to his mentor, replacing him as the head of security. Now pushing thirty-seven, he’s got the greys and the body aches that come with the life he’s lived.

He also knows that in and amongst all of it, he was little Kinn Theerapanyakul’s first love. Introduced at twenty-three to his charge’s younger brother, a pale little thirteen-year-old with braces and a bright smile, Porsche found him endearing in his openness. He never said a single word to Porsche for months but his eyes would always light up when Porsche walked into a room and he was distinctly quiet during their training sessions when Porsche would peel off his sweaty vest and wipe his face with it. More than once, Kinn had disappeared with a flushed face and an awkward boner passed off as needing to finish his homework. Porsche left him be because he was harmless. His crush made him interested in things he was not natural to, like gunmanship and knife fighting.

“You need to be as good a shot with your left as your right, Kinn,” Porsche bit his tongue not to call him, Little Dragon, his pet name for Kinn when they first met. Small, but fierce.

Kinn wasn’t a natural, but he was outstanding. And puberty finally blessed him. It cleared up his skin, and with his braces off, his winning smile became blinding. He was still a little scrawny as a teen so Porsche frequently had Nya, the compound chef, cook him up some more chicken and eggs which he tried to push off.

“I can’t eat anymore,” Kinn groused as he rubbed his little belly full of food.

“You need protein to rebuild your muscles. Can’t get strong on rice and salad,” Porsche reminded him.

“You don’t even eat this much,” Kinn whined and Porsche smiled.

“I’m not built to be a heavyweight. You could pack on some serious muscle if you wanted to, Little Dragon.”

Kinn flushes, “Don’t call me that.”

“Why, ‘cause it’s cute?” Porsche teased him, “You are the littlest dragon. Maybe one day you'll grow—”

“I’m grown,” Kinn volleyed with conviction and Porsche stopped because there was an iron to it that he’s never heard from Kinn.

“Are you now?” Porsche replied to ease the tension. “You won’t mind if we do ten proper rounds tomorrow then.”

Kinn exhaled because he’s bought himself a world of pain, but Porsche ruffled his hair, “Don’t be in such a hurry, Kinn, growing up is the worst thing you can do.”

Porsche had watched him grow and become a young man and he was proud. It was an awful day when Khun Korn had set his succession on Kinn’s still too slim shoulders. He smiled like he was grateful and honored, but Porsche watched as the light dimmed from his eyes. He was only eighteen. His ‘adulthood’ had coincided with a changing of mantles. No longer was Tankhun the heir to the family business, it was now Kinn, with all the knowledge that Porsche taught him and then some.

“Did you know?” Kinn breathed as they stood out on his suite balcony.

“I did,” Porsche told him honestly. He knew his work would transition from one heir to the other.

“Fuck you,” Kinn spat at him and Porsche accepted it with a shrug.

Kinn pushed him and said it again and Porsche did nothing to defend himself.

Porsche grabbed still thin wrists and pulled Kinn into him for the hug he didn’t get from his father, “You’re going to be okay; I promise, I’ll take care of you.”

Kinn sobbed for the life he would never have only once, buried in Porsche’s shoulder as he stroked his hair and rubbed his back.

Porsche cupped Kinn’s face when he emerged, puffy and red, and rubbed his cheeks with his thumbs, “There you go.”

Kinn has big brown eyes under thick eyebrows and they made Porsche smile and he stroked his hand over Kinn’s face. The air shifts and Kinn’s hands gripped tighter on Porsche’s waist.

Porsche was about to stop him when Kinn looked down at his lips, “Just once?”

Their dynamic was about to change completely. Porsche would stop being his teacher and shift into his bodyguard, his humor replaced by a list of requirements to ensure Kinn’s safety. They would never be Porsche and Little Dragon again.

In a way, Kinn now in a way looks exactly like the boy he met five years ago, but he’s also a man and Porsche understood him perfectly. He wanted a memory to hold onto. Porsche isn’t so cruel as to deny him that.

“Just once.” Because it’s stupid, irrational, and likely to get him fired and lose everything.

Porsche tipped Kinn’s face up by his chin and sealed his lips over Kinn’s. Kinn sighed and relaxed like it drained all the unhappiness away from him. He fumbles a bit as he opened his mouth and tried to tease Porsche, but it was clumsy, so Porsche worked with him, gentling him and pushing his tongue into Kinn’s mouth as he tugged on Porsche’s hips to bring him in closer. Teaching him as he had always taught him. And then Porsche could feel him pressing hard against his thigh as he licked Kinn’s soft palate and dragged his tongue over Kinn’s before he let them part with a slow kiss against Kinn’s lips. Kinn trembled and Porsche silently folded that up into himself because it was beautiful.

Kinn looked at him with a dazed expression and his lips were red.

“I’ll report to you 7 am sharp tomorrow, Khun Kinn.”

It’s a simple sentence, but it destroyed everything. Porsche was reassigned to Khun as if nothing had changed and Kinn disappeared to study abroad. Porsche only ever heard from him to have weekly updates via teleconference, no video, to keep him in the loop on his brother’s progress. It was as if Porsche was being held away by the length of an invisible stick and Kinn would not let him any closer.

He knows now that wasn’t the end, but it was the beginning of the end. The true end had come at when Kinn was twenty-three and he had come back from school and his year abroad in France, strong and more defined in himself and even more set on his feelings. Confronted with a man who knew what he wanted Porsche struggled to keep the line between them. Kinn wasn’t a child and he wouldn’t be contained.

“Porsche,” Kinn called him over and he walked up to the front of Kinn’s desk. He bowed politely and Kinn pressed his hands together under his chin, the rain a distant sound that prickled between them. “You were wounded on the last excursion.”

He had some fantastic bruising and there is a tense moment between them where Kinn expected him to raise his shirt and he did not.

“I appreciate your concern, Khun, but it’s nothing to fret over,” Porsche immediately realized he had set Kinn off. A rookie error.

“I don’t need you to define what my concerns are,” Kinn scolded him. “If my family is to remain protected you had best be up to the job and to prove it.”

Kinn motioned for Porsche to come and stand before him as he turned his chair away from his desk to make space for Porsche in front of him.

Porsche complied to save a fight and unbuttoned his suit vest, stripped it off and then his shirt. The biggest bruise bloomed ugly on his waist and up onto his ribs. It looked and felt like he had been hit with a boulder. Kinn’s fingers reached out and hovered over touching him. Porsche also realized that he’s softer in places than Kinn remembered, Porsche’s want and willingness to lean and hone his body had taken somewhat of a backseat due to his lessened workload. He’s still cut and his stomach ripples as he turns away from Kinn, but there is a soft overlay that cushions his stomach as Kinn grasps him and holds him by the pained part of his side.

“Ow,” Porsche can’t help it, and perversely, Kinn digs into it harder. Porsche pushes him off and Kinn grabs the back of his thigh and Porsche stumbles into him. Kinn hooks his hands around Porsche’s thighs and somehow hikes him up onto his lap in the chair.

Porsche is left to look down at Kinn, his thighs on either side of Kinn’s as Kinn held his hips, eyes trained on his bruise. He asked Porsche, “Did you kill them?”

“Of course, I killed them. They could have harmed the family.”

Kinn ducked and pressed his forehead against Porsche’s bare chest, “The family.”

Porsche yelped as strong fingers dig into his rear and he tried to pry Kinn loose, “Khun—”

“Fuck you,” Kinn told him once again, those big brown eyes coming up to scorn him. One hand loosens and grabbed Porsche by the back of the neck and yanked him down to press him against Kinn’s mouth. Unlike the clumsy eighteen-year-old, Kinn at twenty-three had practiced, and he stole Porsche’s breath away as he consumed him, tongue demanding entrance into his mouth, doing anything, including jabbing Porsche’s bruise to get it. Porsche gasped, startled and Kinn was inside. His grip meant that Porsche couldn’t go anywhere, he was left pinned as Kinn leaned up into him and repeated back to him the same kiss he was given when they kissed last, but it was not the same. It was not humble or kind. Kinn owned him and left him wrought and raw, breath heavy as Kinn finally let him go.

Porsche was about to speak, to curb the insanity, when Kinn hauls him up with strong, stronger than Porsche remembers, arms and carries him towards the bedroom. Porsche pushed at him, “Kinn.”

“I’m a better fuck than half the guys you’ve been with. If not, I’ll never say another word.”

Porsche should have ended it, but he didn’t. He could make infinite excuses: he was weak, he was lonely, it had been a long time, and Kinn was there. The only one that was true was that in that moment, Porsche wanted him. He forgot about the history, he forgot about his place in it all and he simply wanted the gorgeous man in front of him who made him feel special because five years had passed and Porsche was still at the forefront of his mind. Because it was Kinn.

He still remembers how he cried out when he came, shameless, and Kinn crowing victoriously he wrapped his fingers around Porsche’s throat to hold him back to Kinn’s chest. The window Kinn pressed him into was cold and his legs ached but his body shivered hotly. He mewled and shook and it was exhilarating and embarrassing because Kinn was right. He was a better lay, and within an afternoon, ten years of respect went down the drain. Not respect for Kinn, Porsche’s self-respect because Kinn was his charge, even when he wasn’t, and Porsche couldn’t keep it, or his legs, together.

Maybe Kinn thought that if they slept together things would change. Porsche would change. But he didn’t. He showered and dressed and he presented himself to Kinn’s bedraggled hair and sleep-rumpled face.

“You have a meeting at 10 am, Khun Kinn.”

Kinn glares at him, “You’re fired.”

Porsche nods, “Of course.”

His father put Porsche on Khun’s detail far away from Kinn until he left for a business trip that was supposed to last six months but it ended up being three years.

Porsche figures they must have it under control by this point so that when he greets Kinn now, it can be as his true guide and mentor.

Kinn gets out of his Maserati but the passenger side door also swings open and a man, a little older than Kinn but younger than Porsche, gets out with a wide, almost smarmy, smile.

Pete nudges him in the side, “That’s Khun Kinn’s boyfriend, right?”

Porsche has no idea, “I think so.”

“When he said he was bringing him home, I didn’t think he’d go through with it,” Pete murmurs but Porsche has Kinn pinned with a look. He doesn’t know what his face is saying but Kinn is staring back at him just as hard.

Pete reaches out first with a bow, “Khun Kinn.”

“Pete, Tawan, Pete is part of my brother’s detail under Porsche,” Kinn gestures to Porsche.

Porsche doesn’t bow, “I serve as the head of security under Khun Kinn’s employ.”

He lets his gaze slide over to Tawan, “You’ll understand if we have to make some adjustments while you stay here.”

His voice is thin and tight and Kinn barely conceals his glare. Porsche doesn’t care, Tawan seems none the wiser, “That seems reasonable, it was a very abrupt visit after all. I’ve been bugging Kinn to meet his family for months.”

Months. They were fucking the last time Kinn came home and Kinn looks at him while he makes the calculation. Not that he should even have to, Kinn isn’t his boyfriend or even his fuck buddy. He’s pretty sure Kinn has a detailed list about that rather than informing his head of security that he’s bringing an unvetted individual to the compound.

“There’s no problem, is there, Porsche?” Kinn smiles but it’s vacant and he wraps his hand around Tawan’s wrist like a shackle. Porsche eyes his hand and then looks at his face, “Why would there be?”

#way writes #kinnporsche #ficlet #text

[divine-donna]

Hello there :) please could i request House of the dragon headcanons where they fall in love with Viserys’s adopted daughter who has had a dragon since birth and is a warrior 💙

hi! yes you may. however, i am making a few changes to your request if that is alright.

the first is that "daughter" will simply be changed to "child." a daughter implies a female reader and i don't believe a female reader is necessary. i want everyone to be able to read my work! however, i will be saying that (y/n) is perceived to be more feminine than their peers (if that makes sense).

the second thing is that "adopted child" will simply be "person viewed as an honorary child." idk if this may just be me, but i am not a fan of incest. and yes, it's inherently part of the show. that does not mean i'm going to write it. personally, i just don't want to do that. i did not state in my rules that i don't write for incest because i did not think it will come up. however, from now on, incest is always off the table with me. there are plenty of writers willing to go the extra mile. i'm just not one of them.

there is no debate here about if (y/n) being viserys's adopted child would make it technically not incest if certain characters fell in love with them. it's just incest, point blank.

anyways, sorry for the lengthy note. we'll dive right into it!

(y/n)’s backstory

the child to a dragonkeeper and a maidservant, you were born amidst unexpected circumstances. as a winter storm raged outside, you came into the world, fighting with as much might as possible with your little heart. perhaps it was a sign from the gods that you were destined for greatness, but none could tell. until that dragon egg your father was watching over hatched and bonded itself to you.

it was a strange occurrance, something sure to never happen again. but when told of this, king viserys took it as a sign that you were meant to be great. and so, instead of trying to put out your flames, he fanned them. you were raised to be a dragonkeeper, yes, but were also trained alongside his children. and in the process, you became a skilled warrior despite the conception that you were meant to be nothing more than a dragonkeeper and an avid watcher of tourneys rather than a participant.

the dragon that hatched from the egg you named viserion. to be fair, it wasn’t your choice to name your dragon viserion. you wanted to name it after a braavosi figure who you adored and idolized, partially because your family originally hailed from braavos prior to their migration to westeros. viserion was named in honor of the king. however, despite viserion being a masculine name, it was unknown if your dragon was male or female to others. only you knew but such trivial matters did not concern you.

viserion was a dragon that eventually grew to the size of syrax. a beautiful dragon, it was off white with a tint of pink within its scales and dark eyes. it was an aggressive dragon, one that only listened to you. even so, sometimes you had trouble giving viserion commands. weirdly enough though, viserion was very fond of vhagar. it reminded you very much of a young puppy playing with a much older, more tired hound.

ser criston cole

a someone seen with the same status as rhaenyra and aegon, criston knew that falling in love with you was wrong. it was wrong for him, a common man, to fall in love with someone perceived as highborn. and it was wrong because of his oath as a member of the kingsguard. and yet, the more he attempted to push his desires away, the stronger they came back towards him. he treated you with such contempt that you were convinced he hated you. the man would go out of his way to avoid you, if possible. it wasn’t until you confronted him about it, late at night, that he apologized for his behavior. alicent decided to slap some sense into his head. and while it does not excuse his behavior, at least he apologizes. and you know he meant it, because he became softer, nicer, kinder. and soon, you found yourself asking him to come take a ride with you on viserion, head to the vale for a diplomatic mission. and maybe he was a little more than eager to want to become your sworn protector even though you didn’t need one.

“i must apologize for my rude behavior, (y/n). it was not my intention to be aloof. i simply...have feelings for you. and these feelings are unbecoming for a man such as myself.”

daemon targaryen

daemon’s always liked challenges. when you entered into his brother’s court, he didn’t expect much of you. sure, a dragon had hatched and bonded itself with you. but to him, it was nothing special. he doesn’t pay any attention to you at all. not until years later when you participate in a tourney. you carry no flag, for you are of a much lower birth than the nobles you fight alongside. but when you knock daemon off his horse and then beat him in a trial by combat, he can’t help but feel his heart quicken. your sword almost pierced his head, stabbed next to it into the ground. yield. is what you told him. or would you prefer to become dragon feed? a strong warrior you were, he decided to seek after you. you had a small interest in the rogue prince but what really attracted you to him was how he treated you as an equal, as a capable fighter. perhaps because you had already proven yourself. either way, daemon has a thing for people with strength. defeating someone at a tourney in front of hundreds of viewers is the perfect way to get him to fall in love with you. even if it wasn’t on purpose.

“it’s not often that a warrior can defeat me. the last time it happened was with ser criston cole. tell me, little one, how did you do it? why even bother to let me live after knocking me down into the dirt?”

rhaenyra targaryen

rhaenyra very much admired you from the moment she met you. it did not matter your lowborn status. what mattered is that you rode a dragon. and therefore, you could ride with her. alicent preferred to stay on the ground. but with you? rhaenyra was free to go as high as she wanted and you would follow suit as a fellow adrenaline chaser. forget your duties and your lessons. you wanted to cross the narrow sea with rhaenyra and eat only cake. it was so easy for her to fall in love with you. she loved the way you nuzzled up to viserion, the way you smiled as viserion dove downwards through the clouds, the way syrax was always happy to see you. there were other things too, like the way you fiddled with your fingers when you were nervous or how you and her would have secret conversations in high valyrian. the way you swung your sword was effortless and with precision and grace. however, you were bound to your duty and firmly rejected her advances when you both were young. she understood, despite the shattering of her heart. rhaenyra expected you to side with her former best friend when the war of succession came around, as you were bound to the hightowers by an oath you promised to king viserys. and yet, viserion landed on the beaches of dragonstone with you on its back. and she was joyful because after all these years, she never fell out of love. only deeper.

“it has been years since i last saw your face and yet, i still remember vividly how you laugh. perhaps one can say i am sick with love. but i can never forget the first of them.”

alicent hightower

despite your lowborn status, the mere fact that you possessed a dragon mount made alicent view you as a deity, someone untouched by regular people. and yet, despite that untouchable status, she never stopped thinking about you, wanting to touch you. she was courteous when you were young, but she was cold. you did not think much of her, not until after she married viserys. it was a shock to you, much like how it was a shock to rhaenyra. and it was only until then did the two of you begin to interact more. it was how alicent got to know the real you. you would sit and listen to her laments, how she felt utterly destroyed by her sense of duty. you were all too familiar with that. despite all the good that came from your status, you wished you had stayed as a mere dragonkeeper. being...more was tiring, exhausting. and after taking care of her children, the two of you would lay by the godswood together, soaking in each other’s presence. and when the war of succession came, you bent the knee to aegon, second of his name. but not for him. no, you firmly believed aegon to be a rotten man, someone undeserving of alicent’s care and love. you bent the knee for her and it wasn’t until you bowed before her son that she realized how deeply in love with you she truly was.

“my family demands things of me. they are my duties. there is only one person who doesn’t demand from me (y/n), who has treated me with kindness. and that is you! i’ve been such a fool to ignore how i truly feel! and with you at my side, i feel not only powerful, but loved.”

aegon targaryen

aegon has always resented you. you were viewed as viserys’s unofficial other child. and at every turn, he was being compared to you despite the fact that you were younger than him! you always did what you were told, followed your duties. best of all, you were a talented warrior and dragonrider and were sober. all the time. it just made him hate himself even more. aegon was always cruel to you, much like how he was cruel to others. and what annoyed him the most was that you were nonchalant about it. you didn’t care. and in a way, you proved to him exactly how others felt about him. of course, that wasn’t the case. many, many times you dragged aegon back to the red keep after he got drunk too much or carried him back to his room. there was one time where you bathed him because his clothes were just dirty (and frankly, he smelled a little funky). he made leecherous jokes to you, called you cruel names. and yet, you sat there, sponging him down with warm water and scrubbing so hard his skin was red. and it was then he broke down. he didn’t want to open up. it was word vomit. but you sat and listened and said something so unexpected: i understand. how could you understand? and when he asked that, you simply told him that your duties feel too much to bear but you wanted to give your parents a comfortable life. he learned that night, as you dried him and dressed him, that you were like him. exactly like him. maybe not on the surface, but deep down you both were the same. and when he sobered up, he approached you to apologize. aegon has never really apologized so sincerely to someone. and yet, for you, he did. perhaps that should have been the first sign that he had fallen in love.

“you infuriate me because you represent everything i should be. and i cannot be everything you are! perhaps it is unfair to resent you to a certain extent. but i cannot bear the weight of pressure from your existence alone!”

aemond targaryen

aemond likes a warrior. he likes someone who will be on an equal playing field with him. as a child, he admired your skills even though they weren’t fully developed. after all, you had just come into court. and he didn’t know viserion was your dragon, foolishly attempting to bond with it. of course, the tips of his hair got burnt to a crisp. you simply grabbed a pair of scissors and trimmed his hair so his mother wouldn’t scold him for having gone back to the dragonpit. but despite the niceties, part of aemond resented you. because, honestly, how can a lowborn such as yourself be bonded with a dragon before him? a targaryen prince? the idea was so preposturous! it led to a weird hot and cold relationship with him. sometimes, aemond would be kind and open up to you. other times, he was cold, distant, and even short-tempered. you didn’t bully him. in fact, you got a bit of revenge on aegon for the pig prank he pulled. you were on his side. or at least, you desperately wanted to be. he just refused you at every turn. and then, he claims vhagar. vhagar, the biggest dragon. it was no surprise to you that aemond became quite arrogant, constantly bringing up how much bigger vhagar was to viserion. you did not care. and he hated how you didn’t care. you dare ignore him after he has successfully bonded with the biggest dragon? of course you didn’t care. it did, however, mean having to spend more time with aemond. because viserion loved playing with her. she looked very tired whenever it was around but had a fondness for viserion all the same. and as you grew older, you let yourself fall into aemond’s shadow. it was nice to sit back and not have to deal with expectations. after all, you already defied them when you were younger. and yet, after all these years and all the spotlight, aemond still aimed to oneup you. you made a jest towards him when he challenged you to a race on your dragons. you must be in love with me to keep egging me on for a race or a challenge. of course, he firmly denied the statement. but when he returned to his room and sat in a chair, it slowly dawned on him that maybe his admiration from long ago had evolved into something deeper.

“helaena, i fear i have let my ambition get the best of me. i have been meaning to prove myself to (y/n) for years. and yet, they don’t seem to care. and their jest today...perhaps i am sick with love.”

helaena targaryen

amongst the children with valyrian silver hair, you were an outsider. their hands, soft and smooth, were a stark comparison to yours which were rough and calloused from years of working in the dragonpit. you felt like an outsider. you didn’t talk like them, didn’t act like them, didn’t have the same manners. you may have been better at speaking high valyrian, but they trumped you in everything else. you were an outsider, someone unwelcomed by the other members at court. so you found yourself feeling lonely. that is, until one day while resting at the godswood, a gentle voice tells you not to move. you open your eyes, watching as the princess helaena gently urges the large spider to leave your body for her hand. and once it is off, she sits besides you, watching it move and make her hand its temporary safe place. helaena understands what it’s like to be alone, to be tormented and talked about behind doors. despite being born as royalty, she was treated as a peculiar woman. aegon especially did not spare her from his cruel remarks. so you found comfort with helaena. she was easy to talk to and understood what you meant when you talked. she did not think of you beyond a platonic sense. and it wasn’t until you both were much older did you reveal how you truly feel to the princess of the targaryen dynasty. the spark she felt inside of her when you kissed her, gently and tenderly, with so much love that it felt...unnatural. and she kissed you back as proof that she reciprocated your love.

“people are...fickle. but you, (y/n), are not. there is no one else i can think of that would hold me like you hold me, kiss me like how you kiss me, listen to me like how you listen. you are one in a million and i am grateful to the gods that you are mine.”

jacaerys velaryon

many people proclaimed you a bastard, a bastard king viserys. they cited your hair and eyes, which were passed onto you through your mother. you were clearly your mother’s child. many people presumed that viserys was your father because he brought you into court. part of you wishes that he didn’t. your life was comfortable, yes. but were such luxuries worth the constant chatter of your bastardy? many people, but especially otto and alicent hightower and her sons, loathed your existence. you were never welcome within them and aemond went out of his way to torment you (clearly as an outlet, which you don’t blame him for necessarily). there was someone who understood the insults well and was familiar with them: jacaerys, the first born son of princess rhaenyra. his bastardy was claimed always, lacking the signature silver valyrian hair. of course, his bastardy is true. but he understands the pain and loneliness. and one night, he unexpectedly visits you in your room with cakes and wine, asking if you would want to talk over some snacks. you let out everything, how much it hurts to hear that king viserys might be your father when that was nothing but false. the two of you have more in common than you initially thought. nevertheless, you are very happy to have someone you can lean on. it is only from there do you grow closer, training together, dancing together. it just clicks in his head one day as the two of you dance silently in his room. the way you move, your smile, and your gaze of love. he felt his heart quicken in pace and that feeling known as love began to creep up within him. and he just acted upon it without a second thought.

“(y/n), this may be sudden, but i want to ask if you would like to come to dragonstone with me. we leave on the morrow. king’s landing...you don’t belong here. i don’t belong here. we don’t belong here. so please, come to dragonstone with me. i assure you, swear to you, that you belong with me, with us, at our ancestral seat. you may not be a child of the targaryen dynasty, but you are a dragonrider and you belong with us.”

#yes i am a senile vhagar believer #idk i think it's just really funny #requests open #house of the dragon #hotd #hotd x reader #hotd headcanons #ser criston #rhaenyra targaryen #daemon targaryen #alicent hightower #aegon the usurper #aemond targaryen #helaena targaryen #jacaerys velaryon

[bethanysnow]

Golden Hour: a SKZ thanksgiving~

Writers Notes:

As I get back into K-pop and South Korean Culture. The fandoms of K-pop, and Stray Kids. I am reminded of my first holiday season having moved from Alaska. Coming from a big family it felt like the house was too empty, that I couldn't turn the tv loud enough to replace the people that weren't there. Everyone has had that at some point. A holiday, a birthday, or some event where you just wished that person or those people were there for. Even as good as that event or holiday turned out to be. You still saw an empty chair and thought it would be filled. So I write this because of that feeling. I have friends now as an adult all over the world and it's hard to convey that specific brand of isolation.

I know Thanksgiving is a very U.S.-centric holiday. But go with me here lol. I promise it's cute.

So to my fellow stays all across the world you make not only stray kids but also me, stay. So thank you. I may not speak to you directly, but if you are tagged below you have impacted me in your work, and blog, and it's been an honor to be in this space with you. I dedicate this work to you. I hope it doesn't suck!

@hyunsvngs @moonlightndaydreams @moonjxsung @ddyskz @queen-in-the-shadows @chansmanda @antoniorhinothethird @cbini @its-hannjisung @noellllslut @channieandhisgoonsquad @sweetracha @skzms @hyunjinfairy @7ndipity @forlix

Stray Kids ot8 X Platonic!Foreigner!Reader. (But honestly, it can be whatever you want ;) ) 2.7k wrds

"Vanilla! I fucking forgot Vanillia! God damnit!" Recircling it on the very long list that had been trailing behind her through the week. It was days before Thanksgiving and it was not only a herculean task to try and buy cranberry sauce in Korean, but also to find a whole turkey from meet markets and buchers who of course looked at y/n like she was insane.

It was only because Seungmin and Minho teased y/n about just how festive she was getting for the holidays she had to open her big mouth. You just had to, didn't you? Of course! Y/n was gonna show them just how amazing the holidays could be, starting with the third week of November. If she had to pull a full Martha Stewart out of her ass to prove her point she would, Y/n was already too deep into it now.

That is how she found herself in the middle of a grocery store on the outer edges of Seoul trying to buy potatoes and cursing about Vanilla. Y/n thought back on how she got into this mess while continuing shopping.

Originally Y/n worked as a remote context translator for a couple video editors based out of South Korea. That of course turned into more and more Zoom meetings and a vacation to Seoul later she had moved and worked full-time with JYP and Stray Kids. Still as a context translator, but also now as an assistant to their manager whom she grew close with. He was the big brother/father figure one needed in a country you weren't from originally. The eight boys who followed her around like lost puppies also maybe had something to do with it maybe just maybe.

Getting out of the store with her now chosen ingredients it was time to hail back to the apartment and start the process that everyone dreaded most of all. Cleaning. It wasn't the obligatory floordrobe, or the collection of maybe two mugs too many on the coffee table; but left to ones own devices the apartment was...not great for hosting what will be the greatest dinner ever?? One would love to have the ~aesthetic~ apartment you see on Pinterest, but fuck even the Idols she worked for didn't have that. So why should she? Y/n's roommate of six months was out on a bussniess trip for the next week, so she got to fight the great pile of doom on her own.

Walking in the mix of preparation and desolation that greeted her would make Marie Kando tremble in fear. But she was determined! The kitchen was stacked with dishes so strategically one would call her a master of her craft- now this artform isn't one for the faint of heart, but art nonetheless. Putting down the new groceries away in the refrigerator and cabinets it was time to start.

"CUE THE CLEANING MONTAGE!" Y/n yelled as music filled the room. Pretending to be a tavern wench as she cleared the table and did the dishes or Cinderella waiting for a Hwang Prince Charming.

As the night wore on it was becoming increasingly obvious cleaning the entire apartment wasn't going to be an option tonight. Flopping on the couch looking at her phone Y/n scrolled through social media. Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter (Authors note: Fuck you Elon). She stopped and tossed the phone down onto the cushion beside her. Her shirt was wet, cold, still sudsy from doing the dishes that needed to be handwashed. Her knees hurt from getting under the table. Hands ached with the grip of a thousand suns it felt like.

All Y/n could hear though was the quiet. The dripping of the faucet, the cars outside, the heater kicking on. But like a ringing in her ears she just heard quiet. No laughter, no joy or drinks being spilt over stories that don't see the light of day. The air was heavy and thick cold enough to cause goosebumps up her arms. Y/n had moved away from everything she knew on the hope that she would find her place in the world. That she would find her people. Maybe she had, but in the moment she exhaled all that was left was a tired body. It was for thanksgiving, it was for people she now considered friends to come over and have a good time. The emptiness in stagnation though diligently reminded her of why they were her friends in the first place. There was no support group here like back at home. She didn't have to think twice about connotation or what someone meant when they said something because they all spoke the same language at home. Found similar things funny. Understood implications of words and meanings. That was all gone. Working twice if not three times as hard just to get a foot in the door Y/n was faced with the reality and consequence of her decision. She didn't regret it. Or at least at the moment, she didn't. The gnawing in her chest would subside one day and she would find friends, family. People to kiss under the golden hour sun and dance in the kitchen as things baked in the oven. To sneak around roommates and hold hands under the table at a restaurant. She would find them, like a mantra she chanted this over and over while moving to Korea and now she sat on her couch. Looking off into the middle distance her brain coaxing her to the scenarios where she wouldn't find them. Didn't take that step. Didn't say hi.

Yet she was swimming in silence meant to choke her. Drown her hope.

It wasn't enough to be lonely.

it wasn't enough to not understand.

It was in moments like these did she allow tears to reach her eyes and fall.

Over her cheeks, down her jaw, her neck. Just silently spill into empty glasses that never could be filled in the first place.

Her heart was wretched and blue it needed a fire to stay warm and she was almost there.

She looked around the apartment and could almost see Changbin and Seungmin yell at one another about cards, or Hyunjin silently judging her decorations, Chan trying to help but being told not to, and Felix talking about the pie she made. Just like a picture book, it was so close and she blinked and it was the empty room again. Sinking her fantasy into the sea.

...soon

............its soon

~~~~

The days leading up to the fateful Thursday were one of a lot of shopping, decorating, and cooking. Lots of cooking.

Proving the bread to make the rolls, blind baking the pie crust, hell even making the pie crust to then blind bake it. Mixing stuffing to set overnight, potatoes to peel and mash, cranberries to turn into a sauce, a turkey to baste and season and cook, Arms deep in a bird stuffing it with stuffing.

And yes the fisting jokes abound.

The group chat that was made kept the phone buzzing its way off the counter with the fervency in which some of the boys texted.

Jinnie: What should I wear?

Wolf boy: Do we need to bring anything?

Cat: I googled Thanksgiving and...do you really make hand turkey art?

It made Y/n giggle seeing how excited the boys were getting. This was what she needed after the work put in.

Y/n: Wear whatever you want, be comfortable, but Idk..like nice comfortable? Stuff you wouldn't mind photos being taken in? No don't bring anything, and yes we did as kids.

Bin: ...So no girl group outfit? lol

Y/n: No no you could if you wanted to, but that's between you and Stay lol.

Wolf boy: You sure we don't need to bring anything? I can pick something up on the way.

Minnie: Oy, grandpa she said not to~ ;P

Wolf boy:

Y/n: I cannot wait to see you thursday. Don't kill each other before then. Or else no one is gonna eat the food.

~~~~

The day had arrived. At least the dress rehearsal had. The day before it was no holds bars, if it wasn't going to be done that day it wasn't going to be done. Waking up at 6 am Y/n padded out to the kitchen. Making coffee and something to eat it was the waiting before the rush. The inhale of the orchestra before placing their bow on the strings, the grabbing of a mic and feeling it in your hand, the stare into the crowd before going on stage.

The 'hold your breath and jump.'

And the race was on!

Dishes from the cabinet were taken out, the nice dishes, the ones Y/n picked up thinking her social life would be fuller than it was. Yes those dishes. Beautiful and shined like the inside of a clamshell, pearl dust and fairy tears was what the label read originally. Some rich people shit as far as she was concerned, she just liked it being pretty.

The table was set with a red tablecloth, and leaves from maybe the tree outside her apartment, (they were yellow and red, and who really would have noticed?). Crystal glasses, and tapered candles waiting to be lit. Pine cones and wreath garlands shrugged against window sills and folded oh so strategically a brass-coloured throw blanket on the couch to cover a night of drinking.

The food slowly grew from one side of the counter to taking up the entire kitchen. Even having to borrow a table from her roommate to set everything out. Drinks, games to play. The oven heated up the apartment till Y/n had to take off her hoodie and reminisce that maybe this was what it was like to put coal into a train engine. Warm light from the stove swallowed the apartment in an amber-golden glow. Sitting on the kitchen linoleum her head fell back against the cabinet under the countertop. A smile gracing her features. She could hear the timer tick by, feel the heat from the stove, she could look up to the counter top and see dishes filled with food and it was all for tomorrow. For a good day. To have a good day. It will be worth it. She was sure.

By the time Y/n had decided to fold the fabric napkins it was past 1 in the morning. Her phone lit up with a notification, and she swiped her pin to see it was a text from Chris.

"Hi"

"Hey Chan, whatsup?"

"Nothin, working on music. You uh sure you don't want me to bring anything?"

*sends a photo of the buffet that has been created* "That your answer?"

.....

..........

"You did all that for us?"

"Well yea, I want you to have a good time."

"Y/n-"

"Yes Chan?"

"Thank you. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. Thank you for doing this, I know you've been homesick. So I am looking forward to it!"

"Me too"

turning the screen black Y/n sat back against the chair and looked at the now decidedly more festive apartment. It was like a hallmark movie threw up and she wouldn't change a thing about it.

~~~~

The morning had come. Unlike Christmas or a birthday, this was about family and gathering around a table and honoring those around us. That is what it was supposed to be at least.

Taking the most deep everything shower one can achieve Y/n had it down almost to a science. Lathering body washes, scrubs, hair masks, everything! To hope she could look maybe half as good compared to who was going to walk into her place in a couple hours.

Slipping into a green dress, she put on an apron. Putting the last rolls into the oven wiping down countertops and doing last touches.

She had a hour before all hell would break loose and eight of the most talented men in their generation would be walking in through her front door. It made her nervous.

Not nervous bad, but nervous. First time she had people over to her apartment, first-time friends, but also she did work for them technically. It wasn't lost on Y/n just how amazing this situation was.

How many people would kill to have these opportunities in life. Sure things hurt, and sucked sometimes, but looking around she knew she was grateful and that's what mattered. Till the stove timer went off snapping her back to what needed to be done. Rolls out, covering them with a kitchen towel, running into the bedroom to slap on some makeup and finish her hair. It was just as she put down the last thing did the doorbell go off.

~~~

The group walked in with confidence like they owned the building but Y/n would expect nothing less. All in sweaters and hoodies, sweatpants and big hugs for the host. Standing next to the door Y/n was crushed with biceps only the kpop industry could produce. Holding her tight she kept each boy embraced till they were the first to let go. With Han, Felix, and Chan that could last the entire night though.

"This is your apartment?"

"LOOK AT THE FOOD!"

"You made bread???!"

"Do we eat now??"

"Oy! Y/n you decorated for us? Why?"

*insert Minho elbowing them*

"Its really nice!"

Her apartment was now filled with laughter. Han finding a guitar of course needed to waltz through and serenade anyone who would listen. Chris and Changbin fussing with the tv to get karaoke set up. Hyunjin indeed was judging the decorations but with the artistic eye of admiration in reality. Felix and Seugmin hovered over the food talking about it, pouring drinks. Leeknow sat on the couch scrolling on his phone ultimately being more moral support for the boys at the television. IN staying close to Y/n watching the groups chaos ensue.

It was what she needed.

What she had been missing.

Family.

"Okay everyone, dinner is served!" Taking the turkey out of the oven and the foil off the tops of serving plates "Chan would you do the honors?" Offering to have him place the turkey out on the serving table. His smile reached his eyes as his chest puffed up with pride calling the boys to have a seat. One by one they piled food on their plates high, filling their glasses full, and sitting down at the table antsy so excited to eat with everyone there. For they too felt the separation of the two apartments, they didn't get to have homecooked meals or someone to plan something this nice. But Y/n did. She saw how they ate from food delivery containers, vending machines, and out of each others plates. Her heart ached as did theirs and so tonight, today, would be spent healing that pain.

Chan cut the turkey, Minho continued to smack people's asses because he could, Changbin got up and did a girl group dance playing the song on his phone. People laughed till they cried. Pie was served and everyone commented at how much cool whip was on Felix's because "That's how you're supposed to eat it!"

The sun was setting casting the apartment in that golden hour hue. Where Y/n had normally kept busy, ignoring the pit in her stomach of another day gone by alone. She got to sit back and watch her friends, her new family enjoy time together. Eat a meal that they didn't have to stress about. The golden light filled Y/ns chest with warmth and the fuzziness of blankets at a sleep over, the stuffed animal won at a claw machine, the bed of home after being away. Time had passed, and she could let go of the pain that held her back if these boys were the ones to catch her.

And they would. Time and time again they would catch her. All she needed to do was jump. So while Han sang a disney princess song, and Seungmin and Minho admit defeat that maybe the holidays aren't as bad after all, or even Chan stopped the ever-present work load to be in the moment; Y/n finally had it. What she had been wanting all along. She found her place in the world.

In with these boys, in the laughter, in the pain of loneliness, she had found it.

Uno rounds, songs sung, pillows thrown, food ate, it was truly a Golden StrayKids Thanksgiving after all.

Where no one can be forgotten.

~~~

La fin.

#stray kids #stray kids x reader #hyunjin #lee know #seungmin #bang chan #changbin #han jisung #in #lee felix #happy holidays #and thank you for being my friend moots

[platinumrosetail]

Can I have yandere Macaqua and sun JTTW x prince soko twin sister

Like the reader was teleport JTTW world

And Mac and sun fell in love with the reader who has water and fire bender

But the reader found out it wasn't heathy and they are yandere so some how she made it back home and then fell in love with Ang and years the reader child two years old and angi and her having a another baby but some how sun and Mac get into there work and take the cub back with there wife and make her eat the peach and take her home and the little kid that angs is rise by then as well

Oh wow I love the idea of this request 🤩, also the reader reminds me of an oc that I’m trying to make but she’s the daughter of zuko x sokka, anyway shall we get on with it?

This might have more than 7 paragraphs like the last one but I don’t know, i’ll see if I can do more than 7 paragraphs for this one as well.

Warnings: noob author, female reader, yandere characters, and others.

Characters: sun wukong, macaque.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shadowpeach:

You were the youngest out of the first borns of the fire nation royalty, making you zuko’s younger twin sister, which also meant that zuko would be overprotective of you and try to defend you from azula bullying that she is fond of doing to him and make sure you don’t get caught in her abusive ways, though he doesn’t know until later that she wants to protect you as much as he does as well and surprisingly your father, the fire lord also would like to protect you as well but zuko still tries to distance you from those two and more to your mother and uncle.

It was a shock to your family that you can waterbend as well as firebend but they decided to keep it a secret as it could cause a scandal to uproar in the court and the relations with you and zuko actually being apart of the family.

You found a little trinket in the pirate boat when you, your brother, and uncle was trying to find the current avatar to help restore zuko’s honor that he had lost when he was younger the trinket was kept with you and not officially put on until after you and zuko’s joined the gang group.

But when you put on that trinket it had brought you to a world you didn’t know existed before until now. You soon met a unusual group that is heading west to a being called buddha you decided to tag along as this Buddha could help you get home to your rightful world.

You ignore all of pigsy attempts at flirting with you, talk and spend some relaxing time with sandy and talk about the different things about each others culture with Tripitaka, though you spend most of your time with sun as he somehow found his way in your heart and soon became your crush.

You would heal sun with your waterbending and scold Tripitaka about his treatment towards sun and give facts about how he shouldn’t have done those things now or what happened in the past with the knowledge Anna had told you about monks, that made sun soon realize he as well has fallen in love with you too.

You met macaque when you and sun was searching for some vegetarian food for Tripitaka as you sadly won’t be apart of this group forever and cause you have a family to get to so you can’t stay even if you wanted to, macaque had startled you when handing you another fruit you would of overlooked if it wasn’t for him. When you notice how there seem to be a bad tension between the two you decided to fix it.

And fixed it you did as you had them talk about what they needed to talk about while also trying to make sure they don’t go ballistic on each other and try to kill each other over something that could be dealt with peacefully.

The two ended up persuading you into a relationship and how when the time comes for it then they will try to find a way for you three to be together.

You later learned how they actually act, with how they kill people you talk to and from their words ‘are a threat to your relationship’ which wasn’t true as there is something that was made because you loved them, it was also them that was the threat to this relationship for killing innocence people just because they talked with you one time.

You had somehow got the trinket to work and bring you back to your world, leaving behind two angry monkeys left behind after they realized you found a way back to your world, though what they didn’t know is that they would’ve been fathers if they haven’t messed up.

A few years went by, about 2, and you and your friend and first crush, avatar aang decide to get together with your first child from the previous relationship became aang’s child after marrying each other then came the cub that is named mk little sibling and the biological child of aang and what you didn’t know is that you’ll be seeing some people that you didn’t want to see.

Sun and macaque found a way to their missing lover’s world and now is on the search in that world.

You didn’t know what had happened as the next thing you knew is that your back to the world you previous went to but this time it’s more futuristic than it was before. Apparently it has been many years since they last seen you and not the same length of time like your world went to from that event.

Thankfully you have your two children with you but you hope you can get them away from the two.

Though you and the children both had eaten the peaches of immortality so you have a plenty time to play hide and seek from them.

Though that will be hard with two supernatural monkeys that would do anything for you and your children.

#anime #various x reader #anime x reader #x reader stories #lego monkie kid x reader #lego monkie kid #crossover #jttw #anime crossover #lmk macaque #atla aang #atla x reader #x female reader #yandere #yandere x reader #romantic

[super-teca-dragon]

Maya and the three: A new Journey, chapter 1: The aftermath

So, this is how it ends. A part of Maya knew this was going to happen, but a part of her still hoped it wouldn't.

But if it meant saving her friends and family, so be it. With the last of her strength, she plunged Eagle Claw into Mictlan's heart. She saw white and then darkness. And then felt nothing.

Maya felt her heart break. It was so quiet. She didn't imagine death to be so quiet. It was lonely.

"Fret not, Maya." A familiar voice said, "It is not yet your time."

Ah Puch.

"W-What?" Maya asked, "I don't understand."

"With all you and your family have done, we believe it is only fair you get a chance at a life long-lived."

Maya remembered who was waiting for her in the afterlife. Her brothers, her mother, Picchu, Zatz, "But what about my family?"

"We will wait for you, Maya." Lance said. Maya teared up at the sound of her brother's voice.

"We will always be with you." Shield said.

"You're never alone, hermana." Daggers said.

"Picchu wishes princess well." Picchu said.

"We love you, Maya." Micte said, "We are so proud of you.”

"I… I'll miss all of you." Maya whispered.

…

Maya felt herself encased in something soft and warm, her eyes wet with tears. She slowly opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. She was in her bedroom.

She slowly got out of bed and walked towards the exit. It felt like all her energy was drained out of her. Before Maya could leave and look for anyone, she saw Rico and Chimi down the hall. The three friends saw each other and froze in their tracks.

There was silence for a while until Rico and Chimi ran to Maya, trapping her in a tight group hug, "We thought we lost you." He said.

Maya smiled as a tear ran down her face. "We did it, didn't we?" Maya whispered, hugging them back.

"We did." Chimi said.

"What happened?"

"After you defeated Mictlan, we saw our families again. Once everything calmed down, we found you unconscious."

"You look terrible." Rico said.

Maya chuckled, looking down at her bruises, "Where are my parents?"

"They're checking on Zatz."

Maya's heart stopped, "What do you mean?"

"Oh, d-did we not mention that?"

Rico and Chimi helped Maya walk down the hall, "We also found Zatz and Vucub." Chimi explained, "Vucub hasn't woken up yet, but he's ok. Zatz woke up a few hours ago. He looks just as awful as you."

They made it to one of the many rooms in the palace. Inside were King and Queen Teca and Zatz, lying in bed. Zatz was in simple black clothes and was covered in bruises like her. He stared at her with wide eyes.

The minute she saw him, Maya's eyes welled up. The last time she saw him, he was killed in front of her. And now he was here, alive and well.

Zatz smiled and held his arms out. Maya instantly ran into them. They silently cried as they held each other, "I thought I lost you.” Maya said.

"You could never lose me." Zatz said.

Later that night, there was a celebration in Teca to honor their fallen and celebrate Mictlan's defeat. Maya had a quiet dinner with her friends and family and told them what she saw before she woke up.

"You have no idea how grateful we are that you're alive." King Teca said after dinner.

"Me too." Maya said, "So, did you name the twins?"

"It was easy." Queen Teca said, "We named the boy, Jaguar, and the girl, Eagle."

"After me?"

"We wanted to honor their siblings."

"But I'm still alive."

"We don't see how that's relevant." King Teca said.

Maya smiled and hugged her parents, "You get some rest, mija." Queen Teca said.

"Buenas noches." Maya replied. When her parents left her room, Maya went to the room where Zatz was sleeping. He was sitting on the floor, staring at the moon, listening to the celebration of the rest of the kingdom below.

Maya silently sat next to him, "Hey.” She said, "Are you ok?"

"What you said about seeing your family before you woke up…" Zatz said, “It reminded me of my father."

"Oh… did you hear him too?"

"Yeah. I heard Mama, too." Zatz wiped a tear from his eye, "They said they're proud of me."

Maya smiled and put her hand on his, "Of course, they are." They sat in comfortable silence for a little while, "Hey… this might be a bad time to ask, but… what happened to Acat?"

Zatz was caught off guard, "Do you really want to know?" Maya nodded. Zatz explained what his father told him. How Acat didn't tell Mictlan where he was and how it led to her getting killed.

Maya almost didn't know what to say, "Oh, I'm… I'm sorry. Do you… do you miss her?"

"Sometimes." Zatz admitted, "I loved her at one point, but by the time you and I met, my feelings had faded. I still enjoyed our time together before then." He gripped her hand tighter, "Acat will always be a part of me, but believe me, Maya, I love you now."

"I know." Maya smiled. She moved closer to him and hugged him tightly, "I do think we could've been good friends." Zatz smiled and kissed the top of her head. They sat there for a while longer until Maya returned to her room.

Everyone fell asleep as soon as their heads hit their pillows. They dreamed of the adventures that lie ahead.

A few months later, Maya, Rico, Zatz, and Chimi had returned from the Jungle Lands. There had been word of unusual trappers and the four warriors went to investigate the situation.

Maya ran to tell her parents about what they found. She found them with Vucub, "Mama! Papa!" Maya said, "You won't believe what we saw."

"Slow down, mija, what happened?" Queen Teca asked.

"Ok, so, you know how there were strange people in the Jungle Lands?" Her parents nodded, "Well, these guys were really big and ha-had spiked helmets and armor with these giant arrows and axes. You should've seen them, some of them had red faces- anyway, they say they're 'dragon hunters."

""Dragon hunters'?" King Teca repeated, "What's a dragon?"

"I-I don't know, they're like giant monster lizard things. They come from an island we've never heard of, a whole other world."

"Another world?" Queen Teca asked.

"How is that possible?" King Teca wondered.

"We have to go there." Maya said, "We need to go with these 'dragon hunters.' There's so much out there we haven't seen yet, who knows what we'll discover!"

The king and queen looked at each other, not knowing what to think about what their daughter was saying, "Mija, think about what you're saying." Queen Teca said, "We know nothing about these strangers. How do we know they aren't dangerous-?"

"Which is why I am going with you." Vucub said, suddenly. The Tecas turned to the god in shock, "I may have lost my sight, but I am still a mighty warrior. If we can survive Mictlan, we can survive this world of 'dragons.' I shall accompany Maya and her friends to this new world."

King and Queen Teca looked at Vucub and then their daughter. The blind god made a good point. They've gone through much worse.

Meanwhile, Micte's body materializes, opening her eyes to see a different realm, out of the earthly plane of existence. Seeing She softly questions "What is this place?"

“You are in the spirit realm, milady. An undefined world, an alternate reality where perspective is skewed.” A voice said, referring to the solid gold tone of the realm, a chi lake with ripples, where peach blossom petals drift by and movements that echo the circularity of yin and yang, and the energy of chi circles.

Micte hears the voice, slowly looking up to see an old, and wise tortoise descend to her level

“Who are you?” Micte softly asks. The tortoise chuckles before saying “I am Grand Master Oogway the Magnificent,  but you may call me Oogway, your majesty.” As Oogway chuckled again. 

Micte prepares to introduce herself until Oogway says “I already know who you are, Lady Micte, Goddess of death! It is an honor to meet you. 

Micte smiles, saying “It is an honor as well, Oogway.”

“Maya is growing, maturing.” Said Oogway smiling.

Micte grows worried “Will Maya be okay?”

“Maya will be alright, milady. I have a vision that she will be the hero and queen she was always meant to be.” Oogway reassured Micte as he smiled.

“Where are they going next?” Asked Micte.

“To the island of the dragon riders.”

TO BE CONTINUED

(Also I got my account back! I'll change the name, but I'll keep the profile)

[Also credit to @fandomchatfabi for mostly writing this chapter, they're great at fanfiction! Check em out!]

#maya and the three #how to train your dragon #maya and the 3 #crossover #kung fu panda #new journey au #monkey king netflix #maya and the three au #raya and the last dragon #ratld #moana disney #tales of arcadia #toa

[rath00ker]

Trans rambles because I am trans therefore everyone in twisted wonderland is trans (they can’t escape me)

Riddle is trans masc genderfluid or trans fem genderfluid, it can really go either way with him. Would be a She/He enjoyer

Cater is just a trans guy. I don’t make the rules. Got top surgery and started T as soon as he could. Since he’s 18 (and I’m going off American law), he probably started puberty blockers really early and started T with his moms consent. He’s just living his best life

Leona is trans fem or trans masc. You can pick whichever you like best

Ruggie is a trans man I’m dying on this hill. He couldn’t afford puberty blockers but in my headcannon Leona is giving him some money for his transition. He pays for his hormone therapy and the needles he needs. In the version that Leona is trans masc probably gave him a hand-me down binder. His grandma really doesn’t care, coming out to her was easy “Hey grandma I’m trans” “that’s great now go grab my cigarettes”

All of the octo trio are trans because they’re my favorites and this in the highest honor I can give them.

Azul is nonbinary (he/they), he’s simple.

Jade is trans fem agender, they are in charge of making sure Floyd takes his T, otherwise he’d forget. They are on estrogen themself and Floyd calls them boob pills

Floyd is a trans guy because he is my favorite character and he just like me fr. Either doesn’t bind at all and does not care or forgets to take off his binder and wonders why his chest hurts all the time. That binder also needs to be WASHED. It is holding on for dear life. Jade helps Floyd take his T because Floyd can’t be trusted around sharp objects

The Tweels mom and dad didn’t care that much either. Idk what the merfolks view of gender is so you can make it up yourself. But I like to think that they don’t really care

Jamil is trans fem but hasn’t come out to her parents yet. Wants to fully transition but hasn’t been able too. Is a trans girl that wants to watch the world burn and I am in love with her. Send love to your local trans woman today

Vil is also Trans fem but could probably make her own estrogen if she really wanted too but going to a doctor is much safer and she has the means to do so. Trans lesbian, you can’t fight me on this I’m literally Yana

I DONT KNOW WHAT ROOK IS BUT HE IS QUEER. That is a queer guy, either by sexuality or gender. I don’t know what he is but we gotta find out NOEW. He can’t keep getting away with this

Epel is a trans guy, his story has trans vibes going through them. With the whole looking like a girl and wanting to be more manly. He’s on puberty blockers but Vil is working out with his family to get him on T. Probably has him a high testosterone diet to help out. Her and Rook definitely teach Epel everything he’d need to know to transition. (Found family goes brrrr), his family is supportive just more confused than anything. They love and support him they just don’t have the money to help him get that far in his transition

Idia is a sweaty trans masc nonbinary xeno pronoun user. Doesn’t use his xeno pronouns in real life but uses them online. He/they/it pronouns and Glitch/Glitchself Code/Codeself xeno pronoun user. He came out recently to his family so they are a bit confused but they have enough money to help his transition. Ortho makes sure he takes off his binder so he doesn’t hurt himself with it and reminds him to take his medication (both hormone blockers and anxiety medication)

Ortho is a robot, but he uses xeno pronouns like his brother to make him feel better. He’s a sweet little guy who loves his brother not much to say

Malleus is a trans woman because twisted wonderland is good but they need more trans women. Idk what fae culture thinks about gender but they probably don’t care that much. Malleus can probably transition through magic but just doesn’t want to. She doesn’t have body dysphoira just social dysporia other than that she’s doing just fine

Lilia is nonbinary just cause he’s a silly little guy. Nonbinary (he/him), just a silly guy

Crewel is an older trans guy and queer guy. Definitely has knowledge about trans laws and informs his trans students of them. Wants Crowley to add a gender studies class but we all know how useful Crowley is

Sam is a trans guy, why you may ask? Because Sam is like one of the most common names trans guys pick. That or he’s nonbinary. Transitioned a long time ago, is open about it and helps out NRC’s trans/queer students when he can. Sells binders and feminine clothing

How would this work if NRC is an all boys college? I dunno and I don’t care so don’t make a comment questioning it. This is for the fun of it. I also have headcannons about what mental disorder some twst characters might have so that might be my next post. Psychology is a special interest of mine and you can’t escape me talking about it

Thank you tri-state area 

#twisted wonderland #disney twisted wonderland #transgender #trans headcanon #twst crewel #twst sam #twst lilia #twst malleus #twst ortho #twst idia #twst epel #twst rook #twst vil #twst jamil #twst floyd #twst jade #twst azul #twst ruggie #twst leona #twst cater #twst riddle #riddle rosehearts #cater diamond #leona kingscholar #ruggie bucchi #azul ashengrotto #floyd leech #jade leech #jamil viper #vil schoenheit

[fatuismooches]

SMOOCHESSS

Hello hi !! Hope u've been doing okay !

Recently been craving platonic harbinger content so I've been eating up every single bit of it I see and now it reminded me of a thought I had a while back

I'm a sucker for found family and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of Pierro being like a fatherly figure to harbinger!reader like 🛐🛐🛐

Pierro's been on Teyvat for so long since being cursed with immortality and likely lost his family during the fall of K’hanriah so I can imagine he probably feels lonely. Everytime he's out anywhere he can't help but stare a bit longingly at others as they spend time with their families, especially fathers doting on their children

So imagine reader who's a new addition to the harbingers and temporarily works alongside Pierro as they get a feel for how to manage their division and their missions and such

Pierro steadily starts to find that he enjoys reader's company the longer they spend together QODHQOHFIW Like I can imagine them seldom being apart, both inside and outside Zapolyarny Palace. Both of them working in the same space even though reader has their own because they like being around him more

Pierro who sees bits of his younger self in reader. Pierro who starts answering their questions more in depth and listens to them as they talk. He's giving them advice when they need it, also allows them to drag him out of his office every now and then to take breaks with them because there's no way that reader hasn't picked up on his habit of working himself to the bone by now. It's also during this time that he likes to hear them speak about their life and shares stories of his youth and his days in K’hanriah in exchange. These little moments are just so special to him because it's been so long since he's ever been so vulnerable and open with anyone, and even longer since he's felt he has someone he could allow himself to be this close with without fear of losing them

Their bond now runs so deep that the other harbingers are picking up on it. Whenever in meetings there's a high chance Pierro would turn to reader for a moment to ask them to share the information they had given him prior about the topic in hand, having a short conversation about it before returning back to his original point. The first time the others witness this the meeting room goes dead silent and everyone's staring at them like "?????"

The other harbingers refuse to let him live this down and will TEASE him for it. Doesn't matter that he's their superior. He's safe from no one's remarks. Even the TSARITSA herself started to join in

(EXTRA: U know how ducklings follow their mother around? That but with Pierro and reader. It's so cute and so funny to imagine at the same time QLDHOQHDOWHZ)

- :D anon (I'm so not normal about this send help)

WE ARE INDULGING IN DAD PIERRO TODAY 🔥 I LOVE LOVE THIS <33 The ducklingsss 😭❤️ Pierro is just walking like 😐 and you're behind him like 🥺 found family SO TRUE. But omg Pierro losing his family/friends in Khaenri'ah is actually so heartbreaking :( When his lore drops we are def going to see he lost someone super close to him </3

You're a quite young Harbinger with much to learn, but you sure didn't expect the First Harbinger himself to be showing you the ropes! It was an honor! Of course you wanted to learn much from him, hopefully he wouldn't mind if you stuck around a bit, right? Well, you're right but... Pierro is a very confused man now. He has no clue why a youngster like you would want to hang out with someone like him, but you're not a distraction, and your work is getting done so... there's no reason to get mad. Eventually, he comes to accept and get accustomed to your presence. And soon enough, he finds himself feeling lonely if you aren't here with him.

I imagine Pierro didn't think that he could fit a fatherly/dad role, because of everything he's done, so he tries not to get too close once he realizes how much he likes you, but he just starts unconsciously slipping into dad mode sometimes without even realizing it. Like how he tells you it's extra cold today so he makes you wear your huge coat, gloves, hat, scarf... dad, I'm a grown adult. You know how to dress!

Dad Pierro who is now used to multitasking by doing his paperwork and simultaneously listening to you and responding. Dad Pierro who begins to take everything you say with the utmost seriousness and give advice back and can't detect your sarcasm. Dad Pierro who somehow becomes acquainted with the Fatui gossip because you sometimes go on long rants about it. Dad Pierro who eventually slips into his Khaenri'ahn days when he teaches you something new or tells you stories :( He wishes he could show you his homeland because he knows you'd love it.

Dad Pierro ain't slick 😭 EVERYBODY knows he favors you, he values your opinion very much. I imagine you both helped each other understand a lot of things 🥺

#smooches talks #:D anon #i would love for him to be my father figure 🥺 #pierro love notes <3

[mysoftboybensolo]

I'll Be Seeing You:

A/N: When researching Freddy's part in Masters of the Air, I learned about not only of his real life counterpart, but also of his real life wife and I thought there was a love story to be told here. If I were to cast Audrey, I'd pick Danielle Rose Russell, as she reminds me so much of Audrey. More info on the pair can be found here (x) and (x)

Pairing: David x Audrey

Warnings: Mentions of war, slight spoilers of character's fate, historical fiction (given that there isn't too much details about their life), 16k words (my longest one shot I've ever done!)

A03 Link: (x)

War changes everything, for better and for worse. Audrey didn’t expect her life to go the way it did, but given how everything had gone, she can’t say that she’d expect anything less. Here she was in Los Angeles, twenty-one years old, and trying to make herself known in pictures, a long cry from her old home in Buffalo, New York.

She wanted to do something to help the soldiers, something that would help them through this time, and her only skill was her dancing. There was a small dance hall that was hosting a USO canteen in need of entertainers, and she managed to get in. She worked practically every night, entertaining and dancing with soldiers, which was nice for the most part, but she had been a little disillusioned when some soldiers would try to play on her sympathies and try to get her to do “one last service” by giving them a “night to remember and carry on the battlefield”. What happened to honor and decency among soldiers and war? All her friends had thought this would be the perfect chance to meet a fella, but Audrey wasn’t exactly thrilled by the options she was given.

One fateful evening, Audrey was dancing with a soldier, who clearly brought in his own booze, holding her too tightly, making passes that made her very uncomfortable. “Say, sweetheart, why don’t we go to my car, it’s comfortable. Bet a pretty girl like you has been ridden quite a bit,” he laughed, pulling her closer. Would no one help her? Did no one see how miserable she was?

“Pardon me,” came a voice. The pair stopped, and she saw a tall, lean man, with dark hair and light blue eyes, wearing a uniform Audrey wasn’t familiar with. “May I have this dance?”

The drunkard held her closer and said, “I’m not done yet.”

He stopped him once again from dancing, and continued, “There must be some confusion, I wasn’t asking to dance with you. Miss,” he tried again, looking at Audrey, “May I have this dance?”

“Oh yes, please,” she tried to get away, but the drunk dancer stopped her.

“The song isn’t over,” he says, and then music ended and the crowd applauded.

“Hark, the angels have heard you and have mercifully ended the song. Excuse us,” he stepped in, whisking her away in a dance, leaving her partner in the crowd completely confused. “Are you alright, miss? You didn’t look particularly happy dancing with him.”

“You seemed to be the only one to notice. Thank you for coming to my rescue.”

“It is my pleasure. I’m David by the way.”

“I’m Audrey.” She looked at his uniform and didn’t recognize the symbol. “Forgive me, but what branch are you in? I don’t know your patch.”

“I am part of the Signal Corps. It’s a branch that handled many things, such as military intelligence, relaying information that our soldiers may need.”

Audrey’s eyes widened in wonder. “That is an incredibly important job to have! I mean, any information you receive, could help win the war.”

“That’s what we hope.”

“Is that your only job?”

“No, I am actually part of the aviary.”

“Isn’t it dangerous to be in the sky?”

“About as dangerous it is to be on the ground.”

She gave a small shake of her head and muttered, “I wish I could do something as important as that.”

“You do.” She looked at him confused, then he explained, “It’s hard over there, to be away from family and friends, to see things that no one should ever see in their lifetime. To have a moment of relief from that, some songs, dances, a smile, it reminds us why we are doing this. You, and everyone here keep us grounded. That’s your job, and it’s incredibly important.”

For the first time in months, Audrey felt like she wasn’t a failure. The song ended, and she felt an emptiness when he released her to clap like everyone else did. “Have you had anything to drink tonight?” he asked.

“No, actually.”

“If you’d like, we can have a drink together.” She smiled and nodded, gratefully taking his arm that he offered and together went to the refreshment table. They had sat and talked for the longest time, little things that people chatted about, movies, music, books, and yet, she had a very good idea of the kind of man he was through his interests, and she liked what she saw. If they weren’t sitting and talking, they danced and talked even more, so much that their feet would have ached, but strangely enough, neither seemed to have noticed.

A song came on the record, and it was Jo Stafford’s I’ll Be Seeing You, and Audrey smiled at her voice.

“I’ll be seeing you, In all the old familiar places That this heart of mine embraces, All day through,”

“I love Jo Stafford,” Audrey whispered.

“We’d play her on the radio overseas,” he shared, “She reminds us so much of home.”

 “In that small café, The park across the way, The children’s carousal, The chestnut tree, The wishing well,”

She rested her head against his chest, and she felt his cheek resting against the top of her head, holding each other as if they had known each other for months rather than hours.

“I’ll be seeing you, In every lovely summer’s day, In everything’s that’s light and gay, I’ll always think of you that way,”

Audrey closed her eyes and breathed in his scent, sage and lemon, and she felt so safe with him. It was a feeling she missed in the past year. Why did it feel so wonderful to be near him? Why does this man, David Friedkin, make her feel something no one else has made her feel?

“I’ll find you in the morning sun, And when the night is new, I’ll be looking at the moon, But I’ll be seeing you.”

“Excuse me? Excuse me?” A tap on his shoulder made David lift his head, which made Audrey look up to see the manager of the dance hall. “I’m sorry, but we have to close up.”

Looking around the place, she noticed that the only people in the place was her, David, the manager, and a janitor cleaning up. “Gee, we’re very sorry sir,” David kindly said.

“Not at all. Get yourselves home safely and good night,” he said before leaving them alone.

“I am so sorry,” David said to Audrey, “I didn’t realize it was so late.”

“That’s alright, I’ve had a wonderful time.” She didn’t want to give him up just yet, having enjoyed his company immensely.

“This might be a bit forward, but may I walk you home?”

“Yes, I’d like that very much,” she answered with a smile. After getting her coat and purse, they walked into the busy streets of Los Angeles at night. The entire walk back to her place, David had kept his hands to himself, the only time he touched her was to gently guide her to the inner sidewalk while he walked on the street side, just like a proper gentleman. “Have you ever been to Los Angeles before?”

“Yes, I had actually moved out here after graduating. I tried acting, but I felt better behind the camera, writing and directing. There’re so many stories to tell, and I want to be able to tell them. What about you?”

“I’ve only been here for a year, trying to act and dance for film, and I’ve had some success, by success I mean getting a paycheck, but not quite the rate I had expected.”

“It can be daunting, especially from a small city to a big one. But you should feel proud of yourself, you are doing what you want.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know if I have enough talent for it. Not like you it seems; you want to tell stories and you’re smart enough to know how.”

She saw a blush come to his cheeks, genuinely being sweetly embarrassed at the compliment. He was so precious, despite him looking a classic leading man. He was so different, and she liked it. They arrived at her house, and she could see the light on, her mother, Viola, no doubt waiting up for her. “This is me,” she sighed, a little sad that they would part. “Thank you again for saving me.”

“You are very welcome. I am sorry that he had acted that way towards you.”

She shrugged. “I’m sort of used to it.”

His face fell and he shook his head. “That’s one of the saddest things I’ve heard.”

Audrey was taken aback by the comment; no one had ever said anything like that to her before, and it was a strange feeling of sorrow that it had happened before, but grateful that someone didn’t see her as someone who deserved it. “Thank you for that. But let us not end the evening on a sad note. I really enjoyed myself tonight, more than I have in a long while.”

“As have I. May I,” he started, looking a little shy, “May I see you again?”

She smiled, glad that he had finally asked. “Yes, I would like that.”

“Tomorrow?”

“It is tomorrow,” she replied with a smile, prompting them to laugh. “But yes, come at one, maybe you can show me some of the sights.”

“It’ll be my pleasure.” He reached for her hand and placed a gentle kiss to it, and promised to see her at one.

Her heart fluttered as he kissed her hand and she already missed his touch as he slipped to allow her to open her door, waiting until she was in before he slipped away into the early morning. She couldn’t believe that she was feeling this way, like a high school girl experiencing her first crush. Entering the den, she sees her mom sleeping on the couch, with her book on her lap. Kneeling before her, she carefully removed the book from her and covered her with a blanket, but her mom woke up. “Oh, Audrey.”

“I’m sorry for being so late.”

“Was everything alright?” she asked, sitting up and rubbing her eyes awake.

“Yes, it was actually wonderful. I mean, it didn’t start off wonderful, I got manhandled like before, but this man, he came up and with ease and politeness, he rescued me. His name is David, he is in the Signal Corps, he flies planes, and we talked all night. He loves movies, just like me, he-haha- he said that he had seen the movie “Metropolis” ten times, and the ushers remembered him that they just waved him on. He’s coming around tomorrow, at one, I don’t know if I said that, and I really like him. It’s hard to explain, but when you spend five minutes with him, you just feel safe. I like him a lot, and I hope you will too. Well, I should get some rest. He’s coming tomorrow at one, did I mention that? Well, good night.”

Audrey didn’t see her mom staring after her with delightful surprise, and she had every right to be so. It didn’t seem that her daughter had much luck with the men in her life, and if this man is every bit of wonderful as Audrey said…oh, she hoped so.

David came promptly at one, and through the window, Viola watched as he offered his arm to her daughter, and walked off into the sunny day. He was handsome, but also kind, and she could see how her daughter looked at him. It was different from the others, and with a little prayer, Viola hoped that this one would be good for her. They never did around to seeing the sights, rather took the longest walk in the park, having been so lost in their talks.

David Friedkin was born in Kanas City, Missouri on March 8th, 1912, how he graduated high school at fifteen and got into Julliard, how he was part of the Signal Corps. He has a younger brother named Morris, who is a doctor, and his parents are Benjamin and Anna, Russian Jewish immigrants. “I feel I have to tell you that now, before we get any further. I know people are not exactly…tolerant to my kind of people, and I wouldn’t blame you if you thought that being associated with me could lead to troubles for you.”

 Audrey was brought up a Christian life, and while she had never been raised to be prejudice against anyone, she understood why he would feel compelled to tell her as soon as possible. She had seen people treat the Jews with unwarranted hatred, some saying that Hitler had the right idea, and it was the most horrible thing she could have ever heard. “Thank you for telling me,” she said, “That way, if trouble comes, I’ll know how to handle it.”

He was surprised. “You don’t mind it? I mean, by being Jewish?”

“So long as you don’t mind me being Christian,” she replied which made them laugh.

Outwardly, they seemed as different as could be; he was Jewish, she was Christian, he was thirty-two, she was twenty-one, he came from a large city, hers was small, his parents were still married while hers was divorced, he was the oldest child, she was the youngest. And yet, despite these differences, great or small, there was something that pulled them together, similarities in the heart that pulled them together. He was as every bit of a simple boy just as she was a simple girl, they both seemed to have dreams of being in entertainment, they believed in equality for every person, regardless of gender or race.

David was different from any other man she knew; David was a gentleman, mature, open minded, but also creative and playful, and Audrey found she could listen to him talk all day. He was patient, someone who didn’t take risks if he knew the stakes were too high or the chances were slim, but he was also unafraid to work hard, never wavered his views or thoughts to appease others, something she admired deeply. But most importantly, a difference she found, that unlike other men, David listened. No man has ever made her feel as if she was truly heard or that her opinions mattered the way David did. She began to open more about her own thoughts and feelings, even if they were different or not polite, he liked to hear them, and rather than brush her feelings off as a “silly young girl”, he spoked to her like a person, and she realized that so few men had spoke to her like that. What girl wouldn’t fall for a fella like that?

For David, Audrey was a breath of fresh air, filled with hope and dreams. She never acted like a snob, not like some of the other girls he had met in Hollywood, rather she was grounded, remembered what was important in life, like family, love, and hope, things he felt he struggled to hold onto since the war. Audrey was a conundrum; she was young and full of live, but had a bit of a pessimistic view point on things, she claimed to not understand much of the world, and yet was one of the wisest and understanding people he knew, she was an incredibly hardworking and sensible person, and yet she had wonderful dreams and hopes of how bright the future could be. The other men in his squadron talked of their girls as if they were fantasies, but Audrey was a reality, and beautiful, human reality, and he was falling for her because of it.

Viola had yet to properly meet David, but considering that her daughter was seeing this man every day for nearly two weeks, it was clear that something serious was happening. Before going out, Audrey would get ready with an excitement that she had not had in a long time, and whenever she returned, she had a look about her like she stepped out from a wonderful dream. She once tried to question her daughter about her feelings, but Audrey just shrugged and said she wasn’t sure, but Viola knew better even if her daughter didn’t; she was in love.

It was true, they had spent every day together in the past two weeks, and it was clear that they not only enjoy each other’s company, but really liked and respected each other, which was why Audrey felt he deserved to know a part of her past she had not mentioned.

“I feel you should know; I was married before. I wish it was simple for me to say that I fell in love, married him, and lost him, but it wasn’t. His name was Lewis Hightower, we met when I moved to New York to start my career, and it was the first time I had ever fallen for anyone, and he was so charming. The honeymoon was the last time either of us were happy. The real work had begun and suddenly, we realized that neither of us really knew the other. I was too young to understand what real love had meant, that it takes two to make a marriage work, and that it wasn’t always sunshine and roses. Lewis wasn’t a bad man, far from it, it just that we didn’t belong together, even when we tried to work things out. Eventually we agreed to the annulment, then we separated, and sometime after, I begun to see another man, Arthur Lewis, I thought I loved him too.

“The last time I saw Lewis was a terrible day. I was out with Arthur and his friend, there was a celebration going on, and then Lewis arrived, tried to pull me away, and a fight broke out between the three. I berated Lewis after, telling him how I regretted being married to him, that I wish I’d never see him again and he better get me that annulment, and I did. The next time I heard of him, it was a telegram from the Army telling me he died in combat on September 2nd, 1943. I was in shock, even though we had just annulled our marriage, I was devastated. Lewis was a good man, and I wished that I could have loved him better than I did, even wished that I hadn’t married him, just so he could have been with a better woman who would have loved him as much as he needed to be loved, maybe give him a child to remember him by.

“I can’t help but to feel guilty that the last thing I ever told him what that I hated him and didn’t want to see him again. I tried to explain it to Arthur, but he couldn’t seem to understand why I’d be sorry for the man I had been separated from for a few years, and it became one of the few things that would become a riff in the relationship. He went to war around the same time as Lewis, and our visits became less and less, until we decided to end things once and for all. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were disappointed or what you thought of me was different than what I am.”

David had listened with openness and kindness, and never did she notice a look of reproach or betrayal in his eyes. Instead, he took her hand to kiss it, then said, “I suppose it’s time for me to fess up. I too was married. I was young, and she was a nice Jewish girl from my neighborhood, we were sort of matched up. While we liked each other, we didn’t love each other like a husband and wife ought to, and it was practically over as soon as it began, we didn’t even make it half way through our first year. So, despite what everyone had expected of us, we went ahead with a divorce, something my parents had been supportive of, and sometime later, she got to marry someone who could love her as she deserved. So, in regards to whether or not I could want a divorced woman, I would be a huge hypocrite if I said no. As for what happened when you last saw him, do not try to blame yourself too much. Was it kind what you said? No, but you were hurt, and I am sure that when given the chance, you’d have apologize to him. The fact that you still speak kindly of him speaks so much to me than what had happened in the past. Learn to forgive yourself, for I am sure he has.”

This is what Audrey liked about David, he was always so understanding and honest, but never harsh or unfeeling. “Thank you, it wasn’t easy for me to say all that, in fact, other than mom, no one out here knows my past. Thank you for understanding.” She smiled, then switched subjects. “Tomorrow is my birthday, my mom and I are celebrating with a dinner, and I would like it if you would come. Though, I’ll understand if you didn’t want to spend your last day like that, if there was something else you’d rather do.”

“I can’t think of anything better,” he answered with a smile. As he always did, he arrived right on time, a small gift in hand, and the warmest smile.

Viola was excited to finally met the young man who had been seeing her daughter for two weeks now, and Audrey was right, that within five minutes, you felt safe and comfortable with him. True, he was older than her, but he was still young and fit, not to mention quite handsome, and his intentions appeared to be honest. The dinner was a smile affair, but it was wonderful to David, who had not seen his own family in over a year, to feel at home and cared for, and Audrey, who hadn’t felt this happy in months, was certain this was the best birthday ever. Even made better, her mother seemed to really like David, hell, Audrey would dare to say loved him, already mothering him by the evening’s end.

“The cake is delicious Mrs. Westphal,” David complemented.

“Thank you, it’s a family recipe. Oh, Audrey, let’s do gifts.” Her mother had given her a knitted shawl that her mother made herself, and then David handed his gift, uncertain that she would like it.

It wasn’t wrapped, just a box with a bow on it, and when Audrey lifted the tiny lid, she was delighted by the little gift. True it wasn’t much, it wasn’t even complete, but it was beautiful; a little porcelain charm with a pink rose painted on it. “It’s beautiful, David,” she reassured him as he looked on uncertain, “It’s actually too good for me.”

“No, nothing could ever be too good for you,” he said, then color came to his cheeks realizing what he had said. Oh yes, Viola thought, this young man is perfect for her.

As the evening winded down, Viola showed him their photo album, and as she told the story of Audrey’s life, up to the present moment, David looked on in admiration at her growth, and when it was near the end, he stopped Viola at a photo. “Which picture is this?”

It was a picture of Audrey sitting at the kitchen table with a paper and a cup of coffee before her, smiling at the camera for an impromptu picture. “Oh, this is the morning after living in the house,” Viola shared.

“Which explains why I look like a mess,” Audrey explained with a small laugh.

True, she didn’t look at polish as she did now, wearing a gingham house dress, her hair not curled fashionably and no makeup on, but David couldn’t stop staring. “May I have this picture?”

“Really?” Audrey asked surprised, “I look terrible there, you wouldn’t want that.”

“Yes, I do. Because this is the most honest you, and this is the woman I want to carry with me overseas.” Tears pricked her eyes, for no man had ever said something as nice as that to her. He reached over and pulled the picture out from the album, placed a kiss to her image before tucking it safely in his wallet. Viola looked at Audrey with a knowing look, which made her daughter blush.

He thanked her and Viola before leaving the party, telling them that he had a wonderful time and grateful to spend the last evening before returning with such wonderful ladies. She asked to see him off at the station, wishing to be with him to the end, and the next morning when he met her at the station, he saw that his charm was hanging around her neck on a silver chain of her own, and he couldn’t help to feel a little proud. “Audrey,” he spoke, removing his hat before he spoke, “I know we only have known each other for two weeks, but, would it be alright if I wrote to you?”

“Oh yes, I would like that very much.” The train whistled, meaning it was time for him to go, but before he left, she reached up and placed a kiss to his cheek. “Good luck, David. I’ll be waiting for you to come back.”

He smiled, glad to hear her say that before he went on the train. While traveling, he went to work on his first letter, wanting it to be sent out as soon as possible. It was a surprise to Audrey to see the letter arriving sooner than she expected.

“Dear Audrey,

I have yet to be away from you for more than an hour, and yet, that hour feels so long ago, and I am already missing you. The past two weeks had been the happiest I’ve had in a long time, and having the memories of you will make fighting much more bearable. It was wonderful of you to see me off at the station, and to have your picture to remind me why I want to come home, it’s more than I can ever ask for. I don’t want to talk of war, not in this first letter, so I will not tell you of what I will come back to, but rather to think of what I will look forward to. I look forward to dancing with you again, to sit by the beach and listen to the waves and breath the salty sea air, to talk with you with all the little and big things we can think of. To understand you and have you understand me as no one else ever have or could ever do after. Give my love to your mother, and keep some for yourself too.

Waiting eagerly to hear you soon,

David”

“Dear David,

It was wonderful to see your letter come as soon as it did, for I would have been terribly concerned something would have happened to you. Mother sends her love back, and she says to remind you to take care of your feet. Even across the world, she can’t help to mother. I was glad to see you off, and it makes me happy that my picture brings some relief to what you must face in the days to come. The days here have gotten bleaker since you’ve left, sun is scarce in sunny California and I wonder if it must mean something. I still dance for the other soldiers, but I do not dance with them, for none of them have what you have, your charm, your ease, or your kindness. I must admit, I cried into my pillow the night you left, not because I had gotten used to being with you, but because I had realized after you left how much I’d miss you. I wish you’ll come home soon, that no harm comes to you, and that you’ll see your family again.

Your letter cannot come soon enough,

Audrey”

Between his own mother and Audrey’s letters, David never felt alone, but he did feel homesick for them both. He often thought of how, when the moment came, his parents would react to meeting Audrey. Would they welcome her as if she was always a part of the family, or would they be weary since she is not Jewish and an outsider? The evening was quiet, a rarity in the field, but they took it for what it was worth. David reached over for his bag and carefully pulled out the picture of Audrey, staring at it. He wondered what it would be like to wake up with her, see her sleepy face, her perfume on the pillow, sitting at that kitchen table with her and enjoying a quiet breakfast, just peacefully together.

“Who’s that?” David turned and saw his co-pilot sitting on the cot next to him.

“My girl, Audrey.” He handed it over to him, letting him see her better.

“She’s beautiful,” he said with a smile, returning the picture.

“She’s wonderful. Unlike anyone I’ve ever met.”

“Do you think it’s love?” he asked earnestly.

Love. It sounded so wonderful next to Audrey’s name. “Yes, I am sure of it.”

He was away for two months, and somehow, in those two months, the letters, which started off sweet and affectionate, became more loving and passionate. Its progression had been slow that neither had realized the change unless they looked back at their letters in the beginning and see how much they changed.

“Beloved David,

It’s become clear to everyone around me that there is someone special in my life, and you are indeed very special to me. No man has ever made me feel as safe, heard, and loved as you have. A solider today wore your cologne today and I was taken back to our dance, Jo Stafford playing, I resting my head on your chest, inhaling your scent, and never before did I feel as content with life as I had in that moment in your arms. I want to feel that way again, I am aching to hold you, to be held by you, and nothing less will satisfy my longing. I count my blessings that I met you when we did, that you had seen something in me worthy enough to visit again and again, that you could choose to share your love with me. I wish I were half as clever as you that I could express the way you make me happy, the dear and deep love I have for you, but all I can tell you is, I love you, love you, and nothing would make me happier than to see your smile again.

Mother has been wondering if you might be able to come home for Christmas, and for how long. I told her that you’d want to see your parents, but if perchance you’d have the time, stop by and let us take care of you for even a minute. I adore you, dearest.

Your Audrey”

“Darling Audrey,

Since our last meeting I have been agonizing over being away from you. I have worked to keep the sound of your voice, the scent of your perfume, and the touch of your hands and lips embedded on my brain. I wish more than anything, other than to be beside you, is to have you become a part of me, that I can carry you with me everywhere I go, so that whenever anyone sees me, they know that I am yours, forever and ever. War is hell, but my dreams are paradise, for I dream of you so often, that when I wake, I wake with a smile, ready to face another day. I wish you were kinder to yourself, my darling, for you are so much more than you think of you give yourself credit for. I’ll tell you what I love about you; I love that you care so much about others, that you work hard even when you think it feels hopeless. I love how open minded and grounded you are, your unshakeable faith that there is good and love in this world, it’s that I cling to during these times of hardship and fear. I could go on, but I am only allowed one sheet of paper, but suffice to say, I love all the little and big things about you, you entire.

I am grateful for Christmas as it will allow me to come back and see you again. We have been given leave for Christmas, so I’ll go and spend it with my folks, then come to you for New Years. I can’t wait to tell them all about you, for I know, they’ll love you as I do, though I doubt anyone could love you as much as I can and always will. You are my heart, my angel.

Yours, David”

When his company were let off, he chose to be dropped off at New York, as the travel back home was shorter than LA, and he couldn’t wait to see his parents again after not seeing them for nearly a year. His mother Anna had nearly toppled him as he walked up the path, squeezing him so closely to her that he felt moments where he couldn’t breathe, oh but he didn’t mind it. He cried tears of joy as his father, Benjamin, joined in the hug, as they were so happy to be reunited. His brother, Morris, wouldn’t be able to join them, but he had only been to the house a week earlier, so there was that. His home hadn’t changed since he had left, not just in looks, but in how warm and friendly it felt, and he was like a little boy, safe and love again.

“Moy syn,” began Anna, as she placed the warm plate before David, “Have you been keeping yourself well?”

“Yes, Mama, I’m alright.”

“Have you made any friends?”

David laughed, “Gee, it’s the oddest way to make friends, but yes, a few. Actually, there is something I want to talk to you about. About two months ago, I met someone.”

His parents looked at him hopefully. “A girl?” asked Benjamin.

“Yes, a girl. Her name is Audrey, I met her at a dance hall. She’s very nice, I’ve met her mother, and we had been writing since I left. She is not Jewish, but she doesn’t mind that I am. I’m sure if you met her, you’d see just how wonderful she is, and I am planning on seeing her for New Year’s.”

Anna had nodded, slightly disappointed she wasn’t Jewish, but she seeing how happy he was and how the last time they tried to interfere with his love life didn’t end well, she wouldn’t want to take away that happiness simply because of her religion. “What does she do?”

“She’s an actress, nothing big, but she makes enough money to take care of herself and her mother.”

“Had she been married before?” asked Benjamin.

“Yes, but it was annulled, and shortly after, he had died in service.”

“Poor thing,” Anna remarked kindly. “Do you have a picture of her?” David pulled out her picture from his wallet and handed it to her. Benjamin and Anna looked on the object of their son’s affections and saw an incredibly kind face, and could see why he could already appear so in love. “She seems very kind. I hope you two continue to be happy, and one lucky day, may meet her.”

“I hope so.”

He enjoyed the days he had with his parents, but when it was time for him to go to L.A. to see Audrey, his mind was filled with nothing else but her. The station was filled with people who were also eagerly waiting for their loved ones, and like a beacon in the darkness, David spotted Audrey among the crowd. The last time they met, they said goodbye with timid tenderness, but their reunion was fearlessly affectionate. Audrey nearly toppled him with how quickly she ran into his arms, and he dropped his bag on the ground to hold her, kissing her as if they had done this many times before.

When they pulled away, she could see his cheeks were red and a shy smile on his lips. “Gee, I wasn’t planning our first kiss to be like that.”

“Was it bad?” she asked, worried.

“No!” he quickly corrected himself, “Far from it. It was wonderful.”

Relieved, she brought him back home, where Viola happily welcomed him. “How were your parents, did you get to celebrate Hannukah?”

“Not exactly, since it was early this month, but we did do a few things in honor of.”

“Which reminds me,” Audrey said before disappearing into the kitchen and brought out a plate. “I borrowed the recipe, and thought it try to make you your late-keys.”

David smiled, trying to stifle a laugh. “Darling, do you mean latkes?” Audrey felt flustered at this, but he pulled her in and kissed her cheek, “That’s alright darling, I said it wrong for the first five years of my life,” then taking a bite out of one, he smiled and said, “And if it’s any consolation, your cooking is better than your pronunciation.”

Audrey smiled and was relieved that she got this batch right. She practiced the past few days, wanting to not only make something that reminded him of home, but to show she respected his religion and heritage. “How long shall we have you, David?” Viola asked.

“I go back on the day after New Year’s. And, I wanted to ask,” his attention turned to Audrey, “Many of the other soldiers were invited to a New Years Eve party, and I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind coming along?”

Audrey would have loved to come, but she worried about leaving her mother home alone. “Oh, don’t worry about me. Me and Mrs. Harris next door will get together and drink sherry until we drop,” she laughed.

It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was filled with many soldiers and their dates who were just happy they had a reprieve from the fighting, a moment where they could forget they weren’t in the middle of a war but living a normal and happy life. “Recognize anyone from your troop?”

“Not really. But that’s alright, I want all my focus on you, the prettiest girl in the whole world.”

This is what made Audrey love him, not his compliments, but how sincere he was, and she really did feel like she was the prettiest girl in the world. “I love you,” she said, “I know I told you on paper, but I wanted to say the words for a while now. I love you, David Friedkin.”

He smiled and said, “And I love you, Audrey Westphal, every day since I met you, and every day after today.”

The MC stepped forward and started the countdown into the new year, and as the band played into 1945, friends hugged and wished each other a bright new year, couples shared their first kiss of the new year, and David and Audrey were among them. They only stopped when someone came by to give them champagne and waited as the MC raised a glass to the crowd, saying “A happy New Year to you all! May our soldiers come home safely, and this be the year we kick Hitler’s ass!”

The party went on into the early morning, with people only leaving at four am, and despite how tired they were, David and Audrey stayed up, enjoying what little time they had. “You look so worn, David,” Audrey fussed as the approached her home.

“It was worth it, didn’t want to lose a moment with you, darling.”

It was a decision she normally wouldn’t have made, under normal circumstances, but these weren’t normal circumstances. “Why don’t you come in? You can sleep in the guest room. I’d hate for you to stumble back tired and possibly hurt yourself because of it.” David wanted to argue, saying it wouldn’t be proper, but he was tired, and he didn’t want her worrying, so he accepted. “I’ll get the room ready for you,” Audrey said as they went inside, but he stopped her.

“Wait, sit with me for a while? I’m not ready to sleep yet.”

She smiled and led him to the couch in the living room, curling up against him as they heard the faint music playing outside. This was much like what David had wanted; his arms around her, her head resting on his chest, sitting together, passing time as if they had all the time in the world. This was happiness.

Viola slept into the late morning, passing her daughter’s room, and was surprised to not see her there. True, she was in bed before they arrived home, but Audrey couldn’t have already been up before her. Going down the stairs, she noticed David’s hat sitting on the table in the hallway, and upon closer examination, she found exactly where her daughter was. Sleeping soundly against her soldier, who held her as they slept on the small couch, which made his hang over to allow her room. It was a sight too tender to be disturbed, and carefully, Viola left the couple alone to get the much-needed sleep.

When they finally did wake, they were slow to proper awareness, but once they had, David was apologizing profusely to Mrs. Westphal for having stayed when he shouldn’t have, but she waved it off. “It’s New Years, everyone does something a little unusual the first day of the year. And besides, I was here the whole evening, no one would dare say anything against you two. Now, come on, eat some breakfast.”

He spent a quiet day with the Westphals, before going back to serve, and his heart broke to see Audrey so sad. “I’ll let you know as soon as I am able to get leave again.”

“It’s not fair,” Audrey softly protested, “You go away for months and are only allowed back for a brief time.”

“Darling, it’s war, and all’s fair in love and war. But it’ll be over soon, I feel it, and then with no war between us, all we’ll have is love. Let’s look to the future, that’s where we belong.”

David somehow always managed to make Audrey feel better, even when it all felt so lost. The letters they wrote to each other were the only things they had to look forward to.

“Beloved David,

It’s been an incredibly frustrating day. After spending all week auditioning for parts and working hard to learn dances and dialogue, and I got not a single role, not even in the background. Then I read about what is going on over there and have been a wreck to think you are so close to it. Mom and I got into a fight, it was over something silly, and I know I was a bit sensitive, but she knew I had a bad day, and her words were like twisting a knife deeper in me. I hadn’t come out of my room for the rest of the evening, just crying, wishing you were here. I can’t figure how you put up with me, when I can be so silly and mean. I wish I could be as calm and patient like you, I wish I knew how to think first then act after rather the other way around. But I wish people would stop treating me like I don’t know anything, stop making me feel like I’m incapable of understanding anything. I am a lot smarter than people think, and I understand more than they believe. No one knows that, it appears, except you. I need you with me, I feel so alone despite being with so many people. God, I hate war.

I know I am not the only one who has a loved one away fighting, and I know everyone tells me that I need to buck up and be proud of my soldier, but I am too busy being scared for you that I can’t allow myself to be proud. I am proud of you, incredibly so, but I’d be the happiest woman if you had left and stayed with me, safe and sound. Forgive me for dumping all of this on you, you deserve to hear only good things from me, so let me change the topic.

I love you so much, my dear. Mom gave me a picture of us asleep on the couch, and I have it by my bed, and I remember how it felt to be in your arms, and I fall asleep much easier with you on my mind. The girls are a little jealous of me, saying I got the best fella a girl could ask, and I couldn’t agree more. They talk about how handsome you are, and indeed they are right, but you are even more wonderful underneath all that. Your eyes are as warm and inviting as your heart, your lips are lovely and kind as your soul, your hands gentle and strong as your spirit, when you smile everyone can’t help but to stare, and when you laugh, it’s the best music in the world. There must be a God or something greater out there, because you are proof that perfection exists, and it’s a miracle that you entered my life to bless me with it.

Write to me as soon as you can, I need to know you are well.

Love, Audrey.”

David cried to see how unhappy she was, read her letter carefully, over and over, before he wrote down the words he could think of to comfort her.

“Darling Audrey,

My poor darling girl, I am so sorry that you had a terrible day, and more than anything I wish I was there to comfort you. I am sure your mother didn’t mean to upset you or to make you unhappy, she loves you, it is very clear to see, she’s as human as I am and you are. Don’t be too hard about your own way to express yourself; I’ve seen some people who have no passion or feeling for anything in this world, or worse, they stifle it so much that they kill it, and have no love for anything or anyone at all. I love that you feel as much as you do, I love that, for better or for worse, your heart is on your sleeve, and I am sorry that people have underestimated you, because you are talented, bright, and wonderful, and they clearly don’t know the good thing they’ve got.

I am sorry that people brush aside your fears and pain. We are told the same over here. “Buck up, soldiers, no good moping over our past.” But it’s hard to not mourn a period in our lives where the biggest thing we had to worry was whether or not to pay the bills on time, or will we get that job, or will my crush like me back. Everyday we sit so close to death it’s hard to not try and think of life, to cling to the reasons why we’d want to stay alive, and what would happen to our loved ones if we didn’t come back. We may be soldiers, but we are human first, and we are as scared and lonely as anyone else, not machines that can turn our feelings on and off. Sometimes, when I can’t sleep and I think too much on what I am missing out, I can’t help but to cry. As Charlotte Bronte wrote, ‘Crying does not indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive’. Feel as much as you want darling, for you live and love that way.

I admit when I read your last paragraph, I blushed to think you saw me like that. What have I ever done to be lucky to be loved by you, darling? The other day, the fellas were talking about their sweethearts and wives, and I had to talk about you. Gee, I found I could have talked about you for hours, tell the world just how much I love you, and convince them that there was no greater girl in the world than you. I only stopped because we were commanded to get suited up, but it didn’t stop me from thinking about you. Got a nice frame for your picture and now, whenever I go up in the skies, I place it on my dashboard so I can see you all the time, and then in the evenings, I fall asleep looking at you. Yes, my darling, I believe there must be a higher power up there, because happiness and love like this don’t just happen on accident, they are meant to be.

Remember to keep me in your prayers, and I promise to see you soon.

Love, David.”

January is a cold and bitter month, and the letters were slow to reach everyone, making it an agonizingly longer than it needed to be. Lives were lost because of the cold, because it was darker and the snow made it harder to see, good men David was friendly with were now gone, so few letters coming through made it even lonelier than ever before. The only thing that kept him sane was the picture of Audrey, the reminder that this was what was waiting for him. Look to the future, he had to remind himself, your Audrey is waiting for you there.

February fared better as hints of spring were coming, and the letters came more freely now. For Valentine’s day, Audrey sent the most adorable valentine with a puppy on it, crying as she rips a page off the calendar and sees its Valentine’s day. ‘Missin’ You on Valentine’s Day, I miss you just so doggone much- I feel so sad, so doggone blue’ and inside read, ‘I just can’t help but sorta hope you’re just a little lonesome too!’ Handwritten at the bottom was a small note that read ‘I feel this way every day you are away, but more so this day! I love you, Audrey.”

He smiled, placing it inside his box, his treasure chest as he called it, of all the letters and gifts that Audrey sent to him, pulling it out whenever he needed to be reminded of her. He sent her a gift that he found while a day’s leave in the city, a gift Audrey found remarkable. It was a small wooden box, a moon engraved at the top and a small crank on the side, and attached was a note that read “I’ll be looking at the moon, but I’ll be seeing you. I love you, David.” When she cranked the box, tears immediately came to her eyes as she heard their song playing.

They hoped David would have been given leave for his birthday, but sadly he had to spend it away from home, but he still received such nice gifts from his loved ones. His parents sent him a scarf his mother made, and three bars of soap, which may not have seemed a great gift, but compared to the soap the army gave the men, this was a luxury that they missed. Mrs. Westphal made socks, and Audrey sent over a book, one that he once said was missing from his collection, For Whom the Bells Toll. It had caused quite a stir and many people had it banned, which made finding it difficult, but not for Audrey it seemed. Her card attached was hand written and said

“Beloved David,

I hope your birthday over there is a happy one, and know how much we all over here are missing you terribly. I hope the book finds you in one piece, for it was a hardship to find it, had to search high and low for it, but it will be worth it for you to add to your collection. I can’t wait until you come back to me, to lay down at the beach, hear your lovely heart beating, your wonderful voice reading to me. I love to hear you speak, my dear, there is not greater sound to me in the world than your voice. Stay safe, know that I love you always, and miss you forever.

Love, Audrey.”

He smiled and wiped his eyes; to think she worked so hard to find this book, that she didn’t give up the first or second tries. She wanted him to have it, because he knew how important it was to him. He then went to writing to his mother, he had a very important request to make of her.

He came back home on March 22rd, warmly greeted by his love, and as eager as he was to be with her, he was eager to go back to his apartment, to see if he got the letter he needed. Audrey felt bad that she had a new role, mainly because it took time away from him, but he told her that they would have plenty of time together, as he was promised two weeks off. Neither of them could have expected for David to receive orders two days later that he was to return back on April 2nd at noon. It was a blow to David, as he had hoped to plan something wonderful for Audrey, something deserving of her, but as it would appear, he would have to make due with what he had.

With bad news come swiftly good news, as the long-awaited letter from his mother came, and David hurried over to the Westphal home. He waited until Viola came to the door, her face smeared with flour and her hair a little untidy.

“Oh, David,” she wiped her hands on her apron, “Audrey isn’t home yet, I thought that I told you she’d be home at 4?”

“Yes, you did. But I wanted to come by early, that is,” he removed his hat and fiddled with it, “Ma’am I wanted to talk to you, before Audrey came home. To ask you something.”

Viola barely contained her excitement, certain it meant what she thought, and she happily accepted David in. A half hour later, Audrey came home, calling out to her mom. “Mom,” she said as Viola came through the living room door, “I am going to change and freshen up before David arrives.”

“He’s here already.”

“Oh no, and I look like a mess,” she complained as she looked in the mirror.

“No, not at all my dear. You look lovely. Go on, he’s been waiting for you.” Audrey didn’t see the barely contained tears of joy in her mother’s eyes or the huge smile as she went into the living room.

David looked a bit nervous but always so happy to see her. “Hello, Audrey, I am sorry that I am a bit early.”

“It’s alright. I am just sorry that I don’t look my best.”

“You look beautiful, no matter what you do.”

She smiled and blushed, feeling like a girl again. “Please sit.” She noticed that he was fiddling with his hat, looking a bit nervous. “Is everything alright?”

“Well, no, but maybe yes?”

“What?” she laughed.

“I had received news that I have to go back a little earlier than I was expected.”

Her smile went away. “When?”

“This Monday coming up, I have to be at the station at noon.”

“Oh,” she couldn’t hide her disappointment. “I had hoped we had more time.”

“So had I. I received a letter from my mother today, she asked after you.”

“That was kind of her, I hope she is well.”

“She is, and actually she sent me something that I would like you to see.” He pulled out an envelope, handing it to her. She could see that something was inside, and when she poured the contents in her hand, she saw a beautiful ring, with a simple gold band and a lovely round diamond. “I know it’s nothing extravagant, nothing like what you deserve, but if you would have me, I’d do everything I can to make myself worthy of your love.” Taking her hand as he went to his knees before her, he asked, “Audrey Lorraine Westphall, would you marry me?”

She couldn’t believe it, this wonderful man who she felt she didn’t deserve, believed he was undeserving of her. “Oh David,” she started, and for a moment, he had felt certain that she was going to say no, “You have it backwards, it’s me that doesn’t deserve you, and I will happily do everything I can to be deserving of you.”

“Is, is that a ‘yes’?”

“Yes,” she answered, tears of joy springing to her eyes, “Of course I’ll marry you.”

David himself couldn’t stop his own overflowing emotions and his eyes watered with joy as he leaned into her to kiss her. “I know this isn’t exactly what you would have imagined this, but-”

She stopped him before he could go on. “It was perfect. In the end, I have the most wonderful man in love with me, that is as perfect as I could hope.”

“I am sorry that I can’t give you a church wedding,” he says, referring to his Jewish religion, “You deserved a beautiful long white dress and choir boys and such.”

“I had that already, David, it isn’t it’s all cracked up to be. All I could ask for you is you.”

Viola had burst through the door when she was called, tears falling down her face and her smile so wide it had to hurt her face, but she wouldn’t have cared. Her little girl was going to marry a wonderful man, and she was certain this would be a much happier marriage. They agreed to a courthouse wedding, as it was best for their religious backgrounds, and it was agreed upon Saturday, so that they may have the weekend together. Wartime marriages were happening often, though compared to the start of the war, it had slowed down, but finding a spot was still difficult, though not impossible. There had been concerns that couples were marrying simply because it sounded glamorous and romantic, but no one would have had to worry about David or Audrey, it was clear that this was as honest as the day is long.

Saturday came and as Audrey was getting ready, she was given a small bouquet of red tulips with baby’s breath, sent by David. They were simply beautiful, and he told her in those flowers how much he loved her. “Audrey dear, we have ten minutes before we have to go,” called her mother through the door.

“Alright, I am almost ready.” She was nearly going to add make-up, but then she remembered the picture that David chose to take with him overseas, the one she didn’t think she looked that good, but he loved anyway, because it shows the true Audrey. When she married Lewis, she put on quite a bit of make-up in hopes to appear older, but she didn’t need that now, all she wanted to be was herself, and so, she left her face bare, allowing her natural beauty to shine, and after doing up her hair, she went down and drove to the courthouse with her mother.

David was waiting inside, watching the time, he had been so scared of possibly being late that he arrived an hour early. It was ten minutes before their time when he saw her walk through the door. There may have been many brides that have come before her, but there would never be one that was as beautiful as her; she wore no make-up, and yet looked so radiant and outshone all the other women in the place, she had her hair done up in curls, and he could see she took a few of the baby’s breath to pin in her hair, and her dress was a simple satin ivory dress with flutter sleeves and a pink fabric rose in the middle of the neckline.

He looked so handsome in his uniform, and for a moment, she forgot that she would only have him for a weekend, and just enjoyed the day of her marrying the man she knew she was meant to be with. “You look beautiful,” he softly complimented, as she approached.

“And you look so handsome. Thank you for the flowers, they are lovely.”

They were called in to the courtroom, and arm in arm, they walked in as Audrey Westphal and David Friedkin, and in a short time, they left as Mr. and Mrs. Friedkin. The ceremony was simple, and yet, it was as wonderful as she could have hoped, because David was looking at her as if she was the most beautiful woman in the world, and he the luckiest man. It was wonderful because her mother was beaming with joy and love, rather than concern and mild happiness. It was wonderful because rather than feeling nervous and deluded into believing she knew love, she was excited and knew that there is no man in the world who more perfect for her than David.

The trio went out for lunch at a diner David had suggested, and compared to her first reception, she liked this one much better. They agreed that when the war was over, they would have a proper reception with friends and more of their family, but for now, they were happy as they were. Afterwards, David brought her to his apartment, the one he had before joining the army, and after showing his landlady the marriage certificate, he led her to the door, and carried her over the threshold.

It wasn’t anything big, but it was neat and perfect for a young man, or rather now, a newly married couple, to live in. “I know it’s not much,” he said apologetically, removing his hat, “It’s not fancy or swanky, but it’s private, and has everything we could want.”

Audrey placed a quick kiss to his lips to stop him and smiled. “It’s perfect, David, really. Because it has you, and that’s all I want this weekend.”

He tossed his hat aside and leaned down to kiss her. “I love you so much, Mrs. Friedkin.”

She smiled at the new name. “And I love you, Mr. Friedkin.”

They didn’t leave their room that entire weekend, they wanted to block out the entire world, forget that there was a war that was going to pull them apart on Monday, and just loved each other as if there was never going to be a chance to love each other ever again. But came that dreaded Monday morning, and despite everything inside them begging to stay, they knew they couldn’t be selfish. They were quiet as they dressed and walked through the hall and down the stairs, his arm wrapped around her waist, while she clung to him. The sight was heartbreaking, everyone who saw them knew just what was going to happen, but all they could do was wish the soldier well, and silently prayed that he’d return for his wife.

The station was filled with soldiers and their loved ones, everyone looking miserable, but Audrey swore they were the most miserable. Viola had waited at the station, wanting to see him off and to be there for her daughter. After wishing him a safe journey, she stepped away, letting the couple enjoy their last moments together. Audrey was trying to keep it together, but it wasn’t until now that it suddenly came pouring out.

“I’m sorry,” she said, crying.

“No, go ahead,” David softly spoke, pulling her into a hug, “You go ahead and cry.”

“Would it offend you if I prayed for you in church?”

He chuckled, “No, it wouldn’t. In fact, I’ll take all the help I can get.” She chuckled at that, and for a moment they just held each other in silence. “Audrey,” he spoke, suddenly remembering and pulled from his pocket a key and gave it to her, “This is the key to the apartment, I already told my landlady that you have the key. Please feel free to go there as much as you want.”

She looked at the key in her hand and was touched that he trusted her with his space, that he even wanted her to invade it. “I’ll take care of it while you’re gone, so when you come back, it’ll be ready for you.” Then, cradling his face in her hands, she said, “Promise me that you’ll come back. Please, promise me.”

David didn’t want to make such a hefty promise, fearful that in doing so and something happening, he couldn’t bear the thought that he broke his promise. But seeing her tears, how much she needed to hear him say it, he knew that his promise would make her happy. “I promise, come hell or highwater, I will come back to you.”

Audrey knew that it was a difficult promise to keep, war took so many people away, no matter how smart, strong, or brave you were. But, she thought that if he made the promise, he’d have another reason to fight harder to stay alive, and therefore come back to her. The train whistle broke the air and Audrey quickly clung to him, wanting to hold him once more, and then they kissed desperately as if they feared that this would be their last.

“All aboard!”

David reluctantly pulled away from her, knowing he had to go, but he was comforted to see his mother-in-law beside his wife, she wouldn’t be alone, and it made letting her go easier. Audrey and Viola stayed until the train was gone from their sights, when they could no longer hear the whistle, and it was then Audrey suddenly broke down in her mother’s arms. “He’ll come back,” Viola whispered, rubbing comforting circles on her daughter's back, “I know he will. He’s strong, he’s smart, and he loves you so much. He’ll come back.”

Audrey knew her mother was right, David was strong and smart, and he loved her too much, but that didn’t always guarantee a safe return, but for the time being, it was the faith that she clung to. Every Sunday, she went to church and lit a candle for David, praying for a long time that David would come home, and her faith was always renewed whenever she got his letters. They always when expected, even across the sea he was punctual.

There was a time when it looked as though David wouldn’t have been able to make it to Audrey. A mission went awry, and despite the caution they took, lives were lost, and many were injured, including David. A shrapnel got into his rib, and he was rushed to the infirmary, and after over an hour of work, the shrapnel was out, and he barely made it out alive. He would have to be on bedrest for a week, and then ready to get back to fighting, but it was a close call. He watched as others were brought in to be cared for, and the few others who were to be returned home in coffins.

“Hey,” came the voice of Gale Cleven, whom others had called Buck, his superior and who had been in the plane with him many times before. “How are ya feeling?”

“Like I had a shrapnel in my ribs,” he joked, which made Gale laugh. Humor was the only way to get through some of the worst days, better to laugh than to cry, they said. “How many did we lose?”

“At the moment? Six, but we don’t know until everyone has been checked.” He then reached into his pocket and handed him something. “I grabbed this before they took the plane in, figured you wanted this back.”

Taking it, David saw that it was his framed picture of Audrey at the table, and he remembered how he placed it on the dashboard, and he was grateful it didn’t get destroyed or fell out of the plane. “Thank you. I would have been upset to lose this.”

“Your girl?”

David smiled and shook his head. “My wife. We got married before I was shipped off, married to the most wonderful gal in the world.” Gale smiled; true he would have thought his girl, Marge, was the most wonderful girl in the world, but he was not going to tell another man that, and isn’t each girl the most wonderful girl in the world to someone?

“What’s her name?”

“Audrey. It may be something a lot of guys say, but when I tell you I knew from the moment I saw her, I really did. She became my whole world, and there’s nothing I want more than to get back to her.”

“You will, I know you will.”

He smiled; he was intent on keeping his promise, come hell or highwater, he would come back to Audrey. Since he would have nothing but time on his hands, he decided to write to Audrey, telling her of the most recent accident. It wasn’t what she had expected, in fact, she had been comfortable in the idea that David seemed almost indestructible, and this letter was a harsh reminder he was only human.

“How is he?”

Audrey’s face fell. “He’s injured. Shrapnel to the rib, but he’s says he’s alright, just needs to rest for a week.”

Viola crossed herself. “Thank God he is alright.”

“Am I terrible for wishing that it was bad enough that they would have had him sent home permanently?”

Viola shook her head, her eyes tender with empathy. “No, I am sure everyone who loves a soldier wishes for that. What else does he say?”

Audrey scanned through, and her cheeks grew warm. “Um, the rest is a bit personal. But he is well.” Later that evening, when Audrey stayed at his apartment, she re-read the letter, drinking in his words.

As I am lying here, I can’t help but think constantly of you; of how sad you looked when we were separated and how desperately it broke my heart. And then I think of your smiles when we were married and during our small honeymoon, and it makes me work harder to get back to you quicker. I can’t tell you how much I miss you, especially in the evenings, when I wish I was nowhere but in your arms. How eagerly I wait to be back to you, to kiss you, your sweet lips, your lovely neck, your pretty breasts. I could never forget the beautiful look on your face when you reached ecstasy and the wonderful sounds you made, they are burned in my brain forever and I hope to return to you and help make those beautiful faces and sounds again. There’s nothing more I could want now than to shower you in my love, to stop being a lieutenant and be a lover to you. Pray that I may come home soon, otherwise the fellas are not going to be happy with what I’m going to do in my bunk.

Audrey chuckled at that last line, but she completely understood the sentiment. Curling herself in the bed they shared, remembering those wonderful moments where they made love, talked, and laughed, and silently admired each other. It was in those quiet moments in the evening when she had nothing but time to think, did her emotions go all over, from joyful that she married him, to melancholy that he was far away, that she was grateful sleep eventually took hold of her where she could dream of him, and the work day help to keep her mind off of her troubles. Continuing to help out at the canteen was both a blessing and a curse for her. She would see other soldiers with their ladies, and she envied them while she could only wonder if her soldier was safe, a nightly curse. The blessing came in disguises, like this night, when a major from his group was given leave and spotted her.

Across the room, Gale saw a woman that he was certain he knew. “She looks familiar,” he noted to a fellow soldier, hoping he might know where Gale saw her from.

“She’s beautiful,” commented his friend. “Dibbs.” Gale tried to stop him, but the soldier went to her, making Gale follow. “Excuse me, miss. Would you like to dance?”

“No, thank you,” she replied nicely.

“Forgive me,” Gale stepped in, “You look familiar to me.”

She smirked, “If that isn’t one of the cheesiest pick-ups I have ever heard.”

“No, I swear it isn’t.”

“If he doesn’t want to pick you up, I do,” the other soldier said, trying to pull her in for a dance.

“I said no,” she spoke more firmly, stepping back, “My dances are saved for my husband.”

“And where is this great husband of yours?”

“He’s fighting overseas. He’s a great and brave man,” she added with tenderness.

“Who is your husband?” Gale asked, now eager to know if he has met this man.

“First lieutenant David Friedkin of the 100th bomb group, Signals Corps,” she answered with pride.

Gale snapped his fingers and exclaimed, “Audrey!” Audrey looked at him surprised. “Yes, you were wearing a gingham dress, the coffee and newspaper on the table, and you were sitting at the table, like this,” he mimicked her position, making Audrey stare in wonder.

“You know David? When did you last see him? Was he well?” It had been two months since she had seen him and she was eager to know anything she could from one who just came from him. Gale had informed her that he saw him last before he went over here, and said he was well, she listened with eagerness as he told stories of what he did overseas, and how he arrived back proudly telling anyone he could that he married the most wonderful girl in the world. The idea that he would do that made her blush, but also feel prideful that he talked about her in such a way. “Would you do something for me?” She removed something from her neck, explaining, “I forgot to give it to him before he left, and I want him to have it now.” She placed a kiss to the pendent before offering it to Gale.

Gale was a bit romantic, and taking out his handkerchief, he had her place it inside. “This way, not only is it safe, but that it is only touched by you and him.”

“Thank you. And give him a message from me.” The message though short, was one she knew he’d understand, and was the truth.

Gale took his duty seriously and as soon as he had landed back to base, he made it his mission to find David. “Friedkin,” he called, finding him with the other men, “I have something for you.”

“Aww, a little token?” teased Eagan, making the men laugh.

“Something like that,” Gale spoke seriously, pulling out his small bundle, handing it to David. Curious, David opened the handkerchief, and saw inside was a silver pendant of the archangel Michael, protector of soldiers. “We saw your wife, she was sorry she didn’t give it to you before you left, but she wanted you to have it now. And she wanted me to tell you something, she said, ‘I’ll be looking at the moon, but I’ll be seeing you’.”

David smiled and his heart tugged at the message. He hung the pendant around his neck and looking at the angel, he placed a kiss to it, unaware of Audrey’s action. “Didn’t I tell you she was the most wonderful gal ever?”

“Yes,” Gale nodded, smiling, “She really is.”

Later when writing his letter, David thanked her for the pendant, certain it would help him through the coming months. He told her how he heard he was going to get leave again soon, and they both were eager for the visit. Sadly, an attack on the base had changed those plans, and once again, they had to go without seeing each other.

June, July, August, all unbearable months, with only letters to sustain them, promises of being able to see each other again, but broken as the war grew to a breaking point. At times, his letters were scarce, and when he put pen to paper again, they were long and wonderful letters apologizing for the delay, but his hope that it was ending soon. Audrey prayed every night before bed, even when to church each morning hoping David would come home soon. Everyone was waiting for a miracle.

The miracle came when she was home with her mother, listening to Tommy Dorsey when a broadcast interrupted them. “And now an important word from General MacArthur.”

“My fellow countrymen, today the guns are silent. A great tragedy has ended. A great victory has been won.”

“Mom! Come quick!” Viola rushed from the kitchen to hear the rest of his speech, confirming once and for all, the war was over.

“And so, my fellow countrymen, today I report to you that your sons and daughters have served you well and faithfully with the calm, deliberate, determined fighting spirit of the American soldier and sailor based upon a tradition of historical trait, as against the fanaticism of an enemy supported only by mythological fiction. Their spiritual strength and power has brought us through to victory. They are homeward bound - take care of them.”

Tears blinded Audrey’s eyes as she wept with joy. “David’s coming home.”

A few days later she received a letter from David, and she smiled to see the happy tears on his paper.

“Darling Audrey,

I get to come home to you! It felt like I almost wouldn’t, but we all knew this couldn’t last forever, and we are all excited to get back to you all. It may take a little while, my darling, as we all are trying to leave as soon as possible, but I hear that the bombing troops will be one of the firsts to go, as we are not needed. We hope to be back home a week after today and I am more than ready to leave behind the title of lieutenant and be simply Mr. Friedkin, husband to Audrey. I love you, my darling angel, wait for me, I will be home soon.

Yours always,

David”

The letter was dated on the 2nd, which meant he would be home on the 9th, so she did everything she could to make the apartment clean and homey. She even got red tulips and had them sitting on the kitchen table. It had been the most relaxed she had felt in a long time, now that she knew the danger was gone, and he was coming home safely to her.

The day of the ninth, she dressed herself in the dress she wore when they first met, and waited, from the earliest train at dawn to the latest at dusk. He didn’t show. Strange, he usually is on time. It happens, her mother explained, so many soldiers are returning, they can’t always come back the first day. Audrey continued to wait, day after day, until it was a week, and now panic started to fill her. What if something happened to him between his last letter and now? Was he hurt somewhere, and no one knew what happened to him? Why won’t anyone tell her where David was?

She stayed at his apartment, wanting to be as close to him as possible, even grabbing one of his shirts, inhaling the cologne that still lingered on, wishing it was the real man. Her worry and crying made her feel so unwell that she remained in his bed for an entire day. It had now been a week and a half, and still no word from David, and she began to fear the worst. If David was gone, truly gone, she wouldn’t want to continue on anymore, for life would have no meaning without him.

“Audrey!” A faint voice called for her, and she wondered if it was just her imagination, but the voice grew louder and clearer. “Audrey!”

She sat up in the bed, her heart beating furiously. Could it really be him? Audrey was pulled back into reality, hurried to the door, and saw David, his face bruised and cut, but he was here, all in one piece. She jumped into his arms as he entered, dropping his bags in the doorway, and he held her so tightly she swore she would be bruised later, but she didn’t care. “I’m here, I’m here,” he whispered over and over, holding her close, inhaling her perfume.

“David, you’re back. Thank you, God,” she praised, closing the door behind them.

He had carried her to the bed, their kisses deep and desperate, and as she unbuttoned his shirt, she saw hanging around his neck her pendant, and she had felt certain that it had a hand in bringing him back to her. Later, as they laid in bed, holding each other, pressing little kisses to their faces, Audrey looked at his bruised face and torso. Whatever happened over there, she was certain she nearly lost him, but for whatever reason God choose to give them mercy, and he was here, alive in her arms. “Never leave me again,” she spoke softly.

“I promise,” he spoke, pressing a kiss to her forehead, “I’ll never leave you again. Only death will take me away from you.” He kissed her on the lips, and once again, they celebrated his return in the most intimate way possible.

Viola got to see the couple a week later, though she wasn’t surprised and allowed the couple the time they needed together. His face looked better, she thought, as he had stopped by the house first looking for Audrey, but when she shared that she was at the apartment, he left immediately to see his wife. Now, they could have a life together, and Viola was no longer worried about her daughter’s future.

The whole of America was celebrating the end of the war, many people were welcoming back their loved ones, but many were mourning too, and Audrey would never take for granted just how lucky she was. One evening, nearly a month after he came home, Audrey woke to find him not in bed, and after stepping out of the bedroom, she found him at the kitchen table, his face in his hands. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, and he looked up at her with tired, sad eyes. He said nothing as he pulled her into his lap and held her close. She held onto him, her head resting on top of his, not saying anything, just letting him go through whatever it was he was feeling.

“They’re never coming back,” he at last whispered, his voice broke. “All those men, brothers, sons, lovers, friends to someone, who will never see them again. Why did some of us and not all of us come back?”

She ran her hand through his hair and sighed. “I wish I could give a life altering answer, but all that I can say is the truth. Some people are just luckier than others, and no matter how much we try, whether in war, love, or life, things work out better for others. But you can’t sit here and say you were undeserving than the other. They were good men, they fought for something they believed in, and the world will always remember that. There’s a reason for you to be here, for your parents, your brother, for me,” she smiled then added, “And for our baby.”

David looked up at her, the tiredness and sorrow was lifted and there was hope in his eyes. “Baby?”

She smiled wide and nodded her head. “I found out yesterday. You’re going to be a dad, David.”

At this, David began to cry, but he was smiling, pressing kisses to her face, and murmured ‘thank yous’ whether it was to Audrey or to God, she wasn’t sure, but she knew that he would be the greatest father ever.

With this new development, David had arranged for the pair to travel back to Kansas City to meet his parents, and if all went well, to share the news with them. Audrey was nervous about finally meeting her in-laws, worried that they wouldn’t approve of his choice of bride once they finally met her. But as soon as they walked in, David’s mother, after hugging her son, then went to hug her new daughter-in-law. “Moya doch, welcome to the family,” Anna warmly said, taking her hand and bringing her into the living room. She talked Audrey’s ear off about David as a child, showing pictures and his old stories, of which he reddened with embarrassment, discrediting them as “awful stories”, but Anna knew that there was talent there, and Audrey whole heartedly agreed with her. She in turn showed the few pictures from their wedding, gifting the photobook as she had made doubles for his parents.

After being asked to help her in the kitchen, Audrey felt a little nervous of being alone with the mother, worried something unpleasant would come about, but after a comforting squeeze on her hand and a look of total adoration form David, she felt confident in going in alone.

 “We’re nearly done, just need to stir that up, and I’ll check on the meat.” Audrey did as she was told, humming to herself unawares, and then out of the blue, Anna commented softly, “Gee, you are so young.” Audrey stopped, looking at her, revealing no feeling. Anna realized what she said and felt flustered. “Forgive me, I didn’t mean it to sound rude or anything.”

“It wasn’t,” Audrey kindly answered, “It’s a fact.”

“It’s just, you see, David told us so much about you, except that you were younger. Not that I think it’s odd or anything, back home, girls your age would be married to much, much older men.”

Audrey looked down at the pot and said, “I know I am young, but the way I figured it, Mrs. Friedkin, in the five years before meeting your son, I had to do a lot of maturing and had a rather pessimistic view on life which made me older, and your son has such a natural good cheer and love of life that it makes him younger. So, we’re closer to being 25 and 27.” The math made both ladies chuckle, and Audrey looked at her mother-in-law. “And besides, I think it does a girl good to marry someone a little older than her. Girls tend to mature quicker than boys, though, I don’t think it has anything to do with nature, just girls are more put upon in this world. But all the same, whether he is 33 or 63, I’d love your son no matter what, because no one has understood me, the best and worsts parts, and not just still love me for it, but loved me because of it. I promise, I won’t break his heart, I’d rather think it a crime against humanity to do so.”

Anna relaxed and smiled, reaching to affectionately touch Audrey’s shoulder. “Thank you, my dear. One day, when you have a son of your own, you’ll understand the protectiveness of a mother. And I am glad that he found you, and that you found him.” They worked to finish the dinner in comfortable silence before bringing it out to the table.

As they sat down to dinner, Audrey found that Benjamin was much quieter than his wife, but no less warm and kind. “How has settling in after the war been?”

“It has its moments, but having someone there to help you,” he explained as he held Audrey’s hand, “Makes it a whole lot easier.”

“Still living in that apartment? Seems a little small for you two.”

“We are looking, actually,” Audrey added, “There’s some really nice houses, and we are hoping to find one before winter.”

“That’s smart,” Benjamin approved, “And you’ve gotten back to work?”

“Not yet, but I have a few offers. I met a real nice guy, Morton Fine, we seem to get along well and are thinking about writing together.” It was odd to Audrey how much Benjamin seemed to be deeply concerned about whether or not David was earning enough money, but he later explained that since his parents came over with hardly anything at all, the idea their children would have enough money to live comfortably was a sign that their children were happy.

“Well, I would like to make a toast.” Benjamin stood and held his glass out. “I wish to thank HaShem for returning our boy, safe and sound, for bringing an end to a terrible war, and for bringing us a daughter. Admittedly, we weren’t sure what to think of you,” Benjamin paused when he saw Anna’s expression. “It’s true, don’t deny it. When he first told us about you, we saw just how much he was in love with you, and we worried that the difference in religion would be a factor, but every concern we could have gone away once you walked in. There is just something there between you two that is hard to express. It’s just love, pure and simple, and sometimes, that’s all that is needed. Many blessings on you both, l’chaim!”

Anna and David repeated the sentiment, and Audrey managed well enough, though her pronouncement could have been a bit better. David looked at Audrey, and seeing the question in his eyes, she smiled and nodded. “There is something we have to tell you,” David called for attention. “I am glad you like Audrey, because, well, we’re going to have a baby.”

Anna jumped from her seat, exclaiming joyfully in Russian as she went to hug her daughter-in-law. Benjamin looked ecstatic, which the most expression she had seen from him, and he even gave a blessing in Hebrew to the couple and the new baby.

Life felt like it was healing itself, for Audrey and David moved into their new home just in time for the holiday season, and on May 23, 1946, their first son Gregory was born. As soon as he had looked at his son, David remembered what Audrey said, how he was here for his family, was meant to be a father, and he would always be grateful for being given a second chance of a life.

Audrey had worked on a few more movies before deciding it was not for her. Sure, her bit parts were steady and got money, but after nearly losing David and now having a child, she wanted to spend all her time with her boys. David made sure it was what she wanted, and he supported her choice, and did what he could to make sure that he could give his family everything they needed or wanted. Now the war was over, David committed himself to his work in writing and directing, working with that fellow he met, Morton Fine, first in radio then moving to television. Proving himself to be brilliant at it, and he had a good and steady career, even being nominated for six Emmys, a wonderful achievement. They would have another son, Anthony in 1949, and life could not seem to get better than this.

If being too happy is a sin, then in 1976, they were paying for it. Cancer was never something either of them had expected, but the doctor found the tumor, and it was certain that he would die from it. It was horrible to hear this, to lose the best man in the world, to not be able to grow old together and see their boys have their own families, to see him grow white hair and wrinkles and be called grandpa. It was just not fair, but rather than wallow in the sorrow, Audrey did everything she could to take care of him, make sure he was comfortable and happy in the last months of his life, she wanted to be with him as much as she could.

It was a cool autumn day, the world seemed so peaceful, and she and David decided to have a picnic in their backyard, a perfect scene with autumn leaves falling and cool breeze brushing against them. After eating, he laid his head on her lap, his now frail hand holding on to hers, speaking not a word for a few minutes. “It’s so beautiful today,” he softly said.

“Yes, a perfect autumn day.”

“You know, when I first saw you, there was something inside me that told me go to you, and if I didn’t, I’d regret it for the rest of my life. I didn’t understand why at first, but by the end of the night, I knew. I was meant to fall in love with you.”

Audrey smiled and leaned down to kiss him on the lips, her hair tickled his cheek. “I am forever grateful you walked into that canteen.”

“So am I.”

She held him in her arms, running her hands through his hair, humming the familiar song they danced to many times, watching as he fell asleep and then the sound of his breathing slowed, until it stopped. At first, Audrey couldn’t believe it, he can’t really be gone, and for almost an hour, she held him, not ready to let him go. Eventually, she did have to let him go, and with a kiss to his lips, and hoped that he went as peaceful as he looked. She was lucky to have had thirty-one years with him, but she had hoped to have reached fifty, to have seen him grow into an old man, see his grandchildren, but it seemed it would not be. October 15th, 1976 was the worst day of her life, a half of her died that day.

She hated to be seen as his widow, someone once tried to call David her late husband, she could only reply, “David is not my late husband, he is my husband, and he always will be.” It was true the day he died, and it was true twenty-three later. In 1999, she had seen how the world had changed, her boys were now grown with their own families and successful in their careers, and she could sit there and say she was content with how her life turned out. In the past year, Audrey put her Jo Stafford records on every night, and when she slept, she’d dream of her David. One night in early February, she felt more tired than she had before, but put on her favorite dress, the perfume she wore she was young, and rested in her chair as Jo Stafford’s voice soothed her. The beautiful notes swam through the air, and she was transported back to that night in 1944, where she met David.

“I’ll be seeing you, In all the old familiar places, That this heart of mine embraces, All day through”

She remembered the strong but comforting scent of David, the lemon and sage, the way she felt safe and loved in his arms, the way the world fell away for a moment that day.

“In that small café, The park across the way, “The children’s carousal, The chestnut tree, The wishing well,”

“Audrey.” She lifted her head and saw standing before her was David, dressed in his uniform, looking as he did the first time she met him.

“David? What are you doing here?”

“Our song is on, and I came to ask the prettiest girl to dance,” he explained as he held his hand out.

“I’ll be seeing you, In every lovely summer’s day, In everything’s that’s light and gay, I’ll always think of you that way,”

Audrey reached out and was surprised to see her old, wrinkled hand had turned young and smooth, and when she stood, her joints didn’t ache, but that she stood with ease. She saw herself in the mirror and was surprised to see herself young again, wearing the same dress she wore the night she met him. Turning around, she saw herself as an old woman seemingly asleep in the chair. “David? What is happening?”

“You were there for me to the end, so I figured I would be here for you.”

“I’m a little scared, David.”

“Don’t worry,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her, “We’re together now, everything will be alright.”

As he danced with her, Audrey saw the bedroom they shared for years turned into the dance hall where they were all alone, dancing together. Fear disappeared when she looked into his beautiful blue eyes. She was with her husband again, and as he promised all those years ago, they would be together, always.

“I’ll find you in the morning sun, And when the night is new, I’ll be looking at the moon, But I’ll be seeing you.”

Tagging: @freddycarterus @purpleyin @bcofl0ve @any-corrie @kylaym @zaened @turtleofdamascus @swanimagines @shiranai-atsune

#freddy carter #masters of the air #david friedkin #danielle rose russell #audrey westphal #fanfiction

[destinygoldenstar]

So going back to my Hand of Time post where I talked about dialogue, I actually got my GF's opinion on another part of that season. (She's on Sons of Garmadon now. She's also a Skybound lover. You may know that I'm not a Skybound fan, but congrats Skybound lovers, you have another one)

That's the family storyline of Fireboy and Watergirl. (Like, the only interesting thing about the season to me)

We talked about how we both thought it would have been much more interesting and fitting of the messaging of the season if the parents were painted in a negative light, and it wasn't a trick.

I was on board with the idea that the siblings didn't know what happened to their parents and why they suddenly up and left them. I mean, it left these two kids forced to raise each other. KIDS.

That's quite a bit of trauma to leave behind. (Which is why I said I wanted more baby Kai and Nya flashbacks)

And they WERE building up to the idea that these people should NOT be role models or impact Kai and Nya.

From what Chen implied, their parents were probably not the best of people and shouldn't be idolized. These two, especially Kai, have idolized their parents, and everything Kai has done with his life is associated with the legacy and honor of his father. But then it's revealed they're idolizing traitors to the Elemental Resistance and were fighting for a cause that was a danger to Ninjago. These kids shouldn't be idolizing them.

Especially not with what the siblings have become NOW. They're ninja. They're protectors of a land they care about. They have a new found family they could call their actual family if they so wished.

It fits with the time theming. It also adds to what Skylor tells them. Don't be so focused on your rocky past. Don't be so focused on the bad people your parents became. Focus on YOU. Focus on NOW. What do you want to be and what do you want to do NOW?

Adding to the Time Twins being stuck in the past. It'd make the siblings the foil.

...so we're both REALLY not a fan of the big twist of the season, that being that Ray and Maya were good people all along.

It goes against the message that was built up to up till that point. It reverts to the siblings clinging to the past again.

I'm not against their parents ending up being good people who were just protecting their kids out of love, but that's NOT what they were building up to.

And I am especially NOT SAYING Kai should've killed his dad. Absolutely not. Nya could've stopped him and reminded him that this isn't him and this isn't who he wants to be. Again, adding to the 'don't focus on the past, focus on now'. They could even release their parents out of sympathy, but not let them back in their lives. At least, not until Seabound, which could be the parents trying to be better. This could just be their redemption arc.

Cause, in the flashback they showed, they didn't even put up a fight when they could have. They're ELEMENTAL MASTERS. FOR FSM SAKE. They can strike a powerless Krux down. That screams to me that it doesn't change the fact that they abandoned their kids in a garden and left them at a weapons shop to fend for themselves. And it very clearly left a dent on them! For Kai, at least.

I also wish the final blow on the Time Twins was done by Kai and not Wu.

Everyone has said this, and yeah, Kai is the only ninja who never gets to defeat a villain by themself. (And now he never will) Every Kai focused story where he has a villain, said villain is defeated by someone else, sometimes someone with no connection to them. I have NO IDEA why Kai is not allowed to get a W, but the others are. I guess someone in the writers room just hates Kai for some reason.

THIS would've been the PERFECT SEASON to let Kai do that.

At least with Krux. Krux is such a personal antagonist for Kai. This is the man who destroyed Kai's family name and life. This is the man who threatened a resistance he honors. This is the man who signifies all of Kai's past ego. This is the man who took Kai's parents away from him and forced him to end his childhood and be the parent to his sister. This man is a PERSONAL villain to KAI.

So if ANYBODY is going to get the honor to defeat this guy, it should be KAI.

But no. Instead Wu got that honor. Despite the fact that his personal connection to the Time Twins is just "I shouldn't have fought Acronix alone, I make so many mistakes and I like to pretend I'm perfect"

How awesome would that have been to have the siblings stand by a claim like "I'm not what you made of my past. I'm what I am now. I'm fighting for now."

Wu could still get lost in time. Like let's say someone had slippery hands in the time vortex. There you go.

Kai is an awesome character whenever he's allowed to be in the spotlight. He doesn't get to be in it, though. I just kinda wish he, like the other ninja did, got a W that he deserved.

#ninjago #ninjago nya #ninjago kai #ninjago hands of time #jiang nya smith #jiang kai smith #nya jiang #kai jiang #kai smith #nya smith #ninjago ray #ninjago maya

[strawberry-soot]

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 🦇 Lilia Birthday SSR flower analysis* 🦇*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

*Mandatory reminder that I’m no flower specialist, which means these are all very subjective opinions. Take everything with a grain of salt!

Lilia has spider chrysanthemums. They’re popular wedding flowers since they represent liveliness (in white also truth and purity.) However, chrysanthemums in all variations are funeral flowers and symbolize peace and death and are used to express sympathy. In China however they can stand for peace, health, and old age. Since their other name is ‘spider mom’ they’re also a symbol of a long and happy life! In Greek mythology they’re protectors against evil spirits (and thus once again flowers commonly found at graveyards) which bring bad luck and nightmares to those who pluck them. (I know some ppl wanted it to be the spider lily or as it is sometimes called ‘japanese death flower’ since it’s often depicted in anime but if you google spider lily I feel like it doesn’t quite look right for what Lilia has in his bouquet. Spider chrysanthemums, at least in my opinion, are a better match.)

One of the pink type of flowers in his bouquet are begonias. They’re a universal symbol of love, affection, desire, gladness, and pleasure, as well as gratitude, peace and harmony. They can also represent misfortune or impending bad luck. Since they’re regarded as one of the most beautiful flowers they usually carry positive meanings though and are commonly gifted on birthdays, for Mother’s Day, or as a thank you.

The other pink flowers are peonies, which symbolize prosperity, good fortune, happiness, honor, and compassion. In China they’re regarded as the ‘king of the flowers’, being a symbol of friendship and beauty. In Japan they’re associated with honor, masculinity, and wealth.

The white ones look like baby’s breath, which represent love, appreciation, and admiration, as well as innocence, purity, and everlasting love. It’s a popular flower for wedding bouquets, but also as a gift for baby showers and generally a flower you’d give to new parents. On the other hand, they could be yarrows, which are a symbol of braveness, courageousness, and steadfastness of love. It's also known as ‘soldier’s wound wart’ and ‘knight’s milfoil’ since wearing the blossoms supposedly brings safety and bravery.

One of the green flowers (the slightly paler, long stretched one) is a gladiolus. Gladioli represent strength of character, faithfulness, moral integrity and remembrance, as well as a spirit that doesn’t give up.

The other green flower are hellebore. They symbolize peace, serenity and tranquility, as well as anxiety, stress and scandal. Green hellebore, more specifically, stand for youthfulness, rebirth, renewal, heath, prosperity, good fortune, and wealth. If you encounter a hellebore in your dreams, they’re a symbol of danger. Or they’re euphorbia (Albanian spurge) which represent purity, protection, and wisdom, and generally are a symbol of cheerfulness, family reunion, happiness and good luck, which is why they’re popular during Christmas time.

Naturally, these are only my un-educated guesses, but feel free to let me know if I got anything wrong/what flowers I might’ve missed.

#twst #twisted wonderland #twst lilia #lilia vanrouge #flower analysis