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#this like a general everyone needs to see this thing
simplydnp · 3 days
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WAD: Cover Art
dan is still working on selling the distribution rights for We're All Doomed! so i decided to make some DVD/Blu-ray disc jacket art!
this is my attempt at a traditional jacket design! none of the images used are mine, but i did create the concept and design:
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as i was making the first one for myself, i was struck by the fact that 'well, it's for me, so it doesn't have to look like a stereotypical jacket cover' which led me to be more artsy in my approach for the next one:
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i was really enjoying the creativity and space to explore, so i went looking for more inspiration for a third design. this led me to dan's favourite Muse album: Origin of Symmetry, which i paid homage to:
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after the first Muse album, i looked at their catalogue to see if there was more inspiration there. i was just thankful dan's favourite was easy stylistically to mimic, unlike say, 2009's The Resistance...
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thank you @danielhowell for the inspiration!
nerdy stuff & reference pics below the cut!
General notes
i don't know how to use photoshop! i entirely brute-forced my way through the whole project, and the only tutorial i looked up was for the gradient text in the 4th cover
this wasn't even the original project i was working on! you'll eventually get to see that though
and this one also inspired art for the disc itself so stay tuned 👀
i will do anything for authenticity so these are Full of intentional details
matching fonts is a nightmare
the traditional cover
took the longest, as it was the first.
the barcode numbers are the date of the first video he uploaded on dinof, and the last tour show date (in m/d/y)
i changed 'iceland' to 'poland' on the front cover, as he never actually went to iceland, and poland wasn't ever on the list even though he did go there
the orange may look a little off-center in the front, but these designs need to include space for a spine between the front and back cover, i promise it's right 😂
the black and white cover
inspired by the 'i want to believe' aliens poster
the cover art comes from his metal band merch shirt design
i had to manually shrink the text, line by line, and ensure it all lined up on the back!
i even made the logos on the back greyscale
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the Muse: Origin of Symmetry cover
a shockingly perfect style for a WAD cover. i'm so glad i used the cubes, even if they couldn't be orange.
there's some versions of the art online where the sky is even more orange and it baffles me how i haven't seen any parallels like this before
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the Muse: The Resistance cover
this cover was never supposed to see the light of day! i meant it when i said i was grateful i didn't have to try to adapt this complex design... and yet, i tried anyway.
i did all the grid lines by hand, including the jagged/broken edge parts, shading each section, and then drawing every star.
the hardest part was getting the gradient on the back text to cooperate. photoshop's gradient settings are surprisingly limited
gotta shout out @amazingphil for being the reason i knew what this cover looked like--it's the only muse album i knew the art of before embarking on this quest!
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obligatory sob story:
i've been extremely and suddenly ill for 6 months. it is difficult to function moment to moment, but especially in doing little things just for me. this is the first and only art project i've been able to feel inspired to not only work on, but to finish, and despite the pain and long hours, i enjoyed every minute of it. thank you, dan, for creating this space for me to explore, and thank you, everyone here, for being wonderful support during this time 💞
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cuspofmoon · 1 day
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pick a pile: what does the universe love about you?
hello! this is my first pick a pile ever on this platform. notes: take what resonates and leave what doesn't. this is a general reading so not everything would resonate 100% with you. hopefully, you can take something out of this pick a pile session.
take a deep breath and ask yourself, "what does the universe love about me?" and choose whichever pile that calls out to you! the explanation is right under the cut.
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pile one
cards: the magician reversed, 3 of pentacles, the hierophant reversed
a lot of people have probably said that you are an eccentric individual with an unparalleled and unique way of thinking. you are one of a kind. it amuses everyone, it makes them shake their head in both confusion and fascination because, 'how could you think that way?'. sometimes you blurt out the most unconventional answer to an ordinary question because that's just the way your mind works. you think differently but that's also what makes people flock to you. because you're the only one who gives them a sense of belonging in this community.
pile two
cards: the devil, 6 of pentacles, 8 of pentacles
you are a hustler, through and through. you do your work out of obligation and you grumble every once in a while, but you are a hard worker with a high sense of responsibility. you might be the breadwinner in the family, or you have people you care for back at home who are your number one source of energy. they are what keeps you going and, because of them, you are willing to work your ass off. the exhaustion you feel every time you return from work disappears when you see them smiling at the things you give them, so that's why the universe loves you.
pile three
cards: 2 of cups, queen of pentacles reversed, the emperor reversed
you are a gentle soul, mild-mannered, and tend to be chill at all times, but when someone crosses your boundary, you do not hesitate to humble them down. your way of communicating is straightforward. when you need to communicate your thoughts and feelings, you do not need to sweeten your words or beat around the bush just to appease someone's feelings. regardless of that, people tend to find the way you communicate refreshing. they look to you for a piece of advice. they want you to call them on their bullshit. honestly, we need more people like you in our lives.
pile four
cards: strength reversed, 7 of pentacles, 9 of wands reversed
tenacity might as well be your middle name. you are incredibly strong-willed to the point that people think of you as hardheaded. well, you are hardheaded and you take pride in that. tackling hurdles to hurdles is not a big feat for you because you are brave and you know what you want in life. things that people call obstacles turn out to be challenges for you and you find them interesting to work around. you know your value and you never settle for less. there is nothing that could stop you from getting what you want because you know you deserve it after what you have gone through all this time.
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thank you for reading! please leave a like and/or a reblog if you resonate with the messages. you can also leave a tip here so i can keep reading for the community. ❤️
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moonbaetarot · 2 days
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Pick a pile
What’s happening for you in April
1. 2. 3.
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Pile 1
In April Your going to be ending a cycle this new beginning is going to leave you happy and fulfilled. Your going to be out in nature a lot in April it may just be getting warmer wear you live and you love it. You may be an earth sign Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn. It could also be someone’s birthday month or may just be celebrating something it doesn’t have to be a birthday. You’re going to be accomplishing something that makes you very proud. Someone could be buying new spring clothes or just new clothes in general. You may have a bunny or want a bunny. I feel Like this month is going to be an important and significant month for the whole year. You could be spending a lot of time with your pets taking them on walks, cuddling with them and playing with them. You will be organizing or planing a lot in April. I see some of you having a crush or having your eye on someone.
Thank you for reading loves! 🤍
Pile 2
I feel like April will be a month feeling like your need to get your life together getting your career, money, relationships all together. You feel tied down and frustrated by something you may be worrying about your future or job. you are going to be receiving money but don’t spend it or at least not all of it I’m hearing that you should save and put some away. Your goals are reachable whatever they are you can have them and so much more. I feel like these things you’re worrying about are really taking a toll on your mental health. You may be overthinking something someone told you or you saw. I feel that what you’re going through is the end of this struggle this is the rain before the rainbow. People like being around you they enjoy your presence you make people laugh and smile. Everyone comes into your life for a reason. I see you getting dolled up for some reason getting pretty and wearing a cute outfit to go somewhere. Random message but I feel like someone in this pile doesn’t have a good relationship with their mother.
Thank you for reading loves! 🤍
Pile 3
In April You will be looking at the things you’ve done over the past few months and just rethinking your decisions I feel like you’re satisfied but not as satisfied with the process you’ve made your kinda just like meh. You may be feeling lonely or bored so you go looking for love but your to scared to commit you just kinda talk to people here and there I feel that you get bored of people fast or no one really catches your attention. this month won’t be to heavy on you like your just letting things rest and be what they are, just living life. you may be seeing a lot of signs and synchronicity’s. You will be receiving some type of gift. You’re going to be succeeding at something this month this could be a new job or career for some sort. you may be getting together with friends going out having fun. Something that happened in October-November could be coming to light or you getting claity about what happened or finding the answer.
Thank you for reading loves! 🤍
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skaye44 · 3 days
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Masquerade - Part 1
Avengers Bucky
Summary: Tony hosts a masquerade party where he invites everyone to attend. You have a massive crush on Bucky but he doesn't know you exist. Will you finally be able to approach him wearing a mask?
Content warning: mild language, nervous/shy reader, fluff
Part 1/3
Read Part 2 here
Read Part 3 here
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Photos found here, here, here, and here
"How bad a shape is it in this time?" you called from your office. 
Your partner, agent Annie Carson stood at your office doorway and cringed. 
"Not that bad...not great...but not bad" she said as you got up from your desk with your tablet in hand.
You were a level B1 senior weapons specialist with SHIELD and oversaw the re-stocking the Quin Jets with the weapons the Avengers use on their missions. You have an endless supply of Stark tech, guns, grenades, ammo, and knives at your disposal, and you always are the first to know if there were any knew weapons that need to be added into the supply. You worked closely with the lab techs and the research and development (R & D) team making sure that if there was anything new the Avengers wanted or needed, it would fit in the jets, be easily transported, and readily available. 
You also have your hand in designing and developing some new knives and hand-held weapons you know the Avengers use since those are the ones you have to re-stock the most of. You and Annie stood inside the recently used jet and watched as the gear was being unloaded.
"At least it was Sam and Clint this time" Annie said to you, and you hummed in response.
You got to know how each of the Avengers used their weapons and how they treated things over the last year you had been in your position. Sam and Clint were generally very organized, clean, and used the basic weapons and of course the wings and arrows. Steve was also good since the only thing you usually had to do was polish his shield and have it ready in the jet he was using. The man didn't use guns or any other kind of tech gear, just his hands and shield when on missions making him the easiest out of everyone. 
You cringed when you had to re-stock the jet after Nat and Bucky since they would leave the jet practically empty after one of their missions. They were the worst. You knew if they were on a mission and you and Annie were the ones to re-stock the ammo, it would be a full day of work since both loved their guns and knives so much.
Speaking of Bucky, the man made your heart flutter and the butterflies in your stomach come to life every time you saw him. With his ocean blue eyes, large strong frame, long dark hair, he made you weak in the knees. You would have conversations with him, laugh, and smile at his jokes, he would stop by your office and bring you coffee and ask you about your day while brushing a stray strand of hair away from your face, only for you to snap out of it since those conversations only occurred IN YOUR HEAD since the man didn't even know you existed.
You would occasionally see Bucky walking in and out of the hangar before and after missions since your office was in the corner of the main hangar, but he had no idea you were even there. Both you and Annie worked in stealth mode. You would get the jets re-stocked usually in the evenings or overnight, like re-filling weapon ninjas. You're pretty sure the Avengers don't even know you exist, and you like to keep it like that. You would never think in a million years that Bucky Barnes would be interested in you. He was so handsome, and you, well, you were just you.
You would watch the other agents, both male and female, fall all over him and make a fuss if he was around. They would flirt with him, and he would smile and flirt a little back. You weren't like that at all. You were quiet and kept to yourself mostly and were never one to flirt since you didn't really know how. The only reason Annie was your close friend was because you work together every day and you kind of have to talk to her to do your job. If it wasn't for your job, you'd be a hermit so that alone makes you think you would never have a chance with the super soldier.
You're socially awkward and a little shy when it comes to being in large groups of people and meeting anyone new. You prefer to stay with what you know, and don't really like to take risks, which suits you just fine. You have Annie, your cat Winnie, your weapons, and that was all you needed. Well, that and your silly daydreams about the ridiculously good-looking brown hair-blue eyed super soldier with his strong back, thick arms, and broad chest. Damn your wandering mind.
🎭
It was fall and you were going over your weapons inventory in the massive storage unit that was adjacent to the hangar. You and Annie were finishing up for the day when you got a notification on your tablet about a mandatory meeting that all 'B' and 'B1' level agents need to attend. 
"What could it be about?" asked Annie as you were both walking to the large hangar. 
"No idea" you said as you made it to the hangar to see Tony and Steve standing in front of the agents. 
You sneakily looked around to see if there was any other Avenger lurking in the crowd, but didn't see, so you listened in.
"Ok everyone, listen up. It's Halloween soon and since there aren't any active missions coming up, we've decided to throw a massive party" Tony announced to everyone. 
All the agents looked around and were smiling brightly, chatting quietly with the people around them while you were cringing slightly. 
"This could be fun" Annie whispered, and you nodded lightly. 
"You've all been working hard for us over the past few months, and I feel like we need to celebrate. Capsicle will finish up" Tony said as he was walking away. 
"It's mandatory!" Tony yelled over his shoulder, and you shuddered at him. 
Steve took over the impromptu meeting while Tony left. 
"Check your emails tomorrow as Tony will send out the details. It's going to be at a ballroom at the Windsor Hotel, not far from here. I expect all of you to come since all of us will be there too." Steve turned around and left.
"Did you hear that? ALL OF THEM will be there" Annie nudged your arm, making you cringe. 
You both walked back to your office, and you plunked yourself down at your desk as Annie sat across from you at hers. Annie knows about your massive crush on Bucky since she walked in on you smiling like a weirdo at him from afar while he was boarding the jet for one of his missions a year ago. She said you reminded her of a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming semi-truck, but with heart eyes and a red sweaty face. 
You were embarrassed you were caught staring and tried to sluff it off, but it was no use. She knew you so well it was no use in hiding your feelings, so you confessed to her about your crush and BEGGED her not to say anything to anyone about it since you know how to hide a body well from your earlier agent training.
"You going?" she asked as she took a sip of her now cold coffee. 
"I don't think so..." 
"It's mandatory" Annie chuckled lightly. 
"Doesn't mean I HAVE to go" you pouted. 
"That's kind of what mandatory means Y/n". 
You scowled at her. 
"I don't want to seem desperate" you shrugged your shoulders. 
"We're not being desperate if we go to a mandatory party" Annie corrected. 
"We're basically the only two single women in our job. Going to this may make us seem desperate" you reminded her.
"Oh, come on Y/n, it'll be fun. When was the last time you went to a party? Get out and live a little!" she sassed. 
"I get out and live" you replied, and she rolled her eyes at you. 
"Going home to your cat and reading books isn't exactly living and causing any of the men to break down your door" she joked, and you shook your head at her and scowled in thought. 
"Come on, have some fun! This party seems like it'll be a good time. Can you at least come with me as my date? Just two friends going to a work party, what can go wrong? Besides, Bucky will be there so you can gaze at him from afar" she winked at you, and you put your head down on your desk with a loud thud and groaned.
🎭
"Oh my god Y/n, did you see the email?"
You heard Annie yell as she ran into your office. 
"I'm looking at it now."
You pulled up the invite. 
"It's a masquerade party!" she sighed and flopped down in her chair, letting out a contented breath. 
"Why are you swooning?"
"Because, we get to wear beautiful gowns and masks, dance the night away, and no one will know who we are. It's romantic if you think about it" she said sitting up looking at you. 
Usually everyone around you referred to you and Annie as the weapons nerds and stayed far away from both of you. You weren't sure if they were scared of the fact that you had access to ALL the weapons, or if they stayed away from you because they thought you were both giant nerds, either way, most agents avoided you.
You never thought the party would be romantic, but rather a chore. You hated wearing dresses and dressing up for anything. You did it on occasion, like once a year at Christmas or the odd funeral or wedding but prefer your leggings and hoodies over everything else. 
"Don't be such a stick in the mud. You're coming with me whether you like it or not."
She picked up her phone. 
"Yes mom. What are you doing?" you asked. 
"Making us a hair and makeup appointment. I want to treat ourselves to some pampering" she said as she began speaking with someone on the other end of the line. 
"Ugh...." You groaned and closed the email. 
"Fine" you said as she got off the phone. 
"Great, now, we need to go shopping for a dress and mask!" Annie said as another used Quin Jet rolled into the hangar for the two of you to re-stock.
🎭
A few days later, you were sitting at the end of your bed, eyeing up the dress you bought for the party. You found it in the last store you and Annie had visited. You tried on the dress and as soon as you put it on, you knew it would be the one. Typical you scoffed as you ran your hand over the fabric thinking of the memory. 
The dress was long and all black that had a slight v-neckline to it. It had ¾ length sheer lace sleeves and a slit up the left side of the dress. Your leg would show every time you walked or even slightly moved, making you feel a little apprehensive because the slit was quite high but figured there wouldn't be any gusts of wind to contend with and the material would cover things enough. The fabric was a combination of chiffon and lace making it light weight and surprisingly comfortable. Annie chose your shoes, and you weren't sure whether to stab her or thank her. They were black high heels, strappy, and made you feel quite powerful in them, but were a nightmare to walk in. 
"Beauty is pain" Annie said as she shoved the shoe box in your hands and marched you up to the counter to pay.
You met Annie at the hair salon she had your appointments at, and you sat there for four hours getting ready. The stylist did your hair in long waves, putting the front half of it up and out of your face. You wanted to wear your hair mostly down seeing as how it was in the fall, you didn't feel like wearing an updo as you felt those were more of a summer thing. 
The makeup stylist did your makeup dramatically for the event by doing a smoky eyeshadow, dark eyebrows, and putting on some fake eyelashes to emphasize your eyes because of the mask. You weren't one for fake eyelashes, but they assured you they would look as natural as possible, but with some fullness to them. You didn't want to feel like you had crunchy spiders sitting on your eyes all night like in the past, but these felt light and comfortable.
You made sure the mask you chose was a basic plain one. You hated fake feathers (and birds in general), so you opted for a plain black mask to compliment your dress. It did have some silver embellishments on the outside of the mask that sparked in the light, but you figured having a little sparkle around the eyes would be a good thing. 
The makeup artist finished by placing the mask over your eyes and attaching it to your head and hair, making sure it would stay in place for the evening. You thanked both the stylists as you and Annie left the salon with a promise to meet up in the hotel lobby before heading into the party.
You got home and your cat Winnie seemed startled at your mask and hid under your couch, so you left her alone to finish getting ready. You wrestled with the dress and were impressed you managed to zip it up on your own while you stood in front of your floor length mirror and smoothed it over your hips while you turned from side to side inspecting it. 
"Not too bad Y/n" you mumbled out loud as Winnie cautiously made her way into the room so she could silently judge you from her perch. 
You patted her on the head, careful not to get any of her fur on your black dress, then you put your shoes on. You practiced in them around your apartment for a few weeks so your feet would be used to them, but you still felt like a newborn baby calf every so often. You did one last glance in your mirror and felt you were ready. You called a ride and left for the party. 
"Here goes nothing" you said out loud while the driver whisked you away to the hotel.
💃🎉🎭
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mischiefmoons · 1 day
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omggg hope you had a great birthday!! do u mind writing a remus x reader who realize there’s smth more than friends between them, thank youuu
🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥
a/n: gn!reader truly idk how this escaped me. me writing for my long lost husband in the year of our lord 2024?? this was so fun it felt like reuniting with an ex anyways fluff incoming
wc: don't... look at me... 1.3k
“So?”
“So what, Prongs?” Remus huffs, flipping through a textbook. Merlin knows why he even tries to study in the common room with the boys when all they do is badger him about nonsense.
“So are you and your little friend, well…more than friends? You two are attached at the hip, so where’d the little one run off to?” James teases, whacking his best mate with a throw pillow, “Get tired of you moaning and groaning about prefect duties?”
Well, that’s…you’re definitely not nonsense.
Remus blinks, brushing his hair away from his face and glaring at James before elbowing him straight in the gut. Tosser he is, acting like he knows anything about you or relationships in general when he’s been pining after Lily for years now.
You two are just friends.
Sirius lets out a loud laugh from his place at Remus’ feet. He’s leaning against the arm of the sofa, looking up at the sandy-haired boy with a cock-eyed grin, “If they were more than friends, Moony’s moaning and groaning would be appreciated and reciprocated, don’t you think?”
Peter snickers from the loveseat across the table. It doesn’t help with Remus’ mood, so he buries his head deeper into the boring History of Magic text, grumbling, “Don’t be crass. Just friends, is all. Don’t look too hard into it or you’ll melt what’s left of your brains.”
The three instigators look at each other, before looking back at their best friend. Just friends, he says. Sure, Remus’s the nicest guy around—a prefect even; the one that people count on to be the most morally sound out of all of them, the guy that people borrow notes from, politely laughs at jokes and makes people feel included in conversations. Sure, friends—they can believe that! Everyone wants to be Moony’s friend. But it’s the way they’ve seen him treat you that stands out.
Remus usually lags behind them now, breaking apart their formation in the halls (and yes, Sirius likes to be at the front of the diamond), pushing Peter up so he can wait for you after class. Also, anyone that could distract him from taking notes in Arithmancy is surely a force to be reckoned with (and a threat to Peter’s grades). He’s even gone as far as sidling up next to you during Potions and breaking their age-old rotation of picking partners since their first year (which left James with a botched Aging Potion, and Lily laughing at him as he limped out of class with graying hair and a hunchback).
So things were different nowadays, but one thing is for sure: Remus Lupin’s favorite game is being in denial.
“Maybe your friend knows about your furry little problem, Moons. Surely you really don’t think you’re gonna get any studying done with us?” James chuckles, before pushing his glasses up to clearly see the blush blossoming on Remus’s cheeks. Though it might also be anger, he couldn’t really tell—they’ve never seen him like this, ever; so blatantly obvious with how he feels about you even though he’d never admit it. It was quite refreshing to remember that Remus is still a normal teenage boy.
“You’re right, Prongs,” he huffs.
“I am?”
“I don’t know why I even bothered to try and study with you lot if all of you are too focused on me instead of studying!” Remus is shoving his books into his knapsack as the boys continue to rib at him to get him to stay. This essay isn’t going to write itself.
“Just playing, Moons!”
“Yeah mate, if you need an actual study date we know that’s not us, just hang around!”
Remus sighs as he’s looking at his friends' shit-eating grins as they go around him showing each other the map and pointing at something.
“What now?”
There’s a knock at the portrait, and the Fat Lady’s shrill voice could be heard from where they were sitting. Peter jumps up, sticking his face over the enchanted parchment as he giggles a bit like a schoolgirl, “It’s for you. Your friend’s outside.” They all cheer and laugh at Remus shaking his head, slinging his knapsack over his shoulder walking quickly away from them.
When he sees you chatting with the Fat Lady, it’s almost as if he’s in a stupor, studying every inch of your face until your eyes finally meet his and you grin and wave at him.
Just friends, he reminds himself.
“Hey Rem! Was gonna ask if you wanted to go to the library together?”
Your voice is a treat in itself, he thinks—the lilt and manner of it so sweet and rich it almost reminds him of his favorite chocolate.
Good thing he has a sweet tooth.
Walking down the hallway together your hand bumps into his several times in passing, fingers ghosting against each other as if they were dancing, too close and then too far. Friends can hold hands right? Remus’s heart flutters as he thinks of the possibility like solving an Arithmancy problem. He supposes the boys and him don’t necessarily hold hands, but he imagines holding yours would be way nicer.
Is he sweating?
His palms are sweaty, forget it, and you’re just friends! You’re telling him about your day like you both haven’t seen each other in years, but he even sat by you at lunch earlier, much to the rest of the Marauders’ surprise. Though Remus supposes you could even make Divination sound interesting—maybe even make him look in the stupid tea leaves to see if you’re in his future, furry little problem and all. He realizes he’s been staring a second too long, bumping into you lightly as you stop in front of the library.
“Haha, you okay? You’re quiet today, Rem. Something on your mind?”
A lot about you, apparently, thanks to his meddling friends.
Remus scratches the nape of his neck as he grimaces, cheeks reddening again and instead of a response, he opens the door for you and puts his finger to his mouth as if to say “Shhhh….” before Madam Pince starts a fit at either of you. That, or him actually having to say how he feels.
How he feels… Well…shit.
You make a beeline for an open table near the corner, tugging at his wrist like it’s not making his heart beat out of his chest and Remus tries to compose himself, but then you look at him with your pretty fluttering eyelashes and he knows he’s utterly fucked. Pulling out your chair for you, you squeeze his arm in thanks and scooch your chair closer to his.
“Rem?”
“Hmm?” he responds, a strangled noise crawling up his throat as he coughs slightly, his arm landing on the back of your chair before he panics then realizes he’d look like an arse for pulling away.
Not that he wants to.
“How did you know?”
His heart genuinely stops. There’s no way you’ve caught on that quickly—especially not with him just realizing how he feels about you, his friend that he wants to be more and there is nothing casual about what he wants to d—
“How’d you know I was at the common room? You walked out just as I was about to walk in, I thought it was kinda funny,” you giggle, brushing your hair behind your ear and he takes a deep breath.
You’re just friends. But he definitely wants to be more.
“The boys told me it was you,” Remus says, chewing on his lip, “Apparently they had a feeling.”
And now, so does he.
What’s worse is that Remus hates admitting when they’re right (which is rare enough in itself, he’ll never hear the end of it from their inflated egos).
What’s worst of all is that for the first time in his Hogwarts career, Remus Lupin ends up submitting an essay late.
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The appeal of a villain friend in fiction is more often than not the thought that someone out there would choose you over the entire world.
The members of the League of Villains were anyone's priority. They felt replaceable or even worse, they knew they were replaceable. They weren't pretty enough, strong enough, normal enough, cool enough. They were wrong in the head, were too violent, too weird, too creepy.
All the rage? The hurt? They were told to swallow it because it was making people uncomfortable.
Stain was their inspiration, but he wasn't the one to pick them. He wasn't the one who looked at them and told them "you have a place". That was Giran. The manga tells us that Giran was putting together a sort of friendship group for violent outcasts like them. That he formed the League for them to have company, a reason to fight for, to exist.
There's a sort of catharsis that fictional villain friendships give that you can't find somewhere else. A sort of short-lived relief that comes when someone sees you being mistreated and decides retribution is needed. Wouldn't it be wonderful if revenge had no consequences and the damage it caused was at once lasting and non-existent?
That's what fiction is for. You put all your feelings there and create scenarios where you purge those feelings. No one gets harmed and you come out of it cleaned, renewed, with a clear head.
So when Tomura Shigaraki creates the League of Villains, it is an instant click for people who had been wronged and are seeking catharsis of their negative experiences and feelings.
The League of Villains punishes someone with torture and failure for misgendering and hurting their trans friend. A shonen manga does that, a gender where nonconforming people are a joke by tradition. Do you get what that means to some readers out there?
Tomura claims to hate everything and everyone, but when Toga asks him, he admits that they are his exception. He wouldn't destroy something they loved. His prioritizing their wishes and their likings. There was no one else above them for him and no one was as important to him as they were.
Suddenly, they are someone's number one people and not out of manipulation. They recognize in Tomura a man who really cares.
Tomura was shown to live in total neglect. He had poor hygiene, was isolated almost completely from the outside world, talked with maybe three or four people tops, ate whatever, liver whatever. He didn't care about his living conditions. It was only when the League asked for clothing and food and other stuff that he began to care. For them.
He wants them to live, to succeed, he wants to hurt anyone who hurts them, to protect what is precious to them.
And now we got confirmation that they matter more to him than his own past.
Tomura would destroy the world simply because they asked him to, because they promised to. He would destroy himself trying because he must be their hero. Remember how every time a villain would question him about his motivation or his ideals, he would talk about his hatred or his need to destroy. We've gone past it and at his very core we found that the thing that truly fuels him is the desire to be a hero.
For them.
It's really something to see people wondering why a reader would be fond of Tomura Shigaraki or the LOV in general. Is it that hard to understand?
Again, that's the appeal of a fictional villain's friendship to real life victims:
To be important, to be picked, to be prioritized, to be felt, to be seen, to be understood, to belong to and be considered, to be irreplaceable. To be all those things to the point the weight of it shatters the universe.
So much love outplacement in someone's love— to matter so much to someone —that to see you hurt would make them want to destroy the world.
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adore-laur · 2 days
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DEVOTION
— please enjoy harry & sawyer getting freaky in miami (inspired by this ask)💃
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——
MIAMI, 1993
People are packed into the arena like sardines. An August humidity suffuses the air, a cacophony of chatter overlaps, and an infectious energy pulses in the room as everyone waits for Sade to hit the stage in all their sensational glory.
In the general admission area, Harry stands behind Sawyer with his arms protectively draped over her shoulders. Her footing shifts occasionally as she fiddles with his rings. He can sense her anticipation—she's been looking forward to this concert for months. When he gifted her the tickets on her birthday, she wept and kissed him with a hunger he had never experienced from her before. As much as he spoils her, she goes the extra mile to show him her appreciation.
Once the lights go out, Harry can't wait to see her vivacious eyes and dazzling smile.
Sawyer looks ravishing tonight. Her black cropped tank top has a variety of enticing little cutouts—no bra underneath, he might add—and she's wearing low-waisted denim shorts which hug her ass most temptingly. There's a reason he opted to stand behind her—two, actually. One, he doesn't want any dudes getting a sneak peek of his girl. And two, he doesn't need anyone seeing his hardness through his leather pants.
She curled her hair with natural-looking spirals and teased it with spray. Her long, wavy mane has always been a hassle to manage in the summertime, so she cut it collarbone-length. Her front bangs are tightly clipped back, and she wears gold hoop earrings. She’s truly a stunner.
Prior to leaving, Harry watched her as she got ready for the concert. They live together in a swanky Orlando penthouse, where the simple things like her clothes hanging in the closet and makeup supplies cluttering the bathroom sink make him unbelievably happy. While he gently reminded Sawyer that they needed to leave soon for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to Miami, she applied her mascara and teased him by showing her cleavage while bent over the vanity. Despite his provocative urges, he managed to resist giving in.
When Sawyer turns to look at him now, the room reduces to just her. Lucious lips stained pomegranate-red with gloss. Skin glowing with moisture. Dark eyes filled with warmth. It’s breathtaking to behold the sheer beauty of her features. Time and time again, she hypnotizes him. He's beginning to think she can cast spells on his lovesick soul.
Sawyer taps his bicep before standing on her tiptoes to reach his ear. In an instinctive move, Harry touches her hip and leans down to better hear her.
Fanning herself, she says, "It's muggy in here. I'm going to buy a water bottle and braid my hair in the bathroom."
"I'll go with you."
"But you have to save our spot," she reminds him.
Though he nearly protests, he reluctantly nods and caresses the slick skin of her bare middle back. "Fine. You have your phone?"
"In my purse. I'll be fast."
Harry kisses the spot between her eyebrows before letting her go, keeping her locked in his gaze until she disappears past the lower seating sections. In crowds, regardless of size, he doesn’t like losing her. During baseball games, it’s less worrying since she always sits in the same section in her reserved seat, but in Miami, he's extra cautious because it's an unfamiliar city. Sawyer can stand up for herself since sass and stubbornness are intertwined in her Aries DNA, but Harry remains fiercely protective of her. She's a certified sweetheart, conspicuously beautiful, and also quite gullible to a fault—if anyone attempts to take advantage of that, they'll have to answer to him.
While she's gone, Harry observes the venue. There are people from all walks of life surrounding him. The staggered seating sections flanking the floor are filling quickly, and it's reminiscent of playing at Tinker Field, where he would watch fans fill the bleachers from the dugout.
In a few weeks, the minor league season will conclude, and Harry is looking forward to taking a much-needed break from pitching and traveling. He's thankful he didn’t have a game scheduled today, which gave him and Sawyer the chance to step out for a date. It aches to know she's missed him a little more after such a long season. Due to her full-time job, she can’t always travel across America with him or attend home games, but they’re able to make it work by cherishing their time together. Next month, they plan to celebrate their second anniversary in Seville, Spain. They'll sunbathe on the scenic beaches, relish a couples massage, and take romantic strolls through the city's idyllic parks.
And, if Harry doesn't chicken out, he'll ask her to marry him.
Fondly smiling at the thought, he watches two girls strut toward him, parting the crowd like the Red Sea. They're wearing variations of the same outfit—metallic miniskirts, frilly halter tops, and chunky heels. Based on their strikingly similar features, they must be twins. Twin One holds a Canon camera, while Twin Two laughs into her hands.
Harry waves politely before shoving his hands in his pockets. The moment a fan recognizes him, he knows it. There’s a strange shift in the atmosphere when he temporarily loses his shield of privacy. It's unavoidable when fifteen thousand people are gathered in a Miami venue. It comes with the territory of being a famous Florida sports figure.
"Are you Harry Styles?"
Here we go.
Feeling abnormal but pushing past it, he says, "In the flesh. How's it going, ladies?"
"Oh my gosh, we love you," Twin One gushes. "You're hella cute. You play for the Sun Rays, right?"
"Sort of. Our team name got changed recently. We're now the Orlando Cubs."
"Oh, cool," she says distractedly. "Anyway, we want a picture with you."
With a sharp inhale, Harry nods once. “Sure, no problem."
It doesn't bother him to take pictures or sign autographs. Most people are respectful and genuinely honored to meet him. Rarely, however, do people demand things from him, like right now. Then he feels prickles of discomfort. It makes him feel as though he's being exploited. It makes him feel fictitious.
As the girls swarm around him and touch him like he's a wax figure with no boundaries, Sawyer nudges her way through the crowd, water bottle in hand. As she processes the situation, her movements slow and her shoulders drop slightly. She has her hair in two messy braids, with the shorter layers springing loose. She looks effortless and... annoyed. Yeah, Harry is all too familiar with that look. He has been on the receiving end of those slanted eyebrows, those gritted teeth, and those assessing eyes. How will this play out?
When she sees Sawyer, Twin Two strokes his arm suggestively. Thankfully, they see her as a mere stranger rather than his girlfriend. His mind flashes back to past discussions about keeping their relationship as private as possible, and he decides not to sacrifice that for such a measly moment. No chance.
"Can you take a photo of us?" It was wise of her to ask, rather than demand. Otherwise, Harry's friendly mask would have definitely slipped.
Sawyer purses her lips as she meets Harry's gaze. "Do you mind?" he asks, his expression hinting at a secret message.
By taking Twin One's camera, she recognizes his unspoken signal and cleverly leaps into her role. God, he's thankful for her. He knows it's challenging to deal with these bizarre occurrences that pop their bubble, but she handles them all so gracefully. When they get home, he’ll shower her with affection.
Sawyer raises the camera to her eye and says, "I'll take a few."
Harry straightens his posture and awkwardly places his hands on both girls' upper arms. His muscles tense uncomfortably as their hands slither around his waist and linger near his stomach. Amid three flashes, he’s suffocated by the pungent smell of perfume and spearmint gum.
“There you go,” Sawyer says, giving the camera back and forcing a smile.
They browse the pictures before staring at Harry with a sickening amount of adoration. "It was awesome meeting you," Twin Two says, biting her lip. "We'll see you around at the next Sun Rays game."
"Cubs," Sawyer mumbles around a fake cough. Only Harry catches it, and he restrains himself from grinning proudly and kissing her senselessly.
"Nice to meet you both," he says, briefly touching his heart. "Enjoy the concert, yeah?"
They nod, blush, and giggle simultaneously before walking off, staring back at him a couple of times before fading into the sea of strangers. Harry releases a breath he didn't know he was holding and concentrates on Sawyer drinking from her water bottle. He's about to apologize for the unnatural situation, but the venue goes dark, and the audience erupts with deafening cheers.
The joy he expected to see in Sawyer's eyes isn't there. Silently, she crosses her arms and faces the stage with a blank expression. Harry curses at himself—he knows it isn't his fault and that it's just how Sawyer is. She takes things to heart and lets them stew until her skeptical thoughts overflow without a lid. The fact that she didn’t witness the entire interaction has made her understandably upset. Harry regrets not saying no to the fans.
First on the setlist is Sade's "The Sweetest Taboo"—sonically sensual, intoxicatingly groovy, and a fantastic way to open their show. Everybody dances to the exquisite beat and sings along to the lyrics. The energy in the room soars to an unimaginable level. It's contagious.
Harry grips Sawyer's hand so the crowd doesn't swallow her whole. She turns and smiles softly, finally bobbing her head to the music. Slowly, she loosens up, unfurling the passionate girl he knows lives within her. The one who loves to dance.
She looks resplendent as indigo lights glide across her face. Her body begins to move—the shape of her swaying hips and the pinch of her waist are irresistible. Harry settles behind her and follows her smooth movements, grinding against her backside. The warmth of his hands rests on her ribcage, and they dance, getting lost in the ecstasy of experiencing live music.
With each song, they forget about the world outside and fall more in love with each other.
——
Harry and Sawyer leave the arena on a high after being captivated by Sade's sultry voice and entrancing stage presence for over an hour. The parking lots are already congested with people trying to beat traffic, so they decide to wait until it calms down.
As soon as they get into the car, Harry starts the engine and turns on the air conditioning before reclining the driver's seat. With exhaustion swimming through his bones, he sighs contently. It was a magical concert, but he's not looking forward to driving back to Orlando. He'll need to stop by 7/11 for an energy drink and some snacks. Fortunately, tomorrow is Sunday, so they can both sleep in and laze around the whole day.
Sawyer unbraids her hair and removes the clips, then shakes her head cutely to let her wild curls loose. She looks tired as well. They danced the night away together, not caring who saw them. He told her to climb on his back a few times so she could get a better view of the stage. During the romantic slow-tempo songs, she hugged and kissed him sweetly, and he swears he almost got down on one knee right then and there.
"I love you, baby," Harry says, watching her take off her Doc Martens. "Tonight was divine."
A smile spreads across Sawyer's face. "I love you too. Hey, listen..." She reaches over to caress his cheek and thumb the corner of his mouth. "I'm sorry about my buzzkill attitude at the beginning."
Shaking his head, he kisses her palm. “You don't have to apologize. I appreciate how you handled those girls."
He hopes to forget about what happened. Honestly, as soon as the concert started, he forgot all about them. There was only one thing on his mind: Sawyer and the mesmerizing way she moved.
"I just... I got jealous," Sawyer confesses sheepishly.
Harry frowns in astonishment. Jealousy is a rare emotion for Sawyer. They’ve been dating for almost two years, and he can count on one hand the number of times she has been outwardly jealous. Since he only has eyes for her, there's no rhyme or reason for her to feel this way.
What a new and fun development, Harry thinks to himself. He loves how their relationship continues to surprise him.
Harry, however, has been caught having jealous fits many times before. Like that instance when Sawyer was invited to lunch by her so-called "cubicle neighbor." Harry is her forever lunch date, not anyone else. Even when he can't be there in person, he'll call her office fax number and keep her company while she munches her cucumber salad. Harry's jealousy grew when he discovered some guy was trying to steal that from him, so he ordered an impressive bouquet to be delivered to her desk the following day. It didn't take long for everyone to get the hint. Then there was that time when they were watching The Bodyguard, and Sawyer kept squealing girlishly over Kevin Costner's character. Okay, so he literally took a bullet for the woman he loved. Big deal! Harry smothered his jealousy by obnoxiously pretending to be Sawyer's bodyguard while exiting the movie theater and then proceeding to sing "I Have Nothing" off-key the entire way home. She just laughed, which was his goal in the first place.
"Why'd you get jealous?" Harry asks.
Sawyer's brow quirks. "Well, when I'm subjected to taking pictures of two pretty girls who are all over my boyfriend, it doesn't necessarily feel good."
"I know," he says, frustrated with himself. "I should've refused them. They kind of trapped me."
She pouts sympathetically before climbing over the console and straddling his lap. "My sweet sunray. You're too nice."
Harry pulls her closer by hooking his fingers through her belt loops and tugging. "I'm sorry you were jealous."
"I shouldn't have been. You know why?"
"Tell me." Reaching around her, he turns up the volume of the radio to drown out the sounds of cars honking at each other. The cassette tape they listened to on the drive to Miami is still playing on loop. "Paradise" by Sade sets the mood.
"Because you're mine," Sawyer says with conviction.
Spreading his legs on the seat, he smirks. "Say that again, angel."
"You're mine. No one else's."
"Ditto," he replies, rubbing his palms along her suntanned thighs. "You've got my devotion."
His bodacious girl bites his bottom lip until it stings, then says, "Prove it."
"Good fuckin' lord," Harry murmurs against her mouth before diving in. He kisses her ravenously while fumbling to unbutton her shorts, eventually helping her shimmy out of them. Sawyer shoves her hand down his pants and grasps his bulge, stroking it purposefully. He gasps and slides his pants down halfway, revealing his tented boxers.
"Are you mine?" she asks, sitting right on his cock and sending shockwaves of sex drive down his spine. Her body heat is addictive.
"Yes," he says breathlessly, kissing along her flushed neck. "I'm your man."
"Then act like it. Show me who you belong to."
A shocked laugh escapes as he greedily grabs a handful of her ass. "Sawyer Alejandra, what has Miami done to you? Ay, Dios mío!"
She smiles seductively. "It's Sade's fault."
"Is that right?" Harry cranks the volume up even more before allusively sliding his hand under her top and cupping the swell of her breast. It fits perfectly, and when he teases her peaked nipple with his thumb, Sawyer's palm slaps against the window as she grinds against him. The glass is fogging with the A/C running, sweat drips down his back, and the song's driving bass line pulsates loudly through the speakers. It's filthy what they're doing, considering potential onlookers surround them. It's a good thing the car has tinted windows.
The thrill of their sexual escapade pulses through Harry's body. As he kisses Sawyer's heaving breasts through her top's cutouts, the pleasure becomes borderline intolerable. His lips search for any sliver of skin, and in response, she tugs his hair and whimpers softly. Her skimpy lace underwear is damp, and he switches his attention to her clit. He rubs it with his knuckle, causing Sawyer's hips to momentarily stutter before she leans into the movement and stamps sloppy kisses all over his face, her cherry-flavored lip gloss transferring to his cheeks, nose, and jaw. They're as sweet as sugar.
"Almost there," Sawyer whispers, running her hand across his broad chest. Her fingers grip the material of his bejeweled sleeveless top to keep herself balanced, and Harry would let her rip it apart if he hadn't spent several hours meticulously hot gluing rhinestones onto it.
After kissing down her stomach and blowing air onto her belly button ring, he teases two fingers past her wet entrance, and it's all she needs to unravel completely. As she orgasms, she leaves love bites on his neck and moans. Her body language is desperate, the arch of her back and the tightening of her thighs against his own helping her through her release.
"Nice and easy, baby," Harry murmurs, squeezing her waist. "Take your time."
From the gratifying pain she inflicts on the tender flesh of his neck, Harry comes in his boxers, his pelvis jerking as goosebumps rise over his skin in transient tidal waves. It feels equally divine and unholy what they just did. Tiredness kicks in as they both breathe heavily. Gradually, the condensation on the windows disappears. Sawyer's handprint is the last thing to vanish, and the sight will undeniably haunt his memory in the most marvelous way.
Harry opens the glovebox and finds the stash of napkins. After cleaning Sawyer and himself, he pulls his pants back up, shuts the radio off, and says, "I've made up my mind."
"About what?" Sawyer asks, sitting sideways on his lap so she can stretch her legs. In just her cropped top, underwear, and adorable ruffle socks, she's a masterpiece. And all his.
"I'm gonna marry you one day," he says. It's something he's known for a long time. He hopes that easing her into the topic will make him more confident about proposing next month.
Sawyer pinches his earlobe. "Don't say dreamy things like that."
"Oh, that’s bogus," he retorts. "You say heart-stopping things to me all the time without even realizing. Especially after sex."
"Not marriage-related things!"
"Does that mean you don't want to marry me?" he asks, fishing for a reaction.
When she goes quiet and stares contemplatively at him, Harry's stomach swoops. He knows her exceptionally well, which means he knows she tends to shy away from substantial conversations regarding their future when they're sprung upon her by his spontaneous nature. Perhaps it's too early to propose a lifelong commitment, but hasn't she imagined sharing a life with him before? The moment he kissed her for the first time, he fantasized about settling down, buying a house away from the city, tying the knot, and having curly-haired babies.
Eventually, Sawyer says, "I would marry you in this parking lot right now if you asked me to."
Harry feels an internal splash of relief and plays it cool by saying, "Please raise your standards."
"Are you saying you wouldn't want to marry me in a parking lot, lover boy?" She tosses her version of his question back to him with a frisky smile.
"I'd find you and marry you in every lifetime. How's that for an answer?"
She’s speechless for five full seconds before lurching forward to hug him, her heart hammering. "You're crazy. I love you so, so much."
"I adore you," Harry whispers. He reaches for the 'S' pendant hiding under his top's neckline and pulls it out. "I'm forever yours."
Sawyer kisses him repeatedly and says, "Forever."
During the journey home, she falls asleep with her head in his lap, holding his hand while he drives. His thumb absentmindedly strokes her ring finger, and he feels a surge of emotion and excitement knowing he will get to spend the years to come by her side.
Years filled with being deeply devoted to her.
——
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seekingflowers · 12 hours
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Future Husband Pick a Card (1-3)
I'm sure you all know how it works! Just relax and let your intuition guide you to choose your pile 🌕. Take what resonates and leave the rest. I am very honest and will not sugar coat what I see. Please don't hesitate to tell me what resonated with you! I welcome all to interact 🤝
Hello everyone! Welcome to my tarot blog. This is my first post ever, and a pick a card reading (1, 2, 3- cards) 🥰😍🥀
Pile 1:
Page of Wands
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- First and foremost, it COULD indicate he's younger- if not, he may seem younger with his demeanor. More than likely, he may have approached you first. He'll be the first you one hear when you walk into a room.
In the beginning stages, this person will feel like a breath of fresh air. They are lively and outgoing. Always inviting you to join them on outings with friends or see and experience new places.
They are very social and ready to be on the go-go go. If you're not, it doesn't matter. They'll go because they're ready. Decisive and quick. However, it may not always be thought out. This person tends to be optimistic and may seem naive, but do not berate them. Sharp and witty, they stand their ground. They do not like to be held back and smothered. They seek fun and spontaneity, keep them on their toes. At times, you may feel like this man flakes out on you because he is so quick to do other things or entertain himself with others. He may forget things easily, such as planned dates or activities, anniversaries, or make sudden changes.
Their curiosity and openess will show you how to appreciate the moment and accept changes. It's okay to experience new things. If something is wrong, they will confront you, and they will expect the same from you. Be open and honest, and communicate with patience. They're not afraid to voice their opinion and say it how they see it. Friends and family love and adore their presence, which brings warmth and laughs all around.
Please remember, we all change with time, and some things may remain, but nothing lasts forever. Take what resonates and leave the rest.
Pile 2:
King of Wands Reversed.
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- He's definitely the one to approach you. Could be someone older or someone in an authority position.
This man may appear aggressive, often displaying signs of frustration or impatience. Can be very controlling and dominant overall. He has natural charisma and a fiery intellect, making it difficult to get a word in with him. Stubborn and hot-headed, he will likely dislike opposing views or opinions. People's views of him are black and white. Few understand him. There could be a problem with respecting those above him or taking consideration from others in general. There are few to maybe none that he cares for, but if he does care, he is fiercely protective over them and will come to their side to defend them. Even blindly.
About action, he's the one to get it done and have a go get it now attitude. Either do it or don't. Prone to impulsiveness and hypocrisy, his actions may bring upon consequences he isn't ready to handle and will break down in a tantrum.
Not afraid to approach others, he is relentless with his pursuits. On the good days, his humor and smiles are a sight to see and hear. Captivating and charming, people are drawn to him or are intimidated by him. His humor isn't everyone's cup of tea. It may be crude.
Highly competitive, spats between him and others are frequent. He hates losing and hates being wrong.
To be with this man, thick skin is needed along with groundedness. With you, he can be very loving, but ill tempered and stubborn.
He's very likely a traditional man who wants a traditional wife and family with him as head of the household. Although earlier in life, he may have had a desire of the opposite for the short term.
Please note that the future is not set in stone. Take what resonates and leave the rest.
Pile 3:
Ace of Cups
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- This man off the bat is an emotionally intuitive man. More likely to be reserved with his words, but expressive with his love and affections. Expressive eyes with intent prying into your soul. He enjoys private moments with you and goes out of his way to get you alone. It may seem unintentional, but it's not. It may be a love at first sight, or rather, when they fall in love- they fall hard.
There could be this feeling of a deep connection between the two of you that feels familiar yet so foreign. However, do not drown with the feeling. Learn to swim with it, or it will create false imaginations of the other person. You open up this person's inner world, and they want to pour into your cup endlessly. Sometimes, feelings can become intense, and a struggle to sort through emotions with each other can be difficult. Therefore, there can be spurts of emotional outbursts. Clear communication is very important with this man.
Being one to love deeply, he can hold a grudge and keep score of what wrong he thinks you've done to him. He might think he loves you more than you love him. This man wants you to be open with your love and reciprocate his feelings with the same intensity. When you are in an emotional frenzy from work or a bad day, he's the one to comfort and feel you. He'd go out of his way to make you feel better. If he can't, he will beat himself up for it. People close to him are few, even if it seems like there is a whole crowd around him. He's the go-to therapist or listener for folks, and it may get to him from time to time, so please allow him some space when needed.
Some days, he may seem hot and cold, but that's just likely because he isn't feeling anything that particular day or hour. Or he is in his head thinking about anything. As all humans do.
Love each other truly and not just love itself. It is easy to get lost in love and forget the person. Take what resonates and leave the rest.
Please remember, take what resonates, and leave the rest. One card does not describe everything about a person, and it is not the end all be all. Nothing is set in stone. People change - we all change.
Once again, please let me know what resonates and tell me what'd you like to see from me. 💫
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strawb3rrycowz · 3 days
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Headcanons: Being the Fourth First Year at Tokyo's Jujutsu Tech
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a/n: coming back strong with a fun little post- i'm a manga reader so i need some joy in this media!
Synopsis: what it's like being one of the first years in Tokyo's Jujutsu Tech
Content Warning: none, really! some swearing and canon typical violence- nothing descriptive
gender neutral! reader
Thank you @saradika for this great divider!
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Meeting Them:
✿𝅼 - You had a later start to the year, arriving just a few days after Nobara
✿𝅼 - Whether you had previous knowledge of the Jujutsu world or not didn't matter- you were definitely not prepared for the chaos you stepped into
✿𝅼 - A tall guy in a blind fold- who you later found out was your teacher and the strongest sorcerer, Satoru Gojo- was happily waving you over
✿𝅼 - That alone wouldn't bother you, if it wasn't for the black-haired boy he was holding by the collar. The kid looked tired and about ready to go home
✿𝅼 - Gojo welcomed you and introduced you to the boy he was holding as Megumi, telling you to not mind his "gloomy attitude"
✿𝅼 - It was going great, Gojo was recommending all kinds of cafes and bakeries near by. Megumi was checking his phone, offering quick responses when needed
✿𝅼 - The calm was broken by loud bickering. When you looked over Gojo's shoulder (which was kind of hard with his height) you watched an angry girl stomp her way over. The closer she got the better you could see that she was knocking her fist against a pink-haired guy's head- something about letting her shopping bags drag on the ground
✿𝅼 - The guy was yelling back at a lower volume, trying to stop her from hitting him more. It was a strange site, but what really stuck out to you was the tell-tale buttons on their uniforms
✿𝅼 - These maniacs were going to be your new classmates
✿𝅼 - After the initial meetings and getting settled into your new room, you were sent out on your first mission. It was just going to be you, so it was nothing more than a few grade fours- maybe grade three at worst
✿𝅼 - The location was an abandoned lake on the country side, and to make sure all went well the other first years tagged along
✿𝅼 - Nobara wasn't happy to be stuck in some swamp and made sure everyone was aware; Yuji had wondered off a few times when he saw cool looking bugs and frogs; Megumi, thankfully, was a big help and guided you on what to expect
✿𝅼 - At some point you broke off from the group, following the trail of cursed energy to the other side of the lake. It was a good distance, and with a sudden fog that rolled in you were basically on your own
✿𝅼 - Unsurprisingly, things didn't go as planned and somehow a semi-grade 2 curse had snuck its way into the area
✿𝅼 - Of course, you're a boss and handled yourself. When you made your way back over, exhausted and beat-up, Yuji and Megumi ran to help you- Nobara called in Ijichi to come pick you all up as she pulled bandages from her bag
✿𝅼 - While the bruises and cuts stung, it was a very good bonding experience! Nobara's bandages were really cute (she let you pick which color and design to make you feel better), and Yuji carried you everywhere for the rest of the day
✿𝅼 - Thank god for Megumi, he was the one talking to Shoko, getting you water, and checking in on you
✿𝅼 - They were all still chaotic, sharing one brain cell when they were together- but they were your idiots who made you feel like family
General HC:
✿𝅼 - If you identify as female/ use she/her/they pronouns, expect Nobara to kind of kidnap you a lot. She's a girl's girl and will back you up constantly, taking you shopping with her and building up your confidence.
✿𝅼 - Continuing the previous head canon, she will drag you away from Megumi and Yuji if they're annoying her while saying something like "y/n and I are leaving before you infect us with your stupid"
✿𝅼 - If you identify as male/ use he/him/they, Yuji is going to constantly be in your space- this boy has no sense of personal bubbles and you can tell. He's definitely the type to joke around- like he for sure jokingly flirts with you
✿𝅼 - Yuji has said the lines: is it gay to kiss my bro morning, noon, and night? no- it's called being a supportive friend!
✿𝅼 - Doesn't matter what gender you are to Megumi- he just hopes you'll help him wrangle the others in (he is so tired)
✿𝅼 - I don't care if you have the biggest brain in the world, it's useless when you're all together
✿𝅼 - It's so much worse when Gojo's there too- like he feeds into the bullshit
✿𝅼 - like you all would be cleaning out the dorm fridge and Yuji would see a jar that's THREE FULL YEARS EXPIRED and go "bet you guys ten bucks I could eat this and keep it down"
✿𝅼 - You're already pulling out a ten, "I know you're a pit, Yuji, but even this is too much- I'm betting against you"
✿𝅼 - Nobara is slamming down a ten before you can even finish, "Y/N'S RIGHT! THERE'S NO WAY YOU CAN HANDLE THAT"
✿𝅼 - Megumi isn't putting any money down, just grumbling and readying a trash can for if Yuji up-chucks
✿𝅼 - Just as Yuji grabs a spoon and is scooping up some of the nasty smelling gunk, Gojo's hand grabs his wrist. None of you are too shocked, your teacher pops in and out whenever he pleases
✿𝅼 - "Now Yuji," Gojo's got a serious expression on as he continues, "I can't let you do this... without giving you some advice!" and he goes right back to being a child "You should eat it in one go so you don't have the chance to regret it!"
✿𝅼 - After letting Yuji go Gojo slides a twenty onto the table, "Double on him keeping it down"
✿𝅼 - Yuji was, in fact, able to keep it down- too bad for you, losing a ten
✿𝅼 - During missions, you all tag along together even if there's only one person assigned. It's great support! Also none of you have gotten horribly injured because of this new system!
✿𝅼 - I feel like at some point you will interact with Sukuna in some way- and that curse does NOT like you
✿𝅼 - To Sukuna, you're not Megumi so that makes you boring. If you happen to have an interesting technique, he'll mess with you a bit if he ever takes control then beat the shit out of you
✿𝅼 - Also, movie nights are a must! Yuji usually doesn't host them after Nobara whacked him over his posters. So you, Megumi, and Nobara switch up who's room is used
✿𝅼 - Yuji always picks the movies and they're always good, somehow they appeal to all of you. Also the amount of snacks is shocking, but they never go to waste!
✿𝅼 - Every movie night you guys fall asleep on each other. Yuji is a literal furnace so all of you end up piling on him when it's cold- or trying to get out of his koala grip during hot nights
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wasn't sure how to end this so...
either way i might do this more, writing these were fun!
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aveloka-draws · 2 days
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I saw your art and it made me remember cotl so (as someone a 4 months from true adulthood and still under my parents thumb) I asked my father if I could get the game. (Note he knows I'm atheist and I thought he was too)
Welp after he saw the game he went into a religious rant and now I'm grounded for 3 months 🫥
It's crazy how Christianity is the default, and ppl say, "(most generic thing) is being forced on mee," when they're forcing their beliefs on other's. Idk.
I just wanted to see your take on the situation I'm in and if im in the wrong for just wanting to play the game? I guess I might be because it is a cult game and has religious symbols but it's just a game...
I dont think you are in the wrong for wanting to play it, and yes i say that cause i love cotl but also cause its just a game like you said.
It deals with some dark subjects and horror elements that will obviously upset some enough to reject it entirely, but in the best cases they are just trying to look out for you and your well being, you know? (Even if imo demonizing a piece of art/fiction is doing way more harm than the material could ever do by itself, but everyone has their reasons)
From personal experience, i couldnt engage with most of the things that interested me when i was younger cause of similar things, its frustrating but you might just need to wait a bit longer til you become more independent to be able to as well?
Hope you are doing ok, try to take it easy
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bedtimegiraffe · 2 days
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I finally figured out why all the party members in Book 2 come out as so frustratingly self-focused to me.
It's not because they're all struggling with their own stuff. It's all about shelving your agenda- that thing in a relationship where you go, 'You need my support right now, so we're going to worry about my thing later.'
And MC does this constantly.
I just barely escaped death and found out a year passed, but is Kade recovered from the Shadow Court?
I just almost drowned, but it's time to comfort this owlbear cub and unpack Valax's trauma!
I just almost died twice to the Ash Empress, but is Nia coping with being corrupted okay?
Which can be okay. Shelving your agenda is part of a healthy relationship of any kind.
The problem is that no one does it back. I think Tyril and Nia kind of sum up the whole group's attitude:
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But I don't think MC was ever going to be 'ready.' Someone else was always going to have to 'unshelve' it for them and make an effort to put the focus on MC.
Now, adventurers don't tend to be particularly well adjusted people. The full party has got maybe 1.5 healthy childhoods and 4 living parents between them (judged pretty generously). But it still feels like the others can't get it together enough to ask if MC is okay. Not that MC really makes it easy! I see MC as someone who is so used to pushing their feelings down to focus on whatever work is in front of them, they almost can't access their own emotions.
Which is why we had the brief glimpses of panic and the breakdown moment in Chapter 17. I think the breakdown makes sense mechanically. Kade is the one character your MC is guaranteed to have a strong connection to and this way it's not gated behind any diamond choices (like some really crucial character moments with Aerin and Valax, no I'm not bitter about it). But that makes it feel like the whole party has been neglecting MC while Kade immediately sees MC and goes, "Dude, you are not okay. Talk to me.'
And MC tries to turn it into comforting Kade! Kade has to actively argue with MC to make them actually acknowledge that they're having a hard time.
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MC for some reason can't or won't talk about their own trauma and Kade (who's only been around for 5 minutes) is the one who has to actively force the issue for MC's own good. Which is not a great look for the rest of the found family.
Afterward, Mal and Nia both seem to address it without really getting the point. Mal says, "We know things didn't go the way any of us wanted." (Which could mean... anything. But I'm feeling generous.)
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Protecting MC from death is not an equivalent exchange to talking about feelings! It is in fact dodging the feelings by focusing on practicalities again! Y'all better get it together in Book 3, I swear.
Overall, MC constantly delays addressing their own vulnerability and issues to focus on everyone else. And the others don't know how to do the same thing for MC, so the pattern just gets more engrained and damaging.
Except for Kade, my perfect boy.
Sources (they're fun, I promise!):
Screenshots from Neckrone Shen's playthroughs of Blades on YouTube, my go-to for whenever I can't remember something or don't have the screenshots myself.
I think @oh-so-youre-a-nerd's incredible piece 'Take Take Take' kept rattling around in my head until I figured out how to articulate why it felt this way: https://www.tumblr.com/oh-so-youre-a-nerd/736449955360899072/take-take-take?source=share
The language of 'shelving your agenda' came from the very good Cinema Therapy video about Kristoff from Frozen:
youtube
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preet-01 · 1 day
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M sounds like such a maxiel prompt. Up to you what shenanigans Daniel asks Max to do. Or maybe he could be asking him to come live on his farm with him in the off-season?
M — "I need to ask something of you." "Always. Anything." "Don't say that before you hear what it is. Seriously."
This was such a maxiel prompt but it took me so long to decide on just one way it could go
Somewhere in the club, Martin was giving one of the best shows of his life, all to celebrate Maxy's fourth consecutive championship win, but Daniel couldn't care a single bit about Martin's music. All he wanted to do was find Max.
"Maxy!" Daniel cheers when he does finally find the Dutchman ensconced in between Charles, Lando, and surprisingly George.
"Daniel!" Max greets, always so happy to see Daniel, and god does that do wonders for his ego. It’s always nice to know that someone other than your parents is delighted by your presence.
"Boys, I need to steal the world champ away," Daniel tells the others. He doesn't wait for a response, just drags Max away from them. Max for his part, comes along happily and giggling.
"Where are you taking me?" Max questions.
"I need to ask something of you," Daniel tells him when they're in some quiet corner of the club away from everyone.
"Always. Anything," Max replies without hesitation. If he's honest, then Max's answer is terrifying. It gives him too much power, too much control, something that he doesn't want to have over anyone, especially not Max. Especially not when it concerns what he's been dying to ask Max all year long now.
"Don't say that before you hear what it is, seriously," Daniel states, his mind wandering back to how Max had always listened and never denied him anything. Even in the middle of the night, Max would answer his texts and calls with a slightly concerning promptness that not even his mother had.
Daniel has spent months trying to figure out how to finally express his feelings to Max after years of pulling away when they got too close. He’d spent months thinking of the best way to tell Max that he’d been an idiot for years now and wanted, no needed to be Max’s in every sense of the world. He’d planned out his every word just to make sure he wouldn’t make a mess out of it like he had so many times in the past.
But instead he says, “tattoo me. Mark me as yours and yours only.” Which is far from what he had planned to say, but still the general idea.
“Are you serious?” Max is all wide eyes and parted lips as he stares at Daniel in that mesmerizing way of his where Daniel just drowns in Max’s Maldives sea colored eyes.
“As a heart attack,” Daniel answers
Max doesn’t tattoo him that night or for many nights to come, instead he marks Daniel in other, less permanent ways. It makes Daniel curse himself for being scared of having this for so long, but also so glad that they’d begun this part of their relationship when both of them were mature and wiser. He would have hated to lose Max after experiencing him so intimately.
He’d never been one to get hard when someone tattooed him, pain didn’t connect to pleasure in his mind. Pain was pain and it was not very fun. But Max with his brows furrowed and attention solely focused on Daniel’s upper thigh as he pressed the tattoo gun onto Daniel’s skin definitely did things to Daniel.
High on Daniel’s thigh, where no one except Max will see, there’s a tattooed heart with M + D in it. Just like they’d joked about well over a year ago.
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Do you have ideas for how the Angel and The Prototype ship would occur and progress? (Like, who would get feelings for who first, who would they get advice from, how the toys would react, if it would be an even bigger romcom than Dogday and Catnap…)
FINALLY, MY TIME HAS ARRIVED.
Angel x Prototype in the Everyone Is Saved AU first starts after Angel finds a nice house for all the toys to live in. After everyone is moved out and settled in, Catnap convinces Prototype to leave the abandoned factory. Prototype reluctantly agrees, making sure to grab every single document he can find with him. I know Prototype is known by the authorities because Angel had to tell them about him, but not by the general public. When he leaves Playtime, it's a very quick and effective escape and into a small hut outside the farm.
This new place is way smaller than Playtime, physically wise, but it feels so much better in every way possible. Prototype is weirded out by everything at this point, even the sound of the toys playing with each other and talking like normal kids and young adults would do instead of trying to hunt each other for food like before. Elliot's mind is full, all the memories from the toys he absorbed together with his own, and now his brain finally has time to work out through the +10 years of trauma. He dissociates a lot, his hallucinations get weirder, all the good stuff about dealing with trauma, and the only ones who are there for him are Catnap and Angel.
Oh, Angel...
So we all can agree that Angel is also suffering from PTSD, right? And on top of that, they're taking care of +80 kids! Yeah some of them are young adults, but from Angel's POV those are still THEIR kids, and they have no idea how they work. Except Prototype does, and thus their relationship evolves from merely two adults desperate to give a better life to monster toys to two adults having no fucking idea what they're supposed to do for them. Prototype feels like he will never be able to repay for his sins, Angel feels like they'll never be able to provide everything the kids need. So one day Angel stays up late in Prototype's hut just talking about the toys, with Proto/Elliot also talking about them, and the two just go "this feels so overbearing, right?", and the other agrees.
When Prototype's relationship with Catnap finally gets better when they have some important conversations about the decade-long post Hour of Joy, there's a notable shift in his behavior, because now that he feels like he has his kid back it's like things can indeed be better. Cue to Angel getting better at dealing with the other toys, and as months go by their bond becomes stronger and more than just "hey the kids gave me a lot of work today and I need to drink/smoke, i'll stay at your hut so I won't be a bad example to them".
The really good stuff hits only after Poppy finds out that Prototype = Elliot Ludwig = her actual dad, because it's Angel grabbing Proto around and going "TALK. WITH. YOUR. KIDS", and it's the first time in decades since someone ever did that to him, because who in their right mind would bicker with a monster like HIM? And then Angel does exactly that. Smacks him with a newspaper and demands him to get his shit together instead of spiraling further into depression.
Somewhere during the months where Prototype is being promoted to parent #2 by each toy, one by one, is when Angel realizes that their friendship is getting a bit Funky(tm), but they just. Ignore it. Two years post-Playtime Co. go by and Angel is just there like "what I feel for parent #2 is entirely platonic and I do not think of him as anything else than a friend at all hahaha it would be weird right. Because he still talks to me about how he misses his wife (they divorced each other +70 years ago) and how he feels like he failed literally everyone important to him. I mean he didn't fail me what I see is just a guy struggling to be better and honestly I'm worse than him and- oh wait What" until like, they go to a family trip and Prototype decides to stay behind to watch over the farm, and Angel misses him way more than they think they would just miss a dear friend, and it's not just because he helps them with the kids.
Anyways Angel is panicking in all levels except physical when one day Prototype is talking with Catnap and Poppy (they're having a three-toy "tea party" because Pop wanted them to have a small family gathering) and she looks at him in the eye(s) and says "dad, are you sure you don't feel anything else for Angel?", and Proto is just "why are you asking me that???". Cue to Catnap staring at him like
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And then Prototype realizes it's not very normal kind of platonic two months later when Angel, as per usual, is called by a scammer. And, as per house protocol, all the toys immediately go to the living room as Angel says "hold up, can you talk to my husband for a moment?" and gives Prototype the phone and tells him to do his thing and annoy the scammer. And Prototype feels weirdly a tiny bit too happy about pretending to be someone else's husband.
At this point the other toys are eyeing the two of them and going "no way..." as the two IDIOTS show them that yeah, yeah, they're witnessing the second romcom of the house, after Catnap and Dogday's telenovela-level worthy levels of drama. Some of them, like Kickin and Dogday himself, think it's no big deal, just two people being friendly, that's all, and then some time later Prototype accidentally sleeps over Angel's room during a thunderstorm (Angel is afraid he'll get struck by lightning so he stays in the main house for safety), and Angel, a genius Made In Brazil, decides to sleep in their room anyways because why not, Proto is just giving free teddybear vibes.
Proto wakes up and just accepts his fate (he's happy with that). Angel is half-asleep and very content with the setup.
... Anyways. Next day goes by, surprise surprise, the family's cuddle pile for movie night now has Prototype added to it, and it's not because Angel sleeps better when he's around. Nope.
Poppy and Catnap are considering start doing some bets to see how long it'll take their parents to realize It's Not Normal Platonic Anymore(TM) at this point, and are unimpressed when Prototype goes to them, sighs, and agrees that Poppy indeed was right. Meanwhile Angel has NO IDEA what to do because it's Prototype/Elliot, no way they have a chance, they'll just end up ruining their little weird family structure, and Dogday and Mommy Long Legs calm them down.
Bobby Bearhug and Craftycorn are working with the other toys to see if they can make Angel realize they need to do something, because Prototype is NOT going to do ANYTHING because his therapy is going strong but his communication issues are stronger. Hoppy and Picky know all about it and try to make Prototype do something about it, while Kickin and Bubba are Dissapointed But Not Surprised at the Situationship going on. "Guess Dogday and Catnap aren't the only ones with communication issues...", they agree, not realizing they also have communication issues. Mommy Long Legs is losing her fucking mind because HOW can one household have SO MANY IDIOTS RUNNING AROUND AND WHY ARE HER ADOPTIVE PARENTS LIKE THAT. AAAAAA. It's good drama tho.
Poppy tasks herself with keeping tabs on what's happening between her two parents. Catnap is watching in the background like "stop being so dramatic over this, Pop, they're working adults, they sure can talk". He may or may have not be gathering information to share with the old ladies at the church he goes to, because those girls LOVE Angel and are all curious as to how their relationship with the kids' "second parent" going. Catnap never tells them much asides from "my mother is, once again, terrible at communication, but has been doing well", but even he starts getting a bit impatient at one point.
Prototype and Angel's big telenovela-level worthy of romance drama lasts a few months, mostly because they both need lots of time with themselves in order to figure out what to do, and also mostly because at some point Angel is pretty content with just being Prototype's non queerplatonic/romantic partner. They're just going with the flow, initial anxiety being left behind and all of that.
Also Angel is a really big freaking dumbass, because Prototype's way of affection is through pampering, and he has been pampering Angel for MONTHS at this point and our human just didn't notice it's not platonic pampering. Prototype gets them more than one flower bouquet and Angel is just "oh this will be very nice for the house, Bobby and Long Legs love red roses!", and he keeps giving them the bouquets because it makes Angel happy, thus making him happy.
No, Elliot doesn't realize Angel is also stupid. He just tries to flirt like it's the 1930s while Angel is flirting like "haha what if we were married. Just kidding! Unless...?"
I think Angel doesn't exactly confess to Prototype in a traditional way. One night they're both chilling at either the hut or Angel's room after a long day and Angel gathers the courage to ask him what they even are. "You're the children's Parent, and I am Elliot Ludwig". Angel reworks their question to be "I don't think we're just platonic friends anymore".
"Do you want to be more?", Prototype asks, hopeful. Angel pauses, then agrees. "Then we can be more". After some talk they settle on either queerplatonic or romantic - I don't know which one would work best, but I think they aren't just platonic or just romantic. Angel and Prototype understand and respect each other a lot, and their relationship, for me, can't be defined with a simple "it's romance" definition. They're just them, and that's what matters.
Also Prototype goes "I WAS TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION FOR MONTHS!" and Angel goes "I WAS REFERRING TO YOU AS MY HUSBAND ALL THE TIME AND YOU JUST THOUGHT I WAS JOKING AND BEING A SMARTASS????"
... Also Angel can wear a ring now! Prototype as well. They tell the kids about their new Situationship and Poppy very happily says "I won our bet!" to Catnap. Everyone else is glad for their parents but also their real-life telenovela is no more..,....
Anyways, I think this post is getting too long, I may share hcs about how their relationship works later, if anyone is interested!
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ladykinrannoch · 1 day
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I think this deserves an observation on your part and an opinion.
I saw it on Twitter and I have to admit I thought the same thing a little while ago long before Kate's surgery.
This is pure propaganda and much deeper than we think. Some powerful groups want the monarchy to be abolished. They want William gone. Maybe it's to launch the new world order. Look at the seed they are trying to sow through the media. Meghan is just a pawn in a bigger plan. Getting rid of the monarchy means getting rid of stability. If they were able to eliminate the most powerful royal family then they could implement the change they want, they could then weaken the other authorities and governments.
I am not sure what you saw on Twitter, or maybe it was something I shared. Without context, I am going to reply in general terms.
I have always been vocal in my belief that something sinister is at play, since as far back as 2007. I did not buy the pandemic measures, I thought everything was blown out of proportion. Getting rid of constitutional monarchies is absolutely part of the NWO agenda. And the BRF is under attack. It should be obvious to everyone by now. Citizens worldwide should be standing against their WEF-linked governments. Unelected bodies like WEF and WHO need to be dismantled. We need to be standing with the rights of farmers, and protecting their own rights. Everyone should educate themselves about the One World Government agenda and what that means for citizens in all countries. If you are religious or not it should be clear to everyone worldwide that we are in the End of Times and evil is staring us all in the face. We can see who they are, they no longer hide their greed and bad agendas. We can succumb like sheep or we can fight back. I am on the team that will not comply.
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skaye44 · 3 days
Text
Family Fun Skate Day
Bucky A/u - Hockey player Bucky - yes please!
A/N - I HAVE TO include some sort of hockey/skating related story being Canadian and all, so enjoy! Everyone likes a hockey playing Bucky right?
Summary: You volunteer at a shelter and the local hockey team hosts a family fun skate day for some of the kids in care. It's the teams hope that it draws in some much needed good press for their resident "bad boy' players in the hope it cleans up his image.
Content warning: mild language, Bucky is hockey's bad boys but he turns himself around, fluff
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Images found here and here
"A family fun skate day? What the hell is this shit?" Bucky groaned while reading an email on his phone. 
"Classic PR stint." Steve shrugged. 
"Supposed to help with your image?" Sam added. 
"Bullshit" Bucky grumbled while he threw his phone into his locker and grabbed his shirt to change into. 
"It was one bar fight Steve!" Bucky hollered at his captain. 
"You gotta do it man!" Steve shrugged while he walked to the showers. 
"When is it?" asked Sam. 
"Tomorrow." 
Bucky groaned, and Sam snickered from across the room. He got up from his locker stall and proceeded to finish getting dressed after a long practice.
James 'Bucky' Barnes was assistant captain on the hockey team the Brooklyn Shield. The Shield had been in a losing slump, and the opposing team, the Jersey Hydra had beaten the Shield 6-1 on the ice a few nights ago. 
To forget about the embarrassing loss, Bucky and some of his teammates went to the Red Room bar after the game to blow off some steam but found a few players from Hydra who were also there. Combine the loss, frustrations from their losing skid, flowing drinks, chirping back and forth, it was a recipe for a disaster. 
One thing led to another, and Bucky had gotten into a fist fight with Hydra's team captain and resident goon of the league, Brock Rumlow. Some Shield players tried breaking it up, then the cops came, and Bucky had to spend a few hours in jail, only to have Steve bail him out. 
The story blew up like crazy on social media. Everywhere he went, cameras snapped, people whispered, fans were mad at his antics, it wasn't going away.
The team management was furious since this was not Bucky's first offence and he had been reprimanded a few other times prior. Bucky's known as hockey's 'bad boy' and always seems to be in the news for anything else other than his hockey career like his constant partying and revolving door of interesting female companions. 
The Shield PR team have their hands full with Bucky and they are tired of having to clean up his public messes. Wanda, the team's PR manager is at her wits end and had worked her magic to set up a family fun skate day with some of the team and youth from the community to help reset Bucky's public image.
"You get the email then?" he asked Steve who stood next to his locker and dried off. 
"Yeah, I'll be there too. It won't be so bad Buck." Steve added while he finished getting dressed. 
"Wanda said it'll only be for a few hours, let the paps take some pics, be nice to the kids, skate around, then you can go home." he shrugged. 
"Fine, but I won't like it." Bucky grumbled while grabbing his keys and jacket. 
"See you tomorrow pal!" called Steve. 
Bucky turned and waved to him before leaving the locker room. He went back to his condo so he could grumble in silence. 
When he got home, he flopped down on his couch and thought about his recent actions and his life in general. He knew he had to clean up his image for anyone to take him seriously. He was getting too old for his behaviour and needed to make some changes starting with no more bars or clubs, and to quit the drinking and random hook ups. That should get his head back in order while he thought about things. He needed to start fresh with his life, so he thought about having a new and improved life plan for himself, one he wanted to impose immediately.
🏒
You were so excited for the team skating session; you could hardly contain yourself. 
"It's going to be so much fun!" you told your small group of kids who cheered and giggled uncontrollably. 
Seeing them happy and excited about something warmed your heart. You volunteered with the kids at the local shelter and were so excited when you read the email invite from the Brooklyn Shield. Some of the kids at the shelter had come from some dark places and for them to be invited by the Shield for an afternoon of skating meant the world to them. For most of them, this was the highlight of their life. 
Currently, there were twelve kids you were bringing with you and four chaperones including yourself. Your friend and manager of the shelter Sharon was coming along too. 
"We got the skates packed and loaded in the crates" Sharon huffed out while she sat down next to you. 
"Good, I'm glad the team provided us with skates. Lord knows how expensive hockey equipment is" you added.
You knew exactly how much hockey equipment was since you played when you were younger. Your parents sacrificed a lot so you could play the sport you loved, but since your knee injury, you could no longer play at a high level, so you had to think of another career. 
You had thought of getting into the office side of the sport, but your heart longed to play, and it would hurt too much to be around something you couldn't do properly, so you decided to be a sport physiotherapist instead. On your days off and weekends, you volunteer at the shelter, and you were more than happy to accompany the kids to the rink for an afternoon skate with some of their favourite Shield players.
🏒
"Wow Buck, you're on time, and not hungover, I'm impressed!" Steve clapped his friend on the back, making Bucky wince. 
"For once." Sam added. 
Bucky tossed a hockey puck at Sam and gave him a rude gesture. 
"Thought I'd try something new fellas." Bucky shrugged while he changed into his workout gear. 
The family fun skating day was starting in 40 minutes, so Bucky had time to relax in the dressing room with Steve and Sam. 
"Who else is coming?" asked Bucky. 
"I don't know. Wanda and her team will be there, but I think it's just us three" Steve added. 
Just as he finished, the rookie Peter walked in. 
"Hey guys! Here for the skate too?" he asked, making his way to his stall to change. 
Bucky rolled his eyes at the kid and nodded. 
"What, no snarky comment to Peter?" asked Sam. 
Bucky shook his head and continued getting ready. The new and improved Bucky wasn't going to tease and make his teammate feel bad anymore. Something Bucky had thought about the night before. 
Both Sam and Steve exchanged glances with each other wondering what the hell happened to the old Bucky.
🏒
You arrived at the arena with a van full of eager kids and chaperones while Sharon drove the other. Wanda from PR met you, taking the kids on a little behind the scenes tour of the arena and the visiting team's locker room. 
A bunch of "cool" and "oohs" and "ahhs" were heard from the kids as they took it all in. For many of them, this was their first time in an arena, and they were loving it. 
"This is so cool!" you whispered to Sharon, getting your skates out and quickly putting them on.
You were just as excited to be there as the kids were and Wanda was great at making everyone feel welcomed.
She answered more questions the kids had and smiled at them while they eagerly sat on the bench and waited for help to get their skates on.
🏒
Bucky trudged down the hallway from the locker room to the ice, stomach instantly in knots from the noise of the kids. The guys were ahead of him, relaxed and happily chatting with one another making Bucky grumble to himself. He was never really good at PR events, especially with children involved.
With the added pressure from the PR team, photographers, and other media people around, he was nervous. He was more nervous to do this family fun skate day than play in an actual game, but he knew it was for the better. 
He knew he needed this for his new and improved life so he sucked in a deep breath and headed onto the ice.
🏒
You helped a few of the kids with their skates when you noticed they got really quiet. You looked up and saw the four players from the team walk out of the tunnel and step out onto the ice. The kids' eyes were wide as saucers while they watched the four men skate around. 
"Look!" 
"There they are!"
"Holy cow!" 
The kids beamed at the players; their mouths fell open in awe. 
The players skated back and were smiling at the kids. You noticed the captain, Steve Rogers, the left winger Sam Wilson, rookie sensation Peter Parker, and the club's assistant captain James 'Bucky' Barnes were the players at the skate day. Your face instantly flushed at the sight of the handsome men, but James stood out to you. 
He was handsome and dangerous in more ways than one.
Bucky did a few laps with the guys, stretching his legs then they skated over to the bench to meet with the kids. He was slightly behind Steve, not really wanting to be in the spotlight when he noticed you standing off to the side next to a blonde. He tensed up even more at what he saw. 
Your cheeks were a rosy colour from the cool air of the arena, and you had your hair braided framing your face with the team toque on. Your eyes sparkled as you watched the kids and let out a chuckle at their reactions. 
Bucky was in awe. He definitely didn't expect this on the family fun skate day, but he wasn't complaining.
"Hey there!" Steve said to the eager group. 
"Hey!" Sam waved. 
Bucky was behind them, but he had a shy smile on his face. The kids were literally vibrating on the bench they were so excited. You smiled at their enthusiasm. 
"You guys ready to skate with us?" Steve asked. 
The kids jumped up and clamored onto the ice making the players chuckle. 
"Is that Bucky Barnes?" Sharon whispered to you. 
"Seems like it." 
"Thought he was in jail?" 
"Not anymore I guess?" 
Bucky Barnes was hockey's bad boy, and you had no idea why he would be part of a family fun skate day at the arena. You were kind of annoyed he was at your skate day. He was a train wreck off the ice, and you really didn't want any part of him being around the kids. God knows they had been through enough in their short lives.
Bucky vaguely heard Steve and Sam talk to the kids he was so distracted by you. 
"You going to help Buck or stand there like a pylon?" Steve jabbed at his friend. 
"Yeah yeah" Bucky skated over to the kids. 
He kept his eyes on you though while he watched you help a few of the other chaperones. Camera flashes were going off with his every move making him see stars out of the corners of his eyes. There was no way you were going to skate he thought to himself while the kids hobbled and flopped all over the ice. 
The PR team had small plastic skating helpers for the kids so they could keep their balance while they maneuvered around the ice. They were laughing as Sam and Peter showed them how to skate while Steve took two kids that were more advanced with their skills and ushered them around the ice.
A small girl tugged on Bucky's track pants and smiled up at him. 
"Mr. Bucky? Can you help me?" she asked. 
He smiled at her and knelt on the ice. She couldn't have been more than five while he held her hand as she steadied herself. 
"What's your name?" he asked. 
"Callie" she whispered. 
"Hello Callie" he shook her hand making her giggle. 
"You want to be my special partner today?" 
"Ok!" she smiled up at Bucky. 
His heart melted at her, and he instantly had the urge to give her the world. She struggled a little with the skating, but Bucky helped her get better. He admired her determination and encouraged her to push off the ice which she did. She smiled brightly and giggled while Bucky stood and held onto her hand while he carefully skated next to her.
You had gotten on the ice and skated a little bit, then you headed over to some of the bigger kids who were surrounding Sam and Steve. Bucky watched in awe as you skated on the ice with ease. He would never have pictured you as someone who could skate, and he was pleasantly surprised you were quick on your feet. 
You waved as you skated over and stopped, spraying them with a dusting ice. 
They laughed. 
"We didn't know you could skate" yelled one of the boys. 
"Oh, I can skate. Used to play too!" you teased. 
This caught Bucky's attention. Used to play? Huh. 
"Catch me?" you took off with the kids trailing. 
You laughed as they followed you, yelling and smiling while the players helped them. 
Bucky had passed Callie onto Peter so he could pay a little attention to you. As you were skating around, Bucky caught up to you and smiled. 
"Hi" he said. If it wasn't for the skating, you could have sworn he was blushing. Mr. bad boy of hockey, blushing? Yeah right! 
"Hello." 
"I'm Bucky" he said as you both took a few laps on the ice. 
"I know who you are" you looked over at him. 
He put his head down a little and skated along with you. 
"So, you skate then?" he asked. 
"Yup." 
You didn't really feel like talking to him but for some reason, he zeroed in on you and won't leave your side.
You skated for a bit beside Bucky, letting the kids learn and play a little with each other and the players, everyone was having a good time. 
"So, you work at the shelter?" he asked. 
"I volunteer there." 
You smiled over at the kids. 
You watched them adoringly as they skated and laughed with everyone. Bucky could see you adored them. He mentally added the shelter of places to volunteer his time at in his new look on life. 
You were a little apprehensive of being photographed with Bucky because you know of his reputation. He isn't exactly the team's golden boy and has his issues, so you were a little guarded towards him, especially since the cameras were snapping away. Every time he talked to you, your guard was lowered because it felt like the Bucky that was talking to you was a completely different version than the one you usually see on the TV and in social media making you think there's more to him that what the public sees.
You took a few strides away from the group into the corner of the rink and stopped along the boards to rest. Bucky followed and stopped next to you, looking back at the crowd of skaters and equipment. 
"You gonna tell me your name then or do I just give you a nick name pretty girl?" he whispered. 
You grinned a little to yourself. 
"Y/n." He smiled and nodded. 
You talked a little with Bucky, laughing at his cheesy jokes and comments towards Sam and Steve. You had no idea they teased each other so much. You've only ever seen them in game mode, it's hard to remember they're just regular guys who happen to be freakishly talented and great at their jobs.
Your view on Bucky was slowly changing for the better but it would take some time to come around. You saw Callie make her way over to you, tongue sticking out in concentration as she hobbled and bobbled on her skates. 
"Callie, my girl!" called Bucky as he raced over to the little girl. 
He smiled wide at her, bending down and listening to her excitedly talk about her skating. Bucky was giving all his attention to her, and it made your heart thud hard in your chest. 
He wasn't so bad, you though while skating away.
You skated over to the group of kids and smiled brightly at them. 
"Ms. Y/n, you should race!" one of them yelled. 
"Race? Oh, no, I'm good." You raised your hands up in surrender. 
"Yeah, it'll be fun!" 
"Who would I race?" you rolled your eyes at the kids. 
"Me" Everyone looked over at Bucky and their eyes widened.
The kids cheered and the PR team snickered. 
"You?" 
"Yeah, why not. What, are you scared?" he teased. 
The kids let out a large collective "ooohhhhh" while they observed you and Bucky. 
"I'm not racing you. No way, nope." you shook your head no. 
"Come on!" the kids teased. 
"I'll make a bet. If I beat you, you owe me a date. If you beat me, I'll owe you a date" Bucky shrugged. 
The kids giggled. 
"That's hardly fair" you scrunched your nose up in thought at the proposition. 
"What do you say?" asked Bucky. 
The kids giggled and laughed. Everyone was looking at you and Bucky, eager to hear your response. 
"Fine." you shook your head. 
You hadn't skated in forever, much less raced a damn professional hockey player. The kids cheered as you and Bucky got into place. 
"Once around the rink. First one to cross the centre line wins." Sam called, placing the pylons out in a large oval. 
"Here goes nothing" you muttered to yourself. 
Bucky looked over at you and winked, making you lightly stumble on the ice. 
Damn him. 
"Three, two, one, GO!" yelled the kids. 
You almost fell over, between the wink and the crowd cheering, but you pulled it together. You took off alongside Bucky as you pushed your legs off the ice and glided with power. Bucky had a stride on you, but you held your own as you rounded the first corner. You came out of it and laughed while Bucky stumbled a little, making you gain a stride and a half on him. The kids were going wild, they thought it was pretty cool Ms. Y/n was racing against Bucky Barnes and winning. You were almost turning into the last curve when you saw Bucky creep up beside you, smirking as he overtook you by half a stride, you huffed out a breath as you both came across the red line at almost the same time, but Bucky had a stride on you while the kids cheered. You slowed down, huffing and puffing your breath, placing your hands on your thighs, bent over, smiling. You skated towards the crowd while Bucky was already there. He didn't look winded at all. 
"Wow Y/n, racing Bucky Barnes looks good on you" teased Sharon. 
"Shut...up..." you said in-between breaths. 
You felt good, but that little burst of energy you had in the race did you in. After catching your breath, the kids surrounded you, smiling and laughing while the other players skated around, signing merchandise, and taking more photos. You could see the PR team and the photographers get their shots they wanted while some of them left the ice. 
The skate day was coming to an end.
"Ok kids, can you say thank you to the Shield players?" asked Sharon. 
The kids groaned the day was ending but they all said, "Thank you Shield players!" in unison, making the four men blush a little at the attention. 
They smiled and waved at the kids as everyone started leaving the ice. Bucky was one of the first off, the ice, but he quickly came back in his flip flops, helping the kids get their skates off and placing them in the large equipment bins. Wanda outdid herself with the skates, sweaters, and hats for the kids as well as giving them tickets to the following weekend's home game against the Florida Fury. Bucky sent a quick text to Wanda telling her he would supply the kids with a hot dog, drink, and popcorn for them that he would personally pay for. She responded with a thumbs up and heart emoji, stuffing his phone in his pocket.
"You didn't have to help us clean up." you said, easing onto the bench to take your skates off. 
Bucky shrugged. 
"I don't mind. Happy to help." You looked at him like he grew a third eye. 
Bucky Barnes was happy to help? OK then. 
He must have seen your nose scrunch and he smiled. 
"I'm not that bad you know" he teased. 
Your face flushed a little and you reached down to tug on your laces. 
"Here, let me" he said, kneeling in front of you. 
Your heart thudded in your chest.
He carefully tugged on your skate laces and undid them while un-hooking them from their hold. The fact that Bucky Barnes, the bad boy of hockey was on his knees in front of you made your insides squish and flop. 
Bucky looked up and winked at you when he finished the last lace. 
"Thanks" you whispered, trying to compose yourself. 
Be cool.
"It was my pleasure. Now, about our date..." he rose from his spot, taking your hand in his and helping you up before gently letting go of your hand. 
The man was charming as hell. 
"Oh, we don't really...I mean...it's ok, you know...the bet...it was all in good fun, but you really don't...not an obligation..." Bucky watched with raised eyebrows while you fumbled through the English language. 
You really didn't want him to feel obligated to take you out, just because he said it in front of everyone. 
He gave you a weird look. 
"Ms. Y/n, you have to, Mr. Bucky won the race" Callie insisted, making her way next to Bucky. 
Where did she come from? 
Bucky turned to her and high fived her. 
"See, my girl Callie here insists. You wouldn't want to disappoint her right?" he asked. 
Him and Callie, both gave you puppy dog eyes. 
Damn them. 
"Ugh, fine, ok, you both win!" you laughed. 
"Yes!" Bucky high fived Callie and she giggled. 
"See you Mr. Bucky!" 
"Bye wingman Callie!" he called making her giggle. 
"Using the kids against me eh Barnes?" 
"Well, I had to bring out the big guns" he shrugged. 
"Here" Bucky grabbed your phone and added his contact info into it. 
You looked down and snickered. 
He named himself "Bad Boy Bucky" in your phone, making you snort then roll your eyes. Was second-hand embarrassment a thing? 
"I'll text you" he winked while Steve and Sam watched. Bucky had told you he had some film to watch for their game in two days he had to do after the skate day. 
"You don't have my number, I only have yours" you called to him.
"Oh I have it, from Wanda" he called over his shoulder. 
You looked over at Wanda who pretended to scroll on her phone and answer a "phone call". She turned and smiled to herself knowing Bucky needed this date more than he knows it. 
"Ok then" you said, Sharon wrapped her arm through yours and guided you to the vans where the kids waited with the other parents.
 "Come on, you can thank Callie later" she laughed. 
"Ms Y/n is dating Bucky Barnes!" Callie yelled and the rest of the kids oohd and ahhd while making kissing noises. 
Great, even the kids were teasing you. 
You looked behind you and saw Bucky smile to you and send you another one of his famous winks, making you blush like crazy. 
Yeah, this family fun skate day was the highlight of Bucky's season.
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tired-pigeon789 · 2 days
Text
A Deeper Understanding
(Astarion X Anemic GNreader)
Notes: this whole fic is based on MY OWN experience with anemia which happened with extreme blood loss and just general low iron. and is VERY self indulgent. I also don't think about Astarion romantically but if you read this fic that way go ahead. I don't blame ya lol. Tav is also gender neutral and not named, there no description of what Tav looks like aside from them at least having shoulder length hair. (I also didn't really re-read this lol so sorry for any mistakes)
word count: 1983
general warnings: lots of mentions of blood and blood loss.
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It was rough, the last encounter took a lot out of all of us and I’m feeling weak even after Shadowheart’s healing and the health potion. Even worse was the blood loss. Dreadful goblin gave me a deep slash and even though it’s patched I’m dizzy and lightheaded. A feeling I’ve grown used to but this is a new extreme. Personally I don’t feel the need to disclose my low iron. Just how often does one need to bring up such a thing? Well, one needs to bring it up when they are being healed I suppose. “If you knew you had this condition, why throw yourself at the main line of fire?” Shadowheart asks while taking my pulse. “I overestimated my abilities, yes, but at least they got me and not Astarion, he gave the final blow to the mage goblin.” I point out while I drink a hot tea while lean against one of support poles in shadowheart’s tent. She simply sighs as I feel her opinion change of me. “You’d be as good as dead if you don’t watch yourself. We already have enough going on.” I simply say ‘I know’ as I thank shadowheart for her help and rest up a bit before I go off and help the others set up camp for the night. We had found a cast iron pot and pan to cook with so at least I’ll be getting what I’m lacking from that. The stew Gale had made for everyone was wonderful and tasteful, and even though I had little to no appetite it helped and I started to feel more alert but sleep is still needed. 
It was dark and late, the moon shines overhead and keeps my eyes closed. I feel weak after everything I’ve been through today but I’m just happy to have a bedroll to lay in. I just can’t sleep. In, out, in, out melt away stress. Breathe in, breathe out. I think this to myself as I try to sleep. I feel as relaxed as I can be but I just can’t slip away into the blissful void of sleep. First the blood loss and now the loss of sleep. There’s simply no winning today it seems. Sighing I open my eyes and gasp as I see Astarion hover over me, Fangs bare, a vampire. Quickly I prop myself up and try to steady myself despite the lightheadness and the massive headache. 
“Shit.” He says as he backs away while I prop myself up on my elbows while I glare at the man “No No- It’s not what it looks like I swear.” “What the hell Astarion!” Glaring at the pale elf I see him look down at me. “I wasn’t going to hurt you I swear, I just needed some blood.” Getting at better at him I see now for what he is. “A vampire, honestly I'm kicking myself for not seeing it sooner.” I say as I try to keep my distance from him. “I’m not some monster,” he says in a desperate voice as he try to find the words to defend himself. “I only drink from animals, Boars, dear... Kobolds, whatever I can get, it’s just, after everything I’m too slow to go out and hunt.” “And you thought the best way to deal with that was to get a drink from me?” Astarion looks taken a back but sighs. “I just need a little blood, so that I may think clearer, and fight better. Just a taste, please.” The way he said please made me hold my breath for a moment. Probably because I know that feeling well. That lightheadedness, the faint lights that plagued my eyes when I walk the need to hold on to anything. It’s helpless feeling, one that I didn’t expect to share with a vampire. 
“So if you drink my blood, you’ll be stronger?” I ask as I try to calm down and think more pragmatically about this offer. “It would benefit us all, but if not I could just hunt a bear or boar out in the woods.” Astaron says plainly. If I do this he’ll be better in combat, but I’m already weak as it is if I don’t sleep or eat something bloody myself. I know what he says is true, it’s basic logic when it comes to vampires. And deep down inside me I feel that understanding, maybe it’s one sided trust but I know if I had a way to rid of this feeling this hunger myself I would. At the end of it I sigh and nod. “Ok, I’ll let you do this, but you have to promise to stop when you have your fill and, you have to keep an eye on me.” Astaron smirks as he kneels in front of me with a look in his eye saying ‘I can’t believe I’m getting away with this.’ And frankly I can’t believe it either. "I promise you have my word. You can trust me” He says. 
Laying back down Astarion hovers over me as he pushes my hair to the side, pulls down the collar of my shirt in a less obvious place to hide whatever mark would come of this, and takes a bite at my shoulder. Hissing in pain I take a deep breath and my hand holds onto his bicep as he drinks from me. The pain melts after a minute but the lightheadedness that I’m used to now feels even more nauseating and I start to push on Astarions shoulder to get him to stop. He stops thankfully but his face doesn’t leave the crook of my neck just yet. I’m shaking and running colder than usual, my breath is faint and I lay my head firmly on the thin pillow underneath. “Your blood, it’s faint. Are you anemic?” I nod as I try to control my breathing. “I know it isn’t a lot, but I don’t think anyone else in our party would’ve let you drink from them.” I say softly as I close my eyes as tiredness finally creeps up on me. “And I’d rather it had been me you drank from than some poor stranger.” “You’re going to be in a long sleep after this, you have nothing to gain from what you just did.” He says as he finally pulls away and looks down on me. “I couldn’t sleep anyway. And you got stronger right? At least a little bit? Surely it’s enough to cover for me tomorrow.” I jest a bit as I continue to shake a bit and cover myself with a blanket. 
“I won’t drink from you again, your blood is very watery.” “Thank you?” I say weakly as I hear Astarion sit himself down next to me. “It’s not a compliment. You need to do something about that.” “Believe me I know. However last I checked I’m not in my cozy apartment in Baldur's Gate, where all my medicine is. I hate feeling like this.” opening my eyes I look over at Astarion as he just simply looks into the fire in front of us keeping us warm. “Be honest, with me” Astarion starts while he keeps his gaze on the fire, “If you knew you had this condition, why did you let me drink from you?” I think again for a moment before I speak.  “Because I know what it feels to be weak from blood, It’s a weird craving and I know it horrible, maybe not in the same way as you but I can make a good guess. I’ll be fine, I’ve like this before.” I can’t move much, my whole body aches and my breathe is shallow as I feel the need to stay awake, it’s not really a fear of death from the Astarion bite but just unease and general paranoia. “Did my blood even do anything for you?” I ask. “Some what, I just didn’t expect the weak taste.” I just let out a small chuckle. “Talking about my blood like one would talk about wine, funny.” “how long had you know about your condtion?” my breath evens out but I still shiver under the blanket as I think about the question. “About a few years now, I figured it wasn’t normal to feel faint everyday.” Astarion hums in understanding as he sits next to me. “I’m surprised you’re still next to me if I can be frank.” I say softly as I look up at Astarion. “Can’t let the others think I killed you in your sleep now can I.” he pauses for a moment before he continues, “I also feel like we’re kindred spirits now in way” “you’re very funny.”
After a moment of silence between us, Astarion speaks up “you ought to sleep, there will be plenty to do when day comes.” I just hum softly while I cover my eyes with my arm “I doubt I’ll be of much use. You guys are going to need to do whatever is needed in my place.” “how long do think you’ll be out?” He asks with some surface level concern. I know he only cares enough about me to make sure I get the tadpoles removed, to how I just became the leader of this strange group I do not know but can understand why Astarion would ask that. I would too if I was him. Sluggishly I pull my arm away from eyes and see Astarion look down at me with slight concern but the arch and furrow brow of his gives away that he really doesn’t want to be next to me. Maybe it’s out of pity or guilt, or perhaps he just want’s to go hunt to get his fill. “I don’t know, but I know I can’t do much of anything tomorrow, I’ll be fine in case you were worried.” I say softly as the sweet void of sleep came creeping up on me, however I felt just as scared as I did when I first woke up in the Nautiloid. I know I won’t die in my sleep. I know I won’t. But the paranoia doesn’t leave me. I need to stay awake. 
Struggling to keep my eyes open Astarion brings his hand over my eyes to close them “Sleep. like I said, I don’t want the rest of the camp thinking I killed you.” “How kind, but you would have though, Had I not woken up.” I say absent mildly. Astarion doesn’t say anything for a minute, not a ‘I would never!’ or a ‘yes I would.’ which in a way is enough of answer to me. I didn’t like that I was right. I feel the fire dies down a bit and I hear him shift the logs and the warmth comes back. “You’re not dead though, so lets not dwell on that.” he says. Almost like a child saying ‘you should be happy that worse case scenario didn’t just happen so you can’t be mad’ the idea almost makes me laugh. “You can still drink from me, only when I’m well of course and you can’t find anything else. I want you at your best.” “Even with your condition and finding out my secret you’d still let me drink from you? You must really not care about your life.” Sleep feels closer as I drift off while trying to the words to say something in response. “I’ll take my chances, I’d rather die bloodless than become a squid. But I’ve also grown to trust you a bit, Despite everything.” “Questionable logic at best my dear.” he chuckles which in turn makes me smile a bit. “Well I’m not in the best state of mind. But I don’t think it will change.” I sigh. “Sleep, I won’t leave-” before Astarion could finish his sentence my mind fades and I do in fact, finally sleep. 
@half-poison-and-half-hope Just for you
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