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yanderecrazysie · 1 day

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Twisted Zoo: Chapter 10

Surprise! Sorry for the lack of Jack content in this one.

I feel like this sucks but at least I wrote something ;-;

Prologue: here

Previous Chapter: here

This is based on the stories of a keeper reader with the octotrio by @ashensgrotto and @merakiui .

Also @twistedcece @cenatour @xiaopleasecomehome @bearshideout @koebishrimpuwu @vash-yuu @twstsandturns @help-whatdoimakemyusername @secret-potion @magmdnv @sunshine-for-serotonin @mel-star636 @silkkorchid @the-ace-reader @pamv11 @coffee-or-hot-cocoa @hrhqueenfox @goseew @luxthestrange @juno-of-wonderland @who-mst @despairingy-obsessed @lanxianschoenheit @ceramic-raven @m0063576 @kimdourden @rammylog @sushiperson @starshiningsirius @im-here-for-the-fun-of-it @the-monochrome-jester @owodi @girl-nahh-two @obeythehuman @berry-efoy @ivorette @the-broken-truth @losingmybrain @sxftiebee @queens-unheard-thoughts @medicine-san @strugglingsleeper and @rocketstyx wanted to be tagged! Let me know if anyone else wants to be tagged for future chapters. If you no longer want to be tagged, please tell me! (I have removed the tags that weren’t working for me, apologies if yours was removed!)

Summary: You’re a brand new zookeeper at The Halfling Zoo- a place where half-animals live in captivity. Your job is simple- feed them and study them. Your main worry is that one of the more dangerous halflings might kill you.

Unfortunately, that may become the least of your worries.

WARNINGS: yandere themes

Note: All characters are aged up, since there will be mature themes in future parts.

Also, I can’t promise I’ll finish this. I suck at finishing stories.

NOTE 2: I decided to make this a little fluffy before shit goes down.

—-------------------------------------------------------

It was your turn to feed the halflings dinner again. The hyenas, lions, and wolves all were going to be given the same food: hamburgers. Each was individually wrapped, and there must have been a hundred of them between the two giant buckets you were forced to carry.

Surely that’s way too much for even all three groups combined! You groaned as you lifted the buckets. Your arms were definitely going to get a workout from this.

You trudged into the savannah, your arms already aching from the heavy load you were forced to carry. Thankfully, the hyenas were gathered on the rocks not far from the entrance.

Ruggie’s eyes lit up as soon as they saw you, letting out a bark of excitement as he leapt down from the rock he had been sitting on with the grace of a cat. He stopped a few feet away from you, as though he were waiting for a signal from you.

You placed the buckets on the ground and lifted your hands in a calming gesture, “You know I’m not going to hurt you, Ruggie. I’ve just brought food for you all.”

Ruggie grinned and bounded forward, taking you by surprise as he pulled you into a hug, rubbing his cheek against your own. He pulled away, a sly grin on his face as he stole a burger from the left bucket and slipped away, climbing onto a large rock and unwrapping the food.

You felt a little flustered by the sudden show of affection but, with a shake of your head, you dismissed his odd behavior. Yet, Ruggie’s eyes never left your figure, his tail wagging back and forth as though he was thrilled to be able to see you.

When he came for his second helping, he reached out a hand and slid it beneath your chin. He drew his face closer until you could feel his hot breath playing across your lips. For a moment, you thought he was about to kiss you, but he spoke up instead, stumbling a little over his words, “You are special to me.”

“I am?” you were taken aback by his sudden confession.

“Yes,” Ruggie said with a wide smile, “You’re my favorite!”

“Favorite what? Researcher? Aren’t I the only researcher you know?”

Nishishishi. Ruggie giggled at your confusion, “Favorite. (Y/n) is my favorite.”

Completely nonplussed now, you gave him an awkward smile, “You’re a strange one, Ruggie.”

His smile morphed into a pout, “Am I favorite?”

You reached out a hand and messed up his fluffy blond hair, “You’re my favorite Ruggie in the whole world.”

He gave you an annoyed look, his hyena ears flat on his head. It was clear he was hoping you’d be a little less specific. But you couldn’t tell him something like “you’re my favorite hyena”, as that wouldn’t be fair to the other halflings.

You took a seat on the rock as the other hyenas came for their second helpings, skirting around you with nervous looks. Ruggie practically threw himself onto your lap, his stomach back landing on your legs as he gazed up at you. You almost shivered when you saw his expression.

His gaze was hungry, eyes dark and lips pulled into a sinister smile. He lifted a hand and cupped your cheek. He whispered something and, though it was too quiet to tell, it sounded suspiciously like he had said “mine”.

Then, his eyes fluttered closed, his hand flopped to his side, and his breathing turned even. It took you a moment to realize he had fallen asleep. You were a bit jealous that he could fall asleep so quickly and easily (it took you much longer to settle down at night).

Some of the hyenas came for a third helping, but once all of them had deposited their wrappers in a pile near the buckets, you realized you had to move on. “Ruggie, time to wakey wakey,” you teased.

Ruggie’s eyes fluttered open and his peaceful expression became cross. His hyena ears flattened themselves against his head again and his tail lashed once, but he obediently stood up, freeing your lap so you could stand as well.

You took the wrappers to a trash can near the entrance of the enclosure and returned to the buckets. Ruggie watched you from on top of a rock, eyes sad as he watched you walk away. You felt a little bad, but you had to move on. You couldn’t just spend the entire evening with the hyenas when you had to see the lions and wolves too.

The buckets were still heavy and you felt your arms ache as you took the long walk over to the lion halflings. As you approached, Leona sat up on the rock he was lounging on. You put down the buckets and waved at him.

He leapt down from the rock gracefully and walked towards you. When he was just a few feet away, he stopped dead in his tracks and his nose screwed up in disgust, “You smell like hyena. You let one of those bone-eaters scent you?”

“Huh?” you were confused for a moment before you remembered the way Ruggie rubbed his cheek against yours and lounged across your lap. Was he scenting you then?

“Disgusting,” Leona snapped, reaching out and snatching your wrist, “You should smell like lion.” His face drew closer and you snapped out of your surprise and confusion, pulling your wrist out of his grasp and taking a step back.

“You shouldn’t be surprised I smell like hyenas, considering you aren’t the only halflings I care for,” you snapped, “That doesn’t give you permission to scent me too!”

Leona let out a growl deep in his throat and you involuntarily took another step back. His eyes narrowed, as though he was deep in thought. Then, a somewhat sinister smile spread across his face, “Of course, you’re right.” Somehow, his tone seemed condescending, as though you were too stupid to understand him, “I’ll have a talk with the hyenas, and no one will scent you again.”

A shiver ran up your spine, “You don’t have to do that.”

“Oh but I do,” Leona growled, “Now, you brought us food, I believe? Or are you going to stand there gaping like a fish?”

You closed your mouth and pursed your lips into a deep frown. Leona was really getting on your nerves, “Yeah, I did. Feel free to grab something, your highness.”

Leona didn’t seem offended by your dig, if anything, a smirk pulled at the corner of his lips. He grabbed a wrapped burger from the bucket closest to him and leaned in as close as he could while doing so.

The other lions followed his example, grabbing burgers and eating them under the tall rock that Leona had resumed lounging on. The king of the jungle gazed at you with darkened eyes and you were surprised to read the jealousy on his features. Was the great Leona really jealous of some hyenas?

You tried to shake the ridiculous idea from your mind, but you just couldn’t believe otherwise when you looked at his expression. You didn’t like the way he gazed across the savannah at the group of hyenas with a sneer on his lips.

“Leona,” you called up to him. He turned his furious gaze on you, eyes burning, and you shut your mouth, the words dying on your tongue, “Never mind.” You picked up the buckets and turned around. You heard a light thump as Leona jumped down from the rock again.

Arms wrapped around your waist and pulled you close to a toned chest. You grabbed his wrists and tried to wrench them from your body but Leona didn’t budge. “Let me go,” you demanded firmly.

The lion halfling placed his chin on your shoulder and let out a sigh, “Why do you tempt me so?”

You furrowed your brow, “That sounds like a ‘you problem’. Now let go.”

Leona obeyed with a chuckle, his arms disappearing from your waist, “You’re entertaining, you know that?”

You refused to look back, angry that he had put his hands on you, and simply walked away. You didn’t breathe again until the enclosure door shut behind you. You leaned against the wall and slid to the ground, entirely nonplussed by what had gone on between you and the lion halfling.

You took a moment to process the encounter, then stood up with a sigh. You hoped all of the lions’ bellies had been filled with only one burger, since you hadn’t stuck around long. You checked your watch and were happy to see that it was still fairly early. That way, it wouldn’t be too dark out when you brought the burgers to the wolves.

You hurried down the pathway to the wolf enclosure, looking off in the distance where the sun was beginning to turn the sky pink and orange. Maybe if you hurried, the wolves wouldn’t all want to kill you.

Unfortunately, as you entered the enclosure, the only wolf you were met with was Jack. That wasn’t to say you weren’t happy to see him, especially as he gave you the most endearing smile ever.

“Is there any way to feed the other wolves without getting my skin torn off?” you asked him.

Jack shook his head and your heart sank. He seemed to notice your disappointment because he spoke up, “But you have me.”

“I know, Jack,” you sighed, “But I want to get to know the other wolves too.”

Jack’s smile disappeared and his eyes narrowed a little, “But you have me. I protect you.”

“I appreciate that, I really do,” you said in a soothing voice, “But I need to interact with all of the halflings, not just you.”

Jack’s expression darkened, his shoulders hunching over, “They’re dangerous. They hurt you. I can’t let anything happen to you,” his voice grew tight with emotion, and he looked down at you with such a lost expression that your heart twisted.

“Maybe if you help me, they will grow to like me,” you suggested. Jack shook his head and grabbed the buckets off the ground. Before you could protest, he disappeared into the forest.

You tried to follow, but he had completely left you behind. Soon enough, you were lost in the trees, looking this way and that, before Jack returned to you with empty buckets.

“They have eaten,” he said gruffly.

You sighed, “Thanks…” Jack didn’t seem to understand your disappointment, as he merely took your hand in his larger one and led you back to the enclosure exit. He smiled gently at you and said in a soft voice, “Safe.”

You couldn’t really argue with that.

Ruggie and Leona watched in amusement as the zoo staff brought out the body bags from the wolf enclosure across the path from them. “She’s becoming quite popular,” Leona murmured, “Enough for a wolf to turn against his own pack.”

Ruggie pouted, “I want her to be mine. Not anyone else’s.”

Leona chuckled darkly, “You’ll have to put those thoughts aside if you really want to take our deal. You know that a war against lions who obey only me and hyenas that will run away with their tails between their legs will end in only one way.”

Ruggie’s ears flattened against his head, “I’ll share, but only with you. Three’s a crowd.”

The lion nodded, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

#yandere #yandere x reader #yandere twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland

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thetwiggiesttwig · 1 day

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alright so i was rewatching 73 yards bc i remembered that qr code that the camera lingered on and wanted to see what that was all abt and tho it didnt lead anywhere i got talking w @spooked-skull-studios and we're now going absolutely bannanas

SO. couldnt find anything on the qr code, BUT that means the real focus of this shot turns into kate's red nails

and of course, being the sane and rational peeople we are, we immediately connected this to the red nails in The Giggle.

ive seen some people saying that the felt kate was acting strangely in this scene and im inclined to agree. whilst im not sure EXACTLY what this implies, this feels like a deliberate connection, reminding us that she very well may have picked up that tooth. again, ive got no concrete ideas on what this implies for the rest of the season, but i thought worth pointing out (to silas, who then told me to make this post lol) and would love to hear where people think this might go

#doctor who #doctor who spoilers #73 yards #kate stewart #kate lethbridge stewart #the master #the toymaker #fifteenth doctor #rtd2 era #the giggle #posts by twigs #i think this is the first time IVE actually made a dw post instead of rbing one?#ruby sunday #forgot ruby tag ruby im so sorry

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worldofkuro · 1 day

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Painted Smile

Painted Smile XXII

<- Previous Chapter I

Summary: You couldn't wait to meet new friends. What you didn't expect was this smiling little boy, only one year older than you, that would take such a big place in your life.

Notes: Well, folks. It took us 22 chapters, but here it is. I was strangely emotional during this chapter, would you feel the same? I wonder... Please, tell me your thoughts!

You looked around you, curiously. You were in Alastor’s basement, sitting on a chair as he was preparing to invoke the last spirit he needed to bound your soul together. From what he told you, he just needed to talk with the spirit to finally know what was needed.

This week has been hectic so far. you had to prepare the wedding, writing the invitations once you had found the place where it would happen. You were looking for a cake, Alastor would like, and also other sweets for the guests. Alastor also had his own schedules, he was busy with work and the organization of your wedding with the mayor. You didn’t even manage to see each other that much, but Alastor would always try to come at night, even if you were asleep, so he could rest with you, two or three hours before leaving.

Which brings you to where you were right now. Alastor placed a cup of black coffee on a table with a cigar and wrote symbols with chalk on the walls. You bit your lips, you never saw another spirit than Papa Legba, would you be able to see this one?

“ Are you nervous?” Alastor asked, walking toward you. You tilted your head backward so he could kiss your lips multiple times. You hummed against his lips, stroking his cheeks with your hands.

“ A little. I’ve never seen another spirit… And this one, is supposed to be the one who controls death… This is a little scary.” You pecked his lips as he chuckled.

“ You don’t have to be there.”

“ I want to.” you smiled at him. “ Can you just… Explain to me who you are going to meet.”

“ Of course, dearest. Baron Samedi is invoked to contact and communicate with the dead, he determines whether they can come visit or not. He may be asked to remove bothersome ghosts and invoked to ward off death. He is a powerful healer. Baron Samedi rules the cemetery: no one can die until he gives permission for their grave to be dug.” He stroked your cheeks, staring at your eyes. “ I don’t know if you are going to be able to see him… “

You squeezed his hands with a confident smile.

“ Do everything so nothing could tear us apart.”

He kissed you deeply before walking in front of the table with the offerings. You bit your nails as Alastor began to talk. Everything was going to go smoothly. You didn’t know if the spirit could curse you because you were too greedy about each other.

You blinked when you felt yourself becoming dizzy. You tried to stare at Alastor as you saw him stumble. He was holding his head which immediately made you worry. You stood up and walked clumsily toward him.

“ Alastor…”

“ Are you okay, dearest?” You felt his hand grab yours.

“ Aren’t you adorable ?”

You both turned around toward the table where a man was smoking the cigar that Alastor had put on the table, a moment ago, staring at you with an amused smile. The genlteman looked like an older, dark-skinned man in formal attire, dressed completely in black. He was wearing a black top hat, black suit and impenetrable black sunglasses which were missing a lens.

“ You asked for me?” he smirked before sitting on a chair, taking the cup of coffee. “ Well, I already know why. It’s not everyday I see Papa Legba and Kalfu in the same room. How are you doing, my good fellows?”

You blinked before looking behind you and saw Papa Legba, smoking his pipe while staring at you, with his usual warm expression. His back was against the wall, seeming completely calm.

“ It is nice to see you again, little lady.” he nodded toward you which made you wave shyly at him. “ And it is nice to finally meet you, Alastor.”

You looked at Alastor who was staring at Papa Legba, his eyes wide opened. You didn’t know what he was feeling right now and that was stressing you out. You squeezed his hand in your but freezed when you felt a cold presence next to you.

“ Must be nice to finally meet me, right, little missy?”

You turned your eyes toward the voice and yelped when you saw a man crouching next to you, his red eyes staring at you with a mocking smile. He looked like Papa Legba but his frame seemed more muscular and his expressions weren’t welcoming like the spirit you were now used to working with.

You felt so…little.

“ Well, it’s nice to finally meet all of you, gentlemen.” You heard Alastor talk with his usual confidence. “ I didn’t expect to have all of you with us today, but it might be for the best.” He beamed at the spirits as he took a chair to sit down.

“ You truly have beautiful eyes.” you turned around as you felt your hair being touched. You looked at The Baron Samedi who was looking at you, still seeming amused. You took a step back before being tugged on Alastor’s laps. You looked down and smiled softly at his shadow which was frowning, keeping its hand around your waist.

“ You really didn’t change, Alastor !” Baron Samedi laughed before sitting on the table, smoking his cigar. “ I used to heal you when you were unconscious after your father was done punishing you, your Mother was always asking for my help, what a caring woman.”

You felt Alastor tensed underneath you. You stroked his hand while staring at the three spirits in front of you. You were lost for words, you didn't know which question to ask.

“ Well, it’s not for being healed that I called you.”

“ ‘I’ ? Boy, you didn't call me all alone. Your darling is also in it.”

“ Nonsense. She didn’t prepare anything to summon you.” Said Alastor, his smile twitching. You knew he didn’t like when you were with him and he didn’t have full control on the situation. But you were confused.

“ Why? Am I connected to Alastor in some way?”

“ Well, little lady, of course. If not, why would you be able to see me, summon me or even work with spirits?” Papa Legba asked you with his usual calming voice.

“ Alastor already created some kind of bond between the two of you, but you already saw it, right little missy?” Kalfu smirked at you, making you shiver. He looked dangerous.

“ What are you talking about?” You asked, squeezing Alastor’s hand.

“ When you asked for your soul to leave your body to see Alastor. Didn’t you see a red thread linking you to him?”

Your eyes widened. Was that the bond? But you and Alastor didn’t make the ritual. You just thought it was guiding you toward your fiancée, nothing more. You could feel Alastor’s stare on you, stroking your thigh, surely trying to calm you.

“ But… It was so.. weak?”

“ Of course!” Laughed Baron Samedi. “ Alastor bound you the first time he tried to summon our dear Papa Legba, he had a tissue with your blood on it. Blood is really important here. That’s why when Alastor summoned Legba, he went toward you because the first thing he felt was your blood.”

“ And then, I came in, because I wanted to work with Alastor. This boy has a lot of potential.” Kalfu smirked. “ It’s in his blood.”

You looked at Alastor who was still smiling but you could see conflict in his eyes.

“ Then, how did the bound apparead when I didn’t do anything to make it happen?” Asked Alastor, looking at the spirits.

“ Well, like Kalfu told you, you have huge potential. You could have created the bond, you already had summoned me and him. You made the first step but stopped when you made a deal with Kalfu for power. That is why, right now, your bond is half-made.” Legba said, inhaling smoke from his pipe. “ But now, your other half is working with me, which makes you, in a twisted way, work with me.”

“ But you told me you would cut our deal if I were to work with..Kalfu?” you asked, feeling more confused as time was passing. “ Alastor is working with him, and yet..?”

“ Of course, little lady. Even if your control on your spirit is impressive, it’s not in your blood. You can do all that because Alastor ‘tainted’ it. If he were at his most powerful, and your bond were created, you would have maybe half of his abilities. Your body wouldn’t be able to take more.” He said to you with a sad smile. “ You would lose yourself to the spirits and end up mad.”

“ Or dead with me!” said Baron Samedi with a laugh which echoed in the basement. “ I’m joking, Alastor.” he smirked when he saw Alastor’s hand clenching on your waist.

You looked at your hands, your spirit was already giving much more than needed to protect yourself and Alastor. You just needed another thing… You looked up to Baron Samedi who whistled.

“ Ooh, red eyes? Sexy~ Tell me.”

“ You said you had the power to heal, right?” You waited for him to nod. “ I want it.”

You heard Kalfu laugh like a madman while Baron Samedi was looking at you, up and down, thinking about your demands. He asked you why, in a more serious tone.

“ I asked Papa Legba to have power so I could protect Alastor, I don’t need anything more. I can protect him but I know I’m going to fail him one day, I need to be able to help him more if he happens to be injured.” You said, you voice firm.

“ So, you would want to work with me, for my healing capacity? You know, it’s different from working with Legba? You are asking a skill of mine. Papa Legba just gives access to a spirit to work with you, the spirit chooses when to go back, if Legba allows it, unless you ask him to leave. You’re asking for a power that belongs to no small spirits, the price will hurts.”

“ Then, she doesn’t need it.” said Alastor, forcing you to look at him. “ I won’t need this power, who could hurt me?” He asked you with his usual charming and confident smile.

“ Please… Having this would put my mind at ease…” You sighed before standing up, looking at Baron Samedi who seemed in deep thought. You could feel Alastor’s shadow rooting you in place. You looked at Papa Legba for advice. “ What are your thoughts?”

“ I think it might be a great idea. “

Your eyes widened, you didn’t expect that and it seemed like Alastor and Baron Samedi were as surprised as you.

“ Her deal with me is to protect Alastor, if she keeps this power for Alastor’s use, I would allow it.” He nodded. “ It doesn’t break any rules.”

“ Then, she needs to be able to heal herself too. You told me I would be able to use her abilities but it seemed like it’s not going to happen any time soon. So I need her to be able to heal herself in case anything were to happen.”

“ When you will be powerful enough, trust me, Legba’s protégée won’t be able to do anything against you. You could just use the shadow to bring her to you.” Kalfu smirked, staring at Legba with a competitive glint in his eyes.

You stared at Alastor who looked at you with an obsessive glint in his eyes. You bit your lips, being at Alastor’s mercy was… exciting. But you wouldn’t go down without a fight.

“ So, I’m sharing my healing power with our little doll?” asked Baron Samedi with a smirk. “ Well, why not, I can’t wait to work with you. You shall be able to heal yourself and Alastor.” he stretched his hand toward you.

You looked at his hand. That was pure madness.

You shook his hand, staring at him.

You felt power invade you, swirling around you, making your hair move in the air. You could feel the energy going from your hands towards your eyes, it was a strange sensation. You were used to Legba’s warmth when you were calling him but right now, you could feel only coldness in your veins and your eyes.

You opened your eyes and looked at Baron Samedi who was grinning, holding a mirror in front of you.

“ A pleasure to work with you, doll.”

You looked at your red eyes which had now a purple hue inside them. You looked at Alastor who immediately took your face in his hands, staring at you. He frowned, keeping his smile, before wiping blood from your nose. You smiled at him to reassure him, you were feeling surprisingly great, exhausted but good.

“ Beautiful.”

You grinned at him, feeling your cheeks warm as he looked at you with so many emotions.

“ Well, before leaving. Should we talk about the rituals?”

You sat on the chair and looked at the four men talking, you couldn’t hear anything. You were so tired… You should close your eyes for a minute, it should be enough. You couldn’t believe it, you were now someone who could heal… You wondered what kind of injuries, you should ask them…

“ Darling, open your eyes.”

You opened your eyes and smiled at Alastor before looking around, confused when you saw the empty basement. The only thing that remained from the spirits was the smell of tobacco. You looked at Alastor.

“ Did I fall asleep?”

“ I’m afraid you did, dearest.” He kissed your forehead with a soft gaze. “ We should sleep.”

You looked at his face, he seemed exhausted too. You nodded and stood up, walking out of the basement, walking toward his bedroom. You took Eamon in your arms, signing in bliss. After all those years, your plushie was still there.

“ Undress, dear.”

You whined but undressed quickly, throwing your dress on his chair with the rest of your clothes. You bury yourself under the cover, trying to stay awake until you felt Alastor’s warmth against your back.

“ Is everything ready for the ritual..?” you asked, yawning.

“ Yes, you don’t have to do anything.” He kissed your naked shoulder. “ You just have to think about the wedding.”

You nodded before falling asleep in your fiancée’s arms.

—------

“ I’m doing her makeup, back off woman, back off!”

You laughed as Alice kicked off the woman who was supposed to do your makeup. You were in front of a big mirror in your wedding dress.

Today was the day you were to be wed to Alastor.

You looked as Alice came toward you to do your makeup and your hair. She had a big smile on her lips, her sapphire eyes shining with pure joy. You were touched that she was this happy for you.

“ I think we should do your hair up,showing off your neck and shoulders. You don’t have any hickeys, right?” She mocked you.

You rolled your eyes, chuckling. Of course not, you and Alastor haven’t seen each other for three days straight. You have told him that the groom wasn’t supposed to see the bride before the wedding or bad luck would be cast upon the married couple. He did laugh at you but you were now working with spirits so you didn’t want any chance with karma!

However, Alastor did send his shadow toward you sometimes or he would stay under your window and you would both talk without looking at each other. He did try to tempt you into giving up this silly traduction and just join him, but for once, you didn’t fall for his sweet words even if it was difficult. Alastor had his way with words after all, resisting him was very hard, and you did miss him.

“ You are going to look amazingly beautiful. You are going to take their breath away.”

Alice had a cute pink dress with pink and blue makeup, she looked beautiful. You knew Alyzée would just melt at her sight.

After a little while you opened your eyes and gasped as you saw yourself in the mirror. You didn’t think you ever felt this beautiful. Alice really had a way to show people’s best traits. You stood up and turned around when you heard the door open and smiled when you saw your mother and father.

“ Oh, my little girl…” Your father walked toward you and hugged you gently. You were feeling so emotional but you couldn’t cry, you didn’t have the time to redo it again! “ Yesterday you were still calling me your prince charming.”

You laughed, hugging your mother who already had tears in her eyes.

“ Oh, sweetie. You look beautiful. Bravo, Alice. She looks even more breathtaking than usual.”

“ I didn’t have to do much, really.” She waved her hand , smirking at you.

You rolled your eyes at her, smiling widely.

“ Is it time yet?”

“ Can I have just one moment with you before we leave for the aisle?” asked your father, taking your hands in his. You nodded, looking at your mother and Alice leaving you alone. “ I talked with Alastor.”

“ You tried to scare him?” you chuckled which made him laugh.

“ No, no. I made him make a promise. If he ever, which I don’t think is possible but, if he ever happened to lose feeling for you, I asked him to brough you back home. He doesn't need to hurt you because he lost feelings, I just asked him to take you home. You will always be my little girl, at your lowest I will be proud of you, at your best I will also be proud. Never doubt that you will always be welcome home as long as we are alive.”

You tried so hard not to cry. You were this close to tell him everything, about the murders and everything but you held your tongue. You hugged your father tightly, those words smooth something inside you, you didn't even know needed to be appeased.

“ I love you Dad.”

“ I love you too.” he kissed your forehead, wiping his tears. “ Ready for your future ?” he smiled at you.

You nodded, taking the bouquet before holding onto your father’s arm. You walked down the stairs, trying to calm your breathing. Your father put your veil in front of your face. You found that ironic. Everyone would see you with this mask on and the only one who was going to accept your twisted self was the one who was going to take the veil to truly see you.

Your father opened two big doors in front of you as the music started playing. You began to walk down the aisle, looking at the people around you. You smiled as you saw your mother wiping her eyes while Alice was almost sobbing on Alyzée’s shoulder. You watched as Mimzy gave you a thumbs up which made you chuckle.

And then you saw him.

Alastor was standing properly, his arms behind his back, his hair slicked back like you loved it. You couldn’t see much because of the veil but you thought you saw a curly lock on his forehead.

Your father stopped next to Alastor, giving you to him.

You slid your hand into Alastor’s, shivering as you finally felt his touch after three days away from him. You saw his hand twitched before reaching for your veil, before lifting it so he could see you. You smiled warmly at him as you saw his eyes widened as he saw your face.

“ Who blessed me with you, I wonder…”

You didn’t want to cry right now. You were just feeling emotional, that was it!

You turned toward Alyzée’s father who began his speech. You weren’t really listening to his words, all of your attention was on Alastor’s hand who was stroking your hands. You didn’t notice but it was time to tell your vows. You turned toward Alastor, your eyes already wet from tears you refused to shed.

Alastor was staring at you with a soft smile and a fond gaze. He chuckled when he saw your face.

“ I shall begin. We all know she is the most emotional between the two of us.” he smirked when the crowd laughed fondly. “ Dearest…”

You sniffed. There it was.

“ I don’t think I can recall a day where you weren’t at my side. Your voice is the best melody I can remember, your touch healed much more than any doctors could have achieved. You are the first who showed me genuine emotions, you never hide yourself from me and the most important… I never felt the need to hide myself from you.”

You felt your lips wobble.

“ You waited, dearest, you waited for me to open myself to you, which is admirable in a lot of ways. But what was more important for me is that you didn't run away. You accepted me.” he kissed the back of your hand, keeping his eyes on yours. “ You decided to put your trust in me even though what we share isn’t what you used to believe in, right?” he chucked as you nodded with a shaky laugh. “ What I’m willing to give you is much more than what you have ever read, ever seen, ever experimented with. Death itself couldn’t tear us apart, I swear it , my love.”

You sobbed, your head bowing as you heard the new nickname. You tried to find something to wipe your tears and thanked Alice when she gave you a tissue. You looked at her and laughed a little when you saw she was sobbing just like you.

You tried to wipe the tears without running the makeup. You looked at Alastor who stared at you, caressing your cheek.

“ I shall love you in the way you accepted. In sickness, in health, poor, rich, I do not care. As long as you are by my side, this life is worth living.”

You smiled at him, tears gathering once more in your eyes. You saw Marie crying as everyone was clapping after Alastor’s speech. You bit your lips before taking a deep breath.

“ Alastor.” you smiled at him. “ I always thought I would have to learn how to love, that is one of the reasons I began to read romance books. And yet, I don’t think I ever question what was happening between us. I did wonder what it was called, but I didn’t have to learn to love you.” You shakily took a deep breath as you saw Alastor beamed at your words. “ It was just like breathing, it was natural.”

You squeezed his hands.

“ Being by your side is just like an evidence. Every choice I made until today, I don’t regret any of them. My heart, my mind, my soul is yours. Hell or Heaven, I know that if we are together, no obstacles could bring us down. “ You felt tears in your eyes once more, your voice trembling. “ I love you so much, it might cost me my sanity, my love.”

You gasped as Alastor tugged you against him, caging you in his arms and squeezing you. You heard the crowd clapped as you hugged him as tight as you could. You took a step back after a moment, wiping your tears without running your makeup. You looked at the mayor who asked for the rings. You smiled when you saw your cousin’s child bring them with a happy grin.

You took the ring as Alastor did the same before sliding it on your finger. You did the same before taking his hands with yours.

“ Alastor Sanglar do you take as your wife, Miss-”

“ I do.”

You chuckled as the crowd laughed. Alastor smiled at you, his eyes shining with so much emotion that were just for you. You felt like you could faint from happiness.

“ Well, someone is eager!” the mayor laughed before looking at you. “ Do you take Alastor Sanglar as your husband?”

“ I do.”

“ I declare you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride.”

You smiled as Alastor tugged you toward him, kissing you like tomorrow wouldn’t exist. You felt tears on your cheeks once more as you held his face between your hands. You broke the kiss, staying near him as the crowd was shouting and clapping.

“ I love you, Alastor.. I love you, I love you..” you whispered against his lips.

“ I love you, dearest, in a way that no human would dare to love.” he whispered back, making you kiss him one more time.

You turned toward the crowd with a big smile. You looked at Alice who was clapping like her death was depending on it. Alyzée gave you a shy smile while Mimzy was winking at you, still giving you a thumb up.

You walked out of the town hall, holding on to your husband’s arms. You stayed on the stairs as journalists took pictures of you and Alastor. You laughed when the women were asking you to throw the bouquet. You turned your back to the crowd, closed your eyes and threw it.

“ Oh my gosh!”

You turned around and screamed in glee when you saw Alice with the bouquet. She walked toward you and hugged you, sniffing.

“ I’m so happy for you, sweetie.” she said.

You hugged her tighter before looking at the car, stopping in front of you. Alastor took your hand and guided you toward the vehicle before opening the door for you. The reception was going to happen in one of Alice’s father’s hotels, so you needed a car to go there but…

“ Is it our car..?”

“ A gift from Alyzée’s father.” he winked at you before you entered the car, Alastor closing the door behind you. He settled behind the wheel and began to drive until your destination.

“ I feel like I’m dreaming…” you sighed in bliss.

“ I don’t think I ever felt this… happy.” you looked at Alastor who almost seemed confused. “ Even killing my father didn’t bring me this much joy. You really are something, my love.” he smirked as he parked in the hotel’s parking lot.

Once everyone has arrived you all went into the banquet hall. You looked at all the tables and the band that was on stage, preparing themselves. You sat next to Alastor as Alice walked toward you with a piece of paper.

She did a speech, an emotional sarcastic speech. You almost cried when she was talking about your friendship with her and how lucky she was to have you in her life. You did cry though when she shed a few tears and once she finished her speech you both fell into each other's arms.

Mimzy also did a speech for Alastor, thanking him for being a friend , a gentleman she could trust.

You almost bawled when Marie walked to do a speech. You felt Alastor’s grip on your hand tightened.

“ Mon bébé… Not everything has been easy, I’m well aware. You always asked me what you could do to make me smile, to make me happy.Well, mon coeur, by being happy, you make me the happiest mother on earth. Je t’aime, quoi qu’il puisse arriver, tu seras toujours mon fils que j’aime.”

You wiped your eyes but almost sobbed when you saw Alastor’s eyes beginning to have tears. You leaned against him, sniffling. At the end of Marie’s speech, you let his hand go as he stood up and walked toward his mother before hugging her tightly against him.

You clapped with everyone as they stayed in each other's arms for a few minutes. When Alastor came back to you, you kissed his cheek with a soft smile. He gave you a vulnerable smile before taking your hand in his.

You looked as Alice’s father walked toward you.

“ Well, I do not know Alastor, but I know a woman who has always been by my daughter's side. No matter what was going on, she would take my daughter’s side. As a thank you, for being yourself, Mr and Mrs Sanglar, please accept as a wedding gift the house we wanted to sell.”

You almost fell from your chair as gasps could be heard around the room. Your eyes were wide open, you looked at Alice who seemed as shocked as you.

“ This is too much..!”

“ Please, it’s really a pleasure to give you such a gift.”

You looked at Alastor who seemed surprised too. He composed himself quicker than you and thanked the man, shaking his hand with a firm grip.

“ Well, now, we shall see the married one dance! Band, some music, please!”

Alastor guided you toward the dancefloor as a soft song began to be played. You danced with Alastor, never breaking eye contact with him. He was moving you against him until he made a gesture to the band who began to change the music, they were now playing jazz.

You smiled widely at Alastor as you both began to dance, twirling, being lifted in the air, under everyone’s eyes. No one could detach their gaze from your.

After a while, couples began to come dancing, you smiled when you saw Marie walking toward Alastor who gently took his mother for a slow dance. You danced with your father, his eyes still full of emotions.

You danced with Alice, with Alyzée, with Marie, with Victor, with Alastor. You danced until it was dark outside.

After a while you decided to take a break. You held your dress and left the party. You left the hotel, looking at the sky. You could already feel Alastor’s shadow behind you.

“ Mom, look, a princess !” You looked at a child who was pointing toward you.

“ No, she is a bride, my sweet.” she waved at you before leaving as you waved at the child.

You smiled as you closed your eyes, savoring the fresh air.

“ You look beautiful.”

You opened your eyes slowly and looked at John who was next to you. You didn't feel any anger, today was an amazing day that no one could ruin, spirits or humans.

“ Thank you.”

“ I…I’m here on behalf of my parents. Even if our friendship is no longer… They still wanted to congratulate you for your wedding, here.” he gave you a letter which you took. “ I’m not going to ruin your day so.. Goodbye.”

“ Are you going to finally leave Alastor and me alone?” you whispered but you knew he heard it because he froze.

“ … Goodnight Mrs. Sanglar.”

You watched him leave before going back to your wedding party. You smiled when you saw Alastor with a glass of whiskey , chatting with people. He looked at you as you entered the room, asking with his eyes if you were okay. You nodded before walking toward Alice who was drinking wine.

“ There she is ! Come on, girl ! You have your own home! Your own car! Your own husband!” she exclaimed while giving you a glass you quickly drank. You smiled at her.

“ I’m so happy I could faint.”

“ Please, don’t.”

You drank with Alice and Alyzée, even your mother and Marie joined you. After a moment, Alice and you went to the balcony so you two could speak. You weren’t sober anymore so you both were walking with difficulty which made you both laugh.

“ So~ Can’t wait for the honeymoon~?”

“ I don’t even know how I managed to not jump on him.” you giggled drunkenly with Alice.

“ Who are we talking about?”

You smiled as you turned around and saw a smiling Alastor.

“ We are talking about my husband.”

“ What a lucky fella! May I know what he looks like?” he smiled as Alice winked at you before leaving.

“ He looks… like sin.” you whispered as you stared at him. “ You shouldn’t be this close to me, you don’t want to meet his wrath.”

“ I’ll try my luck.” He kissed you, making you feel lighthearted. You grabbed his shoulder as you moaned his name. “ You’re finally my wife.” He looked at your ring.

“ You’re finally my husband.” you kissed his lips one more time as you both stared at each other with so much passion, tenderness, obsession, lust and love, it would almost make you faint.

“ I love you.”

Tag List: @lukneetoonz @martinys-world @littlepoetnova @sirens-and-moonflowers @eris-norwega @tiredflame132 @mo-0-o @vvollerie @sodavizz @boogiemansbitch @tessemerick @slytherin4ever @kammsinn @alastorssimp @t0xic1vi @diamond-almond @fangirlbitch02 @saccharine-nectarine @thenorthnightingale @bibliophile-yomna @itzjustj-1000 @mothraantics @yourdoorisunlocked @phamtasic @karmakillz @holographicage @sarcastic-sourwolf @akuraluna2468 @everwolf-20 @thesunandmoons-blog @songbrita @noraunor @fandomsbookclub @hokkaido97 @catticora @gasiacos

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radiantlyrey · 2 days

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Ruby Sunday: Thoughts & Theories (SPOILERS)

WARNING: LONG POST. SPOILERS & SPECULATION AHEAD. MOVE ALONG TO NEXT POST IF YOU WANT TO REMAIN UNSPOILED!!!!!

The Facts Were These:

Ruby Sunday was abandoned by as a newborn baby by her birth mother. (Note A: Her birth mother's name is unknown, but has been promised to us. Note B: Her birth mother's provenance is equally unknown, and has not been promised to us.)

Ruby Sunday has been taken out of time twice--once by the goblins on the night of her birth, and once by her stepping on a prehistoric butterfly and changing history.

Despite a genetic test, Ruby Sunday apparently has no relatives on Earth who her DNA can be matched to.

The snow from the night of Ruby Sunday's birth and abandonment appears when the memory of Christmas 2004 is invoked. (Note A: It also seems to appear when she is feeling some strong emotion.)

Maestro, a child of the Toymaker and a part of the pantehon, believes Ruby Sunday is human until Christmas 2004 is invoked. They then think Ruby may be connected to "the oldest one" (another child of the Toymaker? another god?) before calling Ruby a "creature" who is "very wrong."

The events of "73 Yards" appear to show Ruby Sunday trapped in a loop of time (perhaps more a Möbius strip of time) that only breaks when she dies.

The Doctor at times is discomfited by Ruby Sunday and her existence. (Note A: He is surprised by the Butterfly Incident detailed in Point 2. Note B: He hides his concern about the snow with a hug. Note C: He runs a genetic scan of Ruby after their first adventure.)

The Doctor has been following Ruby Sunday since before they properly met. He has admitted this to her, but he has not explained why.

Ruby Sunday and the Doctor have a lot of common in their backstories--they were both abandoned as children; they were both adopted; they are both somewhat unconnected to their adopted societies. Coincidence seems to be tying them together, and to their adventures. (There have been a lot of parentless children in these stories.)

So those are the facts.

Now for some metafictional facts: There are a lot of strange things going on with Ruby Sunday. She has yet to properly, by herself, save the day. (In fact, in two of her five episodes, she has been absent for the climax entirely.) Most modern companions do this in their first couple of episodes. Despite her moment of defiance in "Boom", she has yet to make the Doctor angry with her actions, which most companions have done by now. It's almost as if she only exists as a character on a purely surface level. She has little depth, hardly any flaws; she and the Doctor get along like breezy best friends, but there's not much of substance about her. Given RTD's reputation as a character writer (especially as concerns Doctor Who), the characterization of Ruby Sunday has seemed more than a little flat. And I can't help but wonder if maybe this is all deliberate.

By this point in the season, when we've hit the halfway point, everyone has a theory about Ruby Sunday. The writing has encouraged the mass theorizing, piling on mystery after mystery with gusto. There are even theories (mostly driven by the fourth-wall breaks in "The Devil's Chord") about the whole season being some kind of misdirect or fakery. But those theories, I think, go slightly too far.

I have theories of my own, of course. My crack theory is that Ruby is either related to the Time Lords or even the Doctor's mysterious species. There is a little evidence for this--her disappearances and reappearances from the timeline, the time loop stuff from "73 Yards"--and it might be true, but I'm starting to shy away from it slightly. Another theory I've seen in this line is that Ruby is part of the pantheon, another god-like being who's been disguised as a human. This seems a little likelier, but I have another idea.

Maestro refers to Ruby Sunday as a "creature" in "The Devil's Chord"--and the word "creature" has the same Latin root as the word "create." I think it's entirely possible that Ruby was created as a trick or a trap for the Doctor, that she's merely an idea that's been given human form. The idea is this: "someone who travels with the Doctor." Fans have already pointed out the numerous parallels Ruby has with other New Who companions--she phones her mum from the future like Rose in "The End of the World"; her existence mirrors the mystery of Clara Oswald in Series 7; she has a lot of the spitfire spunk we've seen from Donna Noble; she even dies and comes back to life like Rory constantly did during his tenure!! Given the teasers we've received for the penultimate episode, "The Legend of Ruby Sunday"--an image of a monitor with the episode's title on it, and [NOTE: I cannot seem to find a source for this; please help!!!!!] a line of teaser dialogue about the Doctor's life playing out on multiple screens [AGAIN: cannot seem to find a source; if you know where teaser dialogue lines for this season were released---or if they're even real--PLEASE LET ME KNOW], it seems to me that the Doctor's life has been studied in order to create the perfect companion, a tailor-made trap for the Doctor and the Doctor alone.

I don't think RTD is stupid enough to pull a "gotcha! it was all a dream/TV show/hallucination!" trick for the whole season, which I know a lot of people are theorizing about. That is a hard needle to thread in the best of situations, and if it doesn't land effectively, then a good chunk of your audience will leave in disgust and never come back. But I think it's very possible you could pull the same trick with one character.

My theory is this: Ruby Sunday is a simulacrum, or hybrid (ha), or something else entirely! But she is not Real. She was created to be thrown away, a lure for the Doctor meant to be eaten or discarded. It might be that she's part of the Doctor's species, but caught by the pantheon (or something else) and changed into a tool or toy or something not-quite-Real. There's been talk about how Doctor Who is gaining more fantastical elements (goblins and gods and so on), and what is more fantastical than a fairy tale? I think the legend of Ruby Sunday is one such fairy tale, and I think I know how it's going to end.

Ruby will, at last, assert herself. She will break free of what she's been created (written) to be, and claim her personhood/characterhood. She will re-enter the world fully herself and fully three-dimensional. She will finally become Real, with all that that implies.

And nothing is more fairy tale than that.

#doctor who #dw spoilers #doctor who theories #doctor who theorizing #ruby sunday #millie gibson #series 14 #skye rambles about stuff #i have no idea if this is the direction RTD's going #but I will be VERY VERY SMUG if I AM right #let's just say that........

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twstowo · 2 days

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They End Up In a Universe Where The Two Of You Hate Each Other [Riddle pt.2]

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗SYNOPSIS: As Riddle takes his time to fix his other self's mistakes, the two of you slowly bond during your visits to check on him. However, one day you find yourself worrying more than you ever thought you would about him when another assassin is sent to try and finish what you couldn't.

♡︎This took me so long to write! I'M SO SORRY!!

[AU Masterlist] ☆ [Enemies] ☆ [To Friends] ☆ [To Lovers]

Keeping his word, Riddle worked to change the laws, his behaviors, and his relationships with the people around him. Despite making progress, there were still those who doubted his actions. He continued to hear whispers from the maids, questioning why a tyrant like him would turn into such a good person out of nowhere. This took a toll on Riddle, as in this world, he didn’t have anyone’s help. He felt completely alone.

"Why the long face?" He turned to face you, not expecting your presence. The memory of the day you first met lingered in his mind. The agreement you made still resonated – every week, on a random day, you would appear. If he had made progress, a pat on the back would be his reward. However, if he ever reverted to his tyrant ways, you vowed to end him. Not the most conventional way to forge a friendship, but Riddle grasped that this wasn’t the you he knew from his own universe. “Thinking about going back on your words?” The venom in those words was palpable, you were testing him.

“Absolutely not! I would never go back on my word!” He felt almost offended. He, Riddle Rosehearts would rather die than go back on his word! May the Queen of Hearts herself off his head if he ever dares to even think about such a thing.

He observed as you leaned against the rails of the balcony outside his window, dressed in black clothes perfect for blending into the darkness of the night. Your face tilted upwards as you watched the sky, and Riddle swore that this was the first time you ever stayed that long in your weekly visits. Most of the time, as he had already mentioned, you would knock on his window, almost giving him a heart attack. Afterwards, you would simply nod at him with an unfazed face and leave him alone.

“They have been talking ill of you,” you state, tilting your head sideways while staring at him. His eyes widened as he understood the implications of those words. What could he even do to make everyone change their minds about him? “Don’t let them get you down, you are doing an amazing work.” And then he gasped.

Did you just praise him? A faint blush grasped his cheeks, and you noticed the way he had reacted to your words, chuckling at him, making him even more of a mess. Trying to hide it, he lowers his face to the side and crosses his arms.

You can’t help but wonder about the fact that you made the king of the Queendom blush with such simple words. Could someone like that truly deserve the title of a tyrant? But you don’t want to think much about that, after all, looks could be deceiving. The small moment of silence makes you realize something. There is a strange aura of calmness around the two of you. It’s not like you are friends, you still hate him for the things he did to your people, the way he and his mother treated everyone you loved so dearly.

You take a glance at him, his eyes still glued to the side of the balcony. He is deep in thoughts, and you can sense that he wants to tell you something. However, you find that his overall nice attitude towards you is taking a strange toll on you. You fear that if you stay, you might actually want to talk with him, just like friends do, and that is something you can’t allow yourself to do. To befriend your enemy. But how dumb do those words sound when you think about them. Didn’t you give him a chance to redeem himself? You had the simple task of killing him, but you had to turn soft. You had to back down, you had to believe that no one is truly evil. So, with those racing thoughts, you leave as fast and silently as possible.

“I have wanted to ask for a good time now,” Riddle starts talking, still looking sideways, “If you’d be fine with ever sharing a cup of-” And when he turns to look at you, he sees the spot you used to be empty. You had vanished just as fast as you had arrived. Even though Riddle understands that you aren’t here to be his friend, he can’t stop himself from wanting to spend time with you, just like the two of you used to back in his universe.

──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

Some weeks had passed since you found yourself walking around the streets of your hometown. You were enjoying a nice day off, savoring some long-awaited alone time when one of your old friends ran up to you, and their words sent chills down your spine. They had sent someone else to kill Riddle because you hadn’t done it.

You never thought you’d end up feeling this way towards someone you were supposed to hate, but the thought of finding Riddle dead if you weren’t fast enough to stop the new assassin made you almost want to throw up. By now, you were close enough to reach his balcony, so worried that you didn’t even notice some of the guards running after you. You didn’t have time for them—Riddle was in danger.

As you entered the castle, you ran towards the garden area where Riddle tended to be around this time. When you spotted him, you felt all the weight leave your body. He turned towards you with a surprised expression, and that’s when you saw a strange person running in his direction.

Everything else happened in slow motion for you. Your feet ran in the direction of the stranger, your voice screamed Riddle’s name as he looked back, and he dodged the dagger by millimeters as you pulled the assassin down to the floor with you.

The guards raided the garden, seizing both the man who had come to kill Riddle and you. There were too many for you to escape as they pulled you down to the ground as well.

“Stop it!” you heard Riddle shouting, and his voice sent chills down your spine. He had this authoritarian tone you had never heard before; with you, he always seemed so sweet and kind. “They saved my life. Unhand them right now.” Without even questioning him, all the guards let go of you as Riddle approached, offering you a hand to stand up.

──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

After that day, you were formally invited to the castle at least twice a week, where you and Riddle would spend time together. Riddle would always send you a letter inviting you to have tea with him, just the two of you in the gardens with the hedgehogs.

“I didn’t know you were into cute animals.” Your sudden comment almost made Riddle spit his tea as his eyes widened.

“I-…” He didn’t know how to respond, and you found the situation so funny that you started laughing, having once again rendered the King of the Queendom speechless. He was just a silly guy at heart. “Is there a problem with that?”

“No, not at all…I guess it makes sense…” He eyed you with a questioning expression, not understanding what you were trying to imply. “You know, cute guys like cute things.”

“Y/N!!??” Oh, how you loved to see him flustered. Maybe getting along with Riddle hadn’t been such a bad idea after all.

#twst #twisted wonderland #disney twst #twst wonderland #disney twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #twst reader #twst x reader #x reader #riddle rosehearts #riddle rosehearts x reader #twst riddle #riddle x reader

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yuurei20 · 2 days

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Follow up to a response to a recent ask about birthdays vs. ages of the main student cast (thank you so much to @fruixtii for this important point!): there is a calendar in the dream room that says the day of Malleus' overblot was the 15th!

We do not know if this calendar is accurate to the real world, but while looking for any theories there was one particularly fascinating! (Credit to Twitter's avemakio for this discovery!)

Silver's birthday is May 15th, but this asks the question: can it actually be May in the main story?

May will be the month of a Spelldrive tournament that Lilia and Jack specifically say has not happened yet, and will happen "this summer" (it has been repeatedly emphasized that Book 7 is in the spring).

Lilia also makes a point of saying that it has been six months since the start of the September school year, which would make the current month March.

And who has a March birthday? Sebek! 🐊

Sebek's birthday is March 17th, and Ortho is tracking the passage of time outside of Malleus' dominion--in Book 7-3 he announces that 48 hours have passed! If the dream-room's calendar was correct, it is now the 17th.

Happy birthday Sebek? 👀 Was Lilia's farewell party simultaneously a birthday party?

Sebek is possibly now 17 rather than 16, but things happening on birthdays around this time seems like it would be relevant to Diasomnia!

The previous post is based on the assumption that the ages of the characters as listed in their profiles is how old they were when they first enrolled (as that seems to be the same information that Azul receives from Jade on new students), but what if they're not?

What if those are the ages that they turn over the course of the story?

Did Sebek turn 16 the day that (redacted for Book 7 spoilers)? 👀

But then there is Silver!

(Credit to Twitter's amazing mumble for so many of the points made in this post!)

Silver makes a point of declaring that he will be coming of age next year, but his birthday is in May.

Silver is simultaneously 17 years old, will be coming of age in a year, and has a birthday in the next two months--is the age of majority in Twisted Wonderland 19 years old? (It was 20 years old in Japan until 2022, when the law reduced it to 18.)

If Silver is already 17 (as he says) then Sebek cannot be turning 16.

And then there is another question: has Malleus frozen time inside his dominion? And, if so, does that mean that Sebek's birthday has already passed in the outside world and he missed it? Is he trapped two days away from turning 17?

There are more than a few strange things going on with Silver's age (redacted for Book 7 spoilers), so this may need to remain a question mark for now! 👀 Fascinating!

(There is another maybe-timeline-weirdness point where Vil tells Lilia, "I thought you were 18, the same as us," in reference to himself and Rook. Vil is on schedule to turn 19 in April but Rook should have maybe turned 19 already, back in December 🧐 If the fanmade-birthday-tracking is accurate! The characters aging has never been mentioned in-game :> )

#twstask #twisted wonderland

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leclerc-s · 2 days

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track one: secrets i have held in my heart are harder to hide than i thought

series masterlist

JUST THE TWO (THREE) OF US

alternatively: the first meeting between inés and oscar

2015

she had been the only girl there, which is something she was all too used to but at least of the people around her were her age. it got lonely after a while, but she wanted to be like her big brother carlos. she wanted to one day stand on the top step of a podium, not just in karting, but in formula 1. it may have been an unrealistic dream for a girl in motorsports but it was her dream and inés sainz was not a quitter.

“you’re helmet’s cool,” a blonde boy told her. isabella cursed at the gods when she had to look up at him. she gave him a bright smile, “thanks, it’s designed to look like-”

“like the spanish flag,” the boy pointed out, “i’m guessing you’re spanish?”

inés smiled again, “yeah.”

“i thought- normally-” he seemed to be struggling to find the right words to say, “most girls tend to have pink or purple helmets during karting. or, well, most of the ones i meet do.”

inés huffed, that question annoyed her. just because she was a girl didn’t mean she had to be obsessed with the color pink or purple.

“i wouldn’t be taken seriously if i showed up in a pink helmet. i already don’t because i'm a girl.”

“i didn’t mean you to offend you,” the blonde argued, “it was an honest question. i think the helmet is cool, even the pink ones.”

"make a fool of yourself yet?" a brunette boy questioned as he approached them. inés was left confused, was he talking to her? they had never even met before, there was no way he was talking to her.

the blonde scrunched his face up, glaring at the brunette boy, "i did not make a fool of myself."

the brunette turned to face inés, "did he ask you a stupid question?" the blonde was shaking his head behind the other boy, brunette boy turned around, "you do realize i can see you, right?"

the blonde blushed, "yes?"

"he ask why my helmet wasn't pink or purple," inés told the brunette.

"logan," the brunette said, smacking the blonde, logan, on the shoulder. "i wanted to make conversation," logan argued.

"so ask her about that move she made on you or about her race, not why her helmet isn't pink!"

"i learned it watching my brother," inés smiled. she loved talking about her older brother. carlos had achieved the dream inés was after, racing in formula 1, "well that was a while ago, but that's who i learned it from."

"oh!" logan realized, he turned to the brunette, "oscar, she's- her brother is carlos- the toro rosso driver."

"oh," the brunette, oscar said, "i like max better," oscar's eyes widened in realization, "i didn't mean- he's a good driver."

inés laughed, "it's okay, not everyone is going to like my brother. everyone is allowed to have their own opinion. i like fernando more than i like my brother."

logan laughed, "and somehow i was the one who made a fool myself."

"shut up," oscar muttered.

inés laughed and from that moment on she had found two of the greatest friends she could've ever had. well, oscar would become more than a friend, but they didn't quite know that yet. in that single moment one had quickly become three, suddenly she wasn't alone anymore. suddenly she had two friends who meant the world to her and she would do nothing that would cost her losing them.

perhaps if her parents had disapproved of the friendship things would be different but for some strange reason her parents liked both boys. of course, her mother thought logan was too american for her liking, but the boy had grown up in europe, so inés was confused on that front. oscar they liked because his mentor was mark webber. mark may not have had a championship, but he had been a damn good formula 1 driver, and an even better WEC driver.

THE VERY FIRST NIGHT

alternatively: the first meeting between inés and charles

2018

if you were to ask inés about the very first time she met charles leclerc, she would lie and say she couldn’t recall, but she knew exactly when she met him. it was something charles still made fun of her about, occasionally oscar joined in on it. although, charles usually started to pout when inés mentioned that he had been crying when they first met.

she was 16 at the time, hving been to the monaco grand prix several times prior to this particular instance. which is why she couldn't fathom how on earth she got lost at the paddock. however, the tears that had clouded her eyes when she ran out of the renault garage were gone by now. instead she was faced with a bigger problem now, she was lost.

inés doesn't remember bumping into him, she remembers their conversation, and she remembers that charles also has tears in his eyes that particular day. why would he not? he had just dnf'd his home race, for the first time in his formula one career, inés probably would've cried too.

she had landed on the floor, a slight oomf falling out of her mouth. charles, at the time she didn't know his name, let out a soft gasp, and began rapidly speaking to her in french, "oh mon dieu. je suis vraiment désolé, je ne t'ai pas vu. je suis vraiment désolé. je jure que je ne t'ai pas vu. es-tu blessé? êtes-vous bien?" (translation: oh my god. i'm really sorry, i didn't see you. i am really sorry. i swear i didn't see you. are you hurt? are you fine?)

"i don't speak-" inés began. he cut her off, his accent present when he spoke, "are you okay? are you hurt? i am really sorry, i did not see you."

"i'm fine," she said, grabbing his hand, that he had outstretched to her, so she could stand up, "are you okay? you're crying."

charles brushed her off, "i am fine, a bit disappointed in my race today but fine."

“oh, i’m sorry.”

“it is fine,” he sighed. charles held his hand out again, “i’m charles leclerc.”

“well, charles leclerc, i’m inés sainz,” she greeted.

“carlos’s little sister,” charles realized. inés rolled her eyes, “yes, but i’m much more than that.”

charles laughed, and holy shit, that was all it took for inés to become infatuated with him. it was just a crush then, she would go as far as calling it a celebrity crush. inés was years younger than him, five to be exact, there was no way he’d ever go for her. even if he did, she was 16, people would criticizes the hell out of him for going for her. his career was just starting out in formula and for it to be plagued by something as small as this, inés wouldn't have it.

besides it was just a crush, one that would surely go away in a few weeks, like all of inés' other crushes, like the one she had mysteriously developed on oscar last year. that had gone away, or so she thought.

YOU BELONG WITH ME

alternatively: ines' realization

EARLY 2020

inés had quickly realized two things about herself. one: her crush on oscar piastri had not gone away, infact, it had gotten worse. two: she did not have just a crush on charles leclerc. the crush with charles would never go anywhere considering he had a girlfriend. which in it's own way was devastating enough for her but of course someone like him would be taken. charles leclerc was kind, generous, and not to mention he was good looking. inés didn't care about his looks, that was all superficial, she liked the guy he was underneath.

with oscar she wasn't even sure he liked her back, which is why she was so scared to even mention to anyone that she liked him. what if he didn't like her back? what if he hated her after? what if their friendship was ruined forever over this? inés couldn't lose one of her two best friends. maybe she could talk to logan about it but logan also told oscar absolutely everything.

then, there was the matter of her family, anyone she ended up dating would have to be approved by her father and her brother. the family name and image always meant more to carlos sainz sr. there was no way inés was going to be able to be with them without her family meddling. so instead she sat taking refuge with the one person who never gave her any shit, fernando alonso. they often joked that she was more of his kid than she was her parents kid, that's how often he looked out for her.

her phone dinged, breaking her out of her trance that she had found herself in. even fernando's corny jokes couldn't crack her out of the slump she found herself in. the name that stared back her made her sit up, scaring the cat the was cuddled up near her. it meowed at her in disapproval and she shook her head ignoring it. the cat then decided it had enough of inés and jumped off the couch looking for comfort elsewhere.

"eres terrible en esconder tus sentimientos," fernando told inés. the brunette girl turned to stare at him, "que?" (translations: you're terrible at hiding your feelings. what?)

"ahi nena, sabes de lo que te estoy hablando," fernando told her again. (translation: oh girl, you know what i’m talking about.)

“i actually don’t,” inés argued, “and i happen to be very good at hiding my feelings. i have my parents fooled.”

fernando laughed, “nena, a blind man would be able to realize what you feel in a split second.”

“well, they’re both blind then,” inés muttered.

“espera, que quieres decir con both?” fernando questioned. (translation: wait, what do you mean both?)

“i- podemos olvidar que tuvimos esta conversación?” inés questioned, abruptly standing from the couch, “i have to go- goat simulator awaits nando.” (translation: can we forget we had this conversation?)

“esto no se a terminado inés!” fernando shouted after her, “i figured out who the other person besides oscar is!” (translation: this isn’t over inés!)

liked by oscarpiastri, fernandoalo_oficial, carlossainz55 and others

ines_sainz adventures in quarantine with papa nando and the new children

tagged: fernandoalo_oficial

maxverstappen33 i will be stealing one of those cats as soon as i am able to crash at nando's house.

ines_sainz we don't want you here? maxverstappen33 i don't care??

user01 she's quarantining with fernando? that's father and daughter!

user02 lowkey wondering why she isn't quarantining with carlos. they literally live together.

user03 she doesn't have to spend every living moment with him? she's entitled to live her life away from him. user02 no i meant like, i'm so used to seeing them together all the time. so it's weird that they aren't together.

oscarpiastri you got a cat?

ines_sainz yes? haven't decided a name yet but fernando was adamant on naming at least one after mark! fernandoalo_oficial nena, no mientas! [girl don't lie]

fernandoalo_oficial we're not keeping them all inés

ines_sainz uh, yes we are? fernandoalo_oficial inés, no los podemos tener! [inés, we can't have them] ines_sainz si podemos! [yes, we can]

carlossainz55 por esto decideste quedarte con fernando? [this is why you chose to stay with fernando?]

ines_sainz tu me dijiste que no podía tener un gato! fernando dijo que si! [you told me i couldn't have a cat! fernando said yes!] fernandoalo_oficial no es cierto! tu me dijiste que tenias una sorpresa y llegaste con 3 gatos! [that's not true! you told me you has a surprise and you showed up with 3 cats!] ines_sainz es lo mismo! [it's the same thing!]

user04 55 represent!!

user05 i fucking love this joke they have where fernando is her father. praying for her future boyfriend/husband

user06 nah cause imagine having max verstappen as your ride or die. personally i'd shit myself before breaking her heart. logansargeant this is logan sargeant erasure. ines_sainz yeah, max will bring the fists and logan will bring the guns logansargeant okay- that's not- user07 your honor my comfort duo!

patooward so can i kidnap them?

ines_sainz unfortunately dad (fernando) said no but you can get one named after you! patooward deal! can't wait to meet my tocayo! [namesake]

¡taglist!

@minmira95 @lesliiieeeee @vroomvroommuppett @prongsvault @justtprachisblog @scuderiadevils @cataf1 @chezmardybum @formulaal @lilsiz @norstappenvibes @ironspdy @nikfigueiredo @hinamesgigantica @niniluvsainz @matchaverse @fakeikeastore @theseus-jpg @six-call @81folklore @emppusofi @luvsforme @nichmeddar @loloekie @luvpedro @donttouchthegnote

¡not taggable!

@ashlovestoread1411 @books-thingys-andstuff @nothanqks @yeanoskrrt @ale-522 @aandreea_2005 @Katness1

¡leclerc-s speaks!

please ignore the typos and grammar mistakes, currently too tired to correct them. this is more of a look into inés' dynamic with fernando and how she first met charles and oscar. but also when she realized she had feeling for both boys. the sainz siblings have never been as close as they seem.

¡disclaimer!

this is in no way making assumptions about the people involved in this story, this is all fake. it is a fanfiction please don't take any of what is said seriously. this is all for entertainment purposes and as a creative outlet for me. enjoy!

#leclerc-s #guilty as sin series #f1 instagram au #f1 x oc #f1 oc #f1 smau #f1 social media au #f1 #formula one #f1 fic #formula 1 fic #f1 x female oc #charles leclerc x female oc #oscar piastri x female oc

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smallsies · 1 day

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Audio Drama Sunday — May 26, 2024

It's been tragically long since I had the time to make one of these posts amidst the rise in jam chaos & other things over the last few weeks, but the event officially concluded yesterday with the release of 14 new pilots!!

In all honesty this event consumed most of my life so far this year, but I am incredibly excited to be on the other side of it - having released the first episode of my debut audio drama, @spacespeckspod as well ! - with so many wonderfully talented people. These shows are beyond incredible, so I just want to dedicate today to talking about them! (& I truthfully haven't listened to anything except jam shows as of late, lol)

@gavinswindowpod - "In-universe TTRPG" is always such a fun angle, and this show did a stellar job balancing the different directions that can take. Listening to the character's conversations feels very much like overhearing a group playing, all of the actors did an incredible job with that! & I'm looking forward to more in the future :)

@theichorousrotpod - Firstly, G knocked it out of the park with the music in this show, it's incredible. Secondly, "pathetic guy trapped by the horrors" is beloved and very well done, Sam is an incredibly talented writer and the cast did a stellar job bringing these characters to life. (I would let Dr. Yates perform top surgery on me etc etc.)

@thefinderskeeperpod - Beyond with being two of the nicest people ever, Lemon and Maddie's character dynamics in this was SUCH a joy to witness. "Grizzled old man & clueless newcomer walk into a bank, except there is something incredibly wrong with the bank teller" is spectacular, the sound design was, of course, spectacular, and I'm very excited to hear more.

@valdiviansfinest - Clear bias in saying this, but space shows are SO fun, and the Valdivian's Finest team did an amazing job showcasing all of the best parts of the genre. I don't have enough good things to say about this show, I love space Amazon and don't think the courier service has ever done anything wrong ever.

@working-tidal-pod - Taking points off for Louis spawning the "it's a comedy" joke that became a constant reference when we were listening to shows (/lh) BUT the writing is so funny, the sibling dynamic feels incredibly realistic and all of the actors are amazing and very talented. Feesh show has the potential to become a go-to comfort podcast, looking forward to hearing more!

@asbestos4president - This show is incredibly fun, "alien Twitch streamer" isn't a podcast I ever thought I would encounter, but the team did an absolutely fantastic job with their pilot. The writing is really funny in the classic aliens-misunderstanding-human-concepts way, with more modernized in-jokes that makes the characters feel very realistic!!

@beyondrepairpod - Extra props to this group as they were the event match team, with much less time to organize before scriptwriting, but managed to put together a stellar pilot. Hope was so well-done, the ship AI is VERY normal and you can absolutely trust them, shoutout to Pancake for their absolutely spectacular acting there!

@worldfusepodcast - These characters are incredibly charming and this world is so fun. Everything about this is just really well done; all of the actors were amazing, the writing is clever & easy to follow (& it's, of course, very fun that Ila is playing a detective :)!!) Looking forward to hearing more of this show!

@hello-are-you-there - Again, slight bias as I love a good apocalypse plot, but HAYT is a really fun radio show style podcast by a really lovely team. Aiden's moments of snark are great, Milo did a wonderful job bringing him to life amidst the bleakness of an end-of-the-world plot, & the inclusion of mythology is really well done!

@gobbpodblog - Magical zoo! Magical zoo!!! I love strange and unusual creatures and this team did an amazing job bringing them to life in this episode :D The animal ambiance at the start was really charming, and Prinxe & Caw were fantastic as Jake and Dr. Vermillian. Really excited to hear more!

Schrödinger's Pledge/@englewoodafterdark - As a college student I understand the implicit horrors of Greek life all too well (/lh.) The exploration of hazing practices and the normalization of them within those communities honestly is scary on its own, and the sound design really brings that to life in this pilot. Beyond excited to hear more Englewood After Dark later this year!

The Block - Fi was the only participant to make a solo show, and ended up with a spectacular example of what a one-person show can look like! I'm a little sad this podcast isn't continuing as they've introduced such an interesting concept and world here, but they did an outstanding job with the pilot.

Eart(h) FM - We listened to this one in the server the other night, & this show was definitely a lighthearted uptick from some of the other things we listened to, lol! It feels a bit silly to say a show about the end of the world is fun, but there is just so much hope and life this team managed to fit all in one episode, and the music is wonderful.

@spacespeckspod - I feel a bit awkward talking about my show, but I do want to say thank you to my lovely teammates who helped bring it to life! I appreciate all of you endlessly, and I'm really excited for the future of our little space show <3

If you want to check out these shows, they're all available on the Jam feed, & @aclickbaittitle has also started an (in-progress) Podchaser list of those with individual feeds!

Finally, an extra shoutout to the crowdfunder for Forged Bonds, @forgedbondspod which is still running & which you can check out here! Pine is such a wonderful member of the AD community, & (especially as a fellow classics enjoyer) I'm really looking forward to seeing what they do with this show. If you have the means, you should absolutely go support them & their amazing podcast!!

#audio drama sunday #podcast jam #i feel like i accidentally said the same things about all of the shows lol BUT i really do love them #everyone did AMAZING and yeah i'm just very excited about it #audio drama #fiction podcast

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m1ckeyb3rry · 2 days

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── PEREGRINE // FOUR

Series Synopsis: The ways that you and Seishiro Nagi fall together and fall apart over the years.

Chapter Synopsis: You and May go dress shopping before heading to her house for some bonding time. There, she pieces together the truth of your past with Nagi, prompting you to finally reveal everything.

Series Masterlist

Pairing(s): Nagi x Reader, Kira x Reader

Chapter Word Count: 4.8k

Content Warnings: unhealthy relationships, cheating, non-linear narrative, probably ooc, angst, nagi is endgame, kira sucks, alternate universe, original characters

A/N: i have written and rewritten this chapter so many times it’s illegal and also i still hate it LMFAOAO but at this point the story must go on!!

divider credits: @/benkeibear

“Can we please please please come now?” Reo whined through the phone. You could imagine the way his eyebrows would be drawn together, his eyes huge and shiny with desperation, his mouth twisted with raw sadness as he begged you, and it made you huff. You glanced over at May, who had finally, after hours of trying things on, decided on the dress she wanted to wear for her wedding. Sensing the opportunity to mess with Reo, who had been inundating you with phone calls almost the entire time the two of you had been dress shopping, you smirked.

“No, you can’t. Your future wife is as picky as you are impatient; I don’t know if she’ll even be able to pick a dress before the place closes for the day. Maybe we can plan on doing something tomorrow?” you said.

“What?” he shrieked. There was a thudding noise over the receiver, and you could only imagine that that meant he had dropped his phone on the ground.

“Hello?” you said. Your only response was a shuffling on the other end of the line, and then a soft breath as the phone was held to someone’s ear.

“Y/N, don’t bother Reo like that when I’m responsible for his emotional wellbeing. It’s so annoying.”

“Nagi,” you said, swallowing at just the sound of his sleepy voice. “Give Reo his phone back.”

“Mm, no can do,” Nagi said, his quiet irritation so strong you could feel its weight settling over your shoulders despite your distance. “He’s run off to call a taxi.”

“Call a — that idiot! Is he planning on coming even though I told him not to?” you said.

“Guess so,” he said. “Oh, man, he’s waving me over. Guess I better go…”

“Hold on a second!” you said.

“Hm?” he said. “Ah — Reo, what the hell? No, I’m not making things strange — stop it!”

You blinked, bemused, as Reo’s muffled voice scolded Nagi while he weakly protested. In the end, Reo must’ve won the spat, for he was the one to speak to you next.

“Y/N, I’m so sorry you had to talk to him. And after I promised you I wouldn’t leave the two of you alone!” Reo said.

“It’s okay, Reo, it was just a phone call. If I was uncomfortable, I would’ve hung up,” you said.

“If you say so. Anyways, we’re on our way,” he said.

“I told you not to come, stupid, not the other way around,” you said.

“And I almost believed you, but then I thought about it a little more, and I realized that there was a high chance that you were full of shit,”he said. “What wedding dress appointment takes this long?”

“You obviously haven’t watched enough reality TV,” you said. “There’s this one show that Ryosuke and I used to watch on the weekends where the brides have to choose their dresses live, and let me tell you, some of those sessions really did last an entire day.”

“Okay, but if a bride is crazy enough to be on a reality television show while picking out her wedding dress, then it’s not a surprise that she’d also be hard to please. May isn’t like that; she’s definitely picky, don’t get me wrong, but not in that way,” he explained.

He said it so familiarly: May isn’t like that. You were almost jealous of the way that he understood her so well, understood her to the point that he would catch a taxi to see her a little earlier because he knew she wasn’t the demanding type. You wanted to be understood like that. You wanted someone to be so comfortable with knowing you again.

“You got me,” you said. “I was just joking around. She finished up a few minutes before you called. If you hadn’t flipped out and dropped your phone before running away, I would’ve said that, as well.”

“You’re such a jerk. You’re a major jerk, did you know that?” Reo said.

“I’ve been told,” you said. He scoffed.

“True,” he said. “Okay, we’ll be there soon. Talk to you then!”

“I think May wants me to start trying dresses on myself now, so I’ll probably be getting changed when you guys get here. You can see me in my options and help me choose, though, if you’d like. Ryosuke is busy, so he can’t, which means you’re my next-best option,” you said.

“Ooh, sounds like a blast,” he said. “You know I’m always up for a fashion show!”

“I know,” you said. “Alright, they’re calling me over, so I should hang up. Bye!”

With that, you ended the call and trotted over to where May was talking with the willowy, long-haired designer who was in charge of constructing her dress — a glamorous man by the name of Jyubei Aryu.

“Are you the maid of honor?” Aryu said when you joined him and May, tucking your phone into your pocket as you did so that it did not distract you.

“I am,” you said.

“Wonderful. I’ve put a dress which I found suitable on the rack in the fitting room; please call for assistance if you need it,” he said.

“Thank you!” you said, going in the direction that he had indicated, ducking into the fitting room and admiring the dress he had provided you with.

It was a blush pink, in keeping with the theme of the wedding, and made of a pretty, expensive fabric that you definitely would not be able to afford if Reo had not insisted on paying for the entire wedding party’s outfits. When you slipped it on, it flowed against your skin like water, and it was just as light and comfortable, too. The intricate detailing on the bodice did not itch, and the skirt swished around your ankles as you took uncertain steps forward, acclimatizing yourself to the feel of the gown before daring to venture out in front of the others.

You knew without even asking their opinions that you wanted to get it. Perhaps Ryosuke would shame you for it — you were growing so terrible at being able to discern his will, so for all you knew, he’d hate the option, but it mattered little to you. You liked the dress. You found it beautiful.

Aryu had graciously left a pair of heels approximately your size by the dress, so that it did not drag on the floor when you walked. Fastening the buckle of the dainty ankle strap, you opened the door to the fitting room and crept out to the waiting area, where you knew May would eagerly be waiting to see what you were in.

“Oh, wow,” May said when you rounded the corner. “Y/N! You look so beautiful!”

“Thank you,” you said. “I really like this one. Do you think it’s appropriate for a maid of honor?”

Hers was the only negative you’d entertain. If she didn’t think that the dress was suitable for her wedding, then you’d let go of the idea, albeit begrudgingly. After all, it was her wedding, and whatever she said was what went.

“It’s perfect,” she said, pretending to wipe away a tear, as if you were the bride and she were your lovingly overbearing mother. “Say yes to the dress, Y/N! Although I’m afraid you’ll outshine me if you’re standing next to me in that.”

“Be real,” you said, rolling your eyes. “No one could ever outshine you, May.”

Just then, the bell on the door chimed, announcing someone’s arrival, though it needn’t have. Only seconds after he had stepped in, Reo was declaring his presence to the public with that same gaudy, business-like professionalism he oozed every time he was forced to engage in high society.

“Hello, hello,” he said, somehow managing to simultaneously nod at the secretary, shake hands with Aryu, and wink at you and May, all without looking harried or awkward. “My apologies for any inconvenience our late arrival might have caused. It seems my fiancée’s dearest maid of honor was finding some humor in giving Nagi and I the old run around.”

“It’s not a problem,” Aryu said. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Mikage.”

“The pleasure’s all mine,” Reo said. “This is Seishiro Nagi, by the way. My best man.”

“It’s good to meet you, too, Mr. Nagi. My wife was a big fan of yours back when you were playing soccer,” Aryu said, holding out his newly-freed hand to Nagi’s in greeting. But Nagi did not take it, far too distracted to even notice, although his phone was for once not in his hands. Reo, who would never let his perfect facade drop in public but obviously wanted to scowl and smack his friend for the rudeness, turned his head to see what could possibly be holding Nagi’s attention if not a screen, and then his eyes widened, because he realized that it was you.

Nagi was gazing over at you in that way only he ever had, that way only he ever could. The weight of his stare was hot and adoring, like there was nothing else in the entire world he could be troubled with, like he’d carry a thousand burdens if it meant that you’d let him collapse at your feet once he grew tired, like you were the one pain he’d willingly take and even seek out. That was the way that Seishiro Nagi gazed at you, and the only thing you could do was cross your arms, like that paltry gesture could ever be enough to ward him off, like you even wanted to ward him off in the first place.

“If you say so,” May sang under her breath, so only you could hear. You startled, having forgotten that she was still standing next to you.

“Ah, Nagi’s not played soccer in a bit,” Reo said, discreetly stepping on Nagi’s foot, breaking him out of his trance. “But I’m sure he appreciates the support. Right, Nagi?”

“Huh?” Nagi said, his eyelashes brushing against his cheeks as he blinked sleepily at Aryu. “Oh. Yeah, right. Does she want an autograph or something?”

“I’m sure she would be delighted!” Aryu said, producing a pad of paper and a pen for Nagi to scrawl his messy signature onto.

“You got your dress?” Reo said, his arm going around May’s waist as he pressed a kiss to her temple. She nodded and beamed up at him.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “The exact kind of dress that I imagined I’d get married in one day.”

“I can’t wait to see it,” he said.

“I wish my mom was here,” May said. “She was so sad that she couldn’t make it in time. I FaceTimed her and all, but it’s not the same, you know?”

“I told your parents not to worry about work or anything,” Reo said, rolling his eyes. “They should’ve just flown over with Y/N and Kira. If their bosses gave them any trouble, I’d have sent lawyers after them or something.”

“Neither of them are comfortable taking advantage of you,” May chided him. “You know that.”

They continued to converse, and you took a step back, feeling as if you were intruding on something private. Rubbing your arm, you stared at the ground, wondering what Ryosuke might be doing back at the hotel. Was he truly taking a nap, as he had claimed? Or was he with another girl again?

Well. Either way, you supposed he was most likely in bed. Snorting at the double entendre, you almost missed Nagi’s soft tap on your shoulder.

“Hi,” he said. You opened your mouth, and then you closed it again, not wanting to be too hasty, not wanting to say something you shouldn’t when Reo and May were right there beside you.

“Hi,” you said back.

“That’s the dress you’re getting for the wedding?” he said.

“Yeah,” you said, adjusting the straps.

“It’s nice,” he said. “You look nice.”

It was such a simple statement that it barely counted as a compliment, but you could not stop the corners of your mouth from twitching as they fought to curve into a smile. After all, hearing things like that from Nagi were so rare — he was never one to find much merit in praising just about anyone.

“Thanks,” you said. “Ryosuke wanted me to choose something pretty, so…”

You saw the way his face closed off at the mention of Ryosuke and immediately cringed, though no one else would even be able to discern the imperceptible shift of his expression. Still, you were quite certain when he shrugged his shoulders slightly in approval that there was distaste brewing in his blank irises, and you bit your tongue, cursing yourself for ruining his mood before pausing.

Why did you care? It was your right to bring up the man you were to marry, wasn’t it? In fact, it was the honorable thing to do, considering your history with Nagi. The reminder was a good thing. A boundary that needed to be set. Something along those lines. So why, then, did it feel wrong? Like you had further torn apart something you might’ve still had a chance at mending?

“He’ll be satisfied, then,” he said. “You’re pretty.”

“Isn’t she?” May said brightly, somehow manifesting at your side, though you had not noticed her walking over. “I told her as much! You should definitely get it, Y/N, if even Nagi can find it in his heart to say something sweet to you about it.”

“Speaking of getting things, Nagi, come on,” Reo said, also appearing from nowhere to tug on Nagi’s sleeve. “We have shopping to do for ourselves. Let’s leave the two of them alone.”

The notion of Reo leaving you alone was so foreign that you almost protested, but then he grinned at you over his shoulder and you recalled his promise, about how he would ensure you and Nagi were not stuck together at any point, as long as it was within his means to keep you both apart.

You didn’t want Nagi to go, though. You didn’t want Reo to keep the two of you apart, but how could you tell him that? Did the words even exist for you to explain any of it? You thought that they mustn’t.

“By the way, I convinced Reo to sleep at Nagi’s tonight,” May said.

“Why would you do that?” you said.

“He should bond with his best man a bit!” she said. “As for me, there’s a lot of bonding that I want to do with you, Miss Maid-of-Honor, and I don’t think you’ll answer my questions if Reo’s within earshot, so this was the perfect idea!”

“I think that I’m not going to like your questions and your bonding very much,” you said.

“Too bad!” she said. “I’m the bride, so you have to do what I say!”

“It’s not your wedding day yet, you know,” you pointed out. “Technically, that doesn’t hold.”

“What happened to you wanting to make my life easier and all of that nonsense?” she said. “I’m just asking you for this one favor, so you really ought to grant it!”

“Okay, okay,” you said. “Let me make sure Ryosuke is fine with me staying at your place again.”

You brought out your phone to call your fiancé, but May snatched it out of your hands the instant he picked up.

“Kira? This is May. Yes, May Ducat, how many Mays do you think Y/N knows and spends time with? She’s going to sleep over again tonight so that she can help me with some preparation stuff. No, you’re right, I’m not asking you, I’m telling you. Uh-huh. Oh my god, did you know my future husband could buy your entire life? Shut up and let me have my best friend for the night! You get her every single day back in America, so now it’s my turn!” she said, making a face.

“May!” you said. She handed you back the phone, showing you that Ryosuke had hung up, and then she gave you a double-thumbs-up.

“We’re set for the night!” she said. “I’m so excited!”

“I was literally at your house earlier today. You should’ve just asked me your questions then,” you said.

“Um, like I said, I doubted you would answer if Reo was around, and anyways, I just came up with some of them now,” she said.

“Whatever,” you said. “Okay. I’m excited, too.”

You were not, considering the types of questions you sensed she was going to ask, but when she tackled you in a hug and promised you that you would have so, so much fun, it was hard to say that aloud.

Luckily, all of your things were still at May and Reo’s, so after everything was bought and paid for, with shipping arranged via one of Reo’s assistants, you could go straight to their house instead of having to stop at the hotel again. Reo, who had taken a cab back to get his car before dropping you off, waved merrily as the two of you stepped into the driveway.

“Have a nice night, both of you!” he said.

“You, too. Try to finish that one zombie adventure thing you and Nagi started last month. I don’t want to hear about it on our honeymoon,” May said.

“Actually, we both got the new Pokémon games while we were waiting for you to finish choosing your dress, so we’re going to start those together tonight and see who can beat the Champion first,” Reo said.

“Make sure to choose the fire type starter, then,” she said seriously. “They’re always the best ones.”

“No, Nagi usually chooses water, so I have to pick grass, just in case he challenges me to a battle at some point,” Reo said.

“Only lame people choose grass,” May said. “I always go for fire. What about you, Y/N?”

“I’ve only played Pokémon once, and it wasn’t my game, so I didn’t even finish it,” you said. “And I picked the one I thought was the cutest. I do think it was the fire one, though.”

“That’s what I like to see!” May said, high-fiving you.

“And how many battles have either of you beaten Nagi in?” Reo said. “That’s right, zero. So I don’t want to hear it!”

“How many battles have you beaten Nagi in?” May said. Reo glared at her.

“See you tomorrow,” he said, rolling the window up and driving off without another word.

“If only the girls at my high school had known what a big baby Reo really is,” you said. “They wouldn’t have made a fan club for him.”

“He actually had a fan club?” May said. “He told me that that wasn’t real!”

“It was real,” you affirmed. “Believe me. The Reo Mikage Fan Club and I have a long and storied history, so you should trust me more than him on the topic.”

“Were you a member?” she said, unlocking the front door and ushering you in. You choked on your saliva at the mere prospect.

“No way!” you said, sitting down on a bar stool at the kitchen counter while May dug around in her cabinets.

“Found it!” she said, brandishing a box of grocery store mac and cheese. “Reo would have a fit if he knew this was in our house, so I’ve kept it hidden away for a special occasion, but what’s more special than this? Also, I was just kidding.”

“Remember when we made Reo eat those cups of mac and cheese that you make in the microwave and he almost threw up?” you said.

“Yup,” she said. “And then he started complaining about the chemicals and additives and whatnot! As if that’s not half of the fun and flavor.”

“That must’ve been before Chigiri had the fire department called on him for forgetting the water in his microwave noodles,” you said. “The RA banned their microwave after that, right?”

“Oh, jeez, I forgot that that happened! They used to have to come to our room to warm up their leftovers,” May said, shaking her head. “What a time.”

“Do you miss it?” you said.

“Being in college?” she said. “Yes and no. I miss being your roommate and seeing you all of the time, and I miss how carefree everything was back then, but at the same time, I’m really happy now. I wouldn’t trade those years for anything, but I don’t mind that they’re over. Whatever comes next, I’m sure it’ll be great in its own way, even if it’s different. Maybe especially because it’s different.”

“That’s a good way of looking at things,” you said.

“What about you?” she said.

“The same, I guess. I miss everyone being together,” you said. “I still have Ryosuke and Chigiri, but it’s not the same without you and Reo there. My life is much more stable now, so that’s a positive, but sometimes I do wish I could go back and change things.”

“What would you change?” May said.

“I’m not sure,” you said. “It’s just a thought. I wish I could know what my life would look like now if I had followed a different path at some point or another, you know?”

“You told me earlier that you weren’t happy,” she said, putting down a dish of macaroni in front of you, sitting down at your side with her own plate. “That you were satisfied, but not happy.”

“That’s right,” you said.

“Why can’t you be both?” she said. “Why can’t you be happy and satisfied with your life?”

“I just can’t,” you said.

“There is a reason,” she said. “Tell me. I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s wrong!”

“You can’t help me regardless,” you said bitterly, stabbing a clump of pasta with your fork. “I gave up my chance at happiness for the sake of my future, that’s all. I left it behind in search of the very life I have now. You’ve known since we met that I don’t have any particular dreams; if my existence is mundane and tired, then it’s okay. That’s my goal. Not everyone gets to be Cinderella like you, May.”

“Left it behind in search of the very life you have now…” May muttered, narrowing her eyes at you. Although psychology had not been her degree, it was suddenly so clear why she had chosen to minor in it — she was uncannily good at reading people. “It, or him?”

You dropped your fork. “What did you just say?”

“Correct once again!” she said triumphantly. “I’ve been suspecting it for a bit. There’s someone else, isn’t there? I was so sure it was Chigiri, but I could never find the final bit of proof for that theory, so I was forced to dismiss it. This led to a new puzzle, though: if not Chigiri, then who? You’ve always tended to avoid talking to guys, at least as long as we’ve been friends, so the list of options was pretty limited.”

“Why does everyone think Chigiri and I are secretly dating?” you said, throwing your hands up in the air. “You’re not the first person to accuse me of it, and for some reason, I feel like you won’t be the last.”

“Don’t distract me when I’m on a roll!” she said, pointing her fork at you. “Anyways, it was bothering me for a while, but after last night and today, I was finally able to put it together.”

“You didn’t put shit together,” you said frantically. “May, you didn’t put anything together. Don’t say it.”

“I’ve never seen Nagi look at anyone the way he looked at you in that dress,” she said. “That was the first clue. From there, it all began to make sense. Why else would he come to dinner when he never agrees to such outings on any other occasion? What other reason could there be for your awkward relationship? You said that you hated him for a complicated reason. Well, this is definitely complicated! For one, you’ve been lying to everyone about the true nature of your feelings — that is to say, you are, or at some point were, in love with Seishiro Nagi!”

“I don’t like this bonding activity anymore,” you said. “Let’s do something else. Wanna play cards?”

“Wait, I’m actually right? I mean, of course I am, I’m always right,” she said. “I can’t believe it, though. How does that even make sense? You guys are total opposites.”

“Obviously we are. Don’t you think that there’s a reason it didn’t work out between the two of us?” you said. “You are right, as usual. When we were in high school, Nagi and I were together. The break up was mutually agreed upon and for both of our benefits. It was a long time ago, and in the grand scheme of things, largely inconsequential. Happy now?”

“If you were telling the truth, I would be,” she said. “Let me guess which part you were lying about…hm. I think that that relationship wasn’t inconsequential in the slightest.”

“When you’re in high school, every relationship feels earth-shattering and all-consuming. That doesn’t mean it is,” you said. “At the time, he was important to me.”

“And now he’s not?” she said.

“Now he can’t be,” you said. “I’m engaged. I’ve moved on, and so has he. He was the one to do so first, actually. I didn’t start dating Ryosuke until I realized that there was no point in looking backwards, not when the rest of the world will leave you behind if you get stuck like that.”

“What the fuck,” May said, holding her head in her hands as you continued to eat your dinner. You didn’t blame her for the dramatics; her entire view of your history had just been shifted, and not necessarily for the better. “Y/N. What the fuck. Kira was your second choice? I thought you were totally crazy about him!”

“First choice, second choice, does it matter?” you said. “He’s the one I’ll wed.”

“Do you wish it was Nagi instead?” she said.

“No,” you said. “He deserves better. He always has. Even back then, he deserved someone better than me. I’m glad I’m not marrying him.”

“Woah, woah, woah. That’s just about the opposite thing I was expecting you to say. He deserves better? He’s probably too lazy to even shower properly! If anyone deserves better, it’s you,” she said.

You took a sip of water to clear the thick feeling from your tongue. “It might seem that way, but to be frank, I’m a very hard person to love. Just ask my parents and Ryosuke if you don’t believe me. Nagi should be with someone who isn’t a pain, and though he never said so, I know I was always a hassle for him.”

“Why would you say something like that about yourself? You’re not hard to love,” she said. You exhaled, pushing your now-empty plate away and resting your chin in your hands.

“When I was a child, my parents only cared about one thing,” you said. “Whether I’d grow up to be beautiful enough to seduce the son of a rich man. Not whether he’d love me — love doesn’t matter, you see. People can fall in and out of love quite easily. Financial obligations, duty, the law…those are things you can rely on. Would I be beautiful enough to stand by a wealthy man’s side? To be worthy of bearing his children and binding him to me forever? They were obsessed with that question and its answer, and that obsession had its consequences.”

May was quiet for a moment as she took your words in. “I didn’t know that.”

“Don’t blame yourself. I didn’t tell you. I’ve only ever managed to tell one other person all of this,” you said.

“Reo?” she guessed. You laughed sadly.

“Reo? No, not him. I wish that I could, but he’s not the sort of person I can talk to about these types of issues. He has his own, more pressing problems,” you said. Understanding dawned on her face.

“Nagi,” she said. “You told Nagi.”

“I did,” you said. “He knows more about me than anyone in the entire world. The truth, since you’re so determined to figure it out, is that I loved him back then, May, though I should have known better. Love is never enough. You can’t save someone just by loving them, and neither can you change who they really are.”

May cocked her head. “Huh? Y/N, what do you mean by that? What…what really happened between the two of you? Because obviously, Reo had no clue what was going on, and I’ve only ever heard about your high school years from him.”

“What happened between the two of us? It was a series of mistakes, the biggest of which were allowing him to fall for me and falling for him in return,” you said. “It’s really hard to live a life without love once you’ve known it. I keep searching for it in places that it won’t ever exist, but deep in my heart, I’m aware that I’ll never be able to find it again, not in any way that lasts. Not in any way that resembles what I had during my last year in Japan, in those few months I spent with Seishiro Nagi.”

taglist (comment/send an ask to be added): @mariyumemi @naatggeo @prettyarsxnist @noble-17 @rinitoshisgirl @stuckindreamland06 @little-miss-chaoss

#nagi x reader #nagi x y/n #nagi x you #nagi seishiro #bllk x reader #bllk #blue lock #reader insert #modern au #peregrine #m1ckeyb3rry writes

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pholla-jm · 18 hours

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"I Do..."

IMAGINE: " I DO..." ~ GOJO X READER GENRE: HURT cw: arranged marriage. term 'wife' used. not proof read. use of (y/n). this is going to be a series! so I promise it'll get better. *************

The brushes fluff against your skin, making sure that everything is perfect. Moving the strand into the right place, and then spraying a holding spray to keep it in place.

“There,” the woman speaks while bringing the veil down to cover your face, “you look perfect.”

The woman takes a step back to get a better look at you.

The make up perfectly sat on your face, your hair- not a single stray out of place, and the dress covered you completely. Almost looking like a doll. Truthfully, you thought the dress was too conservative. It was obvious that the elders picked it out.

“Thank you, mother.” You say, voice steady and monotone as you keep your gaze forward.

Your mother clicks her tongue, a happy smile on her face as she continues to look at you. Your face is completely opposite of hers. You didn’t dare make a single facial expression, in fear of creasing the makeup that was applied.

“Don’t forget the training. You must be the perfect wife, don’t anger him in any way. Always obey him. And most importantly, have a son.” Your mother reminds you and you nod your head.

Trained. That’s right. You were trained to be the perfect lady, a wife starting at a very young age. You weren’t raised to be your own person. No, you were trained for someone else. Like an object or a pet.

“Yes, mother.”

Your mother stood proud in front of you, “you may go.” She tells the stylist. They nod their head before leaving the two of you.

Your mothers takes a deep inhale before walking back up to you, “I believe in you. You’re going to do great.”

Your heart flutters a bit, not used to getting compliments. However, you push those feelings aside, knowing that if it all became too much then there would be dire consequences.

You nod again, acknowledging what she says.

A knock on the door gains both of your attention. You knew what it meant.

“It’s time.” Your mother says.

You nod once again, standing up. The dress makes ruffling sounds at every move you make. Your mother takes your arm and walks you down the hallways of the venue. It was eerily quiet, not a single sound could be heard. As if everyone was holding their breath for your arrival.

Two large doors stood in front of you. Just behind those doors stood the man you were supposed to get married to, a crowd full of elders and family members who pushed this marriage together.

This marriage has probably been planned since you were born. Once the elders knew of your abilities, they knew that you had to be controlled.

Your father stood in front of the doors, waiting for you. His face shows no emotions as he holds out his arm for you. You take it without hesitation, the doors now opening.

At the sound of the door opening, everyone stands up. Music playing as the both of you walk down the aisle. You kept your gaze forwards, refusing to look at any of the guests that stared at awe.

Your gaze stayed on the man in front of you. It was the first time seeing him. You have never seen any pictures of him, but you have heard his name plenty of times. Oh, so many times.

Gojo Satoru.

He was strikingly beautiful. Tall and slim, with white hair and blue eyes that pierce your own eyes. He didn’t look happy to be there, but neither were you.

Well, you couldn’t really show if you were happy or not. Let alone actually feel those strong emotions.

Once at the altar, your father lets go of your arm. You continue to walk up the altar, only stopping when you stand in front of the man.

It was a strange feeling. Standing in front of a man that you didn’t know, and you were going to marry him. It felt even weirder knowing that this was your first time seeing him.

You wondered what he was like? Is he cruel and mean? Is he going to force you against your will? Did he have a sense of humor? Laid back? You wondered what his favorite color or his favorite food is.

You were just itching to know this man that stood in front of you.

You wondered why though. Maybe because it is going to be the first real interaction with someone that is around your age. Even though this interaction is planned, doesn’t mean that every single thing after this will be.

So caught up in your thoughts you didn’t realize that it was time to say the ‘I do’s’.

“I do.” You say, like you have practiced this multiple times. No real emotion behind it.

The man in front of you could only stare. Wondering what in the world was wrong with you. It was like he was getting married to someone that was dead. Sure, they were alive on the outside, but on the inside they weren’t really alive.

With a deep breath he answers, “I do.”

He didn’t really want to though. Of course he didn’t want to have this arranged marriage! Especially to someone who he has never meant. But he didn’t have a choice in this matter. Threatening to take the things he loved from him. All so that he could have a strong heir.

He couldn’t wait for the elders to die off.

Lifting the veil from your face, his breath catches in his throat.

It was like he was staring right at a doll. Makeup done so perfectly, that there was no imperfection. However, as he stared into your eyes, he couldn’t see any life in them. Not a single flicker of life or light in the eyes. You were just a body without a soul.

And he couldn’t be more disturbed and disgusted at the same time.

Swallowing his emotions down, he leans down to place his lips onto yours.

It was nothing special. No butterflies in the stomach, no sparks of electricity- just a simple peck to the lips to seal the wedding.

The sound of applause erupted around the two of you as you pulled away. You gave him a blank stare as he gave you a tight lip smile. He almost felt…. awkward about kissing you.

Truth be told, you felt a bit awkward too. Even as he took your hand to drag you down the altar and down the aisle.

All eyes were on the both of you, applauding at the two of you being married. All of them had bright smiles on their faces, like they didn’t force this marriage together. It was normal to them though, most of them are married due to power statues or convenience.

Why would this be any different?

The sound of a door opening snapped you out of your thoughts. You were standing in front of a black car, Gojo holding the door open for you.

You blink a couple times, wondering how you were so deep in thought you didn’t even notice that the both of you have stepped outside of the venue.

You look back at the venue, seeing your family. They were smiling down at you, like they were proud. But you knew that they weren’t proud of you. No, they were proud that their child was going to marry the most powerful sorcerer in all of history.

You look back at Gojo Satoru, the man you just married. He was waiting patiently for you to get into the car. You give him a little nod before getting the car. A couple seconds later, Satoru gets to the other side of the car.

The door thuds shut and a silence envelops the both of you. You look at him from the corner of your eye. Normally this is where he would show his true colors.

But he sat in silence, his chin resting on his fist as he looked out the window. You noticed that his eyes were still out, and you were well aware of his six eyes. You wondered if that had any physical burden on his eyes.

“Do your eyes hurt?” You ask him and he freezes up at the sound of your voice.

It was actually the first time he has heard you speak, beside the ‘I do’. It sounded real, and not scripted.

Satoru looks away from the window to look at you. You were staring at him with that same look since you first met. It began to unsettle him, and he finally took a good look at you.

His six eyes couldn’t pick up any significant curse energy off of you. If you didn’t marry him for power, because you surely weren’t strong, then your family must have married you off for money.

“How do you know?” He asks like he wasn’t popular in the jujutsu world. “I know that you carry the six eyes. That mustn’t be the easiest on your eyes. You haven’t worn any covering since the wedding.” You answer promptly.

Satoru chuckles at your response and digs his hand into his pocket. He pulls out a white blindfold. “What else do you know about me?” He asks while pulling the blindfold over his eyes. “Nothing else. You are Gojo Satoru, my husband. One of the strongest sorcerers.” You respond and his lips purse at the word husband.

“Right,” he whispers, “what about you?” You tilt your head, “I don’t understand.” “Who are you?”

“My name is (L/n) (Y/n) - I’m sorry, Gojo (y/n) - daughter of the (l/n) clan. I will be your dutiful wife.” You tell him and Satoru cringes at your answer.

At this point, he felt like he was talking to a robot- giving him AI answers.

“Hm, I never heard of the (l/n) clan. You must be pretty weak then.”

At his words, you turn your head, facing the front of the car again. You don’t respond to his words, knowing that he was just trying to get a reaction out of you.

From this little reaction, you knew the type of man Gojo Satoru is. To you, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that you fulfilled the duties that were given to you.

You were going to be the wife of Gojo Satoru.

#jujutsu kaisen #oneshot #jjk x reader #jujutsu kaisen x reader #gojou satoru x reader #satoru x you #satoru x reader #gojo oneshot #gojo x you

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lulublack90 · 2 days

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Prompt 25 - Makeovers

@wolfstarmicrofic May 25, word count 720

Sirius and Remus had received many strange gifts from their friends over the years, but when Marlene handed over a gift card for two drag makeovers, she really took the biscuit.

“I’m excited,” Sirius remarked on their way to the club. “I’ve already come up with my name. Sue Knuts.” Remus nearly lost control of the car he'd snorted so hard.

“Christ, Sirius, are you trying to kill us?” Remus gasped as he tried to catch his breath.

Sirius’s fingers were digging into the padding of his seat. Remus tried to get him to calm down. “What about me? Have you thought of a name for me?” Sirius slowly relaxed his fingers as he thought.

“Lycan Madix,” Sirius finally came up with. Remus had to pull the car over before he actually crashed the car.

He had to take a few minutes to calm himself before he pulled back into the traffic.

They had a wonderful time being led around the club. They got to see the stage and the chaos of the dressing rooms.

There was makeup and wigs everywhere. Remus felt nervous as he was led to a relatively clear area. Sirius, on the other hand, was in his element. He gushed to the Queen, who began to apply his makeup, asking for the brightest colours she had.

“Don’t worry, honey, I’ve got you.” He was spun around and makeup was spread across his face.

He was spun again once the makeup was on, and he had to admit it wasn’t half bad. His artist had used blue and silver on him. He looked severe, almost dangerous. She led him over to the dresses and wigs and picked out a few things for him to choose from.

He opted for a black number that pooled to the floor and was covered in sparkles, like the night sky, and a white wavy curled wig.

“You look like the night goddess herself.” Sirius purred at him, already decked out with his own dress and wig. They were red and gold, he looked like he was on fire, especially with the orange wig he had over his black curls. “Remind me to thank Marlene for her gift.” He grinned.

“Hey, darlings, are you ready to hit the stage?” Sirius’s queen asked them while she closed her makeup box.

“Wait, what?” Remus, froze. Nowhere on the gift card had it said they were going to perform. “What am I even meant to do?”

“You could sing. Duets are popular for first timers. It takes the pressure off. I’ve got you babe, don’t go breaking my heart, stuff like that,” She shrugged. He looked at Sirius and thought about what she’d said.

“Do you have under pressure?” He asked, staring into Sirius’s eyes.

“Sure do.” They followed her out and onto the stage. They were handed microphones and the crowd cheered. That had surprised both of them, as the club had been empty when they arrived. He reached out and took Sirius’s hand. Then the iconic opening chords started, and the crowd cheered again.

“Pressure, pushing down on me,” Remus lip sang uncertainly. Sirius was more confident.

Remus took on the darker Bowie lyrics while Sirius took Freddie's lighter ones. It matched their outfits perfectly. As the song went on, Sirius’s easy movements brushed off on Remus and made him relax.

By the final part, he and Sirius had wrapped their arms around each other and sung.

“Why can't we give love, give love, give love, give love, give love, give love, give love, give love?

'Cause love's such an old-fashioned word.

And love dares you to care for the people on the edge of the night.

And love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves,

This is our last dance.

This is ourselves,

Under pressure,

Pressure.”

He was breathless and Sirius’s wig was tippling sideways from his exuberant performance. But Remus felt amazing as the crowd whistled and clapped at them. They took a bow and disappeared into the dressing rooms where they changed back into their own clothes and used half a pack of baby wipes to get all the makeup off their faces.

“Yeah, we really need to thank Marlene,” He said as he pressed a kiss to Sirius’s lips.

#wolfstar #wolfstar microfic #wolfstar fic #wolfstar au #remus lupin #sirius black #remus john lupin #sirius orion black #marlene mckinnon #sirius x remus #remus x sirius #sirius and remus #remus and sirius #drag act #i'm sorry if i worded anything wrong ive never written about drag before #marlene gives the best gifts #might not be the best song but its been stuck in my head for the last three days so there you go #really bad drag names #makeovers

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imagines--galore · 2 days

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||The Thread of Fate|| Part Twenty-Four

Summary: Soulmate AU. They say the Thread of Fate connects you to your one true love. It may tangle. It may stretch. But it will never break. Wrapped around your little finger it tightens when it feels your soulmate is close and loosens when they are far. And becomes visible with the colors of your soulmate’s Nation when you finally fall in love with them.

Pairing: Zuko x OroraOC (ATLA)

Rating || Genres || Warnings: T+ Romance. Adventure.

Previous Chapters - Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten, Part Eleven, Part Twelve, Part Thirteen, Part Fourteen, Part Fifteen, Part Sixteen, Part Seventeen, Part Eighteen, Part Nineteen, Part Twenty, Part Twenty-One, Part Twenty-Two, Twenty-Three

A/N: We are getting close to the Day of the Black Sun people! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!!! THINGS WILL START HAPPENING NOW SO HANG ON TO YOUR HATS! And I know Orora's part is all over the place but only because that's how she feels right now? I dunno? Hope you enjoy!

The wind blew softly through her hair as she sat with her arms resting atop the saddle, staring out towards the wide open sky and ocean that flew by beneath them. The sun had almost set, the last rays of sunshine peaking over the horizon, turning the sky a beautiful hue of orange, pink and purple. Behind her, she could hear her friends but she hadn't really felt like adding anything to the conversation, so instead she opted to admire the view.

And though it painted the perfect picture of serenity, her mind was anything but.

Orora was still a little disconcerted about the dream she had had a few nights ago. It seemed strange, that after so long she would dream about Zuko, one that did not involve a nightmare.

She'd stopped having nightmares weeks ago, and her mind had simply opted to not dream at all. Well, that wasn't really a conscious choice on her part, but it seemed her sub-consciousness was giving her a break by letting her sleep peacefully through the night.

Until a few nights ago that is.

When Zuko had appeared in her dreams.

Held her.

Kissed her forehead.

Touched her.

Comforted her.

And though it was a dream, it had all seemed so real.

Which was utterly ridiculous because how could she feel everything physically that had happened in her dream?

And yet Orora could actually recall the feeling of the wind in her hair, the smell of the sea, the sensation of the sandy beach under her bare feet. If she closed her eyes, she could hear his voice in her mind, promising her what she dared not repeat to herself lest a fickle thing known as hope grow in her heart and just set her up for future disappointment.

Not to mention that when she awoke, her string had been glowing red. And it had stayed that way for quite sometime even after she woke up.

Glancing at her string, which certainly wasn't glowing right then, she wandered if perhaps the closer they got to the Fire Nation capital, would Zuko be able to feel her near?

And that made her nervous.

Was what he said to her in her dream a figment of her imagination, or had it been real?

She wanted to ask someone else's opinion about everything so badly. Maybe Aang? He would know something about it. But she didn't want to worry him. With the Invasion coming up the poor kid already had so much on his mind.

Katara wasn't an option either. The poor girl was only just starting to recover from her ordeal with Hama. Orora felt a shiver run down her spine as she thought of that old crone. No, no point in making Katara worry over her when she had her own demons to fight.

Sokka would be a good choice, but his mind was preoccupied with the Invasion plans and going over each and very detail over and over again. He would be the last one to go to sleep sometimes, and the first to wake up, pouring over maps. Not Sokka then.

Toph? Maybe? The girl did give good advice for a thirteen year old. Not to mention, out of all four of them, Toph knew the most about her situation with Zuko and the conflicted feelings she still had for the Prince.

Talking to Toph sounded good then, she mused, chin resting atop her arms, her eyes closing as she slowly began to doze off.

That is, until she caught sight of something from the corner of her eyes just as she closed them.

Or rather someone.

Instantly, her blue eyes snapped open, head whipping to the side as she stared at the empty spot next to her.

She blinked. There was no one there.

But she could've sworn.....

"Ice Princess? You okay? Your heartbeat is going crazy?" Once more her head whipped around to look at her friends, who were all staring at her a little confused at her sudden reaction. Toph was staring at her, eyes narrowed, and for the first time she felt how fast her heart was beating.

Shaking her head, Orora smiled in a reassuring manner. "Nothing. I just nodded off and had that weird feeling like I was falling or something." Aang, who sat upfront nodded. "I get it! It's happened to me too! And its weird since I can't even use airbending to stop myself from falling in my dreams." He added with a laugh. Orora responded with a smile, thankful that she could always count on Aang to distract her with his cheerful disposition.

Though, as she moved to sit next to him to avoid Toph's observant unseeing gaze, the fact what she had seen remained at the back of her mind.

Not a what, rather a who.

A who with very distinct scar on his face, and amber eyes that had haunted her dreams a few days ago.

"You alright there Orora?" Aang spoke up from beside her. Pursing her lips, and deciding to be truthful, the girl gave a shrug. "Honestly? I don't know. The closer we get to the Fire Nation Capital the nervous I get." She revealed, despite having decided just a few moments ago that she wouldn't burden Aang with her thoughts.

Giving her a look of understanding and a sympathetic smile, Aang reached out to rest a reassuring hand on her forearm. "Is it because we're gonna be storming the Capital, or because you're nervous about seeing Zuko again?"

Orora chewed on her bottom lip as she averted her gaze to the calm ocean flying by beneath her. "Does it make me selfish if I say the latter?" She finally asked after a moment of silence, raising her gaze to look at Aang once again. The young airbender shook his head. "Not at all. But maybe you should ask yourself, are you feeling nervous because you're going to see him again? Or are you feeling nervous because you think you won't be able to face him if the situation calls for it?"

And that was what worried her.

Would her past feelings allow her to face him one on one? Whatever anger and anguish she had felt over his betrayal lay dormant within her. Maybe she should reawaken it be reliving the moment under Ba Sing Se again?

"There it is!" Sokka's voice suddenly cut through her thoughts as he stood pointing towards an island that grew larger in size as they approached. "Argh! Finally! I feel like we've been flying forever." Toph groaned, eager to feel the earth under her feet again. Pulling on the reins, Aang was able to guide Appa into a smooth landing just beyond a clump of bushes.

Everyone quickly dismounted, making their way through the bush. Orora smiled at the sight of the koala sheep that were sleeping peacefully in the clearing. The sun had set about half an hour ago, and though it was still early in the evening, she was tired. Rubbing her eyes, the girl stifled a yawn as Sokka walked around, looking at his map.

They all waited patiently, albeit sleepily, for him to give the all-clear.

"This is it!" He finally exclaimed, prompting Toph to jerk awake where she'd been dozing off on her feet. "The official rendezvous point for the invasion force." Well it was rather peaceful, Orora mused to herself, moving to help Katara and Aang get their bed rolls from atop Appa. "How did you pick this place?" Toph asked, turning to Sokka who grinned proudly.

"Before we split up, my dad and I found this island on the map." He explained. "It's uninhabited, and the harbors surrounded by the cliffs seemed like the perfect secluded place."

As she spread her bed roll on the floor, Orora hummed. "Thank Spirits no one lives here. We can really relax and sleep without having to stay on guard all the time." Picking up another bed roll, she frowned at it before throwing it in Sokka's direction.

The lump of clothing hit him in the face with a soft thump. He pushed it off, glaring at Orora but she was too busy undoing her hair to pay him any mind.

"Nice choice, Sokka." Katara praised her brother, as she too untied her hair. Having seen Orora's little prank and wanting to avoid a scuffle between them both she continued. "And we're here four days ahead of schedule."

Apparently that was the wrong thing to say.

Aang who had only just laid down, suddenly scrambled to his feet. "Wait! Four days?" He cried out, his voice anxious, his face panicked. "The invasion's in four days?" Orora glanced at him, before she yawned hugely once more, her eyes tearing up as she did. Sokka, having unrolled the bed roll Orora had thrown at him, yawned.

"Whatever. That's like four days from now. Let's just calm down and-" He didn't even finish his sentence before he was snoring away. A little ways away Toph was beginning to snooze as well, her feet elevated so she wouldn't have to see during the night.

"For once I agree with Sokka." Orora muttered sleepily, her mind exhausted from over thinking throughout the day. She hoped tonight would be one of those nights where she didn't dream.

Katara nodded. "Sokka's got the right idea, Aang. We're here. We're ready." Orora barely heard the rest of Katara's sentence as she began to drift off, her eyes closing. "The best thing we can do now is get plenty of rest." So saying the waterbender laid down, falling asleep almost instantly. Aang looked around at his now sleeping companions.

"I guess."

Silence settled over the small clearing, broken every now and then when one of the sleeping children would turn over in their sleep, or in Sokka's case, would let out an occasional snore.

And though in the beginning she slept soundly, as the night crept on, a frown creased Orora's forehead and she tossed and turned, as she began to dream.

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She was being led through and open space. Her wrists and ankles were bound, her clothes were in tatters. The sky above her glowed an ominous red. Her gaze flitted around, trying to find any means of escape, yet nothing rose to mind. There were Fire Nation soldiers all around and not a single familiar face in sight. A hand at her back pushed her forward, prompting her to stumble and fall to her knees.

Somehow she caught herself before her face hit the dirt. Shrugging off the hands that gripped her arms, Orora rose to her knees, her gaze tilting up to the sight before her.

There was Ozai, standing over her with a look of contempt on his face. He cut an extremely imposing figure dressed in his royal robes, and his face was just as cruel as she had seen in the village statue of him. Azula stood next to her father, her features settled into a look of utter glee as she regarded the waterbender. Somehow they both appeared even more fierce and powerful looking then they probably were in real life.

"So, you are the one." Ozai spoke, and though he didn't give any further information, she knew what he was talking about. Orora didn't speak though, she continued to look back at them both. Her face was devoid of emotion and that seemed to annoy Azula.

"May I get rid of her father?" The younger girl all but cooed gleefully, as if she would delight in ending the other girl's life.

And she probably would.

Orora watched as Ozai opened his mouth, to agree with his daughter, to.........what? End her? Torture her? Make her bleed?

Whatever it would be, Orora closed her eyes as she sighed, she could not fight the inevitable. Funnily enough, she wasn't scared.

A shadow fell over her. Probably Azula coming to play with her. To have her fun.

"You'll have to go through me."

Her eyes shot open as her entire body went rigid with utter shock.

No!

It couldn't be!

Despite her disbelief, she managed to tilt her head back and look up to the person standing over her.

His back was to her, but there was no denying that all too familiar head of hair, the stance not to mention the swords he gripped in his hands.

Zuko.

It was Zuko.

Zuko was standing over her.

He was protecting her from his family.

Saving her.

Her heart thumped wildly in her chest. Her gaze flitted from his back, to his shoulders, to his hands, to his finger.

The finger that held his string.

That glowed a bright blue.

Perhaps she whispered his name? Or maybe she called out to him out loud?

Whatever it was, it compelled him to shift his head slightly so he could look over his shoulder at her.

Orora barely managed to catch a glimpse of his scar, barely saw his lips as he called back to her.

Before her eyes snapped open and she sat up fully awake.

————————–

His life was beginning to get rather tedious. Sure he had enjoyed all the luxuries he had been denied during his banishment and then his subsequent life as a refugee, but since his arrival at the Capital he had slowly begun to realize that he kind of missed that life.

Over the three years he had spent searching for Aang, Zuko had seen the entire world and it had amazed him just how powerful and yet beautiful nature could be.

Rather like his soulmate, he figured.

It wasn't until he began to interact with the people who lived in the world, did he realize that they contributed to the beauty of the world.

Unlike the Fire Nation.

He frowned as he looked at the hot towel that had been offered to him, before he closed his eyes in resignation and dabbed his face with it. Orora would hate all the fuss, he realized. She had told him that one of the other reasons for her leaving the North Pole, other then her family, had been because she wanted freedom to do whatever she wanted. Sure that meant giving up some things she liked, but in the long run, it had all been worth it.

Maybe the luxuries were unexciting because there was no one else to share them with.

As he walked out of the Palace, his gaze flitted from one side to the next, as if he were waiting for someone to suddenly appear.

But no one did.

And he frowned.

It had been several days since he had last seen Orora, in his dreams or otherwise. And while he did think of her everyday, it was nothing compared to the comfort her presence had had.

Though the constant glow of his string did serve to remind him just how deep his affections for her ran, despite her not being there with him.

He needed to speak with someone, he mused to himself as he reached the gates of the Palace and looked to the mansion just across the street.

Thank the Spirits he had someone he could trust and who trusted him.

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Pulling out the fabric she had bought so long ago, Orora smiled at the color.

"Hey! When do you get that?" Katara asked, reaching out to feel the texture of the fabric. Her smile turning sheepish, Orora gave a nervous laugh. "I got it from the hustle money." She admitted, to which Katara gave a disapproving glare, but shook her head. "Well, what're you gonna do with it?" She asked, as Orora moved to get the small sewing kit she had also bought.

"Well I don't want to face the Fire Nation is their colors." She gestured to the clothes she had on. "I want to fight them wearing the colors of my tribe." The other girl nodded in understanding. "But isn't it a little darker then what you would usually wear?"

Orora nodded as she looked over all the rough sketching she had done over the past few weeks. "Well I figured warriors wear dark blue when they go into battle." She admitted, to which Katara gave a small laugh. "Trust you to go against tradition." She said, playfully nudging Orora to which the older girl grinned at her. "Oh? And which one of us beat up Pakku so he would teach her how to fight?"

Giggling Katara peered at the sketches Orora had done, smiling as she picked up one. "Maybe you should do this one?" She suggested, holding it out for the older girl. Orora nodded. "I needed a second opinion. Thanks Katara!" So saying the girl moved to pick up a pair of scissors.

Grabbing the corner of the fabric, she lifted it in the air to shake it out.

But then her gaze caught sight of someone standing just at the other end of the cloth. Her mouth fell open in a sudden gasp, and the corners slipped from her fingers as the fabric dropped. Behind her Katara continued to go through the sketches, leaving Orora to stare in disbelief at Zuko.

Their eyes met, ice blue on warm amber. He looked just as she had seen him on that final day in Ba Sing Se, only before what had happened in the catacombs. He smiled at her, that soft happy smile that only she managed to get out of him, and her heart physically ached at the sight.

The dream she had had last night suddenly came back to her. And how, despite the obvious danger of her dream she had not been afraid.

Almost as if she had known.

Known that he would come and save her.

Her string glowed a bright red, prompting her to raise her hand and inspect it briefly. Zuko mirrored her action, so that she could see the blue of his string.

"-ra? Orora?"

The young waterbender was jilted out of her entrancement when Katara's hand landed on her shoulder. She let out a startled cry, tensing up and dropping the scissors she had been holding as she pivoted on her feet.

Her heart beat fast in her chest, and she panted, prompting Katara to frown at her in worry. "You alright? I've been calling your name for awhile now?" She asked, as the older girl turned to look over her shoulder where Zuko had been standing a few moments ago.

The space was empty.

"S-sorry, I was.....lost in thought." The girl finally admitted, reaching up to brush her hand back from her face where it hung around her shoulders in soft waves. Katara's worry did not dissipate as she continued to frown. "How about I help you with cutting the fabric?" She offered, picking up the scissors as she did.

Giving a small nod, Orora turned her attention back to her little project, hoping to push away the sight of her soulmate standing just across from her from her mind.

It helped.

But only a little since her string glowed red throughout the day, serving as a constant reminder of the depth of her feelings for Zuko.

————————–

"So have you given any thought to what I said?" Mai asked as she set down the teapot and held out the cup of tea she had just poured. Accepting the cup, he took a small sip from it, his eyes darting to the open doorway. Mai seemed to catch his silent question and quickly reassured him with a nod.

No one was out there to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"I have." He finally revealed. "But I'm still working on all of it, it'll take me some time to go over everything. Make sure I'm ready." He revealed, keeping his response as vague as he could. Mai nodded.

"I get it, though I figured you would want to prepare after the all-day war meeting coming up?" She revealed, taking a sip from her own cup as she did. Zuko frowned.

"War meeting? What are you talking about?" He asked, his voice sharp. Mai looked surprised before continuing. "Azula mentioned something. I-I assumed you were going, too." She said, as she too frowned at his confusion. He was the Prince wasn't he? Shouldn't he be aware of the meeting like Azula had been?

Zuko tried not to let that disappointed feeling settle in his heart. He had thought that perhaps his father would actually treat him like a son, but that hope had sailed out the window. But not even treating him as Prince of the Fire Nation?

That truly gutted him. "I guess I wasn't invited." He finally said, ending the conversation with a sip from his teacup. The both of them sat in silence for the rest of his stay. A simple goodbye was all they offered one another as he departed, leaving him with his thoughts as he rode the palanquin back across the road.

Why did he keep setting himself up for disappointment one moment after the other?

It was actually starting to get pathetic, even in his eyes. Orora would surely have his head for allowing himself such false hope. Honestly, he liked to think he had more chance of Orora actually forgiving him then his father treating him as his own son.

Though he doubted it would be easy.

As he walked back to his room, his string glowing an ever constant blue. Once ready for bed, he dropped onto the soft mattress, reaching under his pillow to retrieve the blue dragon comb. He set it at his side, where he could see it and just relive the memories of the owner.

————————–

Her fingers were beginning to cramp by the time she was done cutting the desired shapes and outlines. There was no point in actually starting her sewing till the next day since the sun had set awhile ago.

She hadn't spent the entire day cutting. Somewhere inbetween she had taken a lunch break as well as a bending break with Katara. The Master waterbender had taught her some new moves that would help her in the upcoming battle. In turn, Orora had gone through some basic leg movements to teach Katara how to waterbend with her feet and legs.

All in all, it had been a productive day.

Aside from the fact that she kept seeing Zuko here and there throughout the day at the most random of moments.

Now that everyone was finally asleep, including Aang, who had come rather late to where they were all sleeping, Orora sneaked away to the small river outlet she and Katara had been practicing in the entire day.

Looking around, she removed her shoes, before stepping into the water. Inhaling deeply she closed her eyes, concentrating with all that she had.

And when she finally opened her eyes, he was standing right in front of her, just a few feet away.

"What're you doing here?" She demanded, ignoring the way her heart leapt at the sight of him. He shrugged in response, crossing his arms over his chest. "You called me just now, didn't you?"

The sound of his voice had every single memory of him rising to the front of her mind. Slightly overwhelmed by the emotions, Orora did her best to not let them overtake her completely.

"You alright?" He asked, obvious concern lacing his tone as he peered at her from under the fringe of his black hair that covered his forehead.

"Why should you care?" She spat out, allowing her anger to rule her tongue for once as she glared at him. The water responded to her shift in emotions, rising in a small wave around her. He didn't seem at all perturbed by her sudden outburst. Instead he sighed, suddenly looking really really sad.

"You know why." He finally responded as he raised his finger, the string glowing blue. She exhaled angrily. "That is not a reason. It shouldn't be. Not after what you did."

It was stupid. She was talking to someone who wasn't even there.

And yet.......she couldn't help it. Couldn't help show the hurt and anger that had laid dormant for so many weeks. Though this was only a small trickle of it. Most of what she felt was still behind a wall she had built within herself.

Doing her best to calm herself, she turned her head so she wouldn't have to look at him. "Please, just go away."

She didn't have to look up to know he was gone. Though she did in the end.

Just so she wouldn't have to see her string flicker with color.

————————–

"Sokka, get up! I needa know what day it is!"

The startled, panicked cry of Aang was what had her sitting up even before she had opened her eyes. The night had been restless for her, and she'd only managed to catch a few hours of sleep.

And now there was Aang screaming at the top of his lungs, first thing in the morning. She forced her eyes open, only to be greeted with the sight of Sokka jumping up and hitting his head on a nearby rock. Despite the fright she had gotten, Orora couldn't help but snigger at the boy's expense. Beside her Katara and Toph sat up as well.

"Relax! It's still two days before the invasion!" Toph reminded, as Aang began to pull on Sokka's limbs to try and get him to stand up. Now that the sleep was out of her eyes, Orora was finally able to see the state Aang was in.

His hair was in disarray, there were bags under his eyes, and he looked frantic and panicked as he insisted that Sokka perfect his rock climbing skills, because of a dream he had.

"But that was just a dream." Sokka reminded before insisting. "I'm a great climber!"

The young Avatar was having none of it as he pointed towards a nearby cliff. "Then climb that cliff! Climb it fast!" They all turned to the take in the sheer size of the cliff. Sokka returned his gaze back to Aang who simply pointed even more adamantly, if that were possible. Sighing the Water Tribe boy reluctantly began to climb the cliff, grumbling under his breath as he did.

Shaking her head, Orora moved to put on her shoes.

"Don't drink that!" Aang suddenly shouted, pointing at Toph who had just taken a gulp from a water skin. She spat the water out, straight onto Katara who grimaced in disgust. Orora muffled her sudden giggle as Katara glared at her in annoyance.

"Why? Is it poisoned?" Toph exclaimed, as Katara waterbended the water off her.

"In my dream, we were right in the middle of the invasion, and you had to stop to use the bathroom!" Though she was listening to what Aang said, Orora stood to start preparing breakfast. "We died because of your tiny bladder." Seeing movement out of the corner of his eyes, Aang's gaze suddenly shifted to Orora where she was fathering ingredients for breakfast. "And you!" He shouted, pointing towards the older girl, startling her into dropping her ingredients. "In one of my dreams you made something to eat and we all got sick and none of us could fight in the invasion."

Orora blinked at him. Alright, now she was starting to get a little worried about his state of mind. But Aang didn't stop there, he pivoted on his feet, turning to Katara and pointing at her. "And you need to start wearing your hair up. In my dream, your hair got caught in a train, and-"

But he didn't complete his dream. Katara's hand on the side of his face had him pausing. "Aang!" She spoke loudly and firmly over his panicked gushing. "I know you're just trying to help, but you really need to get a grip." She tried to reassure him. "You're unraveling."

Aang blinked, taking a deep breath as he shook his head. "You're right. I'm losing my mind." He groaned softly. Reaching out Orora patted his head gently. "How about we all have some nice breakfast. Maybe that will calm you down?" She offered, smiling kindly at the younger boy. "I promise I'll be careful with my cooking." She joked, winking at him playfully. Somehow he managed to smile back at her.

However, an hour later, Orora realized that there was no helping Aang. He was still pacing around, his eye twitching, his fingers rotating and fumbling as he fretted over what was to come on the day of invasion.

"It's like every time I think about how stressed I am, I just end up more stressed. I'm like a big growing snowball of nerves." As he paced some more, she found her eyes flitting to Katara who looked back at her. They both exchanged a look of concern.

Sokka who had been hammering away at a piece of armor for Appa turned to look at Aang. "Of course you are. That's 'cause you gotta fight the Fire Lord, the baddest man on the planet. And you better win or we're all done for."

Orora slapped her forehead while Toph sighed at Sokka's lack of attempt to calm Aang down. Katara stood up and approached her brother.

"Sokka! You're not helping!" She stated in an annoyed tone, to which Sokka stood up and shrugged. "What? It's true. That's the deal. He knows it." Before Katara could respond to her brother's lack of tact, a flash of blue flew through the air, catching Sokka around the mouth and freezing there in place, effectively shutting him up. As Sokka began to struggle with the ice mask, courtesy of an annoyed waterbender from the North Pole, Katara walked towards an even more nervous looking Aang and touched his shoulders.

"You know what, I've got just the thing! Get ready to be de-stressified!" She said, smiling and leading Aang away. "If your trick doesn't work, I'm next!" Orora called out to their retreating backs as a shadow loomed over her. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of Sokka who made several muffled angry sounds before pointing to his mouth.

She rolled her eyes. "Next time, be more tactful." She warned, waving her hand and allowing the ice to melt away from his mouth. In response, the boy stomped back to his personal project, grumbling under his breath.

Orora turned her attention to the half sewn shirt she had dropped in her lap, picking it up and resuming her task. She was so engrossed in what she was doing, that she barely noticed when Toph and Sokka walked away with Appa, to mold the shape of the armor that would be using metal to his size.

"What're you making?"

Her hands stilled, but she didn't look up.

"I am making a new outfit to wear for when we defeat the Fire Nation." She heard herself say. Why she spoke to him though was beyond her. She should just ignore him and he would disappear.

And yet, some small part of her, the one that still held that soft spot for him, that missed him, wanted to speak to him, to hear his opinion.

Even if, in a way, she would be speaking to herself.

"So, not a new outfit because you're meeting me then?" His voice was teasing. She still didn't look up.

"Don't flatter yourself. I'll be busy fighting to take down your nation to even think about you." Lies, her inner voice told her, but she ignored it.

He was silent for a few moments. "You know, I always wandered how you would look in blue. I mean I did see you at the North Pole, but you were kind of covered in blood then." She could feel the smile in his voice as he continued. "I bet you'll look beautiful."

His compliment, threw her off guard.

Her eyes widened, and despite her initial promise to ignore him and just focus on her fingers as the needle and thread flew through the fabric, she looked up.

Only to see that he was gone.

Leaving her with a hollow feeling in her chest, and a flickering string.

Luckily distraction came in the form of a disgruntled looking Avatar. "Well Katara's sauna method didn't work." He grumbled turning his heavy lidded gaze towards Orora who set her sewing aside. "In that case, lets see if I can help you relax."

So saying, the girl led him away to a location that was partially covered by a big outcropping of a cliff side. It provided enough shade that their ice sculptures wouldn't melt.

"Making sculptures always helped me." Orora explained, as she led Aang to stand in front of his block of ice. "It helps keep my mind focused on one task and helps me relax." She explained further, gesturing for him to start whenever he was ready.

"What should I make though?" He asked, looking back at her curiously to which she shrugged. "Whatever comes to mind."

Aang stood still for a few moments, probably contemplating on who or what to mold from the ice. Finally his arms and hands began to move and Orora watched, in growing horror at what he created.

It was an ice sculpture in the likeness of Ozai. However, he appeared more like a demon spirit then his real self. Aang had even given him horns, a forked tongue and about six eyes. She winced as Aang stepped back, clear fear and shock written across his features as he took in what he had created.

"Erm....maybe, you shouldn't have let your nightmares guide you so much?" Orora suggested, to which Aang let out a groan of frustration. "What am I going to do?" He lamented, as Orora waved a hand and his sculpture melted away. "You're had nightmares before Orora." He suddenly recalled, turning to her, his face desperate.

"How did you get rid of them?" Orora blinked, frowning slightly in thought. "I don't know if my nightmares were at the same intensity as yours Aang. I mean the emotions behind them were very different. I just had to let out all that I was feeling for the nightmares to stop."

She looked at him, reaching out to place a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I should think for your nightmares to stop, you just need to face your fear." Her suggestion had Aang's eyes widening in panic once more and his entire body to tremble. "But that doesn't mean you have to do it alone." She reassured him quickly. He was so much shorter then her, and it only made her feel all the more protective over him.

"I promise, when you face the Fire Lord on the day of the invasion, I'll be there with you." She promised. So saying, she wrapped her arms around his slight frame, enveloping him in what could only be described a soothing embrace. It took him a few seconds before he returned the gesture, and for a few moments, Aang was able to feel safe and secure rather then the crippling fear ad anxiety that had hounded him for the past two days.

Once he had pulled back from the embrace, she smiled at him. "Maybe you should talk to someone about what you're feeling? Talking always helps, maybe Sokka can be the perfect candidate for that?" She added to which Aang nodded.

"You're right! I'm gonna go find him! Thanks Orora!" So saying, the young Avatar raced away on an air scooter. Once the air had settled, Orora turned her gaze towards the ice sculpture that she had created for her own purpose.

And that purpose was quickly realized fifteen minutes later when she stood in front of an ice sculpture of her soulmate.

"Why do you have to be on my mind so often?" She whispered as she put the final touches to the sculpture before stepping away. "You should mean nothing to me after what you did, and yet I still find myself thinking about you. And it feels like I'm betraying our cause when I do."

Silence.

Her only companion was the glow of her string and an ice sculpture that melted away with a wave of her hand.

————————–

The meeting had just adjourned.

And he had been invited to it. his father hadn't wanted to start the meeting until he arrived. He had sat beside his father, in the seat of honor, had been the perfect son, the ideal prince.

But then, as he walked down the corridor towards his room, why did he feel so alone?

For so long he had wanted nothing more then love and acknowledgment from his father, from the man who should be there to guide him and help him should he stumble.

But that meeting, what his father had decided, helped get rid of that notion once and for all.

He was never going to change, Zuko realized. That man was going to remain hard-hearted and unforgiving. He would destroy the entire world for his gain. For glory.

During the entire duration of the plan his father had told so gleefully, all Zuko could think of was all the lives that would be lost because of that plan.

All the plan who would loose their homes, their loves ones.

Everything.

Zuko had lived among those people. They had shown him kindness when no one else could ever have. They had helped him, his Uncle and Orora as well.

How could his father be so cruel and unfeeling?

Orora had been right.

Try as he might, he would never gain his father's approval the way Azula had.

And his Uncle had been right too.

He had to forge his own path, his own destiny.

While his initial drive had been to find Orora and maybe stop the Fire Nation from damaging the world too much. Now? It was completely different.

Now his destiny included helping the Avatar end the war and defeat the Fire Nation.

Once and for all.

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The whole day she had worked on her outfit. It was almost finished and just needed a few embellishments. Orora hoped she had gotten the proportions right.

"Its turning out great."

If only the mirage of her soulmate would leave her alone.

She looked up from her task, glaring at Zuko as he sat opposite her. He met her gaze with a small hesitant smile. "You know, if you want to say something to me, about what I did, you can." He suggested after a brief moment of tense silence. Orora shook her head, returning her attention to her clothing, her needle flying.

"What would be the use?! You're not here so I would be yelling at nothing and my friends already have Aang's spiral to deal with. I have no desire to burden them with my troubles." She responded, wincing as she accidentally pierced her thumb with the tip of the needle. Wiping away the drop of blood, she continued.

"No, I am going to yell at you when you're actually here in front of me. Because that is what you deserve for what you did to me. To your Uncle." Her hands trembled as that anger that had festered within her for so long in the darkness began to reach a boiling point.

"And I look forward to it." She blinked, her gaze once more finding his. Her brow creased in a confused frown. "To my yelling at you?" She asked, thinking that maybe her mind was really spiraling like Aang's.

Zuko shook his head. "No. To see you."

Her eyes widened at the absolute honesty on his face as well as the smile of utter happiness that played about his lips.

She shook her head, closing her eyes. "This is all in your head." She whispered. "This is all in your head."

Orora couldn't afford to get her hopes up. But it seemed fate was just setting her up to be disappointed all over again. Starting from the dream where he had promised he would come back to her, and now, his mirage appearing to her and saying things like that.

Tears of frustration pricked her eyes as she finally opened them and saw that he was gone. Trying not to let that sinking feeling in her chest make her feel anymore hollow then she already was, she returned to the final stitches of her pants.

Only to glance up when a gust of wind blew by her. Or rather an airbender with his arms in the air and a cry of complete panic echoing as he went by. Orora blinked at his retreated back, wandering what had scared him like that.

A moment later Toph followed his path and she had her explanation.

"What did you do?" She asked, prompting the blind girl to scowl at her. "How'd you know I did something?" Se asked sounding a little offended to which Orora rolled her eyes. "You're always doing something sinister or planning it Toph."

A beat of silence before Toph grinned and nodded. "That's true." Kicking up dirt she walked to sit beside Orora, using her knitting basket as a footstool to keep her feet elevated.

"So, mind telling me why your heart is racing like you just ran as fast as Twinkletoes?"

Blue eyes blinked at Toph for a few brief moments before the older girl sighed, her shoulders drooping. "I'm just thinking about tomorrow and how I might.....run into Zuko." She finally revealed to the younger girl.

Toph hummed. "You know I've been wandering the same thing. I mean we're gonna be taking down the Fire Nation and he is the Prince of the Fire Nation. How're you gonna handle it?" Setting aside her sewing in favor of pulling her legs to her chest, Orora sighed. "I honestly have no idea." She admitted, allowing her fear and uncertainty of the situation to leak into her tone.

Toph was silent next to her for a few moments. "Well, whatever happens, and no matter what the outcome, we'll all face it together." The waterbender glanced at the earthbender from the corner of her eyes. Slowly a small smile pulled at her lips as she nodded. "Yeah, I suppose we will."

Grinning Toph pulled her hand back and punched Orora in the shoulder, prompting the girl to let out a grunt of pain. "I see your method of showing affection has not changed." The girl said, rubbing the sore spot as Toph grinned. "Nope, and it ain't happening either Ice Princess. So get over it!"

"Hey guys!" Katara's voice cut through their moment of silence, prompting them both to look towards the source as she raced towards them. "What you want Sugar Queen?" Toph asked. Ignoring the nickname, she simply grinned. "I think I found a way for Aang to sleep." Behind her, her brother was racing to catch a koala sheep, prompting Orora to raise an eyebrow at his antics.

"Has Sokka started to loose it too?" She asked, to which Toph added. "More so then he already had." The both of them laughed at their own jokes, prompting Katara to huff and grab their wrists, pulling them up.

"Come on! This is brilliant."

She spent the rest of the day catching koala sheeps and creating the world's softest bed for Aang. And not for the first time, Orora was grateful for the friends she had accepted as her surrogate family.

Because honestly?

They were all worth the pain and sacrifice.

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And as Orora laid down to sleep that night, her string colorless, she knew what tomorrow would bring.

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And as Zuko laid down to sleep that night, his string a bright glowing blue, he knew what tomorrow would bring.

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Tomorrow would be the day she would face the Fire Nation. And with her family, friends and allies at her side, there was no way they would loose.

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Tomorrow would be the day he would finally leave the Fire Nation for good, free his Uncle and join Aang on his journey to restore balance to the world.

And beg Orora to forgive him for what he had done.

He had a long journey ahead of him, but for once, Zuko wasn't scared.

He was at peace with what fate had decided for him.

And he would see it through this time.

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