#tropes galore

[fandom-trash-goblin]

It's Crazy About ORV hours (once more)

listen i'm actually collecting this stuff now, and i've started using polls because wow some of them are spot on. cheers to me. dedicated to @chocolatemalt (my darling you've been summoned) and @yeetsintotheabyss (hi! it's indeed our orv audience)

link to part 1, part 2, part 3 and a webweave i made out of story snippets that is yoo joonghyuk centric

also, poll images 1,2, poll image 3, poll image 4,5, poll image 6,7

#kim dokja #orv #omniscient reader's viewpoint #yoo joonghyuk #han sooyoung #yoohankim #joongdok #kimcom #webweaving #webweave #web weaving #literature #tumblr quotes #richard siken #poetry #*mine: graphics #tropes #listen okay i remember kim dokja saying he'd love to live in a big house #its cannon #kim dokja company #omniscent reader #tropes galore #also see that poll so close. for semantics sake assume it's 49-51. i wanted the symbolism (no it's not actually 49-51 but can't you imagine #it would have been perfect. hence i cut out the result. oops #poems and quotes #if a writer falls in love with you; you can never die #goddamn #that quote was written for kdj i couldn't no include it #okay commentary over

[griddlecakeszine]

Meat Cutes, a Griddlecakes Zine

#the locked tomb #gideon nav #gideon the ninth #tropes galore #harrowhark nonagesimus #zine #meet cutes #meat cutes

[sea-buns]

I can't believe I didn't make a single post about Imelda and Lance. It's the next day and they're all I can think about but actually putting words to how they make me feel is impossible

#it was just so good #tropes galore #dimension 20 #d20 #mentopolis spoilers #mentopolis #imelda pulse #hv lance

[negativeyield]

runs cold, runs deep (33496 words) by negativeyield Chapters: 10/10 Fandom: Ghost (Sweden Band) Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band)/You, Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band)/Original Female Character(s), Nameless Ghoul(s)/Original Female Character(s), Rain & Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band), Dewdrop | Sodo & Swiss, Dewdrop | Sodo & Phantom, Mountain (Ghost Sweden Band) & You, Aurora/Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band), Cirrus & Cumulus (Ghost Sweden Band), Phantom (Ghost Sweden Band) & You, Aether & Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band)

Characters: Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band), Rain (Ghost Sweden Band), Dewdrop | Sodo, Mountain (Ghost Sweden Band), Aurora (Ghost Sweden Band), Phantom (Ghost Sweden Band), Cirrus (Ghost Sweden Band), Cumulus (Ghost Sweden Band), Cardinal Copia | Papa Emeritus IV, Aether (Ghost Sweden Band)

Additional Tags: Snowed In, Huddling For Warmth, POV Second Person, Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band) Is a Little Shit, Hurt/Comfort, Hypothermia, Drinking Games, Dewdrop | Sodo is Called Dewdrop, reader character is written with she/her pronouns but no physical descriptions, Self-Indulgent, mostly ghoul shenanigans, and me wrapping my head around ghost lore, Protective swiss, a little bit of ghoul POV, Cuddling & Snuggling, Nightmares, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Mutual Pining, Slow Burn, Whump, Head Injury, Healing, Oral Sex, Consensual Sex

Summary: As the snow gave way to your weight and cut you off from the howling wind, the world grew much quieter. You took shaky breaths, trying to bring yourself back to reality. Think of a new plan. Find some help even though you drove for hours without seeing a single other soul on your route. That realization furthered the dread pooling in your belly. Maybe you were as doomed as you feel. Who in their right mind would be out traveling in this weather? __ “Maybe we should turn around?” Rain muttered, glancing out the window of the van with mild unease. “A little late for that,” Dew grunted.

[Or, the ghouls happen upon you caught in a blizzard and nurse you back to health. When the storm snows you in, shenanigans ensue and you end up finding more than some new friends]

READ ON AO3

#IT IS COMPLETE #ghost band #swiss ghoul #swiss ghoul x reader #swiss ghoul x OC #swiss ghoul x angel #mountain ghoul #rain ghoul #sodo ghoul #aurora ghoul #cirrus ghoul #dewdrop ghoul #aether ghoul #papa emeritus iv #cardinal copia #ao3 #hurt/comfort #angst #TROPES GALORE #happy ending #mutual pining #meet cute #sorta

[emeralddoeadeer]

100 word drabble for @thegobletofweasleys jily week ✨ day four: Tropes Galore, selected by random trope generator. a mind is a terrible thing to read

What I've felt, what I've known

Descending the grand staircase with her friends, Lily feels a sudden zap hit her shoulder, causing her to stumble into Mary, and she, Samia, like dominos.

“Sorry, I— I think I’ve been bit or stung or something”, Lily’s fingers skim the tender area, the pain lifting.

‘I hope it’s not serious, I’m too hungry for this’.

“Me too Mary, I think it’s fine—”

Passing the Slytherin table, their lips tightly closed, their thoughts loud.

‘Mudblood— bitch— thinks she’s better than me—’ A litany of cruelty bombarding her.

Sitting in shock at her table, James sits opposite, ‘Merlin, I love her’.

#jily #jily week 2023 #100 words #drabble #tropes galore #a mind is a terrible thing to read

[lambourngb]

Chapters: 1/3 Fandom: Top Gun (Movies) Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Tom "Iceman" Kazansky/Pete "Maverick" Mitchell Characters: Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, Bill "Cougar" Cortell Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Prostitution, Alternate Universe - Pretty Woman Fusion, Military Homophobia, Period-Typical Homophobia, Sex Work, First Time, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Serious Topic Romanticized For Fun, Angst with a Happy Ending, Tropes, Fighter Town Kinktober Summary:

Traditional employment was hard to come by with a dishonorable discharge.

#icemav #pretty woman fusion #au prostitution #tropes galore #fightertown kinktober entry

[isahorcrux]

JILY WEEK DAY FOUR: TROPES GALORE

For @thegobletofweasleys' Jily Week: Tropes Galore, I was given the trope of MORE INSULTING THAN INTENDED (peak Jily trope). Here is proof that's what I got:

Anyway, I promised @sunshinemarauder that I'd do Snape's Worst Memory from my laundry day!Lily's POV and it just fit so perfectly, but I do not have time to interrogate Lily and Snape's entire relationship today, so here's the roughest of drafts of what is to come.

“Leave him ALONE!” Lily shouted.

At Lily’s voice, James Potter and Sirius Black whirled around.Sev was on the ground, choking on the pink soap bubbles that Potter had just conjured.  He’d be alright, Lily had just used that jinx on Black four days ago, but Lily had had enough.  Enough of Sev and Potter constantly at odds.  Enough of Potter teasing her about her deteriorating relationship with her oldest friend (though he didn’t know the deteriorating part).  Enough of Sev constantly accusing her of siding with Potter (which she was categorically not).  And…enough of Potter messing up his hair.  Seriously, why did he always do that?  It was an infuriating habit.

“All right, Evans?” Potter said, sounding slightly out of breath.

“Leave him alone,” Lily repeated, glaring at both Potter and Black, but especially Potter, “What’s he done to you?”

“Well,” said Potter, “it’s more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean…”

The small crowd of onlookers that had gathered around chortled.  Lily noticed Bertrum Aubrey was amongst them, which in her opinion was incredibly rich seeing as not two weeks ago Potter and Black had inflated his head to twice its normal size.  Not that Lily was complaining that much, Aubrey was absolutely foul.  It’d been a sixth year Ravenclaw Prefect who’d given the pair of them detention, though Lily had witnessed the whole thing.

“You think you’re funny,” she said icily, “But you’re just an arrogant, bullying toerag, Potter.  Leave him alone.”

“I will if you go out with me, Evans,” Potter said, flushing slightly, “Go on…Go out with me, and I’ll never lay a wand on old Snivelly again.”

Lily’s mind went temporarily blank.  She stared at Potter, blinking several times.  Did he just…?  No, she must have heard wrong.  That…what?

Luckily, however, her mouth seemed to be working faster than her brain, for she responded, “I wouldn’t go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid.”

Lily couldn’t lie to herself, the snorts of laughter that erupted from the group were deeply satisfying.  What the hell was Potter playing at?  What was his end goal asking her out like that?  To piss Sev off most likely.  Well, it certainly would.  And by proxy piss Lily off, seeing as she’d have to spend the next few days assuring Sev that she would absolutely not be going out with James Potter.

  Lily continued to glare at Potter, who was currently being consoled by Black.

“Bad luck, Prongs,” said Sirius grinning, before turning back to Sev, “OY!”

Sev, now free of the pink bubbles, had his wand trained straight at Potter.  A moment later, there was a flash of light and a nasty cut appeared on Potter’s cheek.

Fucking, Sev.

Potter, who had always been an excellent dueler, wasn’t phased, however.  He immediately whirled around and sent a spell straight back at Sev.  Lily recognized the wand movement immediately, Levicorpus, one of Sev’s inventions.

Well, serves him right.

Lily hated that that was her first thought, but it was.  And there was nothing she could do about it.  Well, she could help him, she supposed.

“Let him down!”

“Certainly,” said Potter, and he jerked his wand upward and Sev fell into a crumpled heap on the ground.

Lily wanted to smack Potter upside the head, but she was too far away.  He was just goading Sev into a fight at this point.  Sev had managed to get to his feet, wand raised to retaliate, when Black jumped back into the fray.

“Petrificus Totalus!”

Lily couldn’t take it anymore.  Sure, she might be still mad at Sev from what had happened with Mary Macdonald right before exams, but he didn’t deserve this.  Two on one with the school’s best duelers.

“LEAVE HIM ALONE!” Lily shouted, pulling out her wand.

Potter and Black eyed her.

“Ah, Evans, don’t make me hex you,” Potter teased.

Lily’s mind flashed to the last time she dueled Potter.  DADA just after they’d lost the cup to Ravenclaw this term, because the Snitch had fucking run into Reg Cattermole and she’d been on the other end of the pitch.  Potter was pissed.  She was pissed.  They’d both ended up in the hospital wing; Potter covered in boils, Lily in feathers.

“Take the curse off him, then!”

Potter took a very deep sigh, as though this was the last thing in the world he wanted to do, but all the same, turned towards Sev and muttered the countercurse.

#jily week 2023 #jily #tropes galore #isahorcrux writes #jily fanfiction

[amos-reviews]

MSP continues to take tired tropes and approaching them in modern ways. Now that Tinn and Gun have agreed to having a ‘talking’ phase of pre-dating, they seem much more comfortable just being themselves around Gun’s friends. Neither of them are doing anything to make anyone think they hate each other (*), which is the usual trajectory when a secret relationship starts between rival friend groups. And even if they are still denying anything official between them, Gun’s friends are seeing how close they see to be and accepting him into the friend group.

It probably helps that one of Gun’s love languages is touch, even with his friends, so Gun jumping on Tinn’s back, or sitting next to each other with Gunn teasing Tinn about feeding him feels natural to his behaviour normally. It’s just nice seeing faux rivals allowed to become friends publicly, even if the relationship is closer than they can admit at this time. Whenever they do win Hot Wave, and they start telling their friends, I doubt anyone would be surprised or react badly.

(* Kajorn is an outlier in Tinn’s friend group, and will be ignored for this observation)

#my school president #tinn x gun #Tinn gun meta #MSP meta #amos rambles #tropes galore

[defo-not-sfw]

Rating: Explicit Relationships: Serena Campbell/Bernie Wolfe Additional Tags: The car was a paid actor, medical convention, Stuck in the snow, there was only one room at the inn, fireside dinner, There Was Only One Bed, the heat went out, Berenice wolfe doesn't wear jammies, First Time, Face Sitting, Cunnilingus, Post first kiss, Awkwardness, Pre-Relationship, Bernie Wolfe is an awkward bean so Serena takes charge Summary:

Polite reminder that you're only ever a few classic tropes away from a gay old time

AT LONG LAST I’VE POSTED A BERENA FIC! 

#berena #serena campbell #bernie wolfe #jemma redgrave #catherine russell #tropes #tropes everywhere #tropes galore #my fanfiction

[inprogress-predicament]

As far as Forbidden Romances are concerned, Mead did it right the second time.

As I age I become more and more uncomfortable with Rose/Dimitri beginnings, but Sydney and Adrian???

Froced Proximity? Enemies (kinda) to lovers? Hating each other at first but growing to live each other sometimes BECAUSE OF their flaws? Having very real reasons for them to not be together but going for it? Actually suffering the consequences of their actions?

AND NO FUCKING INCEST?

Hate that Meade added it at all, but there is a very real reason for it in her world building. She called it out and made a point to show that some characters were weirded out by it. Unlike some people, Meade also only keeps in the incest as needed for her world's consistency, she never romantices it (looking at you Clare).

#Vampire academy #Cassandra Clare slander #Always a hater #Sydney sage ivashkov #Adrian Ivashkov #Vampire academy and bloodlines spoilers fyi #rosemarie hathaway #dimitri belikov #forbidden romance #Tropes galore #Richelle meade #Sydrian

[ghostlyfurball]

big fan when video games filled with characters with loquacious names have one guy with a silly cartoon name. skelly hadesgame. withers bg3. so fun and whimsy

#aerith and bob trope but for this specific phenomenon of guy mcnoun or adjectives mcgee #hades game #baldur's gate 3 #bad posts galore

[absentia-if]

Hello! It's me! that one anon who questioned the very sus brigade or club of KN simps!

I genuinely don't know what happened but i found myself flustered from that 'Last words' snippet you just posted. Most likely because of ur writing bcz so good.

but wtf why am i suddenly intrigued by KN....

'Evil doesn't know how to love, but this something something exception'

like choke me to death and spread my ashes on mt everest...It was that specific line that got me all 'damn' they're kinda good

😂, I think the Kidnapper has that effect on people sometimes. Love, or their version of love, with the Kidnapper would never be what the normal scope of love is— it wouldn’t be sunshine and roses (mainly), and it definitely wouldn’t be the healthiest of things. The Kidnapper would claim you as theirs and there would never be anything that would keep them from you; barring death. When you become theirs they expect you to give your all to them, but, in the same breath, they’d give their all back to you. In a sense, you’d have a very loyal and “devoted” partner that would literally kill someone if they’d try to hurt you.

The Kidnapper is a complex individual and their relationship with love is proof of that. They strongly believe that they can’t love, that evil doesn’t know how because love is inherently good, but that doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t wish to learn if someone softened them to it. Again it wouldn’t be a normal type of love, nor would it be something I’d suggest you partake in, but it’d be theirs all the same. (They’re much more amenable to learning during the Soulmate AU, of course.)

I’m glad you enjoyed the snippet! That truly warms my heart, I adore writing for the Kidnapper because I love their thought process.

#absentia #anonymous #asks #ask #the kidnapper #red flags galore #idiot in love trope #just make that idiot super dangerous and a red flag

[mejomonster]

Someone recommended Colleen Hoover it ends with us. And while I trust that if they liked it I may share their taste...

I read the summary. Idk if i can do it.

#rant #i hate old loves coming back HATE IT actively avoid cdramas and kdramas when that trope appears #i also have some medical trauma galore so a medical guy as love interest doesnt invoke swoon so much as #me feeling nausea and sick and in danger

[osleeplessflowero]

Chapter 2 of L.O.VE and Justice is out!

#bad sanses x reader #magical guardian!reader #magical girl tropes galore #bad sanses fanfic #undertale x reader fanfic #reader has a justice soul

[ohitslen]

Finally got around my journal and started to write down the fics I’ve read, it’s been a hot minute since the last time I updated it

And it’s. There are. So many. I’m overwhelmed because I have them BARELY sorted out in folders.

Most are multi chapters. So like, I don’t know how the fuck I pulled that off while on the hell that was my finals season. Um. It’ll take a while until I get around updating the list here, planning to do a document with them

So um, in the meantime, anyone interested in fics?? Or sharing them, gosh please if you see this please please promote yourself if you are a writer, I beg I love

#most often than not I’ll get around a trope i like and consume a lot of said trope #so lots of soulmates and sick fics in my galore #or however that’s said #FlowerCitti and Dezace are also a lot in the list by excellence please check them out they are super awesome #they are all awesome but they have a special place in my silly heart I love ‘em #I have the shit spoiled out of myself. but again. just the major details so eh you know whatever #I still enjoy them though I think I would enjoy them even more once I’m done with Trimax #ah important to note. I’m not picky with the things I read. I have my peeves but you’ll see some OOC stuff perhaps #not too much. cuz I can’t stand borderline character rewriting OC cosplaying the character #it’s personal so meh #oh purely Vashwood by the way. I won’t elaborate further than that #vashwood #vashwood fanfic #vash the stampede #trigun #nicholas d wolfwood #nicholas trigun #wolfwood #vash #lenssi rambles #trigun stampede #trigun fanfiction #trigun fic

[savage-rhi]

Immortal Shield  Chapter 17: Gifts

**DM or comment if you want to be tagged in updates on tumblr

**To read previous chapters, hit this link

Tagging: @seradyn​

“This doesn’t feel right,” Caelan furrowed her brows. Her eyes glanced about the hotel lobby Ardyn decided to pick out for their stay in Lestallum. The establishment was quite beautiful. A far cry from the rustic look most hotels within the city limits contained. She couldn’t help but feel out of place while watching Ardyn retrieve their keys. 

 Despite Ardyn being disheveled, Caealn could see how he would fit in at such a decadent place. Ardyn had that kind of powerful charisma being a former politician and all. She, on the other hand, felt like trash from a dumpster that managed to tumble weed itself through mud and debris to get a taste. This was a far cry from what she was used to. Even when she lived the life of a crownsguard, her home life was middle class compared to the likes of this place. She felt outclassed here in every sense of the term. 

 Caelan’s negative thoughts fell on the wayside when Ardyn approached, tossing her a keycard that almost slid past her fingers. He chuckled at that while she shot a playful glare his way. 

 “You seemed to be having a grand ol’ time up there with the receptionist.” Caelan said sarcastically, checking out the black piece of plastic in her hand. Her thumb combing over the texture of the keycard. She was used to being handed actual keys at establishments she frequented within Lestallum. It was amazing how something so insignificant in the grand scheme of things could cause a culture shock. 

 “I was ensuring we are not to be disturbed during our stay,” Ardyn said as a matter of fact while he gestured with his head for Caelan to follow. He led the way through one of the grand corridors and up a flight of stairs. The place seemed to be growing in size with every turn they took as Caelan let out a puff of air she had been holding back. 

 “We could’ve stayed somewhere less, I don’t know, rich?” Caelan offered, raising a brow as Ardyn laughed. 

 “Please don’t tell me you’re frightened being here.” 

 “I’m not afraid. I’m a little put off if I’m being honest. Posh and me don’t mix well like it does with you.” 

 “Are you saying I’m spoiled?” Ardyn teased while looking at Caelan, seeing the unimpressed look that swept over her eyes as she shook her head. He couldn’t get enough of it. 

 “I’m saying you should humble yourself if anything.” Caelan countered jokingly. Her brows knitting into a concerned stare. “Do you feel embarrassed having me here?” 

 Caelan was surprised as Ardyn stopped in his tracks. His hand grabbing a hold of her shoulders to cease her movements as his features became serious. His eyes conveyed a hurt that had her astonished. His head canted curiously as he spoke. 

 “Why would you say something like that?” 

 “I mean,” Caelan gestured at herself. How there was grime and debris on her clothes from their trek. Her hair a mess from sleeping on a mattress and sometimes the ground itself. She couldn’t finish the rest of the words. Feeling embarrassed and thrust into the spotlight. Self consciousness was getting the better of her by the minute. 

 Ardyn shook his head. His left hand gently cupping her face as he smiled. “I like you the way you are. Dirty or spoiled, it doesn’t matter to me. ”

 “That sounds so wrong,” Caelan murmured, trying her best not to laugh because she knew he was trying to be sincere. Ardyn himself shifted his gaze for a moment, biting his bottom lip as he too held back. His head leaning in a bit closer to hers as he continued. 

 “As much I despise these words, you need to walk tall. You’re a shield to one of the most powerful beings of Eos. Not many can say they have quite the title.” 

 “Maybe if I had your confidence it would help,” Caelan shrugged. Giving a shy smile as she averted her gaze, unintentionally towards the hand that was holding her face. She could feel her cheeks flush at how warm his hand was. A sadness briefly graced her features while Ardyn let go and playfully nudged her. The latter had her smiling again. 

 “What sort of confidence do you believe I exuberate?” Ardyn mused as they continued on. 

 “I’d call it standing up straight and thinking murder.” Caelan teased. 

 Ardyn chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. Nonetheless, he had to admit to himself Caelan did have a point there. He seemed to radiate such energy towards folks. He could recall during his earlier years before he was chancellor, how he seemed to give off that impression unintentionally towards people of the public. It didn't help for his feeble attempts at friendship, but it did score points with Aldercapt and Ravus at one point. 

 “I’ve had thousands of years to perfect the technique,” Ardyn teased. As they approached another flight of stairs and were getting closer to their room, he furrowed his brows. The concerning gaze that crossed his face didn’t go unnoticed by Caelan as she called him out. 

 “You look like we’re suddenly marching to your execution,” Caelan laughed. “Why the long face?” 

 “It dawned on me that we do have a rather peculiar situation regarding our room. I could only select a single king to ensure we had plenty of space.” 

 “Yeah, that’s not a cliché’ waiting to happen,” Caelan muttered to herself, resisting the urge to snort. She could feel her nerves getting the better of her. 

 “Beg pardon?” 

 “I said it’s not a problem,” Caelan began, clearing her throat before he had the opportunity to call out her lie. “It’s not like we haven’t slept next to each other while we camped.” 

 “Valid point,” Ardyn nodded in agreement. “If you’re uncomfortable, I don’t mind taking the couch. The one in our room is the size of a queen mattress.” 

 “Let’s worry about that later.” Caelan murmured. 

 Ardyn decided not to press the issue as they arrived towards the end of the hallway. The black doors to the room were rather large, carved out of some ancient tree from the looks of things. It radiated otherworldly. He couldn’t suppress the smirk that crossed his lips seeing how intimidated Caelan looked when they arrived at their destination. He cleared his throat, gaining her attention as he used his keycard to unlock the front. 

 “I assure you’ll be singing praises to my accounts when you see what amenities we have at our disposal. You'll forget all about not fitting in.” He said, then gestured with his right hand for her to open the doors. There was a quiet and contemplative look on Caelan’s face as she pushed the the doors open and took her first steps into the room. 

 Her eyes went wide immediately. There was so much happening and yet not happening all at once. The room was elegant and spacious. The warm colors playing up to theme as she felt ensnared and didn’t want to leave. If Caelan had any estimation, it was the size of a whole apartment. A far cry from the small spaces she was accustomed to at inns. There was a large living room, the bed, and a spacious kitchen area. As much as she loved camping, it was an afterthought as her brain rapidly began to process all the things she could do in such an environment. 

 “I love you Ardyn’s bank account!” Caelan yelled aloud. The excitement brimming in her voice had Ardyn resisting an urge to laugh hard as he observed her quickly move from one spot of the room to the next. Murmuring all sorts of commentary about things, and asking a barrage of questions. Most of which Ardyn ignored because he couldn’t keep up. At some point she disappeared out of his sight. Ardyn worried she might've got stuck somewhere as he entered the room and shut the doors. As he made it to the bed, he heard her scream out.

 “The bathroom has a jacuzzi! What the hell?! Ardyn, have you seen these windows, they’re ginormous! Oh my gods!” Her overenthusiasm had him cackling for a time before he sighed and collapsed face first into the sheets and closed his eyes. They had arrived in Lestallum around noon, and he could already feel the pull of sleep beckoning him to turn in. He eventually rolled onto his back, staring at the ceiling as he stretched his legs out, not hearing Caelan pop back in. 

 “How much did you spend on this place?” 

 “That’s classified,” Ardyn said as a matter of fact, his right hand gesturing upward for emphasis before the appendage flopped back down. “Don’t even think about interrogating me. If I didn’t have the means, I wouldn’t have suggested otherwise. I take it you’re comfortable?”

 Caelan hummed, giving a shrug before she too collapsed alongside him. “Very much so.” 

 A wide smile spread across Ardyn’s lips as he let out a deep breath then forced himself to get back up. He encouraged Caelan to do the same before they got too comfortable and would pass out. 

 “I’ll call for the Scepter to be towed here while you bathe,” Ardyn began. “Then I’ll go after you and we can resupply what we’ve lost on our run.” 

 Caelan nodded, a discontented sigh pulling from her mouth. “I have a feeling the car is going to be wrecked.” 

 “You needn’t worry,” Ardyn shrugged. 

 “Easier for you to say,” Caelan huffed. She was surprised when Ardyn flicked her forehead, his expression unimpressed to say the least. Her hands quickly reached to rub at the inflamed spot. 

 “What was that for?” 

 “I need you to quit being a pessimist, it’s so unbecoming.” Ardyn smirked, followed by an honest grin as he shook his head at her. “We’ve been through a lot. Let’s take this time to enjoy ourselves and not think about other problems. Now, go bathe.” 

 “Or what, you’re gonna make me?” Caelan stuck her tongue out. The petty look Ardyn gave had her laughing until he lunged. Caelan let out a scream as he picked her up, hauling her over his left shoulder and strode off with her body as if it was a sack of flour. Her hands squirmed as she demanded he put her down in between laughing fits. He entered the bathroom, plopping her into the large tub then made his way to the doors, pointing at her almost accusingly. 

 “Stay.” He commanded, his voice firm as Caelan rolled her eyes. 

 “Alright, you don’t have to order me like a dog.” 

 “Ah, a fitting beast for one such as yourself, considering you can be a real bitch.” 

 “Oh, fuck you!” Caelan exclaimed, throwing a bar of soap right at the door. Ardyn laughed, slamming the door shut before it could hit him.

 Caelan got out of the tub, letting out a deep breath. There was hesitation before she turned the water on, worried she might break something. When the tub filled, Caelan stripped down and slowly got into the water. A sigh of relief swept past her lips while she looked out one of the large windows. From their view, she could almost see the entirety of the city and make out the signature landmarks of Lucis. It was quite a beautiful sight. Nothing she ever thought would be experienced by herself. 

 Lestallum hadn’t changed much after the Dark Decade. The tropical charm remained despite Eos falling into an apocalyptic wasteland. Caelan observed there were several new buildings. The city having expanded further into the mountains once the population started to boom due to refugees and Insomnia allocating more resources outside of itself. It was one thing to hear about the expansions on the news, but another to see in person. 

 The last time Caelan was here, she had joined up with war refugees after fighting off daemons before uniting with a group of Hunters that were dead set on returning to Leide to reclaim territory. Despite how terrifying the ordeal was, there were many pleasant memories about this place. Especially the food. Locals of Lestallum were big on hospitality and cuisine. That was something she greatly missed being on the run. 

 Caelan’s eyes went to the door. Ardyn’s presence still lingered. She wondered how he felt being back in the place where he kickstarted his bitter rivalry with Noctis. He had mentioned it during their trek to Lestallum how the city marked a turning point; a true beginning of the end when he encountered Noctis and the rest of his friends before they came face to face with the Archean. She made a note to ask him about it later then dunked her head under the water. 

 Hours had passed since Ardyn and Caelan both bathed and pampered themselves. Caelan wasn’t going to lie, as much as she was enjoying the sights and being back in Lestallum once again, she could’ve easily fallen asleep in the tub and wouldn’t have complained about the manner of which she died via drowning. 

 Caelan was able to recollect most of her camping equipment that she had to leave behind in the woods. Her and Ardyn split off once they reached the plaza; he going for the parking lot to meet up with the company towing the Scepter, and she remained in the market. Caelan had about twenty minutes to herself before meeting up with him and decided to finish the last of her shopping. 

 While passing a stall that was selling an array of fruits and vegetables, Caelan took notice of a crafts booth that had a variety of clothes and other garments. Mostly accessories. Given the kind of life she led, she didn’t have needs for things such as necklaces, earrings or the like. However, there was a deep crimson colored scarf with skinny black tassels at the end that captured her attention. As she inspected it closer, there were various organic maroon stripes that really made the initial color pop out more. She checked how much gil she had on hand before approaching the shop owner. 

 “How much for that one?” Caelan asked, gesturing at the scarf. 

 “Only 500 gil today,” The keeper said warmly. 

 “Here’s 800,” Caelan smiled. 

 “Are you sure?” 

 “Absolutely,” Caelan said. 

 It was worth the price considering who she was going to gift this to. 

 Once Caelan finished shopping, she ventured back to the hotel to drop everything off minus the scarf. She kept it in a bag on her person while traveling back to the plaza area to meet up with Ardyn. She was surprised to see he was already waiting for her, standing nearby a large fountain that had recently been installed. If she didn’t know better, Ardyn looked absolutely delighted to seeing her come his way. As if he hadn’t laid his eyes upon her in centuries. It was a peculiar expression, and she thought maybe it was the light of the sun reflecting against his golden eyes playing tricks on her.  

 “You seem peppy.” Caelan joked as Ardyn approached her once she got close enough to the fountain. 

 “Your automobile is one piece. Save for the windows being broken into. I fear the Einherjar did pillage what remained of the camping equipment and tools for your car. I hope your exploits at the market will make up for the loss.” 

 Caelan sighed, furrowing her brows. It sucked to hear that, but in the grand scheme of things, having only broken windows was a scratch compared to other wounds the Scepter sustained over the years. 

 “I just dropped off everything at the hotel. Knowing what you told me, it probably wouldn’t hurt to do another round of shopping this week. I know you said you had everything covered, but at least let me pay for the towing service.” 

 Ardyn chuckled. “You simply won’t ever give up on doing everything yourself, will you?” 

 “I can’t break out of the strong independent woman mentality,” Caelan teased. “It’s not the way I’m wired.” 

 Ardyn playfully rolled his eyes. He wasn’t going to argue with her there. She had done well taking care of herself being on the run for so many years. A feat many he had met in his time wouldn’t be able to accomplish without throwing in the towel early. 

 “I suppose so,” Ardyn said in defeat. His eyes narrowing at the bag Caelan carried as he gestured. “What’s that you have?” 

 “Oh,” Caelan suddenly felt put on the spot. Her fingers traveled up the sides of the bag, giving a squish here and there to make sure she didn’t leave the scarf back at the hotel before she extended her arms out, presenting it to him. 

 “I saw something at the market that screamed you. Couldn’t resist.” Caelan let out a shy laugh. She watched Ardyn take the bag and rummaged through. 

 “No way,” The grin that traveled across his face had Caelan smiling from ear to ear as he took the scarf out. She watched as he examined the material, his fingers feeling the texture before looking up at her sincerely. “You really went out of your way to get me something?” 

 “Why not?” Caelan shrugged, letting out a laugh as she glanced between the scarf and Ardyn. The admiration in his eyes grew as he averted his gaze to the clothing.

 “You bought me a whole ass sword, fixed my car, and took care of miscellaneous stuff I’ve lost track of. This is the least I can do to say thanks.” 

 Ardyn laughed, shaking his head. “I don’t normally have the opportunity to say such things, but I’m appreciative. It reminds me of my old one I used to wear as chancellor.” 

 “The one with the gold circles and squares, right?” Caelan asked for clarification. 

 “Yes,” Ardyn furrowed his brows in amusement. “How did you know?” 

 “I saw you on TV when I was younger, remember? Can’t miss that. It popped out like the rest of your old attire.” 

 “Ah, but of course.” Ardyn started to snicker and he could see he had baited Caelan already much to his delight. Her expression was screaming for him to come out with whatever he had on his mind.

 “I forgot you very much liked to observe me way back when. You found me, what was the word you used? Oh yes, intriguing.” 

 “Don’t you start,” Caelan pointed her right index finger at him accusingly. Her voice stern as Ardyn snorted, letting out a laugh at her expense while her cheeks turned pink. He decided to quit while ahead, for once in his life. 

 “Would you do the honors?” Ardyn presented the scarf back to Caelan. He found joy in her confusion before she put it together what he meant by that. She stepped closer to him, careful wrapping the scarf over his neck. She repeated it a few times, Ardyn watching closely as she made sure it wasn’t too tight on him and had enough slack here and there.

 There was a certain vulnerability Ardyn felt having her do this for him. He knew when he was chancellor, he’d be caught dead letting anyone get this close to his throat. The fact she was mindful of where she touched and how she gently pushed strands of his long hair out of the way further added onto the fondness that was growing in him. He was disappointed when she took a few steps back, missing her presence being so close. 

 “How am I fairing?” Ardyn asked, striking something of a pose while Caelan laughed.

 “You look majestic. In a 'I just rolled out of the bed and this is as good as its gonna get' kind of way.” 

 “You wound my pride.” Ardyn teased. 

 Caelan made a face, shaking her head as she waved him off. “Nah, you look almost regal.” 

 “Is that so?” 

 “Of course, your highness.” Caelan said sarcastically.

 Ardyn approached Caelan, stepping off to the left side of her as he brought an arm around her waist and pulled her close. He didn’t feel her tense up at his action and felt some relief wash over himself. 

 “I found a place we could grab dinner while on my way to meet you. I promise it’s nothing luxurious.” 

 “Thank the gods for that,” Caelan laughed, Ardyn joining soon after. 

 They walked for a time through the city. Passing by small shops, houses, and winding narrow streets. Their conversations were rather simple, like things most normal Lucians would talk about. Insomnia, their overall mission, all of it was an afterthought while the urban environment drew them in and allowed both to be present in the moment. It was a welcome change of pace. 

 At a certain point, Ardyn was intrigued by one of the shops and had to venture inside. He had been wearing clothes that had been tattered and torn for a while and wanted something fresh, inviting Caelan to join him getting a new wardrobe put together. Both of them were having a good time playing around and trying on different things, eventually settling on a couple garments that they couldn’t pass up on. 

 As they waited to be seen at the front end, Caelan couldn’t help but fixate on a rather beautiful dress near the display. The deep blue colors reminded her of the ocean, along with a memory she had thought was long dead. 

 Caelan couldn’t have been older than eight. She held onto Aila’s hand as they strolled down the Pax District of Insomnia. Mother and daughter enjoying a day to themselves while Julian watched young August. The district was calm compared to most within Insomnia’s walls which was bustling with typical city commotion. Nevertheless Pax was busy in its own right. People walked more than drove in this part of the city, and as Caelan looked at every person that passed them both she was soon transfixed by a deep cerulean colored dress on display at a local shop. She stopped walking, her mother following suit. 

 “Mama, you’d look pretty in that.” Caelan said looking up at her. 

 “I don’t think so,” Aila began, a bright smile following her lips as she could see Caelans’ puzzlement at her remark. “I think between the two of us you’d look far more beautiful.” 

 “You’re embarrassing me.” Caelan let out a laugh, her mom reached down to pinch either side of her cheeks out of playful retaliation before rummaging her hair. She could feel her mom gently tug at the two small braids on the right side of her scalp, fingers carding over the beads that signified she was a crownsguard in training. There was a heavy look in her mother's expression. 

 “Mama are you alright?” Caelan asked, sensing there was something amiss. Aila’s eyes betrayed a certain sadness even though she smiled. 

 “Are you happy, Cae? Training with the crownsguard for most of the week?” Aila asked honestly. 

 “I think so,” Caelan shrugged. She averted her gaze for a time before meeting her mother’s eyes. She had no idea why, but a sense of shame could be felt as she confessed. 

 “I miss hanging out with my friends at school. Sometimes I see them when I go to meet Hector for training. They look at me different. Like they’re scared of me. I don’t know why.” 

 “Crownsguard training changes people and makes them strong. It’s a high honor. The other children are intimidated by it. It’s not your fault. I'm sure if you just be yourself, they'll come around.” Aila furrowed her brows, crouching down to her daughters level and pulled her into a hug. “I’ve seen how training has hurt you and how much you miss school. I’ll talk with your dad about calling it good.” 

 “Do you think he’ll be mad that I want to go back to school fulltime?” Caelan asked as her mom pulled back. The adoration in her eyes soothing whatever fears she held. 

 “He might be for a time, but I believe he loves you and he’d rather see you happy.” Aila reassured her daughter, then pointed back at the dress. “One day, when you end up working for the kingdom but on your terms, I’ll be sure one us is wearing that at your ceremony. You, my little one, are going to be great. No matter what that looks like.”

 "What do you think I should be?" 

 "It's not a matter of what I want. It's what you desire. What sounds like a fun job to you?" 

 "Hmm...a librarian?" The uncertainty in Caelan's tiny voice had Aila laughing. 

 "That's a good start!" 

 “Cahl?” Ardyn’s voice snapped Caelan out of her thoughts as she blinked. 

 “Hm?” 

 “You’ve been staring at that dress for a while.” He pointed out. A sly smirk traveled on his mouth as he gestured towards it. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’d want it.” 

 “Pfft, don’t be ridiculous.” Caelan waved him off. She did take another glance over it, a sad sigh escaping her throat as the memory of her and Aila once more tucked away.

 “Besides, there’s nothing practical about it. Not for a shield.” 

 “I could buy it for you?” Ardyn offered.

 “No. Let’s hurry so we can eat. I’m starving.” Caelan let out a laugh, trying to keep herself from falling apart in front of him as she walked past Ardyn to pay for her clothes. 

 Ardyn could tell there was something amiss about her. He turned his head to focus on the dress for a while, truly wondering what went on through her mind. He could see it in her eyes earlier, how Caelan went off somewhere else. It reminded him of the Behemoth incident when she froze. She was still tense after what happened with the Einjerhar back at the pitstop too. Even though she appeared to be having fun, Ardyn could sense from the little nuances she was on guard. Always double checking her environment. The hypervigilance was well needed to be a shield, but it also aggravated him. Mostly because he came to the realization she never really had peace. 

 He could feel the sparks of an idea come to mind. It further grew when he watched Caelan interact with the cashier, both of them exchanging a joke from the looks of things and he could see for that split moment how happy she was to be engaging with someone. The idea blossomed and soon enough, Ardyn couldn’t get it out of his head. He wanted to make her happy. Never did he believe he’d ever feel such a thing again in his miserable existence. 

 There were several ways this plan could backfire on him. He downright knew the consequences that could result, and he knew of the rewards that may also be born from it. His devotion to Aera attempted to tamper down the flame, and he chose to ignore it. Not because he didn’t care for his beloved, but because he knew there was no way he could pull this off for Caelan if he lingered on the past. If the shoe were on the other foot, Ardyn could easily see Aera pulling his idea off to make someone else feel better. He had learned a thing or two from Aera on how to unlock certain emotions people held back by going out of her way to do something sincere. He credited his beloved greatly for his compassion when he first began healing the people of Eos all those centuries ago. 

 Ardyn smiled towards Caelan as she called for him to come bring his stuff. His mind ever growing comfortable with what he would make his mission for the next week. 

#immortal shield #fanfic #fanfiction #ardyn #ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #ffxv #final fantasy xv #caelan zamfir #original characters #alright prepare for tropes galore the next couple chapters #cause its gonna get fucking angsty up in this joint after they're done