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sidekick-hero · 1 day

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(steddie | teen | 1.2k | tags: first date, first kiss, very slight angst | written for the stwg daily prompt kiss in the rain)

Today has to be perfect, Eddie vows as he parks his van in the Harrington's driveway.

Because today Eddie is taking Steve out on their first date.

Frankly, he has no idea how he managed to get a date with the Steve Harrington. Even more, he has no idea how someone as beautiful and kind and sweet and funny as Steve would want to go out with someone like him.

It certainly helps that they saved the world together and share many, many traumas, as well as some horrible scars that tell the story of everything they've been through.

Eddie wants to believe that's not all that binds them, that the months they've spent growing closer over shared custody of Steve's six nuggets, movie nights, and long hours spent smoking and talking on top of the Munsons' new trailer have a lot to do with it, too.

But Eddie also knows that the Eddie of a year ago would have scoffed at the idea of going out with King Steve. Just like that Steve wouldn't have gone out with the town freak.

Which is why Eddie needs today to be a success.

Today has to be perfect.

As he rings the bell, his heart beats wildly in his chest and sweat forms on his palms.

Steve answers the door with a smile that makes Eddie's knees weak. "Hey," he says, and Eddie's mind blanks for a moment. Steve's wearing those jeans, the ones that look like they're painted on, showing off his legs and...other parts. And he has them paired with a striped polo shirt that is not supposed to look as good as it does.

"Hey," Eddie replies, finally finding his voice. "You ready for a day full of adventure?"

Steve grins and nods, stepping out and closing the door behind him. "Lead the way. As long as there are no monsters to fight, I'm game."

Eddie's plan is simple: a picnic in an empty field he found a few weeks ago, but first some good old-fashioned ball throwing to indulge Steve's love of sports. It's no secret that Eddie hates sports, but he's willing to make an exception for Steve. He often feels that Steve is the one indulging the kids, Robin, or even himself, because except for Lucas, none of their friends enjoy sports, either playing or watching.

So Eddie wants to show Steve that his hobbies and interests are important too, and that Eddie can try to be as involved in them as Steve is in his.

They drive to the field with music blasting, a mix tape that Eddie has made especially for this occasion, a perfect blend of his and Steve's taste in music, and he feels a little more at ease as Steve sings along, off-key and carefree. When "Somebody To Love" comes on, Steve playfully nudges him with his elbow and Eddie joins him as they both sing along, grinning broadly.

"Did you bring me here to murder me and get rid of the body, Munson?" Steve jokes at the sight of the empty field and Eddie lets out a theatrical cackle.

"Afraid I'm going to have my way with you, Harrington?"

Heat pools in his stomach at the smile Steve gives him in response.

"Don't threaten me with a good time."

Deciding on a hasty retreat before he does something embarrassing like whimper, Eddie climbs out of the van and goes to the back, pulling out an old baseball and a pair of gloves.

"Thought we could start with this," Eddie says, holding up the ball to Steve, who has followed him to the back of the van.

Steve's eyes light up at the sight. "You remembered."

As if Eddie could ever forget all the secrets and stories Steve had shared with him, while the stars above them were the only witnesses to some of the best moments of Eddie's life.

Steve had told him how he had always loved baseball as a little boy, and how his father had sometimes taken him to games. Looking back, Steve said he probably loved his father's attention and time more than the sport itself, but for whatever reason, it had been his first great love. He collected all the cards and knew everything there was to know about stats and players and rules. All he wanted was to be a player.

When he tried out at school, he didn't make the team. It was only years later that Steve found out why he had trouble hitting the ball with his bat: he had impaired vision, something his parents never bothered with, so he was never examined. At the time, he believed it was because he wasn't good enough, a failure. His dad seemed to think the same thing, because after he didn't make the team, he never took Steve to games again.

Steve hadn't played since, so Eddie figured it was time to help Steve have some good memories of baseball again.

Eddie shrugs, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, figured you'd like it."

They toss the ball back and forth, Steve coaching Eddie on his form, laughing when Eddie fumbles a catch. They're both having fun, and Eddie starts to relax, thinking maybe this date won't be a disaster after all.

But then Eddie misjudges a throw, and the ball smacks him right on the forehead. He stumbles back, more surprised than hurt, but his confidence takes a hit.

"Shit, Eddie, you okay?" Steve rushes over, concern etched on his face.

Eddie laughs it off, though his heart sinks. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just my luck, huh?"

Steve looks relieved but still worried. "Maybe we should take a break."

Eddie nods, feeling like he's already ruined things. He wonders why he thought it was a good idea to throw a ball with an ex-jock when he failed gym class more than once. So much for giving Steve a good baseball memory.

Still, he trudges over to the van to get everything they need for the picnic he has planned. The delighted smile on Steve's face at the sight of the basket and the blanket under Eddie's arm makes him think that maybe all is not lost. But just as he spreads out the blanket and unloads the food he's prepared, he glances up at the sky and sees dark clouds gathering. Still, he clings to the hope that they can finish before the rain comes.

Eddie should have known better. Luck and he have only been acquaintances at the best of times.

Just as they're settling in, the first raindrop falls, then another, and within seconds, it's pouring.

Eddie's heart sinks. This day was supposed to be perfect, and now it's a mess. "I'm so sorry, Steve. This was supposed to be perfect and now —"

Steve cuts him off with a bright laugh, his hair plastered to his forehead, rain running down his face. "Eddie, it's fine. Really."

Eddie looks at him, confused. "But the rain, and the ball, and—"

Steve steps closer, cupping Eddie's face in his hands. "I don't care about any of that. I care about you. You did so much for me today, Eddie." And before Eddie can respond, Steve kisses him.

It's a soft, lingering kiss that makes Eddie forget about the rain, the ball, and everything else. When they pull apart, Steve's smiling. "This is perfect, Eddie."

Eddie laughs, feeling lighter than he has all day. "Yeah, it kinda is."

As they pack up the picnic in the pouring rain, Eddie realizes that maybe perfection isn't about everything going right. Maybe it's about finding the right moments, even in the midst of chaos, with the right person.

#steddie #steddie ficlet #steddie drabble #stranger things fanfiction #eddie munson #steve harrington #stwgdailyprompt #my writing

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ghouljams · 33 minutes

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Lord Mactavish is starting to rub off on you, the terrible corrupting man. None of what the married women in your life told you about sex could have prepared you for him.

cw: does it count as baby trapping if they're already married?

"A woman's pleasure is more delicate than a man's," your mother had told you. Well. You can't see anything delicate about the way Lord Mactavish's fingers plunge into you. Can't find a breath of delicacy in the the quick strokes in and out of your pussy, or in the way they jab at that horrible, blissful, sweet spot near your entrance with pinpoint precision until you're gasping and grabbing at his shoulders. There's certainly nothing delicate in the teeth that dig into your neck, or in the punch of moans out of your body.

No, you find your pleasure to be a visceral, crashing, thing. It always seems to make a mess of your Lord husband's hand, a mess he takes such great pleasure in sucking off his fingers that you're sure that's the only reason he goes to such lengths. Though you're lucky when it's only his fingers that fill you, too often you've been helped out of a carriage with his spend dripping down your thigh. Introduced to members of society while you feel rivulets of pleasure rolling down your leg, your Lord husband bragging about what a test you are, a trial he's so gladly taken on.

You entertain guests with the memory of your husband's tongue still making you squirm. You listen to the man that drags you to bed in the middle of the day laugh boisterously at the assertion that you're sour tempered and prudish. He says nothing in response but you can feel the way his thoughts drip with your slick. You go to parties, and play the part of unwilling socialite, some part of you still desperate to convince Johnny that you're a poor choice for a wife.

Without fail you find yourself in a small space before the night is out, eagerly pressed between cupboard shelves and a taut body, or pushed down behind a bush, or draped over a desk in an all too open library. Punishment, he calls it, but it feels more like a reward for your poor temperament. Your hands twist over your mouth as his hands worm their way under your skirts, and you lose yourself in the pleasure he gives you. It's impossible to ignore the man you've wed, impossible to deny him. Your husband is insatiable, and you quickly find that he's starting to rub off on you.

At a ball he dips his head to ask you, "How's my bonnie wife?" and it curls low in your stomach, the ghosts of his fingers cupping your cunt, bringing up memories of the way his tongue had made a home for itself between your folds mere hours earlier. His voice is always low, always rough on your ear, the same when he speaks to you in the bedroom as it is when he kisses your cheek and tells you he's going off to hunt. You hate when he leaves. The house is too empty with just you and the servants.

Voicing this complaint to him brings a strange fire in his eyes. You hadn't mentioned anything but being bored with just needlepoint(accursed needlepoint) to keep you busy, you can't see any reason for the way he looks at you. He drags you to bed after that, barely makes it up the stairs before he's lifting your skirts.

"Been proper about it," he tells you, though you don't see anything proper in the way his fingers stroke over your slit, or the way he circles your clit until you gasp, "wanted you to ask for 'em before we really started tryin'."

"Trying?" You shiver against the quilt, feeling one of his thick fingers circle your entrance, just barely tapping at the hole before drawing back. Johnny hums, his smile has too many teeth to be friendly. If you were hoping to get an answer out of him it doesn't come quickly. His fingers drag over you, callouses burning a path through your slick folds as he rubs up and down. He has you in such a constant state of need, fucked in the mornings, in the afternoons, fucked over tea and after supper. You're pussy throbs, eager to suck on the thick digits that tease it. Too wet and needy, he's turning you into exactly the same type of beast he is.

You don't know why you keep trying to fight it, why it still makes you feel shy to see him pull his wet fingers over his tongue, or why your stomach still flutters with the fire in his eyes. He encourages you is the problem. He teases you until your cheeks feel like they're burning, pulls at your skirts like a boy with his first crush. He's so eager to see you mad and you give in to it every time. You're rewarded each time you snap at him, finding him dropping to his knees or tugging your skirts up, dragging you to a secluded corner while you kick and fuss. Maybe you're starting to like the game, starting to like the way he chases after you.

Johnny's fingers press into you, two slick digits spreading your sopping cunt while his thumb rubs at your clit. This part you know, but never seem to be able to get used to. The ache and burning drag of his fingers against your entrance, the way they twist with each thrust and spread as he pulls them out. Your hips twitch at the feeling, your hand pressed against your mouth to keep the whimpers he draws from you at bay. You know he likes when you're loud, but that's also part of the game, making him hold you open, making you bare yourself to him.

One sharp curling jab has him hitting your sweet spot. Delicate pleasure it is not, it rushes through you like a tidal wave, making your muscles flinch to tighten with each touch. He doesn't keep you there long, only enough times to hear you moan behind your hand before he's back to stretching you. Giving you enough of a break to hear the wet sucking sounds of his fingers moving in and out of you.

"Be trackin' your monthlies from now on," He tips his head, leans down to kiss your stomach as he rubs at your clit. You arch into the touch, barely hear him murmur, "Have you busy with a bairn in nae time."

Context clues suggest he means a baby. How the fuck did he get a baby out of being bored around the house? You open your mouth and his fingers start their jabbing again. The ache courses through you, your pussy dripping with warmth and your stomach tight. It feels like a something molten is starting to wiggle its way up through you. You feel wetness clinging to your thighs. Johnny looks at you with his cheek pressed to your stomach, his brows drawn together in an expression of desperate want.

"A baby?" You try to sound, well, anything but pleased by the idea. It comes out as a desperate whine, one which only seems to mirror his own feelings.

"Aye love, as many as you want," he coos, "an army of wee ones to chase around."

"Johnny I-" You squeak as his fingers pick up the pace, thrusting into you fast enough to leave you gasping for air. Tight, you're too tight, and you don't have the breath to beg for it to break. You only know that what does break, what feels like a dribble from you, squirts out of you to ruin your husband's coat and leaves you without the words to protest when Johnny sits back and hastily pushes his trousers down.

Your vision is fuzzy, your stomach still tight and your body still buzzing with heat, but you feel good, just barely satiated. Lord he is ruining you. You should close your legs seeing the dark red flush at the head of Johnny's cock, the leaking beads of pre-come that drool from the tip, but they only make you spread them wider. Johnny smacks his cock against your clit, and you hiccup in a breath. He does it again before rubbing his cock against you, watching the way your sopping folds move with the motion and your hips twitch.

By this point you think your insides must have molded to this man. He slips his cock into you like a man coming home. You open so easily for him, let your lashes flutter at the soft stretch as your cunt swallows him whole. He pulls your legs up against his chest, your ankles by his ears and gives a generous thrust, pulling out so just the tip is holding you open before sheathing himself entirely. He hits something deep inside of you that aches with such a pleasant pain that you moan. You tip your head to watch the way his thick cock drives into you, and feel him lean over you, his hands wrapping behind your head to curl you towards him.

The next thrust hits deeper, hurts with more of the flashing pleasure. Deep and dark, the feeling of fullness drips through you following the rolling of Johnny's hips, the thrust of his cock. Your breath hiccups, when you can catch a breath. One of his hands leaves your head to press against your stomach, feeling for himself before skirting lower to thumb at your clit. Your lip wobbles, tears starting to prick your eyes. The attention to your clit makes the tight heat tingle, makes you clench and tighten around him. Johnny moans and pants. His smile is wide and open as the first tear falls from your eye unbidden.

"Oh bonnie," He groans, "it feel that good? You that happy gettin' bred by your husband?" Without reluctance you nod. Your garbled whine for him to slow down goes ignored. Johnny fucks you, toys with your clit, until the pain-pleasure becomes too much and you lose control of the tightness gripping your muscles. Heat pours over you as your legs shake and your cunt flutters, caught between pushing him out and pulling him in. Johnny doesn't do more than lower your legs to wrap around his waist so he can lean down and lick the salty tears off your cheek.

"Have to keep everything in, hen," Johnny mumbles, his hips snapping to yours, "an' thank me for givin' you a load." The hand gripping your head nods it for you as his thrusts start to lose their rhythm. You know the feeling of his cock twitching inside you, the flood of warmth that follows and seems to spurt more out with each drag of his cock, well.

You pout around the soft trickle of tears and Johnny mimics you, pouting right back in a way you don't buy for a moment.

"Thank you," You sniffle. His smile lights up like the sun and leans down to kiss your cheek before the dog of a man drags his tongue across your lips. Perhaps it's your own fault for opening your mouth for him and letting him lick inside. You really over-indulge him, but he always rewards you for it.

"That's my girl," He praises, and it warms sweet in your chest.

Your husband is a terrible rake, but you suppose you like him well enough.

#cod x reader #x reader #x oc #cod x oc #soap mactavish #john soap mactavish #johnny mactavish #john mactavish x reader #soap mactavish x reader #soap mw2 #soap cod #soap x reader #regency au #regency!soap #oc: moon

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s1m0nth3swag · 1 day

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Gotta yap about my Dead boy boyfriends sorry chat

I physically need to talk about them but my friends haven't watched the show yet (WATCH IT OTS SO GREAT AAHHHHH)

Some short imagines/ short scenario type of stuff? Idk

Not proofread (atp I don't know what that word means ngl I never proofread my studf)

It is currently 11pm for me, I am tired, this probably sucks but I do not care actually

☆ Imagine meeting the two for the first time and you genuinely cannot speak because they're both a little too gorgeous, I mean, Edwin slays his outfit and Charles has the biggest brown eyes. Pretty boys fr

★ I just think that, if you're another ghost, Edwin would like you more at first, if you're alive, Charles would (because of the whole Charles hates being dead thing and Edwin doesn't like being around the living)

☆ In this scenario, let's play with you being alive and (mostly) well. Involved in one of their cases, maybe, or you went into Jennys shop to get meat or something (if you don't eat meat pretend you're cooking a meal for a friend or something)

★ Probably immediately you kinda notice a strange aura (totally not Charles staring you down because he's never seen someone as cool and swag as you) - and let's be honest you aren't even surprised when you meet Crystal and she's looking at the corner all weird.

☆ meeting them again however, you probably just had some near death experience (maybe you wandered into a haunted house, or you somehow got involved in the whole Esther business) and you probably don't even care that ghosts exist because yeah, kinda checks out

★ Charles is probably immediately on your heel (Edwin is just the tiniest bit jealous) asking you all sorts of questions (Edwin is just the tiniest bit interested as well)

☆ getting to know them better, Edwin finds he quite likes yapping about cases with you (my autistic ghost boy needs someone that ACTUALLY listens to what he says) he will be overjoyed if he starts talking about a case and you go "Oh wasn't that the one where.." because yes!! It was that case! You remembered!! Good job!!!

★ I feel like the whole relationship would come along naturally at some point. Just you complaining how you can't sleep because your pillow is too warm and both of them offering to stay with you since ghosts are pretty cold

☆ they have the mutual agreement that they're somewhat sharing your affection since you give both of them the same. They'll just have conversations like "did you already tell them [...]" and "Oh, yeah I did could you do [...] for them?" Already being fully in the mindset of 'we can and will make this work with three people'

★ I think Charles would actually have a more difficult time when the relationship officially starts though. He just has so much affection for you and Edwin that he's almost bursting, but Edwin doesn't always like touch so he has ti be careful and look for the signs and you actually have to keep yourself up and cared for instead of being able to cuddle 24/7

☆ Just a silly boy struggling with not kissing and hugging both his partners at all times (though he has two hands, and will be the middle part whenever the three of you walk somewhere.)

☆ Edwin is more a acts of service type of guy while Charles, obviously, is big on physical touch, so whenever Charles holds you back from doing laundry or the dishes, Edwin will do it for you so you can chill out

★ doesn't mean you don't do things for the boys, though. You regularly get books for Edwin (which he's happier about that he shows) and always give Charles the chance to talk to you without any judgement (same goes for Edwin, though he doesn't use that offer as often as Charles)

☆ Imagine Charles rescuing Edwin from hell and that night the three cuddle up with each other even though Edwin and Charles don't sleep, just so you can hold both of them to make sure they're still there and well

#x reader #charles rowland #Charles rowland dead boy detectives #edwin payne #edwin paine #charles rowland x reader #charles rowland x edwin payne #edwin payne x reader #edwin payne x charles rowland #dead boy detectives #dead boy detective agency

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kkuroshie · 2 days

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Your journey

[ Newjeans x F! volleyball player won the poll]

Words: 695

Pairing: Newjeans x F! volleyball player

part 2 [part1]

As the days pass at Hybe University, our routine becomes more familiar. Classes in the morning, volleyball practice in the evening, and hanging out with our new friends in between. NewJeans quickly becomes a central part of our social circle, and I enjoy spending time with them. Their energy and kindness are infectious.

Despite this, I notice that Haerin, one of the quieter members of NewJeans, often stays silent during group conversations. While the others engage enthusiastically, Haerin mostly listens, occasionally offering a shy smile or a few words when directly addressed.

During a break between classes

Hana, NewJeans, and I find a spot under a large tree on campus. The group chats animatedly about everything from upcoming concerts to the latest trends. Haerin sits a bit apart from the group, her nose buried in a book.

"Hey, Haerin," I say, scooting closer to her. "What are you reading?"

She looks up, slightly startled, but then smiles softly. "Oh, it's just a novel I picked up. It's really interesting."

"Cool," I reply, genuinely curious. "What's it about?"

As Haerin begins to describe the plot, I listen intently. Her eyes light up as she talks about the characters and their adventures, and I realize she’s passionate about reading.

"That sounds amazing," I say when she finishes. "You should tell us more about it sometime."

Haerin nods, a small but genuine smile on her face. "Sure, I'd like that."

Later, at the cafeteria during lunch

Hana is busy discussing volleyball strategies with Hanni and Minji, while I notice Haerin sitting quietly, pushing her food around her plate. I decide to engage her again.

"Haerin, do you like volleyball?" I ask, trying to find common ground.

She looks up, surprised by the question. "I do, actually. I used to play a bit in middle school, but I wasn't very good."

"I bet you'd be better than you think," I encourage her. "Maybe you could join us for a practice sometime. It could be fun."

Haerin blushes slightly, shaking her head. "I don't know… I'm not sure if I can keep up with you guys. You're all so good."

"We're all here to have fun and get better together," I reassure her. "No pressure."

Haerin's smile widens a bit. "Maybe I'll come watch first."

That evening, at the volleyball court

Practice is intense but rewarding. Coach Tanaka pushes us all to our limits, and the team's chemistry continues to improve. As we take a break, I notice Haerin sitting in the bleachers, watching intently.

"Hey, Haerin!" Hana calls out, waving her over. "Come down here!"

Haerin hesitates but eventually makes her way to the court. Hana hands her a volleyball. "Wanna try a few passes with us?"

"Um, okay," Haerin says, nervously taking the ball.

Hana and I take turns gently passing the ball to Haerin, encouraging her with each successful pass. Slowly, she starts to gain confidence, her passes becoming more accurate.

"See? You're doing great!" I tell her, high-fiving her after a particularly good pass.

The rest of the practice goes by quickly, with Haerin staying to watch and occasionally join in. By the end, she looks more relaxed and even a bit excited.

After practice, as we're all packing up

"Thanks for letting me join in," Haerin says quietly. "It was fun."

"Anytime," I reply, smiling warmly. "We should do this more often."

"Yeah, you should come to our practices more," Hana adds. "And hang out with us more, too."

Haerin nods, her smile now reaching her eyes. "I'd like that."

In the following weeks

Haerin begins to join our group more frequently, not just for volleyball practice but also for study sessions, lunch breaks, and casual hangouts. She opens up little by little, sharing more about her interests and thoughts. The once-quiet member of NewJeans starts to become more comfortable and engaged, her laughter and insights adding a new dimension to the group's dynamic.

Hana and I are thrilled to see her blossoming, and NewJeans appreciates how we've helped Haerin feel more included. With everyone supporting each other, our bond with NewJeans grows stronger, making our time at Hybe University even more enjoyable and memorable.

#newjeans x reader #newjeans imagines #newjeans #newjeans danielle #newjeans haerin #newjeans minji #newjeans hanni #newjeans hyein #kpop x you #kpop x y/n #kpop x reader #kpop gg

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king-bumis-armpit · 3 days

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Hey! I’m just reaching out to say that I would be really interested in reading the continuation for the “how Zuko finds out Mai and Kei Lo broke up” fic.

I love your fics! Thank you for giving us Maiko content!

Put a Ring on It, Part 2

Find part 1 here

Summary: Mai goes out on a date, and comes back to find her ex-boyfriend loitering in her Aunt’s shop.

Author’s note: Thank you so much to everyone who showed interest in a part 2!! It makes me so happy you all enjoy my silly little stories ^^ And big thank you to @ninolovers. I love your page so much!!

This one got… a little less silly and a little more angsty. And my hand slipped, so I added more sappiness than intended. It’s perhaps a tad ooc, but I hope you all enjoy!!

Also, I’m still taking fic ideas, but I will probably be slow in writing them. Thank you to everyone who’s given me ideas so far <3

Cross posted on AO3 and Tumblr

TW: Canonical violence and more kissing than I normally write.

WC: 3349

“Um… so… what do you like to do for fun?” Kage asked.

Mai held back a sigh. The awkwardness was palpable, but the young man in front of her was trying his hardest to make conversation. Mai knew she should make an effort as well. “I like throwing knives, sharpening my knives, and collecting rare knives.”

Kage ran a hand through his hair. “That’s cool.”

Silence descended once more as the pair focused on their lunch. Ty Lee owed Mai so many cups of tea for this.

She had recently started dating Kaori, one of her fellow Kyoshi Warriors. Of course Mai was happy for her, she liked Kaori well enough and it was nice to see her friend even more bubbly than usual. However, when Kaori’s brother came to the Fire Nation for a visit, Ty Lee not-so-subtly began pushing for a double date. Mai, wanting to be a good friend, agreed. Big mistake. When she arrived at the garden restaurant, it was just Kage. The girls had “urgent warrior business to attend to,” which Mai assumed involved making out in the sparring rooms of the palace.

Nonetheless, Ty Lee had chosen a great spot for a date. The restaurant was outside of the Caldera proper and built on one of the smaller hills overlooking the harbor. The owner of the establishment had turned the surrounding grounds into a large outdoor garden, and installed large picture windows on every wall. Even in the rain, the view was striking.

Mai was trying very hard to keep her irritation at bay. It wasn’t this guy’s fault that Ty Lee had ditched her. And Ty Lee herself was probably trying to help. After Mai’s break up with Kei Lo, Ty Lee had encouraged her to either talk to Zuko or start making a serious effort to move on. This was clearly a ploy to get her out in the dating game again after so many months of refusing. Unless… unless there really was urgent warrior business that involved Zuko’s security.

A bolt of anxiety coursed through Mai’s chest, and she forced herself to tamp it down. That was not a possibility. Zuko was safe. She needed to think about anything else. “I met your sister in prison!” It was a rather inelegant attempt at human interaction. Mai was normally much better at this, and Zuko was the one who floundered.

“Oh, yes. She told me. You and her girlfriend were part of the resistance to Ozai’s rule, right?”

Mai feared that Kage had been told a nicer version of events, but she did not have the mental energy to figure out what was safe to say. If there were rules, then Ty Lee should have come to enforce them. “We were eventually, but first we actually helped Fire Nation conquer Ba Sing Se by pretending to be the Kyoshi Warriors. It was really ironic when Ty Lee became one for real.”

Kage frowned. “So when did you join our side and get arrested?”

Mai stiffened. “That’s a long story. We actually broke my ex-boyfriend out of a different Fire Nation prison.”

“Are you all known for your prisons or something?”

He had no idea. “Umm… some of them. The one my ex-boyfriend was being held in is called the Boiling Rock. My uncle is actually the Warden there.”

Kage smiled, “That’s good! He must have helped you.”

“Uh…” Mai did not know how the conversation had blown up so quickly. “He kind of hated my ex. He threatened to end him for breaking up with me in a letter. But my ex’s friend took him hostage…” Kage was staring blankly at his plate. “Um… anyway, what did Kaori tell you about Ty Lee?” That would have been a much safer place to start.

Kage looked up. “She told me about the aura-reading thing. Ty Lee said my aura was vibrant orange. What about you?”

“She says it's gray.”

He looked sympathetic. “That’s not very nice of her. I’m sorry.”

Mai raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think it’s so bad.” Personally she thought orange was hideous, but she wasn’t going to tell him that. “I like gray. It goes with the steel of my knives.”

Kage pursed his lips. “Right. Your knives.” Mai would’ve thought he’d be used to female knife wielders, being related to a Kyoshi Warrior and all. But she acknowledged that her life story made for a rather unsettling lunch topic.

She searched her mind for a mundane question to ask: “So… how has your visit to the Fire Nation been so far, Kage?”

“It’s been really nice. The scenery is so beautiful here,” he gestured around them meaningfully, to the stormy gardens.

“Are you staying in the capital for the week?” Mai asked.

“Yes. And then my sister and I are taking a trip to Ember Island for a few days. Have you ever been?”

“Many times. I used to go there as a child.” Mai thought back to those sunny days playing with Zuko and Azula in the sand. Then her mind turned to her most recent visit.

— —

After wrecking Chan’s house, Azula declared a tactical retreat before the authorities showed up. The four friends made their way back to the sea-shell cottage, but Mai was too wired to sleep. Azula marched confidently inside with Ty Lee hanging off her arm. Zuko followed, but paused at the threshold, noticing that Mai had stopped.

“I think I need to decompress. I’m going to go for a walk.”

Zuko let the door close. “I’ll come with you.”

Mai pursed her lips. He had said a lot around that campfire earlier, and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it all. She had forgiven him, but it still stung.

Sensing her hesitation, he walked over and took and took her hand. “I'm sorry for earlier. I promise I’ll be quiet if you want me to. Just don't go alone.”

She leaned into his side. “It's fine. I have an idea.”

She led him across the beach in the opposite direction of Chan’s house. They reached a rockier stretch of shore and Mai knew they were in the right place. She guided him through the rocks until she found what she was looking for. A large tide pool lay at their feet.

Zuko gasped, “This is just like when we were kids. Do you remember? We would search for urchin-crabs!”

Mai smiled, “I remember. Why do you think I brought us here? Can you give us some light?”

Zuko created a small flame in his palm and the pair crouched down to peer in the water.

“There!” Sure enough a deep purple spiny shell scuttled across the bottom. Zuko laughed, “I loved coming here because Azula was afraid of the crabs. It was the only time we could play together without her.”

Mai smiled at the memory. “Yeah. But come to think of it, that was probably good for her. It gave her a chance to be alone with your mom.”

“Hmm. I guess that’s true. I hadn’t thought about it before. It’s… hard to think about those times. I know I keep saying this, but everything feels different.”

Zuko stood, and Mai followed with a frown. Ever since Zuko returned, he kept talking about how everything felt off. She knew that he was referring to deeper issues, his relationships with his family and feelings about affairs of state, but it was hard not to take it personally. When he left, she was a shy little girl and now she was a moody teenager.

Mai sighed. “It’s been a long time since you’ve been home, and even longer since you’ve been here. It’s natural that things have changed.” She put a hand on his back. “If you need time to figure out why you’re so upset and so angry, then you can have it.”

Zuko had the nerve to pout. “You normally tell me that not everything’s changed and that I don’t have to worry.”

Mai rolled her eyes. “Yeah, well it doesn’t seem to be helping.” She dropped her arm. “I’m saying that if you need… if you need to be on your own, and reassess what we thought the future would be, you can do that. Just let me know sooner rather than later.”

Zuko furrowed his brow. He was about to speak, and then it clicked. “Are you breaking up with me? Again?! Mai–” her name sounded like a strangled prayer.

“Calm down! I’m not breaking up with you. I just– I don’t know how to help! I thought maybe I was part of the problem.” Mai abruptly sat back down at the edge of the tidepool and brought her knees to her chest. She felt tears prick her eyes and so she hid her face.

Zuko sat slowly behind her. “Mai, you are the only person I have never doubted. When you kissed me in Ba Sing Se, it was literally a dream come true. The only reason I didn’t jump for joy was… uncle. But I really like how you are now.” Zuko wrapped an arm around her.

“I thought I was a big blah.”

Zuko winced, but he didn’t retract his arm. “No. You’re not. I was just frustrated because I can never tell what you’re thinking. I really thought you liked Ruon Jian for a second there.”

Mai unburied her face to glare at her boyfriend. “But why? I hardly spoke to him! He came up and talked to me for like two seconds before you tossed him across the room.”

Zuko chuckled. “That felt good.” Mai narrowed her eyes, and Zuko pulled her in closer. “Seriously though, I think the fact that I’m relying on you so much is part of the problem. I mean it when I say you’re the only thing that hasn’t changed for me. If you found someone else, I would be all alone. And I know that isn’t an excuse to be awful, but I want you to know it’s not like I don’t trust you or anything. I was just scared.”

Mai could relate. Even in his banishment, when Mai pictured her future, Zuko was by her side. For him to return so unsettled in his own vision of the future… it was affecting her more than she’d realized.

Mai tucked her legs under her and put her arms around Zuko’s neck. “Honestly, I’d already forgiven you. Now, tell me more about the feelings that haven’t changed.”

Zuko was smiling broadly now in the moonlight. “First of all, I love you. I trust you. I want to be the person who makes you smile the most.”

Mai blushed fiercely, glad for the cover of darkness, “Okay–”

But Zuko continued, “I’ve always wanted to undo your hair and run my fingers through it.” He moved his hand from her shoulder to the back of her head and took out one of her buns, and her hair cascaded down her back.

Mai laughed, but protested, “Hey!”

“And I want to kiss you.” Zuko buried her fingers in her hair. Mai closed her eyes. They both leaned in. She could almost feel the touch of his lips when–

Sploosh! Something in the tide pool made a noise and Zuko let out a rather unmanly squeal, as they sprang apart. He called the fire back to his palm. Another urchin-crab had joined the first, ostensibly by utilizing the belly-flop method.

Mai cackled, “Looks like Azula isn’t the only one who’s afraid. Don’t worry, my sweet prince, I’ll protect you.”

Zuko smirked. “Please do.” At long last, they shared their kiss. Zuko pulled back to look into her eyes. “For real, Mai, keep protecting me. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

Mai held him close. “I promise. I’ll always be by your side, as long as you want me.” And she was, until she wasn’t.

— —

“Umm… Mai, I asked what you did? On the island?”

Oh, right. She was on a date. With Kage. It appeared she had frozen with her chopsticks halfway to her mouth. Her mother would have some choice words about the propriety of such an incident.

“I always enjoyed searching the tide pools for urchin-crabs. You can also collect shells on the beach if you’re…” She really shouldn’t say stupid, “into that kinda thing. Or you could play beach volleyball.” He seemed unimpressed. Maybe she should try for a joke? “Oh! I had one friend who was really into arson and destroying private property, but I wouldn’t recommend it for your first visit.”

“Right. Well… this has been really great but I just remembered that I wanted to take a walk around the gardens. Alone. So, I’ll just…” Kage stood. “Thank you for your time.” He sprinted into the rain as thunder cracked in the sky above.

Mai had officially been ditched for the second time in one day. Third, if you counted Kaori’s ditching separately from Ty Lee’s. And now Mai was left to foot the bill of both meals, after which she would have the pleasure of walking home alone in the rain. Yippee.

— —

For some reason, Auntie had hung the closed sign on the door. Not that Mai minded, she was most certainly not in the mood for small talk and, in this weather, they probably weren’t getting any customers anyway.

She stomped in and began shaking off her coat. “How was your outing, dear?” her aunt asked. Her tone was weirdly formal, but Mai was too preoccupied to think too deeply about it.

“It was awful!” She whipped her coat in the air, and it made a satisfying crack. “I never–” crack– “want to see–” crack– “another man again!” crack!

Satisfied with the state of her coat, she hung it on one of the hooks by the door and turned to face her aunt. And, standing beside her, was the Fire Lord, ruler of the nation and her ex-boyfriend. Mai said a silent prayer to Agni, letting him know that now would be a good time to engulf the world in a sea of flames.

Auntie Mura broke the uncomfortable silence. “Well, I’ll leave you two to it, then.” With that, she disappeared into one of the many back rooms.

“H-hi.” Zuko looked terrified. He was white as a ghost, and he was holding his hands behind his back in a poor attempt to conceal something. She remembered Ty Lee’s urgent business, and she knew her aunt’s shop was registered as a secure escape location when they were dating. What if there was an attack and his hands were injured?

Mai made her way through the plants in the shop to stand before him. “Are you okay? Did something happen?”

“What?” Zuko asked. “I’m fine. Why?”

“You look shaken. And Ty Lee said… Ugh, never mind. She was probably lying to make out with her girlfriend.”

Zuko chuckled. “You mean Kaori? Yeah, I’ve had to talk to them about PDA on duty. Suki tried but she couldn’t get through.”

Mai allowed herself a small smile. “Good luck.”

Zuko bit his lip. “Mai… the truth is, I am nervous. I ran into Kei Lo earlier while he was engagement ring shopping.”

“What?!” Mai was astonished. They’d only broken a few months ago, right? She didn’t like him romantically anymore, but it hurt to realize he’d outpaced her. Especially with how her date earlier had gone.

“Yeah, I’m sorry.” Zuko seemed very uncomfortable now. “I didn’t think you would care.” She could hear his temper sneaking into his voice.

“I don’t!” It didn’t sound convincing even to her. “I mean, I don’t care that he’s moved on, but now I feel… like I lost a race.’

Zuko snorted, “That’s not how it works–”

“Yeah, I know. Get on with your story.”

“Right,” Zuko continued. “I thought he was going to propose to you and I might… have gotten just a bit jealous.”

Mai’s head was spinning. “If you’re proposing now, I can’t.”

Zuko shook his head. “Not yet.” Her heart fluttered. “But I did get you something.” He brought his hands in between them and offered her a long jewelry case. She opened the lid. Inside rested a beautiful silver necklace. The charm was a plum blossom, her namesake flower, and in the center sat a garnet, her favorite gem.

“I don’t know what to say. It’s gorgeous, and it’s exactly my taste, but why?”

Zuko delicately took the necklace back and moved behind her to clasp it around her neck. “When I was in that shop, I realized that I would never be happy if I didn’t try to fix things again and remind you of how I feel. I know it’s been a long time since our breakup, but consider this an apology and a vow to do better.” His fingers grazed her nape as moved her hair back in place over the necklace.

Mai crossed her arms. “And do you know why you have to apologize? You can’t just throw jewelry at me.”

Zuko walked back around and grasped her upper arms. “I never should have stopped talking to you. I never should have hidden things from you. Mai, I was afraid you would realize how bad of a screw-up I was and leave. But, in the end, I drove you away on my own. I am so sorry. Please–” his voice broke, and a tear rolled down his cheek. “Please come back.”

“Okay,” Mai’s own voice was quivering and her vision was blurry. She embraced him tightly. They stood like that for a few minutes listening to the rain fall.

Mai realized that she still had that same old fear of heartbreak and future rejection. It was temporarily sated, but she could sense it beneath the surface. Perhaps it was part of her, and nothing to do with Zuko at all. She held onto him with all of her strength. She had always known the reason he brought out that emotion was because she loved him in a way that she hadn't loved anyone else before or since. It was so worth it, there was no one else for her. Now, it was her turn to trust him to protect her in the future. And she found that she did.

“This is the best day of my life,” Zuko whispered into her hair.

“And it's all because of Kei Lo?” she asked teasingly.

“Honestly yes. I wouldn't have had the courage to talk to you without him.” He pulled away slightly to frown at her. “Especially since your Aunt told me you were on a date.”

Mai laughed. “Don't worry, you heard how that went.”

Zuko remained unmoved. “Was that guy rude or creepy to you?” He moved his hands to her waist and brought her close again. “I can and will have him exiled if he–”

“No, no, no.” Mai assured him. “I think I was the weirdo. Besides, he’s Kaori’s brother so he's returning to Earth Kingdom soon anyway.”

“Good riddance.”

“Zuko, you don’t even know him.”

“I don’t need to!” he insisted. “At least you were happy with Kei Lo.”

Mai rolled her eyes. “Kei Lo was my boyfriend, and Kage was a blind date. There’s a difference there.”

“Well I don’t like him! I wish I knew the second you and Kei Lo broke up. I would have been here in a heartbeat.”

Mai caressed his cheeks. “You could have visited sooner, as my friend.”

“I’m not proud of this, but I don’t know if I could have handled that.” Zuko was right. They both had a lot of progress to make.

“I understand… I probably would have turned you away. I’ve still been figuring things out too.”

Zuko smiled, “Can we figure them out together?”

Mai smiled back at him. “Honestly, I would love that.”

They leaned in, and, as their lips met, the sun appeared from behind the clouds. Even through the windows of the shop, it reflected the gold of his crown and the silver of her necklace in a brilliant array.

#atla maiko #avatar the last airbender #atla #zuko #mai #atla mai #atla zuko #maiko #mai x zuko #zumai #atla fanfic

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the-twilight-sword · 2 days

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Arlecchino, Penguins, and Angels

This theory has a bit of everything.

Naming Parallels

Perinheri- the in-game book confirmed to be related to Arlecchino's past by her 5th character story

Peruere- her birth name

Pers- Freminet's pet penguin's namesake, readable as the in-game book Tales of a Snow-winged Goose. This is based on Mother Goose from our world, which has a harlequin variant. This book also includes a story about a "Princess Marcotte" who is clearly meant to be Clervie.

Le Père- the French word for father

Hleobranto Innamorato & Blade Runner

Hleobranto Innamorato is the other name for the book Perinheri, and seems to be based on our world's Orlando Innamorato and Orlando Furioso books. In volume two of Perinheri, we hear about Hleobrant and his unrequited love for Angelica, which parallels our Orlando books.

This is further corroborated by the local legend Fairy Knight Twins, Angelica and Medoro. In our Orlando, Medoro is the man Angelica ends up with. The achievement for defeating them is called "Tears in the Rain", a reference to the Blade Runner monologue that is repeated in Tales of a Snow-winged Goose with the line "from red giants to white dwarfs, from the shoulder of Orion to the glimmering Tannhauser Gate..."

The central theme of Blade Runner is the divide between the humans and the replicants, something paralleled in Perinheri and Tales of a Snow-winged Goose. In Perinheri, it says that the Crimson Moon dynasty existed before birds split into domestic and wild kindred, and Tales of a Snow-winged Goose says that seagulls split into two races; seagulls, which continue to fly; and auks, which would never take to the skies again. Clearly, the metaphor here is that humans have split into two races.

It wasn't until I watched this video that I began to understand what these parallels might mean for the overarching storyline. Crucially, the replicants are soldiers for an interstellar war designed so that humans don't have to fight.

Angels & Seelies

This is Arlecchino's boss form. Typically, she has just half a wing, but here, she has six. I most frequently see this design being likened to the appearance of a spider (which would match visually with the Black Widow), but I see this has the six wings of a seraph. In Judaism, seraphim are angels associated with fire, constantly burning; seraph means both "burning" and "serpent".

I don't think it's a stretch at this point to say that Seelies are angels. In fact, there are measures to prevent Seelies from falling in love (and having offspring) with humans- why would this be? Perhaps to avoid creating a Nephil, as might happen according the Book of Enoch (which Genshin takes inspiration from). The Earth is understood in Jubilees and Enoch to have been flooded, inp part, for the sins of the Nephilim, which included drinking blood.

Kaeya & the Blessing of the Crimson Moon

Arlecchino can use the blessing of the Crimson Moon's blood, probably due to her lineage. The same goes for Kaeya, who, like Arlecchino, isn't effected by the "curse of wilderness" which Chlothar says turns all but pure-blooded Khaenri'ahns into monsters.

If you read the lore for Arlecchino's weapon, the Crimson Moon Semblance, you will understand the connection. The drinking of wine symbolises receiving the blood, and the blessing, of the Crimson Moon. How does this connect to Kaeya? Recall his father's letter from Hidden Strife. The Alberich clan are connected to the concept of purifying flame, the same concept as purgatory.

The Wagner Section

For me, every great Genshin Impact theory needs a reference to the operas of Wagner. In this case, it's the "Tannhauser gate" line in the Blade Runner monologue, a possible reference to Tannhäuser, the opera. It follows a bard of sorts and his infatuation with Venus and her underground realm "Venusberg". The evening star in our world is in fact not a star at all, but the planet Venus, and is associated with the fallen angel Lucifer (the demon to which the Ars Goetia's Paimon is obedient to). Khaenri'ah, the underground nation with its star motif, seems to reference Venusberg.

#genshin impact #arlecchino #peruere #kaeya

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