#we'll get through our hardship.. together.

[lurkingshan]

Love for Love's Sake Episodes 7 & 8

Well holy shit, that went in some directions I never imagined, and it was very dark indeed. I can't believe this intriguing little show is already over. So let's unpack what happened here.

My interpretation of everything we learned in these final episodes is that Myungha already died by suicide in the real world after a series of hardships, including the death of his grandmother, a long-term struggle with depression, and rejection from his ex and his mother, and the author gave him a chance to live again in the game world. The ending suggests he will now stay in the game world with Yeowoon and get another chance at life where his core objective is to make himself happy, and any expectation we had that he would have to return to the real world is out the window, because his life there has already ended.

But what exactly is this game world? I don't think we'll ever fully know for sure. Certainly, the show did not explain the how of it, or tie together all the vignettes we saw of Myungha and the author discussing their philosophy on life in a clear throughline to how we got to the game. The game world was purportedly based on the author's fictional novel, but all along it has taken on the features of Myungha's real life, including all the significant people we saw in his first life flashbacks. His grandma is here, his mother is here, his ex is even here in the guise of Yeowoon's agent. Myungha's memories and consciousness seem to inform the way this world was built, even as he did not create it. The author is given the role of Creator, somehow designing this world for Myungha to try to find happiness via seeking to make someone with very similar experiences to his happy.

Now, on this point, I don't think everything that happened in the original iteration of the game totally holds up. The way the author was messing with Myungha and forcing cruel choices on him really does not track with a desire to help him find happiness, and the point where Yeowoon seems to discover the game and somehow intervene to pull Myungha back in was lacking some clarity. And I wish the show had grounded us in Myungha's experiences earlier on rather than holding everything back for the sake of mystery--I do think that choice got in the way of a more coherent emotional arc for our protagonist.

But despite those quibbles, I still was able to connect with Myungha's struggles. This is a boy who has been so mired in his own misery that he doesn't know how to let anyone else in. He is too afraid to trust and let someone care for him in the way he cares for others. I wanted to reach through the screen and strangle him when his own emotional paralysis caused him to destroy the game--Yeowoon was telling him exactly what he needed, but he couldn't find the strength within himself to give it to him. And this is why knowing Yeowoon is exactly what he needed to see a different path for himself, because Yeowoon has experienced many of the same hurts but still finds within himself the ability to trust and rely on Myungha. Yeowoon is the stronger of the two of them, and Myungha needed to learn from him to overcome his own cowardice. Their happy reunion in the game world felt earned, and I believe in Myungha's ability to try again at both life and this relationship without holding back this time.

This show definitely wasn't perfect, but it really did some interesting things and left us with a lot to think about. I am looking forward to reading everyone else's interpretations of these final episodes, and Myungha and Yeowoon will be staying with me for a long time.

#love for love's sake #korean bl #kdrama #shan shouts into the void

[bagopucks]

J. Drysdale - Lady May

✄————————————

Jamie Drysdale x Reader

Word Count: 1k

Warning(s): Nonnneee, just sweetness <3

This was that Jamie fic I’d been saving for a rainy day. Just something mediocre and small to get everybody through the drought of content. You lot are always on my mind.

Much love

-Ella

—————————————

I'm a stone's throw from the mill

And I'm a good walk to the river

When my workin' day is over

We'll go swim our cares away

He beams down at his phone, the contact name of his lovely girlfriend popping up. Jamie has to pick up. There’s not a single scenario he can think of, where he wouldn’t pick up.

You’re rambling. Excited. Jamie’s coming home, and you just can’t wait.

He’s promised to get you out of the house when he returns. He doesn’t want your reuniting to be spent with Trevor. So he promised he would take you out. He mentioned the beach once or twice, it’s the only thing you can think of now.

Put your toes down in the water

And a smile across your face

And tell me that you love me

He smiles as he watches you run down the sand. The sun has begun setting over Anaheim. Jamie is happy. You are happy. He knows by the look in your eyes when your feet hit water and you’re turning to look at him. You smile too. You always smile when you’re with him.

Nothing makes him happier.

Except the whispers of, ‘I love you’ as you lay on a towel in the sand, staring up at the stars and imagining your futures together.

And as you turn back around, he is left to his nerves. The ultimate excitement of what is to come. He couldn’t imagine his future without you. The mere thought pains him. So he imagines the past you’ve both shared instead.

Lovely, Lady May

Jamie would do anything for you.

Now I ain't the sharpest chisel

That your hands have ever held

But, darlin', I could love you well

Til' the roll is called on high

Jamie smiles when you ease him through things. When Trevor makes fun of him for not knowing something, or when he feels horrible for missing out on or forgetting something you want to do. He always apologizes. You always assure him that you could never truly resent him.

He likes to remind you though, that he does love you. And you know he does. His love speaks volumes when nobody is watching. You prefer his love that way. He does too.

I've seen my share of trouble

And I've held my weight in shame

Jamie grins through the pain. Nothing hurts worse than hearing his performance on the ice being criticized from all sides. He hates especially, to be alone when it’s happening.

But you’re there. Whether it’s in person or on the phone. You remind him of your pride. You remind him that the game is changing, and sometimes the old dinosaurs simply do not know what they’re talking about. You remind him, that no matter his faults, he is a good man.

But I'm baptized in your name

Lovely, Lady May

Jamie would cross oceans for you.

Lord, the wind can leave you shiverin'

As it waltzes o'er the leaves

It's been rushin' through my timber

Jamie could grin through the loneliness. He hated being alone. He hated not having someone to go home to, but he put on a good front when he had to.

He was the new kid on the Ducks. Nobody wanted to hear about his hardships. Even if the move away from home was difficult. Even if he missed his mother. Even if he missed his home.

Til' your love brought on the spring

He smiled wider when he met you. Bright and beaming. Excited and youthful. You were his saving grace. You were the end to his loneliness. You were his peace, and his comfort.

Now the mountains all are blushin'

And they don't know what to say

'Cept a good long line of praises

Nothing makes him smirk more pridefully, than watching you accomplish your dreams. He’s smug knowing he’s with a woman who can conquer the kingdoms of her professions. Jamie can think of nothing but loving words for you when he sees the obstacles you’ve climbed. Sees you holding your diploma. Sees you getting your dream job. If anybody ever asked him to write a song about you, it would be as full of life and wonder as you are.

For my lovely, Lady May

Jamie would move mountains at your beckon call.

Now, I ain't the toughest hickory

That your ax has ever felt

Jamie smiles when he cries. Because he knows you’re there to hold him. It’s not always a physical smile, but an internal one. He can be the ugliest crier in the universe and it wouldn’t change a thing. You’ll hold him until he’s safe from the world around him.

But I'm a hickory just as well

I'm a hickory all the same

He’s beaming when he gets to do the same. Jamie loves paying it forward. Especially with you. You patch his cut finger, he’s ready with a first aid kit when you get something in your eye. He’s strong despite his gentle exterior, and he will always support you when he knows you simply can’t hold yourself.

I came crashin' through the forest

As you cut my roots away

Jamie smiled when he knew you had sunken his battle ships. When he no longer had the strength to fight his feelings. He smiled again when he realized that all along, you had put forward endless amounts of effort to get him to fall for you.

And I fell a good long ways

And Jamie smiles now.. watching you hold the child you brought into this world. He never thought he could have seen more wonder in your eyes than he sees now. He finds it astounding that the world never broke you. He finds it even more mesmerizing, that it was your resilience that pushed back against the universe for years before him. He falls deeper and deeper in love with you, each time he hears your gentle voice coo to your child.

He cant imagine a world without you. Now he can’t imagine a world without you, and his beautiful baby girl.

For my lovely, Lady May

And Jamie beams all the same when he puts one knee in the sand, awaiting the inevitable moment you’ll turn from the ocean, to peer upon the ring he held so delicately. Like he wishes to hold you.

For far longer than eternity.

#nhl imagine #nhl x reader #jamie drysdale blurb #jamie drysdale imagine #jamie drysdale x reader #jamie drysdale #trevor zegras #anaheim ducks #ella’s updates

[asadenzine]

Compiled from suggestions from our followers, here it is, our Asaden fic rec list! Check it out and don't forget to submit your prompts for Asaden Fest -  prompting closes tomorrow! 

One Shots: 

Falling by potatowithapen 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/44569390

Asa falls and cuts Denji, then kisses it better.

*

Nobody's Son, Nobody's Daughter by claudialilyso

https://archiveofourown.org/works/45298543

Denji never mattered to anyone. And it never failed to choke Asa up. All of the people she'd ever known were gone, there was no one left who cared. The two of them were just nobody's kids, trying their best, failing most of the time.

*

May I Waste Your Time Too? by MinniMaster

https://archiveofourown.org/works/45179473

Denji likes music but only listens to the beeps and the boops.

Asa likes music but gets really into lyrical analysis.

What would happen if they listened to music together?

*

Cooties by Akaashisflowercrowns 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/44945308

Asa has resentment towards the new boy in class.

He's loud, annoying, and all around disruptive

But when she offers him help with studying after school, she finds that he's not so bad after all. 

*

jellyfish glow by PrettyKittyLuvsU

https://archiveofourown.org/works/43521069

The aquarium date is imperfectly perfect, in a messed up devil-infested way of course.

*

Crimson Rain by Strawberry Smoke

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41513529/chapters/104113518

Mitaka Asa, since moving into Denji's apartment, had seen many rains, including the ones outside their bedroom window, the ones in black and white on TV screen, and the ones in crimson somewhere. She hugged him in every single rain.

*

Lover Boy by Claudialilyso

https://archiveofourown.org/works/45326173

It's not that she hated Valentine's Day. It's just that she would enjoy it more if she wasn't hopelessly lonely...

Multi-part: 

Stray Dog by LadyofBoneandIvory

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41513529/chapters/104113518

Every night, waitress Asa Mitaka gives her leftover food scraps to a local feral teenager named Denji. Denji doesn’t know what to make of her attention. Asa’s true intentions? To give him a bath, of course.

An alternate universe that occurs before the events of Chapter 1/Episode 1.

*

A Meter Away from You by Pink_Pastel

https://archiveofourown.org/works/42423831/chapters/106540938

Denji and Asa frequently meet on the rooftop, bicker and fall in love.

*

The desk next to me by Strawberry022

https://archiveofourown.org/works/45412306/chapters/114258589

Denji just wants happiness.

It's something he's always looking for for as long as he can remember, but every time he's close to being happy, something always happens. Someone always intervenes and, he's tired of it. So, he decides to take refuge in his alter ego, Chainsaw Man. Because everyone loves the great and cool Chainsaw Man, right?

That's what he thought until he met Asa Mitaka, a girl with pigtails, who claims to hate the chainsaw devil. But Denji is still looking for someone who will love him for who he is.

He wants someone to truly love him and for that person to love his heart. When Asa asked him out after calling him a loser, Denji thought that this girl would be his girlfriend very soon, but he was wrong because she was the same as the other girls he met or maybe not.

Denji and Asa will go through many hardships, fighting against those who try to separate them, their enemies and even bickering among themselves in constant give and take, but they will learn to love each other. They will learn the importance of self-love, friendship and family.

If there are any additional fics that you'd like to recommend, send us an ask and we'll go ahead and post them!

#Asaden #Chainsaw Man #CSM #Asa Mitaka #Denji Hayakawa #Asaden Fest #Fic Recs #CSM Fic Recs #Asaden Fic Recs

[asa-do-your-thing]

An Eye for an Eye - 05

“Kindling in the Grove”

Osferth x F! OC - 18+ MINORS DNI

Word Count: 1.6k

Warnings: fluff, sexual innuendos, adults talking about sex, just general saucyness

Aemma walked along the overgrown trail in the forest, collecting fallen limbs and branches, her short legs striding quickly. The tall grass brushed against her rough-spun dress and twigs crunched underfoot. She placed each log on armfuls of kindling and barked at Osferth to gather their bedding from the horses as she crouched over the pile to light a fire starting with some tinder.

Despite the growing storm clouds, Aemma and Osferth worked together in an easy camaraderie that had been forged in the short time they had known eachother.

"One more log, and I think this should be enough," Aemma said, adding a few logs to the pile in front of Osferth.

Osferth nodded in agreement and struck the bellows to life with a glowing ember. "Let's finish up before the rain starts properly."

As if on cue, the rain started to lightly fall around them in a drizzle. "Right," Aemma said with a smile, turning back towards their task.

Aemma looked up at Osferth with a thoughtful expression, wondering what their journey had in store for them. "Do you know what we have to do in Cirreanceastre?" she asked quietly.

Osferth paused his work and met her gaze steadily, sensing the seriousness of her question under the layer of everyday banter between them. He considered her thoughtfully before replying, "No," he said simply. "But I imagine it will be difficult."

The dim light of the campfire gave a slight warmth to the cold night and Aemma and Osferth had just finished setting up the tents when they heard the sound of hoofbeats in the distance.

As it drew closer, they could hear the jingle of armor and the rustle of fabrics. Aemma's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the familiar forms of Finan, Sihtric, and Uhtred.

Their faces were weathered by years of battles and hardships, but their eyes held an indomitable spirit as they dismounted from their horses.

"You made it!" Aemma exclaimed, embracing each one in turn.

"Aye," Uhtred smiled, his eyes twinkling in the firelight. "We wouldn't miss this journey for anything!"

Finan nodded in agreement, rubbing a hand across his whiskered chin thoughtfully. "It's time we make our way to Cirreanceastre."

Osferth nodded respectfully at them all before motioning towards their supplies. "Let's get ready for tomorrow," he said curtly.

Uhtred surveyed the campsite with a delighted smirk, his gaze never missing a single detail. "Excellent work, Osferth, Aemma," he proclaimed, his voice reverberating across the meadow like a lion's roar. He swept his cape behind him and gave a nod of approval. "We'll make this our base camp before we set out to fulfill our mission."

Osferth and Aemma exchanged a glance, sharing a small smile. As the others settled around the fire, Aemma took the opportunity to make herself useful, offering them each a plate of roasted meat and a tankard of ale.

As they ate, Uhtred's gaze settled on Osferth and Aemma. He cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "I have news to share," he began, his voice low but commanding. "We've received a secret message from King Alfred. He has tasked us with a mission of great importance."

A hushed silence fell over the group as they listened intently. Uhtred continued, his words carrying a heavy weight. "We are to infiltrate the camp of a Thane who has been harboring ambitions against the kingdom. Our objective is to eliminate his son, who poses a threat to Alfred's plans."

The gravity of the mission hung in the air, and the fire crackled as they contemplated their roles. "This is no easy task," Uhtred said, his eyes meeting each of theirs. "But it is a necessary one. The fate of Wessex rests on our success."

Uhtred sat in front of his men, trying to keep cool despite the sweat that soaked through his tunic. He leaned forward and grabbed his sword tightly, resting it against his chest. "We could charge into battle and hope for the best," he mused. "Or we could be smart about this and plan a proper attack."

"I agree with Uhtred," said Finan. "We need to think before we act."

Sihtric cleared his throat. "But how do we infiltrate the Thane's son's camp?"

Osferth chimed in, "I suggest we scout out the area first and assess our options."

Uhtred nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, so Finan and Sihtric will lead the scouting party. Osferth and I will gather intel from the locals. And Aemma, you'll have to use your charms to lure away the Thane's son."

Aemma raised an eyebrow skeptically. "And how am I supposed to do that?"

Uhtred smirked. "I'm sure you'll find a way."

"Still, under which pretense am I to lure him away? Should he think that he should help me? Or do you want me to lure him out for a rut? Because if it's the latter, I'm afraid that'll be difficult. These men could do it anywhere, hell, I've even seen a nobleman bending over a maid while she was cooking," Aemma said with a nervous twitch in her brows.

"I... I cannot think of anything to lure him out." She let out a sigh and rested her head on her arm, finishing her ale. "Come on, you lusty dogs, I'm sure you can think of something," she said with a small grin and watched Osferth turning a deep shade of red.

"I... ehm, I do not know...," he choked out and looked at Finan for help. "You're the kind of man that knows his way around these things? Or... Sihtric? Maybe even you, Lord Uhtred?"

Finan grinned mischievously and leaned forward. "I've got just the thing," he said, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

Aemma raised her eyebrows, intrigued. "Go on," she urged.

Finan leaned in closer to Aemma and whispered a plan in her ear.

Aemma's cheeks flushed as she listened, but she couldn't deny the thrill of excitement that coursed through her.

"I can do that," she said, a sly grin spreading across her lips.

Uhtred nodded in approval. "Good. We leave at first light. Everyone rest up. We have a long day ahead of us."

With the plans for the next day set, Uhtred bid everyone goodnight and retired to his tent. Finan and Sihtric followed suit, leaving Osferth and Aemma alone by the fire. The shadows from the trees danced in the orange light of the flames as Aemma stirred some more stew in a pot over it. She offered Osferth a bowl before taking her own, settling down beside him.

As they ate their meal silently, Aemma couldn't help but feel an odd sense of excitement. This mission was dangerous yet exhilarating - she felt like anything was possible right now. She turned towards Osferth with a smile; he was so composed despite all that lay ahead for them tomorrow.

"We can do this," Aemma said firmly, her gaze meeting his own determined one. "Our skills combined with Uhtred's experience will make us almost invincible." She paused for a moment as she thought about how far she had come since joining forces with these men months ago. "We can do this," she repeated softly before falling into silence once more, watching the lights flicker against her skin.

A few moments later, inside their shared tent, the awkward tension between Osferth and Aemma was palpable. They avoided each other's gaze as they settled onto their respective bedrolls, their movements careful and deliberate.

"Good night, Osferth," Aemma said hesitantly, her heart battling between desire and caution. They had dreamt of laying together and even of marriage - yet, as reality sunk in, she could not help but tremble in fear. If she gave in to temptation now, what would the other men think? She knew that Osferth would never hurt a pup that resulted from their time together - but what else did he have to offer?

“Good night, Aemma,” Osferth muttered reluctantly. He couldn’t help but glance up at the ceiling in search of the right words—words that he was unsure he possessed. The thought of her proximity had stirred something within him on their horseback ride, and he had to adjust himself discreetly in order to make sure she wouldn't pick up on it. Though it was his job to make a move, this situation felt more intimidating than any battle could ever be.

Time seemed to stand still as Osferth gazed upon Aemma, his heart in his throat. She was breathtakingly beautiful, her almond-shaped eyes heavily lidded, her hair clasping her as if it were a protective forcefield from the world outside. Her white linen dress clung to her curves like a second skin and those soft full lips, Osferth thought he would never have the courage to kiss them. His fingers itched to reach out and touch her, yet fear of rejection kept him rooted in place. He wanted nothing more than to bridge the gap between them, but in that moment, she seemed so much further away.

Eventually, the sounds of the night enveloped the camp—the rustle of leaves, the distant hoot of an owl, and the soft breathing of his companion. Just as Osferth began to drift into a restless slumber, he heard a gentle snore emanating from Aemma's direction.

He chuckled softly to himself, realizing that she was indeed just a human being, and not some part of his imagination. But the sound, strangely comforting, helped to dispel the tension that had plagued the evening. In the darkness, Osferth allowed himself a small smile, feeling a growing connection between them—a connection that was built on shared experiences, mutual support, and the promise of a brighter future.

With a contented sigh, he let himself succumb to sleep, feeling the warmth of the fire's glow and the soothing rhythm of Aemma's soft snores guiding him into dreams.

#asas fics #asa writes #The Last Kingdom #the last kingdom fanfiction #uhtred the last kingdom #osferth the last kingdom #osferth #osferth x oc #osferth tlk #osferth fanfic #finan tlk #finan the agile #sihtric kjartansson #sihtric tlk #Uhtred #Uhtred Ragnarsson #uhtred tlk #fanfiction #fanfic #Ewan Mitchell

[drarrily-we-row-along]

Day 237: Lover

Listen. I am apparently on a song inspired kick at the moment. Thanks to everyone who's sent me a song as a prompt. <3 This one is based off of 'Lover' by Taylor Swift.

When Draco came into the living room, Harry was staring forlornly at the lights they'd strung around the room for Christmas at the end of November. He hated that look, hated it when Harry looked small and sad.

Draco stepped up behind him and wrapped his arms around Harry's waist, kissing his neck and nosing the collar of his Weasley jumper down to press more kisses against his shoulder.

Sighing, Harry leaned back against him and put his hands over Draco's arms on his waist. "I hate taking the lights down," he murmured.

"Oh?" he asked, lips still pressed against Harry's neck.

He nodded, "It's sad, isn't it?" he asked, voice soft and a little too small for Draco's liking. "The end of the cheer. Nothing to look forward to until the flowers start to come up." Harry sighed again, "Nothing for it. We'll just have to properly start winter."

Not if Draco had anything to say about it. "Let's just leave them up," he said, nose buried against the collar of his jumper.

"What?" Harry asked, a little sip of laughter slipping from his lips.

He nodded and swayed a little, keeping Harry's body flush against his, "why not?" he asked. "They make us happy, don't they?"

"But Draco-"

"This is our home," he said, happy shivers slipping up his spine as he said it because he still couldn't believe that he got to have this. Couldn't comprehend that Harry had chosen him, wanted to be close, wanted to love him. "We can do whatever we want."

(Read more below the cut)

"You wouldn't mind?" Harry asked, turning in Draco's arms so he could look at him.

The truth was that Draco would do literally anything for him. Literally. Leaving Christmas lights up because they made him happy was no hardship whatsoever. "Not at all."

Harry leaned in and kissed him, soft and unbearably sweet, "love you."

"I love you too."

---------------

Draco grit his teeth as he watched people fawning over Harry at the bar. He'd gone to fetch a round for the table and was all but getting felt up by a handful of people who seemed to be getting drinks.

Ron let out a huff of a laugh, "mate," he said, kicking Draco's shin under the table.

"Ouch," he snarled, his chest feeling too tight.

"Darling," Pansy said, touching his arm, "Perhaps take a deep breath. They're-"

He shook his head, "I'm fine," he snapped, intentionally turning away from the scene playing out at the bar and staring at the table.

Hermione seemed to be up to bat next, "Draco, he doesn't want anyone but you."

"Mmm," he hummed, drinking a sip of water. "For now."

"Forever," Ron supplied.

Harry arrived back at the table, handing drinks around before squeezing back in next to Draco and casually draping his arm over the back of his chair. "What are we talking about?"

"Draco-" Ron started.

And he kicked Ron under the table this time, "I was talking about work," he said smoothly, glaring at Ron.

Apparently it was enough for Ron to back off, but Harry didn't look quite convinced. His hand draped over Draco's shoulder then, giving him a little squeeze but letting the conversation move on.

Much later (or perhaps more importantly, four drinks later) they were on their way out of the bar, Harry's fingers threaded through Draco's, and they were stopped half a dozen times. And the thing was, he couldn't even blame them. There was something about Harry; sure he was the savior and all that, but more than that he just had this sort of glow about him. The way he looked at people, the way he listened to them; he was good at making people feel like they were the only thing he was thinking about. People were simply drawn to him.

"What?" Harry asked, when they'd finally made it out of the pub, hand still in Draco's as he bumped their shoulders together.

He shook his head, "It's nothing."

"Hey," he said softly, giving Draco's hand a tug to stop him and turn him so they were facing each other. He brushed the hair back from Draco's face, "What is it, love?"

"Take me home?" he whispered, heart feeling like cracked porcelain in his chest.

"Alright," he said, nodding and pulling Draco closer as he apparated them back to their house.

He'd landed them in the kitchen and he immediately set about making tea before scooting up to the island across from Draco and reaching for his hands. "Tell me?" he asked, so gently that Draco felt like he might break.

It was easier when they fought in a lot of regards. When Harry was mad and lashing out, Draco could say anything no matter how ridiculous or irrational. But those occurrences were getting fewer and farther between, both of them continually realizing how much the other had been through and meeting them with the tenderness and gentleness that they needed.

Harry brought both of Draco's hands to his lips, pressing kisses to his knuckles.

And Draco gave in, "There are so many people who adore you," he said. "Everywhere we go, people see you and want you-"

Harry groaned, "I know, I'm sorry. It's a lot to constantly be swamped by them."

"That's not-" he shook his head. "Can I be honest?"

"Always, darling," he replied easily.

He took a slow breath, "They all want you, Harry, and what if someday you wake up and you realize that you want them too?"

Harry blinked, "Sorry-"

"It's just that you're terribly lovable," he said. "You're everyone's dream partner, surely you could do better than-"

"Stop," he said gently but firmly. "Stop," he murmured, bringing Draco's hands to his lips again. "I might be their 'dream' but it's only because I'm not their reality. Draco, you know that loving me isn't always easy."

"Loving you is the simplest thing I've ever done."

He huffed a laugh, "Fine. Liking me isn't always easy. I get terribly maudlin, and I have nightmares, and I have days that I'm on a hair-trigger ready to snap at any moment. My hair clogs our shower drain. I leave tea cups piled beside the sink. My dirty clothes rarely make it to the hamper and I don't ever remember to make the bed." He shrugged, "I'm no real catch, Draco, we both know that I'm not what they imagine me to be."

Draco closed his eyes, weighed his words, weighed what they would cost him. Then he opened his mouth, "This is my best life. I am so," he shrugged helplessly, "happy. So happy. And I feel like I don't deserve it, you know? Like I've had more than my fair share of good-"

Harry took his hands again, "Draco. You haven't had your fair share of happiness."

"Fine, but I don't deserve-"

"Draco-"

"You deserve more," he finally managed. "Merlin, Harry! You deserve everything. You deserve someone who is easy and gentle, someone who gives you everything. You deserve to be with someone the wizarding world loves. You-"

"I want this," Harry said simply. "Don't you know that by now?" he asked, smiling a little at Draco. "It's been three years," he added, "and I want them all. I want every year for the rest of our lives to be together. I want to go where you go, I want to do what you do, I want to live where you live, and sleep where you sleep. I want you, Draco."

"I..." he started, trailing off helplessly because he wasn't sure how to finish that thought.

"Marry me," he whispered. "I haven't got a ring," he said, "I've thought about asking you a hundred times but," he shook his head. "Say you'll marry me. Say I can have your forever and that you'll bear mine."

"Yes," he said, eyes flooding with tears. "Circe, Harry, yes. Of course, yes." He leaned across the island, kissing him sloppily, desperately. "I love you so," he murmured. "I want your forever," he promised.

Harry kissed him again and if they both cried, no one was there to know but the two of them.

------------------

He couldn't remember ever being as happy as he was in this moment, watching Harry's face as he walked down the aisle. Harry looked gorgeous in his white robes with gold trim, a striking contrast to his bronze skin. His hair was as disheveled as it always was, there was absolutely no taming those curls, but Draco couldn't find it in himself to mind.

But the thing that caught and held Draco's attention was the way Harry was watching him, smiling so widely that his dimples stood out in sharp relief. He had tears in his eyes, tears slipping down his cheeks and into his beard that went unchecked like he couldn't be bothered with them.

And when he reached the front, Harry was taking his hands and leaning in to kiss his cheek like he just couldn't help himself. "You look so beautiful," he murmured.

Luna cleared her throat meaningfully and Draco laughed, pulling back to focus his attention on her.

Harry brought his left hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to his ring finger and Draco rolled his eyes, but he was filled to the brim with fondness so he was sure it had no affect on the other man at all.

The ceremony went smoothly, Luna leading them through the ritual before coming to the vows.

Draco was going first, that's what they'd decided. He took a deep breath and pushed the tears down. "Harry," he started and the other man squeezed his hands tight. He cleared his throat, "You are a force to be reckoned with. The way you love is so big, so all-encompassing that it took me a while to accept that this is just who you are, to believe that I really am this lucky. Thank you for loving me."

"My honor," he murmured.

"Shut it, you arse," he laughed and everyone gathered laughed with him, "It's my turn."

Harry ducked his head and pantomimed zipping his lips.

"Thank you for loving me," he repeated, because really those words did bear repeating. "I promise to love you for the rest of my life. I promise to love you with every last, over-dramatic bone in my body."

He paused for the laughter to die down from the crowd.

"I promise to keep the Christmas lights up until Spring every year. I promise to let our friends crash on our sofa after parties at our house, even if it's Weasley and his snoring keeps us up half the night."

Another pause for laughter and Ron's indignant words that Draco ignored in favor of looking at Harry.

"I promise," he continued, "to be a soft place for you to land. I promise to let you take up space, to let you feel your feelings, and to love you without reservation and without holding anything back. I promise to do my best to be brave and though I'm not sure I'll ever be worthy of your love, I promise to do my best to be."

Harry released one of his hands so he could wipe at his eyes, "That was really good, you wanker," he muttered. "How am I supposed to follow that?"

Luna tutted at him but their guests didn't seem to mind.

"Right," he said, blowing out a breath and squaring his shoulders. "Draco, you are the love of my life."

And Draco started crying, tears already slipping down his cheeks.

Harry squeezed his hands, "I have found in you my equal, my counterpart, the one true compliment of my soul." He quirked a grin at him, "those were Hermione's words when I rambled at her about you for forty minutes."

There was a bit of laughter again and Draco himself huffed a laugh, tears spilling down his cheeks.

"But they're true," Harry continued. "You keep me balanced, you keep the nightmares at bay, and you give me the things that bring me joy without thought of what it might cost you.

"I love you, Draco," he continued, "with all that I am, with all that I will ever be. I promise to love you for the rest of my life and through the afterlife, too. I promise you my forever."

He paused as someone blew their nose, exceedingly loudly.

"I promise to always tell you the dirty jokes when you aren't drinking something." A few huffs of laughter, Draco's included. "I promise to always save you a seat next to me when I arrive somewhere before you. I promise to never get mad when you steal my jumpers and to cast warming charms whenever I notice that you're reading and look a little chilly."

He choked on a sound that was half a sob, half a laugh.

"I promise to always put you first and to do my best to show you how deeply, outrageously loved you are," he continued. "I promise to soothe your fears and hold you together when you feel like you're falling apart. I take you to be my husband, my lover, my best friend and confidant, until time itself ceases to be. And even after that, if I'm allowed," he finished.

"Do you-" Luna started.

"Oh, wait!" Harry interrupted, "Sorry, Luna," he added, giving her an apologetic smile, "I forgot one."

Draco raised an eyebrow at him and waited, wondering what else he could possibly want to give him.

"I also promise to always let you warm your feet on me in bed," he said.

He laughed, he couldn't help himself, "You're utterly ridiculous," he said, affection blooming in every word. "I adore you."

Luna cleared her throat again and walked them through the scripted part of the vows, letting them repeat the words that officially bound them to one another.

And when it was done, they were pronounced husbands and Harry kissed him like he was the only person in the room. Sweet and slow, his hands holding Draco close while the room erupted in applause.

Too soon, Draco was pressing one last peck to Harry's lips and pulling back. They smiled at each other for another long moment, "I love you," Harry whispered.

"I love you," he replied.

And they spent the day celebrating with their friends; laughing, and eating, and drinking, and dancing until they were both ready to drop from delighted exhaustion.

Even though they weren't leaving until the following afternoon for their honeymoon, Draco had had the foresight to book them a room at their reception venue, so they merely had to stagger to the elevator and then across the hall into their room.

Harry waved a lazy hand and their robes disappeared, and Draco might have been nervous, but he had seen where clothes ended up when Harry took them off with magic. They'd be at home in the closet, Draco had no doubt.

He watched as Harry, his husband, collapsed onto the bed with a groan, "Come here," he said, reaching out for Draco with grabby hands.

Never able to deny Harry anything, but especially not tonight, Draco collapsed into bed with him, pressing their bodies together.

"It was the perfect day," Harry sighed, snuggling closer to Draco.

He hummed, kissing the bridge of Harry's nose, the tiny ridge from where he'd broken it all those years ago. "It really was," he agreed.

"I'm so tired," Harry said through a yawn.

He nodded, stroking the curls back off of Harry's sweaty face. "Sleep."

"Want to love you," Harry murmured, pressing his face against the crook of Draco's neck.

"You do," he replied.

Harry made a grumpy, displeased little noise, "Want to show you. Want to touch you," he added.

"Sleep," he repeated. "I'm worn out too," he added. "We'll have time in the morning."

"Are you sure?"

"That we'll have time?" he asked. "Our portkey doesn't activate until 2:00 tomorrow afternoon."

"That you don't mind?" Harry clarified.

He kissed his forehead, "I just married the kindest, most gorgeous, most generous, loving man I've ever known. I am unbelievably lucky."

"I think that's me."

"Yes I was referring to you," he teased.

Harry swatted at his arm, "I meant that I'm the luckiest because you're the most beautiful, kind, intelligent, sexy man alive."

He kissed his forehead, "I don't mind," he said softly. "What's one night against the balance of forever?"

"I will love you forever, you know," Harry promised.

Draco couldn't help but smile, "I know, love. I'll love you forever, too." He cast a nox and the room was shrouded in darkness. "Now sleep and when we wake tomorrow, we'll have the rest of forever to spend together."

--------------------------

read more of my drabbles

(tagging @phoebe-delia since this one is based off a ts song <3)

#drarry #based on 'lover' by t swift #soft #gentle #domestic #love #established relationship #proposal #wedding #vows #tooth rotting fluff #fluff #100 drarry drabbles in 100 days

[simpforfandom231]

How could you PT3

The crackling fire cast dancing shadows across the cabin's walls, the warmth a stark contrast to the chill that lingered in the night air. Y/N and Lenny sat in silence, their weary eyes fixated on the flickering flames that seemed to hold a million untold stories.

As the distant echo of canons signaled the passing of fallen tributes, Y/N's sleepless gaze remained fixed on the fire, a silent witness to the merciless toll of the Games. The weight of the lives lost hung heavy in the air, a somber reminder of the grim reality they faced.

Breaking the oppressive silence, Lenny's voice cut through the stillness. "What's the deal with the snake and hummingbird?" he asked, curiosity lacing his words as he glanced at the emblem stitched into Y/N's suit.

Y/N's breath hitched, emotions bubbling to the surface. With a sigh, she began to unravel the tender intricacies of her story, the flame painting her face with its warm glow. "It's about Lucy Gray," she started, her voice tinged with a mix of longing and love.

"I love her more than anything," Y/N confessed, her gaze distant as memories of her beloved danced in her mind. "We had plans, dreams of a life beyond these walls. I wanted to marry her, build a home, share our lives."

Her voice trembled with emotion as she spoke of Lucy Gray, her heart pouring out its deepest desires and fears. "But when my name was called, I couldn't bear the thought of her in these Games. I had to protect her, even if it meant volunteering in her place."

Tears welled in Y/N's eyes, the vulnerability of her confession hanging heavy in the air. "I know she'll be angry, devastated even. But I couldn't let her face this. She's my everything."

Lenny listened intently, his gaze softening with empathy. "I get it," he replied, a hint of sorrow in his voice. "Sometimes, you do whatever it takes to protect the ones you care about."

Encouraged by his understanding, Y/N continued, their conversation weaving a tapestry of shared emotions and shared burdens. "I just want to go back, to make things right. To be with her again."

Lenny's expression softened as he leaned forward, a glimmer of camaraderie in his eyes. "I'm rooting for you, Y/N. We'll get through this together."

With a grateful nod, Y/N returned a small smile, the weight on her shoulders lightening just a fraction. "Thank you, Lenny."

As the night wore on, Lenny shared snippets of his own story, his roots in District 6, the hardships endured, and the dreams that kept him going. The fire crackled, the cabin filled with the warmth of camaraderie and shared understanding, a brief respite from the ruthless game they were ensnared in. Amidst the darkness of the night, a fragile bond of mutual support and hope began to blossom between Y/N and Lenny, a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity. As the week dragged on, the arena became a harrowing labyrinth of brutality, each passing moment a cruel testament to the relentless quest for survival. The loss of Lenny weighed heavily on Y/N's heart, a gaping wound that refused to heal amidst the chaos.

In a secluded corner of the arena, Y/N sought solace within the hollow of a tree stump, tears silently tracing the contours of her anguished face. The agony of losing Lenny, the one person who'd shared her burdens and hopes, echoed in the hushed sobs that wracked her body.

The days blurred into a nightmarish tapestry of violence and desperation. As tributes fell, their lives extinguished in a ruthless bid for victory, Y/N found herself consumed by a burning desire for vengeance. Though she knew there could only be one victor, the bond with Lenny tethered her to a need for retribution.

As the tributes dwindled to just three—Y/N, Screech from District 11, and Violet from the opulent District 1—Y/N's longing for home, for the comforting embrace of her lover, intensified. But the revelation that Violet had taken Lenny's life ignited a ferocious storm within her, a tempest of grief and rage that eclipsed reason.

With a chilling determination, Y/N set her sights on revenge. The once compassionate soul was swallowed by the abyss of fury, her eyes ablaze with an unhinged resolve. As the night descended, violence erupted in a crescendo of screams and clashing steel.

In a vicious frenzy, Y/N confronted Violet, the raw anguish of loss fueling her every strike. The air was thick with the acrid scent of blood as the clash turned savage, the darkness of the night bearing witness to an unrelenting descent into chaos.

With a savage brutality that shocked even herself, Y/N's sword found its mark, rending through flesh and bone. Violet's desperate pleas for mercy were drowned in a symphony of violence as Y/N exacted a merciless retribution, the screams of agony echoing through the desolate arena.

At the end of the week, when victory was finally hers, Y/N emerged as the sole survivor, her victory a hollow triumph. The once confident and caring soul was now a shattered shell, her body bearing the scars of a harrowing journey through the darkest recesses of the human soul.

As she stood amidst the ruins of her former self, the weight of the crown of victory felt heavier than the burden of loss. The Games had taken more than just lives; they had torn away pieces of her very essence, leaving behind a broken semblance of the person she once was.

As Y/N was escorted out of the grim arena, the triumphant cheers and applause of the Capitol citizens pierced through her like shards of glass. Their praise, a cacophony of hollow adulation, fell on ears deafened by the haunting echoes of the Games.

She despised their celebration, the grotesque revelry that hailed her as a victor. For her, there was no victory—only the haunting memories that clawed at her sanity. The nights were a symphony of terror, each scream, each desperate plea for mercy, reverberating in the corridors of her fractured mind.

The journey home, once anticipated as a return to solace, was a torment in itself. Two days on the train felt like an eternity in purgatory, the nights an endless descent into the abyss of her tormented thoughts. Lenny's face, etched in pain and agony, haunted her dreams, his memory a specter that refused to fade.

The Capitol hailed her as a hero, but she knew the truth—she was broken, a shattered vessel unable to contain the horrors she had witnessed. The screams of fallen tributes, the bloodstained swords, and the weight of Lenny's lifeless eyes were etched into her soul, leaving her ravaged by the relentless torment of the Games.

As the train chugged closer to District 12, the only glimmer of hope that flickered within her was the thought of seeing Lucy Gray again. In the haze of her shattered existence, Lucy's face emerged as the beacon of her fractured resolve.

The love she held for Lucy Gray was a fragile flame amidst the desolation, the only force that tethered her to a semblance of purpose. She clung to the memory of their shared dreams, the whispered promises of a life beyond the tyranny of the Capitol.

Despite the shattered remnants of her spirit, Y/N found a solemn vow etched into the depths of her being—if faced with the choice again, she would willingly volunteer, sacrificing herself anew if it meant sparing Lucy Gray from the horrors she'd endured.

As the train pulled into District 12, the air thick with the weight of her haunted past, Y/N stepped onto the familiar ground, her heart heavy with the burden of her experiences. The scars etched onto her soul would forever bear witness to the price paid in the name of love and sacrifice. A/N: okay i know that you guys wanted more insides on Lucy but i wanted to have a good story and not quickly so now reader is back in 12, the real deal begins.

#lucy gray x reader #lucy gray baird x you #lucy gray baird x reader #rachel zegler #lucy gray #lucy gray x fem!reader #lucy gray baird #tbosas #the hunger games

[s3raphh]

𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 !

*they're getting ready for the weddings HAHA aw*

this oneshot is also available to read on my wattpad! @seraphhhhhhhh! that's 7 hs by the way!

enjoy!

CONTENT WARNING: contains alcohol consumption (zhongchi) and mild sexual content (jeanluc), very mild though. throw up when i see smut, promise y'all it doesnt go quite so far ✋

beidou and ningguang !

a dance on the deck and a kiss on a cheek...

"As long as the oceans breathe, we will stand together, braving the troubles and hardships that blow our way. The life of a pirate is risky, and unsure but the promise of the woman I dearly love waiting for me back at home, is more perfect than anything I could ever ask for. Whatever the world throws at us, we'll be together through it all. Through sickness and through health, I am yours and you are mine."  — The Captain of the Crux Fleet, Beidou. Her oath to her lover recorded by her good friend, Kaedehara Kazuha. It is written with careful strokes of a brush.

"As long as my heart beats and my soul lingers, I shall be yours. Loving you with no more fear, but with passion and care, with hope and joy. I will fiercely protect you, that I know. For the love we share is as sturdy as the jade of mountains, and as lovely as a lily. Our lives are unclear, and the paths we take are unprecendented, but nothing compares to you. For richer or for poorer, we belong together."  — The Tianquan of the Seven Qixing, Lady Ningguang. Her wedding vows recorded by Lady Ganyu of Yuehai Pavillion, it is written with utmost care and emotion, stained with tears of joy.

The moon was round and clear that night, giving limelight to the lovers. The light showed their smiles and their kisses, their laughter and their dance. A quiet ceremony was held with the couple's closest confidants, the serenity of the wedding only perfected by a slow ballad performance by a certain musician; requested by Beidou. The lovers throughly enjoyed their night, dancing on the decks to Xinyan's soulful singing and drinking wine and eating foods catered by Xiangling. 

Beidou took Ningguang by the hip and swung her around for a dance, she snickered at her newly wed wife's small gasps as Beidou twirled her around. 

"Oh Captain, do slow down." Ningguang laughed softly into her ear, "We're going to trip if you're not so careful." 

Beidou laughed, she spun her around by the arm and pulled her back close. "You're so beautiful in this dress, looking all fancy and married."

Ningguang smirked, "Still can't believe it, Beidou? That's adorable of you." 

"You really can read my mind," Beidou spinned her one last time, and pulled away. She looked down at her garments, a bridal qi pao. "But I can finally kiss you in public." 

Ningguang scoffed, an air of playfulness in her tone, "Mm, don't get too comfortable, dear." the couple sat on the tables, "It sets a mood, your way of kissing me. I don't think it'll do my business any good if you distract me with such sweet words." 

"Aha! Really now?" the dark-haired captain smiled coyly, she turned to Xinyan. "You hear what she's sayin' to me, kid?"

"I hear her loud and clear, cap'n. I'm not one to butt in, but y'all like bantering like that, huh?" she chuckled, "I'm happy for you two, finally married! We were all waitin' on you."

Kazuha sat next to the spiky haired girl, "It's true. We weren't counting on an immediate marriage, though it does gladden my heart to see our captain so happy."

"Thank you for your kind words, dear Kaedehara." Ningguang smiled softly, she held Beidou's hand under the table, "I think we'll be very happy from now on, won't we?" 

"Yeah... we will." she grinned.

For the first time, Ningguang and Beidou felt like lovers and not like some dirty secret that should be hidden away. They were wives. 

ei and yae miko !

underneath the sakura tree , an eternal marriage takes root .

"Ever since the moment our eyes met, a deep thunderous feeling resounded in my heart. And that feeling was love. Our land of lightning and sakura shall bear witness to our union, and it will be eternal and great. But the desire I have is a simple one. All I want is to... remain with you, sharing food and drinks made with care. I will be very happy to spend my life with you, my Miko."  — The Electro Archon, Raiden Ei. Her wedding vows recorded by shrine maiden, Inagi Hotomi. Written on a scroll, a great deal of reverence and excitement is sensed from the erratic style.

"Ei, my dear stubborn and sweet warrior, I have waited long for this. Ever since you left your Plane of Euthymia, I have felt a great deal of neverending happiness and elation. Though I'd rather not admit my weaknesses, you are mine. My weakness, and my god. So let us see this imperfect world together and enjoy its obsessions with love and hate, with meetings and partings. Not a single soul shall forget our story, I will make sure of that." — Guuji Yae of Grand Narukami Shrine and Editor-In-Chief of Yae Publishing House. Her wedding vows also recorded by Inagi Hotomi.

The wedding reception was everything Miko could hope for. Fried Tofu on the table, paired with her favorite sauce... a good serving of Rainbow Aster on the table plus some delicious pizza. Oh and her wife! 

She was now Raiden Miko, or was her dear wife now Yae Ei? 

Either way, the love of her life was here. Finally here in her arms as they danced to the traditional Inazuman wedding songs, no longer having to wait for her. For five hundred years, she'd been waiting for Ei to make good on her love confession, and it was finally here. Five hundred years late, but she was happy enough.

"Ah, everything feels perfect, doesn't it? I only wish we'd done this sooner..." the pink-haired kitsune said to Ei as they sat on the chairs, watching the Yashiro Commissioner and his housekeeper dance along. Yae Miko turned to her, "I'm happy, Ei. I really am."

Ei smiled deeply, "I'm glad you are. I must say, you look stunning in the garments the shrine maidens prepared for you."

"You're too sweet to me, Ei." Miko's ears twitched as she laughed fondly, "Ah... Nights like this remind me of when we'd have late night picnics, reading the novels of bygone ages."

"It does." Ei remarked. "It'd be a perfect night to read those highly entertaining light novels you have hidden away. What was one of those Liyue love novels called?"

"You mean that teenage love fantasy?" Miko laughed again, "Alright then, I'll get Young and Hopelessly Smitten for you," she stood up, "Wait here, dear."

Miko walked through the her private chambers in the shrine, she looked through her cabinets and noticed a picture frame tucked away. As she took a look at it, she smiled fondly. 

"Ei, I have it!" Yae walked to the table, Ei lit up as she saw her and gave her a small wave. "I also found something else, would you like to see?" she set the picture frame on the table.

"Oh?" Ei took it into her hands, "What's... oh." 

The picture was a small painting of Makoto, Ei and Yae Miko in their youth. The trio sat on a picnic mat underneath a sakura tree, its leaves falling on Makoto's umbrella as Miko lay on her lap. Ei was holding a cheesecake on her lap with a serious expression. 

 "My, you were so solemn back in the day!" Miko giggled, "How I remember this so well, Makoto was so very adamant about dragging you away from your martial arts training."

"I..." Ei spoke, "I remember this too, it was the time Makoto joked about us being lovers."

"Now how do you remember that?" Miko asked, "I remember you getting highly embarrassed and blushing all over, you were practically squriming after I pecked you on the cheek."

"It's because Makoto wouldn't stop joking about it either..." Ei rolled her eyes, "Even now I feel my cheeks getting red."

"Don't get embarrassed, we're married now!" Yae said cheekily, "You can't do anything about it now." she flashed her ring in Ei's face.

 "Ah, I suppose so..." Ei said.

"Now don't say it with such a disappointed tone! Makes it sound like I forced it on you..." the kitsune cried out mockingly.

"Miko! I'm merely teasing." Ei laughed, not softly like she always did but with dorky snorts and a wide grin. Miko had been waiting to see that face in forever, seeing that meant she was home. 

"You wound me, Ei..." Miko sighed dramatically, "Words hit like lightning, you know?"

Ei merely giggled uncontrollably, "Alright, alright!"

Miko finally felt content, she was right where she wanted to be. With Ei.

zhongli and tartaglia !

weirdly warm wine and stories to be told . (dont mind the p0rnhub colors...)

"Zhongli, since the day we met in that little town street, I haven't been able to keep you off my mind. I don't think I've ever cared for anyone the way I have for you, not even a little bit. If the world ever burns to the ground, know that I'll stay and love you like a warrior. Nothing can turn me away from you. I swear by the Tsaritsa's glory that I will be your husband, faithfully and loyally yours."  — The Eleventh of the Fatui Harbingers, Tartaglia. His wedding vows recorded by their legal advisor, Yanfei. The style is formally written like a legal document.

"I remember when we first kissed, it was a sunny and warm day. The sea breeze rolled in as we stood on the beach's white sand, collecting those blue seashells you do adore. I believe that was the day I fell in love, and every moment with you after that has sent my heart into a flurry of desires. No one compares to you, I admire your resilience and it gladdens my heart that I can be with you now.  I shall swear by the law, that I will love and protect you till the day Death takes us." — Funeral Consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Zhongli. His oath to his lover, Yanfei records this as well.

"I never knew the sea of Snezhnaya was this freezing..." Zhongli whispered to Tartaglia, they sat on a boat headed for his now husband's homeland. They dressed in dull coats with fur of vicious monsters that Tartaglia had hunted down and turned into a coat, the fur itself was white. Tartaglia proudly presented it to him after they arranged the marital contract.

"I did warn you, didn't I..." he chuckled in response, "I hope you're not too cold though, wouldn't want you to catch a fever before you meet my family. Are you?" Tartaglia suddenly looked concerned and put the palm of his head on Zhongli's forehead to feel for a cold.

"Alright, no need to be so worrisome about it." Zhongli said with a flippant laugh, he took his hand and held it, "I have layers upon layers of thick fabric on, this is more than enough."

Tartaglia huffed lightly, "You're not used to the cold like I am..."

"This is bound to be a long trip, dear. I'm perfectly fine." Zhongli sighed, rubbing his mittens together. A puff of cold wind rushed outside.

"Well, at least drink the hot cocoa I made." he insisted. There was no sense in arguing with him, such a stubborn man. Zhongli sighed, motioning for Tartaglia to get it for him. 

As Tartaglia grabbed the bag to get the bottle, Zhongli thought for a moment. He was coming to visit Tartaglia's family, yet he knew close to nothing about its history, all he knew about them was his little siblings. "So while we're on our way, why don't you tell me more about your family?" Zhongli asked, "I mean, your family's ancestors and such."

His face instantly lit up, "Sure thing! Here, have the cocoa." he laid it on Zhongli's lap, "Ah, where do I begin?"

"My great-great-great grandfather was a toymaker, one day while he was out delivering the toys for his customers, he met a mysterious woman..." he said, getting into the story. "She was dressed in a long, flowing white garment. Her eyes were icy blue and spoke with a regal voice."

"The Tsaritsa?" Zhongli asked, equally into the story. He sipped from the bottle, tasting the drink.

"Yes! My father told me that story, and apparently Grandfather Maxim met the Tsaritsa a little before the Cataclysm." said Tartaglia, "Zhongli, you were there right? What was it like?"

"It was... horrifying." Zhongli trailed off, thinking of how to describe it. "...So much bloodshed and, uh, death all around. Things you would enjoy, I'm sure." he said casually, taking another sip of the cocoa. "It was a catastrophe, like the books say."

"Hmm... is that so..." Tartaglia seemed to be thinking too. Probably of how much people there was to fight.

"Speaking of catastrophe, Tonia keeps sending me recommendations of these trashy love novels!" Tartaglia sighed, he pulled out a book with a... rather inappropriate cover. "Look at this! She's only 14 and she's already reading this... this crap!" 

Zhongli peeked at the title, "Fifty Shades of Gray? I've heard of this book, a Mondstadter friend of mine went to Inazuma and drunkenly sent me a package with its sequels. It was strangely entertaining."

"Not you too!" The ginger cried out, "What's so good about it anyway? I didn't think a well-read person like yourself would even consider this remotely decent... quite the opposite, really."

"Literature doesn't have to be good or complex to be enter... entertaining." Zhongli hiccuped, "Ahem... besides, you read those fan works of light novels from Inazuma, I can't imagine that it's almost any better than the books Tonia reads." 

"I thought married couples were supposed to be nice to each other..." Tartaglia said with a pout.

Zhongli nearly choked on his cocoa, he couldn't help but laugh at the adorably dumb way he said that. 

"Hey! Now you're laughing!" Tartaglia huffed, "Zhongli!"

"How am I supposed to not laugh at you, dear?" Zhongli laughed wholeheartedly, for some reason he sounded like he was slurring, "Heh... you can be so very cute sometimes."

"Zhongli... did you drink the wine?" Tartaglia said slowly, he took the bottle from his hands. He opened it and took a whiff, it was the wine he packed. He turned to Zhongli who was suddenly yawning, "Oh. Well, it wouldn't hurt to have a nap, would it?"

"It wouldn't." Zhongli muttered. 

Zhongli laid on Tartaglia's lap, and they stayed together like that until the boat docked at Snezhnaya's ports.

The warm feeling in his heart as he woke up from the nap was deeper than he could ever imagine. Zhongli didn't think he'd find another love like this, one that actually stood a chance. No longer would he have to kill himself praying that his beloved would come back home alive, no longer would he have to bury somebody he loved so dearly. 

Yes, he was now mortal. And he was allowed to be selfish and keep this love. 

that's so gay 💀🥱

jean and diluc !

the knight in shining armor and her dearly beloved .

"Falling in love always seemed like an impossible thing for me. I always sought out the kind of romance from unrealistic novels, so I was immature and thought that love was something I would stumble over and find like a rock on the street. But now I know that love is nutured and that it takes more than a feeling or a spark, because now I have Diluc. I've been searching for love for so long, and I realize now that the thing I was looking for was right here all along. Diluc Ragnvindr, take my heart and keep it like a promise, for I am yours."  — The Acting Grandmaster, Jean Gunnhildr. Recorded by the Deaconess Barbara, she smiles with great joy as the ceremony commences.

"I've always had feelings for you,ever since the day we first met as young knights. We were much different then, but the emotion I felt then still remains. You are the woman I want to spend my life with, the woman I choose to cherish and love forever. Despite my many flaws, you chose to be there for me, to be the one to care and tell me what I needed to do make it right. Being with you... I think it makes me a better person. A better man. Jean Gunnhildr, you are my knight, my wonderful and brilliant wife. I promise to be the lover you deserve." — Owner of Dawn Winery, Diluc Ragnvindr. Kaeya tearfully claps next to him as his best man. 

Diluc and Jean laid on the couch, slouching in their wedding attire. The wedding, the reception and the afterparty Kaeya and Venti threw for the couple had just finished. It was an exhausting day. Diluc noticed the moon outside, that's how late it was. It had taken almost every nerve in Diluc not to smack Kaeya in the face after he convinced Venti to sing a largely inappropriate song from another world Venti called, "Earth."

 Regardless, Jean had enjoyed the celebrations and  the weird song so he supposed  it was worth the trouble. 

He looked over at Jean, she had her hair in beautiful curled hair and it was tied up with a bow Lisa had bought her as a gift. A very lazy gift, Diluc noted. She was wearing a white suit, especially tailored by the Knights as a sort of thank-you present for all her hard work. Eula Lawrence had taken her shopping around town for the rest of the outfit, and it made her looks stunning. 

Despite the eyebags.

Meanwhile Kaeya had taken him on the most catastrophic "boys' night out" for his wedding suit, he'd rather not recall the moment Kaeya started belly dancing in the middle of the town square. It was far too embarrassing but at least he had something to remind Kaeya about now. 

He was dressed in a comically 'fancy' suit with far too many ruffles and designs all over it, he didn't have the time to buy another one thanks to a certain brother. Regardless, Jean seemed to love it so much. She giggled the moment he stepped into the church, Diluc blushed at the memory. He had his hair up in a ponytail, with elaborate braiding by Kaeya himself. He said it was Khaenri'ahn style, he seemed so proud of himself.

"Diluc..." Jean sighed happily, "Today was amazing."

"I'm glad you think so." Diluc smiled, she took his hand and held it. 

"I love you." she whispered so gently, kissing his hand.

"I..." he trailed off,  his cheeks slightly red.

"Hey, let's go to bed." Jean took her hand off his face and stood up, she began taking off her suit. "Don't keep me waiting."

Jean went up the stairs without another word, Diluc felt... strange to say the least. Almost as if he wanted her to...

Maybe don't read too hard into it. Diluc thought. Despite warning himself not to think about it, he still felt his face getting hot at the thought of... whatever Jean wanted. 

 He went up the stairs and turned the knob of their bedroom door.

Jean sat there on the windowsill in putting her black lacy nightgown on, her lingerie was still visible. Her hair was down and messy. She gave him a small wave. 

"Oh, Diluc." she smiled at him as she slipped the nightgown on. She looked down at his clothes. "Come on, let me help you change, the stuff on that ridiculous outfit can be hard to unbutton."

"Ah... yeah." he sat next to her, taking off the suit jacket. "Hah... you know how Kaeya can be with fashion, he bought me this."

Jean chuckled, "Honestly, I don't think his uniform is hardly appropriate for knightly attire. But I wouldn't want to be a buzzkill," she unbuttoned his shirt, tracing her hand along his chest. "Would I, sir?"

"A-ah... yes, it really is..." Diluc trailed off as Jean began pinning him down the bed, her breathing becoming more hot and heavy, "Jean...?"

She leaned down and whispered in his ear, "You can stay still for me, can't you?"

Diluc couldn't get the words out of his mouth. But both of them knew what he could. He simply nodded.

"Good." She said, "Don't back out too soon."

(ew)

ANYWAYS THATS THE ONESHOT BYE 💯

#genshin impact #genshin #genshin headcanons #ships #beidou #ningguang #beigguang #zhongli #childe #tartaglia #zhongchi #tartali #chili #raiden ei #yae miko #eimiko #jean #diluc #jeanluc #beidou x ningguang #zhongli x tartaglia #yae miko x ei #jean x diluc #fluff #wedding #wedding vows

[littlemisskittyy]

Gege Akutami made Hajime Isayama look like an angel

I am going to rant, both as an AOT fan & as a JJK fan, so hear me & you will hear me out.

This is not a hate rant, but just a normal, "Holy crap I realized something" rant.

I said what I said - Gege made Hajime look like a friggin angel.

There were so many moments in AOT (manga & anime) where we ugly cried, to name a few - Gabi killing our potato-loving girl Sasha, Hange being toasted by her cape, Erwin's final SHINJO WO SASAGEYO and the list goes on.

Ugly cried, or that was only me.

But.

Hear me out.

Sure, our Strongest Soldier, the beautiful man Levi Ackerman, lost his ability to walk but the Strongest Sorcerer of his era lost his ability to live because he was - first, mutilated, then Sukuna thought it was best to cut is midriff into two equal parts.

Then we got Eren Jaeger & his goal to kill 80% of the population, however we have Mahito or that lucky pony-tail kid who was bdsm-ed punched by daddy Nanami or else Nobara & the blonde assistant (I forgot her name don't kill me) would probably, not die, but be more wounded as they already were... who were doing it for FUN. We all know Eren wasn't doing it for fun. Then again, Mahito is a curse, so... But that kid was not a curse.

While almost all of the veteran scouts were gone, sure that's super sad because why leave poor baby Levi, it was a given for humanity's friggin sake. But what did we learn from Shibuya? We got Ryomen Sukuna, who was looking for women and children for whatever creepy reason, killing or mutilating whoever he'd bump into along the way.

Kenjaku was evil, making his children fight or I'm not sure where I got this, the idea of making Yuji eat his brothers (euuurgh) but fine that's equally disgusting as Ymir's kids eating her.

Then speaking of brothers, although it was twisted, at least Eren had a decent time with Zeke, but neither Choso nor Yuji can recall their moments together as brothers - well good thing Choso remembered later on, but Yuji???

I'm not done!

Eren, Armin & Mikasa had good childhood memories, only Yuji went through a normal childhood time, but their teenage years were just sad because they should be talking about their crushes or whatever normal stuff teenagers were talking about - I just want to hug Yuji & Megumi & Kugisaki.

Then onto romantic crap.

Miwa & Kokichi Muta deserve so much more. I will say this over & over. Huhu. We got Armin x Annie at the end, but that airplane scene between Mechamaru & Miwa? Miwa didn't even get the chance to see Muta huhu. At least, hoping that we'll get Yuta x Queen Maki because I want to see her cute blushing cheeks & she deserves the world for going through a lot of hardships.

I could go on & on but seriously. Am I the only one who had this realization?

#jjk #jujutsu kaisen #jjk anime #jjk manga #aot #attack on titan #aot anime #aot manga #jjk fandom #aot fandom

[hinatastinygiant]

3 | Undercover Ring

Pairing: Mikey x Fem!Reader

Undercover Masterlist

You wake up suddenly, sweating and feeling hot all over. Your heart is pounding as if you were trying to escape from a scary dream. The loud alarm blasts through your room, snapping you back into relation. Confused and disoriented, you struggle to turn off the noisy alarm while the lingering images from your dream continue to haunt your thoughts.

Gathering your wits, you shake off the remnants of sleep, summoning the strength to face another day. With a heavy sigh, you rise from the comfort of bed, tugging on the frayed threads of determination that keep you going. The weight of responsibility settles upon your shoulders as you step into your role as caretaker.

Navigating your way through the cramped kitchen, you prepare a meager breakfast for your younger sister and brother. The stove hisses to life, casting flickering shadows against the chipped walls, a stark reminder of the humble dwelling you call home. The aroma of simple sustenance fills the air, a comforting embrace despite the hardships that surround you.

Plate in hand, you place the modest meal of oatmeal before them, a silent gesture of love and protection. Their tired eyes meet yours, their unspoken gratitude evident in their gaze. 

"Morning, guys," you say as you place your bowl of oatmeal on the table. The plain, yet filling breakfast is all you can afford right now.

Yuzuha takes a spoonful and quickly remarks, "Hmm, not as exciting as your usual Friday morning breakfast, sis."

Hakkai, still rubbing his eyes, grumbles, "Yeah, but it's better than nothing. Also known as our Monday morning breakfast."

You sigh and take a sip of water. "Hakkai, how was school yesterday?" you ask, changing the subject.

He shrugs and mutters, "Same old, same old. Just tryin' to get through the rest of the semester."

Yuzuha interjects, "We can still find a way to make things even better, right, Y/N?"

You give her a reassuring smile, yet you're really not sure how you can make things better when Frank pays you like shit and Yuzuha isn't able to hold onto a job for longer than a week. "Of course. We'll figure it out together. We're a pretty good team, I think."

After you finish your breakfast, Yuzuha offers to take care of the cleaning today. "Don't worry about it," she tells you. "You have work and Hakkai has school. I'll manage here."

You smile gratefully at her. "Thanks, Yuzuha. I appreciate it. Take care of yourself while I'm gone."

You then turn to Hakkai and cheerfully tell him, "Have a good day at school!" before getting ready to leave.

Your two siblings exchange a quick glance, but you don't notice. You are still completely oblivious, despite the obvious clues, that Hakkai dropped out of school a while ago. But instead, you just bid them farewell and head out the door.

Little do you know that your siblings share a secret, their eyes filled with concern for your well-being. They understand the weight you carry to keep the household afloat, but they also worry about the toll it's taking on you. Somehow, they just want to make your burdens a little bit lighter.

As you descend upon the underground fighting ring, the atmosphere crackles with tension. The place is dimly lit, filled with the sounds of heavy footsteps, hushed conversations, and occasional cheers from the crowd. 

Tough-looking fighters with tattoos of all shapes and sizes lurk in the shadows, their presence both intimidating and captivating.

Your boss, Frank, approaches you- a man with thinning hair and a big grin, smelling like cheap booze and old cigarettes as he draws near. There's a dangerous glint in his eyes as he gets closer.

"Well if it isn't my star attraction," he slurs, his breath reeking for alcohol. "Got a special offer for you tonight, sweetheart. Step into the ring, give 'em a good show, and I'll pay you double for the week. But if you chicken out, well, you can kiss that paycheck goodbye."

You stare back at him, a flicker of defiance burning in your eyes. Deep down you know this isn't what you signed up for, but the threat of losing a week's worth of wages hangs over you like a dark cloud. You clench your fists, resolving to endure whatever that asshole sends your way. 

"Fine," you grumble through your teeth, your voice dripping with hatred for your boss. "You've got a deal. But remember, double pay better be worth my time!"

With a smirk, Frank slaps you on the shoulder. "That's my girl! Go out there and make 'em scream, kid!"

Late at night, your fight begins. From the start, it was a blur- a battle of adrenaline, pain, and survival. You exchange blows with an opponent who was about twice your size. The crowd's excited cheers blend with the pounding of your heartbeat. Each strike and dodge feels like a dance between life and death. 

In the chaotic frenzy of the fight, among the storm of fists and thunderous clash of bodies, an unexpected strike found its mark. You got hit hard in the face, and it hurt a lot. Your cheek started bleeding, and the sweat mixed with the blood. The people watching gasp in surprise and fear. They make loud noises, cheering and gasping, because of how intense the fight was.

As the fights continued, your body shows the signs of the intense battle. But you don't let the pain stop you. You keep going, even though it's hard. You have bruises all over, like big dark marks on your skin. But the most noticeable is the deep cut on your cheek- a rough, uneven scar that stands out against your skin as a constant reminder of the pain from your fight.

Stumbling out of the ring, your body aches. You attempt to navigate your way home, through the dimly lit streets on unsteady feet. The world around you seems hazy and distant as you fumble for your phone, fingers trembling. 

Dailing Hakkai's number, you lean against a lamppost, your breath coming in ragged gasps. When he answers, his voice laced with concern, you struggle to convey the severity of the situation, your words punctuated by pained grunts.

"Hakkai... I need... help," you manage to say between breaths. "Can't... make it home..."

Hakkai's voice crackles with barely suppressed anger. "Damn it, Y/N! I told you this was a bad idea. I'll come to get you, but I don't know where Frank is. Keep your phone on so I can find your location!"

Minutes stretch into an eternity as you stand there, your body still throbbing with the remnants of the fight. Finally, Hakkai appears, his expression a mixture of concern and frustration.

"You're a freaking idiot, you know that?" Hakkai mutters, his eyes scanning your battered face. "I can't believe you let Frank do this to you!"

"Yeah, I know," you respond.

You lean on Hakkai for support as he helps you stay steady on your feet, the weight of the world momentarily lifts as you stumble towards the comfort of your home.

The journey back is filled with a mix of silence and muttered apologies. But you crossed the threshold of your modest apartment, you know that no matter what happened, your younger sister and brother will be there to take care of you. 

Undercover Masterlist

#tokyo revengers x reader #tokyo revengers x you #tokyo revengers x y/n #tr x you #tr x reader #tr x y/n #tokyo revengers #x fem!reader #x reader #hinatastinygiant #fanfiction series #fanfiction #fanfic #manjiro sano #mikey tokyo revengers #ao3 fanfic #ao3

[hebrewbyinbal]

These times are incredibly challenging, and sometimes it feels like there's no end in sight.

The phrase "This too shall pass" takes on a deeper meaning during such times, doesn't it?

It's not just about weathering personal struggles; it's about enduring collective hardships like war, uncertainty, and societal pain.

While we're navigating this difficult landscape, it's crucial to hold onto the idea that situations do change, often when we least expect them to.

Just like the phrase "This too shall pass" suggests, even the most unbearable circumstances are temporary.

They might leave scars, they might change us in ways we can't anticipate, but they will change.

It's a phrase that reminds us to keep going, to hold onto hope when everything around us seems bleak.

I understand how daunting it all can feel, especially when we're bombarded with troubling news and our day-to-day lives are so influenced by these bigger, scarier issues.

We're in this together, and we can lean on phrases like "This too shall pass" to find a sliver of hope and strength, reminding ourselves to breathe, re-center, and continue forward.

So let's hold onto that phrase as a lifeline, almost like a mantra, to help us get through all that we're facing.

We'll come out the other side stronger, wiser, and yes, with our new scars to bear.

#hebrew #jewish #this to shall pass #israel #learnhebrew #hebrewbyinbal #language #hebrew langblr #jew #torah #trending

[fizzyxcustard]

Kidnapped (Armitage Summer Splash. Day 10)

As part of @lathalea and I’s Armitage Summer Splash, I present to you, day 10.

Masterlist of fics for Summer Splash

Sequel to this prompt

Prompts: “You always promised you'd never hurt me.” Kidnapped trope.

Fandom: Spooks

Pairings: Lucas North/John Bateman x OC (Amy Holland)

Warnings: Kidnapping, being bound, language, spoilers for those of you who haven't seen the show, or at least seen until the end of Lucas' story arc at the end of season 9.

Summary: Lucas, or rather, John, has kidnapped Amy after Ruth has found out his secret and told her. In his desperation, what will Lucas' next move be?

Comments/Notes: If anyone would like to be added to or removed from my tag list, please say.

Amy could see nothing at all, apart from a veil of darkness over her eyes from a hood. She had regained consciousness only a few minutes earlier, and now felt that she was lying on her side, and whatever she was in was moving. A car. It had to be.

Then she heard the faint ticking of the indicator being switched on, and then the gentle turn of the vehicle swept her to one side.

"Lucas? What have you done?" she asked.

Her hands were tied behind her back, and her ankles were also tied together. "We'll be there shortly, Aim," his baritone voice came.

"You always promised you'd never hurt me," Amy said softly, hoping that her emotive pleas may evoke something in him so he would do the decent thing and let her go. "You've been found out now. There's nothing I could do or say that would stop this."

Lucas remained quiet and didn't respond to Amy's words.

Then she felt herself being lifted so she was sat up. She could feel her bindings at her feet being untied, and then the hood was slipped off her head. Amy winced, feeling the overwhelming sunlight hit her in the face and burn her eyes which had grown accustomed to the gloom beneath the hood.

She looked up, seeing an old abandoned block of maisonette flats. Lucas gave her a sad smile and then urged her to follow him.

Amy knew that struggling would not help the situation, and so decided to go along with his instructions. Trying to defy him, or run, would only cause more hardship, and even pain.

Inside one of the flats, Lucas pulled across a dusty, wooden dining chair and sat her down. Then he pulled another to sit opposite her. Both of them looked upon each other sadly. How had it come to this?

"To answer your question, I know I promised to never hurt you. And I've tried not to," Lucas said, rubbing his mouth in agitation and anxiety. "What happened in the past wasn't something that I could just walk out of without making mistakes along the way."

"But you took on the identity of another man. Why? What happened to Lucas?"

"He was killed. Someone from my past has caught up with me, Aim. A bad man who wants information from me, and he's the one who has unearthed all of this and started causing this shit for me. If he hadn't of come back into my life then we could have just carried on the way things were; got married, had kids, retired on our joint government pension."

"Why didn't you come to me?" Amy asked, leaning forward in her chair.

"How the fuck could I? Look how you've just reacted back at the grid. You don't trust me, and bringing you here like this was the only way to get you to listen. Come away with me, please. We can start over wherever you want."

Lucas moved in towards Amy and brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. Tears fell down her flushed cheeks. Everything that had happened in the last year - meeting Lucas and getting engaged - was all becoming undone. Their relationship was unravelling before her eyes. And all she could do was weep and mourn for that.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "Of everything that has happened, you're the constant and the one thing I can depend on. Loving you and being with you got me through."

"What am I meant to do?" Amy sobbed. "My whole life has become you, Lucas. And now...If I stay with you then we're both criminals."

"No, it's only me. This won't affect you."

"Of course it will!" Amy exclaimed. She shifted forward in her seat, her hands still bound. "I'm an accessory. I'm knowingly joining you. Lucas, you can't expect me to do that. Let me walk away. I won't say anything that will implicate you, I promise."

"I can't," Lucas said, his voice breaking. His hand curled around Amy's cheek and she could distinctly feel him shake. "I can't do any of this without you."

***

Follow Forever tag list: @i-did-not-mean-to @lathalea @knitastically @linasofia @meganlpie @xxbyimm @guardianofrivendell @rachel1959 @asgardianhobbit98 @sketch-and-write-lover @lilacpulse @msjava1972 @spidergirla5 @enchantzz @medusas-hairband

Richard Armitage tag list: @cryptichobbit @eunoiaastralwings

#Lucas North #Lucas North x OC #Spooks #Fanfiction #Richard Armitage #Armitage Summer Splash

[khaire-traveler]

2, 10 and 17 for the asks?

Hey, Alice! Thank you so much for the ask! ☺️🧡

-

2. What draws you to your Gods? What do you like about them?

Well, I worship A LOT of the Hellenic gods, but I'll just stick with Hermes for this question, otherwise we'll be here for an eternity. 😂 Hermes is my main deity; he's my homie, my pal, and my Father figure. I appreciate him beyond words, for many reasons, and truly, I love him with all my heart. 🧡 He has saved my life countless times, supported me through my darkest hours, and cheered me on through my greatest accomplishments. Whenever I needed a friend, or a Father, he was there, ready and waiting for me. Sorry, that got a bit sappy. 😅

10. If you could have a direct conversation with your deity/deities right now, what would you tell them?

Again, I'll just stick with Hermes for now because I have too many things to say to too many deities lol, but I'd say something along these lines: "What can I say, really? All these days and nights, countless hours I've spent praying to you, and now I get the chance to speak with you directly. I guess first off, I'd like to say thank you. Thank you for all the times you've sat by my side as I cried out to you, all the times you've saved me from incredibly dangerous situations, all the times you've answered my prayers as quickly and kindly as you could. You've never failed to see me through to the end of a day, and for that, I am beyond eternally grateful. Secondly, I love you so much. Like, there is a ridiculous amount of love in my heart that's reserved only for you, and honestly, I hope you know how much I care, even when I'm unable to leave offerings or pray to you every night. I will always adore and cherish you; you hold such a special place in my mind, my heart, and my soul. Lastly (since this is getting long), I want to address all that we've been through together. All the abuse and hardship that you've seen me through to the other side of... Despite everything that's happened in my life, despite everything certain people have put me through spiritually, emotionally, and even physically, you have always been there for me. There is not a moment that I reflect on our relationship and don't think of all that we've gone through. Thank you, truly, for loving me, helping me, uplifting me, understanding me, forgiving me, guiding me, saving me, holding me... Above all, thank you for reaching out to me. My life has never been the same since I met you, and I couldn't be happier for it."

17. Do you associate certain Gods with specific songs? Share them!

Yes, I do, actually! I have quite a lot of songs I associate certain gods with, but again, I'll stick with just Hermes, to make things much easier lol. Time In A Bottle by Jim Croce, Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi, and Alright, That's Enough, Let's Get You Home by Will Wood. And this one is just for fun and is an inside joke for me, but for Hades, My Shiny Teeth And Me by Chip Skylark. 😂

#ask game #asks #answered asks #deity worship #hellenic polytheist #hermes deity #hellenic polytheism #hellenic pagan

[loorain]

Sims 4 Fontenot Legacy - Playdate

As promised, Sigrid gets the girls (and Juno!) ready for a day of fun in the sun! She meets Coty and Milo at the rec center, the kids immediately head to the play area while the two parents get a moment to greet each other.

Sigrid: Always good to see you, Coty!

Coty: Same here! How's married life treatin' ya?

Sigrid: Well it's only been about 24 hours, but so far so good! Of course, our wedding night consisted of bedtime stories and late-night potty trips, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Coty: I can only imagine. Milo was a cranky mess after a full day of partying. He had fun though. We both did.

Sigrid: We're so glad you were able to make it last minute. Having more parent friends is always nice!

Coty: Yeah. Well, I'm glad Milo has some friends to grow up with. I'm surprised you came alone with all three kids, though. Just getting Milo to put his shoes on the right feet is a struggle.

Sigrid: Well Robin and Sabrina helped with that part. Sabrina had to go into the restaurant today, and Robin needed to run a few errands. He'll come a little later though.

Coty: Ah, so I'll get to see the Grinning Groom after all. Awesome.

Coty: They really are a good bunch.

Sigrid: That they are.

Coty: It's just a shame we live so far away... Milo being an only child and all, I worry about him. He doesn't have cousins or siblings to play with. I'm especially worried when he ages into a kid. Will he feel lonely?

Sigrid: Being a single parent must be hard. I'm lucky I have the help I do, but I also had to grow up fast. I lost both of my parents young. Then it was just me and my sisters and brother.

Coty: That must have been very hard. How did you and your siblings manage?

Sigrid: Honestly, I don't know. I think my mind blanked out a lot of that stuff. I wasn't the oldest, so I was able to do that a little more easily. But we definitely went through our hardships. We lost Virginia, and Yolanda took over caring for three of her four kids, and my brother Harley went off on his own the moment he could... we don't hear from him much. It's complicated. There's love there. Just looks a little different. But I wanted different for my kids. That's why I make so much effort for them to spend time together with all their cousins, and Milo too.

Coty: I admire that. You're a strong woman, Sigrid. I just want to be strong for Milo.

Sigrid: You already are. I see it. Milo sees it too. He'll appreciate it when he's older.

Coty: Thanks. Guess I needed to hear that.

Sigrid: Parenting is hard, no matter how many kids and how many hands are on deck! Give yourself some grace.

Coty: You're right, you're right. Just... it is hard. All alone.

Sigrid: ...Well, could you ever get in touch with Milo's mom? Is there any hope of that?

Coty: No. None.

Sigrid: And your parents?

Coty: Dad's already passed. My mom is definitely supportive, but she can only do so much from where she is. I moved to Sulani to try and understand myself more and give Milo a change of environment. Just thought the islands would be a good place for him to grow into himself. My mom always said my dad would return to the waters, something about them being "healing".

Sigrid: Well no matter what, you've always got the Lay bunch to keep you company! And Juno, too. And the good thing about Rabbithole Elementary is that all are welcome!

Coty: That's true, I suppose.

Sigrid: You and Milo will never truly be alone. We'll look out for each other. I'll always help in any way I can, and I know Robin will second that, too. But for now, why don't we just start with school plans? I've got some pictures of the facilities, state-of-the-art!

Sigrid continues her chat with Coty while the kids play together. Little Audrey, being the absolute sweetheart she is, is so ecstatic to see her bestie Milo. These two are two little peas in a pod.

Alma and Juno have a great time as well! It's evident to both adults that the four little tykes will be friends for life, and they'll obviously have to meet up again. Luckily for everyone involved, the wedding season is quickly changing into birthday season, so everyone will be back together very soon.

Eventually, as Sigrid promised, another familiar face shows up at the rec center after his errands are complete. Robin, having had to run around all morning, is still energized and excited to see his girls, Juno, and Coty and Milo.

Robin: Ah, there you all are! Looks like everyone's having fun out here!

Sigrid: Hi, honey!

Robin: I don't think we've properly introduced ourselves. Hi, I'm Robin.

Coty: Coty, so great to finally meet you officially. Great to have you join the fun.

Robin: It definitely looks like a lot of fun is being had!

Sigrid: Audrey and Milo have been attached at the hip for most of the day.

Robin: Oh, is that so? Shouldn't be surprised with those two. Audrey never stops talking about him. Has she been sharing him with Alma and Juno?

Sigrid: Oh yes, they've all been chasing each other around all day.

Coty: Milo asks about his friends too. Won't shut up about them. Good to know the feelings are mutual.

Sigrid: Well Alma's more of a girl of few words, but she shows her care in her own way.

Robin: They're twins, but very different. They'll keep you on your toes. Anyway, thanks for keeping my wife company with all the kiddos while I was gone.

Robin turns to Sigrid, greeting her properly.

Robin: I hope the kids haven't been too much to juggle today.

Sigrid: Oh they're fine, having fun chasing each other and splashing around. We've had a very relaxed day overall.

With Sigrid and Robin getting lost in their own world for a moment, it seems Coty has quickly become the third wheel. He is less than amused but manages to fix his expression before either can notice it.

But at any rate, the playdate continues on without a hitch! The kids have a great time and the adults plan out when they'll see each other again, which will be very soon since the twins will be aging up in a matter of days! A new phase of life is set to begin!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Fontenot Legacy is back! After a much-needed break, your favorite group of sims is finally returning! Expect more updates coming soon!

#sims 4 fontenot legacy #sims 4 legacy challenge #sims 4 legacy #sims 4 #sims 4 modded #simblr #ts4 simblr #ts4

[stormyreadingsxx]

January 27th Reading

It is Saturday, January 27th and we have just made it through the halfway point of 2024's first lunar cycle (days ago). The Wolf Moon in Leo is the first Full Moon of the year. Full Moons are full of manifestive energy, and this one doubly so. In a confident fire sign, this one is all about being unapologetically yourself. We are all at a fresh, new start. A new year. This lunar phase is specifically about releasing and letting go of the past to embrace the new that comes in.

The whole moon was the perfect time to set your intentions for the next eleven months. Though Full Moons are generative and manifestive, January is really a period of physical and spiritual rest. Recovery from the holidays. Starting the year with a full tank of gas and a recalibrated intuition. Now that our Goddess revealed herself in full glory, she slowly shrinks until she disappears from the sky. As the Moon grows smaller, we move to an even greater period of rest.

Time to be grateful for intentions that came through. Fully release any and all things brought to your attention to make room for the new. Go over your learned lessons and introspect. Our Moon is calling for it. In Leo:

"You feel safe in moments when you can impress others and get praise and admiration. Yet, when you get into the spotlight, you may find yourself at a loss. Maybe you should admit your fear of criticism and your inability to accept criticism. It is very important to accept feedback and use it for improvement."

The energy of a Full Moon lingers for days, and I can feel this energy rippling through both of my decks. There were almost too many messages to channel as they absorbed the currents in our skies. I had lots of little suits and sets flop out of my tarot deck before I could even interpret, so I will go over the themes of those.

The World, Seven Of Swords, and Eight Of Cups:

These three distinctly seemed to be my deck communicating to me. Since it has been a few days since I communed with them, I expected no less. Two suits and a Major.

The Seven Of Swords and Eight Of Cups both seem to represent different hardships in everyone's life. Secrets, disillusionment, indecisiveness, and abandonment to name a few. All in all, along with The World it reads very karmic. These seem to be the energies my deck is picking up on in my life and the collective. But, I see hope yet.

The Wolf Moon shed much needed light on these dynamics in our own lives and gives us the power to leave them behind. With self-reflection, honesty, and compassion the Full Moon in Leo gives us the power to set down a new path. The World, after all, represents the completion and graduation of a cycle. If we integrate our shadow and face all parts of ourselves, we'll no longer be imprisoned by our karmic lessons. This is what the Moon begs of us.

Sometimes it is letting go of a person, place, thing, or a framework of thinking that opens up new doors of opportunity. And we mean, really letting go. From your mind and your energetic body. It can be almost impossible to make this decision, but you can empower yourself with the motivation of your highest good.

The Empress and The Devil (reversed):

I always pay attention when Majors leave my deck together. I've found meanings almost too profound to take in. The Empress represents the feminine and our intuition. Our receptive energy. The Devil is our vices. Our doubts. Our fears. The shadow. The ones that shackle and bind us. Blind us. Hold us back from our true callings. Together, they create a dynamic that is familiar to us all. Whether on a personal or interpersonal level, the modern world makes it a real challenge to cultivate and trust our own intuitions. To trust one another. To trust ourselves.

But, with The Devil reversed, this reading is more hopeful and optimistic than it seems.

See, reversed, the Capricorn's Devil signifies turning a corner and overcoming our fears, addictions, and self-imposed limitations. A lot of the time, we are the only ones in the way of our natural and true power.

"The Devil Reversed expresses a liberation from the grip of fear, while the Empress represents growth and creativity."

We are constantly bombarded with the negative. Crises. Economic issues and wars. Layoffs, mass famine, sickness, and death. And with technology and social media, this information might as well be uploaded directly into our mind and spiritual auras. Tarot and divination will never tell you to go unconscious, that is the root of The Devil card. Addiction to things that turn off your conscious mind. That can be a substance or negative self-talk. Harming yourself physically, sexually, or mentally.

When it comes to being in your own way, we all have the power to move. These cards together show that you're now ready to release negative and toxic habits and embrace your nurturing creativity.

Oh, Divine Feminine, how you nurture and encourage everything around you but doubt your next step. It's time. Knowing you need to change or let go of something and being ready to do it are two different phenomena. These cards are telling us all that we have graduated from the karmic phase, and it is time to shine.

Death and The Five Of Cups (reversed):

Death is not in a literal sense, but in a transformative one. To become something new, something must then die in a way. That is the law of alchemy. But, rebirth and transformation are not inherently bad. Change is just change. Look at the Moon and her radically changing form. All in the span of a month.

I use a tarot calculator as my bible, and here's what it said about this combination:

"Accepting the end of a cycle and moving on is the beginning of a metamorphosis and finding peace with change."

The Five of Cups Reversed and Death tarot cards combined can indicate a turning point in a situation of loss and grief.

This combination hints that you are finally beginning to accept the reality of what has been lost, and that the process of healing and moving on can begin. Whatever the Full Moon illuminated for you may not be easy to part with.

You experience something that brings you pain. You have trauma. You grieve it, the person you once were. All you can do is feel those feelings. You know you'll have to accept what has happened and eventually move on. But, knowing and actually embarking on that process are two totally different things. You can't force your way through processing grief and things that change you. Sometimes, all we can do is sit vigil with our pain. But, with compassion and hard work, the universe will give you a sign that you've reached the next stage of the process.

Not just acknowledging your wounds, but letting them go with peace and acceptance. Maybe this is a relationship. A stage of your life. The state of the world and the future you once imagined. My deck and the moon are asking the world to shed their skin and heal.

I thanked my deck for these astute messages and drew three cards for a final impression.

Four Of Wands, King Of Cups, The Star:

My tarot bible said this:

"I hope for faith and rejuvenation. Our community is our home, and we should celebrate it. Compassion, control, and balance are key components of a healthy lifestyle."

How so important and very true, if we don't face and heal ourselves there will be nothing we can do to change the world. To brighten the future. It has to start with who we are.

These cards and the energy of our Moon have been pointing to living authentically. To looking into our shadow and unapologetically choosing the right things to do for the highest good of ourselves and of all. Of graduating from outdated and harmful habits and ways of thinking. My final draw speaks of closure and healing.

"When the Four of Wands and King of Cups appear together, they create a powerful Tarot card combination that symbolises a time of healing, closure, and love. It signals an opportunity to enjoy life and appreciate its beauty, to bask in the warmth of loving relationships, and to reconnect with the people and things that bring us joy. At its core, this combination reminds us to celebrate our achievements and take time to appreciate the abundance in our lives."

These cards are positive, if not active. Things may seem difficult or hairy right now, but it's nothing we can't handle with the right state of mind. Gratitude is the key, here. We can do all things with gratitude, compassion, and accountability. Don't focus on your lack or what hasn't finished manifesting in the ether. We are all so abundant if we take the time to realize it.

"When the Star and King of Cups tarot cards are drawn together in a reading, it represents a powerful combination of hope and emotional mastery. This combination suggests that the querent has reached a place of emotional stability and is ready to move forward towards their dreams and aspirations. The Star brings hope and inspiration, while the King of Cups provides the emotional intelligence needed to navigate any challenges that may arise."

Thinking positively and responding to events in your life positively will make a harmonious energy gravitate to you. Conjuring these feelings despite outside stressors puts you in a state to heal and move forward. You won't accomplish your dreams holding on to the hurts and pains of the past. We journeyed with the moon, looked inwards, and have resolved to let go of things that no longer align with your highest self. These three cards are the collective reward.

"When The Star and Four of Wands appear together in a tarot reading, it is a highly positive sign. This combination suggests that you are on the right path towards achieving your goals and that you will be rewarded for your efforts in more ways than one. The Star and Four of Wands combination indicate that you are entering a period of stability and inner peace. You have a strong sense of purpose and know what you want, and the universe is lining up to help you achieve it."

This reading has ended up long, but it felt appropriate after taking a break to deal with the material world. I also drew from my Pythia Oracle deck.

From Ash- Fireweed: A card for despondent times, when all seems lost to another's ill will. Scour for plumes and rake the embers of ruin until the ground reclaims it's fertile past. At night, the survivors will glow.

Ancient Sight- Sage: A reward for years of well-earned wisdom. Look to your elders and to the elder within. If you squint close enough, and winnow humility through experience, the future will appear as it should be.

Sacrifice- Anemone: A dark card and potential harbinger of tragedy. Professional failure or personal downfall may be in store, but only following a giving of great altruistic effort. It won't feel this way at first, but it was all worth it.

I can only speak for myself, but sometimes, my biggest barriers are internal. Ghost walls I can see, but that don't really exist. Projections of my harsh and abusive inner monologue, a captor I've grown used to living with. Having your own ritual of magick or manifestation won't automatically work. Nor will it protect your from adverse or traumatic events. To a certain point, they are part of life.

But, sometimes our worse moments are transformative. Through the concrete, we are the persistent flower of rebirth that refuses to give up. That grew from our darkest hour. This reading isn't saying our future will be without negative or painful experiences. But, we will heal. We'll graduate from those lessons and be liberated from the karmic turmoil of our minds. And, once we do that, there will be a whole new world waiting.

All of my cards wish you luck.

#Lunar reading #Moon phases #Tarot #Tarot Reading #oracle reading #collective reading #divination #astrology #lunar cycle #reading #energy reading

[aspiring-holistic-otaku]

Season 2 Ramble#7 - All About Art

As the title suggests and as you probably guessed, this month's episode is all about art. I'm talking dancing, singing, modeling, drawing, whatever. You name it and surprisingly enough there's probably a manga for it. You can listen in with the link above or check the link in my bio for your preferred platform 🥂

Given the ever growing forms of art, its heavily subjective nature + my very limited perception and so on, I invite my friend Jen onto the show so I don't pigeonhole you all into my views and preferences via my reads.

So how this episode goes down is that the first segment is the usual listicle type beat, alternating between me and Jen, with the usual split of stuff read this month and stuff read before but since it's the two of us I thought I'd save y'all the long talking and have us only give details on the top 1s and kinda just summarize the other stuff we mention. Then for the second segment we'll have a little back and forth interview type beat in place of the usual rambles and then some outtakes from our test calls leading up to the episode to wrap up the whole thing.

Things read this month:

Top 1(me)

Shiori Experience(story & art by Yuuko Osada, ongoing with 66 chapters)

The main premise is that plain Jane highschool teacher Shiori, gets her life flip twisted upside down, when one day she's possessed by the ghost of legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Pretty sweet deal tbh, especially if you're a music fan, which she is, but ofc there's a catch. If she doesn't become a legend before 27 she dies.

Great cast, pretty solid story and the two intersect really well as the main plot is driven by her trying to scrounge up and then develop a band. So it's been pretty balanced so far in that as different members join we get to see them develop individually as well together as a band. Pretty solid story as I said, it draws a pretty good range of emotions out of you but what pushed it to number 1 was definitely the phenomenal art, specifically their illustration of sound. Going from a gentle wave, to an explosive eruption it's really cool to see the different sounds of different bands or even the different songs of the same band. Cannot recommend this manga enough, it truly is an amazing experience.

Two Honourable Mentions:

Blue Giant

Basically this kid wants to be the greatest jazz player in the world, he plays a mean sax and you can maybe kinda think of it as equal but opposite to the movie whiplash. As in yh they both have dudes trying to do the virtually impossible, both facing their fair share of hardships and so on but blue giant just has this super contagious uplifting vibe, especially the main character dai. he's a real one fr.

Smile Down The Runway

This is about fashion and the story revolves around 2 folks, chiyuki a model that's too short and ikuto, a designer that's too broke. Both have dreams of one day making it to the Paris fashion week runway (which starts next month irl btw). Read this pretty late in the month but it was so good I pretty much just blazed through it. Won't say much but the art was amazing and the designs were actually flames.

a manga that was surprisingly good:

Wandance

As the name suggests it's about dancing, largely of the hip hop based variety, they make a lot of cool references to modern artists from dj cream to Freddy Gibbs to Kendrick and basically it's about a dude who finds it hard to speak finding joy in being able to express himself through dance. On that note I gotta mention this month apparently makes 50 years of hip hop, shout out the genre and its offshoots fr but let the record show it all started right here in Jamaica. (It was surprising because for me the art style reminded me of a ton of manga I just didn't like)

a manga I didn't get to but looks cool:

Paradise Kiss

Another fashion manga and that's all I can say

[unfortunately Jen had a lot of emergencies at work and didn't type up anything so I had to just summarize her stuff but you can listen in to hear what she had to say in detail]

Top 1(Jen) - Blue period

Two Honourable Mentions - Sounds of life and PPPPPP

Things read before this month:

Top 1(me)

Blue Period (story & art by tsubasa yamaguchi, ongoing with 61 chapters out in English)

Highschool delinquent yatora makes the last minute and arguably terrible career choice to become an artist. can't fight him though as clinging to a long life unable to be authentic to yourself reeks of misery. In any case the story so far follows him from high school to college, and we take a pretty indepth look at art, what it is and what it means to be good at it. Pretty bold move of the author to be honest.

Also want to mention the author has a self titled 4 chapter collection of short stories that you can check out as well, literally just found out and read earlier today, pretty neat read

Two Honourable Mentions:

Bakuman

Spoke on this last episode so I won't say much but it's a manga about making manga and it was the top one of its section last month

Akane Banashi

Something that was an honourable mention last month, really really good and would have been top 1 in its section of not for bakuman. It's about a traditional Japanese art called rakugo which is basically a one man play, because it's in the honourable mention slot I don't speak much on it but honestly really really really good

[Jen hadn't really read much art stuff before this month but she did mention Barakamon and Rakugo Shinjuu ]

Thanks for listening/reading so far and you can listen in for the little interview and outtakes 🍻

#mm..manga #shiori experience: jimi na watashi to hen na ojisan #shiori experience #blue giant #smile down the runway #wandance #blue period #sounds of life #pppppp #bakuman #akane banashi #barakamon #shouwa genroku rakugo shinjuu #rakugi shinjuu #just another day #writeup