#why am i allowing myself to freeze to death

[softguarnere]

HEY BABY GIRL!!!!

It's your girl, your sweet cheese, your good time gal (someone please shut me up omfg). Now...you know i am a Joe Toye lover, and if you've seen me recently...he is the only man on my mind. I was wondering if you might indulge me a little with a Joe Toye x reader where they're besties since young and both end up being paratroopers together but then something happens and he thinks he's lost her but she's actually fine and maybe like fluffy reunion...idk tbh i'd take anything you write and eat it up so do whatever. Love youuuuu xx

Seven

Joe Toye x reader

A/N: OMG BELLA I MISSED YOU!!!! 💖 WELCOME BACK BABE! And of course we have a fic with a T Swift reference for you hehehe (This is written for the fictional depictions from the show - no disrespect to the real life veterans!) Thanks so much for the request, and I hope you like this 💕 Warnings: mentions of war, death

You would kill him if you knew where he was right now. And yet, here he is. Trying to reassure and comfort your mother while sipping coffee from her finest set of teacups. The same teacups, he’s now realizing, that you used to serve him water in as children, calling it tea while the two of you played house, discussing the workplace as if you had any idea what went on there, while the adults around you struggled through the lack of those very places during the thirties. It could just be a coincidence, but after spending most of his life around her, Joe Toye would like to think that he knows your mother better than that.

“And you know how hardheaded she is,” your mother is ranting, cutting a fresh slice of poundcake and placing it on Joe’s plate. “She isn’t going to listen to me. Or anyone for that matter, now that her mind is made up.”

Oh, Joe knows exactly how hardheaded you are. In no small part thanks to the times that he accidentally clobbered that very head during neighborhood football games.

“(Y/N) feels good about this, Mrs. (Y/L/N),” Joe says, unsure of what he’s supposed to say during your mother’s hour of need. She’s right, after all – your mind has been made up, and it will not be changed.

“But do you?” Your mother fixes him with a hard gaze, raised brow and all.

You were with Joe when he went to enlist. He had watched your eyes sparkle when they fell onto the sign stating that women should inquire within about an exciting new opportunity that would allow them to serve their country like never before. And he had been by your side when you both left the building, both holding papers and smiling at the thought that you would be becoming paratroopers – together.

“Yes. (Y/N) is strong. She’ll be good in – “

“Joesph,” your mother interrupts. The façade finally falls as she collapses into the chair across the table from him, head in her hands. “She’s my baby! What if something – oh, God forbid! – happens to her? I couldn’t live with myself.”

Joe is by her side in an instant. When he announced that he was joining the Airborne, everyone had clapped him on the back and congratulated him. You have not had the same experience. While everyone keeps assuring Joe that he’ll do great things, the same people have been cautioning you to be careful. Some have even warned you that you should just give up now. And it’s all only served to strengthen your determination, with every underestimation making you more sure that this is what needs to be done.

All that is to say, Joe has no clue what to say to your mother. She needs to be comforted. But he’s out of his depth.

“I’ll watch out for her,” he finally manages.

Beneath the comforting hand that Joe has placed on her shoulder, your mother freezes. Watery eyes gaze up at him. “You – you will?”

“Of course.” The two of you have grown up together. You’ve always been friends. Why would he stop looking out for you now?

Your mother throws her arms around his neck, wrapping him up in a tight hug. “Oh, thank you!”

Joe is struggling to come up with something more to say when the sound of the front door opening and shutting saves him. Your footsteps echo through the front of the house as you call out in greeting.

“Ma! I’m home!” Stepping into the kitchen, you cross your arms, leaning onto the doorframe as you let out a loud sigh. “Wow, you would almost think that Joe is the child that you’re sending off to war instead of me.” You smile, and anyone could see how much you love your mother.

She wipes her teary eyes and pats Joe’s arm as he stands, returning to his seat. “I’m going to miss having someone around who doesn’t get into trouble all the time,” she teases as she cuts a slice of poundcake for you.

Something about the change of topic tells Joe that she would rather not have you find out about their conversation. His watching over you can be their little secret. And a job that he’ll readily accept.

After all, he tells himself as he watches you laugh at something your mother says. You would do the same for him.

--

The adrenaline from taking Brécourt Manor still hasn’t worn off yet. Joe is laughing at something that Guarnere said as they head back down the road. Something about this moment makes him feel invincible. This is why he chose to become a paratrooper, he realizes.

More men and women have congregated in the town since he’s been gone. Finally glancing at his watch reveals that he’s been gone most of the day. Wow, really? It didn’t feel like the assault took that long at all. At least it kept him busy, instead of sitting around here, waiting.

Joe scans the crowd, hoping to catch sight of you. When he doesn’t immediately spot you, he stops one of the other female paratroopers as she passes.

“Hey, Lilian. You seen (Y/N) around?”

Lilian pauses, her pretty green eyes widening slightly. “Oh. No.” She bites her lip, holding back something more.

“What is it?” Joe presses.

Her hesitation is not a good sign. Then she blurts out, “No one has seen her since the jump.”

“You mean – “

“She was supposed to be in my drop zone – but she wasn’t.”

The reality of it all sets in. (Y/N) didn’t reach the drop zone. Did she even make it out of the plane? God, he promised your mother that he would look out for you. Yet, here he is, with no clue where you might be.

He may have only just reached Europe, but he’s already failed his mission.

--

The dust is settling over Carentan when the incongruous cheer and subsequent peel of laughter hits Joe’s ears. Somewhere off in the distance, someone is celebrating. Meanwhile, he’s guarding Doc Roe as the medic moves along the streets, inspecting the bodies strewn over them to see if there’s anybody still alive that he can help.

“Thanks for doing this,” Roe says as he stands once more, moving on to another body.

“Hmm?” Joe snaps his attention back to the moment at hand. “Oh, no problem.”

Except there is a problem. He’s trying to catch a glimpse of every face as Doc Roe checks the bodies. He tries to make out names on dog tags, dreading that one of them might belong to you. He couldn’t stand it if he found you here, like this. What would he tell your mother? How would he ever erase that awful image from his mind? Of the little girl that he once played house with, lying motionless on these cold streets? It’s no better to imagine you going down in a plane doing a fiery corkscrew as it nosedives to the unforgiving soil of a foreign land. But at least he didn’t have to see that.

The terrible job done, he follows Roe back to the rest of the company. Despite everything that just happened, a few smiles can be expected, along with congratulatory words. But this is more than that.

A small group of men mill about, talking, smiling, as they watch a smaller group of the female paratroopers huddled together in a group, all talking loudly and looking excited. From the corner of his eye, he can see Doc Roe glance at him, but before the medic can ask what’s going on, the crowd parts and Joe freezes.

There, in the middle of it all, is you.

“(Y/N)?” It comes out louder than he means for it to, and his feet are already carrying him, double time, in your direction before he realizes what he’s doing.

You look up, your eyes widening. “Joe!” You launch yourself at him, throwing your arms around his neck and pulling him in close.

Something rushes through Joe’s chest like a flash of lightning, too many feelings at once. There’s shock, relief, and something that he can’t quite name. Not caring about getting written up for fraternizing, Joe hugs you back, holding you close, lest you slip away from him again.

“Jesus Christ. I thought I lost you,” he says into your hair.

“I’m fine, as usual. Can’t believe you would doubt me like that.” Your voice is light, teasing, but your grip on him tightens. The usual confident swagger doesn’t leave your voice, but you admit in a quieter voice, “I, uh – I missed my drop zone. Had a hell of a time trying to find the rest of the company. But here I am!”

When the embrace ends, Joe still isn’t ready to let go. He leaves his hands on your shoulders, studying you. And you, for your part, hold onto his webbing. “I was just worried about you, is all.”

You nod. “I was worried about you, too. I – “

“Easy Company!” A booming voice interrupts. “We’re moving out!”

Quickly, while everyone is distracted, you raise yourself up on your tiptoes and press a kiss to his cheek. Heat rushes to Joe’s cheeks. He feels his eyes widen. You just smile at him, casual as can be.

“We’ve been friends since we were seven. You can’t get rid of me that easily, Joseph.” Then, you rejoin your friends, leaving him to replay the scene over and over in his mind.

He turns to watch you go, unable to move his feet from where they suddenly appear to be stuck to the ground. He’s held in place by the weight of his realization – the emotion that he couldn’t name was love, for you.

#joe toye #joe toye x reader #band of brothers #band of brothers fanfic #band of brothers x reader #band of brothers imagine #my writing #tumblr friends #brassknucklespeirs

[readychilledwine]

Eris Week Day 3 : Secrets | Fire

Cold Hands

Prompt - Does Eris keep anyone else’s secrets? Why? 

Summary- Azriel and Eris find themselves trapped in a cave in the Winter Court. The heir, ever the curious lordling, does not understand why Azriel will not join him by the fire he's made to allow them to keep warm.

A/N - A little platonic Azriel and Eris moment for day 3 of @erisweek2023 I desperately want Eris and Azriel to, at the very least, be friends at the end of the series.

"Then fucking freeze for all I care," Eris rolled his eyes as he lit the fire at the back of the cave, secretly hoping enough warmth would flood to the stubborn Illyrian sitting towards the middle. 

Azriel was visibly shivering as Kallias allowed his court to storm and rebuild as needed. Winters in the mountains had been harsh, but Azriel was male enough to own this was cold, even for him. He rubbed his hands together, feeling the tingling sensation that happens every time they get too cold begin to set in. "Remind me," he shivered again, "why you can't winnow us out of here?"

Eris rolled his eyes again. "I was trapped in faebane, Azriel. I had enough magic to get myself out or start this fire. There's no way I could have taken both of us." Eris sighed sitting down. "I made the choice to stay with you. To try to ensure you stayed warm since you were also poisoned. Evidently that was a waste of my time though." Eris watched as Azriel desperately tried to warm his hands. "Just come fucking sit by the fire." 

The growl from Azriel was enough of an answer. "Fuck off, Eris." The spymaster watched as the heir rolled his eyes again before standing and grabbing his cloak. 

Eris walked to him with a grace that only Rhysand and Lucien could match, holding the wool and fur lined cloak to Azriel. "Then at least take this. No one will forgive me if you freeze to death here." Eris felt his voice soften at the end of the sentence.

Eris had noticed the habit several times now. Azriel avoided camp fires, hearths, wild fires. He back away from Eris while the heir used his magic. He had always thought nothing scared the Illyrian until they had become friends. "Why are you afraid of fire, Azriel?"

The spymaster took his turn, rolling his eyes. "I am not afraid of fire." Had Eris not been lying his whole life, he may have accepting that statement as the truth. Azriel had a tell, though. When the male lied, his left wing twitched.

"You do not lie well." Eris chuckled lightly at the irony. "I will trade you a secret for a secret? Then we both have something on each other." Azriel mulled the option over in his mind. Having a card to pull on Eris would be beneficial to Rhysand, to his court, to himself. However, that secret required vulnerability, something both of the males sitting in the icy cave struggled with.

The heir sat down across the cave from him. Waiting with his brows raised and a neutral expression on his face. Azriel knew he had to capitalize on this moment. He had to take whatever secret Eris would give him.

"When I was younger," Azriel began slowly. He sighed contently at the warmth of Eris' cloak before continuing. "My father kept me locked in a dungeon. I was hardly allowed outside or to see my mother." Azriel stared towards the fire. "My brothers thought one day it would be fun to see how illyrian healing and oil and fire mixed."

He watched as Eris shut his eyes, his jaw tightening. "They put oil on my hands before setting them on fire. My father's guards heard my screams and came, but the damage was done." Azriel pulled off one of his gloves to show Eris. 

The heir's mask had broken as he moved to Azriel and studied the all too familiar burn scars. Anger was radiating off of him. "Where are they now?"

"Alive and serving low ranks in one of the camps?" Azriel almost sighed again at the warmth of Eris' hand holding his. "Your secret, Eris?" The heir took a while to answer. His mind still processing that Rhysand had allowed these males to live after the act they committed on someone he considered his brother.

"I have a wife," the heir stated quietly. "A beautiful little thing. Blonde hair, bright green eyes, high fae. I do not know why I was blessed with her, but she is everything to me." Azriel watched as he smiled. The heir's amber eyes were distant and sparkling. "I keep her safe and hidden in a cabin my father is too stupid to detect."

Eris rose and looked at Azriel's wing. "We will get to her tomorrow when we're ready. She should be able to fix your wing easily. Mother knows she's had to patch myself and my mother up more times than I can count."

Azriel nodded. "Your secret is definitely more valuable than mine. I didn't know you had a family."

Eris nodded. "Very few do. You can destroy my whole world, shadowsinger. Now, please. Come sit by the fire. I would never let anything burn you. I know that pain all too well."

Azriel studied Eris. Another silent confession was made by the heir. Azriel noted the sincerity in his eyes, the seriousness on his face. "Swear it?"

Eris nodded. "I swear it."

#acotar #acotar x reader #eris vanserra #azriel #azriel acotar #eris vanserra x reader #eris x azriel #azris

[villiedoom]

About worldbuilding

My style of worldbuilding is observation, feeling and perception, allowing the world to grow on its own, favoring ideas that resonate with me personally over those that are logical and realistic. It is important for me to see, feel and then - to understand what my world and characters wants to say and show me, and not to be their designer.

Because of this, I care little about the biology of the creatures, what they eat and why they look so strange. I don't know much about them, but I allow them to be mysterious, although I am always glad to finally see and understand some details of their life and nature.

«One of my favorite ideas/scenes is about wandering in the snowy mountains. It’s like a journey through the afterlife, lonely and very personal. Climbing the mountain, where the only obstacle on the way is the mountains themselves - snow-covered and cold, with blinding blizzards, and threatening steep slopes. One wrong step - and you will fall down and die. Or freeze to death»

This is purely emotional and feeling, there is no question of whether this is real for the character or not, and why this lonely Vaeraf went to the mountains if it is so cold and dangerous. These mountains are a symbol and a metaphor for his life, feelings, difficulties he faces, and his way to the top of the mountain - to the goal, to the sky, to realize something, to overcome difficulties.

Simply put, the emotion and feelings that I experienced from my stories or when I met, for example, a Vaeraf person in my imagination or dream, are more important for me. In my art, I want to share these feelings, and not to build and describe their biology in detail. I also don't try to give all the characters I meet detailed biographies or stories. I only know these characters who are my close friends, just like it works with people in real life. What makes my characters so dear to me is my personal relationship with them, and I love them as persons that live in my mind.

Sometimes I worry that my way of creating and showing my world is wrong or stupid, because I noticed that the vast majority of people interested in worlds and creatures are more designers and "scientists" than people for whom personal impressions and feelings are way more important. But I no longer want to try to change myself, my art and my world into something that is not close and not interesting to me personally.

I remember such an idea that there are two types of artists - architects and gardeners. Architects build their world and stories according to the rules, trying to do everything well and right, they intentionally plan, build and control every detail. Whereas gardeners let their world grow on its own, but take care of it and choose which grown ideas they keep and which they uproot. In that case, I'm a total gardener who also tends to let things just grow and die on their own, even if it turns into overgrown chaos. It is important for me to feel, experience and analyze this chaos as it is, but at the same time - to love and take care of those parts of my world that are important and dear to me.

Only this way feels natural to me and keeps me in touch with my world and art, and I sincerely love this way of working with the world, even if it is hard and sometimes inconvenient to explain things to strangers. But my art, characters and my world are inherently connected to my feelings, experience and mental state, and I do not want to destroy this connection for the sake of some "true" worldbuilding just because my way is different.

~~~

Update: (I decided to add and supplement these my comments in the post)

I also want to add that it doesn't mean that I don't try to analyze and explain things from my world. It's just that my focus is different, it is important for me to feel and understand Vaerafes as persons, so I focus on their perception, feelings, morality, philosophy and psychology, trying to understand how they see, think and feel, while their nature is part of their personality. But I rarely share it because it's usually too personal - for both me and my characters.

It may be their understanding of the world, their morals and values, their relationship with each other, and also - my own relationship with them. While their world as a whole is just the world they live in, I don't study or detail it as seriously and in depth as my characters' stories, which are quite personal and can be quite metaphorical. Besides, I have some different worlds/alternative universes with different stories and ideas. Some of them don't even have the idea of being at least a bit realistic/scientific.

It's not about worldbuilding only, but also about my personal interests. Things related to philosophy(?) and psychology, as well as symbolism, self-exploration and self-expression in art, are more interesting to me than the scientific side of nature and wild animals. I like science, and sometimes it's interesting to think about my beings from that perspective, but that's just not my focus and I still perceive it from a more philosophical point of view.

I would say that the truly "scientific" side of my world is the very fact of having a world and living characters in the head of me, a living animal being of the human species. Therefore, knowing me and my interests, I would rather dig into the learning more about these weird natural processes of my mind, to know what it is and how it works, than into what these fictional creatures eat and how their digestion works, heh.

This is just my personal perception, understanding of things and interests.

~~~~~

Thank you for reading ~

#worldbuilding #fantasy #fantasy world #my world #art #drawings #fictional world #text post #thoughts #original characters

[floralifetime]

Toruk Makto's Sister.

Warning: Very bad writing, some grammatical error (English is not my fist language so please be kind), mention of death, mention of bad parenting.

Previous chapter ➡️ Next chapter.

⚠️⚠️Phrase and various images are not mine, all credits to their respective owners.⚠️⚠️

Chapter n.3 Pursued by a Thanator

“Many people talk to nature and animals, not everyone is able to listen, however. It is such a pity."

The following morning, after a shared breakfast and making sure my brother was okay, I headed to the armory with my personal bow on my back and a quiver of arrows that will allow me to train for a couple of hours. Yes, I brought my bow with me, I don't use it in the army for clear reasons, but the calm and and lucidity needed to know how to use it well always helps me to clear my mind and relaxes me despite being a very tiring hobby. I am passionate about unconventional weapons, the bow and the scythe are my favourites, but knives also have a special place in my heart, throwing ones I mean.

I breathe deeply as I pull an arrow out of my quiver, position it, take aim and release the tightrope, the dart breaks the air and finds its place, in the center of the target in front of me and only then I release the breath I had been holding until now. The training went on for the two hours that I had calculated at the beginning, I must admit that archery has helped a lot, it has helped me to relax a little since I have been very excited since I opened my eyes this morning and that I don't walk, I fly for enthusiasm. At least that's what I do until I freeze in place because I see Colonel Quaritch looking around as if he's looking for someone in particular. I really hope it's not me, because anyone who considers this place only a conquest destination and has no respect for the life present here, I don't consider it worthy of my attention. I don't care who it is, maybe that's why Grace and I hit it off immediately, she hates Quaritch and Selfridge too, we feel alike. “Hey Sully!” I hear myself called by the only person present here besides me, the one I really didn't want to see, always my usual luck. I freeze in place, turning to him quickly, I see him walking with all the calm in the world in my direction, stopping only when he thinks he's gotten close enough. I don't know what's keeping me from taking at least four steps back to avoid it. “How can I help you, sir?” I ask forcing a smile, pretending a respectful tone as much as possible, I don't think I'm happy with it, the dislike I feel for him is greater than my ability to pretend. “You get straight to the point, huh? I like it, not wasting time on useless pleasantries.” he replies. “Precisely what you are doing, I think. So, what do you need?” he smiles and approaches further, this time I back away putting a little distance between the two of us, luckily he understands the hint and stops on the spot. "You're right, I apologize, Sully." I glared at him for a couple of minutes and he only spoke when I raised an impatient eyebrow. “I wanted to know where your brother is. I'm sure you've seen it, I mean, after Tommy's death you wouldn't gladly part with the other one, right?” my eyes widen, this is bullshit, using Tommy's death to get what he wants. I wonder, if he has no qualms about using such a biting and painful topic for me just to get such simple information, what is he willing to do to get something more? The possibilities are endless for someone like him and it scares me a lot.

“I don't know exactly where he is, the only thing I know for sure is that he's not here in the armory, but I think you've already figured it out since you have working eyes.” I retort trying to regain a minimum of that character that distinguishes me when it comes to my family. "I can't believe you don't know exactly where he is." he smiles mockingly while I have to do my best to repress a growl that has very little human. "What I know I've already told you, and see if you can do something productive and useful, if you need my brother, go find him by yourself." I answer. “Aw, did I hurt little Sully's feelings? I thought that sharpshooter had to be calm and concentrated to do their job well…" he turns to leave and I, unable to resist the anger I feel for him, put on my bow, nock my arrow and let it go, breaking one part of the fabric of the shirt he wears, just near his neck. He turned around slowly, his eyes wide open, I can't tell if he was scared, but he didn't expect such a thing, that's for sure. The corner of my mouth quirks in a mocking, cheeky smile as I put my bow away and shrug slightly. "I'm a sharpshooter, I don't miss the target, if I didn't hit you it means I don't want to hit you for now." "You're making a grave mistake, Sully." he growls. “Yes, like your mother when she gave birth to you.” I retort as I leave, shouldering him hard enough to force him to move a little from the position he was in.

“Grace, can I tell you something?” I ask her as I pass her the mixture she needs. "Certain." she cuts it short as she applies it. “I saw Quaritch in the armory.” Grace raises an eyebrow and glares at me out of the corner of her eye, slowing her work. "And? He's a Marine, like your brother. It is normal to see him in the armory.” “I thought so too. At least until he asked me about my brother." She interrupts her work to turn to me and look at me, she knows exactly how I feel about them since my opinion matches hers. “What did he want?” she asks suspiciously. "I don't know exactly, he wanted to know where he was." “Did you tell him?” cautious question. "Absolutely not! You know I would never feed my brother to him!" I don't even pronounce his name because he is hateful. "What did you tell him?" she asks. "That I didn't know exactly where he was." She reflects for a while. "I don't like that he wanted to know, ask your brother for an explanation." I nod. “Do you think he want something from Jakey? I don't think he just wants to ask how the journey was, he doesn't care." Grace nods in concentration. "Obviously he wants something, Quaritch is not the type to care about anything other than achieving his goals, no matter how inhuman and violent they are." her voice takes on a melancholy tone, just as her gaze is lost in memories that I cannot touch, which occurred before my arrival here. “I'd rather Quaritch just leave my brother alone, I really don't want to know Jakey with characters like that.” We are silent for a couple of minutes before I speaks again "Do you think that… Does he want to involve Jakey in his plans?" I ask. "It's possible, I hope not for you anyway. In any case we just have to wait, because at this moment we have nothing in our hands, keep an eye on your brother and ask him for explanations when you learn that he has been chatting with Quaritch. ” I sigh heavily "But Grace, Jakey is an adult, and he's stubborn…If I try to investigate too much he might get annoyed and not tell me anything." "Be discreet, then." I nod. "There's something about what I said that doesn't convince you, right?" she asks me and I deny. “It's not so much what you said, it's that it makes me anxious knowing that Quaritch is looking for my brother for reasons of his, which I don't know, and knowing the character, there can't be good reasons that push him to talk to Jakey. On the other hand, my brother is an adult and can make the decisions he wants, I can't help it, unfortunately or fortunately, it depends on the case. I trust my brother, he's all I have left, I know he wouldn't do something that would make me feel bad." I conclude. I don't trust Quaritch, I don't now and I never will, but I trust my brother.

“I don't know who gave you a gun but I doubt his intelligence, Jakey.” I smile. “Hey, aren't you glad you have your big brother to protect you?” he smiles mockingly, slightly flexing the muscles of his arms, just to show his strength. I roll my eyes and smile. “You are such an exhibitionist…” “But you love me for that too, right little sister?” he makes puppy eyes, and once I nod and shake my head, he tosses my hair affectionately.

Time X has now come and we are boarding Trudy's Samson to be transported deep into the forest of Pandora for the mission. “Well, nice to meet you guys, I'm Trudy and my job is to escort you deep into the forest and pick you up.” the pilot welcomes us from her driving seat. “Trudy, I'm so glad to see you!” I exclaim, I hadn't seen her yet because she was already up when we arrived with our Avatar bodies. Trudy turned to me and smiled. "Do you recognize me?" I asked her, curious. “You are very different, of course, but yes, I recognize you. Your gentle gaze is always the same, it is unmistakable.” I blush heavily, I'm not very used to believing compliments, even though my older brother never misses an opportunity to give them to me. "See? I'm not the only one who says you're beautiful!" Jakey teases me as I pat his shoulder lightly and playfully while the others giggle. "Anyway checks your older brother, I already asked him to deal with the weapons, makes sure he doesn't get too happy about it." this time it was my turn to laugh as Jakey pouted, I have to admit that even though he's my older brother, he's downright adorable with that frown on his face. "You look really adorable with that expression, you know that?" I ask him smiling, he quickly turns his head towards me, his eyes wide. He brings both hands to his chest, pressing them against his heart in pretended fainting. “This is really bad, little sister!” he whimpers. “You struck deep into my pride as it shattered along with my poor Marine heart!” he leans back in the seat, pretending to die, mouth open and tongue out. I burst out laughing and hugged him as best I could, Jakey stood still for a couple of seconds and then returned his hug laughing. “Jakey?” I asked just before lifting my head from his shoulder. "Yes?" she answered, gently tugging at one of my braids. “What did Quaritch want? Did he find you in the end?” he stiffens slightly before answering. "Nothing important, really. He wanted to make sure I protected you well and did a good job. Not big deal, Sweety.” I nod even if his slight initial stiffness makes me think. "Ok, now we're off, get ready!" announces Trudy.

“Bye Trudy, remember to pick us up!” I yell at her once she gets off the Samson, the noise it makes is deafening and drowns out our voices, so that we are all forced to scream. “Of course not, I would never forget my best friend, who do you take me for!? Think about being careful rather than tell me about it, okay?” I nod as I look around, noticing a plethora of Stingbats hovering around the craft. "Careful, those are Stingbats, and their venom is very dangerous." Grace informs us. “Little sister, be careful…What the heck?!” a couple of Stingbats had detached themselves from the group and started circling me, at face level, but they didn't seem willing to attack me. I chuckled slightly, spinning around, following the two little animals. One of them, particularly sociable, landed on my shoulder, he didn't seem intimidated or even aggressive towards me, I slowly approached his hand to his little head, and then stroked him slowly, I didn't want to make sudden movements so as not to scare him, their low intelligence makes them perfect prey, so sudden movements are not the best, despite their very high vision. He let himself be given a couple of caresses, and then flew off peacefully with the others. “Bye little ones!” I greeted them, then turned to my mission mates, and Trudy who was still with us. Grace simply had an eyebrow raised, not surprised by this "strangeness" all mine, Trudy smiled and winked at me, while Norm and my brother had such big eyes that they looked like owls. “Have you touched and interacted with any Stingbats and are you still alive? And do you still have all your fingers? Didn't they stung you or attack you?" Norm asks in a tone somewhere between tense and amazed. "That's interesting too, but it's also true that those flying outside the base have never attacked you, I'm right Y/N?” Grace smiles, while I nod. "You know how dangerous they are, right? Surely you know, you've been trained…" "Of course I know, also because, if you had listened to Grace, you would have known that outside the base where we come from there are quite a few, but nothing has ever happened to me.” Norm turns to Grace, who nods in concentration. "Nothing has ever happened to her, I confirm. They have never been aggressive, even though she often went out in the evening to observe the stars and the sky." Grace informs him, "In fact, it happened often enough that they would stop flying around the sentry guns and come flying near me, but I was never once stung or attacked." I smile. “And is there an explanation for this behavior?” asks Norm who has overcome the concern, leaving only the wonder to take possession of him. "No, not that I know of at least." Grace says. “Looks like you still got a handle on it, sis.” Jakey winks at me as I blush again. “Do what?” Norm asks. “Well, let's say that she has always had a predilection for animals and nature in general, despite the fact that many forms of plant life have now completely disappeared from our planet. What I mean is that she doesn't seem to have lost the magical touch about her." he giggles as I look everywhere but at them.

Since I was a child I developed a great empathy and sensitivity towards animals and plants, I was not very popular in our country, I only had my older brothers because I was considered "strange" and "weak" given my basically kind and unselfish personality. I didn't have any friends and things at home couldn't be said to be that much better, my parents didn't care much about me like they didn't care much about Tommy and Jakey, we always rolled up our sleeves to take care of all three together. This loneliness prompted me to develop a high capacity for identification with animals, often strays, who were mistreated or ignored like me, I don't know exactly how, but this also applies to plants, as if I were able to perceive and feel their suffering, as if I felt it myself, just by looking at them. I took care of them, and they, in turn, helped me in my time of need, becoming my most loyal friends and making my "weird" reputation worse than in the beginning. But every cloud has a silver lining, as if I hadn't already pulled out my claws when it came to defending my brothers, I definitely pulled them out for the animals and so I can say that they also helped me get stronger, without losing my kindness and humanity, which on Earth as we know it, is absolutely not a given.

“It is something that she has been carrying around since she was a child, I dare say, since she was born!” Jakey smiles. “Okay, but that's enough now because we're not here to talk, but to accompany me to collect various samples. Now, let's stick together and not part, okay? The forest is dangerous at any hour but even more at night. Have I been clear?” Grace brings everyone back to reality while also saving me from a very embarrassing situation, I can't thank her enough for that. We all nod and I instinctively approach my brother, squeezing next to him. "Come on let's go, let's not waste time!" the scientist prods us and we set off into the depths of the forest, with my warning to Jakey, to be careful with his gun, which echoed behind us.

The forest was magnificent, of a luxuriant green, it didn't need that there were who knows how many noises to guess the life that lived there, strong in its prosperity. The few sounds that were heard all came from the various groups of animals to which the forest provided a verdant refuge, who regularly saw the gun of my evil mastermind older brother pointed at them. “Jakey, how many times do I have to tell you not to point the weapon at any source of noise?” I ask him. “But what do we know if a predator is hiding there in the middle of the branches? Prudence is never too much.” he replies as he points his weapon at peaceful Prolemuris. “Those, Jakey, aren't predators.” I specified. “Your sister is right, Marine, their name is Prolemuris, and they won't attack anyone here as they are non-aggressive, despite living in very large groups.” The yellow eyes of the creatures moved constantly between me and everyone else, especially Jakey who, being close to me, was even closer than the others to them. Their inquisitive eyes soon move definitively to me, who smiles softly, tilts my head to one side and approaches them calmly, carefully listening to their lively chirps and trying to reproduce them, which I do well enough to let some of them down so that I find myself face to face with three of them, who look at me happy, they seem to have understood that I'm not an enemy and that I'd like to play a bit with them. I have always thought that animals, terrestrial or otherwise, have a higher capacity for understanding than is normally attributed to them. As if they feel and knew how to distinguish the good people from the bad ones, the weird one of the group, after all.

I gently extend an arm towards them, it seems to me that they are a young male or female given its liveliness, a mother with a baby on her back and another who I think is a male who has come to check the situation, especially the mother with the puppy as they are very protective of their puppies. The livelier one climbs without hesitation on my hand, cheerfully chirping along my entire arm to then land on my shoulder, and starting to lightly pull some strands of my hair. “Hey, little guy! Stop pulling my hair…" I slowly turned my face towards him and moved my finger just as slowly, to then stroke his little head, he liked the attention because he chirped happily, starting to climb further, settling on my head. I chuckle as I slowly bend down to observe the mother with the baby, he will not have been bigger than my hand. The mother also leaned towards me and I made her little head collide with her nose, which she rubbed against my cheek affectionately, allowing me to stroke both her and the baby. The puppy climbed onto my finger, and when I gently approached him he nuzzled my cheek, making me giggle. He was really adorable, as much as his mom who chirped happily when I helped the little one get back to her, safe and sound. The male, initially suspicious, had calmed down and approached, leaning towards my nose, touching or examining with a curious look, his movements made me giggle, he seems to like my laugh because he chirped happy and curious every time he noticed how my nose would move. I interacted with them for a couple more minutes before they all retreated together. “Bye little ones, have a nice day!” I greeted them as I watched my brother walk towards me with a knowing look on his face and a smirk on his lips.

“And we are already at two animals that react in a particular way with you.” Grace smiles as Jakey walks me over to her and Norm. “I said it, you have an innate predisposition towards nature and animals. She doesn't surprise me that this is the case." grins my brother. “Well, you must be right, Prolemuris are very protective of their puppies and something like this has definitely never happened before.” Norm nods. "Come on, let's continue but be careful, surely the Na'vi are already keeping an eye on us." begins Grace. “And definitely under fire.” I conclude as we walk.

“Be careful, this is Hammerhead Titanothere territory.” warns Grace. "Are they dangerous?" Jakey inquires putting his hand on the gun he's carrying around. "No, at least they're not angry, they're herbivores but it would be better not to underestimate them…Take them like Pandora's rhinos." I inform him and Jakey nods, looking around, immediately noticing the particular plants, the fluorescent mushrooms which, as soon as they are touched, sink into the ground as a form of defense. Their name is Helicoradian, and they are not very happy to entertain my brother as he was intent on playing, touching them repeatedly. I could feel that the mushrooms didn't appreciate Jakey's way of having fun at all, I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, it seemed to me that I was connected with the forest itself, as if her heart beat in conjunction with mine. “Jakey, please don't play with this plant.” I said approaching him and placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's fun to see how they retreat to the ground." Jakey chuckled. "Yes, I guess it is for you and don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're having fun and enjoying being here, but that plant doesn't appreciate the way you do it at all, you know? Its retreat into the ground is a form of defense, she thinks you mean to hurt her.” My brother turns to me, raising an eyebrow and continuing to do what he was doing despite my warnings, prompting the entire group of Helicoradian to retreat, showing a Hammerhead Titanothere not at all happy with Jakey's intervention and his presence. My brother, definitely known for his intelligence, seeing that the Hammerhead Titanothere was obviously aggressive, pointed his gun at him, while Grace and Norm joined us, having previously departed to collect the famous samples we went out for in the first place.

“Don't shoot him, you'll just irritate him!” Grace warned him. “And what do I do with this beast? Shall I waltz with it?” sarcastic question my brother. The Hammerhead slammed her hammer into the trees nearby. “He's pissed already, by the way!” “Jakey, what do you think you do to a Hammerhead? Your bullets on its outer shell have the same effect as teeth on armor.” “Then what do we do?” my brother asks continuing to hold him at gunpoint. "Don't shoot or try to attack him, if you were to attempt such a feat he would charge you with all his strength, you wouldn't like to suffer such a thing." says Grace. Jakey obviously doesn't listen to her and, trying to drive the animal away, fires a shot at it, so the Hammerhead charges at Jakey, stopping confused when I stand between them, ignoring Jakey who tries everything to push myself behind him. My arms are raised and slightly forward, with my hands open and palms facing him, so that he realizes that I have no weapons and, therefore, am not an enemy. "Shh…It's alright, you're scared, aren't you?” I whisper softly, moving my hands slowly, always so as not to frighten him, I have to be careful and be delicate to resolve this situation without anyone getting hurt.

"You see? I don't have those ugly things that other people have." I nod after he looks at me curious and even a little suspicious for a couple of minutes. “Can I come closer, honey?” my voice seems to reassure him, so I approach slowly, calmly, while he looks at me curiously. "It's okay, you're fine, I promise." I smile softly, when I'm close enough I tenderly pass a hand on his neck and head, while he grumbled contentedly approaching me. "I'm sorry if we scared you, baby, it wasn't our intention, I promise." I smile, while I caress him. “Little one? Is that small?” Jakey asks bewildered, I ignore him while I scratch his head. The interaction between us goes on for a while, until the Hammerhead runs away scared, I don't know from what.

"What the heck happened?" Jakey asked, as dazed as I was by the animal's rapid change in mood. We turned slowly and we were greeted by the worst sight that could greet us, worse even than a group of armed and angry Na'vi. A big Thanator, straight and proud that he looked at us as if we were his next tasty dinner. "What do we do with this? Run away? Don't run away?" Jakey asked as he raised his weapon, pointing it at the Thanator. "We definitely run!" I scream. We started running and soon, in the confusion, separated. Jakey and I were running at breakneck speed, with him trying everything to keep me from falling behind him and when he could he fired a few shots at the beast, trying to drive it away but increasing his anger, continuing to run we came up to a waterfall with the water that formed a lake under it. I heard the speedy footsteps of the predator getting closer and closer, I looked around to look for a possible way out that didn't include diving headlong into a lake of unknown size and depth. I found none and, by the time it took me to inspect the surroundings around us, the Thanator had caught up with us and had aimed at my brother who had his back to him trying to control the height of the cliff where we were. Just as the Thanator leapt forward to attack Jakey, I positioned myself between him and the predator, pushing my brother off the cliff with all my strength. Jakey screamed in surprise and fell forward, staggering forward and feeling a strange tiredness I ran and plunged headlong into the lake below us.

Once I hit the water, a sharp, excruciating pain pierces my shoulder making me gasp to reach the surface and get to the shore, I can only get back up thanks to the help of my brother who has joined me. "What happened? Are you ok?" he asks me worried. “I think the Thanator scratched me before we jumped…” Jakey gently grabbed my arm and checked the open wound which was still bleeding, not the best. "Damn it!! Take off your shirt, we're using it as a makeshift blindfold. Put my coat over it to cover you up.” he says pulling off the military textured coat he's wearing as I proceed to take off my shirt and wrap it around my shoulder, then put on Jakey's jacket. "We've parted ways with Norm and Grace, we don't know where we are and it's getting dark, it couldn't get any worse!" he moans helping me to my feet. "I'm sorry, I don't want to slow you down, but my arm hurts." I start by trying to reach him. “Can you go slower, please?” I ask as he stops, letting me join him. "Imagine, does it hurt so much?" he asks while I just nod.

This is chapter 3 and yes I know it took me forever to get this out😅…Sorry to anyone who has read and enjoyed so far but it's been a busy few days and I couldn't find a good time to write. I apologize so much, and I take this opportunity to thank anyone who has read up to now, hoping that they have enjoyed everything❤️.

Taglist: @avatarbyamara

©️Floralifetime April 20-2023, please do not republish, repost, steal, modify, translate or claim my work as your own. All rights reserved.

#tsu'tey x reader #tsu'tey #jake sully x sister reader #avatar

[wellthebardsdead]

Clockwork Heart pt37

Part 36 here

———

Kaidan: *sets a number of drinks on the table for the group as they settle in for the night at the bee & barb* from what we found out the only way into the ratway is through a door near the docks.

Nerevar: alright, we’ll head in there tomorrow. Wyrm and Voryn will stay here with-

Wyrm: I’m going. *reaches to the tray grabbing the smallest cup of wine*

Nerevar: No you’re not Wyrm. Not after-

Wyrm: I wasn’t asking ata.

Everyone: *awkward tense silence*

Wyrm: *sighs and sips the wine, grimacing at the taste but finishes it* if all of you keep protecting me I won’t stand a chance against alduin… Im the one his death falls on… not all of you. But you’re all the ones getting hurt trying to keep me safe… I want to help, I want to find answers… *sets the cup down sliding out of his chair* and im tired of people trying to stop me from finding them. *walks off*

Nerevar: *realising just how much he and voryn had been coddling him rather than teaching him* I- W-Wyrm where are you going?

Wyrm: I need to pee. *walks out of the inn and to the outhouse*

Kaidan: his moods deteriorated as the day went on… I’ve never seen him drink before…

Inigo: he’s been lost in his thoughts since we entered the marketplace today… maybe last night is still bothering him?…

Caryalind: come to think of it… Kaidan… you mentioned he seems to handle traumatic events, uncomfortably well. Why is this effecting him just now?

Kaidan: I don’t think he actually handled any of it… I think he just let it built up.

Taliesin: … *gets up* I’ll go talk to him.

Nerevar: *watches him go and looks at the cup* …Have I been holding on too tight?…

*meanwhile*

Wyrm: *sighs fixing his robes after doing his business, his mind wandering back through his memories, recalling the pain he’d suffered and feeling oddly numb as he recalls it, and all the instances were they ultimately lead to him needing to be saved* if it’s so important I stay alive… why did you make me so helpless?… *turns and stares at himself in the cracked mirror* why won’t you tell me?… I tried to come to you myself. I came to the dream sleeve myself to see you, and you pushed me away… why are you always pushing me away? Where are you trying to guide me? If you want so desperately to be understood then why won’t you let me in on the purpose of my very existence?

*silence*

Wyrm: … *places his hand on the glass feeling no response from his reflection, sotha sils presence in his mind and soul, silent* I don’t even have a say in my own fate… do I?… you just wanted me to think I did… *sighs* am I truely just… doomed then to your desires?… just another thing you made to fulfil a purpose?…

*silence*

Wyrm: …Why am I not allowed to just be happy?… you made me to always be happy right?… to be the opposite of you?… so why?… why do you keep… making me sad?…

*silence*

Wyrm: …I’ll behave… please don’t hurt them… don’t hurt voryn, don’t hurt neht, don’t hurt my friends please don’t-… dont… hurt Taliesin… don’t hurt my heart… I won’t cause you anymore trouble… *walks out of the bathroom and immediately freezes as he bumps into a tall red head in black leather armour* … *sighs*

*a few minutes later*

Delvin: Brynjolf I’m telling you take the lad back now or you’re in for it for real this time!

Brynjolf: *carrying Wyrm over his shoulder with ease* What’s up your ass today delvin? He owes us a debt by not giving us his eye. Besides, did you see the lot he was travelling with? I think we can get a lot more out of them in exchange for him*

Wyrm: An ass whooping is all you’re getting out of them…

Brynjolf: *gives him a gentle slap on the thighs* what was that?

Delvin: the truth Brynjolf, I’m telling you’re going to regret this you don’t know who he is!

Brynjolf: worth a lot of money is what he is. *sits Wyrm on a chair in the flagon*

Wyrm: y-you’re going to be in big trouble if you don’t let me go right now!

Brynjolf: and a smart mouth too it seems. *leans in* go on precious, tell me how much trouble I’m in-

Wyrm: *grits his teeth and grips the chair, fed up with being helpless* FUS-

Brynjolf: What the-

“RO DAH!!!!”

Taliesin: *kicks open the door to the flagon with his dagger drawn in time to hear his beloveds thuum and witness a huge splash hit the ceiling of the open space* Wyrm?!

Nerevar: *runs in with his lance poised for bloodshed* WHERE IS- *pauses watching a red haired nord surface from the water gasping for air as he flails in shock*

Delvin: *walks to the broken railing with Wyrm by his side as he looks over the waters edge* I tried to warn you. *looks up to see the group* oh! You’re definitely the lot Enthir told me about.

Wyrm: my friends! Ata! Tali!!!

Nerevar: WYRM! *runs around the waters edge and up into the bar with the others* are you hurt are you okay?

Wyrm: *nods and hurries to his arms* I’m okay- Mr Mallory made sure of it.

Delvin: I’m so sorry about my associates behaviour. I tried informing him who you lot were but he wasn’t having it.

Kaidan: *looking past him to the waters edge, and the veteran high elf pacing it like a tiger* oh… oh he’s having it alright… the minute he gets out of the water.

Wyrm: *looks over and immediately blushes watching Taliesin twirl his dagger as his eyes remain locked on Brynjolf as the nord tries to get out of the water and avoid death* o-oh.

Brynjolf: *running out of stamina as he treads water trying to find a way past him* f-fuck! *pushes off the wall as Taliesin reaches to grab him*

Taliesin: *scowls* keep swimming. I’ve got all day.

Brynjolf: … *just sinks under the water*

Kaidan: is he hiding?

Delvin: that or attempting to drown himself.

???: WHAT IN THE GAPING ASSHOLE OF OBLIVION IS GOING ON OUT HERE?!

Wyrm: *turns and immediately hides behind nerevar seeing another dark armoured figure step into the flagon*

Delvin: Sorry boss, Brynjolf causing trouble with Enthirs son and his companions. Little fella has quite a set of pipes on him. Launched him into the drink with one breath. *looks at Wyrm then at the group* This is Mercer Frey, leader of the thieves guild, an old associate of your dad as well.

Mercer: Enthir huh?… *looks at the group quietly before locking eyes with nerevar and feeling a shiver run down his spine* which one of you is it then? Who sent my second in charge into the- *looks over to the waters edge hearing splashing and panicked screaming as Taliesin suddenly rips Brynjolf from the water threatening to kill him* is it him?

Taliesin: ILL GUT YOU ALIVE FOR TOUCHING HIM!

Brynjolf: *still gasping for air after holding it for so long* F-fu-uck! Help!

Wyrm: *ignoring the chaos as he slowly peers out from behind nerevar* n-no it’s me.

Mercer: *looks back at the group hearing the voice and expecting there to be someone at least bosmer height standing there, only to look down further to see him* Oh- talk about pocket sized. And here I was thinking niruin and etienne were short-

Wyrm: Etiennes alive?? He made it back safe?

Mercer: Huh. So you’re the short dunmer who saved him… looks like the guild owes you a debt then. I’ll see if I can come up with a way to compensate you then just- can you call your friend off now? *looks over again to see Taliesin holding Brynjolf down as he tries to stab him*

Brynjolf: IM SORRY! CALL HIM OFF PLEASE!!!!

Wyrm: oh- um, tali- *hiccups and wobbles a little*

Kaidan: oop. There’s the wine.

*a few hours later*

Wyrm: *sitting on his bed in the bee & barb, pouting as Caryalind braids his hair* I’m-im not drunk! I can still help! *hiccups and falls back into him as Taliesin walks over with his night shirt*

Taliesin: your highness can you hold my drunk little silk moths arm up please?

Caryalind: *nods doing as asked* this drunk after one glass of wine?

Lucien: *getting ready for bed too* and I thought I was a lightweight. Do you think he’ll get a hangover from this?

Taliesin: *pulls the shirt over Wyrm and pulls his hair through the neck hole as he adjusts it* I hope not, he’s been through enough pain already- I- Wyrm sit down. *grabs him as he tries to get up again*

Wyrm: *whines kicking his legs* Taliii! You’re being mean!! I wanna help find Esbern! *slips out of his arms and runs to the door hurrying out* …

Delvin: *offered to guard them as an apology from the guild, suddenly walks in holding Wyrm under his arm* caught him. Surprisingly hard to keep ahold of him.

Taliesin: *sighs* you have no idea. *takes the small dunmer from him* thank you again for keeping watch…

Delvin: From everything you told me, it’s the least I can do. Especially since he’s enthirs boy… *looks at wyrm, then Caryalind, then voryn as the poorly chimer rests* Lot of valuable people in this room, and a lot of people in this city alone who’d benefit from doing them harm… You have my word I’ll keep you safe from them.

Taliesin: thank- WYRM!!

Wyrm: *slipped out of his shirt and making a break for it again*

*1 hour later*

Wyrm: *still tipsy but no longer intent on streaking down to the ratway again, now trying to get comfortable against Taliesin as the alcohol keeps him wide awake* … *shifts a little in the high elfs arms earning a soft moan in response, his lover fast asleep and clearly enjoying being in a real bed after days on the road*

???: the boss find anyone for the goldenglow job yet?

Delvin: Goldenglow? Nah. Even lovely Vex barely made it out of there alive.

Wyrm: huh?… *shifts to get up only for Taliesin to hug him closer* …aw biscuits…

???: I could do it-

Delvin: absolutely not sapphire. You’re great with a blade but there’s hundreds of mercs crawling that place. If you get caught who knows what they’ll… they’ll do to you… I don’t want you to go through that again.

Sapphire: *sighs* I know… but who else is willing to try it then? All you have to do is burn the bee hives right?

Delvin: and get the documents out of the safe that Maven wants. Vex tried going in through the sewer route but got caught on her way in… barely made it out alive.

Wyrm: … *looks back at Taliesin then down at the dwarven spider in his bag* pssst. Mr wrench.

Mr wrench: *activates and sprawls out his legs* ???

Wyrm: *slides out of taliesins arms putting a pillow there before pulling on his robes and boots* I’m done making everyone protect me. *picks him up and walks to the window, peering out of it nervously before climbing out onto the roof* We’ll be back before they wake up.

Mr wrench: *suddenly pops his legs up making them spin around rapidly as another two poke down for handles*

Wyrm: *grabs on as the spider takes flight, the magicka within the spinning blades strong enough to carry him off of the roof, and out of the city to a little bee farm in the middle of the lake* let’s go.

*meanwhile down in the ratway*

Nerevar: *sheaths his sword kicking the severed head of a thalmor agent out of the way as he walks to a heavy iron door* Esbern!!! By order of the blades I demand you open this door or I’ll break it down myself!!!

Esbern: *from the other side of the door* what? Who on nirn are you?! Go away!

Nerevar: *eye twitching as he pulls his lance from his back* Boethia. Guide me.

#Wyrm dragonborn #delvin mallory #nerevar #skyrim taliesin #voryn dagoth #Lucien skyrim #inigo skyrim #Kaidan skyrim #Caryalind skyrim #brynjolf skyrim #mercer skyrim

[canirove]

Red & Blue | Chapter 25

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Masterlist

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“C´mon, c´mon. Where are you?” I mutter, checking my watch for the millionth time in the last hour.

After our time with the national team, that literally flew by, we started looking for a couple of days where we both were free and that would allow us to travel and see the other. But it was harder than we thought. Or at least it was until Mason’s hamstring said no more.

He is gonna be out for a month, and since Chelsea is playing away this weekend and I am playing in Madrid, it was the perfect opportunity for him to come and visit me for the first time. And with our anniversary just around the corner.

“Holy shit!” I scream when I hear the phone buzzing. “Hello?”

“Your guest is here, miss” the guard set at the door of the urbanization where I live says.

“Finally! Let him in, please.”

The moment I put the phone down, I run to the door, my eyes fixed on the screen that shows my front door, waiting for Mason’s car to show up.

“It only takes you a couple of minutes, where are they?” I say to it.

As if hearing me, I see the car stopping, and I run out the door, not bothering to confirm if it was him or not. I just can’t wait any longer.

“Fucking finally” I say, throwing myself at Mason.

“Hello, gorgeous” he chuckles.

“Why did it take you so long? I was starting to worry.”

“The driver said there was no traffic, that I would actually arrive early.”

“Really?”

“Yes, miss” the driver says, putting Mason’s luggage on the floor. “We were very lucky.”

“Oh” I say, blushing a bit.

“Let’s go inside. You aren’t wearing a coat and I don’t want you to freeze to death. Thank you very much” he says to the driver, shaking his hand.

“Thank you, sir” the driver says. “Enjoy Madrid.”

“This looks much better in person than on the videos you showed me” Mason says as he walks into the house. “And much bi…” I don’t let Mason finish that sentence. I push him against the door, closing it while kissing him.

“That was… intense” he laughs, our lips still very close.

“And I just started. Would you like a tour of my room?”

“I would love that.”

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━      

“Are you sure you know how to do that?”

“I do, Mason. Don’t worry.”

“Ok…” he says, leaning on the kitchen counter. “And you say one of your teammates taught you how to make it?”

“Yep.”

“Can you say it in Spanish again? It was very funny.”

“Tortilla española” I say, rolling my eyes.

“Yep. Too funny” he says, pinching another bit of bread.

“We are supposed to eat that with the tortilla, not on its own.”

“But it is so good… Back home it doesn’t taste this good.”

“I know” I say. “Now, ready for the fun part?”

“You mean the dangerous part.”

“Meh meh meh” I say, putting a plate on top of the pan. “One, two… three!”

“Holy shit!” Mason says when he sees me turning them together, the mix now on the plate.

“See? Everything is ok.”

“Do you have to do that again?”

“A couple of times, yes. You need to make sure it is cooked on both sides.”

“And there is no other way to do it?”

“Nope.”

“Spaniards” he says, rolling his eyes and eating another bit of bread.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━      

“Are you sure this is edible?” Mason says when we sit to have dinner, looking at the slice of tortilla on his plate. “I’m here for just 48 hours, I don’t want to spend them dealing with food poisoning.”

“You will probably spend them with neck and back pain for sleeping on the couch if you don’t shut your mouth.”

“Ok, ok” he says, trying to hide a smile.

“Should I try it first so you can see it’s fine?”

“No need” he says, finally eating.

“And?” I ask. Though his face already is telling me everything I need to know.

“This is so good, love. So so good.”

“I know” I say, grinning like an idiot while I see him devouring his food.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━      

“Mason, can you please stop fidgeting?”

“I’m not fidgeting. I’m just cold.”

“I told you to bring a proper coat. Madrid isn’t Ibiza.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“They are gonna like you and you are gonna like them, you’ll see” I say, hugging him so he stops moving.

“I hope so” he says, hugging me back.

We are outside my house, waiting for Marco Asensio and his wife Sandra, my neighbours and the people who have made me feel less lonely these first few months in Madrid.

“Sorry for making you wait” Marco says from his house’s door. “Sandra couldn’t find her phone.”

“I couldn’t find it because the last person who used it, somehow put it on his underwear drawer” she says behind him.

“Don’t listen to her” Marco says. “Mason, right?” he says, offering him his hand.

“Yes, hi” he replies, shaking it. “Nice to finally meet you outside the pitch.”

“Same” Marco says. “This is my wife, Sandra.”

“Nice you meet you” she says, giving Mason a kiss on each cheek, definitely catching him out of guard. “Didn’t you tell him about this?” she asks me.

“Oh, she did” Mason says. “But it still feels a bit weird. And who are you, gorgeous?”

“Hey, that’s my nickname” I say when I see him bending down.

“Sorry” he says. “But you can’t deny this is one of the most gorgeous dogs you have ever seen.”

“That’s Rome, our dog” Sandra says. “And he is one of the most gorgeous dogs I have ever seen, I agree.”

“Whatever” I say.

“Don’t listen to that woman, Rome” Mason says, playing with the dog. “She is a cat lady, she doesn’t get it.”

“Should we go for that walk now? I don’t want Chelsea to sue me for kicking their star in the butt and injury him more than he already is.”

“Ok, let’s go” Marco says, trying not to laugh.

“I would never kick you in the butt though” I whisper to Mason once we start walking. “I like it way too much.”

“Oh, I know” he says, putting an arm around my shoulders.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━      

“They are really nice. Marco and Sandra” Mason says while watching me pack my things.

“They are. I knew you would get along.”

“What’s the schedule now?”

“My car should be picking me in 15 minutes. You can stay here until lunch time, or you can already go to Marco’s house, they said they don’t mind. Then you eat with them, and go to the Di Stefano together to watch me play.”

“And then we all go somewhere for dinner.”

“Exactly.”

“And tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow we have the whole day for ourselves. I thought about going out for breakfast, maybe eat some churros with chocolate. Or we can order them and eat them here if you don't want to go out into the cold that early. Then we have a reservation at a restaurant, and then I thought we could go for a walk to El Retiro, this beautiful park they have here.”

“If we stay home for breakfast, what are we supposed to do until it is lunch time?”

“I don’t know. But I can think of a few things” I say, sitting on his lap.

“Can you?” he says, hugging me by the waist and pulling me closer to him .

“Indeed. But you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”

“Shame. Where are you going?” he says as I try to get up.

“To finish my packing.”

“But I don’t want you to leave” Mason pouts.

“I have to go kick some asses. Maybe score and dedicate you my goal.”

“Will you do one of my celebrations so I know it is for me?”

“Yeah... no.”

“Then you are not free to go” he says, throwing me on the bed and starting to tickle me.

“Mason, stop!”

“Say that you will do one of my celebrations!”

“Mason!” I say, starting to cry while laughing. “Ok, fine. I’ll do it.”

“Which one?”

“I don’t know. I can’t think if you are tickling me.”

“Ok, fine. But you must tell me before you leave.”

“I will, I promise.”

“I love you, gorgeous” Mason says, putting a lock of hair behind my ear.

“I love you too.”

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━       

#mason mount #mason mount imagine #mason mount fanfic #mason mount x reader #football fanfic #football imagine

[courage-doodles-blog]

Barry Meets The Seven Tribes of Honour (CTCD OC Story)

[CW⚠️ DEATH, PUPPETS]

[Characters: Barry(OC), Chief Azrael(OC), Twigs the Mole(OC), Claude(OC), Nigel(OC), Blizzard(OC), Iram the Fox(OC), Lucifer the Puppeteer of Terrors(OC) and Smiler the Puppet(OC)]

[Barry gets to a meeting from Chief Azrael to meet the elite members of Team Frostbite and they are also members of their solo elite team known as 'The Seven Tribes of Honour']

(Cuts to Barry entering Chief Azrael's office)

Barry: Hey Chief

Azrael: Ah Supporter Kitten! Welcome! I suppose you want to know why I want you to come here

Barry: Mmhmm, (worries)

Azrael: Don't worry my friend, your not in trouble. I like to introduce you to seven new members of our team

Barry: Seven?!

Azrael: Yes, seven. (Places hand on Barry's shoulder) And I think you'll be interested to see them all.

(Then the two hear sounds)

Azrael: That must be them. (Claps hands) Seven Elites of Honour! I may have brought someone in here, who would want to meet you all

(The voices are heard from upstairs. Then something from the ground, digs towards Barry and Azrael. Barry goes behind him. Until it pops out of the ground, it then turns out to be a mole with goggles)

???: You called Chief?

Azrael: Yes Twigs, I like you to meet our youngest supporter; Barry. Barry, this is Twigs

Twigs: (looks at Barry) So your the supporter that has been with our whole team eh? Chief has told me and my pals some things about you kid.

(Barry becomes silent a bit)

Twigs: I meant that I heard good stuff about you from Chief

Barry: Oh! Uhh, thanks Twigs

Twigs: It's alright kid (raises his claw out to Barry)

(Barry raises his paw out and the two began to handshake)

(Azrael watches the two handshake, then the three hear a pleasant singing voice coming ahead. It comes from a red cat wearing London style clothing and holding a cane, and a blue cat wearing French style clothing walking together)

???: You brought us here Chief Azrael sir

Azrael: Indeed I do, Claude

Twigs: Alright con cats, Chief brought us here to meet his young supporter of his team, aaand he isss right here (pulls Barry over to Claude and his blue cat friend)

Claude: Good evening boy (tips his hat) Allow me to introduce myself, I am Claude and this right here is Nigel, my blue French companion

Nigel: (bows to Barry) Greetings chat(cat)! That means 'cat' in French

Barry: It's nice to meet you guys

Claude: Oh yes a marvelous pleasure to meet you dear boy

(The five then hear sounds of a running animal, it comes out with someone riding a giant warthog who turns out to be a reddish orange fox wearing warm western style clothing and chewing a small skewer stick in his mouth)

???: Howdy here Chief!

Azrael: Pleasure you came here Iram

Iram: Hell yeah I do Chief, so what you got me here today for? (Grabs out his ladle) Oden?

Azrael: (laughs) Oh no no no no Iram. It's just that I like you to meet the supporter of Team Frostbite, this is Barry

Iram: Whoa! I never seen your supporter to be this... frickin' adorable! I mean look at you fella!

Barry: Uhh thanks? I think?

Azrael: (laughs a bit) Ok Iram, maybe try give lil ol' Barry some of his personal space here

Iram: Oh right, sorry pal (tips his hat to him, then steps back a bit to give Barry space)

(The six then hear a glass window break)

Nigel: Oh no

(It releases a windy blizzard towards the office, which makes their bodies start to freeze in the cold)

(Then Barry, while couldn't see well in the blizzard, he sees a silhouette of a woman in it)

Barry: Huh? (Sees the silhouette) guys there's someone out there

Twigs: It's... her

Barry: Who?

(The silhouette vanishes into an female ice demon when she enters the chief's office, she unleashes an icy blast in her hand at the broken window, frosting it)

Twigs: Thanks Blizz

???: (turns her head at Twigs and glares at him) Excuse me!?

Twigs: Damnit, I mean uhh... thanks Blizzard

Blizzard: That's better. Oh hey Chief. (Looks at Barry) Oh! (walks to him and kneels down to about his height) now who's this little fella right here?

Azrael: This is my supporter Barry. Barry, this is Blizzard

Barry: Uhh hi, miss

Blizzard: (smiles) Well aren't you so sweet, and so pure (pats his head)

Barry: Your hand is kind of freezing

Blizzard: Oh, sorry my dear. How about a kiss in your cheek

Barry: Hmm sure, I won't mind

(Blizzard kisses Barry in his cheek, then walks off to the others)

(Barry then looks at them talking to eachother and hanging out and he smiles to that)

(Azrael smiles at them too, he looks at Barry)

Azrael: Aren't these guys wonderful Barry

Barry: Yeah, they sure are sir

(Suddenly they all became shocked when they hear banging sounds coming from up on the top)

Claude: Blimey!

Twigs: Chief, what's going on

Azrael: I think he's found an another victim to torture for his entertainment

Barry: What do you mean by that- (becomes really shocked and scared) Oh... god... no (quietly) No no no no, it can't be. I thought what he is now is a classic urban legend tale but now... no no no no no no!

(A scream of horror is heard along with gruesome, bloody sounds coming out of it. Then the door slowly opens to reveal a shadow travelling itself down the stairs and onto Barry's own shadow. It then rises onto the wall, but then the shadow begans to laugh maniacally, which made Barry really unsettled to hear)

Barry: Oh... g-god! (Clings onto Azrael's leg)

(The shadow now reveals as a pale white demon wearing a black suit with blonde yellow stripes over it, a red bowtie and a black tophat with a comedy theater mask on top. He also has four mini puppets, two each sitting on his shoulder)

???: Now that was good show of mauling, ain't that right Smiler

Smiler: Yeah it really is master

(They do a handshake but a really fun one and they both laugh off)

Azrael: Whoa Lucifer... I don't know what to say on how you tortured that person alive... and given that you appear as a shadow and go downstairs as one (laughs) that's really unsettling but it fits you so damn well my man

(Azrael and Lucifer high five eachother)

Lucifer: (laughs) Man this is why I'm in your ginormous team Azrael

Azrael: (laughs)

(As the two laugh Barry who is still silent in shock sees Lucifer's eyes staring at him. Until he is heard by Smiler)

Smiler: Hey! Hey cat! Buddy! Hello?

Barry: Gah! (Falls over and catches his breathes) What the hell!? (He sees Smiler's hand, he grabs hold off and gets back up)

Smiler: (helps Barry get back up) You weren't hearing that much though lil buddy, you might've went into a big shock there right

Barry: (shakes his head) Am I seeing you right now or have I gone back to reading my book about the Puppeteer of Terrors

Smiler: (gasps) You know who my master is? (To Lucifer) Hey master!

Lucifer: Yes Smiler

Smiler: (has Barry in her arms) I believe someone has known so much about you. (Quietly) from that book he has been reading

Lucifer: You read my own story about my life as a terrorist and a puppeteer!? (as his eyes change from yellow to black with light yellow pupils)

(Barry becomes intimidated by his eyes changing. But then Lucifer's eyes change back to yellow)

Lucifer: I cannot believe that in my own 2 eyes (chuckles) (or perhaps 10 because I have my four mini puppets sitting on my two shoulders) I have someone who ultimately admires my own stories! (Gives Barry a medal) Here you go my little admirer!

Barry: (looks at his medal) Hmm "The best admirer of my stories ever award!" Huh never knew that there was a medal like that, but thanks for that sir

Lucifer: (laughs) It's no problem my dear cat friend! (handshakes Barry) Now allow me to introduce myself; my name is Lucifer or you might know me as 'The Puppeteer of Terrors!" And over on my shoulders are G, R, I and N, my mini puppets. Come say hello to my admirer my children.

The Mini Puppets - G, R and I: Hi!

Mini Puppet - N: Hello!

Lucifer: And over here on the left beside you is my best accomplice ever; Smiler!

Smiler: (hugs Barry) It's a great pleasure to meet you honey

Barry: (feels squeezed) Mmhmm, it's nice to... see you too

Lucifer: Pff. Smiler dear, would you mind

Smiler: Oh right, hehe (lets Barry go, which left him dizzy)

Barry: (rubs his head and looks at the Seven Tribes of Honour all together) So I guess that's all of them Chief

Azrael: Yep

Lucifer: Yep your correct there Barry boy (playfully elbows Azrael)

THE END

#ctcd ocs #ctcd oc #courage the cowardly dog #ctcd #ocs #my ocs #story #oc story #ctcd oc chief azrael #ctcd oc barry #ctcd oc twigs #ctcd oc claude #ctcd oc nigel #ctcd oc iram #ctcd oc blizzard #ctcd oc lucifer the puppeteer of terrors #ctcd oc smiler #seven tribes of honour

[contest-winning-pest]

For Want Of A Maylene (What Once Was Wrong)

"Another? -- Candice. That's fifteen already before this new kid. You can't--"

"What else am I supposed to do?" Candice said.

The vibes in the Champion's Villa off to the east of Snowpoint sank another few degrees. "What should you do? You know what you should do, Candice! Hire people! Get someone in to help them, not just physically, but mentally! And this one's an orphan!"

"No! No, it's fine. I'll just... I just need to give it my all and it'll--"

"Thought and Emotions-- It's ripping you up. It's been ripping you up for months. And now you have to take in this new kid-- what was her name?"

"-- Kerry. Her name is Kerry. We found her halfway to freezing to death in the snow."

"Have you asked anyone for help yet?"

"... Not yet."

"Candice!"

"-- I know! .... And she said she can't travel across the mountain yet. I figured, I'd help her get stronger."

"Or! Orrrrrrr." Maylene leaned over the table. "You can take her on a boat trip, and me and Crasher Wake can take care of her until you've hired on some people and gotten proper care together!"

"... You're right. I know you're right. Why can't I make myself see it?"

"It's fine. That's why we're a League, not A bunch of Gym Leaders. I have a few people in the Heya, and Crasher's famous for having a lot of good staff. I'll help Kerry, and we can ask around for volunteers. Okay?"

"... Yeah. Yeah! Why am I half-assing being a Gym Leader!?"

"Eh?"

"Though-- I'll need to start finding proper staff, and you're right we need to investigate the Lakefront, but..."

"-- Either way," Maylene said, "Let's get it done tomorrow."

~ ~ ~

"Hey, Kerry?" Candice called, into the dorm room. The curtains were open, but Kerry herself lay curled up on the bed, still around Li. "You have a visitor."

"What for?" She said, forlornly.

"I... Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Maylene, of Veilstone."

"-- The sumotori!?"

"Ah--- haha, yes, though that's... not really my career..."

~ ~ ~

"Hey!" Meylene scooted one of her bowls across the table to Kerry. "Eat up, we got a lot to do today."

"I already ate, though...?" Kerry said, staring at the bowl.

"Yeah, and we're going to be working hard today, too, to help ourselves and our Pokemon get stronger! That means you need energy. Which means you need food."

"Grandpa said to never have a second bowl and to always feed your Pokemon first."

"Nnn. Well, he's not wrong, but that's no excuse to neglect your own health! We have plenty for everyone!"

~ ~ ~

".... What's up? This wasn't the first sparring session where it felt like you were..."

"It's exhausting, okay? I... I've been training but there's just so much Aura around me it's--"

"Oh, you use Aura?" Maylene paused. "Let me have you and Li talk with my Lucario a bit..."

~ ~ ~

"Doing better, I see."

"Yeah! Thanks so much for showing me that. I just wish Grandpa were here."

"Your grandfather? What was he like?"

"Well. I mean-- OK. So, when I was a little younger, Grandpa started teaching me survival, and then, when I'd done that, he'd take me out to orienteer and leave me out in the woods around Acuity for a long time. One time, when this was taking me--"

"Wait, back up. Your grandfather abandoned you in the woods?"

"He knew I'd be okay!"

"He abandoned you! In the woods! That's not an okay thing to do to a child!"

"wh-- no, that's normal, that's not the point of the story--"

~ ~ ~

"So you're gonna be my exchange penpal?"

"Yeah! I really hope you keep in touch with all your friends in Veilstone. And learn to surf!"

"Haha, I'd love to do that, actually," Kerry responded, shaking the Hoenni girl's hands warmly. A slight warmth spread through her.

~ ~ ~

"I've been having more nightmares. I think it's related to Mt. Chimney."

"... Hm. I'll talk with Flannery and Liza and Tate. See what they have to say about it."

~ ~ ~

"Well, now. Yes, you will do quite nicely. As I'm sure you're already aware, given your stamps and badges, you'll need to hone those psychic abilities so that they don't drown out what you're hoping for. I can help with that. But I think we won't have as much time as you hope. Strange things are alreqady happening. I'll join you on your journey across Hoenn, but for now, let's get you a Starter and get you going."

"Are you sure? I mean. There's so much I have yet to learn--"

"No, I'm sure. You'll be perfect. Seeing it in person is a fantastic way to understand the world arond you.

"... And I really can come back at any time?"

"Always," Brawly said.

".... Then I'll go with you."

~ ~ ~

"Senri! I--"

"Oh! You're that gym trainer from Dewford, right? You're just in time. This boy wants to go out and catch his first Pokemon, but I don't have time between taking a challenge and--"

"Kerry!?"

"Satoshi!?"

"What are you doing here!?"

Wally cleared his throat.

"Ah-- yeah, of course I'll go help, if you'll loan us a Pokemon..."

#pokeblogging #pkmn irl #pokemon fanfiction #Event: For Want Of A Maylene #muse mixup madness

[the-showfall-worker]

[Transcript received.]

[A door closing is heard before footsteps.]

J: “Daff, you’re back…!”

?: “… Yeah… Here’s your phone…”

[A thud is heard as Jenny’s phone is seemingly thrown onto the couch.]

J: “Thank god, okay, okay, I need to check on Edgar, I haven’t heard anything because you had my phone and—”

?: “He’s already awake.”

J: “… Oh… I uh. Missed it.”

?: “… Yeah… So no worrying… Like I said…”

J: “I mean, you have to admit that that’s something to worry about…”

[The room is quiet for a long while.]

J: “… Are you uh… Will you ever get that removed?”

?: “… Hm? … Get what removed?”

J: “Your, uh… Your leftover mask part, over your eye. That can’t be good for your mental health.”

?: “… I barely notice it’s there.”

J: “Daff, that’s not necessarily a good thing.”

?: “… Oh.”

[A creak is heard as the worker sits on the couch.]

?: “… Am I even allowed back in the hospital, really…?”

J: “I mean, I think you’d have to be, they can’t just refuse a patient I don’t think.”

[The room falls silent again, but Jenny is heard turning and tapping the worker’s shoulder lightly.]

J: “… What are you thinking about?”

[The worker’s voice is hesitant as they answer.]

?: “… What if I don’t want it removed?”

J: “Ah-”

[Jenny makes a startled noise at their question, but seems to force a calm response.]

J: “Uh, that’s… your choice, I suppose.”

[A beat.]

J: “… I just worry that that… thing is part of why you’ve been so quiet. You’ve never been so silent before, but ever since…”

?: “… Ever since I died, I know…”

J: “… Yeah… Do you… want to talk abou—”

?: “No.”

J: “… Okay… Again, I worry for your mental health, so—”

?: “I’m fine.”

[An air of disbelief hangs in the room.]

J: “… Daff, you sound like me.”

?: “… Then I sound like Edgar too…”

J: “Yeah… Again, sometimes not a good thing.”

?: “… I didn’t learn it from you two, if that’s what you’re thinking…”

J: “Learn what?”

?: “… To hide my emotions in an attempt to benefit other people…”

J: “So you admit you do that?”

?: “Never said that.”

[Another beat.]

?: “… I just… don’t have them.”

J: “… What?”

?: “… I don’t have emotions.”

J: “Daff, that’s a boldfaced lie. I’ve seen you.”

?: “… Then I meant ‘not anymore’.”

J: “Okay, but what about that horror game you talked my ear off about the other day? … You were smiling.”

[The worker goes silent at that.]

J: “Daffodil, talk to me… I miss seeing you smile like that.”

[The worker hums in response, but takes a moment to start talking. It seems they’ve decided to finally talk about what they were asked.]

?: “… I don’t let myself have emotions. Not willingly. Not anymore.”

J: “… That’s—”

[The worker cuts her off before she can scold them.]

?: “Do you… remember your death?”

J: “From the security? … Unfortunately, yes.”

?: “The whole thing?”

J: “… What do you mean ‘the whole thing’? I was chased, I… died. And the next thing I knew I was back and—”

?: “… So nothing between then?”

J: “… ‘Between then’?”

?: “… When you were dead… You… don’t remember the feeling of being dead?”

J: “Daff, that’s—”

?: “Impossible…?“

[Jenny inhales, but only speaks after a minute.]

J: “… Do you remember?”

?: “Yes.”

[The worker answers simply, as if they hadn’t confirmed such a horrific thing.]

?: “It was… cold… Freezing cold… I remember I couldn’t open my eyes… I had no strength in my body at all… I could barely think at first, but… then I felt the pain again.”

[They take a moment to gather their thoughts, then continue.]

?: “… I felt myself get lifted up from the floor… I felt colder then, despite not being on the tile anymore… More like a chill up my spine… I couldn’t move, but I could feel, and when I was lifted from the ground… it was the coldest I had ever been.”

[They take a deep breath.]

?: “I recognized the voice I was hearing after a while. I didn’t get a headache. I didn’t feel any physical pain remembering him… But I wanted to sob. I wanted to scream. I wanted to say something. To tell him that I was still conscious, to tell him to put me down, to ask him so many questions… but I couldn’t.”

[Another breath, this time shakier.]

?: “Then…”

[They choke on their breath this time, and it becomes audibly clear that they’re crying. Their voice gets quiet with emotion.]

?: “Then I felt a pain in my neck… Like a pinch. And I stopped feeling anything… No physical feeling, but I was… still able to think… the whole time… The whole time…”

[The couch creaks as they move to hug themself.]

?: “… The whole time…”

[There’s an eerie silence in the apartment, lasting about 3 minutes.]

J: “… I’m so sorry, daffodil…”

?: “I’m fine.”

[The worker’s voice has returned to what it was before. Distant and devoid of emotion.]

J: “No, you’re not—”

?: “Emotions get people hurt, Jenny, let me have this… It’s the only comfort I have.”

[More heavy silence.]

?: “… I’m fine… Let’s… do something else for a while.”

J: “Daff, I—”

?: “Please.”

[Jenny falls silent, but after a while she’s heard standing up and walking off. She comes back after a few seconds, handing something to the worker. Things on the device she handed them clack around as they seem to fidget with it.]

J: “… Power Washing Simulator?”

?: “… Yeah… Thank you…”

[There’s 6 minutes of silence, minus quiet gameplay noises. Quietly, the worker’s voice is heard again, higher and softer.]

?: “… That was hard for me to talk about… Thank you for listening to me…”

J: “Anytime, sweetheart…”

?: “… I love you, mom.”

[A beat passes again.]

J: “… I love you too, daffodil.”

[End transcript.]

#encoreverse blog #showfall ask blog #the showfall worker #jenny from showfall

[misscammiedawn]

50 Days of HypnoKink - Day 20: Doll Play

Alignment: 100% Top

This entry is less "I find it hot when" and more "I am deeply in love with @soveryverytired and want to make her happy and am absorbing her intrigues in to my own as we explore play options."

My girlfriend is such a conditioned and mindless doll that I tend to call her Dolly as a term of affection and as a possessive. I have typed a few times about my affinity for freeze play and Dolly has sent me some stories and prompts that have lead me to see how much she enjoys stillness.

Still. Quiet. Tranquil. A cloudless sky. A mirror lake. No thoughts. No sensations. Just empty. Mindless. Peace.

Then when I have her all nice and hollowed out I can pose her, put make-up on her, brush her hair, pamper her and love her.

I think what I enjoy most about this, other than the raw affection and gratitude I receive from my beloved toy (on loan from Goddess' collection) when I play with her this way is that there is a level of care and compliment you are able to lavish out in this moments which do not trigger the many psychological barriers that keep one from being able to appreciate themselves.

Whether it dysphoria or a sense that compliments are a form of manipulation and kindness comes at cost, we find that many people are unable to hear "you're beautiful" through the lens of which the compliment is given. How could you? I see my imperfections in the mirror every day, feel my broken aspects, go to weekly treatments and do medication to try and get myself to where I want to be. Someone viewing me as complete or whole comes out as A LIE when I hear it, no matter the intent or sincerity when offered.

But a doll does not get to complain. A doll does not get to defend or hide. It is a possession. A loved and cherished dolly. Dollies are made to be loved. No matter how well loved and worn they are, they are made for receiving affection. It's what they are built for. So I can lavish praise and adoration on my pretty dolly. I can give her make-up and hair brushing. I can pose her and hug her. She is mine in those moments and no one gets to decide her worth, value or beauty but me. Not even the silly sleeping mind that I thought I'd made still and silent.

Obviously there is a lot of negotiation and trust that goes into that kind of play. Love bombing is a red flag for a reason. Grounding will need a few extra steps to ensure that when those defenses and insecurities return they are catered to and not rejected. It's not a get out of trauma free card, but it can be a lovely little carved out space for catharsis and I love it when it can be that.

Every doll deserves to be loved.

I think that, in my view and opinion, is why I lean more towards doll play than to drone play. Drones are stripped of individuality and treated as functions. Even if they are praised they aren't allowed to internalize it because a drone has no identity. There is a time in my life that such ego-death would have been appealing to me, but as an adult with my life experiences I much rather imbue a toy with a sense of importance and purpose and muted pride. Drones serve and are built to perform. Dollies look pretty and are built to be loved.

I chose to love openly and without anything restrained.

---

Day 19: Reactions!

FULL SCHEDULE MASTER POST

Day 21: Public Play/Exhibitionism

#dawn posting #50 days of fetishes #hypnosis #hypnokink #doll play #sleepyhead <3 #hypnosis on display

[olivinesgayshit]

Queer Art Showcase!

This is run by the amazing, immaculate @queercutlureis !

I'm pleased to meet y'all! My name is Olivine, and I am but your average Texan queer trans woman! I have so many interests, but today, I will be putting forth some of my poetry. Some of my other hobbies include gardening, baking, and playing the cello, although none will be included. Some of my favorite and prominent themes and motifs are birds (due to a personal and familial connection), forests and plants, and the deep impact of my community on me, from the queer support I've had to the folklore I was raised with. Each poem will have a short explanation of the background and meaning of the poem.

One More Lifetime

I have been born into this world Imprisoned in a gilded cage Privilege and strength come to me But they bury deep below the earth

I play the role, a hired actor I hide myself from the other Keeping myself closed away There is always a role

I cannot be the same as the other birds Paint my colorful plumage dull I hide the truth beneath a shell of gold In an untrustworthy world

So I live my life as if a sculpture A handsome carving, marble and granite When shall I be freed from stone? One more lifetime, born anew One more lifetime One More Lifetime was inspired by the Angel Island poetry. For non-Americans, Angel Island is the location where (primarily Asian, especially Chinese) immigrants where held and quarantined before being allowed to go to mainland California and start a new life. In the 30 years it was open (from 1910 to 1940), it processed an estimated five hundred thousand souls from over 80 countries. It is a locale that is drenched in the blood and tears of hundreds of thousands. But through the darkest nights, hope still burned. Carved into the walls of many of the living quarters lie innumerable poems in innumerable tongues. Over 200 poems have been documented, but thousands were buried beneath paint and renovation, believed to be graffiti by the government overseers. This poem specifically speaks about my experiences as the queer, trans child of Baptist missionaries, the feeling of being trapped by the pressure and walking through life as another person.

The Old Man

I walk through the windy square And hear a note on the wind As an old man sings, Faint upon the morning. And I wonder what Could have led this man to here

Was he brought to this land Fleeing from a wartorn home? Maybe he followed his family Across impossibly vast distance? Or perhaps he came seeking Hoping for a better life abroad

Why does he sit, singing in the square? Does he sing to share with others? Is he performing for a loved one Or does he sing for remembrance? Maybe he sings simply for music, For no reason but the joy of art

The answers to these questions May never be known Because while he sings beautifully The only only thing I can hear Are chirps and tweets

The Old Man harkens back to two separate memories from my youth. The first comes from deep within the Black Forest, upon a cool autumnal evening. A lone bird lead a symphony of nature, harmonizing with the creaks of the oak and the howl of the wind. In the second, I was sat still upon a cold bench in the freezing morning of Freiburg, when a strange noise alighted upon me. Somewhere, deep within the crushing mass, a man had begun to play a beautiful song. I did not know the instrument he played, nor his words that flowed like honey, but deep in my heart, I understood. This poem speaks to that deeper knowledge. We may not know the notes on the breeze, nor the words of their tongue, but we know the song of their heart

Echo

I hear the echo through years unknown As lament and sorrow bind my soul For the loss of Enkidu I weep

Within my heart her notes resound The final hope of fallen queen May Death rock us both to sleep

The loss of his lover is loud in my ears As he sings the funeral dirge of rage All shall remember Patroclus 

My feet ache as his always have The ancient traveler from an antique land He looked upon the mighty, and rejoiced

Inside my chest, my love despairs Like Lévon and kin They have taken the one I love

My body I still at her cries As she mourns the loss of child She calls out to me, La Llorona 

My hands once again harvest The parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme To bring to the Scarborough Fair

With his lyre, he sings to me For his lover to return again How the song of Orpheus resounds

With all my might and strength I toss Excalibur, his brand To the lake of Arthur’s death

On my soul, their words are written Within my hands, their song remembered Within my mind their essence lies

How does one become remembered Revered for artistry and beauty I may only hope for their guidance

Echo came about from the many, many legends, poems, and songs that have shaped me. These tales have outlived man and beast alike. I as an author can only hope to taste a fraction of their might, a taste of their memory. This is the song of my love returned. They refer to, in order: The Epic of Gilgamesh, Death of Enkidu O Death Rock Me To Sleep, said to be the final composition of Anne Boleyn The Illiad, death of Patroclus and Achilles' rage Ozyimandius (Percy Shelley) They Have Stolen the One I Love, Lévon Minassian La Llorona Scarborough Fair Orpheus's journey to the Underworld The Death of King Arthur

Song

I sit down in an empty room And my heart beats echo in the stillness While my joints crack, and the chair creaks My heart lies still in wait of her arrival

The pale dust rests upon her Like dew on morning grass Her pages unearth an ancient truth Her dagger pieces the ground

Cutting through the silence I tighten ghostly ribbon And prepare for new birth My tendon stretch, my muscles strain

As equine meets feline A delicate dance begins A maelstrom erupts Born of our harmony 

A massive storm An unstoppable might Her song rings deep within my bones A low hum echoes within my chest

My lifeblood is moved by her breath But all things must end And this magic is no different The bombastic finale approaches

A final shout echoes through the land I lift my bow from her silver string Our old friend silence falls once more And I return to my mundane life

Song started as a slight sliver of an idea during Vivaldi's Sonata in E minor. I have been playing cello for just over 5 years, and its been a struggle. It's had both ups and downs. But I have fallen in love with its deep voice, with its honeyed song. I am proud to say that I have improved, although I am but a journey-woman of the art. This poem is about the deep personal power of music, and the sway it holds over us even when we are all alone

TW for the final poem. It includes themes of self harm and suicide

Frames

What is a life within the frames And what is hidden in our names For I was once was a boy named man Now from my past I have ran And I’m lying here in bed Shortened hair atop my head Hiding from dysphoria  Searching for euphoria Which I know I will not find But still i search throughout my mind In the hopes that I can stop Before I walk up to the drop While looking down with running thought Thinking of my life that is so fraught Pushing myself to stop the jump  . . . Thump

Oh well that didn’t work I guess nature had a minor quirk For now I’ll go on with my life Ignoring that small little knife Stop thinking of a slice Even though it would be nice  To end the pain and cut it off I must swear upon my trough  That I will not attempt to cut . . . But

No! My future shines so bright And I must make it through this night If I hope to make them proud Live the life they weren’t allowed I must survive for those who don’t I can’t give in, no I won’t! The sickly sweet temptation smell It gives me pain, it gives me hell But I’ll go on! My fate is not of yet forgone For Marsha P and Howard A For those who burned and lit the way For all those after and before Firmly I’ll stand, evermore And I will survive to the future yet unseen . . . I, Olivine

Frames was not written in my healthiest state of mind. To be honest, I don't fully remember writing it, as it is from a dissociative state. But nevertheless, it is a narration of my inner thoughts as I first attempted, and the subsequent recovery. Its been a battle ever since, but I am proud to say I am over 18 months clean of suicidal ideation!

#poetry #original work #PRIDE BABEE #pride #trans pride #my work #spoilers for epic of gilgamesh #ig #its kinda been a long time since it was released #suicide #self harm #tw suicide #tw self harm

[floaroanemoia]

truth asks / "What is it that you fear the most?"

My muse has to tell nothing but the truth for 10 asks || Accepting   @15-44

(1/10)

          “It’s quite simple-- I fear that my home will never be revived,”

          “I fear that what remains of my people will be made to live desperately trying to save the land that nurtured us for thousands upon thousands of years... and be made to live lives full of suffering, heartache, and pain. That they will slowly lose themselves in the endless search to repay the Shaymin and the earth for what they have done for us, and freeze to death, like all of the plant life there has.”

          “I am terrified of that happening... and then the knowledge we had accumulated being lost to time, along with our story. And that, because of such tragedies... when it happens again to another place in the world-- because we fear it will, given the fragile balance of life and death and the lack of intervention on the pantheon’s side-- that history will repeat itself. That another group of people will have to watch as their home withers away and dies... as pokemon flee or perish themselves... having to raise their children, their children’s children, and generations after on stories of what it all used to be like...”

          “This cycle of suffering started with us, the Celestica... spread to us in Floaroma... but we seek to stop it before such a vicious thing can be established properly. We-- myself and the others-- will and have dedicated our lives to that goal. For it to be in vain... I can imagine no sadder outcome-- for us or humanity as a whole. No-one deserves this. And I cannot fathom why it was allowed to be in the first place, lest it is serving as a twisted trial of emotion, knowledge and willpower by the Almighty. To see if we are all still worthy to live alongside the gods, without depending on them.”

#❁⊱⦃ ⏤ {ic.} ⦄⊰❁ #❁⊱⦃ ⏤ {ask.} ⦄⊰❁ #15-44

[saltymcsaltything]

Today would have been my mom's 79th birthday. I miss her so much. I never had a chance to talk to her about my gender or my Autism/ADHD diagnosis because I didn't realize or even allow myself to learn about either until after she was gone.

Her death was one of the main catalysts that led to my diagnosis and self discovery, because it was so traumatic losing someone I loved so much and who always made me feel safe. With her death I no longer had my refuge - losing my Dad three days after her birthday 21 years ago when I was still trying to find my way in the world rocked me and I did not process it well. I still have nightmares about it. Losing Mom was even more devastating - not because we were closer (we were, but only because I didn't have much time with Dad as an adult), but because losing her was losing them both forever. In a way, it felt like they were both still there as long as she was alive. She was my link to him and his life.

I miss her so much it physically hurts. I still catch myself thinking that I should call her or send her an email. This year, what is always a bad week has been especially bad, because she would have been the person I would have gone to in order to help me process some of the rage I am struggling with over the violence I witness against people I care about - and this isn't just about what's going on here. Being involved in workplace advocacy IRL has meant bearing witness to abuse by those in power and watching kind, dedicated people suffer at the hands of people who are never held accountable. Being directly abused by management and coworkers, physically, emotionally and sexually, and enduring the same from classmates and teachers, is why I have PTSD. Seeing violence against adults in IRL and online spaces where we once felt safe is infuriating and triggering, but seeing violence against children here and abroad is almost too much to bear.

Mom and Dad were both violently abused and did everything they could to protect my brothers and I from what they endured. They fought for us against bullying that teachers and administrators ignored, and they fought against abusive teachers. My parents were the safe place for family and friends when they fled abusive relationships and parents. And when Mom dipped a toe online on LiveJournal and saw abusers and bigots brazenly posting about horrible things they had done, and even worse whining about facing the tiniest bit of accountability, she went ballistic. When she picked apart abusers on LJ, she did so in a way that was as well argued, fact-based and unassailingly meticulous with receipts as it was venomous. I don't know how she managed to pull it off - I don't have the way with words or the ability to laser focus my anger the way she did.

The largest part of me just wants to be safe in a community of people who understand me again, but there is a part of me that feels that will never happen and wants to inflict as much pain on those responsible as possible. I try very hard not to be vindictive and aggressive, but I was also taught that if I am ever forced to fight for my own safety, that honor and restraint are lies made up by abusers to keep their victims under control. I want to bite throats and gouge eyeballs because my mind and body are screaming that it's the only way it will ever stop.

I couldn't always fight back. I freeze and falter. I did not have the same strength that my parents had. I wish I could channel that. I wish I could summon their spirits and curse the bullies, abusers, oppressors and murderers of this world with getting verbally eviscerated and physically demolished by the ghosts of my parents for the rest of their miserably short existence. I wish I could summon the white hot blowtorch of their protective rage.

I want to watch them burn it all down, every system of oppression, every monster, every warmonger, every abuser, every rapist, every predator and every enabler.

[adventureroftheuniverse]

A new Community

Hello everyone! i know it's been a while, but i have returned! Not with a story, or interactive post, but to ask if you would be interested in joining a small community in need of members.

You may be asking yourself "What is this community?" Or "What does it stand for?" And maybe even "Why should i join?"

Well, fear not, for i will answer these hypothetical questions! Firstly..

What is this Community?

Well, to put it simply, we are a group that would like to achieve a people-centric space traveling reality. Now i know that's ambitious, and possibly even impossible. But we will never know until we try! and, we have several other steps before we get there. Step 1) Create a safe community, ideally with 500-1000+ members Step 2) Acquire land to build or renovate homes and shelters for our members, creating a 'headquarters '/commune

Step 3) Become self sufficient with our own economy, governing system, and industry Step 4) begin research into technologies that may allow us space travel Those are just some of the steps, though they are a work in progress. We are a pretty young community, but already have several skilled people working together. Mostly engineers, but i myself am in the space industry , as well as having several members of differing skillsets. What do we stand for?

We stand for the equal treatment of every member of our community. Stopping corruption where we can, and getting humanity into space without secondary ideals. Mostly, we're trying to avoid mega corporations controlling even more than they already do. Tell me, what happens when Elon, or Jeff Bezos make it to space? You might hear things like this- "Please replenish your subscription to Amazon/Tesla Air, you have 60 second remaining" Or charging you out the wazoo for food and supplies absolutely necessary to your survival. If not that, extreme price gouging. And, if space isn't your thing, we want to create a society of people that wouldn't need to worry about where their next meal comes from, or if they will have to live on the street, freezing to death.

Our members believe that food, water, and shelter are human rights, that shouldn't be sold to you so you can survive. Does that mean we want you to have five star meals for free? no, of course not. We simply think that a basic amount of food to keep starvation at bay is what everyone deserves. A basic home, where you will not freeze to death or die of heat exhaustion. Not needing to stay at your parent's until you can find rent you can afford. Again, ambitious? Certainly. Perhaps doomed to fail? Maybe, but we have to try. I'm not the only one sick of the rat race, scurrying around making some billionaire richer while we sit here in threadbare clothes, wondering if we will manage to pay rent this month. Why should I join? Well, here's the toughest part. The why. Well, honestly? If you want a future- even one that may be a pipe dream- that doesn't involve being crushed under the boot of the oligarchy... i suggest joining. I'm not saying we're the only group out there, oh no haha. But, we would very much like to make this into a reality. And even if we don't make it to space, and just manage to create something here on earth worth our blood sweat and tears? I'd consider that worth it. Something that would keep our future safe, our children and grandchildren, from needing to suffer under the boots of tyrants or corrupt governments. Not needing to worry about starvation anymore, if we can help it. And, if we do manage to get to space, we might be able to make humanity into a space faring civilization. Though that wouldn't be for a very long time. So please, join us! Anyone and everyone is welcome. Engineer? Hop right in. Agriculturist? We welcome you with open arms. Simply someone who want to join and help any way you can? We'll take you too. No one is unwelcome- Except a select few- (Racists, homophobes', Nazi's, etc.) So, if any of this even interested you, come on in and see for yourself if you are interested. I will warn you, we are a very young group, so many of our projects are a work in progress. and all input is welcome! Red or Blue, it doesn't matter who. We just want a crew!

#scifi #physics #community #building #discord server #space #commune #everyone #career #networking #science

[captiveinmarz]

I don't know where I learned that hurting is okay if I'm the only one who is hurting

I often can't help it. It feel mechanical like it's a need to do it. Like, I'm all wrong inside if I put myself first in so many cases. I allow myself to silently suffer like its a gift I give myself.

People often refer to depression and depressive thoughts as somewhat of a warm blanket you can't help but feel at home in. You can't help but put it on. I know deep down that it's not a sense of comfort I'm feeling, but simply a reaction like when you're slowly freezing to death and suddenly you feel so warm and comfortable. The comforting rattle of death on your shoulder. Not to insinuate all forms of depression are followed by suicidal thoughts and tendencies but it's still often related. I may look my peers, family and friends dead in the eyes and mean it when I say I have no thoughts of killing myself and mean it when I say it, but, I know very well that things change and if I'm not careful when I'm well, I'll sink again. Who knows how far I'll sink. I'm sometimes scared I won't be able to keep my head up. I feel like my legs are broken and I can't even breath out help me well enough for anyone to hear.

I think of the dumbest ways to cry for help and pass them off as simply intrusive thoughts. They are quite dumb ideas to put it frankly. Why delete all social media cause then it would take so much time and effort to put it all back up when I'm feeling better. Asking for help often feels like asking for people to handle you with lace gloves. I haven't found a way around my own hypocrisy. How can I ask people to handle me a different way than their first instinct when I have trouble with that myself.

It's all very overwhelming. Having to think this much all the time. I don't wanna keep thinking so deep about everything. Then again, when I don't think at all, problems stem from that as well. I'm so painfully self aware that it feels like I'm in this fucked up feedback loop.

I am trying and that is all that matters.

[the-young-writer-101]

Hand in a Stream:

Homework from My Therapist by M. Shawn Britt

My hand is drawn towards the sound of the river. I can’t begin to tell you why, but I know it belongs there. I know I was told to come here – to put my hand in the stream, yet never thought that I would be drawn. Drawn into this written stream of consciousness. Lured like a hand pulling me to dance at a wedding. I imagine myself sitting on a rock – questioning if I should get up or never move again. The ladder seems dramatic, so I choose to rise. I choose the river.

When I get closer, I hear it all. The water hitting the rocks, the chirping of the trees, and the smack of the wind. I want to stop here, but I continue still. I don’t know why I am afraid. This isn’t the first time I stuck my hand in moving water. I’ve taken showers, washed my hands, and even put my hand in a river before. What makes this so different? Because my therapist told me to? Because I don’t do this out of free will? But I do. I chose to come here. I chose to get up from that rock. I am choosing to stop before sticking my hand in the water. I am in Control, and yet, I don’t believe that.

As I wash my brain of his conundrum, my hand approaches. I let my fingers graze the rushing di-hydrogen monoxide, and I freeze. My nerves send zapping signals to my brain. Motion, feeling, pressure – snap at all my synapsis. My brain ignites a fire that douses itself as I plunge my hand further in. The more area water encapsulates on my hand, the more my brain forgets what’s happening. Oh, how I wish I could feel every nerve, pinpoint every oxygen molecule, discover every change in temperature – follow every rise and fall. Alas, the synapsis overfires to the point where my brain must dissociate information to accommodate the thoughts needed for survival.

Survival is the death of living. I take my hand out of the water and examine it. I could have left my hand there – never to leave the moment, but I noticed that I lost volume in my finger. I chose to survive. I decided on an end. Why do the best things have to finish? Why is life so cruel that it only allows such a finite amount to exist? Anything in excess is problematic, but shouldn’t the idea of “excess” be problematic? Will there ever be “too” much water flowing down this river, or is the idea of recycling not the same as excess. I am spiraling into the abyss of my mind – the hollowness of overthought. Here I remember my hand is not even in the water. My body is not even by the river – this moment drove me out of that moment. Had me lost in a fucking daydream! Making things sound fancy is how my brain wants to interact with my stupid brain world. The idea of the river became better than the actual moment I am in now. Typing this with my head in the stream. With my ears listening to river noises generated by an artificial assistant. My thoughts raced through fake water – flowing into actual existence – never to stop or end until I changed. My brain folds itself seven times, and, like paper, it chooses to fold no more on the eighth. It chooses to sleep on this train rather than be in this terrible moment of acceptance. It sinks into the river. Struggles in pain rather than accepting growth. Putting my hand in a stream while a brain drowns in the air.

#writing #therepy #existential #mindfulness #water #adult themes #stream of consciousness #ducks