hey bestie <333

congratulations on 200 followers !! you deserve it and more !! 🫶

im thinking some Gojo fluff inspired by After Last Night by Silk Sonic? I love that whole album and I always get gojo vibes from it 🥹

love you and congrats again ‼️🥰

pairing: gojo satoru x reader | 1.1k words summary: fluff, lots of pining, slightly suggestive due to implied 18+ content, satoru is whipped as he should be, he's just a lil guy pls give him a hug he has sm love he wants to share !! a/n: RAHHH casey this request was sm fun i love this song and it absolutely gives satoru vibes !! anyways ty for being my number one supporter babes. i hope you enjoy this @novasatoru mwah ily <33

satoru considers himself to be rational. even though he can be loud, excessive, dramatic, he has always been rational. most people don’t know or understand all the detailed thought he puts behind every decision he makes. all because of his rationality.

sure, sometimes he can be a little reckless, but not in a way that is irrational. he’s reckless in childish ways, ways that make him seem obnoxious and yet frustratingly endearing.

but he’s not reckless like this. not irrational like this.

satoru’s not reckless so he knows it can’t be possible that you’re here, in his bed, naked skin just barely covered by his sheets. he knows it can’t be possible that you’re here first thing in the morning because there’s no way you went to bed with him the previous night. he knows, for sure, that he couldn’t have crossed all the lines he set with you for years in just a matter of minutes.

but the purpled bruises littering your skin, the scattered clothing across his bedroom floor, and the warmth of your bare body pressing against him tells him enough.

he’s speechless for a second, mind going haywire as he tries to remember what exactly happened and how he could’ve been so careless. years and years of friendship with you, all changed in a matter of one night.

you were always supposed to be one of his closest friends. sure, he would pay any price to see you smile and sure, he’d gladly take your side over anyone else’s.

and obviously, satoru would destroy the whole world if you so much as batted your eyes at him and said please.

but that’s normal because he is your best friend.

but no where in his plans did he ever think to cross this line. after so many moons of pushing back his less than appropriate thoughts. after wondering how good your lips would taste as you sweetly whispered his name. after all of that, he didn’t think his self control would dissipate like this.

there’s a brief memory of the previous night, tipsy words of confession and sloppy passionate kisses, that sends his mind reeling.

he’s pulling himself out of bed in an instant, slipping his clothes on and hoping they somehow manage to ground him because god, it feels like his head is floating.

he’s choosing to ignore how fantastic his heart feels to see you curled up in his bed like that, hair splayed across his pillows like you’ve always belonged there.

instead satoru steps into his kitchen, snowy bangs resting across his forehead as he tries to figure out what he’s going to say to you when you wake up. honestly he’s a little worried himself. how would you react? would you tell him you made a mistake or would you be angry at him for letting it happen?

truthfully he’s never cared much about other people’s feelings, but yours somehow have the power to impact his whole day.

he figures that he can live with it, if you think it was a mistake. he’d be pathetically heartbroken, he realizes, but your comfort matters most to him. and if all he was destined for in this life was your friendship, he’d never do anything to jeopardize it. it’d be enough for him.

satoru doesn’t even realize he’s made two cups of coffee instead of one.

he steels himself, watching his murky reflection ripple in the mugs, and knowing that he would respect your wishes no matter how much it bothers him. he won’t say anything, because he'd rather silently live with his own idiotic feelings than risk losing you for good.

“morning.”

he almost jumps, unusually startled because only you could catch the man who saw the world through the Six Eyes off guard. any plans he’s made on what to say or how to say it fly straight out the door when he turns to look at you, his throat going dry as he takes you in.

you hair is mussed and your expression is still dazed, a sleepy pout on your face as you rub at your eyes. you blink at him slowly, an inquisitive little expression on your face as you pad over to him and peer at the stove. “you making food?”

he nods wordlessly, still a little breathless because gods above you’re wearing his shirt like it’s yours and his brain is in overdrive. it’s so hard to think, to even breathe, because satoru has wanted this for so long and it’s finally here like it had always been here in the first place. like it’s normal, regular.

“can i have some too, ‘toru? i’m really hungry.”

he has to take a minute to bask in the intimacy of this moment because it’s honestly making his thoughts stutter. “u-uh yeah, ‘course you can.” he’s handing you one of the mugs before he can even comprehend it, and you take it from him gratefully.

he feels oddly parched as he watches you take a sip, looking at him with dewy eyes over the rim, and he waits with bated breath as you open your mouth to speak. “did you sleep okay last night?”

it’s such an innocent question and he’s almost completely sure he shouldn’t be overthinking it like a fool but he knows it in his soul that he’s nothing if not a fool for you. you make every rational thought evaporate from his normally over calculating brain, make his body react without a touch, make his mouth move faster than his thoughts can.

and this time is no different.

“fuck i’m so in love with you.”

you blink up at him, and he’s cursing himself for even opening his mouth, but then you’re grinning up at him like he’s said the most endearing thing ever. “well i should hope so. i’d be pretty bummed if you told me you loved me last night and then woke up and changed your mind.”

satoru’s breath hitches, and he briefly wonders when and how he managed to confess his love for you the previous night, but then he realizes he doesn’t care all that much because you’re smiling at him like he puts the stars in your sky.

which for you, he absolutely would do.

so he does the only thing he feels is right for the moment. he bends down to press a chaste kiss to your lips, heartbeat unusually erratic as he feels you melt into him, before pulling back and giving you a cheeky smile. “i’m not even close to done loving you.”

can we see a blurb of nico (being the team’s captain) and lexi hosting parties in their home with the kids? like i imagine it’d be so chaotic but so fun 🤣

I LOVE YOUR WRITINGS, AUS, EVEN THOUGHTS HERE SO MUCH LIKE BEING ON YOUR PAGE IS MY JOY THANK UUU

First of all, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! APPRECIATE YOU!!!! Second, I chuckled about this ask because honestly, I have envisioned that Lexi is not a great host, even tho that comes with the Captain’s Wife territory. So she either does it out and coordinates with a restaurant or she has her SIL do the whole thing at the Hischier house.

The fire alarm is going off. The appetizers are on fire in the oven. Lucie is screaming along to her show. Mack is awakening on Lucie’s chest, hungry. Nico is rushing around trying to get her bottle running. He rushes fast past the kitchen sink and slips, falling backwards hard onto his left ass cheek.

“Fuuuuudge! My butt.” Nico groans. His mouth forms an O as he rubs at his sore cheek. He cringes at the immediate tenderness. “Need a minute.” He says over his shoulder to Lexi where he is attempting to walk it off in the front entry way. 

Lexi stands in the middle of the kitchen looking down at the burning bread for her crostini’s. Wordlessly, she chucks them into the sink. The pan sizzles from the water. She tries to think of what to do next. That was all the bread. Now they won’t have an appetizer. She hasn’t even started on actual dinner.

“Mama! I need more juice!” Lucie yells from where she is standing on the couch. She starts to jump up and down. Before Lexi can tell her to stop, Lucie falls off, smacking her head on the coffee table. 

“Luc!” Lexi calls. She holds Mack’s head as she runs over to her oldest daughter. When she gets there, she sees Lucie is bleeding inside her hair. “Okay, okay.” She soothes her screaming daughter, bringing her in to her sister, careful of the blood.

“Whoa.” Nico startles when he returns to the room.

“Grab a towel, please.” Lexi asks him. He does, then makes his way over to his girls, kneeling down. Nico and Lexi share a glance when they remove the towel to look at her head. They both agree: stitches.

“I’ll take her. Just call Sal’s and order tons of pizza. The team will understand.”

Lexi would never wish for a child to get hurt.

But Lucie needing stitches does help excuse how embarrassingly bad she is at playing hostess.

Happy mother's day (late)

Graduated college this week … it's Over but also i felt so disconnected during the last semester bc i was only on campus 2x a week for 1 class, my other class was remote and i was filling credits w an internship. so it's been a soft landing. however i have cried a lot over the last 3 days.

sam called me and was like i cried for the first time in 2 years and i was like holy shit and we talked about our friends we love our friends and how we wished we had been different for a lot of the four years. personally i was just annoying as shit the first three years, but then again i might find my current self annoying next year. he was like "i wish i hadn't been so hell" which sums it up pretty much. but we've both come out of it better and with a clearer understanding of who we are and what we want. no more hell.

went to my last college party last night because i stopped going to emerson stuff. at emerson i felt like everyone thought i was a close friend — that's so not trueee. and so my friend texted me last night and was like where are you you have to come tonight. i said OK. apparently my acquaintances at emerson have started asking where i went. it has gotten to the point though where even kitty and dev my best friends will thank me for going out with them.

on that note: i don't like feeling like i am disappearing, but i am happier just keeping things quiet and close. i know who my friends are (best ppl in world), i am experiencing a healthy relationship for the first time with someone that i care about deeply, i've got a new job that makes me feel excited and treats me well, and we have a perfect cat. and my family lives close by. there isn't much else i can ask for, or room to split up my time anyway. no point exhausting myself so i accidentally disappeared (?) whatever i'm cooling. at least i popped my head in to say hello and goodbye last night. i have a habit of stretching myself too thin so i can please everyone, but i think i'm well on my way to kicking it completely.

the party was shut down half an hour or so after we got there, so dev kat and i went to the bar. we ran into graysen althea ryan and rebekah which was so crazy because i love them all and was trying to catch althea before she went home (we are also seeing each other next week in london but like, that's such a different context). when we all realized the other group was there we were like oh my goddd screaming and jumping up and down. althea and i hugged for like 2 minutes straight and i thought i might knock her over or break my back because we were hugging so tight. and then we walked out when the bar closed and found lily and jesse!!! so fun and cute surprise. being able to feel that sort of excitement when i run into people is so important to a good life AND being able to express that appreciation……… i think graysen and i were like "i love you so much" like at least ten times.

i love my friends. what can i sayyy lol i literally spent my teen years wanting to d*e because i had never felt that sort of platonic love, but all of that changed once i got to college. likeee i am so grateful for my life and everyone everything in it. tacky but true xo

(me holding graysen, althea at the sil, jesse lily dev and kitty outside the salon)

(what's the thing carrie bradshaw said about how in new york you're always looking for a job, apartment, or boyfriend? and that you can't have all three? welllll i got all three in boston #Love)

(i haven't seen sex and the city also i just have heard that quote numerous times. this is totally taken out of context soz)

Edit: althea's post about the same night. i make an appearance! she's not on tumblr but she is on blogspot, and i love her dearly.

Henlo all! This is my contribution to @burnthoneymint​‘s birthday challenge! I hope you will enjoy it! Thank you Sil for hosting this wonderful event, and a very early happy birthday to you <3 

Prompt:  Prompt: Person A gets injured on their birthday so they have to stay in, Person B tries to cheer Person A up.

I took some liberties with the prompt but the main idea of it is still there! I hope you don’t mind love  (´｡• ᵕ •｡`) 2nd person. Fem Reader. Mentions of injuries. Other than that, fluff! 

Ace was a ball of youthful energy. Always up for new adventures, always up for fun times. So when you had announced you maybe wanted to do something for your birthday this year, he had gotten to overenthusiastically planning out a bunch of unrealistic concepts. Multiple times you had to step on the break for him and remind him that: a, you were on a ship in the middle of the ocean, b, you would not be stopping for supplies anytime soon and c, that you still would have chores and such to do.

Ace pouted a little at the way you managed to block off all his huge party ideas, but had to admit that you were right about it all. You were snuggling in bed when you told him what you would appreciate most:

“What if we swap chores with someone so we have a day to ourselves? Maybe we can convince Thatch to make me a special birthday meal and y’know… just hang out? It has been a while since we’ve had some time for just the two of us.”

Ace let out a hum in response. Sure, you had a point, and sure, it sounded like a great plan, but was this really how you wanted to spend your birthday? It was nothing more special than any other day off, save for the special meal that he wasn’t even sure Thatch would have the time for. He looked at you as you turned around in his arms, your eyes bright with the expectation for him to agree with your (simple) plan. He simply couldn’t resist those puppy eyes and nodded, dipping down to place a soft kiss on your lips. “Sure, if that’s really what you want y/n” “Yes Ace, it’ll be perfect.”

Your last words were muffled a little as you nuzzled into his chest more, enjoying his warmth now that it was slowly getting colder outside. Already looking forward to a minimalistic birthday celebration, it did not take you long to fall asleep.

Of course, Ace followed suit, his talent to be able to sleep anywhere even when he didn’t get a narcoleptic spell kicking really fast with you snuggled up to him. But not before formulating a little plan in his head. If you didn’t want a big celebration, he’d accept your wishes, but he couldn’t help but try his best to make it a little more special than you had hoped for.

----

The days leading up to your birthday he assured you that he would take care of the meal and the choresswap, even taking over other people’s chores so yours wouldn’t be switched but taken over altogether. You were a little suspicious at his eagerness to arrange all the things for you, but you let him take care of it all without saying too much about it, you figured he was a little sad he couldn’t make his big plans come true and was now trying to compensate by fulfilling your smaller wishes as much as possible.

You watched as he haggled chores with fellow crewmates and even other commanders. You noticed how he spent quite a lot of time in the kitchen, trying to convince Thatch to spend a little extra time on something for you, just to make your day perfect. It was not clear if he had succeeded in his mission when the night before your birthday came up, but when he joined you in your shared bed, he had a slightly mysterious and satisfied-looking smile on his face.  You decided against interrogating him, enjoying some cuddles and already feeling giddy about having a day for just the two of you when waking up. It would be perfect!

The start of the day was in fact, perfect! Ace had gently woken you up with some breakfast in bed, singing some kind of happy birthday tune completely off pitch with a slight rasp in his voice, he had woken up a little early just to make sure his preparations were all done, and hadn’t spoken yet. You giggled at the whole thing, his morning voice was attractive, the breakfast delicious and the singing hilarious.

After you got dressed and ready for the day, Ace announced that he had one surprise for you. Your eyes immediately narrowed in suspicion.

“That wasn’t the deal Ace!” “Ssshhhhhhh, it’s your birthday, you deserve some special things! Don’t worry, it’s nothing too elaborate, I promise. ”

You sighed and followed him along the deck, only to end in a familar place: the back deck where his striker was. “Look, there will be something special happening nearby, so I figured we’d go on a tiny ride. It’s still following your plan of quality time, and we will be back in time to chill and enjoy your special birthday meal. ”

He seemed so enthusiastic, so full of hope, that even if you wanted to act a little mad for him not following your agreement, you couldn’t stop the corners of your lips from turning upward. “Fine, I’ll indulge you on your little surprised joyride. But only because that means I can hold you close for a little more.”

A slight blush tinted Ace’s freckled cheeks as he smiled widely, a triumphant ‘Yessss’ leaving his lips. He readied the striker for the ride, helping you get on as well. You wrapped your arms tightly around his upper body and got ready for the ride, you knew how reckless he got when he was enthusiastic.

Ace was indeed a little reckless in his steering, but never dangerous, not even when you neared a part closer to an island, the water shallow enough to have all kinds of rocks sticking out of it. He carefully maneuvered in between some of them, before stopping in front of one that was large enough for the both of you to sit on. He helped you up, and joined on the spot next to you in silence, and once you both were settled you looked at him with a questioning look.

“This is nice but wh-” “Oh! The show has already started!”

Ace pointed to a point a little further from you, and you saw something you hadn’t noticed before in your fear of him hitting one of the rocks. You had been too focussed on the potential hazard as well as the island nearing that you hadn’t noticed a huge school of dolphins, all rapidly swimming and leaping out of the water, almost as if to put on a performance for the two of you. Your mouth fell open in a surprised o-shape.

“They are always here apparently, I heard about it when we were on the previous island but didn’t think we’d get close enough in time. It was Marco’s idea to take the striker.”

You smiled.

“It’s a wonderful surprise, thank you Ace..” you turned to him to give him a proper kiss to thank him, when you noticed his eyes glazing over.

Shit. Not now.

It wasn’t the first time you had seen the subtle change that indicated that he was about to pass out, but you were too late calling out his name so he could prepare, and he slumped forward. You reacted on instinct, hooking your leg behind a protruding piece of rock and grabbed your boyfriend quickly, before he’d make contact with the seawater. You succeeded in your mission of saving your boyfriend,  but you heard a nauseating crack when you leaped forward, a white-hot pain spreading through your leg immediately. You let out a loud yelp, which woke up Ace immediately, completely disoriented and a little confused.

“Y/n! What happened?” He clambered back onto the rock, too confused to spot your leg yet, while you felt the tears spring in your eyes. You tried to bite them back, but your leg hurt a lot, you weren’t even sure if you’d be able to remove it from its awkward position without suffering. “You fell asleep and I helped you,” you replied through gritted teeth, the wonderful dolphin show now completely forgotten,  “Ace, I think I broke my leg.”

Ace then finally noticed the strange position you were in and his eyes widened in a panic. For the next few minutes the both of you tried to figure out what to do and how to get you back onto the striker without causing you too much pain. The best and seemingly only solution was Ace straight up lifting you up from the rock so you wouldn’t have to move much, and he held onto you as he got back onto the striker, apologizing through the whole ordeal.

“I am so sorry I ruined your birthday, it was meant to be a little surprise, and I just fell asleep like an absolute idiot, I am so sorry y/n.” He repeated it as if it was a mantra, and you felt back because you heard the agony in his voice. And while your leg was still hurting like hell, you didn’t want him to think that he had completely ruined your day. After all, it was only morning still.

“Tell you what Ace. You’re going to drop me off at Marco’s and he’s gonna help me fix that leg. Then, you will carry me to our room and we’re going to do what I had planned for my birthday all along: cuddle and be lazy together. If we’re feeling adventurous we can watch the sunset on deck. No need to do anything crazy” “Are you sure y/n? It’s not that exciting, and I had many more small things planned…”

“Ace, as long as I am with you, I honestly don’t care how we spend my birthday.”

You swore you saw his eyes gloss over momentarily before he regained composure with some new-found courage. “Okay, I will do whatever it takes to make this your best birthday still, even though I started out on the wrong foot”

“You sure you want to use that expression Ace? It’s not even correct” You raised a brow but let out a small laugh, almost forgetting the pain in your leg. “SORRY!!!!”

You knew he was gonna do his best. And you knew it was going to be a great birthday anyway. Broken legs or not.

28, 40,49 <3333333

silver <3 <3

28) What is something you wished you’d known before you started posting fanfiction? 

Hm. Well, I started posting yonks ago, back on the old bad days of Livejournal, and it was different then. But--I guess I wish I’d been more conscious of how many readers feel that fic is a nameless transactional exercise. I used to read fics and leave comments and it was so exciting, but I didn’t think of the masses of people who clicked, read, disappeared into the either. It felt so, so sad and bad to work and slave and obsess over word choice, on those early stories, and post, and get one comment. If that. Of course, part of it was that the story was mediocre (because every first fic sucks, that’s just true), and part of it was that I had no name recognition, but you could see the click count rack up and we didn’t have kudos, then, so as far as I could tell everyone just hated it. I think now that it’s more that people skim-read it, got their jolt of whatever, and disappeared. It’s tough, to know that you spent 20 hours on something that someone read for twenty minutes. I think if I could send a little message back to my wee fic-self, I would say, ‘don’t slave away on this expecting people to care. Just write it and get it done.’ It would’ve saved a lot of time, for my teenage self. (I would’ve also said, ‘hey, in a few years this show about two super incestuous brothers is gonna come out on WB, and I know you think it sounds super dumb but give it a shot.’ How fun it would’ve been to be around, in the early days!)

40) Do people know you write fanfiction?

lol, well, you guys do! You count as people. Meatspace people, not so much. My best friend/hetero lifemate does -- former friends do -- my tedious SIL does, but part of why she’s tedious is that she only like snark-characters and standard fantasy plots, so she doesn’t read my stuff. Other than that, no. Makes it rough when my mom’s on the phone like “what did you do today?” and I can’t say I wrote 5k of porn for charity. I probably need more hobbies.

49) Can you remember the first fic you read? What was it about?

Oh, definitely not. That’s far, far back in the mists of memory, on some terrible barely readable Geocities site, probably. Angelfire.com, etc. I’m not even sure what fandom I started with. My guess is FFVII, because I have this vague sense of trying to look something up on the internet about it -- dial-up, tying up the phone line -- but I have zero idea how that shifted over into all of sudden there being yaoi everywhere. --We all called it yaoi back then. I can’t imagine doing that now, haha. But even if I can’t remember the fics, I remember the sheer excitement of scrolling down all these curated lists of fics that felt so illicit -- a lime! a lemon! -- and when people used to warn for gay content -- and when it flipped and people would warn for ‘het’ as a squick -- and how determined and creative they all were, hosting these little sites, linking to each other, keeping the fires stoked. The new web feels very different, doesn’t it? Everything open and yet somehow smaller.

Winter Begonia recap episode 21

Shuiyin Troupe is gearing up for something while Du Qi, Shang Lao Ba and Er Ye are sitting around a table in front of what I believe to be the main house, close to the entrance.  Du Qi is reading the lyrics changed by Shang Lao Ba and comments about how good the modification he brought to the composition were as opposed to the lyrics.  Shang Lao Ba replies that he did not get an education or otherwise his lyrics wouldn’t be so bad.  Bookworm prideful Du Qi tells him to stick to performing while he takes care of the scriptwriting. Er Ye inquiries about the symbols and whether they were drawn by Shang Lao Ba. Arrogant non-rival Du Qi gives him a condescending look and explains those are Chinese musical notation, mainly the Chinese stave, while our cute penguin is smiling at his Er Ye, probably sending signals hoping for some heavy petting (I have read chapter 20 of the novel and now that is all I am thinking) for a job well done.  LOL, best girl Xiao Lai interrupts this moment to bring attention to the troupe.  I have a feeling Shang Lao Ba completely forgot about that them at that point. Xiao Lai stop being your book self! 

 He invites the troupe to come and line up.  Shit starter Shi Jiu is up first. She sings her part but our penguin is dissatisfied and tells her to stop. He criticizes her acting of a chaste and fierce lady, so why is she making him shiver. Rong Lan is up next and same situation.  It turns out they are auditioning for the main female role of the Consort. He is not happy with their vocals and portrayal of the Consort. The girls asks him to demonstrate what he finds is lacking in their performance, but he is unable to put into words.  Du Qi suggests they invite someone from other troupes, picking a top performer and paying that person handsomely.  Shang Lao Ba reminds Du Qi that next month is the election for top performer so no one would have the time to perform with him, inevitably lend support to him. Dasheng suggests that his boss takes the role of the Consort since he has the quality he is looking for, but he replies who will take over the role of the Emperor if he becomes the consort. Clearly no one in the troupe can play either roles to the level that both picky Du Qi and SXR have set. Er Ye reiterates what Shang Lao Ba mentioned about performers not wanting to perform for another troupe since they don’t want to lose their chances to shine for the election. He suggests looking for an outsider, who may not have the moves but have great singing capabilities that may even surpass that of other bosses.  Shit starter Shi Jiu suggests they hire Du Qi as the outside.  Is she being serious? For what? Clearly not the dan role.  I guess for the emperor role, which makes no sense.  Girl, sit your ass down!  LOL the look on SXR when she said that!  Du Qi replies that she is making fun of him and he has only the skills to fool a layman (like Er Ye?), adding if he had such skills why would he follow their leader instead of making it on the stage.

  Boss Niu crashes the party, like he usually does.  I swear he always arrives at the most opportune time. Du Qi asks what is wrong with the Opera Association this time around. Boss Niu replies that nothing is wrong and since they made a scene inside the association, no one dares mess with them. DAMN RIGHT! He announces that Yuan Xiaodi is retiring and invites them to a banquet, which will be thrown at the association.  Our penguin is stunned by the announcement; Boss Niu confirms, adding that Boss Yuan had contemplated retiring for a while, having not performed a lot in the past years and now that his wife is pregnant, he has decided to branch out into business with his satin shop.  You can tell our penguin is saddened by the news.  Both Du Qi and SXR are invited, and Boss Niu extends that invitation to Er Ye. Du Qi picks up the invitation card and announces that he won’t go finding Yuan Xiaodi is too phony and he doesn’t like him.  LOL, do you like anyone else but our penguin?  Boss Niu takes his leave while our penguin is still sad.  Layman Er Ye asks about Boss Yuan, having never heard of him; our penguin explains that he has only seen two of Boss Yuan’s performance and they were both amazing.  He had hoped to perform with him someday, like he had Boss Hou, but now that he is retiring, he won’t have the chance.  He doesn’t understand why Boss Yuan, who is still young is retiring, unlike Boss Hou and wishes he had come to Beijing earlier to fulfill his wish.  

Bratty sister Cha Cha’er is sitting with her SIL who is trying to coax her to talk with her brother so the mini cold war could end. CFT enters home and is confronted by his bratty little sister.  She asks why he lied to her and he replies if he did he do so. She reminds him of how he basically used her to lure Zheng Laihong so he could make Grandpa Zheng capitulate, while Er Nainai is trying to explain to her that is not her big bro’s fault.  Yeah, you are asking a teenager full of hormones to understand complex situation.  I understand that back in those days, teenager were basically grown, capable of even marriage, but sis, they still see shit in black and white. CFT tells Er Nainai to stand down and let him discuss with Cha Cha’er alone.  Yeah, Er Nainai you are not making things better.  She agrees to do so and leaves. He tells Cha Cha’er to take a seat and asks between Zheng Laihong and him, whose life is more important.  She responds yours of course.  He tells her that he was surrounded by Zheng’s guards who were armed, almost losing his life.  If he didn’t use this card, he would have been killed. He admits he should have lied to her and promise not to do it again.  She reminds him of the promise he made in the car, but now her friend has been sent back to live with his parents on the countryside since the grandfather was arrested.  CFT tells he doesn’t care and reminds her how the debt collectors did not care about not implicating the children to resolve their father’s debt, leading them to live a terrifying life watching their estate being depleted.  Her friend lived a good life because of his grandfather’s prestige but now he has to deal with the consequences however indirectly. She’s like bro, you’ve changed since leaving Shanghai.  Well, yeah, he became a grown up, darling.  He tells her that he had to help support and protect the life.  Good lord she is naive.  He tells her that she will do so too when she grows up, but she huffs out of the room.

Shang Lao Ba is waiting for his Er Ye who pulls out in his car, which he drove himself, btw. He comes out, looking dapper as always and his bae greets him.  He compliments his little penguin for being well dressed, which gets his penguin smiling. GAAAHHHH, they are so cute together!  Er Ye fixes his bae’s collar and tells him the outfit fits him.  Then he instructs him to eat elegantly in public, as to not scare away the proper Boss Yuan.  LOL.  Shang Lao Ba replies that he is very elegant to outsiders and pulls out a fan drawn and gifted by Du Hanlin, Du Qi’s pops.  Er Ye smirks and tells him to stop showing off.  A loud noise puts him slightly on edge, ready to pull his gun, while our penguin smirks, as we see a puffed rice seller and some kids.  He’s the one who made the loud boom. Er Ye says he was scared by the loud noise thinking it was a bomb, while penguin chuckles at his reaction.

At the association, Shang Lao Ba is discussing shop with the other bosses.  Awww, it is nice to see him hang out with the people of his circle and be respected. Er Ye looks at his baby with his usual “I love this man” gaze when third wheel Fan Lian comes to disrupts his favorite activity.  The third wheel asks if he came with an invitation and Er Ye responds that he came to serve Shang Lao Ba and of course my mind goes to my naughty place. Judging from third wheel Fan Lian, he had the same thoughts, as he complain that Er Ye cares more about Shang Lao Ba than him.  Honey, take a look at our penguin and take a look at yourself. You are an useless dandy while the other is a cute talented penguin. Yeah, case closed.  LOL, Fan Lian tells his BIL that Shang Lao Ba does not even have time for him since he is mingling with the other bosses.  LOL, why do I detected jealous pettiness? Someone announces the arrival of Boss Si Xi and oh boy, dafuq is this dude?!!! He is wearing the most gaudy of Chinese attire, yelling out, to bring attention to himself, that everyone, including the top stars are here and prances toward the other bosses  LAWD, this one is a piece of work, I can tell.  Er Ye is disturbed by that man’s behavior, finding him annoying.  Why do I have the feeling the translation is not quite right here?  I bet he said something far more disparaging. Fawning Fan Lian tells him the weird man is Sixi’er from Yunxi Troupe, calling him a buffoon. Oh well.  Si XI’er stands amid the circle of performers, which include our penguin.  You can tell the others don’t him there.  He asks the other performers if they are ready for the upcoming election.  One of the bosses goes to Shang Lao Ba and talks about his new theater, stating how gorgeous it is.  A young boy called Zhouzi looks on with eyes full of admiration.  Hmmm wonder who he is admiring.  

The opera boss asks Shang Lao Ba if he could perform in his new theater and our kind penguin says it would be his honor. OH BOY, Si Xi’er twirls toward our penguin.  LOL, I cannot with this character.  He exclaims “Isn’t this the famous Mr. Shang!” Bish you knew he was here, stop overacting.  He states that others say Shang Lao Ba is good looking and has a nice temperament.  Well, yeah, he is fine af, and? Oh, he looks down on my penguin saying he looks dowdy.  BISH, I’m about to throw hands and so would Er Ye. Stupid Fan Lian smiles as he looks on at the scene. This boy sure loves drama. Si Xi’er adds that he wouldn’t have been able to spot Shang Lao Ba due to his plain looking exterior.  Our penguin ignores the insulting Si Xi’er, telling another boss that voice still isn’t good, it shouldn’t use the flower-selling tune.  Oh, is he throwing shade? Si Xi’er tells him he shouldn’t ignored him and then states that SXR thinks he is above all of them since he is leaning on Commander Cao’s BIL and has Mr. Liu as godfather. He states that SXR thinks he is too good to even show the Jiangs respect, let alone lesser known performers.  Hmmm...why should he?  While he talking smack, a woman walks into the room, looking for someone.  Si Xi’er continues his barbs claiming that if the bosses are not careful with SXR, he might send soldiers after them. This gets his hubby all riled up, but Fan Lian stops him.  The woman walks toward the small crowd and ask why there is such excitement brewing among them.  Si Xi’er exclaims that it is Miss Yu Qing.  Well, looks who actually recognizes an opera performer’s name!  It turns out Yu Qing is an amateur performer who was once courted by General Zhao to be his concubine but turned it down. Damn, ballsy.  Imma like this woman. It turns out the reason why CFT knows about her is that her refusal made it to the papers. Si Xi’er being his bitchy self snidely greets Yu Qing stating that she came from far and worked her way hard, talking about her career.  She tells him not to mention it and that she should call him senior since he is 20 years older.  LOL, Si Xi’er is not liking this.  He tells her not to be too polite by calling him senior. He turns back his attention on our penguin, making another snide remark, this time claiming that Yu Qing came to Beijing, gracing her presence in their city, and that no one can compare to her beautiful appearance.  The boy with the admiring gaze is called Xiao Zhouzi and seems to have his eyes on our penguin.  Well, can’t blame him, who can’t keep their eyes off of him. Well hopefully Er Ye won’t catch him in the act. Si Xi’er claims that its no wonder Miss Yu drew general Zhao’s attention prompting him to want to marry her.  She replies it is an old story, no need to mention it.  He replies that since she is from a rich background, she had no problem turning down the proposal, unlike someone else who is latching on to a handsome, thick and suave powerful businessman.  OH LE SHADE.  Well, then again....She replies that she is too much trouble for a man like General Zhao or any other wealthy men to handle, since she has a silver tongue and likes to throw shade.  LOL, I’m telling you, I love this girl.  No worries, I still love you Gu Dali! She adds that she also likes to be jealous of people who are better than her and that people claims she is a bit like Si Xi’er.  OMG THIS QUEEN. She continues her put down by claiming that people like them when dealing with powerful people may get slap in the face.  LOL.  Everyone’s laugh, including CFT who is probably thanking the woman for coming to his wifey’s rescue. An angry Si XI’er calls out Zhouzi, claiming   a coward in public while being bold at home, and orders him to go see Mr. Hong for a private performance.  Ewww, I do not like the sound of this and judging for how terrified the boy looks, yeah, I am not liking this.  Before he leaves, he gives our penguin another gaze, this time catching his attention. Oh, looks like our penguin is about to add another member to his harem. Well, at least distracted hubby this not see this, still laughing at what he witnessed. Then again, I doubt he worries about any other men around his bae.  He knows he has no competition and he is absolutely right.  Drama Queen Fan Lian tells him these opera bosses are even more vicious than the performers of Shuiyin House.  Er Ye speaks loudly that his bae is an excellent manager and everyone in his troupe is loyal to him, none of the other troupes can compare. AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.  The wifey turns around and smiles, happy to hear his hubby compliment him like this.  Yo, I love my Queen Yu Qing, but girl your timing sucks.  Why are you interrupting such a cute moment!!!!! She introduces herself to SXR who is surprised that she knows him. What? Babe, you are a big time star! She tells him she came to Beijing to watch his performance for a month.  Wow, what a compliment.  CFT and fan boy Fan Lian comes to invite to one of the best room within the theater.  Awwwwww.  SXR introduces his hubby and business partner, and as he is about to introduce Fan Lian, the idiot introduces himself as the troupe manager.  BIsh what? LOL, she does not shake his hand, simply nods at him.  SHAAAADE.  

Another person enters the room, wearing a beautiful gold chinese attire. It is the man of the hour, Boss Yuan. Fan Lian dips out to go to the restroom, while Si Xi’er looks sourpussed. Boss Yuan seems to stare warmly at someone within the small circle, and at first I honestly thought it was CFT, and even he thought so too. It turns out it is our Queen, Yu Qing who got his attention.  Oh Oh. She smiles but then turns away when CFT realizes what is going on. Fan Lian comes out of the restroom and hears a beautiful singing voice.  Drawn to it, he goes to the room where the voice is coming from and it turns out to belong to our Zhouzi, singing for some old dude.  Meanwhile Boss Yuan thanks everyone for coming to his retirement banquet, telling them that he is looking forward to starting his new chapter, however, he wants to maintain his friendship with the opera circle, hoping they will support him in his new venture.  They raise a glass and toast him.  On the dining table, hubby Er Ye grabs the pig trotter that perpetual third wheel Fan Lian was eyeing and gives it to his wifey.  AWWW Shang Lao Ba is happy while Fan Lian wishes once again that his BIL would pay attention to him.  LOL, not as long as a cutie chipmunk is in close proximity. Boss Yuan does the round and comes to their table.  An enamored Yu Qing starts to stand up but is cut by SXR who is too happy to speak to one of his favorite performer.  LOL, he is such a fan boy. Once again, he is surprised that someone like Boss Yuan knows who he is. Is he being modest, because that kinda don’t make sense.  Anyhoo, it is clear that Boss Yuan knows who he is, as he even cites that SXR is well versed in Kunqu operas, having seen his Peony Pavilion, a well known Kunqu opera and being amazed to the point of not wanting to perform afterwards. Damn what a compliment. YOOO, Fan Lian, you be trying with Yu Qing, serving her food and ish.  

You are not even on her radar, she is far more attracted to a certain opera performer.  Boss Yuan discuss how impressed he was with that performance, which seems to get Zhouzi attention.  Sigh, the penguin is far too modest.  He thanks Boss Yuan for the compliments but claims that he might be too young and not skilled enough to make the necessary changes to a certain section, that Boss Yuan considers redundant.  He gives him pointers on how to fix that.  Hmmm, now I see why people consider Boss Yuan an academic and slightly arrogant, judging from Boss Niu’s reaction, but our penguin takes it in stride.  It is clear he wants to learn from those he considers greats, no matter if they criticize him harshly or not.  He is so respectful to those he admires. Yu Qing looks on, admiring her crush who acknowledges her.  LOL, CFT finds the whole thing amusing, while Si Xi’er is about to start trouble. He gets up and class out for attention, walking toward SXR table, and ask for Boss Yuan to perform for the last time.  He agrees to do so and ask what they would like to hear. 

 Shady bish Si Xi’er of course cannot miss the opportunity and calls on SXR to perform a part of Peony Pavilion called Awakened Dream. Our penguin quickly downs a glass of wine and then pretends he is drunk, his head hitting the table.  BWAHAHAHA.  CFT looks at him wondering if it is true, while Yu Qing calls out for him.  Si Xi’er asks if he is going to perform, but SXR claims he is too drunk to do so, afraid of turning Du Li Niang into Yang Pai Feng and accidentally slap Si Xi’er. BWAHAHAHA. Si Xi’er responds a male role is rude, even if he plays a female role, he might be too violent and beat him to death.  Boss Yuan tells the crowd since SXR is too drunk, they should not force him to perform.  CFT volunteers to take the drunk bae to a room so he can sober up. Everyone wonder if they are leaving, while Zhouzi looks on, a bit chagrined. The others turn to Si Xi’er asking for him to replace SXR and sing.  LOL, the old bish that his voice is no match to Boss Yuan, who looks as if he is about to sink 6 feet under if Si Xi’er had accepted.  The sly bish asks Yu Qing to sing instead since she was one of Boss Yuan apprentices and actually got into opera because of him, making her the best match to Boss Yuan.  Boss Yuan reminds the crowd that she had a long trip and might be too tired to perform, but the old bish is like, traveling in a car is too tiring? We actors still perform when our parents died.  He adds that he had forgotten Ms. Yu was just an amateur, which makes her more privilege than other performers.  Boss Niu gets incensed, calling out Si Xi for being drunk and inviting him to sit down to sober up. Like the graceful queen she is, she stands up and responds that since that old bish put her on the spot, she must accept. She turns to Boss Yuan and tells him that since he is about to retire, they should sing together like old time. He agrees.

  Er Ye brings his bae to one of the rooms and lightly taps his cheek, knowing he is acting. LOL, he knows his bae. Shang Lao Ba asks if Si Xi’er is nuts for trying to put him on the spot and he was tempted to slap him. If it wasn’t Mr. Yuan’s reception, he wouldn’t have held back. Er Ye is proud of his little bae for growing up and understand the ways of the world, mindful of the occasion along with manners. He even pretended to be drunk to avoid a confrontation.  He taps his head in pride.  AWWWW.  Shang Lao Ba sassy self resurfaces as he tells Er Ye that he likes to act like the senior and take advantage of him.  YOOOOO, this can be interpreted in so many ways, and of course in my naughty mind, TEEHEEE.. We get the million watts smile that Er Ye only reserves for his bae.

We see Ms. Yu and Boss Yuan performs.  Everyone is looking on, including Zhouzi, who is enjoying it. Damn, these two look good on the stage, you kinda see the intimacy flowing between them. Our penguin is listening attentively in the private room and seems drawn, standing up to watch.  Er Ye is fixed on his bae who, in turn, is transfixed on the two performers. LOL he stands up in front of his penguin, trying to get his attention.  Hold up, you have this prime piece of hot businessman standing in front of you and you are lost somewhere else?! I command you penguin! Finally, tired of being ignored by his bae, Er Ye blows ligthly on his face (YALLL BETTER NOT GO THERE).  This finally gets his attention, as he asks what his hubby is doing distracting him from listening to the two performers.  Er Ye replies, that is my question, I am standing there looking fine as hell yet you seem bewitched by something else than my presence. In his cute voice, he says Er Ye (god I love it when he says that), I want to ask Yu Qing to perform with me in his new opera Tale of a Hidden Dragon as his consort.  They come out as they hear whispers.  Shit, its the baby mama. erhm...I mean the wife, calling out Ms Yu. Sigh, jealous spouses are so annoying, especially since it was a time when polygamy still existed among wealthy men.  She states that Ms. Yu is sure is a noble woman coming from a wealthy background and so pretty, elegant, demure and educated.  Yet behind this exterior, she is a seductress following her crush.  Her husband is like, the hell are you talking? Third Wheel Fan Lian runs toward where SXR and CFT are standing.  Ms. Yu responds that she did not come to Beijing for Boss Yuan. The old bish Si Xi’er exclaims that it is his fault that Ms. Yu and Boss Yuan are singing together.  Our penguin is like, they only perform why the sudden quarrel. Honey, you kinda went through something similar with Er Nainai.  It is about the primary wife trying to assert herself against potential concubines. Third wheel Fan Lian catches them up on the drama, and that Mrs. Yuan knew that Ms. Yu was here, and caught them performing.  Did the old bish instigate all this? Knowing him, probably. LOL, our penguin is like, this crazy hag is pregnant, why is she getting all uppity.  Mr.s Yuan hormones are raging as she asks whether the crowd would have let her husband and Ms. Yu end up together if she hadn’t interrupted.  Bish are u cray? Boss Yuan responds they were simply performing, he was her shifu, teaching her all her operas.  His cray wife is like, ohhh, so you are her shifu, so that means I am also her mistress, so you have to recognize as so.  Geezus xrist it is just as I suspected.  The cray wife wants to assert her position in case her husband takes on Ms. Yu as a concubine, since she would probably lose out on the status level, considering Ms. Yu is from a former aristocratic family.  YAWN. Her husband just stands there while his apprentice is berated by his wife.  YUCK. Well, our penguin who knows how to be a hero and has a sexy husband always willing to protect him, comments how Boss Yuan is a coward.  Damn right, sis! He offers to help but is stopped by his hubby who advises to mind his manners while helping out.  Our penguin is like, honey, I am well-mannered and takes his sassy self towards the stage. He yells out that Boss Xi said one thing right, that he has a big mouth.  LE SHADE.  He adds that Ms. Yu was invited by him to perform a new opera with him.  Even though this is Boss Yuan’s banquet, since she is HIS guest, Boss Xi shouldn’t have invited her to sing without his consent.  The old bish Si Xi’er notes that SXR has sobered up real quick and asks if that is true, since this is the first time he heard of this. SXR says, bish since when were you privy to hear my business? LOL, seriously, this is the same man who did not inform the Opera Association of his costume design, you think he will divulge of his new opera? He tells the old bish that he does not deserves to know and Boss Niu looks, probably thinking damn right, bish! Boss Xi gets up and tries to go bish slap my penguin, but is stopped by the other bosses.  Someone asks SXR to perform with Miss Yu.  He asks Boss Yuan if it is okay for him to sing since it is his banquet.  Cowardly Boss Yuan says if it is not too much trouble, he will gladly allow it.  Seriously, he looks like a whipped little man with no balls. He looks back at his wife and steps off.  LOL, he does not even help her get off, this task is left to Boss Niu.  That cray cray bish sneers at Ms. Yu before she leaves.  Seriously, I was ready to throw hands at this bish, pregnant or not.  Stay away from elegant queen!  Fan Lian invites his BIL to sit down, while our chipmunk asks Ms. Yu to sing another opera called Lady Thirteen.  These two dan ju’er look good on the stage.  Boss Yuan and his wife are having a cold war, while Zhouzi is looking at his idol but gets caught by his master.  Sigh, this poor boy.  

SXR and Miss Yu walk through the hallway.  She thanked him for saving her against the raging hormonal Mrs. Yuan.  He tells that he dislikes Si Xi’er, the instigator of this whole mess. He admits that he was not lying about inviting her to perform in his new opera. She replies that it is a big deal and will have to think about it. He tells her to think quick and offers a big salary if she agrees, on the same level as his.  She tells him that she does not care about the money, it is rare for performers to get a good story of their own, adding that performance is one thing while the script is equally important. You can tell she is passionate about the art form as a whole.  He replies that his new opera will become a classic. She sighs and tells him his new opera is indeed a wonderful story and agrees to do it. He warns her that he is a strict leader and will be critical of her performance.  She tells him she’s looking forward to it.

Third wheel Fan Lian is driving our penguin and his bae.  The cutie pie Shang Lao Ba burst in a giggle, happy to have snagged the elegant Ms Yu as his consort. Seeing his bae happy, Er Ye asks if Ms. Yu agreed to join his opera. He confirms it.  Er Ye, being ever observant, ask about the weird vibes he got from Ms. Yu and Boss Yuan and comments as to why Mrs. Yuan was so agitated upon seeing a master and apprentice to sing together.  Shang Lao Ba excitedly gossips that Ms Yu was mesmerized by Boss Yuan singing, she decided to learn opera, getting in trouble with her renowned family, to the point of breaking off with them.  Boss Yuan taught her everything she knows, but when he got married, she refused to become his concubine, but now he has no idea what is happening between the two.  The more experienced Er Ye tells him he should now have a better understanding of what is going on between the two.  Wait, what? Did he just casually said these words.  Is this an acknowledgment of their own intimate gazes they’ve been sharing, their longing for each other? Seriously, what is this line and how did it fly under the censorship radar???? Anyhoo, he explains that seeing how Boss Yuan gazes at Yu Qing when they were singing, it means that she is in his heart.  HOLD UP!!!! Oh my god, I can’t!!! MY SHIP. My little penguin is looking at him, astonishing, as if he is surprised to hear his bae admit what we’ve known since episode 2!  Er Ye continues stating that when Mrs. Yuan came to make a fuss, Boss Yuan acted as if he didn’t feel anything.  He asks what does that mean? Our penguin is like, what, I don’t get it. Er Ye answers these two never got together.  OHHHHHHHHHHH, so the gazes you shoot toward Shang Lao Ba is because you guys haven’t gotten together yet!!! FAINTS. LOL, Shang Lao Ba responds that Er Ye is able to see through that, compliments that he has good eyes and I swear I wished they had cut to third wheel Fan Lian rolling his eyes to say that it’s because his BIL is basically the same towards you.  Er Ye tells Shang Lao Ba that he must perform a great opera or he will owe him for all his hard work.  HMMM, I like where this is going. Our innocent penguin replies that he won’t be the only one standing on stage, it won’t be enough.  Er Ye replies that he now has Yu Qing.  He complains that his troupe is not up to the task, especially since they don’t have a good young dan performer, like Lie Yue (who left to become a concubine). Oh look, Fan Lian is finally trying to be useful, as he mentions he may have scouted a young dan performer with a bright spirit.  Shang Lao Ba congratulates him for the good timing, while Er Ye is basically me in dashing suave businessman form, dropping snide remarks about his useless BIL finally using his fanboyism to do something good. Geezus Xrist, the third wheel is actually proud of it, despite the obvious insult.  Don’t you have any same. He mentions Zhouzi and ask if Shang Lao Ba had seen the young and good looking kid. Er Ye asks if he is that good why isn’t he performing.  Fan Lian replies that Si Xi’er is a jealous bish who would not tolerate an handsome young man being better than him, abusing him instead.  Sassy Shang Lao Ba replies that it is not surprising since it is Si Xi’er.  Er Ye glances at him, which draw sassy Shang Lao Ba to look back, with his cute pouty lips. UGH, kiss already!  Er Ye is like, baby will you be like this petty when you get older.  Shang Lao Ba states he won’t get old because he will simply end his life once he reaches forty years old, and Er Ye should go his own way.  They laugh, clearly it is said in jest, even third wheel Fan Lian joins in on the laugh fest.  Shang Lao Ba asks where he could find this rare gem, but Fan Lian replies that Si Xi would not let Zhouzi perform on stage, so nix that idea. Shang Lao Ba replies they should go check Yunxi Troupe house instead.

The next day, they go to Yunxi Troupe house, helped by a neighbor (btw, this is one of the opera consultant for the show).  He tells them that Si Xi is mean and critical, so he hesitates to enter not to incur his wrath.  Shang Lao Ba says he has no idea what Zhouzi looks like, but the guide tells him he would be the one doing the hard labor. GEEZUS. Er Ye asks the guide to stand by and alert them if anyone comes by.  They overhear Zhouzi singing and walk toward the area where the boy is working.  He says it is a shame, which draws Zhouzi to his direction. The young shy boy quickly walks toward Shang Lao Ba who asks if he is Xiao Zhouzi.  The boy says yes shyly.  Shang Lao Ba tells him someone asks to come see him. Er Ye sees the bruise on his face and ask what happened.  The boy lies and says he fell down, but Er Ye can see he was beaten. He comments how cruel this is and how he could be maimed if this continue. Zhouzi is just like Shang Lao Ba, asking if he sang well misinterpret Shang Lao Ba previous comment.  Shang Lao Ba explains what he meant; that his voice sounds similar to Si Xi’er but since he wasn’t well trained, it is lacking.  Shang Lao Ba does a demonstration (BRO, you are going to attract people!).  LOL Er Ye does not stop him despite the potential danger.  The guide comes rushing to make him stop.  Shang Lao Ba tells him they will leave so he won’t put him in trouble. Zhouzi is about to have a meltdown and kneels, begging SXR to save him, promising to make him money.  Our penguin tells him being a follower will not allow him to sing.  He has to become a master of his own fate in order to become a leading performer.  He helps stand up and tells him to find any opportunities to seek him out so they can discuss operas with him.  The poor boy kneels again, prompting the guide to hurry him out, fearing Si Xi’er return. Er Ye tells his penguin not to worry, he will do whatever he can not to let a young prodigy suffer within Yunxi Troupe. Such a good hubby.  I feel so bad for the boy. 

Pranks

*Not my Gif*

Request: Hiiiii I really love all your Fred Weasley Imagines so I was hoping you do one in frnship plsss (Ravenclaw Reader)

Requested by: @bengaliandslytherclaw

Paring: Fred Weasley X Reader (Best Friends)

Word Count: 2088

Post Date: 5-8-19

A/N: Hi! Hope you guys like this! Be sure to reblog, like, comment, and keep requesting! Love you all!

- Ria

~Master List~

~Open Requests~

Y/N quickly dashed through the Ravenclaw common room in to the dining hall, quickly scanning the room for her red haired best friends. As soon as she spotted them, she rushed over to their sides, telling them all about a prank she had played on a kid in Slytherin, turning their hair purple for the day.

“Ugh, I wish you guys could’ve seen him! He was so mad! I barely got out of the classroom before he caught me. He was chasing me around half the castle, I don’t think I would’ve gotten away if I hadn’t used that secret passage you showed me last week Fred. Godric, how did I get around before!” you say, panting from your running and long speech. The boys both look at you with astonishment, they knew you were good at pranks but never in all your years had the boys heard of you getting this close to getting caught. While they found themselves in detention practically every day, you somehow managed to get off scot-free every time. Fred shakes his head during your rambling, disbelief also crossing his features. When you’ve ran out of breath you wait for the boys to put their input in. You and the boys have been best friends since your third year, even though you were in different houses, you guys clicked immediately. You met on the train, Fred and George were bored and decided it was the perfect time to prank some unsuspecting person, and unfortunately for you, you were that person. The prank they pulled was a pretty quick one just to start off the year, when you opened the door a bucket of slime fell on you causing your skin to become red and gold, the Gryffindor colors. When they managed to pull it off, you were shocked at first at the twins’ laughter at your situation, but when you realized what was happening was just a prank you started laughing as well. Fred stared at you as you doubled over in laughter, joining George who hadn’t managed to pay attention to the fact you were laughing with them. At that moment, Fred knew you were going to be one of his favorite people to prank because here you were in the middle of the Hogwarts Express, skin painted red and gold, and you didn’t care because it was funny. After you laughed for a couple minutes, you sat up and looked at the boys, you put out your had for them to shake.

“Hi, I’m Y/N Y/L/N and that was probably the most interesting thing that has happened to me on one of these bloody train rides yet.” You say as Fred quickly shakes your hand, then George.

“You’re not mad? Like at all?” Fred asks leaning back in his seat a slight smirk appearing on his face.

“Mad? No. Going to get Revenge? Oh, you bet your arse I will, Fred Weasley.” You give him a slight wink as Lee comes into your compartment, pulling George out telling him that Angelina was looking for him. Giving his brother a knowing look, George scurries out of the compartment, leaving you and the older twin to talk.

“So, Revenge? You like pranks?” he asks, earning a slight chuckle from you.

“Yes Fred, believe it or not us Ravenclaw’s do like to have fun sometimes. In fact, I’ve been known to pull a few minor pranks in my common room. Although no one knows it’s me doing them, and so you better not tell them, Weasley.” You raise your brows at him, the look in his eyes changing to realization real fast.

“You’re the mystery prankster?! My brother and I had heard rumors about someone messing with you Ravenclaws. You’re practically as famous as we are in the pranking ways. You know for such a smart group of people, I’m shocked that no one discovered it was you.”

“That’s because they didn’t have me trying to figure it out since I obviously already knew.” You give him a proud smile, him snickering at your confidence in your solving skills.

“Oh, you think you’re so smart, then try and figure out what’s going wrong here.” He says as he shows you a sketch of a prank he and George were planning. Grinning at the boy, you grab the paper out of his hands, making sure not to smudge the ink on the page. While your looking at the paper, Fred watches as your brain works. He knows what’s wrong with the prank, but he wanted to see what you knew. After a few minutes, and you successfully pointing out the practically hidden mistake, Fred decided you were worthy enough to join in his pranking ways.

Now, while you’re sitting in the dining hall, Fred and George impressed once again with you, you couldn’t help the smile on your face. This being your last year, you don’t want the excitement of pranking to end, you’ve been planning something big for a while now, something that was going to let everyone know you had been the mystery prankster. Everyone knows Fred is your best friend, and you and George had gotten really close by default. You all were practically inseparable. Everyone thought that there were some secret romantic feelings being harbored between you and the older twin, and truth be told, in your fifth year you both decided to give it a shot. But once you shared one kiss you and both of you being unable to control your laughter afterwards, you mutually decided to remain best friends. George always teased you both about it, saying that you were mate less soulmates, and every time he said that, you and Fred couldn’t help but blush. Pranking had always come easy to you and the boys, but this time, you weren’t gonna let them in on your plans. You were finally going to get your revenge from when you met.

After dinner was over, you headed back to your common room and plopped down on your bed. You pulled out your papers with all the sketches and ideas you had and drowned out the world. Everything was going fine with your planning until you came across an error in your work. It turns out to make this prank successful, you would need an extra person. You hadn’t let anyone else know about you and your pranks, and you were kind of scared of them finding out and thinking you’re crazy or ratting out on you. After a while of consideration, you did the only reasonable thing you could’ve thought. You were gonna let Fred in on the prank.

The next morning, you jumped out of bed, throwing on your robes and heading to breakfast. Your brain was buzzing with excitement as you found your best friend, for some reason sitting without his other half.

“Where’s George?” You ask as you grab a bowl of oatmeal and some orange juice. You glance up to see his furrowed eyebrows and frowned mouth.

“Probably off snogging Angelina, again. Saw her then ditched me. Whatever. What’s got you all giddy.” He replies sensing the happiness practically radiating off of you. You give him an apologetic smile before trying to take his mind of his brother’s antics.

“Well. What would you say if we could get back at your brother for ditching you and help me expose my identity as the mystery prankster.” His eyes went wide at your idea. He couldn’t believe it! You were going to let everyone know it had been you all these years.

“Love, are you bloody mental?! You’re going to tell everyone? Can you imagine the kind of trouble you’ll get in? I heard that Snape was determined to stick you in detention for the rest of the year if he found you!” He whisper-yells at you, earning a few curious stares from the surrounding students. You couldn’t help but hold in a laugh at his worried expression.

“Fred, come one. We’re leaving this year, you and George had already made your mark on this school, and I want to as well. And you’re my best friend, which means you’re legally obligated to help me. Just one prank Fred. On your brother.” You could sense the nervousness in his expression as you watched the battle in his eyes. You stick your lip out as you give him your best pouty face, knowing he couldn’t say no to you when you do this.

“Ughhh, Fine Y/N. I’ll help you with your bloody plan. But if you get expelled you can’t blame it on me.” You squeal as you throw your arms around his neck, squeezing him tight as he squeezes you back. When you pull apart, you couldn’t help but redden as the eyes around you watch the interaction. Pulling your papers our of your bag, you spread them out on the table, not letting anyone see and keeping an eye out for George. After Fred had taken in your plan and made a few changes to make it simpler for you and him, you feel the prank is coming together real fast. When Fred sees George enter the hall you both hurriedly pick up the papers, making sure not to leave anything and making sure not to let George see you both in this frantic state. As soon as he got to the table he innocently sat down across from his brother. You quickly give Fred a side smile and hid your excitement.

When diner was over, you met Fred in the library and common room’s as often as you could. You normally find yourself in their common room’s and them in yours. Nobody minded really, as long as they weren’t the victims of a prank. Ginny and Hermione both noticed you spending more time in the common room but neither one of them wanted to say anything about it because they quite enjoy the calmness over the school when Fred wasn’t pranking.

Two days later, everything was ready. You and Fred set everything up in the common room and made sure no one could trigger anything before you wanted it to happen. When George came back after classes that day, he began searching the room for you and his twin. But you both were hiding behind the couch like a pair of school girls, Fred’s hand on your mouth to cover the burst of giggles escaping your lips.

“It’s time, Y/N.” he says, seriousness lacing his voice. You saw the mood change as he grabbed his wand, ready to shoot his spell as you pick up yours. You locked eyes and silently began counting to three. Then you burst out from behind the couch and hit him with expelliarmous. As his wand shot out of his hand you grabbed it and pulled on a rope you set up that caused blue and bronze paint to spill out of a bucket, the same way it had when they got you, then Fred casted aquamenti, completely drenching George with water while he slipped trying to get away. Fred then pulls on his rope, now causing feathers to rain down from the ceiling. Sure, it was old fashioned and used very little magic, but you and Fred hadn’t wanted to cause that big of a scene, so you wouldn’t get in loads of trouble. The room fell silent as the youngest Weasley Twin laid on the ground, soaking wet, covered in feathers and blue and bronze paint. No one knew what to do at this point, people stared in shock at you, a few people had put together the fact that you had been the mystery prankster, and of those people no one was really shocked, it made perfect sense. While you were all just standing there, unsure of your actions, George started to stir on the ground, you thought he was injured until you heard a loud bellowing laugh come from him. You started to giggle at the sound, followed by Fred who was laughing at your reaction. Soon all three of you were rolling on the floor laughing while everyone continued to watch with curious faces. At this moment, it didn’t matter that you all were leaving in a few months, right now you were happy with your two best friends and your pranks.

“Mr. Weasley! And Ms. Y/L/N!” you heard the sharp yells of Ms. McGonagall in the hallways.

“Run!” Fred yelled as he grabbed your arm and ran off, pulling you right along with him.

My Pearl Pt 11

Pt 1 - Pt 2 - Pt 3 - Pt 4 - Pt 5 - Pt 6 - Pt 7 - Pt 8 - Pt 9 - Pt 10 -

Use of Into the West song from LotR

Tags –

@himoverflowers, @theincaprincess, @aspiringtranslator, @sweeticedtea, @ggbbhehe4455, @thegreyberet, @patanghill17, @jesgisborne, @curvestrology, @alishlieb, @jogregor, @armitageadoration, @fizzyxcustard, @here2have-fun, @lilith15000, @marvels-ghost, @catthefearless, @imjusthereforthereads, @c-s-stars,  @evyiione, @deepestfirefun, @queenoferebor, @thestorybookmistress, @abiwim, @here2have-fun, @onewithleaf

…

Tying his hair back Feanor’s eyes drifted off from his reflection in the window of the train heading off towards Erebor surrounded by his sons, all of whom were nearing their tens of thousands of year old marks. And his grandson Celebrimbor nearing five thousand while you were just barely past halfway to a thousand being the baby of the bunch making your uncertain fate all the more terrifying. He had known your grandmother his entire life and had only made his true feelings known and been able to love her fully for such a short stretch of time. Since the day you were born he had clung to you instantly as his own as did all his sons who were all so eager for a baby sister after their mother had passed carrying theirs in a plane crash from visiting her family. Most of his half siblings and their children had fallen in the Wars of Wrath making him cling to the hope you had survived it all somehow out there on your own.

Centuries he had waited and carried the weight of the loss of his grandson, your twin, with his children as you most likely bore it alone, only having learned of it through Glorfindel in a passing meeting with Amrod and Amras in their tours of duty before retiring, centuries after it had occurred. Their only word was from the couple until you had lost contact in the battle Orcarni fell into with the Easterlings remaining from the attacks on the Beleriand survivors who had fled to their seaside borders. Another war had found you and it only worried your remaining family all the more as to what it meant for you.

He could remember it clearly, the phone call that changed everything. Three rings in a struggle to climb over his couch from a race out of the laundry room Feanor’s hand found the phone recognizing Ecthelion’s ringtone. “Echo.”

A weak chuckle came through the line followed by the long awaited words, “We found her.” With parted lips Feanor listened to all that had been witnessed in your brief pass across the screen on the Durin cooking show.

For Thorin’s day you had been seen aiding in passing out supplies and on a stop at Frerin’s show. Which was more about groups of chefs being instructed to complete recipes with random ingredients, missing tools or just a vague description of what the goal was, where you sat in once as a last minute host when Dain had been out for an appointment. Those between Diaa’s own show she shared with Bombur and Bell for baked goods you had yet to find a place on.

The appearances were taped and sent out to Feanor, who grinned at your near unstoppable giggles on Fenrir’s show when you assumed the camera was off you at the exasperated chefs while in Thorin’s from across the room your eye rolls at his recipes stirred laughs from your family in their huddle to catch flashes of you. It wasn’t long until another call came through at an actual meeting with you.

.

Echo, “Feanor, we managed to get into town and get a table. Right at the end of the shift.”

Anxiously he asked, “Did you see her?”

Cheerfully he replied, “Even better, we managed to linger around long enough to see her helping to clear up after her shift in the kitchen.”

“She’s cooking?”

“I’m not certain. The sauce was Gran’s recipe, but the chicken and veggies were off. She’s at least having some say back there. Maybe still at the dicing counter.”

“Is she looking well?”

“A bit tired. Though when she spotted us she came to sit with us.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” He let out a weak chuckle, “We learned something. Dwarves have a sort of, protectorship relationship called Patron and Pearls. Thorin Durin has apparently gained her approval to be her Patron.”

“Patron?”

“Yes, it’s supposed to be a way to help those with great talent in need of a financial nudge or a set of connections the Patron can grant the Pearl.”

“She seems pleased with the, arrangement?”

Echo chuckled again, “I doubt it will remain a simple contractual relationship for long with the raised tone in her voice and the jealous glare from him when he saw us hugging her.”

“He makes her happy then?”

“Well, I can tell she’s a bit reluctant to relax fully into a relationship just yet, though she does seem to care for him. Plus, I think us being around again we can ease her into it. We got invited to her guest house on his property for dinner ‘anytime we wish’ her words exactly. She can’t wait to meet the girls.” He paused then added, “I’m not certain she remembers everything about you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just a comment she made about Glori and I being the last of her relatives. She was just a little thing when you were together. We brought up her kidnapping you and Glori mentioned calling you out to test her and she seemed to not imagine she’d be a tempting enough reason to travel that far. She speaks of you fondly so there’s no anger there that we can tell.”

Feanor’s lips parted, “Perhaps if she’d known, she would have contacted me sooner.”

“Exactly. She would have clung to family.”

“Well, we will just have to make up for lost time. That house Glori mentioned on your block, send me the address. I’m not going to stay out here in Lindon when my Little Pirate is out living with the Dwarves in Erebor.”

When the call had ended another set of calls were made and all sons were packed along with him by the end of the week ready to move into the large plot of land with a main house and four guest houses on the land. Their magazine at least granted them a great deal of mobility and with most of their workers already having moved out to Greenwood they had set up a temporary hub there and could now settle there as well. All had been finalized and now it took nothing but to wait for the first chance to see you again.

.

Code word was given and at his table alone he sat consulting his notes on the meals your Gran had made him through the official and unofficial tests wondering just what you would put in front of him. Each one reforming in his mind and each delectable taste flooding back to him along with your attempts making his eagerness grow at what you could have learned and grown on since your childhood.

The first meal was set in front of him all but drawing him to tears, a struggle he withheld at the mirror image of the first dish on your Gran’s last test presented to him. Simple rice dish with veggies and squash with some bacon rolled up. Expecting an exact copy he filled his spoon only to pause at the nearly moan inducing meal. The explosions of flavor mixed with the warmth perfectly topped by the veggies and bacon slices. You had truly been practicing in you time apart he thought while jotting down his notes on it.

Secondly the same hideous dish was set before him and his face sank into a scowl once again. He knew this dish and even with its deceiving look he knew he would love it, because he knew you had learned it from her and improved upon it. Again you had surpassed her and in the wait for the third course his eyes welled up with tears and a single tear let loose when he set his eyes upon the dish.

This final cake, she had been so proud of it, because it was all yours. She knew you would surpass her and take what she had to a greater height and with the cake you had imagined a recipe up from scratch he had all but given you another two honorary Sils right there. “Am I going to have to tie you down to taste it?”

That single grin drew a long overdue chuckle only you could stir from him. His baby girl snacking on an identical cake to his. The hardest struggle of his life was to not throw the table aside and wrap you tightly in his arms. So he sat still remembering to complete his test, not letting his emotions or reactions show until his notes were written down.

You were on your feet and he couldn’t wait anymore. Tightly he held you in his arms ignoring the people peering on and the Dwarf pitifully trying to sneak behind you. An invitation was offered and he jumped on it treasuring his evening with you until he finally had to return, leaving you with a ring he had hoped to give to you since the moment of seeing just how you looked at Thorin in his sights. Terrified and in love he knew he had to help you ease into this next step, fully knowing just how terrified he was after losing his first wife to try again, even with his One.

…

Maehdros, Maglor, Celegorm, Caranthis, Curufin, Amrod, Amras, all of your Grandfather’s Sons had been named and in the sea of Durins they showed Callie, Curufin’s wife and their tall son who joined Echo and Glori’s girls in the spacious back yard at their tugs on his pant legs. A basic stew was set to boil on the outdoor stove while a pair of bags were set up on the table they had set up to hold everything needed. Each hand held a pack of beads with another filled with bells and bluebell strands for those you had lost. In a circle you all formed a line with leaf coated silver circlets on your heads.

Maehdros as the oldest was first, lowly the men began to hum an old tune as you all circled him taking a strand of hair you braided one of yours to. A nudge from Celegorm came as it began reminding you that as their step sister you were counted among their siblings and as the only female of their line you were tasked to sing.

Lay down

Your sweet and weary head

The night is falling

You have come to journey's end

Sleep now

And dream of the ones who came before

They are calling

From across the distant shore

When the braids were secured with a rune coated bead bearing their names above and below you would take your ceremonial pocket knives to cut your hair leaving the braid in the circled sibling’s hair before looping the cut strip up on top of your head inside the leaves forming your circlets. Maglor was next and on the benches the Durins watched your softly glowing family standing under the light of the setting sun pouring into the yard.

Why do you weep?

What are these tears upon your face?

Soon you will see

All of your fears will pass away

Safe in my arms

You're only sleeping

Each sibling gave their cutting of hair until you were circled and they all smirked at your deepening grin as they added their braids to your hair as you wove a group of strips of your own. One for Naule and another for your grandmother with two for your parents and your paternal grandmother each bound by rune coated beads around a strand of bluebells ending with a bell.

What can you see

On the horizon?

Why do the white gulls call?

Across the sea

A pale moon rises

The ships have come to carry you home

Feanor was circled next with the Parents turns. Another set of braids were traded between you, Echo and his girls before it was the turn for spouses. A not so subtle turn from Amrod and Amras brought Thorin over to your group finding his own rune coated beads for him to add his own braid to your hair he used your knife to slice free ready to proudly find that shorter strip in the future as a marker for his welcome into your clan.

Humming again you all, at the last light of day exited the home with silver Valinorian silken thread in hand while Feanor held the bluebells and final bells up as Glori held the lantern. Splitting in half your braids were gathered and stitched together then cut free, Echo removed yours and passed them to you, again as the female along with singing you were granted the right of forming the ship along with Feanor. Strip by multicolored woven strip you formed the silver boat along with the braided sections Feanor had formed while the rest of you finished your braids.

And all will turn

To silver glass

A light on the water

All Souls pass

More and more in your palms the boat came to being with bluebells and bells that filled it with a final set of securing strands attaching the lantern to the ship. Releasing the ship it dangled from the lantern that you and Echo circled and blew out matching breaths of flame lighting it and inflating the star shaped lantern suddenly wishing to be freed.

And all will turn

To silver glass

A light on the water

Grey ships pass

Into the West

At the final verses you released the lantern and watched it float up into the dark sky filled with bright stars. All eyes watched it soar up, joining dozens of others in the distance, and finally after all these years they found out what caused what came next. The stars over the lanterns grew brighter and the silver ships vanished while a bright star streaked across the sky. Every year unexplained shooting stars lit up the night sky in the moonless night. And as the Dwarves watched your tear filled eyes staring up at the stars the glowing specks coating your skin served as proof enough of your message of remembrance sent to those you had lost being received while the comforting light served as a reminder to keep going each day as you had since those devastating wars had ended.

.

Under the dancing and shimmering stars candles were lit for names and tales of your former homes to be shared with the Durins until midnight when they, all went to head into the guest rooms in Thorin’s home as midnight drew closer.

Changed into your shorts and a tank top you stood combing your hair with your fingers leaning against one of the poles around your bed stealing another glance out at the stars. In your doorway your eyes turned to Thorin in his approach, a soft grin easing onto his face as he lowly hummed out, “Hope you don’t mind, I turned around to brush my teeth and the girls are sprawled out across my bed.”

Weakly you chuckled, “Sorry, I didn’t mean for them to kick-,”

Nearing you his hand cupped your cheek warmly his lips met yours drawing your arms up around his neck in his move to lift you up with his other arm urging your legs around his bare sides above his sweats. Through a content hum from you he carried you onto your bed where he nestled you under him trailing his lips over your cheek to your neck purring, “Your family is welcome here any time, and seeing as it eases the chance for me to share a bed with you-.”

Weakly you giggled and eased your legs around his sides and legs some more, “It is a bit odd I suppose, not knowing whose bed we’re sleeping in.”

With a creeping grin he rumbled hopefully, “We could always simplify the problem and move your things into my room.”

Playfully you smirked back up at him, “Are you certain you could fit me in that closet of yours with all of those fine clothes of yours?”

With a deepening grin he rumbled back, “You haven’t seen my full closet.” You raised a brow, “That wall of shelves with my shoes actually slides back revealing the other half to my closet. I kept it closed so I wouldn’t have to see the empty half each day.”

“You really planned it all didn’t you?”

After a kiss on your cheek he nuzzled his head against the side of yours, “I have no clue what you mean.”

Giggling again you stated, “This house, setting it all up, the double sinks in your bath, large shower and tub, double master walk in closet.”

He chuckled, “Amad designed the home. She planed all our homes when we were old enough to live on our own. Wishful planning for our futures. Of course if you would prefer to remain here-,”

You turned your head to plant your lips on his stirring another pleased hum from him and when your lips parted you pressed your forehead to his, “I pretty much told your cousin we were on the way to being engaged,” tilting his head his lips met yours again for a quickly deepening kiss.

A steady palm slid along your hip guiding your shorts and panties down to be tossed aside at your hand dipping down under the waistband of his sweats that were easily added to the pile in his steady sink into you with a shared hum in the kiss you began. Wrapping around him his lips traveled over your neck and cheeks between low hummed Khuzdul sentiments from him.

“You do know I’m only getting half of all that, right?”

Chuckling again he purred between kisses across your cheeks as you calmed from your shared climax, “I assume you get the gist of it.” Making you giggle again, he kissed your lips again easing out of you to nuzzle against your chest holding you close to him, “What is the usual for breakfast after the celebration?”

“Omelets and pancakes usually.”

He nodded, “Then we will fix that, and when your family heads out again the boys will help us move your things into, our room.”

With another giggle you asked combing your fingers through his hair, “You are certain you don’t want to keep your own private space?”

“I don’t want private space. From my family perhaps from time to time, but not from you.”

Shaking your head you grinned at him after kissing the tip of his nose, “Who knew, under all those scowls was a giant softie.”

Chuckling deeply he rumbled back against your cheek after another kiss to it, “Each and every Dwarf alive. Our main element in fact. I am surprised you are just finding this out.”

His grin dropped as his lips parted at the tears looming in your eyes, “I know, I keep circling back to this. In Orcarni they were so helpful, with Naule, the ring, I always chalked it up to pity. Fleeing a war, alone, it never occurred to me after my ex and his family that anyone would actually be genuinely kind to me again.”

Warmly his hand cupped your cheek and he pressed his forehead to yours, “I understand. And now, we get to think of better things.”

“Auntie?” Softly the word carried through the guest home and Thorin hastily found your clothes you tugged back on and settled down beside each other as he found the remote for the tv in your nightstand he switched on finding a random film as the girls entered your bedroom.

“Can’t sleep?”

They shook their heads and hurried to your bed to snuggle with you both through the film after the youngest said, “We wanted to sleep with you and uncle Thorin.”

.

Around you the small bodies sprawled out over you as your head nuzzled into the crook of his neck in your huddled pile until an early morning picture was stolen of you and the trio was helped off of you to head to the breakfast.

A low chuckle came from Thorin in his gentle goading tugs into his arms to carry you to your closet to change. Through a smirk he watched you smooth the change of lingerie he chose around your hips soon covered by another pair of shorts and the same tank top before he followed you through your guest home to the kitchen in his.

Everyone had gathered up and you walked to Feanor’s side at his growing grin, beside him he drew back the empty stool you sat at as he tilted the notebook of yours he had found on his way to get the girls. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve been stealing a peek at your cookbook.”

Weakly you giggled shaking your head, “I was meaning to ask you what you thought of the idea.”

He chuckled lowly, “All of these look absolutely atrocious.” Widening your grin, “I know this will be a hit. Quite a splash starting with an ugly cookbook. Anyone can put out flawless recipes, but to awe with an atrocious yet mind blowing recipe is truly a test of skills.” After a peck on your forehead he added, “When you get to a final draft print me a copy and I’ll send it to Irime.”

Weakly chuckling you tapped your finger on the open page, “Actually, this was the final draft. I’m not the best at the descriptions though, hoped you might help me with that part.”

He chuckled and nodded, “I will give them a read through. This first batch is actually quite good.” His eyes lowered and you glanced over to Thorin who was slicing some oranges for the girls climbing on Celebrimbor until you were called over to the oven.

Caranthis, “Sis, we need someone on pancakes, Curufin here likes his black.”

You giggled and twisted your hair back into a bun and you moved between the sea of brothers all grinning wider on the first family breakfast. Amrod handled the omelets and shared his own thoughts on your recipes he had seen while Feanor chuckled eyeing the Polaroid on the latest recipe and rubbed his face reading off what it was before showing it around, “I never thought she passed on this recipe.”

With a giggle you replied, “It was scribbled on a receipt in a Telerin cookbook she gave me.”

His brows rose, “You still have that?”

You nodded, “One Telerin, Doriathian, Gondolin and Beleriand, plus an odd little Noldor book on fifty obscure uses for arctic beets.”

Feanor chuckled, “No doubt all coded to add to each.” Making you giggle again and carry the full tray of pancakes to the table filling with Elves as you claimed the seat beside Thorin after he’d set it.

“I can show you sometime if you like.”

He shook his head, “I’ve seen them. I am glad they’ve been so helpful for your studies.”

After a sip on his drink he glanced at Thorin when he asked, “You were still coming to the Stone today?”

He nodded with a wide grin, “Yes. I am eager to see how Jaqi fits into the whole system.”

You covered your mouth saying, “I’m mainly on desserts now.”

Caranthas, “Yes, we heard about your weekly menu and what a buzz you stirred up.”

Curufin chuckled while Maglor added, “There’s quite a betting pool on what you’ll earn from Ada’s first test for you.”

Curufin, “Public polls in Greenwood are at a hopeful four.”

Maedhros, “We are all hoping for at least two.”

As you rolled your eyes and Thorin asked, “I do have to ask, how publicized was your marriage?”

Feanor grinned at him saying, “If you are inferring to implied nepotism, I assure you though our marriage was gossiped about, and even if confirmed hundreds of chefs and bakers,”

Amrod/Amras, “Including us,”

Feanor nodded, “Including my siblings and sons have been tested and can all answer to how strict it is. The only expectation is towards Jaqi living up to her Gran’s reputation. Already her skills are publicly ranked, that spot on your show, those three judges, Celeborn included can attest to her unrivaled skill so far.”

Maedhros, “Even he is hoping for a five personally.”

Thorin couldn’t help but grin, “He only has a Sil and a half, why would he want her to have five?”

Feanor, “Because she’s earned it. Trained hard for it. Even with family recipes she is the only keeper of them and has given them her own twist. Even with the hundreds I’ve tested only twenty have been females, since,”

At his pause you added, “Since Gran and the other Bakers Dozen died a lot of females are still timid on accepting being ranked. If I get ranked and score high they are hoping it will be a symbol to get them to stand up again proudly.”

Glori, “Videos already have doubled on female bakers trying to imitate her dessert menu. Mostly under fake names, but still, it’s a start.”

Thorin wet his lips, “If you could get a list of female cooks and chefs we could add them to our list of guests on our shows.”

Feanor smirked at him, “I’ll see what I can dredge up as far as a list. I know with Jaqi on it they would love to.”

The longer you talked the more he was starting to see how tilted the scales had been forced compared to Dwarf standards and the conversation carried on into the change to head to the Stone as all but Feanor headed home after a bout of tight hugs and promises to return again soon. Around you the Dwarves, Dis and Diaa especially listened to ideas on how to possibly help things beyond just using you as a figurehead to help goad others out into the public eye. By nightfall with an awed Feanor on your right you went back to Thorin’s car and he wrapped you in a tight hug before heading back for the trip back to his place murmuring proudly he would see you the next day.

Pt 12

Sexy DnD test-rp

Over on discord I am playing a hombrew dnd game that includes sex and nsfw stuff that have skills attached to them as well as standard DnD skills.

My character is a Kobold rouge named Jib Onslow. He is renowned theif with a particular interest in panty raids. He also is unusually well endowed for a Kobold.

Currently, the discord group is testing the homebrew to make sure it is working correctly. Below the cut is the test "adventure".

DM:  The Night had set quietly on this inn on the road. Many travelers journeyed from place to place would stay at this inn when It was time they needed rest. Their horses at the Back area in the stables, which made walls around the inner yard of the inn. The main Building was made up of three floors, quite a lovely building with dark colored wood and green tiles on the roof. Our protagonist finds themselves inside on the first floor, which is both a bar and an eating hall. There are few Travelers sitting around and  the Innkeeper is busy at his desk with his ledgers.

Me:  Kib is sitting on tall stool, drinking a half pint some decent ale. His pointy ears flick in different directions, habit from being a thief.

DM:  The Not-Dragon Kobold seems to not be attracting much attention from the people around him. The Buxom Waitress thaat have been serving all the other patrons finally approaches him. Her brown long hair tied in a bun and her big lips looking oh so plumb just like her tits pressed up by her clothes. "So what can I get you tonight?" she asked with a dull tone.

Me:  Kib turns turn her, his ear pointing so that she is the center of attention. His emerald green not-dragon eyes looking at her. His buzzed little mind affecting his perception of the waitress making her look more attractive than how she feeling. " ah lass, might need another glass of dis ale you be serving 'ere tonight." Kib slightly slurred.  "and maybe those two large sweet rolls you have, might be for a later snack?" he states, his eyes quickly looking out at the looming bust.

DM:  She looks at the, relative to her, small Kobold and raises her eyebrow. "I'll get ya the ale but a little thing like ya? I am not interested. Even if that was an option" She said as with a snarky tone. She then grabbed the empty glass of ale on his table and walked away her fine ass bouncing as she walked away from to the back of the bar

Me:  "ah what mountain to claim" Kib says under his breath.

DM:  It seems the most of the other patrons agree as they all seem to stare at that fat ass as it bounces away. In a few minutes She comes back with the drinks handing them to the people who asked for them. Finally she comes to Kib "Here ya go, hope you it doesn't get to your head."

Me:  Under the table Kib has a hand on one of his belts. " thank ye, lass. Not ta worry about my head," Kib says before releasing the belt that keeps his stiff third leg in check, letting it thump the bottom of the table. " it's quite large ta begin with." He finishes with a dunk cocky smile.

I roll for my flirting skill (which is 5) on a d20 while the DM rolls for the waitress insight skill (which is a 1) on the d20. I got 23 the DM got 19.

DM:  The Waitress, mature woman that she is, hears the thump and is automatically more interested in the situation than she was previously. If his third leg made that noise it might just be what she needed. She Takes a deep breath and leans down close to his ears. "Look sugar, This here ain't a good place for that but... After I am done here, come to my room. Just across the backyard, the first window on the second floor of the house." she was quite impressed after all and she could use some fun after all those boring adventurers coming and going. Not that most people are this easy to convince, she just already had a need for something big.

Me:  With Kib's charm working in spades. He gives a bith toothy "tis a promise lass" he says raising his drink a bit.

We then time skip to after the bar part of the inn is closed.

DM:  It is later in the night and the bar part of the Inn is closed, and most lights are out. There is nothing but silence here the muddy ground of the backyard of the Inn is under the Kobold's feet as he goes to visit the buxom Waitress. But as he is making his way two people, a dwarf and a Human, come out from behind the stables. "Where do you think you are going runt?" the Human calls out "We saw the wench first, we are gonna have a go with her and we don't want you botherin' " the Dwarf added. ((here you can initiate combat or try for diplomacy

Me:  Even in his muddled state of senses, Kib knew that two against one was never good odds. He tries his hand at diplomacy, even though he is not in a clear state of mind. " gentlemen," Kib says in a bit of a slurred voice, "my mum, wise beyond her years, once told me ' son, if you fancy a lady and you wish to take her glance, speak to her then act with her and she be yours." He hiccups "and gentlemen, in my opinion you did neither." His green eyes looking in the space between the dwarf and human. ((Rolling for diplomacy

Me: d20 + 3 = 17 DM: 2d20= (6+5)=11

DM: "Ah, yer' Right Drakeling, we didn't do anything ta stake a claim like tha' " The Dwarf replied clearly brought down by the very clever words of the Kobold. He is humbled. The Human is silent as he is embarrassed of his actions. They return to the main building to their rooms and the Kobold is free to proceed.

Me:  Kib makes it to the building the waitress is living in, the close encounter with the two blokes got him mildly sobered up to do this next bit. He looks up and see the second floor window that she told him about. Not wanting to raise too much suspicion, he plans to scale the wooden wall of the building. ((rolling for acrobatics

Me d20+5= 9

DM:  Being drunk even if such a thing had made him feel less doosy he could not climb up the building and fell on his back into the dirt. Hearing the sound the Waitress opens her window and looks down at the Fallen Kobold. "What are you doing trying to climb in your state," she says and then goes back inside then throws down a rope for Kib to climb up.

Me:  "Sorry lass, I guess I was too clever for my own good." kib says as he reaches the window. It was a good thing that he left some of his "heavier" items in his room in the main inn. He takes off his cloak that got the most muddy and drapes it over the window sil so it doesn't get the waitresses room dirty.

DM: He enters the very common avrage person's room. A nice sizable bed, a small stove and a cabinet for all the belongings along with a table and chair.  As he enters he finally gets to see what he couldn't really see from down below. The Waitress is wearing some very form fitting lingere  her plump breasts and buttocks overflowing from the tight cloth around her body. "Well, suga' tell care to show me  what made that noise?"

Me:  "Well lass, if you want ta know" kib says as he undoes his trousers. Though not as  impressive as it was when he made the flirt, the 10 inches of flacid Not-Dragon cock is nothing to sneeze at. " it has gone down a bit, but maybe you can perk this pecker up?"  He says, giving the waitress a toothy half smile.

DM:  Reming that, ten inches itself is fairly above average, The Waitress looks at that thing impressed, her jaw dropped open. Without much provocation she reaches for it with a hand and starts to stroke it as she stared at it intensely. "This thing can't be real..."

Me:  Kib starts to throat chirp from touch he is receiving. His impressive cock twitches a bit as well. "The druid's from my village said it was some weird leftover from our dragon ancestors that eventually became not-dragon kobolds. I just like ta think I was just lucky when I was born." Kib mused as blood rushed to inbigin his meaty not-dragon hood.

Magelight had such a gentle glow to it, the washed out hues softening the edges of the world. The pair of infants he was bringing to his fathers were glad for the attention he was giving them. Such happy babies.

Alphonse doesn't know if he could part with them, but he can't imagine how he could stay with them either. Van… Sil… They'll know what to do, he's sure of it. He wants his dad more now than ever, and the calm reliable Mer as well.

He knows if he could just focus he'd be able to contact Sil and have the mage take him home to them, but that's the issue isn't it? Having to be able to set aside his notions and think of Sil as divinity rather than a friend.

If only he hadn't been so careless, he'd still have that magical communicator. For all his bravo and experience, to end up in a situation like this?

"Are you still holding out hope that someone will save you, Alphonse?"

The words, whispered in a too familiar tone of voice, cause his chest to tighten in fear. He extinguishes the magelight, already knowing what will come next if he doesn't.

He has a long way to go when sunfall comes tonight, and he can't have any delays. The babes hate the dark, their thin wailing echoing off the cave walls, despite his best attempts to sooth them. He hates this just as much as they do, and he knows they're going to be better off in the arms of his father. Without a coward who can't look at their faces.

Soon his words pass from him, and he can do nothing more than rock the children in his grasp, before that too fades, leaving him stranded back in an old, dead world.

"That's the thing about insects." He remembers saying, "Once you wipe them out, everything dies. You should have seen this coming."

The Homunculus had scoffed at him then, before coming to sit down by him. For all his aloof and controlling attitude, Alphonse knew that he wanted company. Misery, that's the name he had taken to calling him. All the other homunculi had names based on sins and vices, why not the father?

"Do you really believe you're above this?" Misery had asked, "You're stuck here on this planet just as much as I, except I shall find a way off, and out into those stars."

Alphonse turned his head, looking out into the glittering expanse that Misery indicates. They often sat here, in the ruins of the center of Amestris, the place where Misery had triumphed. It had rotted, long since overtaken by plants and forest, only to fade out and die as Misery consumed more and more of the life around him.

He supposes he'll have to be content to watch the lights blink out one by one as Misery continued to find solace for his grief. Van Hohenheim hasn't come back for either of them, though as long as Alphonse kept his head, he still believed his father would. It was the only thing left after all.

"Decay is preposterous." Misery said, upset that he didn't get a response. "I was foolish, I should have tried harder to keep things as they were. You were so much more fun when I had you running mazes."

Mazes built of rotting corpses, puppeteered by the reach of the Homunculus… dancing, dancing, dancing themselves to dust, their flesh dripping off their bones. A celebration to their new God, writhing like worms.

"You got bored." Alphonse reminded him, "I warned you it would happen."

"You could at least have given me a speech about how I would never break your spirit or enslave you." Misery liked going on about this, this was a conversation they had many times, though Alphonse never replied. "Your brother would have done it, and I could have spent millennia proving him wrong."

"My father was a slave." He had said, finally breaking his silence on the topic, looking down at the ground, "There's no shame it, by its nature it's not something you can control. The only embarrassment I feel is that I cannot slit your throat while you sleep and expect you to die."

"And what? Leave yourself alone with no one to turn to or talk to?" Misery spits at him, though Alphonse doesn't flinch.

"I've never been alone." He says quietly, "Not truly. The skill of language and how to use it is the only thing keeping me here, but you gave me all the company I need."

"Yes, he does keep you company in your nightmares, doesn't he." Misery snaps spitefully, pulling on Alphonse's hair.

.

It takes him a long moment to recognise the pull as his magical alert for sundown, rather than that ancient foe. He was lucky, that wasn't a bad episode. Somehow, he's sure of it, but the Homunculus has somehow been attacking him-- how else… why else would--

"No, focus." He whispers to himself, shaking himself awake fully as he feels around in the dark to get the babies ready for journey, "C'mon Alphonse, don't think about it."

He could make it home tonight as long as he could get going now. Having to stop every two hours to feed and change the infants was inevitable, they were helpless after all. The light of the moons was gentle, and Alphonse was glad for it. He knows the children are glad for it as well, their fussing fading as he emerges from the cave.

It's better this way, though he misses the face of the sun. Traveling at night was better. For many reasons. No sunburns, not having to stop and cool down… not having to look at the color of their eyes.

The edge of the woods is a familiar sight, one he's grateful beyond words for. It's been too long. Instead of pressing inward, he waits. Worldy had been assigned breakfast duty a long time ago, and often would be out sniffing for mushrooms around dawn. The old nix-hound delighted in being the first one find him, and it would be…. Better… if the babes were brought back with the hound, rather than with Alphonse.

Finding a log full of edible fungus, Alphonse sits down and waits, preparing a basket that the hound could hold onto while it ran home. Sure enough, as soon as early morning began to break, the nix comes out from between the trees, chattering softly to itself. On seeing Alphonse, it leaps into the air, intending to crash into him, loudly welcoming him back.

Alphonse quickly sushes it, the nix sliding to a confused stop. He shows it the contents of the basket, the two tiny bundles, and in recognition, Worldy lowers its voice. Sniffing at the basket for a moment, it allows Alphonse to attach it to him, before pointedly looking at the mushrooms.

"Of course, it's only fair." Alphonse says, "I'll bring back enough, I promise. Go take that to Dad."

Worldy nibbles on him in affirmation, before setting off slowly, careful not to jolt its burden. Alphonse knows the creature is as likely to bring it to Sil as much as to present it to Van, but it hardly mattered. He only wished to delay the inevitable conversation.

Best yet, perhaps there need not be a conversation. The assumption might be made that Worldy had brought home abandoned children, and that would be it. It wasn't going to happen, but he wishes it could.

The kitchen is empty when he comes inside, setting down his load of mushrooms and sets to preparing breakfast. His father, just a bit more gray haired today than the last time they saw each other, slips in beside him to help after a few solitary moments. Sil, then, must be watching the new arrivals.

… His father has already seen them.

Al knows Van is waiting for him to speak first. The way that the old man's fingers linger on his every time Al hands him something is reassurance, and a question. Sometimes Al wishes his father would be the type to sit him down and badger him just so he could be over with it.

"Just got back from Morrowind." Alphonse says finally, turning to face the stove to set the fire. "Strange place, that."

"Sil was talking about how someone dropped their orb, he was sure it was Timmy. Apparently it, and his destruction of it has been used as a miracle story and it's been converting people to worship him again." Van says, leaving off the obvious question of 'what the actual fuck were you doing there?'

"...Confiscated… actually. Slavers, though I dismantled that operation." Which could mean any thing from him destroying ships or killing people, and he's not going to comment on which one it was. "By that time, I was already there, so I decided to take a look around."

"Did a little more than just looking." Van replies quietly, "Dunmer twins don't just show up in the woods."

Alphonse doesn't say anything to that, lowering his head for a few seconds, before standing up. He knows his father isn't judging him, but it still feels like he's failed. All he's done in his life is fail when it's important that he doesn't.

"They look like Edward." Al says finally. "I can't look at them without seeing him."

It's the closest he's ever gotten to speaking about what happened to his brother, after Van was sent away. He feels foolish for it, arms coming to cross over his chest. After a moment, his father's arms are around him as well, pulling him into a hug.

Whatever happens, he can't tell Dad about that. Van already blames himself for so much of the Dwarf's actions, he can't lay that at his feet. Not when Alphonse had no assurance it would release any of the burden he felt.

"If you're okay with having us take care of them, you know we will." Van tells him, giving him a reassuring squeeze. "It makes me sad that you feel like you must."

He sniffles slightly, attempting to hold back the emotions in an attempt to stay on his feet. The worst thing was how easily his body could succumb to despair, even if he was grateful to display it in tears.

"I suppose I expected time to soften it." Alphonse admits, "But it just makes it hurt all the more the longer I don't think of it, and it returns."

"You need to let yourself grieve." His father says, voice so soft Alphonse mistakes it for his own thoughts, "And part of that is talking about the things you're hurting over."

"I… can't." His father may be right, but the potential for damage outweighed the good. "I'm sorry Dad. If you knew, you'd understand why."

"I'm sure I would."

Van's acceptance of it doesn't make him feel better. After a moment, Alphonse moves away from his dad, turning back to breakfast. His fingers fumble around the shape of an egg, sending it to the floor. His father catches it before it breaks, returning it to him.

Where was this man before he and Edward attempted to bring Mom back? Where was he when she died? Why did he leave him for so long in the grip of that disgusting beast?

"The Homunculus kept Brother's body fresh for… I don't know how long. Too long." Alphonse says, egg broken in his grip. "His skin never looked right, to make it move the Dwarf had to put part of himself in it."

Grayish blue, talking and laughing at him with golden eyes that didn't see. Making him fight, not allowing him to win.

"...For all my knowledge of alchemy, everything I learned, the only thing that ended it was time…"

Purification, starting, ironically, at the joints and sockets of the automail implants. Then the stab wound Edward had endured had opened up and would not seal.

"He hated that more than anything. Knowing that he couldn't stop it."

Alphonse barely registers the fact that his father is wiping his hand clean, only seeing maggots and flies feasting on his brother's body. The earth reclaiming its final champion despite the Dwarf's efforts.

In a last act of spite, Alphonse remebers waking up face to face with, and covered in Edward's rot. Finally getting to destroy the body before the Dwarf could pull it away.

"I can't look at them." He says finally, shaking himself, "I can't look at them without seeing him. Like that."

Beautiful, lovely golden eyes. Like fire and sunset. They're his eyes, he knows that, but set into the skin of the dunmer… All he can see is his brother, nothing more.

A curse.

Bath - Part 2

The continuation of the story with @thebiganvil‘s Gilræn. 

Part 1 if you missed it!

Once they stood on the bank, she gestured to the water. “See? Perfectly serviceable."

“Serviceable.” He almost grunted the word.

“Mmmhmm.” 

“You take a very utilitarian view, my lady.” 

“If it bothers you, we could ask the others if there is a tub.”

“Oh, no, this is fine.” His tone indicated that he did not care for it, but was willing all the same.

“I grew up with nothing, I worked my way up having almost nothing.” She stepped up the edge of the water. “Then I worked for Mire and had less than nothing.” With a shrug, “You use what is available.”

“Yes, well…” Gilræn reached upward and began unfastening the buttons on her nightclothes. “One can take what is merely serviceable, and make it more.” His fingers worked quickly and gently as he undid each one.

Silannah watched his face carefully. “And how would you make it more?”

“Well, for starters,” he slid the top off of her shoulders. “These things are usually more fun with company. You'll find that the right companion,” He gently slipped his hands into her bottoms and slid them down. “Can turn the mundane into the extraordinary.” She stood before him wearing only her undergarments and the runed brace that covered most of her left leg. Gilræn’s eyes roamed over her. Silannah shivered, trying to keep her eyes on his. His voice was soft, almost, it seemed, full of admiration. “You are exquisite, my lady.”

Silannah blushed fiercely, suddenly very self conscious. “May I help you with your robes?"

He held up his arms. “By all means.” Silannah reached her hands over and slid them below the edges of his coat. She pushed it back off his shoulders. Pulling it down off of his arms, she lays it aside. Gilræn smiled, enjoying the attention. Carefully unbuttoning his vest, she slipped it off as well. Silannah reached behind his neck and loosened the lacing at the back. She crouched down and lifted the hem of the robe up, slowly gathering it up as she brought it over his head. He raised his arms to accommodate her. She lowered herself to the ground slowly, wincing as she tried to position her leg well. Very gently he cautioned her,   “Careful, my lady.”

Silannah started to unbuckle his boots. She whispered, “I am trying to be...Lift your foot.” Gilræn complied as she slid the first boot off and waited for him to switch. He did so and she removed the other. Silannah ran her hands up his legs before slowly unbuckling his belt and loosening his pants.Gilræn playfully pushed his hips forward, as if to make it easier. She slipped and fell onto the ground, unable to maintain the position.

He gasped and knelt down quickly. “My lady, I am sorry.”

Shaking her head, she felt her face grow hot. “No…it’s all right.” Gilræn put his arms around her and lifted her back onto her feet. “I shouldn't have tried to crouch.” She started to kneel back down, his firm hands stopped her. “I can do it,” she whispered. “I can finish.”

“There is no need,” he responded gently. “Get in the water, it will take weight off your leg.” Silannah sighed but did not argue. She stepped carefully into the water, using his hand for leverage. “This way you get to watch me.” He winked at her playfully. Silannah leaned back, letting herself float. Gilræn sighed happily. “That is quite a sight, my lady.” He finished removing his belt, and shimmied out of his trousers

“I have a pretty nice view myself.”

Gilræn chuckled as he quickly jumped into the water. He gasped, “Bloody hell, this is cold!”

“It's a little cool.”

“My lady is a master of understatement.” He shivered a moment, looking at her like she had lost her mind. “My testes have retreated into my anus.” Silannah blinked several times,  rapidly. Gilræn laughed.

“You sure you wouldn’t rather have the tub?” she teased.

“No, I'll be fine.  Besides, the cold is having a very pleasant effect on you as well.” She looked down and gasped. She wrapped her arms around herself as he giggled.

“I…um…” She stared at him, wide-eyed and blushing.

“Hmm?”

“Nothing…”

“Would it make you feel better if I got out and you could see what this is doing to me?” he asked, grinning at her.

“That's all right.” Gilræn pouted. “I am fairly certain you will show me later.”

He chuckled. "That depends on your leg, I'm afraid. Turn around, please.”

She moved slowly and leaned onto the bank. “For now, this feels really nice.”

“There we are.” He ran his hands over her back and shoulders. “So many scars…” he murmured.

Silannah nodded. “Part of life.”

“Each one a story, I'll warrant.”

“To be honest, many of them I have forgotten,” she said with a shrug.

Gilræn smiled faintly, “No matter. I will nevertheless enjoy discovering them all.”

Silannah touched the large one on her right shoulder. “This one was an ogre I think.” Gilræn ran his fingers over it. “Or was it a troll…” She shrugged again.  “It stopped mattering a long time ago.”

“They are all beautiful.” Again, that tone of admiration tipped his voice. Silannah chuckled. Gilræn began working her hair loose from the plaits.

“Odd that you would find that beautiful.”

“Why is it odd?”

“Most people find them off putting.”

“Oh, not at all. There is nothing about you that does not entice me.” He removed the silver clasps from the top of the braids.

Silannah reached back and touched the short scar at the back of her neck. “This one was definitely a troll. The day I earned what I bore as my name for thousands of years.”

“Now that sounds like a story you remember.”

She smiled slightly. “I do.”

Gilræn ran his fingers through her hair, spreading it out over her shoulders. “Well...share it!” He pulled her back gently, submerging her hair as she once again floated on her back. He scratched her scalp with his nails.

“It was...oh that's nice…. MMmmfph.” Gilræn grinned. Reaching back to the bank, he fumbled around a moment and got into the pocket of his coat, retrieving a cake of soap. “It was about ten thousand years ago now.” Gilræn got his hands soapy, then started to gently run them through her hair, lightly scrubbing at the strands. “I was living in a small village....mmmm gods…” She sighed contentedly. “I had just gotten promoted to sergeant. Earned my white cloak.” 

He worked the soap throughout her hair, rubbing it vigorously into her scalp. His voice was soft, soothing. “Go on, I am listening.”

Silannah eyes fluttered closed, enjoying the sensation for a moment before continuing.

“Giliath was giving me the armor her had made for me when trolls attacked.”

Very gently he asked, “Giliath?”

“My son,” she answered, her voice tight.

“I see, go on,” he whispered to her. Silannah nodded, swallowing. Gilræn moved her hair under the water, rinsing out the soap gently.

“I sent him to watch over the untrained. Took a squad out to cover the western ridge.  “While we were fighting them off, a rather large male tried to cut me down from behind.” Gilræn grabbed the soap again and started the process over. “Again? Is it that bad?” She looked up at him.

Gilræn chuckled. “Look at the surface of the water, my lady."

Silannah glanced at the ripple of rainbow on the water, wrinkling up her nose. Her embarrassment was written all over her face. “I am sorry.”

“If a goblin walks by he'll build a pump station,” he chuckled.

“Great.”

“No need to apologize, my lady. I am enjoying myself immensely. I rather like pampering you.” Gilræn scratched along her scalp again.

She smiled. “I cannot say I mind this at all.”

He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Play your cards right and his could be your life.” His fingers worked the soap down through her hair again.

“Lucky you…” 

“Mmhmm.”

Silannah chuckled, “I will play my best hand then. So, where was I?...oh yes…” She sighed, relaxing under his ministrations. “So...this troll. He tried to drive a dagger into the base of my skull.” Gilræn cupped his hands to pour water over her head, careful not to let it go over her face. “I moved in time to avoid the worst of it. Bastard's blade sliced my brand new cloak in two… Mmmmmmm.” He carefully worked the soap out. “I sliced him from groin to throat for it.” Gilræn chuckled. “I guess my cloak was pretty well splattered at that point. We secured the ridge and moved to the other side of the village to take care of the rest. And if the stories I heard were true, the wind kicked the damned thing up in the air and made it look like wings. She shrugged. “Or something.” Gilræn retrieved a comb he'd stashed in his coat pocket. “The villagers started calling me the Redwing.”

“Ahh, I see. I can imagine it, you must have looked very impressive.” He pulled the comb through your hair gently and she grunted at the tug against the knots.

“So for a good long time, that's who I was. Silannah Redwing.”

“And now?  Who do you wish to be, my lady?”

She sighed, “I don't know. Just Sil is fine. Perhaps for a while, that's all I need to be.”

Gilræn stopped his attention to her hair. “And…” He coughed, his voice catching. “...what if I wish you to be mine?”

Silannah straightened up to look at him, her eyes wide. “What?”

Gilræn looks at her, almost shy, a hint of fear in his eyes. “You heard me, Sil,” he whispered.

“We just met! How can you be thinking….” Gilræn sighed heavily, his long ears drooping a little. Silannah’s voice softened. “Do you really mean that?”

“Forget I said anything, it was foolish.  My apologies, my lady.” 

“No...I most certainly will not!”

“I really do,” he answered her, barely above a whisper.

“I don't know what I would do, Gilræn. That is the only answer I can offer for now.” She looked pained. “I will not say yes, or no.”

“I appreciate your candor, my lady.” His eyes had gone a little dull, his voice as well.

“But you are disappointed.”

Gilræn sighed. Silannah reached up and tugged on her right ear for a moment, clearly uncertain what to say.

“I would be lying if I said I was not,” he offered quietly. “Here is what I know. When I am with you, I am at ease, as well as thrilled, as well as stimulated and also perfectly at rest. When I am not with you, I am anxious, I am thinking of you, thinking of ways to get back.” Silannah chewed on her bottom lip, her eyes darting back and forth across the water. “That is not meant to change your mind, my lady.” He turned her away from him again and began to comb through her long silver hair. “Do you want it braided up again?” he whispered.

“I…” her lips tightened, her brow furrowed. “Yes, please.” Gilræn smiled faintly, and begins to separate the strands into bunches. “I am sorry,” she whispered.

“My lady, why are you sorry?”

Silannah eyes welled up a little before she reached up and wiped the tears away roughly. “Because I do not mean to hurt you.”

“You have not.” Gilræn plaited her hair precisely. His fingers moved nimbly through as he wove her hair.

“But I don't know if I can...If I could talk of something so complete. So…” She searched for the right words, but they would not come.

“I understand, Sil. Truly.” He tried very hard to sound comforting.

Softly whispering, she pleaded with him. “Please don't give up on me…”

Gilræn smiled. “Never. I am a very patient man, my lady.”

“I hope so.”

“I hope I have not made you uncomfortable.”

She sniffled. “I’m all right. It was just a surprise…”

He sighed. “I'm sorry, it just came out, I knew it was foolish even as I said it.”

“It's ok. Really.”

“The offer, however, remains.  And much like your offer to share your bed, it is an open invitation.”

Silannah blushed down to her shoulders. “I will think on it.”

“And my heart skipped a beat,” he whispered. He finished setting her hair, smoothing out a few spots before letting his hands drop.

She chuckled. “You're heart skipped on a maybe…”

“A maybe from you is like a yes from a queen.”

She turned and looks at you like you've grown an extra head. “You are out of your mind.” Her mouth was hanging open slightly, her face a picture of pure disbelief.

“I am simply overwhelmed, my lady.” Gilræn touched her hair lightly, admiring his handiwork.

“Did you do it again?”

Gilræn nodded. “Even better this time.”

“I doubt that very much.” Gilræn looked offended, to which she quickly added, “Last time was perfection.”

Gilræn pursed his lips and pointed down to the shimmering surface of the water. “See for yourself.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

Silannah looked down at the water and stared at herself. “How did you…How..."

“My hands, my lady, have skills you cannot imagine”

“Must be so. Because you turned me into something pretty.” 

“You were already that, my lady.”

Silannah looked at him sidelong. “Crazy."

“Smitten,” he shot back. “Hopelessly so.”

“I was a dirty, laying-in-a-bed-for-over-a-week, matted mess. I was not pretty.”

“I disagree.”

“I probably looked like a hobo.”

“A very pretty hobo.”

Silannah laughed. She took his hand in her own. “You see through things.”

“I simply see what is there, my lady.”

Part one is here!

Stepping off the Pedestal

Written with Amp and Zen!!

While he knew, eventually, the listlessness and hollow feeling in him would pass with time, Silvio couldn’t help but feel Kohaku’s absence. He’d see something and want to share it or think of some new joke to laugh about, but when he went to look for his partner, there was no one there. It reminded Silvio of the feeling you got when you thought there was one more step on a staircase than there actually was, or reaching for something but finding it just beyond your grasp. Sitting behind his front desk, he sketched an abstract design made with brilliant shades of vermillion; that special color momiji turned in the Fall. The color of the Kyoto he longed for.    He was glad of Adrienne and Axton coming over. Even though he was certain difficult topics were going to be broached, it was better than being alone right now.    The bell over the door gave a ring as Axton shouldered his way inside; he was dressed down and plain in a t-shirt, jeans and loose flannel top left unbuttoned, the sleeves cuffed to his elbows. He shot Silvio a thin smile as he approached the desk, hands in his pockets. He seemed a lot more subdued than usual.    “Hey… How’s it goin’, Sil? Ms. Levi’s not here yet, I take it?”    Silvio looked up at the sound of the bell chiming and smiled at his visitor.    “Hey, Ax. I’m...hanging in there, I guess. I take it you saw the video segment I did for Chaos?”    “Yeah.”    Axton leaned on the desk, folding his arms underneath him and allowing his shoulders to lift toward his ears. It was hard to maintain the smile, so he stopped bothering.    “I didn’t mean to mess things up when I came up here. I just wanted to be part of it. Guess I got my wish in some monkey’s paw shitty way.”    “It was the confluence of a lot of things,” Silvio assured him. “But...I think it’s for the best right now; for all of us.” He gave a wan smile. “Medicine can be bitter, I guess. But it’s not forever, at least.”    “Like I said. Monkey’s paw shit.”    Sighing, Axton turned himself around, resting his elbows on the desk so he was facing the door. He watched the cars roll by past Silvio’s window displays. Everything about this place radiated his personality; it had been easy to find, when he’d been searching blind for it.    “Sil… I’m not… feeling great about all of this. I’m sure you figured that out. I came up here to play a game, for shits and giggles, you know? And it looks like I accidentally kicked a wasp nest on my way in. Now everybody’s stung and screaming and I’m just standing here like the dude with the pizzas in that one scene from Community… everybody yellin’ at me for kicking the nest I didn’t see.”    “I know,” Silvio said, getting to his feet. “And I’m sorry for everything I did...or didn’t do... that contributed to that.” He hesitated before reaching out and touching the tense line of Axton’s shoulder. “But I think talking with Adrienne will help set the record straight.” There was a little snort and he shook his head. “You all had a helluva match, by the way. Congrats on your first win; that fight wasn’t easy.”    “Thanks.”    Axton glanced over said tense shoulder to look at him, forcing another thin smile. “I tried to play it clean… tried to prove something, I guess. But it doesn’t matter. Some people don’t wanna change their minds about you, or believe you no matter what you say. I just decided to lean into it. Let people think what they wanna think. I tried to get away from that kinda thing in LA but I guess it just followed me here.”    He sighed and shook his head, loosely crossing his arms.    “Anyway, sorry for bitching. Thanks for hosting this thing. I don’t want Ms. Levi to think I’m that kind of person. Most people I don’t care if they wanna make me their bad guy, but she’s different.”    “She admires you,” Silvio said. “And I do, too. I never got to see this side of your passions.” He started around the counter to come to Axton’s side. “It suits you.”    He wasn’t exaggerating about that, either. Axton took to all of this naturally. Some people were just like that, though. The light inside of them just couldn’t help but spill over no matter what they did. Silvio knew Axton was catching heat now, but he also knew time would change things. You couldn’t ignore the way Ax shone, and people would take him lightly at their own peril.    Axton’s shoulders softened a bit, looking at Silvio sidelong. The tattoo artist had always had a way of talking to him that just made him want to fall apart in the best way. Tell him anything. Do anything to hear him say those sweet things… that much hadn’t changed.    “It’s fun. Really, it’s fun. I love this sport, I have since high school. I guess I just don’t… I don’t take it as seriously as some people. But I don’t take anything that seriously, y’know?”    Grinning, Silvio gave him a little nudge with his elbow. “Oh, I know, Mr. Cool Patrol,” he teased. “And I don’t think that’s a bad thing, necessarily. I just get the feeling not everyone will get the joke sometimes. Still, I really mean it. You look good out there. It won’t take long for people to respond to it. But that’s the way you are; you make things fall into your orbit without even trying.”    The bell over the front door sounded once more. To anyone that knew her, it was just Ade. But with her knock off Jackie O sunglasses, her grey and purple Baltimore Ravens hoodie drawn over her head, black leggings, and sneakers - she looked far from anonymous. Adrienne remembered when Axton had asked for the address of Sil’s shop. She didn’t know and after a cursory glance, she wished she had visited earlier. Tucking her phone back into the oversized pocket of her sweater, she looked forward and saw that like aways, she was late. Alas, the perks of public transportations. Axton and Silvio were already there conversing amongst themselves.    “Hi,” she said quietly. “Sorry for interrupting.”    Mouth still open about to reply to Silvio, Axton’s attention shifted forward, and he immediately felt his gut twist uncomfortably. He wasn’t looking forward to this--it was too open, too personal, too raw. He’d never been good at this sort of thing… but he knew a good person when he met them, and the last thing he wanted to do was give Adrienne the impression he didn’t deserve all the time and energy she’d already given him. Even if it was… parasocial time and energy.    “Hey.” Once again he attempted a smile, shoving both hands into his pockets to shrink his presence in the room. “You’re not, don’t worry about it. I was prob’ly about to say something dumb anyhow.”    Silvio smiled at Adrienne, gesturing her in. “I’m glad you could make it. Did you want a soda or anything? I’m kind of a sugar fiend, but you’re welcome to any snacks I got, too.”    “Water’s fine.” she said with a curt smile. Adrienne stepped into the room. The shades came off and she did her best to conceal that she hadn’t slept well in the last few days. With no one to talk to lately in that apartment, she’d unintentionally invited over less savory elements. She turned to Axton, doing her best to keep her fandom in check, “So I know this is weird considering this actually is not the first time we’ve met - but I’m Adrienne.”    It took Axton a second to shut off the part of his mind that was busy dwelling on what he already knew--that she was a fan, her name, that they’d squared off in the ring before, even. That exchanges had been made that had upset them both. This was supposed to be about clearing the air… making a fresh start. Swallowing the tight feeling in his throat, he extended a hand, tattoo peeking out from under a leather strap bracelet, his palms still a bit rough from the ring ropes.    “Axton,” he said, clearing his throat. “Just ‘Ax’ is fine, everybody calls me that... You gave Sebastian and I a hell of a fight.”    Adrienne nodded politely. She had already given her thoughts on her efforts. They were unsatisfactory to her standards. Sometimes it felt as if she was on the outside looking in as The Dragon Lady battled it out with her latest grudges. With that compounded with Kohaku’s decision and other incidents, her reaction could be considered insincere.    “Thanks, Ax.”    There wasn’t much else to say about that. This wasn’t a conversation to talk shop. Or as much as she wanted to, how much Axton’s music meant to her. Those sort of things could be done over Twitter.    “Is there somewhere where we can all sit down?” she asked Silvio with a bit of hesitation.    Silvio nodded as he rounded the corner of his front counter, striding over to a mini fridge in a little alcove behind the work area, and getting out a bottle of water for Adrienne. “We can do this in the waiting area, but I also have my, uh...work table,” he said, nodding toward the part of the studio where he typically filmed his tarot readings.    “I’ll take a root beer if you got any.”    As curious as he was to see the space where Silvio shot his legendarily creepy-accurate promos, the couch in the waiting area looked a lot more comfortable. The young musician made his way over to it, pulling his jacket off over his head and slumping into a seat with a sigh that belonged to a man a couple decades his senior.    Honestly, he was sort of relieved Adrienne didn’t seem to want to talk about the match. He didn’t really want to think about it.    “I’m supposed to be watching my sugar intake but fuck it.”    Adrienne took the bottle of water and thanked Silvio, “Here’s fine.” And she sat down on the end of the couch closest to the door. Taking a deep breath, she concluded that since she wanted this meeting, that she should just come out and say what needed to be said.    “I guess it would be safe to say that none of us have had a good time recently. I’m sorry if I made you two mad.”    “Mad?” Silvio echoed in surprise, offering a root beer to Axton. “Adrienne, I’m not mad; I never was. But I get how all of this has been...confusing. Frustrating, probably.” He glanced between Axton and Adrienne before sinking into a seat across from her. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you had some questions.”    “Yeah…” Axton was rubbing his face with one hand, palm pressing into his eye as he scratched at his hairline. He lowered it to open the root beer with a pop and hiss. “Not mad about anything. I was pretty offended when you sort of implied I would, you know, ever hit one of my partners with a serious... intent, I guess. I figured that even peripherally you knew me better than that, or would have a bit more faith in me.” He sighed, looking down at his knees. “But after what you said on Twits about your history in the ring, I get it. You’ve been through some stuff and that kind of experience sort of overshadows everything, especially since you aren’t exactly used to my bullshit the way Sil is.”    Adrienne listened to them both, squeezing the water bottle reflexively. She didn’t want to get into rehashing the event. She had it done enough and she figured that they had, too. Looking forward at nothing in particular, she spoke just audibly enough for them to hear. “I didn’t want all of that to matter anymore. Wanted to be above it all but I just can’t seem to shake it.”    She knew how that could possibly sound naive. She knew little what these two had been through. Silvio seemed to possess some skills that implied that he’d had it tough, too. And Axton’s art seemed so raw and personal that Adrienne thought that she knew him. Struggling with her own troubles, all she could see were mirrors into her past everywhere she went. Like no one else existed. Sometimes she felt selfish.    “I try my best to smile through all of this. Scared of what happens when I don’t.”    “Adrienne,” Silvio murmured, “you don’t have to be on anybody’s schedule but your own. Nobody gets to dictate how long something impacts them or anyone else. You’re not weak or pathetic if something that wounded you in the past still hurts or isn’t completely healed. And if you don’t feel like smiling, then don’t. You don’t owe the world a more palatable lie because it doesn’t like the taste of the truth.”    With his hands folded over his mouth, the drink set down on the low table, Axton nodded. He looked a lot more serious and sombre than he usually did. Meadowgreen eyes flickered upward to Adrienne and his tone was soft when he spoke.    “Second that… I know it sucks to think about but, that stuff doesn’t just go away, and nobody expects it to. Anyone who does is a dick with no empathy who doesn’t deserve you and who’s never been there.”    He hesitated, drawing a breath; he let it out on a tremulous laugh.    “You don’t have to smile through it. Shit, you can even write three albums about it, and nobody ever has to know all the rage and melancholy and loneliness is coming from a real place. You just have to get it out somehow. You’ll find people who are willing to stick by you even when these things make you hard to be around sometimes.”    The musician shot a sidelong look at Silvio, the corner of his mouth pulling up a bit.    “And maybe you’ll fly across the country to be near those people… or maybe you’ll just move from Clearwater to Baltimore.”    Uncapping the water finally, she took a swig. She smiled back nervously at Axton. “Yeah. There was nothing left for me back there.” It clicked for Adrienne there. Most of if not all of that ugly first impression washed away. She didn’t want to lecture. She didn’t want to implicate anyone. Pausing, she considered her words here. “I can’t speak for anyone else. But, I’d like to start over. I know you aren’t too fond of Baltimore. I kind of miss the beaches myself. But there’s a lot of special people here.”    Silvio smiled at them. “I’d like nothing better. I think we’d all be a lot happier if we give this another try now.” He’d hated how all of this had overshadowed the person Axton was. All they’d seen was him planting Silvio’s face into the mat. They hadn’t understood everything that had come before it or why Axton had chosen to try and resolve things the way he did. “If you’re okay with that, too, Ax.”    “I can’t promise I won’t stop dunking on Baltimore. That’s part of my brand now, basically,” Axton noted, drumming his fingers on the can that had found its way back into his hands. He cocked his head, looking between them. Truth was, they’d both given him a lot, in different ways--different kinds of support and trust at different times when he needed it. He’d never done well alone.    “But you’re right, there’s some special people here… the kind who are willing to give a dumbass punk a second chance. I know I can be a lot sometimes, but… it’d be cool to be part of all this. It’d be cool to get away from LA, just be a dude for a year, you know? Just a guy, throwin’ another guy for the glory, or maybe getting suplexed by a guy, then hanging out with a girl and a guy and maybe some other guys… I’m doing the thing again, huh.”    “It’s okay, I like it.” She replied. This was the sort of personality she had seen in public. She felt better that it was really how he seemed when in better spirits. Her gaze wandered to Silvio’s fantastic shop, all of the splendid displays of art on showcase. “I’m sorry I didn’t visit earlier. I’m still learning the city and it's either buses or Uber for me.”    “Ah, that’s alright!” Silvio said with a smile. “Visiting a tattoo parlor when you’re not going to get a tattoo isn’t the most exciting thing in the world. I’m glad you swung by, though. My apartment’s actually just upstairs.”    And currently houses one gigantic man who escaped from horrific experimentation that left his mind splintered and body broken and yeah he also stepped on your neck at one point and--    “It’s a total mess right now, but maybe you can come up sometime later. I got tea, books, and sweets for days.”    “I bet it looks exactly the same as your place in LA,” Axton teased.    Silvio took a moment to look affronted, batting his eyelashes and placing a hand on his chest. “Excuse me, is that a slight about my interior design sensibilities, Mr. Gunn?”    “Bitch it might be.”    “Slings and arrows! You wound me,” Silvio gasped as he wilted over his chair.    Watching the two banter, Adrienne felt immensely better. Still a little exhausted from that previous endeavor. With people, she didn’t think about that much. About him.    “I’ve got a few other commitments today.” She said. Standing up, she took back out her shades and put them on. “But I wanted to talk to you guys first. I’ll be the first to admit, Ax. I still don’t get why things happened the way they did.” Looking at him directly, she continued, “But it’s okay. I get it enough to understand where you’re coming from. I don’t like being alone either. Maybe while you’re here, we can all make sure it won’t be a thing anymore.”    “That'd be cool,” Ax replied, his shoulders relaxing. He managed a bit of a smile without straining. “Thanks for hearing me out… it's more than I could've asked. Also, forgot to say so earlier--the shades are dope.”

First Times

Fandom: Hamilton

Pairing: Lafayette x reader

Summary: modern au. How each of your first times with Lafayette came to be

Notes: this started out as a drabble and ended up way longer than I intended. I actually had to split it in two because the parts made more sense as stand alone stories than one fic

@secretschuylersister @musicalmoriarty

Word Count: 1,383

Warnings: none, just fluff

The first time you met Lafayette, sparks flew.

One of your old friends from high school, Hercules, had just gotten back in touch with you after finding out you were both working for the same clothing company. You soon fell back into your old rhythm and were fast friends. Eventually he saw fit to introduce you to some of his friends.

Alex, you knew through another friend of yours, Eliza, and John had gone to the same high school as you guys (though you hadn’t been as friendly with him as you had been with Herc). Lafayette was the only one you had yet to meet, and lord did you wish it had only happened sooner.

Your first meeting was full of playful, flirty banter, and as soon as you were alone you had practically dissolved into a squealing, excited mess. Naturally, your first instinct was to call Eliza and tell her all about the handsome French man you had just met. And so you gossiped long into the night. The first time you went out with Lafayette, you never wanted it to end. He was very quick to text you, admitting he had gotten your number from Herc. He asked for help "improving his English" which you found very difficult to believe, seeing as he had many other friends he could have asked. And indeed, the two of you spent less time practicing the English language, and more time flirting over your coffees. Eventually, you checked the time, and noted (with some shock - time really does fly when you're having fun) that it was nearing 10 o'clock. And so, you'd stood up, and attempted to say goodbye. Attempted being the key word. For, as soon as you began to gather your things, he had taken your hand and said something along the lines of, "Ah, but, ma cherie, It is quite late, non? And a beautiful girl should not be walking home alone after dark, not all by herself. Sil vous plait, allow me to, how you say? Accompany you?" And he'd kissed your hand. Naturally, as any woman would be in the face of a handsome and charming man (with a sexy accent not to mention), you were flustered and blushing beet red and had somehow managed to stammer out a yes. He held your hand all the way to the door of your apartment, and kissed it once more before saying goodnight and going on his way, leaving you with a warm, fluttery feeling inside your stomach. The first time you kissed Lafayette, you blacked out.

You had been invited to a party hosted by Eliza's sister, Peggy. Peggy was known for her incredibly potent cocktails, and you thought you were well prepared for it. You thought wrong.

Within two minutes of arriving, Peggy had forced a shot glass filled with a noxious smelling drink into your hand. She'd excitedly told you she'd made it herself, and so you drank it with some hesitation. You could barely swallow it, and ended up in a horrendous coughing fit. Thankfully, Peggy hadn't noticed as other people arrived. She shoved you away as she ran to greet them, making your head spin as you stumbled in your heels. Thank every god above that Lafayette appeared out of nowhere to stop the disaster that would of occurred had you tripped and crashed into a table. 

"You must be careful in those shoes, or you will get a head injury, non?"

You'd teasingly called him your knight in shining armor. He told you he didn't know what that phrase meant, to which you laughed and took his hand, leading him towards the drinks.

After warning him about Peggy's tendency to over pour the liquor in her cocktails, you selected a slightly more fruity drink than the one you'd had before, and promptly downed two of them. After dancing for about an hour, you decided to get another drink and give Lafayette a tour of the Schuylers' mansion, with the last stop on your trip being Eliza's room.

"An' this is where I'm staying," you giggled, spinning around before collapsing on the bed. "That was a bad idea, I'm so dizzy."

Lafayette laughed at your drunken antics and sat down beside you. "I thought you said this was Eliza's room?" he jested.

"'Liza's lettin' me stay her t'night," you slurred, sitting up slightly to look at him properly. Staring at him rather intensely, you made a decision (your drunken brain for some reason thinking it was a very rational one) and kissed him.

He held still, letting himself kiss you back for just a moment. After all, he had thought about this a great deal since meeting you. But this wasn't the right place, the right time, the right situation. He pushed you away gently.

"I cannot, you're drunk, it wouldn't be right," he explained. You didn't seem too bothered by this, merely shrugging and rolling over on the bed, mumbling a "g'night" before passing out. Lafayette smiled fondly at you before leaving to inform Eliza of your whereabouts.

However, he was thoroughly intent on stealing a kiss from you in the morning, hopefully with the both of you sober.

The first time you were officially dating Lafayette, it took your breath away.

He had been on the phone with a restaurant, booking a table for you two. He had just received a job offer paying six digits, and you wanted to celebrate. You'd been looking through your closet, trying to decide on an outfit for that night (despite it being several hours before you would have to leave - you were ever an organized person) when you heard him say it.

"Oui-yes. For me and my girlfriend, yes."

Of course, you'd known you were dating, you'd kissed each other and gone on dates. That's dating. But this was the first time you'd heard him say it out loud, refer to you as his girlfriend, make it official. You felt like you couldn't breath with all the giddy excitement bubbling inside you. 

You left your bedroom and went to where Laf was standing in your kitchen. You wrapped your arms around his middle, simply kissing his cheek when he raised his eyebrows at you in question. He stared back at you as though your eyes held all the stars in the sky.

The first time you told Lafayette you loved him, it was a mistake.

You were not a fan of carnivals. You found them utterly, devastatingly boring. The rides weren't exciting enough, the games were all rigged, and the food made you want to gag. However, Lafayette had never eaten funnel cake before, so you, Alexander, and Eliza went on a double date to a carnival.

After going on the teacup ride and taking Laf to get his food, he insisted on playing a game. You warned him that people only won the games enough to keep coming back, but he was convinced he would win you something, and you didn't have the heart to dissuade him. You stood, distracted by the bitter wind of New York, whilst he shot a water pistol at a tiny target, too unfocused on what he was doing to hear the little bell ring from the game booth.

"Ma cherie, I have won!"

You turned and came face to face with a stuffed toy in the shape of your favorite animal. A wide smile broke out on your face, shocked he'd even remembered what kind of animal you like. You threw your arms around his neck, beaming at how sweet your boyfriend was.

"This is so sweet! Thank you so much, I love you!"

As soon as the words fell from your lips you jerked away, regretting saying them. 

"I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that, I'm sorry."

His face fell at that, and you rushed to correct yourself. 

"I mean I do, I just shouldn't have said it - this is coming out all wrong," you babbled. "I do love you. I just, hadn't wanted to tell you like that. I wanted it to be special. I'd been learning how to say it in French, so I could tell you."

Lafayette smiled at you softly, leaning in to peck your lips.

"Je t'adore," he whispered. "I love you."

J2 VegasCon 2017 Main Panel

Greeting the boys, Rob wrapped a leg around Jared and Jared squeezed his butt :P When they separated Jensen stepped in between them and put his hands out lol (link) 

Jared brings up the latest ep titled, “Regarding Dean.” Jensen: “What about him?” 

Jared put post-it notes all over. Including “hot, no touchie” lol.

Jensen says the two bunnies brought on set for the ep were named Sam and Dean. 

Fan: I think you deserve an Emmy for that scene. Jensen: Are you talking about the bunny scene?

JDM sees Jared and Jensen when he’s in town. 

J2 say it’s hard to see costars outside of show because they are so busy. They do love running into them. They have “hugfests.” 

Fan: How were Sam and Dean going to decide which one would die in “First Blood”? Jared: How dare you! Jensen: Not rock, paper, scissors!

For timing, Jared said they cut some looks but says that they BOTH were going to offer to sacrifice themselves. That’s how they both played it like “we were each expecting to die.” 

The boys start speaking French.

Jared would love to ask Sam if at the bottom of his heart, he wished his life was normal. 

Jensen: “Oh my god. He went to Jared.” Cracked himself up over this joke lol. 

J2 being silly and killing each other laughing :)

Jared: Has anyone ever went to Jared? Fan: We dream about it! 

Jared licks his finger, traces eyebrow and wipes it on Jensen’s jeans. Jensen fangirls and screams.

Fan: Can you show us what your dance is to put your tight jeans on? J2 did their pants dances!! Aka, mimicking each other lol. 

Jensen says if he wasn’t bowlegged he would be taller than Jared. “But Texas comes in all shapes and sizes.” 

After Jensen makes a dick joke, they turn to the next person in line and see it’s a kid. Jared: Hey little guy! Jensen: YOU BEEN THERE THE WHOLE TIME?

Kid asks where they see the show going. Jared says he likes not knowing and is excited by the journey. 

Fan: What will Jensen’s beer be like compared to other beers? Jensen (or Jared? Two different tweets): Better. 

It’s a craft brewery. They will have about 12 on tap and will distribute 6.

JJ picked out a coffee mug for Jensen from a craft store. 

Hardest scene to film? One of Dean and the hellhounds for s3 finale for Jensen. Six hours filming scene with tubes and fake blood.

Hard for Jared was the shooting in “Red Meat,” but hardest was playing against himself in “Swan Song.” 

Jensen: The most difficult scene to film for Jared and I will be our last </3 That whole week will be hard. Says: But it ain’t happening anytime soon! 

One of the Creation worker’s put a pillow next to Jared for him to drop his mic on lol. At one point apparently fell off chair testing it out.

Shep doesn’t want people to see him smile so he’ll turn his lips down if he’s about to smile. Jared demonstrates the face Shep makes.

Fan tells them she has 8 kids. Jared: I don’t even have 8 friends! She names the kids. Jensen pauses, turns to Jared and says “go” so Jared can do a reference to Good Will Hunting Jensen knew Jared wanted to do :P  

Fan says their question is for Jensen so Jared lays on the pillow lol. 

Jensen: Get a tattoo of a bear that says run away..Jared: *facepalm*

Re: embarrassing kids. Jensen: Mine are still a little too young...but don’t you worry. My daughter isn’t going to have it easy.

A saying Jensen loves: Taking care of yourself takes care of more than just yourself. It’s written down next to a pic of his kids.

Jensen (at some point): Low hanging fruit...Jared: Watch your mouth, there are kids in the room! :P

Fan wants to know a question Jensen gets asked most often. Jensen: Take your pants off!

At one point J2 are whispering. Jensen: No.

Jensen says that he doesn’t mind embarrassing himself as long as he’s not disrespecting anyone. For ops J2 don’t mind being silly. They don’t like things that are disrespectful to others. 

Jensen watched this week to see the finished product. Jared says Jensen likes to watch because he’s a director. Jared doesn’t like watching himself in Supernatural, one of the reasons why “Death’s Door” is his favorite episode. 

Jared likes to watch the show as a fan, makes him feel proud of it. He also likes tweeting the behind the scenes stuff and sometimes forgets how cool it is to make TV ‘cause it’s his job.

Re: why Jared wears beanies to cons: “When I come to cons I come as myself.” 

The flask the boys share in “Houses of the Holy” was filled with whiskey. Kim Manners caught them giggling, smelled the flask, and called them morons lol. 

Jensen: Jared and I are pretty well behaved, but not all the time. 

Jared started singing the Pen Pineapple Apple Pen song and danced a little. 

Wardrobe malfunctions? Jared talks about his pants splitting open and Jensen talks about having prop malfunctions with the guns.

Jensen: And long gun- Jared: Long gun, pineapple gun...

If you could be reincarnated into anything who would it be or what? Jensen: Rob Benedict.

Jared: I was a good math student in school. Jensen: You were a GREAT math student!

Jensen would be reincarnated into a musician and Jared would be a teacher.

Jared: I would love to be a teacher. Jensen, grabbing Jared’s shoulder: You are a teacher. I learn from you every day, my friend

Fan: Are you as close in real life? Jensen about Jared: Yes. This is one of my best friends in the world. 

They talk about how of course J2 are best friends and wives and kids are besties, too. Jared: Our wives and kids hang out together/are hanging out together right now. Jensen jokes: It’s gross quite frankly. Jared: But a cool blessing. 

Jensen: We couldn’t do this if we weren’t real life buddies.

The episode of “The French Mistake” was mostly making fun of the industry, not a real reflection of them. 

Fan: And what about the llamas? Jared (quoting the show): It’s an alpaca, dumbass. Jensen steals Jared’s mic and drops it for him lol. 

Jared doesn’t have alpacas in real life but Jensen reminds him he does have chickens. Pics of Jared and Gen were auctioned off for charity. 

Jared has the portrait of himself riding a horse from that ep in his garage. Jensen: As for the giant pictures of Jared and Gen, I have them in my garage.

Fan asks about how they knew their wives were the one. After some joking, Jared says that he thinks Gen and Danneel didn’t care that Jared and Jensen were famous or cared that they had money. They’d call them on not being cool. 

Jensen on Danneel’s attitude towards him: I don’t care what you are, I care who you are.

Jensen knew Danneel was the one “because she said ‘are you ready to lock this up?’...and I went to Jared!” LOL

Random: Two months ago, Jensen was scolding Jared for mic dropping. Today: Ackles has dropped the mic twice. 

Jared loves acting, but doesn’t love the fame that comes with acting. He just wants to be a dad and a husband. 

Jared re: advice, says to focus on the art not the fame. Jensen warns against over-rehearsing. Allow yourself to evolve in the scene. 

The original body swap episode was the brothers swapping. 

Last question: Fan: Would the show be as successful if you had played the opposite roles? Jared: Hell no. Jared says there is no secret to the show lasting so long, like the way the show was cast. There are so many parts. 

Jensen: You could have all the right numbers for the lottery, but if they’re not in the right order... “pfft.” 

Mutual pat on the back as they leave the stage <3

Info via: Fangasm, Cherie, Vinnie, Kat, Wendy, Percy, Eileen, Jess, Ash, Sil’s livetweet list

astryl-wondering

computer program that is attached to the conciousness of astryl wylde, with no water and yells at you "What are you doing? I'm not here to cause trouble! "I'm just helping you and drool starts to come out of his mouth as it turns into pink slush He falls on his knees and out come his cow shaped teeth and drool starts to come out of his mouth as it turns into pink slush Looking around, you see multiple tent poles snapped in half and scratch marks all over the inside of the tent a warzone The wrecked tent looks like a warzone purplish covered in tent "pegs" New ones now torn out of the ground and thrown around the area The mutated tent is colored purplish covered in tent "pegs" Several legs or arms attached to a flayed human corpse hang from a bloody spike with castrations burns on it The following items adorn the warped tent: and fades from existence He gets one glance at the tent before it disappears and fades from existence in a ruff voice "Hey Sebastian, do you want to have a lot of fun? He heres the voice of the succubus and the incubus sing in a ruff voice "Hey Sebastian, for him Emotions mix within and it feels wet one of the few interfaces working for him causing the interface to be red interactions with characters can shape the way they are perceived and drained, with some environments, including his current one, having barriers The ui shows a grid of hexes around him that he could move between, he uses a lot more of his energy and focus in opening a portal to the unused regions of his mind, hoping that in those dark corners, maybe he will Cursing himself over and over again for his stupidity, he takes a deep breath and once inside the portal created by his mind, he loses all track of everything, forgetting everything, but eventually waking up at a fountain Hating himself for making the mistake, he feels bitter sadness taking over him, which ceases as one of the two servants of lust walks to him Not rememebering why he fused with the two vice lords in the first place, wylde and his succubus and incubus handlers Cludstrum is in the background running play by play announcements of all that is happening around astryl wylde and his succubus and incubus handlers only true hatred comes through He looks deep into you and whispers: "So, what's your name, baby? The realtionship to cludstrum and astryl remainds somewhat secertive through out the encounter, of being a "meme sorcerer", as cludstrum would say Astryl keeps trying to remember why he decided to devolve himself into these poor acts of debauchery of being a "meme sorcerer", and beautiful multiple times, which made him think about his future His future involved being a mindless husk seeking only pleasures of the flesh until dying from it It is foggy but he remembers some fella with nice facial hair mentioning the words live and beautiful multiple times, on the clud monitor, and it shows clear skies with a tint in orange highlighting the sunrise A weather readout finally comes back up on the clud monitor, hallway which he gives little regard to and walks until he gets to balcony a purple crystal door with interlocking spirals adorns the balcony He will finds himself in some dust storm hallway which he gives little regard to and walks until he gets to balcony 's codebase and has altered his thought process Of course you just had to cause a scene with all those other scientists The humiliation sets in There seems to be some kind of corrupting computer virus that has been feasting on the bits of cludstrum's codebase and has altered his thought process and corrupt screeing The appear out the corners of the screen and gobble up parts of the interface or make the symbols go wacky and corrupt screeing In fact they may have not even met each other in person before as a list fingers going up and down the key board---- J-A-C-K Another portal opens up inside, giving a voidish background A list of contacts comes back on but only one mention can be deciphered as a list fingers going up and down the key board---- J-A-C-K to the human mind, or to clud's current codebase "And stay out! " A deep voice growls, full of malice and a one-way communication is established? You are weak and indecisive in person You wish to become hard enough for the journey, but do not know where to start and that your body will be back to normal once he does so Unregistered Guestfslfjj has been hired by you as opposed to the full down pour needed for the previously mentioned portals when the job gets completed and the ui unregistered for a brief period of time The klaxian fingers seem to be creeping up on the clud screens to everyone but cludstrum, who has lost his beard it would seem "Shave and a haircut, two bits with cludstrum's frequency operating incommunicado around some parts of the solar system throughout his mind trip The edible kind of nut is marked in astryl's mind as a pistachion Then again, maybe this will all be for naught and he will still die without them JOURNALS The other currency exchanges are akin to something astryl expects from a drug dealing website The currencies not listed on the chat dialogue of the clud screen are the smigins; (dirhams? for some reason Portals are opening up all around the chat mask Either an incoming or outqgoing communication? He looks for a garden of some sort to satisfy his hunger with vegetables he finds there and excrete things and do other human things his ignorance, and doubt of cludstrum to make possible for all the lower tier chat masks to be online With these resources, mirrors, or shards, cludstrum proper can get the screens of his website working again wylde regardless of lethal or vitality impairing effects it may have on a lesser mortal the act caused by overeating The pratice is known as oophagy his wide mouthed head into, to consume for fuel from them He pulls colors out of the things he imbies from the abuse of them in their current condition of what is needed in quantity to keep his organs from getting fat or unused though after this wadi runs out of water as the day unfolds to night and then back to day, each time making it worse that he can't even find anything to kill like a wild beast Eating the thorns will put him in a worse and worse mood as the day unfolds to night and then back to day, and finding these rocks that he soon requires to crack and digest the clud screen the dunes and the ships wreckage Google drive: It is no longer day, but it is no longer night the night or the day for that matter AST: It's gonna be a long walk to baghdad A scary place to explore in the desert is the night or the day for that matter the army place in the town of rck with no teeth and even less motivation to get up A freindly place to explore in the desert is the army place in the town of rck over a mile across the dessert, somewhere in one of those horizons lays a mirage, laying not nearly as far Which one is actually real? As the sun lowers itself across the horizon over a mile across the dessert, and all light has disappered the temperture has gotten much colder, each moment seems like an hour, in which an hour passes like a minute and minutes seem When the sky is completely dark and all light has disappered the temperture has gotten much colder, This is all coming to you in pieces is transfixing ITs miserable out here! Something isn't right as a fish leaps from the sky, past astryl Astryl horizontal flailing is transfixing its drops back down let the salty wet madness engulf me Astryl merciless bellying its drops back down A friendly place to explore in the desert is doonbee's tent close to the army base Towers of twisted sheet metal and guns aimed into the sky, soldiers living in wooden barracks behind metal barricades The sun is rising here, the heavy metal sheets are preventing most of it from coming inside Everything is hot, the air tastes like metal, nothing to drink, everything aches To be in oasis would be great, to swim in water and lay on solid ground There's gotta be some order in this The white sun beams from above, some bone breaking joy beams from within This has gotta have happened before The sun has not set: it has stayed there being orange Am I still dreaming? Shoulders slumping, hunched shoulders, stalagmites of mush I think we'd make a cute couple Can you hear the wind whispering your name? It's best to go now He's crawling on the floor now time turns platforms into hammocks stalactites of mush It feels warm here, finally some place that's not cold So fun and playful! A heavy sky painted blue above the buildings The cold air smells like sewage and garbage The hunt has gone stale! He puts his hands through my hair Now I'm enveloped in leather and he whispers in my ear Someone has flipped the world over beckon me, bride in white! Our band has gotten much tighter this one can actually play something Gently does it! Careful there The rising sun beams through the window onto a safe Again with this safe, it's such a burden to carry its weight around after the bride and groom have kissed (This bizarre machine has symbols on it, not from this country Arabic? Is this thing a bomb? The very real night shall end in just a bout an hour Now he eases that The gates to the dining hall scrape across the floor He holds me tight as we Dirt is being swept in widening circles away from surrounding the tent CLICK The sawing wood sounds again Our hosts stand by the bed frozen He strokes my face so gently Kludstrm bewildered charging Kludstrm multicolored banning Something is burning your skin! Then his hand wandered down towards my All the sudden, there's blood everywhere and I wake up in a cold sweat Did someone really open the door? AST It's just the dismal dawn The bedsheets fold down on themselves Kludstrm slovenly hooking Astryl haughty greeting That huge man from last night steps out Galgarion? He pauses at the threshold, nodding at you and Sil Sil's basically dead to the world, and you probably wouldn't wake her up, ever Still, better not risk it Damp wind blows through your sodden soul He steps outside, closing the door behind him Must be nice to party He's giving you that look You know the look You sit up a little straighter The huge fellow squints from you to Astryl and back Kludstrm dusky developing Guess it's best to pick this moment to exit gracefully Definitely time to go Kludstrm ideological attracting You struggle to your feet, draping a squirming Sil over one shoulder like a sheep carcuss You two, uh, heading out already? Kludstrm haggard growing Nah, looks like the rest of us are gonna shower and change, then head out to that breakfast place you found, Sil Oh, hey Mind if we grab our stuff before you take off? Or leave it here, we won't be back till tomorrow evening KLUDSTRM: nah leave it here Place is big enough for yours and stay here sUre thING We can shower and, um, get ready here clouds tears grazing its aura Each drop a separate year of life squandered foolishly foreboding shrinking violets urban camouflage sated sycophants streetlights electricity gardens worshippers fanaticism rubbish icon The city of beetriot delusional babbling, bland dullards flowers chatter purposeless intoxicated stone A void of opportunities wrinkled memories mellow in stagnant air Loathing its existence murky breath panting humid heaviness insufferable atmosphere and being loathed as a harbinger and sanity from all directions A seeping grot, pavement perversion people, wrinkles breeding Sickening sweetness conversations decaying old ruins conversation And being blamed for every moral discrepancy disgusted, cynical, destroyed