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daddy-dins-girl · 6 months

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First Date: Frankie Morales

HAPPY FRANKIE FRIDAY Y'ALL!

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Frankie Morales x f!Reader

Summary: Based on this tumblr Ask. A full one-shot based on a quick little headcanon drabble I wrote about what a first date with Frankie Morales might look like. There's a little of backstory for Reader because it's me and you know I just can't help myself.

Word Count: 5.2k

Warnings: 18+ MDNI. Fluff and smut (because we like to strike a delicate balance here). Porn with a sprinkle of plot (again, delicate balance). Cuteness overload during your date with Frankie (sign me up for this date please). Heavy makeout session. Mutual masturbation. Fooling around in the back of Frankie's truck because of uh... reasons. Read to find out! I think that's it for warnings. As far as my stuff goes I'd say this is pretty tame? lol. But if I missed anything lmk!

Notes: I hope there aren't any glaring mistakes here. If I find any I'll come back and edit. Tbh I wrote 99% of it on my phone because our wifi was down for THREE DAYS here (RIP me!). It finally came back this morning just in time for me to post this for Frankie Friday ❤️

You tap your phone’s screen to illuminate it and check the time for probably the fifteenth time in as many minutes to make sure you’re not running late yet as you stand over the bathroom counter putting the final touches on your appearance, wanting to look perfect for tonight. Nerves flutter in your tummy like butterflies and you have to constantly remind yourself to calm down, take it easy.

“It’s just Fish, nothing to get yourself all worked up about” Benny had offered earlier, unhelpfully.

Sure, to your cousins Benny and Will it was just their longtime friend and military buddy, but to you it was the very cute, though very shy, sweet guy that you had met for the first time only recently since you came to “temporarily” crash at your cousins place.

Temporarily had turned into three months far faster than you anticipated. You needed a fresh start, to get out of a not great situation and it was actually your Aunt who had suggested the move to you during your phone call to her on her birthday. Your mother had already been filling her ear with your personal drama it seemed and though she didn’t want to pry, she did want to help and she suggested getting away for even a couple of weeks, that her sons had lots of room at their place and would be happy to have you for a while. After a few phone calls with both Will and Benny they had settled any doubts you might’ve had and welcomed you with open arms when you showed up at their doorstep with little more than a single roller suitcase and a small potted plant under your arm. It was about all the possessions you had left after the less than amicable split with your ex that left you couch surfing at your friends for months before the transition to Will and Benny’s.

So now here you stand, in the bathroom of the guest bedroom you have been calling your own for three months, getting ready for a date with the painstakingly handsome pilot himself, Frankie ‘Catfish’ Morales.

You know how badly your cousins have been teasing you about the date, you can’t even begin to imagine the ribbing Frankie must have been taking from them since he’d asked you out last Sunday at a barbecue Will and Benny had been hosting and they’d somehow gotten wind of it. You’re surprised Frankie even kept the date, to be honest. Your cousins, you love them with all your heart, but they can be… a lot. You’re very glad Frankie didn’t back down to the pressure though. You’d seen him a fair bit in your few months here and have been dying for him to finally ask you out. You’d flirted enough and though he’d been quiet and shy in the beginning, the more you got to know each other, the more he seemed to come out of his shell around you.

So now here you were, moments before Frankie was due to show up at your door and you silently cursed yourself for not being as ready as you should be. You wanted to be ready and standing outside by now so that Will and Benny couldn’t get any more jabs in to poor sweet Frankie if he had to stand at the door waiting for you, but as you pull on the short, light denim jacket over your sundress you hear a bark of laughter from Benny and already you know you’re too late.

You quickly press some lip gloss on, run your hands through your hair to make sure it’s falling exactly how you want it to and then take a deep breath in the mirror and quickly scurry out of the bedroom to hopefully save the man that is standing outside on the porch.

“No keeping her out past curfew, no drinkin’ and drivin’, no crazy parties or gettin’ too handsy on the first date”

Benny is listing things off on his fingers to poor Frankie like he’s your father scalding your prom date and you can’t help but roll your eyes.

“Will, you said you’d both be nice” you complain out loud to the older of the two brothers. Will wasn’t much better, but sometimes talking to Benny was like talking to a toddler amped up on a pack of Skittles, there was no getting through when he got over excited about something.

The most ridiculous part about it was that you and Benny were about the same age so it was a little comical, though sweet in his own way, how he tried to ‘big brother’ you.

“Ah c’mon Ace, we were just joshin’ him a bit” Will replies, bright white smile gleaming at you with a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes.

Ace of course being the nickname they had stuck you with since you were old enough to remember. Any family event you’d ever attended whenever there was any sort of game or sport going on the two boys always ensured you were on their team, likely because you were the only one close in age to them but you liked to tell yourself that it was also because the three of you always had fun together. They have always been so competitive and any time they won (largely due to their own efforts) they were sure to tell everyone that it was all because of you, that you were ‘the ace up their sleeve’ even when you barely did anything. Hell most softball games you preferred to sit in the grass picking flowers while they ran circles around you like pro athletes, but it was sweet how they always made sure to include you and make you feel good about yourself.

“Well we agreed you two goons wouldn’t scare him away” you remind them with a playful roll of your eyes and a swat to Benny’s shoulder when you finally reach the doorway.

You can see Frankie’s appreciative gaze roam over you from head to toe and as he pulls his bottom lip between his teeth and nervously adjusts his ball cap you know he’s itching to say something to you but probably weighing the pros and cons in his head about the two extra sets of ears hearing what’s meant only for you and so you decide for him. You shove past your two cousins, quickly tell them you love them and not to wait up and push them far enough back in the house so you can slam the door shut, finally leaving you on the porch with just Frankie.

“Hi” you breathe out, a smile spreading across your lips. He looks casual but deliciously handsome in a pair of dark tan khaki pants and an untucked light blue button down with the sleeves rolled up, putting his tanned and muscular forearms on display. He still has his infamous Standard Oil hat on, hints of chocolate brown curls peeking out from underneath it. You don’t think you’ve actually ever seen him without it, come to think of it. You try to picture him without it and an image just doesn’t come.

“You look beautiful” he tells you, a hint of shyness in his tone and a blush rises in your cheeks that didn’t come from a makeup stick.

“Thank you. I’m sorry about tweedle-dee and tweedle-A-D-D in there” you joke, gesturing a thumb over your shoulder at your two cousins who are currently fighting each other over who gets to look through the small pane of glass next to the door to watch your interactions with Frankie on the front step.

“Unfortunately I’m very used to it” he quips, giving you a warm smile. “Shall we?” He asks, sweeping an arm out towards his truck idling at the curb and you nod your head and lead the way.

Before you reach the truck however Frankie jogs up behind you to brush past and ensures he reaches the passenger door handle before you do and opens it wide, offering you a hand to help you up and inside. You both decide to ignore the whooping yells and hands slamming on the glass next to the door at the top of the walkway behind you.

“Let’s get the hell out of here, shall we?” You offer once Frankie’s climbed into the driver's seat next to you and he chuckles but nods his head.

“With pleasure” he agrees and pulls the truck away from the curb.

You’re driving for nearly an hour. Frankie had apologized already on several occasions, admonishing himself for not preparing you beforehand to make sure you wouldn’t be too hungry when he picked you up. You tell him it's fine countless times but he still admits he should’ve discussed his plan with you ahead of time.

“Hey, if what you say is true and these really are the best tacos I’ve ever had, you’ll not only be forgiven but I’ll be glad I was ravenous by the time we get there” you tell him and finally he seems to accept it and offers you a small smile, hand going to the dial on the radio to turn the classic rock tunes up just a little bit for the last few minutes of your drive.

The drive is nice. The ocean follows along in your journey when you look out your window and the way the sun sits in the sky you know it’ll be threatening to set not long after you arrive at your destination. Truth be told you were a little nervous when you first started driving and Frankie mentioned how long the trip would be. You worried that you wouldn’t have much to chat about or that it might get awkward but it had been anything but. Besides Frankie’s little bouts of anxiety about whether or not he should’ve mentioned to you what time you’d actually be eating, everything was going better than you had expected. The conversation seemed to flow easily between the two of you. You had enough jumping off points, with both of you having more than your fair share of stories or anecdotes about Will and Benny. You shared stories of your youths while Frankie caught you up on some of the more recent goings-on with them that you hadn’t been privy to since, before recently, you obviously spent a lot less time with them in your adult years versus the childhood ones. Before long the conversations shifted more to yourselves and your own personal lives and before you knew it Frankie was pulling the truck into a crowded parking lot in front of the beach.

You make your way through the throngs of people on the boardwalk, Frankie’s warm hand on your lower back a steadying presence as he guides you through the crowds towards the brightly painted green and yellow food truck off in the not-too-far distance. Your mouth is watering already and you’re not sure whether it’s for the tacos or the man on your left with the broad shoulders and thick arms but a gentle, calming touch.

If you had to venture a guess, it would be for the latter.

Frankie, to his credit, was absolutely right about the tacos. You’re halfway through your third one when you finally tap out and call it quits, unable to possibly stomach another bite - despite how delicious they are.

“I can’t. I want to, but I can’t” you admit defeat to what’s left of your dinner, tossing your napkin on top of your paper plate and holding your hands up in surrender and the corner of Frankie’s mouth curls up into a smirk.

“They’re good right?” He grins at you from across the picnic table while he stuffs the last bite of his own into his mouth and you roll your eyes dramatically at how good in fact they were.

“They were amazing, seriously. Well worth the drive and the wait” you tell him sincerely and then before you can talk yourself out of it you reach across the table to place your hand on top of his and give a little squeeze with your fingers.

“Thank you for dinner. I’m um… really glad you asked me out tonight”

That confession earns you an ear to ear grin from Frankie who swallows down the last bit of his dinner and then turns his hand palm-up so he can hold your fingers in his grasp.

“Me too. But, the night’s not over” he offers with a playful quirk of his eyebrow.

“There’s more?” Your brow line lifts to your forehead. “I’m going to need a few minutes to digest first” you laugh, placing a hand over your stomach and Frankie chuckles but nods his head in agreement.

“Take all the time you need,” he tells you.

The sun is beginning its descent from the sky as you sit at the table a while longer, happily chatting about everything and nothing. You ask Frankie more about his young daughter and can’t help the smile that tugs at your lips the way his face lights up when he speaks about her or shows you his favourite pictures or videos of her on his phone.

With your food finally settled you’re back to wandering the boardwalk again with Frankie leading the way. He stops you at an ice cream truck and you groan at the idea of having to shove more food into your stomach but the childish grin and teasing nudge to your side with his elbow convinces you to take him up on his offer anyway and you ask for small scoop of the bright orange Tiger Stripe flavour in a dish while Frankie opts for a waffle cone of classic Mint Chocolate Chip.

With no small effort you manage to finish the sweet dessert and toss your garbage into a nearby receptacle and Frankie nudges your shoulder with his and gestures with an outstretched arm towards the beach.

“Wanna go walk it off?” He suggests and you give him an easy smile, more than excited about taking a romantic walk down the beach at sunset with him.

The warm sand squishes between your toes as you walk the length of the beach. Frankie had insisted on carrying your shoes for you when you opted to take them off; the strappy sandals hanging from the fingertips of his right hand while his left brushes experimentally against the back of your right and you turn your palm towards him and he wastes no time taking hold, your fingers interlacing. You smile and press a little closer into his shoulder.

“This is perfect” you sigh as soft waves lap at your feet and the sun bids it’s final adieu for the evening, disappearing just past the horizon on the other side of the ocean.

“So I did good?” Frankie smirks at you and you let out a little laugh, nodding your head.

“Ten out of ten would recommend” you answer without hesitation.

“Recommend to who? If you think I’m taking Benny on a date next you’re poorly mistaken” he jokes and it earns an outburst of laughter from you as you grab onto his forearm with your free hand and lean further in still.

“You guys could make a pretty cute couple” you tease and he rolls his eyes, shaking his head in laughter.

“Already got the prettiest Miller on my arm, thank you very much” he affirms and your giggles die down as the blush re-emerges and you turn your gaze down to the sand at your feet and squeeze his arm just a little tighter as a thank you to his easy compliment.

You walk a little while longer, your fingers still entwined and your free hand wrapped around his arm that’s holding your hand, snuggling as close as possible while you continue to chat and joke and tease each other.

Being with Frankie seems so easy. Normally you were so nervous during first dates and it’s been so long since you’ve actually been on one you could barely remember what it normally feels like but you’re certain it’s never felt like this. You felt comfortable. And maybe a lot of that had to do with the fact that you’ve already met with and hung out with him on numerous occasions now there was less to be nervous about. But you think it’s mostly him. He’s so easy going and calm to be around; he just puts you at ease with one upward curve of his lips or the way his soft brown gaze seemingly bores into your very soul with a single look.

Besides that, you knew he must be a pretty decent guy or Will and Benny would’ve had something (aside from friendly teasing) to say about it. They were the big brothers you never had growing up, always looking out for you until your lives took you all down very separate paths and if they trusted Frankie with you, you knew you were in good hands.

Hands that were currently, mind you, smoothing up and down your sides as Frankie pressed you into the passenger door of his pickup as you stood on the street outside your temporary home saying your goodnights.

“Kiss me” you breathe into the limited space between your two bodies that are thrumming with unspent energy.

Not bothering with a verbal response, Frankie closes the distance between you, his lips capturing yours finally for that first kiss you’ve been craving since he picked you up hours ago. He tastes like mint and chocolate, and although normally it would be one of the last options you go for at the ice cream shop, the way it tastes on Frankie’s tongue instantly makes it your new favourite.

The energy in the cab of his truck the whole ride back had been tangible, his right hand on your thigh, yours trying not to dig into the plush material of the seats as you tried to focus your mind on anything other than ordering him to pull the truck into park so you could crawl into his lap and thank him properly, the way you wanted to so badly.

“Hermosa,” Frankie groans, his mouth trailing now from your lips down your jaw and to the side of your throat as his hands grip your hips. The scruff of his beard brushes the delicate skin of your neck when he nuzzles further into you and heat instantly pools in the lower part of your belly, causing a little moan to slip out. You feel your breath quicken, heart rate speeding up to keep pace with Frankie’s that you can feel through your clothes with how closely he’s pressed against you. Your arms raise to wrap around his neck, hands playing with the soft curls at the back of his head, running your fingers through them (something you’d been dying to do since the first time you met him, if you’re being honest with yourself).

“Should’ve taken me back to yours” you whisper against his ear as he continues to nip, lick and kiss at your throat.

“Santi’s on my goddamn couch” he groans, annoyed.

You remembered, now that he’s said it. Santiago, another military buddy of your cousins that you’d met a few times and one of Frankie’s best friends, had been having problems with his girlfriend and a week ago she had actually kicked him out of their shared apartment and with you taking up residence in Will and Benny’s guest room, that left Frankie’s couch.

“Shit” you mutter. You don’t dare take him inside to your room. Though the house looks dark and the boys are probably asleep, that’s not something you’re going to chance. At least not on a first date. You don’t need their judgment, nor do you need Frankie holding anything back from you due to the unfortunate circumstances.

His mouth is back on yours, unable to stay away from it for long it seems. His tongue pushes inside and strokes alongside yours, causing a little shiver to run down your spine. He licks into your mouth, exploring every cavern and swallowing all your little whimpers and whines. Frankie was an amazing kisser. You can’t help but wonder how talented his tongue may be elsewhere; the thought alone sending a fresh wave of arousal through you and causing another moan to slip out which Frankie responds to with one of his own. His right hand leaves your hip and goes to your thigh next, gently raising your leg off the ground to wrap around him and a gasp escapes you when his hand slips under the hem of your dress and trails upwards towards your hip.

“Fuck, Frankie” you breathe, pulling back just enough so you can start peppering kisses to his strong jawline.

“Tell me to stop, fuck, you need to tell me stop” Frankie pleads. You can feel his obvious desire for you pressed into your stomach as his left hand moves down to grope your ass and pull you even closer against him.

“Mmm, don’t want to” you hum into his throat and he groans in desperation, rocking his hips into you and causing a delicious bit of friction where you need it most. Your whole body is tingling, feeling like you could combust at any moment. Your muscles are tense, hands fighting for purchase on any part of him they can grab onto, eager to keep him from convincing himself to pull away from you.

Just when you feel him begin to pull back you do the only thing that comes to mind and turn in his grasp and reach for the back passenger door of the crew cab, swinging it open and pulling him back towards you by the collar of his shirt.

“Fuck, Sweetheart” he stops dead in his tracks, feet outside on the ground still while your ass hits the back seat so you’re seated sideways on the seat, facing him.

“Look, I might not be up for Gentleman of the Year Award or anything, but I’m not… I can’t have our first time be in the back of my truck. You deserve so much better than that”

Your brain doesn’t miss how he says ‘first time’ like it implies that there will be more times, and god you hope there is. And while you don’t disagree with him that fucking in his car like teenagers isn’t maybe the most romantic way to do this, you still need something and you don’t want this night to be over yet.

“Just… come fool around with me a little bit” you shrug, coy little grin tugging at the corners of your lips and you see on his adorable face the moment his resolve crumbles. He’s hopping up into the truck in a flash, slamming the door shut behind him. He pushes you back onto the bench seat so you’re flat on your back and finally rips his hat off his head and tosses it carelessly somewhere to the floor and you’re in a fit of giggles at the playfulness of it all. The laughter dies on your lips however when he’s kneeled before your spread legs and drags your knees up to his hips and presses himself down on top of you, capturing your mouth in a heated kiss while his lower half grinds into yours.

“Is this OK?” He murmurs into the side of your face as his kisses trail towards your throat.

“Mmm hmm” you nod frantically. “More than OK” you promise.

He hums into your throat and brings his right hand to your breast, his large hand covering the mound and gently massaging the soft flesh, kneading and squeezing just right as your little moans and the way your back arches to push your chest further into his touch encourages him.

“Fuck,” he growls before shoving the front of your dress and cups of your bra down so he can get his mouth on bare skin.

He pulls away from your throat and shuffles down slightly, leaning down to swirl the tip of his tongue around the pert bud and then gently pull it into his mouth. He alternates between sucking it into his mouth and teasing with quick flicks of his tongue while nimble fingers pay the other equal attention and you writhe underneath him, grinding into his leg, desperate for any friction you can create.

“Perfect tits” he mumbles into your skin before his mouth switches sides. Your hands are in his hair, gently tugging and scratching over his scalp and the way he occasionally groans and grunts at your actions you know he likes it. You wish you weren’t shoved inside the back of his pickup right now. Oh the things you would let his mouth do to you if you weren’t…

After long minutes of attention spent on your breasts his mouth is finally back on yours. He moans into you when his tongue wraps around yours again and you decide to play a little dirty yourself and wrap your lips around his tongue and suck it into your mouth, just for a moment and then you release. You feel his hardened cock twitch against your hip when he grinds it into you.

“Tell me what you want, Baby” he asks between ragged breaths as his lips create a hot trail of open mouthed kisses down to your collarbone.

You decide to show him, rather than tell him, and reach for his right hand and bring it underneath your dress to the aching need between your thighs and he practically growls into your throat when he feels the damp spot that’s already formed on your panties.

“Oh my god” he groans, taking his first two fingers and rubbing your lower lips over the soft, soaked lace.

“Oh fuck, Frankie, you feel so good” you whine, not caring how wrecked you sound already.

His mouth covers yours again, his kiss hungry and needy as his fingers bravely dip under the waistline of your panties to finally touch your naked sex and push through the warm slick folds.

“Oh my god, make me come baby, please. Fuck.” You beg, your hands wrapping around his neck again and grabbing on for dear life. It’s been far too long and Frankie is quickly unraveling you into a mewling desperate mess.

“I’ve got you, Hermosa” Frankie promises, his breath hot against your ear now and you don’t doubt that he does. His skilled digits are already driving you crazy and he’s barely begun. Maybe it’s because it’s been a while, or maybe Frankie just really knows his way around a pussy.

He plunges two fingers inside of you and you cry out at the welcomed intrusion, whimpering into his shoulder at how he’s nearly got you undone already.

“God you feel fucking amazing” he groans into your heated flesh.

“Fuck Frankie, don’t stop, please” you whimper.

He doesn’t. His fingers continue their torturous assault, pumping in and out of you and occasionally coming out to rub tight little circles around your small bundle of nerves that causes your arm to shoot up in the air, palm of your hand pushing hard against the ceiling of the truck cab as your impending orgasm lingers threateningly.

“Let me touch you, please” you beg and Frankie growls in response before his free hand goes to his pants and nearly rips them open so he can push them down to his thighs and your hand immediately wraps around his throbbing length.

“Holy shit” you breathe. Your fingers failing to quite reach all the way around his impressive girth. He’s warm and heavy in your hand, precum steadily leaking from the head that you gather in your hand to use to coat down the rest of his length.

“Christ” Frankie grunts, unable to stop himself from thrusting his hips once to fuck into your hand. “Shit I’m sorry it’s um, been a while” he confesses shyly and you press a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

“For me too” you tell him, easing his nerves. “God Frankie, I’m so close”

With that he pulls his hand away from you for only a moment, bringing it to his mouth to wet his fingers with his tongue and then they’re back on your clit, experimenting between rubbing and circling and pressing and even lightly pinching until he finds out exactly what makes you squirm under him and he doubles his efforts, working you faster and faster with the pads of his fingertips until you’re coming hard and fast with his name on your lips as you rock into his hand to chase the pressure of his touch.

“Oh fuck, that’s it” Frankie groans into the hollow of your throat, his fingers sticky and slick with your release. “God you’re so beautiful” he praises, pressing kisses to every inch of flesh he can reach.

His fingers continue to languidly stroke through your folds, easing you down from your high while his own breathing picks up at your continued actions below; practiced strokes of your hand wrapped around him while your thumb occasionally ghosts over his slit, gathering the evidence of his arousal and smearing it all over the thick and sensitive head.

“Fuck, I’m close” he warns, eyes screwed shut in concentration, his forehead now resting against yours. “Fuck!” He curses again and then quickly sits up on his knees, causing your hand to fall away from him and he takes himself in hand to finish himself off, not wanting to make a mess all over you or your pretty dress. Not having much option he yanks his shirt up instead and coats his own stomach with white hot ropes of his release until he’s left heaving and panting on his knees before you, free hand clutched tight on your knee beside him, fingers digging in deep enough you think they’ll leave bruises.

You’ll wear them like a badge of honor.

“Shit,” he breathes and then huffs out a little laugh. His eyes dart around for a moment and then he reaches into the little pocket on the back of the front passengers seat and pulls out a somewhat squished little pack of wet wipes (one of the conveniences of having a small child you presume, always lots of supplies around that adults might not otherwise think of keeping handy) and grabs a couple sheets and wipes up the mess he made of himself before shoving the wipes back into the pocket. You’re staring up at him, tip of your pointer finger between your teeth and a coy grin playing on your lips.

That was by far the absolute hottest make out session you’d ever had. Where has Frankie Morales been all your life, and what had you done to deserve him now?

“Are you still OK? That was… OK?” He asks and it’s sweet how he doesn’t even know how badly he just rocked your whole world.

“Ten out of ten would recommend” you retort teasingly, lifting your foot to push gently at his hip and he rolls his eyes playfully and lands a little swat to your thigh.

“Smartass. Maybe I oughta trade you in for Benny after all” he quips. “Get a lot less lip I bet”

“Hmm, but probably a lot less tongue too” you tease right back and he groans as you yank him down on top of you by his collar once more.

You’re not quite finished with Frankie Morales just yet.

Taglist: @yorksgirl @chronically-ghosted @rav3n-pascal22 @suzdin @boliv-jenta @senaar-ika @nerdieforpedro @theywhowriteandknowthings @within-the-depths @axshadows @iamasaddie @macabremads @prolix-yuy @vickywallace @survivingandenduring

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#frankie morales x reader #frankie morales #pedro pascal cinematic universe #pedro pascal characters #pedro pascal #pedro pascal character fanfiction #triple frontier #frankie morales x you #frankie catfish morales #frankie friday #frankie morales fanfiction

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moonpetrichors-blog · 1 year

Note

hiii, merry christmas!! (if you celebrate) 🫶 i loved ur dating lo’ak hcs and i was wondering if u could write something based on patching him up after a fight like you mentioned in the hcs?

Cuts and Bruises

Tags: Lo’ak x Reader, Oneshot, Fluff, Avatar 2, Female!Reader, After-Action Patch-Up

Warnings: Cuts, Blood, Bruises (Not Too Explicit), Punch Fight, Swearing

Lo’ak got into another punch fight with the boys from the Metkayina clan, so you help tend to him afterwards.

Merry late christmas ♥ tysm for the ask lol I’ve been dying to write more about Lo’ak, he’s so cute ^^ I absolutely love the idea of him constantly getting into trouble and you’re the one who has to force him to take care of himself LMAO

Edit 2: I was going to beat the shit out of my laptop because it decided to shut down when I was in the middle of writing this and I hadn’t saved it. So! 🥰

* ˚ ✦ 665 Words • Read below the cut

╭┈─────── ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-╰┈➤ ❝ [26/12/22] ❞

“Your girl is a freak!”

Lo'ak was furious, trembling from anger. All he could see when those words escaped Aonung's lips was red. Aonung could ridicule him for his appearance and tease his siblings, but you? Now that was pushing it.

Lo'ak struck the boy, and a brawl broke out near the rocks before he realized it. Lo'ak pummeled Aonung in the face with a barrage of punches; tails were being pulled, and blows were being exchanged. It was a bloody spectacle, to say the least. Lo'ak only ceased his heinous attacks when an outraged Neteyam hauled him away from Aonung mid-punch.

Lo'ak spat out the blood that had gathered in his mouth, and wiped his wounded lip with his battered fist. Aonung stood up, stunned, but a smile danced across his lips nonetheless. Neteyam pointed a finger at Aonung and ordered him to back off, then dragged Lo'ak away from the scene by the bicep before he could worsen the situation.

Aonung jeered and slapped his friend on the chest in a fit of laughter. “Pfft. Freaks go together, no wonder they’re dating.”

Lo’ak twisted out of Neteyam’s grip and stalked over to Aonung again. “Don’t talk shit about my girlfriend, you fish lipped dickhead!”

Neteyam sighed deeply as Lo’ak punched Aonung. Again.

...

To say the least, you were gobsmacked. Lo'ak looked dreadful, and seated across from you right now, he appeared more downcast than anything else. He'd just returned from a stern talking to with his father, which had left him looking distraught.

“Are you okay? What happened to you?”

Lo'ak refused to meet your gaze. You delicately took his hands in yours and brushed your thumb across the ridges of his knuckles. You noted how he grimaced at your touch, and frowned when you realized how much his hands were injured. You sat up to search for the first aid kit in his modest home; you know where it is now, as embarrassing as that may be, because you've patched up your boyfriend more times than you can count.

Lo’ak’s voice carried over in the space between the two of you. “I just wanted to protect you. He called you a freak!”

You suppressed a laugh. You, a freak? What did you even do to be insulted so ludicrously? You assumed Aonung had said that to get under Lo’ak’s skin, which he clearly succeeded in, as that word was a soft spot for him. Now he was seated away from you, waiting to be tended to.

He spoke dejectedly. “All my dad thinks of me is that I’m a troublemaking failure.”

Your heart hammered in your chest at his words. “You’re not a failure, Lo’ak. You’re the kindest person I know, and beating the shit out of Aonung to protect my name proves that.”

You nestled in Lo'ak's lap, dabbing a cloth with antiseptic. You cupped his cheek, pressed a tender kiss to his nose, and proceeded to pat the damp cloth on his injured lip. You then moved away from him and did the same to his knuckles, delicately tending to his wounds. Lo'ak grumbled.

“Sorry.” You murmured.

As you continued to treat him, you nibbled on your lower lip, and he sighed. You reached for a roll of bandages. Finally relaxing his muscles, Lo’ak laughed at your focused expression.

He observed your deft fingers. “Do you think I shouldn’t have punched him?”

After unrolling the bandages, you wrapped his hand in them, securing your work carefully. “Only partially.”

Once you were done, Lo’ak raised his fist to examine your workmanship. He praised your first aid skills, and you laughed.

“I wouldn’t be so good at it if I didn’t have to do it so much.”

Lo'ak hummed in response to your statement. “Sorry, I know it must be kind of annoying you have to do this all the time.”

“Don’t be. I love spending time with you.”

He smiled softly at that, rubbing his neck in embarrassment. “Me too.”

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xjustonemoremiraclex · 8 months

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rwrb thoughts from someone who hasn't read the book (yet)

The good/general thoughts:

pleasantly surprised by the acting! which I know sounds mean, but listen, I saw these guys in other things and I wasn't suuuper into them, so it was a nice surprise lol

THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE TWO again, pleasantly surprised by that lol they played off each other SO well

10/10 soundtrack, it definitely took inspiration from older rom-coms and I loved it <3

PS I really liked all the side characters! I wish we'd gotten to spend a little more time with some of them, but everyone was pretty great <3 also, all the women were awesome, and I am very gay and very in love <3

Ok, I really, REALLY liked how they showed the two of them texting each other, and the whole editing around it. It was pretty cute

I was living for all the latine songs at the new year's party, that was a nice touch

ok, when everyone was getting down at the party and alex and henry stayed up and stared at each other and time slowed down, I know it was supposed to be romantic, but I have to say it: it was also the funniest shit I've ever seen lol

henry at the party is giving both 'i have social anxiety and my only friend here is a social butterfly and keeps leaving to be with other people send help' and 'i thought you invited me here as a first date kind of thing but you're dancing and making out with other people and i'm feeling so betrayed rn :('

'christ you're as thick as it gets *kiss*' LMAO

Listen, I'm not usually into rom-coms (I say, like a liar), but I was pretty happy with the writing, in general. I laughed at all the funny parts, got emotional over all the dramatic ones and swooned at the romance bits. Great job, everyone

'I just can't afford for you to fall in love with me' LMAO babe, we're WAY past that. On both sides

ok, full disclosure: I don't really like sex scenes all that much (there's nothing wrong with them, I'm just very ace lol), so I usually just use my phone while they're happening, and while I did that a little bit here too, I was still paying attention, and honestly, they were pretty sweet. They did a good job. And, like, I have no idea why the film was R-rated lol you literally don't see anything

again, love the little montages that show the passing of time, while also showing they're keeping in touch and getting to know each other better and stuff. It makes the relationship between the two and the way it's developing feel a bit less rushed, which is nice

ZAHRA MY MOST BELOVED

YES PLEASE I WANT TO SEE THAT POWERPOINT PRESENTATION THANK YOU

KARAOKEEEE

alex giving an impassioned romantic speech to henry, about to confess his love: // henry:

'I didn't want to break his heart' - oh, honey, you already did :(

'to tell you that I love you, knowing that you wouldn't say it back' brb sobbing

NOT CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE 😭😭😭

'because when they write the history of my life, I want it to include you and my love for you' help i'm dying 😭😭😭😭😭😭

MIGUEL DON'T THINK I DON'T KNOW IT WAS YOU please die in a fire <3

alex's speech was really good by the way 🥺

LOVESICK HOMOSEXUALS LMAO ZAHRA MY BELOVED

'baby' screaming crying throwing up jgdkfk

I FORGOT THE KING WAS STEPHEN FRY why is this so funny to me

SEQUEL WHEN

The... less good?/general questions:

Kinda wish there'd been a bit more enemies in my enemies-to-lovers film

'he just grabbed my hair in a way that made me understand the difference between rugby and footbal'' - please, I beg you, someone smarter than me - what the fuck does this mean 😭 ppl are LIVING for this quote and I'm like ??????

this is probably me being stupid and ignorant lol but why would alex's relationship cost his mum the election? like, from what I've seen, her government has been very pro-queer, that's not really a secret, so her son being queer and in a relationship with a man shouldn't lose her any voters..? the people who are against 'the queers' were not going to vote for her in the first place, soooo..? me is confused

honestly, this is probably an unpopular opinion, but... the king was not that bad? like, i'm not saying he's not kind of homphobic and kind of a dick lol but i get the impression that everything stems from the whole thing about sticking to tradition and public image and bla bla. Like, again, obviously, part of that involves homophobia, but I think that on a personal level, he... doesn't really care? Even at the end, he's like 'ok, are you absolutely sure about this, cause there's no going back. Yes? Really? Well, go off I guess *long-suffering sigh*'. Like, I got way more homophobic vibes from phillip than the king idk 🤷‍♀️ (I really hope I don't have to clarify that this only applies to the film, and not like, the real life crown lol)

Sooo, as I said, I haven't read the book yet, but I've seen some posts about it, and I think after watching the film I've realized that it's biggest flaw is that it's that - a film. It's a great film, don't get me wrong! And it's pretty obvious I really liked it. But damn, I'm a firm believer that book adaptations only work as series. They don't have to be super long or anything, but there is just no way to fit everything in a book in a two hour film. And yeah, when you're adapting something you have to make some changes, but Idk, it's kind of a shame that you lose so much (and even without reading the book, I can tell there's a lot of stuff missing). In any case, I can't talk too much about it until I read the book, but yeah 🤷‍♀️ It does seem like they did a good job, though - like, it genuinely can stand on its own really well, but I guess I'll have to find out for myself

Also, tagging @silassstingy bc I promised her my thoughts on the film and she might give me some interesting insights on some of the stuff I mentioned, cause she's a queen like that <3

#rwrb #all in all I give it like a 9.5/10 #I'm docking half a point bc it made me cry multiple times which was VERY rude(?)

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moondal514 · 5 days

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Just Leave a Comment Fest 2024 4/20 Mini Edition

Final overall comment total for @justleaveacommentfest: 23

Here’s a multi-fandom fic rec list of a few of the fics I read , loved, and commented on that were on theme for each day of the fest:

Day 1: wips

Fandom: Tian Guan Ci Fu

JUN WU SOCIAL REINTEGRATION THERAPY ATTEMPT NUMBER ONE, FOR FUN (AND FOR PROFIT) by VampireFaun/ @vampirefaun (WIP)

Mei Nianqing INSISTS that Jun Wu can get better! All he needs is a comfortable hut, and a few calming medicinal herbs, and a job, and a bunch of group meetings where he talks to others about his problems, and a few fun outings, and Mei Nianqing to keep him out of trouble, and…the approval of the heavenly court, once he informs them of this arrangement…eventually…

Jun Wu wishes Mei Nianqing had just left him sealed under the mountain.

The Jun Wu redemption fic I didn’t know I needed

Fandom: Mysterious Lotus Casebook

The Spring Poplars of Summer by Aerlalaith, reasonablyaloof/ @aerlalaith, @themagicwhiskers

“Well?” Di Feisheng rumbled.

“Ah,” Li Lianhua said, now sounding short of breath. “Well, if Di-Mengzhu is recalling the sweet promises we made to one another after drinking the wedding wine then I guess—”

Fang Duobing froze. The what promises made to who after the what?

(Fang Duobing eavesdrops, comes to several incorrect conclusions, and can’t stop drinking vinegar about it. Or thinking about it. Or—)

Hilarious and perfect post-canon ot3 get-together fic

Day 2: modern au’s

Fandom: Mo Dao Zu Shi

a life in your shape by occultings/ @microcomets

Wei Ying confesses his feelings in the bathroom of a sushi restaurant. Not to who you might initially think, but he gets there in the end.

So cute, I had to use all my strength not to squeal in public while reading this

Fandom: BBC Merlin

The Fools Will Be Still Fools by horsecrazy/ @cbk1000

In which the gang goes on a luxury train holiday, and Merlin and Arthur share a cabin and a double bed, but not a single brain cell.

A hilarious and beautifully written idiots to lovers story that soothes the soul

Day 3: read a fic, send a fic

Fandom: Greek Mythology

books & boys (they bring me so much joy) by skazka

Sing, o Muse, of the wrath of a philosophy major upon realizing his roommate/boyfriend has borrowed his copy of Fear & Trembling and has no intention of giving it back. Scenes from one highly troubled semester.

I’m still dying over the idea of Achilles as a frat boy

Fandom: Good Omens

i love(d) you by extraordinarilyextreme/ @extraordinarilyextreme

This is everything they’ve poured into their Force-bond, every mission they’ve gone on together, every chat and meal and mediation and training session; they are two sides of the same blade. There is no Crowley without Aziraphale, no Aziraphale without Crowley.

(or, a Jedi Knight who has lost his faith in the Force and a Sith Lord who clings desperately to it.)

Never seen a fic so tailor-made for me to rec to one of my friends

#just leave a comment fest #fic rec #fic rec list #tgcf #mlc #mdzs #bbc merlin #greek mythology #good omens

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nadia-zahra · 2 years

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A Curiosity Voyage into Will Byers and St5 Plot

This is the excerpt Lucas read to Max from The Talisman in the season 4 finale. Whenever you first watch the scene, it seems like its a parallel to lumax's situation-- it sounds like whoever is narrating is dying and is with a friend as they pass. The phrase "sick up that horrible parody of wine" usually correlates to choking on blood, and them not seeing their loved ones anymore sounds like their memory is fading away with their life. And this little snippet with no context does parallel lumax...however something sticks out like a sore thumb.

He could feel the hair stirring on his neck

Byler senses are tingling, and something told me this was about Will because this is characteristic of Will NOT MAX. The duffers could've easily left out the second part of this excerpt because tbh it doesn't make any sense within the lumax parallel, but they chose to keep it even though they EDITED it. This is the original excerpt:

He opened his eyes, and further words died in his throat. He forgot about the need to sick up that horrible parody of wine. He forgot about his mother, and Uncle Morgan, and his father, and almost everything else. Speedy was gone. The graceful arcs of the roller coaster against the sky were gone. Boardwalk Avenue was gone. He was someplace else now. He was-- "in the Territories" Jack whispered, his entire body crawling with a mad mixture of terror and exhilaration. He could feel the hair stirring on the nape of his neck, could feel a goofed-up grin pulling at the corners of his mouth. "Speedy, I'm here, my God, I'm here in the Territories! I--" But wonder overcame him. He clapped a hand over his mouth and slowly turned in a complete circle, looking at this place to which Speedy's "magic juice" had brought him.

This clearly isn't about someone dying when looking at the whole text. This is actually about a boy named Jack going into an alternate dimension with help from his friend Speedy's "magic juice". And if my hunch is correct, then Will is going to get help from El to learn he has powers and strengthen them in order to save Mike from Vecna's curse.

******

For the people who know literally nothing about Talisman it's okay! Here's what you need to know:

Jack Sawyer is on a mission to save his dying mother by giving her a magical healing orb called the Talisman. Speedy is Jack's friend that helps him flip between dimensions. Jack's enemy is Uncle Morgan, and throughout the story, Uncle Morgan is trying to kill him. The story has an alternate dimension called the Territories; here, there are werewolves (soldiers of the Territories) and twinners (parallels of the people from the real world), and Jack's mother's twinner is the queen of the Territories.

Now cue the parallels!

The Territories & The Upside Down

The Territories and the Upside Down are both alternate dimensions that have to be traveled to with magic (The Territories you flip, UD you use your mind or a gate) Both have branches/vines that strangle people if touched and have monsters who will kill on sight. Both of these worlds were safe before our villains took control of them. The Territories was this cute lil world filled with nice people before Morgan took over and got the werewolves on his side. The Upside Down wasn't inherently bad either until Vecna took over and created the evil Hivemind (more so talking about his control over the Demodogs, but he did also morph the gas thing into the Mindflayer). Idk if this is a parallel, but it's really odd how these places have polar opposite air qualities. The Territories air is described as the freshest and cleanest air Jack had ever breathed. The Upside Down's air is so poisonous and radioactive that scientists use hazmat suits when even near a gate.

Arcadia & Hawkins

This one's pretty straightforward: both are small, creepy towns in the middle of nowhere up in the Northeast of the U.S.A, both have an heir of death to them (Jack says he can literally feel death when he first arrives in Arcadia and Hawkins becomes known as cursed/haunted), and in both stories, our heroes travel from California to this setting so they can begin their epic journeys.

Werewolves & Demogorgons

Both are controlled by their big bads, even though they aren't inherently evil. Jack meets a friendly werewolf named Wolf who tells him Morgan is why werewolves are considered dangerous since most sided with him, and we see the Demogorgons peacefully living their lives (like wild animals do) before Vecna takes over their minds and makes them killing machines. Also, both of them have defining characteristics that tell people when they're near; the Demogorgons have weird clicking noises and werewolves have bright yellow eyes.

Uncle Morgan & Vecna

Uncle Morgan is the main villain of the Talisman. His goal is to take full control and power in the alternate dimension called the Territories and all wealth imaginable by taking over Phil's company. He's already killed Uncle Tommy (Jack's other uncle) and Phil died, so the only thing stopping him is Jack because he's the heir to Phil's portion of the company. In relation to the Territories, he's already almost in complete control, but Jack is stopping him from taking full control because Jack's quest to save his dying mother from cancer will also heal the near-dead Queen of the Territories. All Morgan has to do is kill Jack to become unstoppable; however, Lily (Jack's mom) is adamant against Morgan getting his hands on Jack's ownership of the company and made sure Morgan couldn't find her and Jack by secretly moving. Morgan's plans are now to kill both Lily in the real world, and to have his second-in-power called White Coat (yeah isn't that a cute lil parallel to One only wearing white) and his men kill Jack in the territories.

Do I even need to say why this is a parallel? Literally just replace the names and botta-bing-botta-boom it's Vecna trying to kill/possess Will in order to gain his powers so that he can have all power imaginable and full control over Hawkins and the Upside Down but has to curse Mike first because Mike is always the one to ruin Vecna's Will plans.

Phil & Papa

Phil as a character is more known through his friendship with Morgan, not as Jack's father figure. With that said, Phil is the one to originally show Morgan the Territories...just like Papa was the first one to show Vecna how to control and strengthen his powers in the Lab. Papa and Phil are viewed the exact same way by Vecna and Morgan; both our villains feel like they were underestimated and were being used/controlled, feeding into their anger and hatred of the world.

"Phil Sawyer had underestimated him [from the time of their first meeting], and that still rankled. Because Phil had thought of him as a sort of rained rattlesnake to be let out of his cage only under controlled circumstances, so had others" (pg 83 & 84)

Uncle Tommy & Max

I already said earlier, but Uncle Tommy got killed by Morgan. Not saying Max is dead, but we do have to acknowledge that she died, came back, and is now in a deep coma that may or may not be permanent. But the more interesting parallel besides dancing with death is how their tangos happen. Both Max and Tommy are specifically targeted and had their secrets used against their lives. *Warning: homophobia* Morgan used Tommy's homosexuality as a reason why he should be dead (because Stephen King loves making queerness shameful). Vecna used Max's guilt of being happy Billy's dead as a reason why she should be dead. Oh, and both of these people were stepping-stones in the villains' plans. Tommy was a lawyer who was to be made executor of Phil's half of the business and legal guardian of Jack; killing Tommy was Morgan's first step to taking over the business and getting to Jack. Max was one of the four people Vecna used to open the gates and her death is why the Byers came back to Hawkins. Did I mention how both Max and Uncle Tommy were attacked while their respective heroes lived across the country?

Lily & Mike

Both Mike and Lily travel from California back to Hawkins/Arcadia. Mike is obviously from Hawkins, and Lily says she lived in Arcadia for three weeks before moving to California (either way both of them are going back to these places).

Both Mike's and Lily's love for Will/Jack causes them to protect them no matter what (Lily loves Jack maternally, Mike loves Will romantically). Lily literally tells Morgan over the phone that she doesn't want him to "take care of" Jack because she knows he "took care of" Uncle Tommy and made sure Morgan didn't know where they were moving to. Mike was on the same crazy levels as Joyce in st1 and st2 when it came to Will-- he let a random girl stay with him because she said she could help find Will with no proof and stayed with him all throughout st2 despite his possession.

Both of them are hinted at dying before it's revealed what's causing them to die. Lily is described as sickly and is a chain-smoker who smokes cigarettes nicknamed Black Lungers (as a person who smokes cigarettes, I have been calling mine this lmao). Throughout the entirety of Stranger Things, Mike's death has been joked about even though he's never had a near-death experience and in Nancy's vision she saw him die; parallels are paralleling, and Mike getting cursed in st5 would slowly kill him since that's what Vecna's curse does.

Lily is characterized as a person who runs away from their problems; she runs away from her cancer by not dealing with it and acting like it doesn't exist. Mike's playlist is filled to the rim with songs about running away even though he's never run away before, and st4 has a theme of "if you run you die"... if the parallels are correct then Mike is going to try and either run away from his feelings behind Will's painting or will literally run away from whoever tells him the truth about the painting.

Both of them also get in the way of the big bads' plans. Lily refuses to give Morgan Jack's share of the company and moves across the country to ensure Morgan doesn't find and kill them, and Morgan has to wait for her twinner, the dying queen of he Territories, to die as well in order to take over that world. Mike is always the reason why Vecna's plans are always ruined: s1 he treats El kindly leading her to help save Will, s2 he figures out the Mindflayer can use Will as a spy just like Will can to it, s3 he creates the plan to see if Billy is possessed (if he hadn't done that then they wouldn't have known Billy was possessed by Vecna), and s4 is the one time Mike leaves Hawkins and gives Vecna the chance to do his evil plan without any disruptions.

Also, Lily never told Jack that she was dying, he figures it out from overhearing her and Morgan's conversation and this leads to him going on his journey to save her. If the parallels aren't just coincidences, then that means Mike isn't going to tell Will he's been cursed and when Will figures it out, he's going to start his mission through the Upside Down.

Speedy & El

Even though Speedy and Morgan can both flip into the Territories, Speedy is described as his complete opposite: Speedy is the greatest good while Morgan is the greatest evil. El is the same, even though she does have great power like Vecna she is his complete opposite.

(this is the parallel that made me post that pic of El's shocked face edited over Mike) Both Speedy and El had met Jack/Will prior to officially knowing each other. Speedy reveals to Jack that years prior to meeting in Arcadia he met Jack, Phil, and Morgan. El obviously met Brenner and One before meeting Will, but how could she have met him before st2? Well, there is a theory that Will was secretly a lab kid, but I'm going the cannon route since in st1 El did talk to a sleeping Will at Castle Buyers in the UD and she knew who he was even before that since she pointed him out in Mike's picture.

If in St5 it is revealed that Will has powers, then she would be the one to teach him how to use and strengthen them. Speedy gives Jack really disgusting (like gag-worthy) wine called “magic juice” that allows him to flip between the two worlds easier, and he got this magic juice in California... El is going to help Will regain and strengthen his powers in st5 since she regained hers while also in California too!!

However, even though Speedy is a good guy he isn’t the hero of this story Jack is, and Jack parallels Will. Speedy tells Jack that he's already fought Morgan before, but if Jack wants to save his mother and the Territories then he's going to have to do it. El knows she can't be the one to defeat Vecna and it has to be Will which is why she helps him regain and strengthen his powers!

Jack & Will

Honestly, there's only one piece of super solid textual/cannon proof that Will parallels Jack, but it's so solid that it lets us know these two obviously parallel each other. Before Jack begins his journey to save his mother, he has "daydreams" and "nightmares" that he believes is just him going crazy when it's really him unknowingly flipping into the Territories...before Will goes on his journey in st5, Will was unknowingly traveling into the Upside Down and believed he was going crazy in st2!!

Even though this was happening to Will because of his connection to Vecna, I 100% believe Will has been hinted at having non-Vecna-related powers prior. His ability to communicate to Joyce through the lights and open up a gate in his house's wall was way before he gets the Vecna connection; not to mention we know people can just have powers without it coming from the lab thanks to Henry's backstory. Here are links one, two, and three of other creators' theories surrounding his powers (I'm too lazy to reiterate what these people have already proven). The only thing I'm going to personally speculate is that El is going to go into Will's mind and make him remember his powers and will teach Will how to also go into people's minds and restrengthen what he was already born with.

You would think El would parallel Jack since she has powers, but she has never had the experience of unknowingly being in an alternate dimension like Jack and Will have (not to mention Will can still get powers in st5). Also, El doesn't parallel Jack because in the D&D game foreshadowing st5 Twenty kills Vecna not Eleven, and the only time throughout the entire show we're shown a twenty be related to characters was when Mike and Will had size ten shoes in the same shot.

The only info we have on st5's plot is that Will is going to be the main character and that the original pairings from st1 are making a comeback. Do you know who Will was paired with in season 1?? LITERALLY NO ONE!! He was trapped in the Upside Down by himself while El, Mike, Lucas, and Dustin were together! Put two and two together people! Jack went on this journey to save his mother through the Territories by himself, and Will's plot is going to be him on a mission through the Upside Down by himself to save Mike from Vecna!!!

*****

Y'all might be thinking, "Do you really believe Will's st5 arc parallels the Talisman just because Lucas reads an excerpt from that book and the excerpt has a Will parallel?" And to that I say a big fat YES.

EVERY SINGLE reference the Stranger Things writers and creators make, as in have the characters discuss or acknowledge it exists, parallels the show's story.

These are ones that were off the top of my head:

s1's hopper arc parallels Jaws (Will has a gigantic Jaws poster in st4 and shark props are shown throughout the series)

st1's mike arc parallels Star Wars (Mike shows El his Yoda figurine and he becomes her mentor for that season if that's not obvious)

s2's will plot parallels Ghostbusters (the party literally dresses up as the ghostbusters)

s3's villain plot parallels Day of the Dead (the movie lumax and byler go see)

s3's villain plot parallels The Never Ending Story (duzie sings the Never Ending story song)

st4 Hawkin's plot parallels Nightmare on Elm Street (a Freddy Kruger cut out hovers over Max when we see her and Dustin at the movie rental).

st4 m*leven plot parallels Doctor Zhivago (Robin literally says it's a movie about doomed love)

THE DUFFERS DID NOT WRITE LUCAS LITERALLY READING AN EXCERPT FROM THE TALISMAN ABOUT A BOY USING MAGIC POWERS TO TRAVEL TO AN ALTERNATE DIMENSION JUST TO PROMOTE THEIR NEW SHOW OR TO ATTEMPT A LUMAX PARALLEL!!!!!

So, since the Talisman was the very last reference in st4, why doesn't it parallel that season? The Talisman as a parallel to st4 doesn't work because El loses against Vecna, but Jack wins against Morgan. And since st4's last reference doesn't fit with its plot and the finale left us off at a cliffhanger...it means the excerpt is a hint to the st5 plot paralleling the Talisman baby!!!!

Oh, and I said in an ominous post that I may have found out why the duffers chose to name the show Stranger Things and not something UD or Hawkins-related. Well, the Talisman is apparently one of their favorite stories, and we all know they love references. Throughout the book, the people who are just visiting a world (whether it be a twinner going into the normal world or Jack going into the Territories) they are called Strangers (capital S- included). Stranger Things is literally about people traveling to an alternate dimension-- a dimension they are Strangers to. I wouldn't be surprised if they called the show Stranger Things because this is about freaky things happening to strangers of the Upside Down simply to pay homage to the Talisman.

#byler #will byers #will byers theory #will byers has powers #mike wheeler #jane hopper #el hopper #max mayfield #doctor brenner #vecna #st #st4 volume 2 #papa #the talisman #stranger things theory #st5 theory #the parallels #byler tumblr #byler brainrot

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amor1st03 · 2 years

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The Princess and the Bard | Eddie Munson

Eddie Munson x fem!reader

Fantasy au LORT type beat, princess x civilian type thing

Warnings: Idk fighting?

In which: the princess sets out to save her Kingdom and brings a handsome bard to help her

A/N: This is inspired by the fantasy au fanart I keep seeing literally everywhere of Eddie and it also has very heavy influence from the LOTR (I finally got round to watching all 3 of them and all 3 of the hobbit films, yes, I know I'm late to the party but as a kid, I could never get into them) so full credit to the artists of the art and to Tolkien for inspiring this. Idk if someone else has written something like this but I was like screw it, I'll give it a shot. Also I wrote some of this after a night out and I've edited it but I must admit drunk me is not that bad of a writer, she has some good ideas lmao. Just a last couple of things before I let you read on in my head I ended up having quite a developed world like I fr got into this thinking of all these cute moments I see happening in this fantasy world so be prepared, it's long. Also, I have literally no idea how to write a fight scene but I tried my best lol. Anyways, I'll leave you to it now, hope you enjoy!

"Come on, Willow," You whispered to the horse as you guided her out of the stable. The grass crunched beneath your feet as you sighed looking down at it. Once a luscious green, it was now dull and grey. You crouched down to pick a dying flower and twirled it between your fingers.

"We will save our land," You spoke softly, "We must."

"Your highness?" A voice broke your train of thoughts as you stood and turned to face the familiar girl.

"Robin."

"Your highness, what are you doing?" Your lady-in-waiting questioned.

"No one's around, you don't have to call me that."

"You know we can never be too sure, Y/N." She smiled.

"You know what I'm doing."

"You're going to join the battle."

"Yes. I have to. You heard what the oracle told me. This is my Kingdom, I must fight for it."

"And I will not stand in your way." You smiled at her as she came closer to you. You embraced her.

"Please try and make sure no one sends word to my father. I want to find him and the army before he sends some of them to find me."

"I'll try and give you as much time as possible."

"Thank you. You're my best friend, you know that right?"

"And you're mine," She replied.

"Now, I dismiss you of your duties today, go home and enjoy time with your wife." She pulled away and smiled at you.

"Be safe."

"I will," You said as you walked back to Willow and mounted her.

"Good luck. You can do this."

"I have to do this. To save the Kingdom."

***

You were lost. You hated to admit it but you were. You had spent most of your life stuck inside the castle other than when you snuck out with Robin dressed as a civilian or the few short trips you took as a child with your parents. As the future Queen of the Kingdom, most of your duties were inside the castle, observing your father and preparing for when you would rule. The lessons in etiquette and politics had always been boring but there was one benefit. Your training for battle. It always felt like a way for you to release any emotion. It also made you feel more powerful like you would be able to protect yourself and your Kingdom. Of course, you had never had a chance to prove you were a warrior as your father forbids you from ever even setting foot on a battlefield.

You knew you could prove yourself, well that was if you ever managed to find your way there. As you moved through the forest you heard a branch snap somewhere in front of you. There was a scream. You hurried Willow along until you found the source of the noise at the edge of the forest. There you found a man hanging from his foot caught in a trap. Beyond the trees, there were crop fields you could only assume he had planned to sneak in and steal some crops before he got caught in this trap. The man was trying to reach up to where his foot was trapped and release himself.

"Jesus H. Christ," He muttered. You rolled your eyes as you slid off your horse and approached him quietly. Without a single word, you unsheathed your sword and swung it at the rope, cutting it. The man crashed to the ground with a loud thud. He groaned in pain before jumping up and brushing himself off.

"Thank you," He said, sheepishly.

"Who are you, thief?"

"I am no thief, well only occasionally. But mostly I am a bard and a traveler." He moved and reached for a lute that had been resting against a nearby tree you hadn't noticed. "And my name is Edward Munson, but most call me Eddie."

"Well, Edward Munson, let me ask you one thing. You say you are a traveler, does that mean you know the way to the border between our Kingdom and the Kingdom of Dark?"

"Yes, in fact, I do. I know this land better than almost anyone."

"Can you take me to the border?"

"You said you only had one thing to ask me. That is a second question." You raised your sword and pointed it at his throat. He threw his hands up and tried to back away a little but backed into a tree instead. "Yes, I could take you but why should I? Who are you?" You lowered your sword and reached for the hood that had been blocking your face. When he saw you he gasped and proceeded to lower himself onto one knee.

"Your highness, I apologise, I was not aware it was you."

"You don't need to kneel." He looked up at you before rising to his feet again.

"I will take you, m'lady. But the journey is not easy."

"I didn't plan on it being." You waited a minute, unsure of how much to share with him. "I am on an important mission, the lives of everyone in this Kingdom depend on it. But be warned, if you betray me, I will kill you without a second thought."

"A may be somewhat of a thief, but disloyal to you and this Kingdom, I am not."

"Good, now how long will this journey take? Now that there are two of us making the journey I fear we may be undersupplied."

"It could take a few weeks, at least two."

"Well then, we should make haste. First, we'll head to the closest village and find you a horse."

***

You and Eddie had been traveling for close to two weeks. You had collected more supplies and managed to bargain for a horse for Eddie. After that, you traveled across baron wastelands and through snowy mountains. When you reached the mountains, you knew there was no way you would be able to take the two horses with you and with tears in your eyes, released them. You hoped maybe one day you would see your horse, Willow, again. Now here you were, camping in the woods at the bottom of the mountains you crossed.

You and Eddie had quickly grown close and learned to trust each other. Near the summit of one of the mountains, you walked along a narrow, rocky path when Eddie's foot slipped. He managed to catch himself and hold onto some of the rocky surfaces as you reached out your hand to him. You had never experienced the sheer amount of panic that coursed through your veins as you reached for him. With all your strength you managed to pull him up over the ledge causing both of you to fall back onto the ground. You stared up at him in relief. You let yourself take a moment to really focus on his features. Had he always been this handsome? Yes, you thought, you had just been too caught up in the journey to really appreciate it.

"Are you alright?" You asked, your voice barely audible. He nodded looking down at you before quickly jumping up. He cleared his throat before offering you his hand and pulling you up onto your feet.

"They should really put up warnings, this path is certainly not safe, any second we could be falling to our deaths."

"It's not meant to be traveled on, it just takes longer to travel around it."

"Right. Well, yes, we are in a hurry so best be on our way, just watch your step."

"Me? If I recall, it was you who was hanging off the edge just a moment ago, not I."

"I'm not listening!" He said in a sing-song tone as he continued to walk ahead.

"It is you that needs to watch your step, not I!" You laughed.

"Still can't hear you." He began to hum loudly as you rolled your eyes with a smile. His lightheartedness had made the journey so much easier. It was also the reason you had come to care so much for him. He was easy to like. Easy to love, but no, you were sure you were getting ahead of yourself. Your feelings for him didn't matter. They couldn't after this was all over you would be separated. If you won the battle, you would return to the castle and be forced to continue with your duties. If you lost, the world would be all death and darkness. You would lose him some way, eventually.

Now here you were, in the woods with him, leaning against a tree watching the flames of the campfire dance in the breeze.

"We've been traveling for almost two weeks now to the edge of the Kingdom. I know it must have something to do with the battle going on there but what really is the princess doing so far away from home?"

"What? You think I can't fight alongside the army?" You asked but your tone was light.

"I'm sure you're perfectly capable of fighting in the war, I have no doubt. But it's just unusual. I've rarely heard of a princess fighting alongside the army." You sat in silence a moment, contemplating whether or not you should explain what you had set out to do but you knew you trusted him enough, and really who was he going to tell? There was no one traveling with you and you knew, as tough as he had been throughout the journey, he was no match for you.

"My father did not want me fighting even though I offered to. He left with his army a few days before I set off. I felt helpless and in the hopes of livening my spirit my friend helped me sneak out of the castle into the marketplace disguised as a civilian. There I encounter an oracle who pulled me aside and told me it was no use hiding under my hood for she knew who I was. She ushered me and my friend into a tavern and told me she had been expecting me to come into the town sooner or later and that she had important information regarding the battle."

"What did she tell you?"

"Well, you know why we are fighting right? A year ago the Dark forces snuck into the palace and stole the Crown Jewels. Our source of magic, it's what keeps the lands alive and thriving. Over time as my father began to build and organise our forces, the land started dying, and illness and disease swept over the Kingdom. The only way to save was to fight the Kingdom of Shadow and retrieve what was stolen. The oracle told me there was a prophecy centuries ago that this would happen and the only person who would be able to take the jewels back would be a princess of human and elven descent."

"Elven descent? Your mother."

"Yes, my mother." Elves were said to be the most beautiful creatures of all. They lived outside of your Kingdom but often visited as they had a fondness for humans. Your mother had been the daughter of an elven nobleman traveling to the town when she had met your father on one of her visits. There were few elves who married humans as they had to give up most of their power but your mother had done so to be with your father. She had died when you were only ten after she fell ill.

"That is why I must make it to the battlefield and find a way into their fortress and retrieve the jewels. To save our land. The oracle said I had to succeed or we would all perish."

"Woah. So no pressure then," He joked. "Sorry, not the right time."

"Definitely not." But you couldn't help but smile a little. Eddie smiled back.

"You know my story, now tell me more about you. You've told me about your travels but tell me where your come from, your family, your story."

"I come from the same place as you do, actually. The town I mean, not the castle, obviously. My father left us when I was little. My mother said it was better off that way anyway. I haven't got much to say about my childhood, it wasn't particularly special but it was happy. It was my uncle who introduced me to the lute and that is how I discovered my love of music. I still visit home quite often but I love to travel."

"When I'm Queen my father won't be able to stop me from traveling. I want to see as much of our Kingdom as possible, as much of my people as possible."

"If we make it out of the battle alive maybe I could show you my favourite places."

"We? You're joining the fight." There it was again, that panicked feeling.

"Yes, I know I'm not some great warrior but everything you've said about fighting for your Kingdom, I want to help too. You've been training me in case we encounter anything and I think I'm getting the hang of it. I was thinking I could help you make it into the fortress, it might not be much but I will offer my full loyalty to you, your highness."

"How many times, you don't have to call me that." You tried to push the feeling of panic aside. At least if he came with you into the fortress you could keep him by your side but now you weren't only scared for yourself but him as well.

"I'm sorry, Y/N. It's just your the princess, it feels weird treating you like another commoner."

"Why? We're all the same really. My mother always told me that a King or Queen's duty isn't to dictate but to serve and protect. I may be a Queen, but I am still human, just like you."

"Well, half-human."

"Yes, half I suppose but still."

"I think you will be the most caring and just leader this Kingdom has ever seen."

"I hope so."

"In fact, I think you will be the greatest of all." You smiled brightly at each other but were soon interrupted by the noise of movement behind you. You quickly turned but couldn't make out anything in the dark.

"Quick, put the fire out." Eddie did as you said as you slowly moved towards where the noise had come from. You withdrew your sword and listened. You heard voices in the distance and recognised the language.

"Trolls," You whispered to Eddie."Vicious creatures if they catch you trespassing which is exactly what we happen to be doing right this second." You moved to collect your things, keeping an eye out for them. Eddie copied you. As you slung your bag over your shoulder you caught sight of a group of trolls. At the same time, they noticed you.

"Here, take this," You handed a dagger to Eddie. "Go, I'm right behind you." The two of you took off running, branches scratching your cheeks as you raced away. Trolls were lawless creatures, they wouldn't care that you were the princess, they would kill you without a second thought. You heard footsteps behind you, nearing. You couldn't outrun them and there were too many to fight. You had to find somewhere to hide. Frantically, you looked around the area. You grabbed Eddie's hand and pulled him to a hollow tree. You pushed him inside before squeezing in beside him. You prayed the dark of the night would be enough to conceal your hiding place. Eddie breathed heavily, you felt his chest rise and fall against yours, fear evident in his eyes. You took one of his hands and placed it on your chest, slowing your breathing.

"Breathe," You whispered, looking at him in the eyes. He held your gaze as he took a deep breath in and out. You heard the footsteps of the trolls getting closer and closer and then you saw them pass your hiding place, their backs turned to you. It fell silent before you slid out from the tree trunk followed by Eddie.

"Close one," Eddie sighed from behind you as you looked around. You turned to face him.

"Eddie, duck!" You shouted. He ducked down as a troll swung his sword towards Eddie's head barely missing him. You charged forward and pushed Eddie aside. The troll brought his sword down towards you and it clashed with yours as you stopped it from striking you. You pushed the troll back and he brought his sword into the air, preparing to swing it down again but you were too quick. You surged forward, striking the creature in the heart. He staggered back before falling to the ground. You retrieved your sword from the creature before turning back to Eddie. He had stood up again as was still in shock from the attack.

You checked around to make sure there would be no other surprise attackers when something caught your eye through the trees.

"Look, over there." You pointed it out and Eddie turned to look. The two of you made your way over to it, pushing your way through the foliage. You stared in shock as you made your way to the clearing. In the middle of the clearing was a shimmering lake. "Luctus," You whispered.

"The River of Mourning. I've heard the rumours of its beauty but this is just. Wow," Eddie said, beside you.

"Could the other rumours be true?"

"It's worth a try. M'lady?" He held out his hand as you took it and led you towards the lake.

"It seems to be one of the only places that hasn't decayed yet."

"Maybe because it's already full of the souls of the lost," Eddie said as he knelt down at the edge of the lake. You knelt beside him. "Ready?" He asked and you nodded. Together you reached out and touched the water. It had a pleasant coolness to it. Suddenly, wisps of blue light danced off the surface. Starlight sparks seemed to be jumping off the surface and floating in the breeze. The sparks morphed into human-like creatures. Souls.

To one side you watched as the souls of three young children chased each other around laughing amongst themselves. On the other side of the lake, you made out a couple dancing across the surface of the water. You looked around searching for one face in particular. And there she was. Making her way toward you. You felt tears prickle your eyes. You turned to Eddie and saw a similar sad look in his eyes. You followed his line of sight and made out a woman making her way to him. The soft smile on her lips and bright eyes were the same as Eddie's.

"Your mother?" You asked.

"Yes," He replied, his voice cracking.

The two of you stood as the souls approached you. You felt a tear slide down your cheeks as your mother brought her hands up to your face, stroking gently. It felt like the wind kissing against your skin.

"My darling daughter."

"Mother," You choked out a sob.

"Come, let us walk, give them some privacy." She nodded toward Eddie and his mother.

You began walking along the water's edge as your mother followed along the surface.

"You've been so brave, darling. Your task is not an easy one, so much pressure is placed on you but you can do this. You have made it so far already."

"You know about my task?"

"Of course. I have always been with you. You must thank that boy for me for giving my daughter company for the journey and making her smile like she used to." You blushed slightly at your comment.

"I wouldn't be here without him. I haven't been to many places. I would still be lost, wandering in circles if it wasn't for him."

"You care for him, I can see it in your eyes. I had that same look when I met your father."

"Yes, I care for him but it can never happen?"

"Why not?"

"Father expects me to marry a nobleman."

"In my absence, your father has grown cold but he loves you more than anything else in this world. And he understands the importance of love. He will come around to it if it will make you truly happy." You smiled at her.

"I hope so."

The sky was now a rosy pink colour as the sun began to rise. Soft clouds burned with the light of the new day.

"We don't have long now, the sun is rising."

"Mother, I don't want you to go."

"I'll always be with you my dear." Tears started streaming from your eyes.

"I love you."

"I love you too." She leaned forwards and kissed your forehead as the sunrose higher in the sky. As the sun peaked over the trees, she began to fade. She moved away to look at you one last time and with a soft smile she disappeared. The lake glittered in the sunlight but the souls were gone. You walked back over to Eddie and embraced him.

"I'm sorry about your mother, I shouldn't have made you talk about your childhood before, bringing up the past can hurt."

"No, it's alright, you didn't know. Besides, it's because of you that I'm here right. I got to see her again." You sniffled, just enjoying the embrace.

"We should get going."

"Yes, you're right. We didn't stray too far from the our path, I should be able to find a way back on track for us." With one last look at the lake he turned and continued walking.

***

The two of you continued walking through the forest for a few more days. Camping in more overgrown areas to avoid anymore trolls. On the third day since your visit to the lake, you came to the end of the forest.

"I know this place. The Great Meadow," You said. "I've only ever left the Kingdom a handful of times, when I was 8 my mother brought me here. It used to be beautiful, I remember all the beautiful flowers but look at it now." Everything looked grey and dull.

"It will be beautiful again. Because you're gonna save it," Eddie stated. "Come on, not far now, the border is close, the army will be there by now." Eddie stepped out onto the grass when a swarm of fairies appeared from the tall grass. His footsteps had disturbed them from their hiding place. They flew around you, looking at you and Eddie with interest. One pointed at you and held her hands above her head moving it down to touch her head, as if she was placing a crown there.

"I'm the princess, yes," You laughed softly as the small creatures. "We did not mean to disrupt you we are just trying to get to the border." You turned to look at Eddie who had a few fairies on his arm. A couple were flying beside him, messing with strands of his hair.

"Hey!" He shooed them away with his hands. The fairy that had been communicating with you, who must have been some sort of leader, clapped her hands to pull the others' attention away from Eddie. They flew towards her and formed a group. All except one which had gotten caught in Eddie's hair. You laughed as you moved towards him, untangling it. He watched you carefully as you did so. The softest smile graced his lips when your eyes met his.

"Go on, little one," You said to the fairy in your hand, who flew off to join the rest of her group. The leader of the fairies looked between you and Eddie with a knowing smile. She flew towards Eddie's hand as everyone watched. She tugged at his sleeve, pulling his hand forward. Then, she used one of her hands and beckoned for you to come closer. You stepped closer and she reached for your hand too. Pulling it towards Eddie's. When your hands made contact the rest of the fairies seemed to burst like a firework, fluttering around the two of you.

"Oh no, it isn't like that." But you didn't pull your hand away.

"She is a princess and I am a mere bard. It is definitely not like that." Eddie pulled away. The few of the fairies shook their heads. "I'm sorry, but we most go." He moved forward.

"I hope we see you again," You said to the fairies before catching up to him. "They were lovely things, don't you think?"

"If by lovely you mean annoying then, yes, very lovely."

"Oh Eddie, you can't really mean that." You laughed slightly.

"Did you see them? Gawking at me and messing with my hair."

"Well, they do take interest in pretty things." He stopped in his tracks.

"What did you just say?"

"You heard me."

"I think I must be hallucinating." You laughed again.

"Come on, like you said, we must go." You continued to walk leaving the dumbstruck boy a few steps behind you.

As you neared the end of the meadow you started to make out tents in the distance.

"Look, there is, the army. We're almost there." The two of you continued towards the army. Your father had assembled all the Kingdom's finest warriors and on top of that took anyone who volunteered to fight. You felt a sense of hope as you saw the sheer amount of people your father had managed to assemble.

As you walked into the army camp people seemed to do a double take as whispers of 'the princess' weaved through the crowds. You did your best to ignore them, instead turning your head to smile at Eddie. When you saw your father standing outside one of the tents talking to the general you felt a bit of fear and worry wash through you but you were here now and nothing would stop you from fighting. As you approached your father, he turned to see you. Shock was evident in his eyes at first but then anger took over.

"Y/N," He said in a stern voice but didn't shout.

"I've come to fight. I am the future Queen, I should be here."

"Come with me." You turned to look at Eddie before following your father. He guided you to the edge of the camp, across the other side of the battlefield there was a large hill. On top you could make out the dark tents of your enemy.

"You see how many of them there are. They have equal our numbers if not yours, I can't have you fighting. You're right you are the future Queen and that is why you must survive."

"Do you doubt me, father? All those years of training, I can fight and come out of this alive."

"I've told you, no, you can't."

"What sort of Queen would I be if I let my people fight and die while I hid away in my castle? I need to be here not just to fight, but I will be the one to retrieve the Crown Jewels."

"No, you will not!"

"Father, you don't understand, please just li-"

"Enough! Enough of this madness, you will not fight, I forbid you! Guards, take her to the spare tent and do not let her leave." Two guards approached and took either of your arms before you could reach for your sword. You tried to fight them off but they dragged you to the tent and hauled you inside. They stood outside and guarded it. You laid on the bed staring up at the ceiling as hopelessness washed over you. A voice outside broke your thoughts.

"I've come to bring her food. And entertainment. The King said I could."

"Be quick," One of the guards said in a rough voice and stepped aside allowing Eddie into the tent.

"Eddie!" You sat up.

"Here, brought you some soup, awful stuff but somewhat edible." He handed you the bowl. "So, conversation with your father didn't go as well as you hoped?"

"Great actually, I just have guards keeping me in here for fun," You replied sarcastically, earning a laugh from Eddie.

"He found me after they took you here. Got a bit angry at helping you to get here but thanked me for protecting you on the journey. I told him it was the other way around."

"Oh yeah, what did he say to that?"

"Didn't even say anything. Moved on and ask if I would join the fight. I said I would. We fight at dawn." You sighed.

"I need to find a way out," You said in a quiet voice.

"I'll help you. At the back of the tents when the rest of the soldiers have headed to the front of the battlefield I reckon I'll be able to sneak around and get you out," He whispered back.

"Could you get my sword too, if possible? I think they took it to the armoury tent."

"Yeah, I'll try. For now, eat up and try not the throw it back up."

"Is it that bad?"

"Try it for yourself." You took a spoonful and placed it in your mouth. You pulled a face of disgust.

"You're right, it's awful." The two of you laughed together.

"Maybe you would have preferred the moldy bread?"

"Absolutely not." Your laughs died down and you sighed, looking at the boy. You brought your hand up to his face and brushed his hair out of his eyes. You broke apart when someone cleared their throat.

"I granted you five minutes to see my daughter, now please leave and give us some privacy."

"Yes, your highness." Eddie gave you a soft look before leaving the tent.

"What do you want now, father?"

"That boy, you're too attached to him. You must let him go. I suspected something when I first saw the two of you walking into this camp but now I'm certain."

"I think I love him, father."

"But you must let him go. When you return to the castle you will announce your engagement to Lord Harrington."

"But father-"

"No, you are to marry him."

"But why? Why must I marry him?"

"He comes from a noble family and is a good man."

"I never said he wasn't but why must it be a nobleman? Why don't I get to choose who I marry?"

"Because I am your father and the King."

"But what about love? I do not love Lord Harrington," You cried. "Why did you marry mother? Was it because she came from a noble family or was it for love?" Your father remained speechless. "If mother hadn't been from a noble elf family would you still have married her?"

"That is beside the point."

"No, it isn't!"

"Your mother was an elf, even if she wasn't from a noble family it still would have been more respectable than marrying a commoner."

"I hate that word. Commoner. They are people, just like you and I. People we live to serve and protect, or don't you remember mother's words?"

"I have had enough of this disobedience, you will marry who I chose and that is final!" He shouted and you remained silent, staring at him with a sad look in your eyes. He turned and stormed out of the tent, leaving you alone once again. You laid back down on your bed as a sob escaped you. You continued to cry until sleep finally overtook you.

***

You were woken up by some rustling behind you. Still tired, you tried to ignore it assuming it was just people moving around out there. You shut your eyes again until you felt a tap on your shoulder causing you to jump up from the bed quickly.

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you, princess," Eddie whispered. Behind him, there was a cut in the tent he had made with the dagger you gave him. "They really should find stronger material for these things. Anyone could get in."

"Is it almost dawn?"

"Yeah, most people are at the front now, preparing for the battle. Oh, that reminds me. Here you are, m'lady." He handed you your sword which he had managed to steal from the armory tent. Together, you made your way out of the back of the tent and managed to sneak to the edge of the camp. Once you had made it to the outskirts of the camping grounds, the battle had begun. From a distance, you could see the two armies charging toward each other and clashed. It was a blood bath and as much as you wanted to help out you needed to make it to the fortress. Near the outskirts, there was a stable where you managed to steal two of the horses. Luckily, most of the soldiers were already fighting so it was easy to take them unnoticed. The two of you mounted the horses and set off.

Sneaking around the two fighting armies was the hardest part. You had to travel quite far out and looped back around but most of the Kingdom of Shadow was wooded areas so it was a lot easier.

"This place gives me the creeps," Eddie said with a shiver.

"Yeah, me too but once we make it through these woods the fortress should be right there."

***

You had been right. The two of you had traveled for another half an hour or so when the trees became sparse. There was just a small stretch between you and the fortress now. But it was heavily guarded. You hid behind a boulder and watched as the guards did their rounds.

"We'll never be able to just sneak in there, we need a disguise," You told Eddie who nodded in agreement. The two of you devised a plan. You found a small rock on the ground and threw it a little way in front of you. Before hiding behind the boulder. Two guards came to see what had made the noise.

"Hey, over here." Eddie stood up and whispered when they were close enough, as you slowly moved further around the boulder, hiding from their view. The two approached Eddie. The first soldier that came towards Eddie swung a giant club toward him narrowly missing him as he ducked. While it was distracted trying to attack Eddie you jumped out from your hiding place and hit it hard on the head with the hilt of your sword. Knocking it out. It collapsed to the ground but you didn't have much time as the second creature charged forward. You quickly held out your sword as it clashed with the creatures, pushing it back. You swung again, managing to cut the creatures arm. As it charged towards you again, angered by the wound you had given it, Eddie had picked up the club and quickly hit it over the head, knocking it out. He breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Job well done, I'd say," He said as the two of you began to take the armour from the two knocked out enemies.

The disguises helped you sneak into the fortress, along with you pretending to be a wounded soldier and Eddie helping you inside. You kept your heads down as you avoided others that were moving around inside. You weren't exactly sure where the Crown Jewels were being held but when you saw a guarded doorway leading to the basement of the fortress, you were fairly certain they would be down there. You approached the four guards that were stood around the door.

"We need to get by you, if you'll excuse us," Eddie said in a gruff voice.

"Nobody is allowed in," One of the guards replied.

"So we're gonna have to do this the hard way," Eddie replied before pulling his helmet off and dropping it to the floor, you repeating his actions. The guards were startled but were quick to jump into action. The two of your fought them. Along the journey you had trained Eddie a little but you found he was quite a natural at it and a quick learner. You had managed to take down two of the guards as the remaining two contained to swing their swords at you.

"You really should have stolen a sword for yourself from the armoury."

"I like my dagger, I think it's cute."

"Cute has no place in warfare," You said as you managed to twist your sword against the guard's sword, sending it flying out of his hand.

"If cute has no place in warfare, then what are you doing here?"

"Oh shut up."

When the two of you had managed to take out the other two guards you moved quickly through the doors and down a spiralling staircase that was lit with torches placed in brackets along the walls. At the bottom of the stairs was a long corridor. You squinted and at the end you were able to make out some sort of swirling smoke.

"This is why only I can get it. See the smoke, it's poisonous to humans. Only a few creatures can walk through it unaffected. One of those few being elves. Because I'm half human it will hurt, most likely, but it won't kill me. Eddie, I need you to stay here, keep an eye out."

"But I don't want you to go alone."

"We don't have a choice, Eds." He looked at you with concern before nodding. You embraced him as he whispered to you.

"Stay safe and be quick, we won't have long before they find the guards up there."

"I will." And with that you hurried off down the corridor. Eddie watched as your figure disappeared in the smoke. It stung to walk through but when you came out the other side you were in a large room. In the centre, you recognised the glitter of diamonds and emeralds and rubies. The Crown Jewels. But from the shadows, a figure stepped out and approached you. The Shadow King. Without a word he raised his sword ready to fight.

"I knew you'd come. In the shadows, I am able to watch you and the rest of your kind. You're journey has not been easy but it will all be over, soon." You swung first but he easily dodged it. He charged forward and you stumbled back onto the ground, dropping your sword. He leaned towards you pointing the end of the sword at your throat.

"You should have listened to your father. Imagine the heartbreak it will cause. First your mother's death and now yours. It will drive him mad, I won't even need to invade your Kingdom, he will ruin it all with cruelty and coldness."

"No, he wouldn't. Only you could bring so much sorrow to the world." You reached for the sword, your fingers brushing against the hilt.

"Such a brave princess. I see you do not fear death. Maybe I should kill someone else then? Let insanity of too much grief and not being able to protect those you love drive you insane. The man you came here with, perhaps?"

"Eddie," You whispered, as streak of fear struck your heart.

"Eddie. That's it. Make you watch as the final light leaves his eyes. I'd enjoy that, I've seen the secret glances and soft smiles shared. But don't you know, princess? Royalty and commoners are never a good mix."

"You leave him alone. Don't you dare touch him."

"What will you do about it, princess?" He stared intently down at you but was surprised to find a smile break out on your face.

"This." You had kept him talking and had managed to reach for your sword. You swung and cut into his arm as he jumped back. You were quick to your feet and kept striking him again and again. His threats had fueled your determination as you managed to knock the sword from his hand. You lunged forward one more time sinking your sword straight through his chest. He collapsed to his knees before finally hitting the ground. You breathed heavily as you stepped away. Before collecting yourself and quickly heading up to the podium where the jewels stood. You quickly got them and placed them inside your pocket before running back through the corridor towards Eddie. He was stood with his back to you, watching the staircase for any movement. He heard you running towards him and quickly turned to see you.

"Y/N, are you alright?"

"Yes, I've got them and the Shadow King is dead, we need to go, now." He smiled at you before the two of you took off up the staircase. Luckily, no one had discovered the guards laying on the floor as most were fighting on the battlefields outside. You made your way outside the fortress where a few guards who remained outside of it, spotted you and came charging towards you. The two of you fought your way through them, running towards the two horses you had left tied up a little ways into the woods. You quickly untied and mounted them, and guided them out fo the forest. The horses ran the outskirts of the battlefield, the shadow soldiers were too slow to catch up and those in front slashed their swords at you but you managed to break your way through. You and Eddie were left with several gashed on your arms and limbs but you were alive. Your own soldiers spotted you and tried their best to occupy the shadow soldiers. You managed to find your own father fighting two shadow soldiers. You and Eddie hoped of your horses and let them run free. It wasn't long before the two of you were engaged in combat with soldiers.

"I've got them father. Eddie and I, we got into the fortress. We just need to drive back the shadow army." As he defeated another soldier he gave you a quick look of shock before another soldier lunged for him. The battle was long and difficult but eventually your forces were able to drive the shadow army to retreat.

***

"I'm sorry I ever doubted you, my dear."

"It's alright, father, you just wanted to protect me."

"I did but you don't need it, I see now you can protect yourself. And I see that you should have full control over your own life. I thought a lot about what you said the other day about your mother. If she had been a human civilian I still would have loved her and wanted to marry her. And you should marry for love too. One day you will be a great leader but I also want you to be a happy one and spend your life with those you love. You have my blessing to be with whoever you chose." You smiled brightly and hugged your father. "Go find him," He whispered to you. You nodded with an excited smile before running to find Eddie. He had just walked out of the medical tent where they had fixed up his wounds. You practically jumped into his arms as he wrapped them around your waist.

"Come on, let's go for a walk, I need to tell you something." The two of you walked to the outskirts of the army camp.

"Look," You said to him. "The grass already is regaining some of its colour now that my father has the jewels. Everything is going to be alright." He smiled at you.

"What is it you wanted to talk about?" You looked down nervously to the ground.

"Well, I-" But before you could say another word you felt a piercing feeling in your back. A shadow soldier had managed to hide in the tall grass that was near the edge of the camp. He had jumped forward and stabbed you.

"Y/N!" He shouted as you fell into his arms. A soldier nearby saw the commotion and sprinted forward killing the shadow soldier. He stared down and watched as Eddie collapsed to his knees, still holding you. "Don't just stand there, quick, get help!" The soldier quickly took off running.

He looked back down at you with tears in his eyes.

"Hey, look at me, you're going to be alright."

"Yeah." You smiled a soft but sad smile up at him.

"Earlier, what I was gonna say," You choked out. "Before my father said I had to marry a nobleman but he told me he's changed his mind. He said I get it's my choice to make. It's you, Eds. You're my choice if you feel the same. I-I love you." He smiled down at you as a sob escaped his lips.

"I think I've loved you since you first cut me down from that tree," He replied. You laughed softly but winced in pain. "I want nothing more than to marry you." You smiled again at him as he kissed your forehead, his tears hitting your face as the light faded.

***

The pain in your side was the first thing you noticed when you woke. You opened your eyes, squinting because of the bright lights. When your eyes adjusted you saw a few nurses mulling around the tent. Next to you sat Eddie, holding your hand.

"You're awake," He said with a bright smile before turning to one of the nurses. "Could you send word to her father that she's awake?" You tried to sit up but winced in pain.

"Hey, woah, just stay laid down, you're okay."

"What happened?"

"The soldier that was with us managed to find some nurses. They were able to get you back here and save you. When you passed out I thought that was it, you know. I thought I'd lost you just when everything was finally looking up." His eyes began to fill with tears.

"Hey," You reached up and stroked his cheek gently "You could never really lose me." He leaned into your touch, placing his own hand on top of yours. You were interrupted as your father rushed inside.

"Y/N." He said softly.

"Hi, dad," You replied.

"I'm so glad you're okay, how are you feeling?"

"Tired and a bit sore but I'm alright."

"That's good at least but you should get some rest, my dear." He turned to Eddie. "May I speak with you?"

"Yes, your majesty." Eddie squeezed your hand before standing up and leaving the tent. Your father kissed the top of your head, smiling softly at you before following Eddie out of the tent.

"Walk with me, will you?" Your father said you Eddie who readily agreed. the two walked around the camp. "I take it, before she was hurt, my daughter spoke with you."

"Yes, she did."

"And now I'm asking you sincerely not as your King but as a father who wants what's best for my daughter, how do you feel about her?"

"Well, from the second I saw her I was mesmerised but I'm sure most people are when they first meet the princess. But then we spent countless hours traveling and talking to her made those hours seem like mere minutes. I found she was kind and funny and just."

"She is the future Queen of our kingdom, which can be either be a selling point for suitors or something to scare them off. I worry dearly about her and I want her to marry for love and happiness, not convenience."

"I can see why you worry but she is incredibly independent and knows her own mind and what she wants. It's one of the things that I admire so deeply about her. She is the future Queen but before that she is Y/N. Sweet and loyal, quick-witted and brave. Yes, her power is daunting, of course it is, but that daunting feeling is nothing compared to the strength of my love for her." Your father smiles at Eddie.

"Well then, in that case, you have my full blessing to marry her. I know you will love her as she deserves." Eddie broke out into a grin. "You can talk to her after she has rested but for now how about you fetch your lute and play me something, I've heard rumours that you're quite the musician."

***

"Eddie," You said softly as you woke to see the boy sitting beside you again. The doors of the tent were pulled apart, outside you could see the fading light of the day.

"Hey, you. How are you feeling?"

"Much better now that I've rested."

"That's good because when we get back to the Kingdom we have a lot to do, you know planning a wedding and all."

"A wedding?"

"Right, getting a bit ahead of myself there."

"Eds, what are you talking about?" You laughed a little, sitting up in the bed.

"Well, going back to what you said earlier. If you'll still have me, will you marry me? I don't have a proper ring to give. Who knew battlefields would be a bad place for engagement ring shopping? But I made you this in place until we can get one." He pulled out a small ring he made with flowers by tying the stems together. "It's not much, I know, but it will do, for now. So I'm asking you again. I love you and I really want to be with you, so will you do me the honour of marrying me?" He got down onto one knee in front of you.

You couldn't stop yourself from smiling. The smile was so big it made your cheeks ache but you didn't care. You leaned forward and wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him forward. He wrapped his own arms around your waist, hugging you.

"Of course, I'll marry you."

"I'm glad you said that because I think you're father's pretty set on the idea after we talked."

"And to think, he wanted me to Lord Harrington first? You're a much better choice."

"I love you, your highness." He pulled away to smile at you. You rolled your eyes at the name.

"I love you too, thief."

"Hey-" You laughed softly before pulling him to you, capturing his lips with your own.

#eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #stranger things #stranger things 4 #fantasy au #fantasy #fanfic #fanfiction #lotr

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rphelperblog · 2 years

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NCIS Quote

feel free to edit or change pronouns for rp purposes

I love saying ‘per se.’ It’s one of those phrases no-one really knows what it means, but you use it anyway, ’cause…Am I off topic again?”

Pretend I'm not as smart as you.”

“Good new, I am mentally stable.”

“The things you do mean something to people.”

“Alright, I expect that is the likely outcome So are you just annoyed with me?”

“I’m not the wild card. I’m the guy who looks at what is infront of him and refuses to accept it.”

“He’s standing righ there isn’t he.”

“Today’s new friend is tomorrows family.”

“Just remeber: I’ve got mouths to feed. Two goldfish. I’m the only source of income and they are awfully cute.”

“You may be smart, but my geek carries a gun!”

It's completely idiot-proof. ... But a quick overview never hurts.”

It wasn't a kill shot. “

“Status on you is you’re really irriating and I wish you were missing.”

I am one of the few people in the world who can murder you and leave no forensic evidence”

“Who’s grandfather am I? well, who is your grandmother?”

Can I take a braincheck?”

"One gets over the loss of a wallet or a watch, but a loved one, they never leave you."

"The things you do mean something to people."

"I've seen bad turn to good plenty of times. You just can't lose faith."

“Don’t put me in a situation that I haven’t trained for.”

“When the job is done, walk away.”

“Bend the line, don’t break it. “

“Always be specific when you lie.”

"Life is too short to not tell someone you love them if you do."

“Never accept an apology from someone who just sucker punched you”

“If someone thinks they have the upper-hand, break it. “

“Keep your friends close. And the crazies even closer!”

“I’ve seen bad turn to good many times. You can’t lose faith.”

“You never make things easy do you.”

Put me in, Coach! Boy, sound really travels in here.”

Danger, intrigue, a damsel in distress…I’m actually looking forward to it.”

I was just gonna tussle your hair. Sometimes it makes you smile.”

your dying words will be, ‘I’ve seen this film’.”

You must have missed me, going and getting a dog.”

If I wanted to knock on doors all day, I would have joined UPS.”

You have captured his essence perfectly. His…anger. His intent. Uh, his bloodlust.”

“Never get personally involved on a case.”

“Never go anywhere without a knife.”

“Never take anything for granted”

“Family is more than just DNA it’s about people who care and take care of eachother.”

“ My superpowers are kicking down doors, breaking through windows, a tango."

“It’s better to seek forgiveness than ask permission”

“You cannot break my door one minute and expect me to face my whole life the next.”

Die, you stupid machine! “

“Go. Unhydrate”

“I am not much for words. Most things are better left unsaid

“American idioms drive me up a hall.”

I never even heard the word "penpal" until you came along.”

The man's desk is not even cold. “

I already agreed to stay away from the windows.”

I will kill you eighteen different ways with this paper clip.”

‘Do you people find me…boring?’

“Always work as a team. “

Love is never having to read her her Miranda Rights.”

I always say, you can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your family.”

‘You dudes in the Secret Service ever think about throwing yourselves in front of the president’s diet?’

Well, it wasn't the arrow.”

‘What good’s it being an armed Federal Agent, if you can’t drive fast?’

“Did she give you the cold elbow?”

I thought I'd brighten the place up a bit.”

“ You need to cut the man some slacks.”

“Do you mind if I grab a bat nap?”

“You look you have seen a goat.”

“And do marines sell the yard often?”

One can always tell a woman’s intentions from her panties.”

#open rp #open to all #open to anyone #ask meme #open meme #open to anybody #rp meme #ask prompt #roleplay meme #memes #open starter #NCIS #jethro gibbs #ziva david #agent ducky #Abby #quote rp meme

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cloud-based-and-rainpilled · 8 months

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I just finished Staged 1!! My reactionz (apologies for wall-of-text; I cannae “read more” on mobile);

(tl;dr at the end)

Props for getting me to not despise a Zoom show on sight. Uses the medium really well despite it being, you know, a remnant of the world fuckin ending

Very Rosencranz and Guildenstern are Dead, like the patter/volley, lotta chemistry (goes without saying)

David Tennant using Frost/Nixon as an example to explain who Michael Sheen is to Samuel L. Jackson makes me feel so seen. Maybe it’s an American thing idk

Nina, my beloved… serving cunt as the day is long. Rip to her beleaguered assistant lmao

The celeb cameos weren’t annoying !

Bordered on naval gaze-y but self aware enough (meta!) to skirt the line well

Simon’s sister rules lmao

The exterior shots showing empty Englandland were beautiful and captured a (shitty) moment in time very effectively. And sheep! Pastoral VS city, good stuff

Who the fuck is Michael Sheen?!

I wish David writing the play came up earlier, structurally it felt kinda thrown in the last two episodes, but they’re short so it’s a lot to put in

Michael crying over the old lady possibly dying 🥺 Best unseen character uwu

Welsh is a horrifically ugly language but I appreciate their commitment to the bit

Best ep by far was the 3rd (I think?) one revolving around lying. Fantastically written and all around a tight episode

He is in the naughty corner!!

I’m ignorant af whooooooo is the black actory guy in the 5th (I think?) episode who goes on a run to deal with stress and reads Ulysses twice? Love him. I will follow him into the dark

The Ulysses bit is very haha Bri’ish

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night Reference !!!!

The credits gag is *chef’s kiss*

I… don’t like the music. It feels very Kevin Macleod student film stock piano sorry

Also could be my hearing issues but I just couldn’t hear sometimes, at least with the wide shots. Maybe there are subtitles but I wouldn’t know since I watched it completely legally uwu

Editing with fade-to-black annoyed me at first since that’s not how Zoom works but it won me over, very effective theater-y choice. Elevates it a lot along with the way the Brady Bunch boxes move

David and Georgia’s dynamic is adorable and they play well off each other. Not sure if I’ve seen Georgia in anything before (statistically speaking she was prob in Doctor Who lmao) but I really like her as an actress! Very charming

Anna’s not in it as much so can’t say for her acting ability but she was fine idk. She has zero chemistry with David and Georgia but her and Michael seem to have a little bit, just not nearly on the same level as the Tennants. It’s “meta” so not quite sure what that implies irl but her awkwardly leaving Georgia on read was very funny

Idk who Simon is but he’s a good actor! More of a writer? Self effacing and fun

D̵̨̜̓̽͆͘Ḁ̴̪̻̘̗̮̀͛̈̊̅͆ͅM̷̭̒͛̓̔̐͛̉̂̈́̔͘Ë̷̲́̿̅̀̐̆̇̅͋̓̋͂̉ ̴̟̖͉̳͖͕̫̑̌́͂̀͑͐̽̈́̃̃J̶̨̤̞̰̙̻̯͍͖̯̠̝̥̤̿͐̄̂̈̅̎̃̌͊͊̓͠Û̶̢͍͔̱̦̩̬̦͙͖̓̿͘D̶͇̭́̋̓̆͆̋̋͘I̶̞̳͕͖͗̓̓͑̐͆͊͋̂̚͠͝ ̴̧̨͎͖̲̳̼̎̈́̋̐͘Ḑ̸̲̖̟̲͓̝̠͍̤͛͆͐͘E̷̛̻̥͙̯͂͌̌̈͂̒Ņ̷̛̭̦̗͔̝͙̖̆̀̆̌̚ͅC̴̢̬͉͈̉͐̃̀̋̓̓̓̀̚H̵̡̠͕͚̹͑͂̃̉̐̈̾̍̕͠

In the same vein, the button of the cookie jar acting game— yes. All yes

Once again hammering the meta theme but it is interesting to see how David & Michael’s chemistry really does get stronger as the episodes go on. I’m assuming it was filmed in order so a lot of it is the awkwardness of acting on Zoom I think since they had better chemistry in Good Omens 1 imo. They said they became closer friends through it and it shows

Also feels less ‘actor-y’/more comfortable between them as it goes on, which I get is scripted but you can tell the difference, like when a sitcom cast for many years either starts hating each other at the end or becomes inseparable

tl;dr Overall it’s quite cute! Well written, easy watch, lotta subtle funny moments and back and forths. Interesting to see something that feels like a play as a Zoom TV show, it’s unique. Everyone is having a good time and likes each other and it shows. Not sure I’d come back for a rewatch if not for it (apparently) becoming a lot more meta as it goes on and then whiplashing from funnier in season 2 to major bummer in season 3.

It’s fascinating to see a friendship develop in real time, and even aside from that, it’s written and edited concisely. Based on .gifs I’ve seen it looks like season 2 has a lot more of the iconic/memorable moments. Don’t really see the “love story” aspect yet but I guess that comes in time. (And arguing! I’m excited for arguing. Actors love that shit.)

Started season 2 with episode 1 and already like it more with how meta (this no longer sounds like a word) it’s getting. Cool concept and I’m glad it exists

#my tl;dr is so long lmao sorry #using it as an excuse to go to the gym #i will watch ofmd soon tho! once i’ve finished this #bless those who sail the high seas #staged #bbc staged #staged 1 #michael sheen #david tennant #georgia tennant #simon evans #also yes they’re both very attractive i’m just embarrassed to not shove it in the tags because i’m a nerd #also georgia is very pretty and has eyes like a furby #samuel l jackson #lucy eaton <- damn no tag sorry girl

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thomine · 4 months

Text

2023 WRAPPED

writing edition for thomine. questions that summarise your writing journey for the whole year. source of these prompts were lost.

thanks for accompanying me on this journey! onward to more words written, more stories shared, and more atrocious alliteration)

Your yearly word count!

a whooping 31,327 words! this does not count stories posted on my older blog. au august really did wonders to my stats, haha. this word count is only for published works, not including drafts. au august was about 24k, which is about 70% of my yearly word count, lol.

Fave fic you wrote this year?

there is so many reasons why something can be a person's favourite... and this year it is probably READY, AIM, FIRE (venti)! i really like metaphors and abstract themes, so it was fun trying to string two concepts that are seemingly not related into a story! i absolutely loved the prompt and the undertone it brought to the story. i also really like venti, and i had tons of fun writing a little bit of the fic everyday.

Fave fic you read this year?

THE FIVE WISHES YOU FULFILLED TO ME BEFORE I DIED, by (@)tartagliaxx! i love the emotional maturity of this fic and how it handles the topic of death so gracefully. the last chapter was something i did not expect (in a sense, i was fooled), but it was a very pleasant surprise and i love the spin of it. there are many beautiful metaphors as the author talks about the experiences of handling a dying loved one which i loved. impressed with this author's stamina because i cannot write a fic this long, lol.

Fave ship you wrote for?

tighnari and reader in REACHING OUT. i wrote this piece when i received news that my friend was travelling overseas and he had no intention of returning. but, even if he did, his absence would impact the friend group dynamic's a lot--and it did--which made me... grief a lot. i wrote this as a conversation between myself and an alternative point of view symbolic of tighnari. however, after the whole year, i realised that reader and tighnari sort of morphed into their own relationship. they're cute (in my head).

Fave character POV to write!

ohhh reader in TUG OF NURTURE (baizhu). in this fic, reader is turning into a zombie, so i had to think about how that would feel like. what even is a zombie anyway? it was fun. an honourable mention would be reader in FOOLISH LOGIC (tighnari), as they are a robot. the issue is that writing in the 3 statement = 1 conclusion can be a bit boring if dragged for too long.

Fave line you wrote!

There are a few who rush through the storeroom shouting for their young master, but they cannot find him.

from SEARCH IN VAIN (xingqiu)! in this fic, xingqiu's role as the second son of feiyun and xingqiu is thinly separated. that is the context that, i feel, makes this line cool. they are trying to find their young master, but they cannot find him. he is not there. instead, it is xingqiu.

WIP you finally finished!

not necessarily finished... but i am glad i tried writing every day for the month of august! it was really fun. being able to write for 12 days straight was inspiring, and that prompted me to make SLO'S MONTHLY REPORT, a newsletter where i hope to share 1 work every month.

WIP you've yet to finish!

i know i don’t talk about it much but i would really like to rewrite AND expand on FOR YOUR SAKE (chongyun). when i wrote it, i was plagued by the idea to the point i had to publish what i’ve already written to give myself breathing space. i had an idea for a 2/3 part story then, but i just didn’t have the energy or time (or effort to fork out both) for this wip. maybe next year!

Your most read fic this year!

probably… READY, AIM, FIRE (venti)? i am not someone who looks back regularly, and often times notes aren’t an accurate indicator for viewership, but i uploaded it to ao3 and it seems pretty loved there as well.

Your longest fic this year!

SERIOUS SCHEMES AND SINCERE SINS (thoma). it was a whooping 2.8k fic even though i limited myself to 1.5k words MAX. but it is thoma, so i had to. funnily enough, my longest fic for 2022 was also a thoma fic! haha.

Your shortest fic this year!

THROUGH THICK AND THIN (mika). it sits at around 600 words. i wanted it to be a drabble (100 words only), but i couldn't do it. maybe another time!

Fave fic title you used!

THE DUET OF ONE HEART (alhaitham)! this is a small symbolism to the fic. although alhaitham and reader are enemies, because they are on equal grounds to compete they understand each other so well, and their hearts "become one". i think it's a nice title because duet = two people, but it's a duet of one heart—a heart of two people combined. do you see it? XD

Biggest surprise while writing this year!

probably the launch of the steambird’s discord! we’re still a pretty small community, but it has been a blast discussing things and sharing posts with them. we have a writing event due and i look forward to that! also, it’s nice to have people to do writing sprints with.

Fave comment you received this year!

being told that there is an air of domesticity in my fics! i think it’s really endearing if a fic has that domesticity, because it alludes to authenticity and also just the general vibe of the author and reader being friends, and the author is telling their story openly. i’m glad my stories come across that way! i write to connect with people, so i like that it is easy to reach (domestic being associated with homely, comfortable, etc).

Fave fic author to read this year!

@andromeda-nova-writing !! my friend uploaded so many fics this year, including a whole world for vampire!ayato. really proud of her, and i adore her skills in dialogue that really adds a beautiful flow to the fics she writes.

Total fics/chapters uploaded this year!

from the tags i use on this blog (assuming i've tagged things properly), i have a total of 22 fics on thomine. most of them are from au august. i hope to write even more this year! final boss is nanowrimo.

What are you looking forward to next year?

writing more long fics! over the years, i realise my ideas are growing in maturity. they’re no longer ideas that can simply be confined to just 1-2k one-shots. they need space to build itself and grow, so i would like to write longer fics this year. may my fics average to about 3-4k words 🙏 i would need to build a stamina for that, so let’s work on it slowly!

#build a forest #reusing this tag for such things haha. because i hope to do it yearly #blog revamp for 2024?? yes #stay tuned! hahaha #on an unrelated note: i figured out how to integrate ao3 into my archive #this blog is the true archive of everything #ao3 will be for fics i particularly like and am proud of :>#to put less pressure on myself for producing 'masterpieces'

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apompkwrites · 3 years

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reader impact || first meeting: archon edition

series masterlist characters: venti, zhongli genre: fluff summary: a game has been released entitled genshin impact, consisting of otherworldly abilities relying on the basic elements of nature. the game follows the story of an interdimensional traveling twin in search of their other half. along this journey, they meet different characters that live in this world. including you. notes: i still don't know if this will be a series but last post would've been too long if i had all four in one

venti's playthrough -

hoo boy, venti's streams would be VERY chaotic.

this boy has nothing to tie him down except for his own mortality, but will that stop him? no.

lots of late night or early morning streams because his sleep schedule is practically nonexistent.

he does a lot of singing or storytelling streams, which is why the time is perfect.

he'll sing lullabies and read bedtime stories at night. in the morning, he'll sing soft songs to wake up his viewers and talk about the rare dreams he'd have once he passes out.

he'll also have drinking streams where he just drinks as much as he can. he's a drunkard, what can i say?

anyway, gaming is something he isn't opposed to, but mainly ones with music or just pure crackhead energy.

when his viewers suggest genshin impact, he'd be somewhat hesitant?

he needs games that are chaotic and filled with energy to keep his attention.

his mods and viewers, however, are able to convince him because of a certain drunken character.

as soon as he sees the non-spoiled description of your character, he's off to download.

he actually enjoys a lot of the adventure aspects of the game, even if he's known as a lazy streamer.

anyway, his viewers definitely should have warned him about your appearance.

they never told him you were such a cute character!

"don't be afraid. it's alright now, i'm back."

"HASGDGSJFK"

he shrieked when you started talking.

"HOW ARE THEY SO CUTE?!?!"

he gets sad when his character sets off dvalin...

you disappear and your dragon friend flies off... now venti's just sad he might've made you upset.

he's pouting the whole way through mondstadt, thinking of ways to make it up to you.

he doesn't care if you're a video game character, he loves you nonetheless.

and once dvalin shows up in mondstadt, he's genuinely excited. he knows your bound to appear again because your friend is here.

when you help venti fly behind dvalin, his chat is teasing him because of the grin on his face.

he's so soft for you, man...

he will spend hours just ranting about you when he's going through the domains with the standard characters.

when he finds the other statues in mondstadt, he likes to climb up it to admire your archon design.

even though he's known you for a few minutes, he will automatically recognize your face in the game.

he knows it's annoying but he can't help but ask his chat if he'll get to see you again soon. he really doesn't want to spend hours without hearing you and seeing you in game.

he likes to yell at paimon whenever she makes fun of you

he shrieks again when he sees you running past the fountain.

he almost cries when he sees you playing your lyre for the first time.

you're perfect in his eyes and all he wants is to spend every minute of this game with you.

although, he did have to take a break the first time he saw your archon form illustrated.

you just... look like an angel and his body can't handle that.

he loves listening to your tales. like the battle pass story that occurs every time it renews, he never skips it. soon, he'll memorize it and recite it with you once it appears.

"oh! i remember you two. you both scared dvalin away!"

"I'M SORRY"

please forgive him. he knows you won't because the game doesn't require it, but he decides to always call stormterror dvalin to make up for it.

"ah, right! i haven't introduced myself... i'm (name) the bard!"

please this boy is so smitten for a video game character.

when you're revealed to be the archon, he's not too surprised? i mean, he already recognized you from the statue.

he is so excited to steal the lyre for you.

it takes him a bit, though, just because he has a bad attention span and ends up revealing his location.

he's even more excited to learn you're a regular at diluc's tavern.

he would do anything to drink with you.

he'll reluctantly end the game there just because it's time for his bedtime songs/stories.

"i'll be back tomorrow, (name), my love! i promise!"

zhongli's playthrough -

zhongli's a really good streamer even when he doesn't try to be.

he is basically the king of just chatting streams.

daily tea times and storytime streams are a go!

his voice is what lures them in and his charm is what traps them there.

he's still poor, though...

he relies on the donations from his viewers but he always expresses his gratitude.

man's respectful, what can i say?

anyway, he does play games every now and then. he doesn't tend to enjoy fighting games though.

although, he's rather good at them... for some reason.

his gaming streams tend to be a lot longer because he picks games with an overarching story.

i'm talking long games like night in the woods, detroit: become human, really any long game with deep meanings and stories.

his viewers will pay for him to just sit there and read to them.

anyway, someone donates to him and recommends he play genshin impact because of the long story and hidden lore.

he definitely enjoyed the beginning of the story, but got even more attached once he reached liyue.

he seems very intrigued when he begins the quest by watching liyue's archon fall dead on the ground.

he would definitely go on a long rant about gods and goddesses that have fallen.

when he meets childe, he does take a liking to him.

now, this man is known for being stoic and serious, so it comes as a surprise when he almost loses his composure when you appear.

keyword being almost.

he manages to stay composed but his chat knows for a fact he's freaking out over you.

your fancy suit/dress reminds him of the anthropological tales of gods/goddesses and kings/queens.

let this man drink tea with you please--

"it is an honor to meet you. i have heard tell of you from mondstadt."

"... they have quite the pleasant voice."

his chat is going wild at this point.

they get to listen to two heavenly voices talk to each other at the same time?! it's a dream come true!

another man that will let your long lines of dialogue play, listening intently to the stories you tell his character.

he actually really likes the image of his character talking to you.

he's so short compared to you--

he also really likes your animation when you're standing still.

not your idle animations, even though those are really nice as well. i'm talking about the movement of your clothes when your character is standing there. it's just so... soothing to him.

the gradient of your hair color to your elemental gnosis is also a nice detail to him. he likes how there are subtle ways archons look compared to normal citizens in teyvat.

when he finds out you are also a person who struggles with money... oh boy, this man cannot relate more.

you both can be broke together.

he will look to his chat for help every time a bargaining option occurs.

similar to venti, he'd be able to tell you were an archon automatically, mainly because of the way you carry yourself and your design.

when you give away your gnosis, he was really interested in the fact that you were so dedicated to your title of the archon of contracts that you would just willingly give your gnosis away.

when he meets the adepti, his chat jokingly says that the yaksha is yours and his adopted child.

"... i would not be opposed to that idea."

all of the artists and writers in his chat are dying at this point.

he'd look up all of the lore, especially ones involving you, and use them for his storytime streams.

#genshin impact x reader #genshin impact #genshin x reader #genshin impact headcanons #genshin impact imagines #genshin impact scenarios #reader impact #genshin impact fluff #genshin impact venti #genshin impact zhongli #genshin venti #genshin zhongli #genshin impact barbatos #genshin impact rex lapis #genshin impact venti x reader #genshin venti x reader #genshin impact zhongli x reader #genshin zhongli x reader

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archived-kin · 3 years

Text

a lawyer and a historian walk into a café...

note from kin: it’s modern au time!! in this one you’re a lawyer with yanfei as your prodigy protege (essentially she’s the phoenix wright to your mia fey; you’re like her mentor as she trains to get her law degree), and zhongli’s her history professor dad (+ xiao as her big brother who’s doing some fancy uni degree (and yes, this piece was absolutely an excuse to write about a family dynamic between them))

basically one time she brought her dad and big bro over to your attorney office and zhongli looked at you and fell in love immediately and now yanfei’s playing matchmaker for her dad

(xiao probably feels ooc but that’s mostly because there’s not nearly as much trauma for the poor guy in this au. zhongli took xiao and yanfei in when they were 11 and 7 respectively and he was about 24 so let’s say by this point he’s in his mid thirties, and xiao and yanfei are now 23 and 19. also their family name is zhao!!)

quick edit: i've made a cheat sheet for this au in case you want to know more about it!!

fandom: genshin impact

character(s): gn!reader, zhongli, xiao, yanfei, diluc

pairing(s): zhongli/reader

warning(s): none

genre: fluff!

“Okay, so the grocery store plan didn’t work, and neither did the library plan, or the museum plan…” Yanfei writes something in her notebook in her usual impossibly-perfect cursive and taps her pen restlessly against the table. “What else...?”

“The cat shelter plan didn’t work either,” Xiao puts in absent-mindedly, still mostly occupied by the essay he’s writing. Wasn’t he meant to submit that yesterday? “Or the park plan.”

“Oh, right.” Yanfei adds another two lines to her notes. “Is that all?”

Her brother considers for a moment, pausing in his work to take a bite of his cereal bar. “I think so.”

They fall into silence. Zhongli rounds the kitchen counter and sets two steaming mugs of coffee beside his two children, then takes a seat opposite them on the table with his own cup of tea. “...A-Fei, what’s this about?”

“Your love life,” She responds as if it’s obvious, bending over her notes and scribbling something with extra vigour.

“My love life?” He repeats.

Yanfei nods. “You need to get out of the house more. All you do is read books and drink tea.”

He frowns softly. “I do have a job, you know.”

“She means that you don’t have any friends,” Xiao says flatly, eyes still focused on his screen. “Or hobbies, really. When you’re not working, you’re sitting about reading books and drinking tea - like Fei said.”

“Besides, you really like [Name], don't you?” Yanfei points out. “It’s the perfect opportunity to get out a bit!”

Zhongli’s cheeks go a little pink, and he clears his throat, turning away and bringing his cup to his lips. “A-Fei…”

“What?” Yanfei cocks her head to the side. “[Name] thinks you’re cute, you know. I bet they’d say yes if you asked them on a date.”

He chokes on his tea and sets his cup down. After a moment, tapping his fingers agitatedly on the tabletop, he asks, “...where did you get that impression from?”

“I asked them,” Yanfei says plainly, and Zhongli just about dies of embarrassment on the spot. “Just yesterday. I went ‘So what do you think of my dad?’, and they were all like ‘Yanfei, you didn’t tell me your dad was so pretty!’ I think they’ve been dying to talk about you ever since you visited.”

Zhongli opens his mouth to say something, struggling for words, then abruptly snaps it shut again. Xiao watches him clap his hands to his face over the top of his monitor, then turns to Yanfei with a raised eyebrow. “...was that really a good idea?”

“Why wouldn’t it have been?” She replies innocently, tilting her head to the side. “If [Name] likes Dad and Dad likes [Name], there isn’t a problem, is there?”

Her brother shakes his head and reaches over to tug playfully on a lock of her hair. “Well, first of all, do you really want Dad to be dating your teacher?”

“...hmm.” Yanfei pauses to think about it. “...I’m not sure, actually.”

“And I think you’ve just given him an stroke,” He points out, gesturing over the table at their father, who still has yet to remove his hands from his face. “I don’t think he wanted [Name] to know he likes them.”

“I didn’t tell them he likes them, though,” Yanfei says with a small pout. “I just asked them what they thought about him. How would they know?”

“...A-Fei, shouldn’t you be leaving soon?” Zhongli asks finally, removing his hand from his eyes and looking at his daughter with his usual gentle eyes. Yanfei doesn’t miss the way his ears remain a little pink, though. “I believe you’re due to meet [Name] in thirty minutes.”

“Huh?” She raises her wrist to check her watch, then hops off her chair. “Oh, yeah! Can you drop me off?”

“Of course,” He replies with a soft smile, watching as she drains her coffee to dregs and hurries off to change out of her loungewear. The kitchen descends into silence for a moment or two.

“...Fei means well,” Xiao says suddenly. Zhongli turns to see his son giving him a meaningful look over the rim of his own coffee mug. “She just wants you to be happy.”

Zhongli looks at him for a moment, then inclines his head with another, fonder smile. “I know that.”

Xiao nods, and goes back to his essay.

Yanfei comes down in some suitable outdoor clothes about ten minutes later and, with Xiao waving them off with his usual brand of fond dismissiveness, Zhongli and Yanfei head out to the car to set off for the location that Yanfei inputs into the GPS. Zhongli doesn’t miss the way that his daughter keeps sending him almost conspirational looks as he drives.

“...your hair’s kinda messed up.” She says after five minutes or so.

Zhongli keeps his eyes focused on the road as they come to a roundabout. “Does it matter?”

“[Name]’s gonna see you,” She says matter-of-factly. “Don’t you want to look your best?”

“...I hardly think that’s necessary.” He replies after a moment. Yanfei shrugs and goes quiet, but she notes with glee that her father pauses to have a good look at himself in the rear view mirror when they come to a stoplight.

Zhongli surveys himself with a great deal of thoughtfulness, lifting his hand from the wheel to sweep his fringe to the side a little, then changing his mind and pushing it back to where it was. Was Yanfei just teasing him? His hair looks just as it always does - neatly brushed, but a little tousled, and fastened carefully at the back.

He tries to pat down the stubborn little sprigs at the top of his head, but, as usual, they refuse to lay flat. He sighs and, just as he’s deciding to leave it, he spots something odd in the corner of the mirror.

That motorbike - the greenish-blue patterns on its bumper, the red helmet attached to the back, and the demonic-looking mask-like helmet that the rider is wearing… is that Xiao? Is he following them? And why’s he brought Yanfei’s helmet with him?

Zhongli had already begun to have his suspicions when Yanfei asked him to drive her to the meeting place - normally, when she needs to go somewhere, she either skateboards there herself or asks her brother to take her on his bike if it’s too far away - and this only solidifies them. His daughter is most certainly up to something.

Then the lights turn green, and he has to turn back to the wheel. By the time they’re back on a straight enough road with little enough traffic for him to check again, Xiao’s motorbike has disappeared.

“Was that your brother back there?” He asks Yanfei absent-mindedly. She starts and - rather suspiciously - slaps her phone face-down in her lap so that he can’t see the screen.

“Don’t know,” She says. “I wasn’t looking.”

He raises an eyebrow. “...are you texting someone?”

“Um…” She taps her fingers against her leg restlessly. “Yeah.”

A pause. “Is it someone I know?”

She laughs under her breath, poorly disguising it with a cough. “You could say that.”

Her phone goes off, and she hurriedly picks it up to answer the message she’s just received. Zhongli sends her a rather wary side-glance as she starts typing furiously - that text alert is the one that Yanfei has specifically assigned to Xiao. Why would she feel the need to hide the fact that she’s texting her brother?

Yanfei keeps her mouth firmly shut about whatever plan that Zhongli is now certain she has for the rest of the car ride, no matter how much he tries to gently coax the answer out of her. He’s still none the wiser to her intentions as he pulls up to the café marked on the GPS, and he’s beginning to get rather worried - he has a feeling he knows what this is about.

The first thing he notices is that Xiao’s motorbike appears to be parked a little ways down the street, though his son himself is nowhere to be seen. The second thing he notices is you standing outside the café.

You’re dressed far more casually than you’ve been on any of the other occasions that Zhongli’s had the pleasure of seeing you - he’s only ever seen you in your full formal lawyer get-up, perfectly primped and polished for the courtroom, and while that’s a beauteous sight in and of itself, he has to say that he definitely prefers this more comfortable look. It gives you cosy, domestic sort of air; quite the opposite of the strict and business-like way you present yourself while on the job.

Yanfei hops out of the car excitedly and runs to say hello. You greet her with a warm hug, and Zhongli can’t help but feel all fuzzy on the inside at the sight. In the event that he’d ever want a partner, he’s always silently promised himself that whoever he chooses must love his children as much as him - and you’ve always taken good care of his daughter. It’s just another point added to his metaphorical ‘like’ tally.

The two of you exchange words briefly, and Zhongli’s about to start pulling away when Yanfei suddenly turns to point at him. He freezes in his seat as your eyes turn to him, and Yanfei starts gesturing aggressively for him to come over.

Under both of your expectant gazes, he doesn’t really have any choice but to comply. Locking the car doors behind him, he takes a moment to make sure that his shirt is tucked in neatly and that his tie is knotted just-so, then approaches carefully.

Zhongli is usually very much the elegant gentleman, but here’s the thing: whenever one tries to do something a specific way, they’ll almost certainly end up inevitably doing it the complete opposite way. Such is the case for Zhongli; so focused is he on appearing as unbothered and ‘cool’ (as Yanfei would put it) as possible, he forgets to watch his feet, and trips on the edge of the curb.

Yanfei lets out a great laugh as her poor father stumbles and nearly crashes face-first into the pavement, while you hurriedly leap forward to catch him by the arm as he totters. “Goodness! Careful, Mr Zhao.”

“Thank you…” He steadies himself, clearing his throat in embarrassment. A split second later, he realises that you’re touching him. “Ah…!”

He jerks back involuntarily, feeling his face grow even warmer. You look surprised for a moment, then quickly school your expression back into a hospitable smile. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have grabbed you like that.”

“No, it’s fine,” Zhongli quickly shakes his head, busying his restless hands by readjusting his tie. “You simply… startled me, is all.”

“Startled his heart, more like,” Yanfei teases, grinning widely. “Some entrance that was, Dad!”

He shoots his daughter a reproachful look, to which she replies with a conspirational wink. “...is there something you two need?”

“Oh, not really, it’s just…” Yanfei sticks her hand in one of her pockets and rummages about. “...you need two people to get the couple’s discount, don’t you?”

Zhongli freezes on the spot, while you simply raise an intrigued eyebrow and take the voucher Yanfei holds out. “...Yanfei, don’t tell me you planned this?”

“Well, Xiao helped,” She says brightly, and, as if on cue, her brother’s motorbike roars up to the curb.

“A-Xiao,” Zhongli says in greeting, though he can’t help but sound a little betrayed. His son lifts the visor of his helmet and offers a small wave.

“Nice to see you again,” You say with a smile, and Xiao nods curtly at you in reply. “So, was this your idea?”

He shrugs and smirks a little, tossing Yanfei her helmet, which she catches deftly. “She wouldn’t stop pestering me until I helped her. Anyway, Fei, you ready to go?”

“Yup!” She pulls her helmet on and fastens her jacket more securely, hopping up onto the bike behind him. “Have fun with your date, Dad! You can thank us later!”

She waves goodbye as Xiao revs up the bike, and the two have disappeared down the street before Zhongli can raise any complaint. He stares after them, trying desperately not to meet your eyes.

“...well,” You begin after a long moment, “We wouldn’t want to waste this voucher. What do you say, Mr Zhao?”

He swallows and slowly turns to look at you. “...just Zhongli is fine.”

“Zhongli, then,” You say with a smile that makes him go soft in the knees. Goodness, how much more juvenile can he get? He’s a fully grown man, and has been years - and yet here he is getting all hot around the collar like a schoolboy. “Shall we?”

It takes him a moment to realise what you mean, but you don’t seem to notice the way he stumbles over his words - or, at least, you’re gracious enough not to comment on it. “Of— of course.”

He follows as you lead the way into the café as pauses briefly before to door to take in the atmosphere - it’s cosy, with tasteful dark mahogany-dominated furniture. An enormous mural is painted pride of place behind the counter, where a menu usually would be - a sun rising from a sea of pale orange-tinted clouds. What was it this place was called again - Dawn Coffee? The painting certainly lives up to the café’s name.

You seem to have been here before - you weave through the many tables with the sort of familiarity that only comes with experience, while Zhongli has to keep his eyes trained on his surroundings in order to avoid another incident like the one outside. The café is mostly full already, with all manner of people taking up the various seats - mostly students with about seven empty cups littered about in front of them, some typing furiously and others simply slumped over in exhausted repose.

“Diluc,” You greet as you approach the counter. “Fancy seeing you here.”

The red-haired barista shoots you a deadpan look. “I’m here every day. You should know that by now.”

“And you should know that I’m joking,” You shake your head, then slap the voucher Yanfei had given you down on the countertop. “Anyway - here.”

The barista (Diluc, right?) picks the voucher up and skims briefly over its contents, then looks up and right into Zhongli’s face. Zhongli stares back silently, almost daring him to say something derisive. He may be reduced to putty in your hands, but that’s a power that only you possess. Anyone else remains unable to faze him.

“...right,” Diluc says finally, now looking almost a little uncomfortable under Zhongli’s intense gaze. He wonders if he should tone it down a little. “That’s a twenty five percent discount on any two drink and cake combinations, then. What’s your order?”

“I’ll just have the usual,” You say brightly, “With, ooh, let’s say… a piece of Battenberg. And what’ll you have, Zhongli?”

Zhongli looks around. “Is there a menu…?”

“Over there.” Diluc gestures dispassionately over at two large blackboards on the other wall. Zhongli almost slaps himself - how hadn’t he noticed it?

“Ah...” He skims briefly through it. None of the teas offered are ones that he particularly enjoys, which is a little disappointing, but he supposes beggars can’t be choosers. “A matcha tea, please.”

Diluc taps something into his register. “Just the plain tea, or would you prefer a latte?”

“A latte…?” Zhongli repeats, a little lost. Tea rooms are much more his forté than cafès, and he’s not entirely sure how things work.

“Lattes are milk based,” You explain helpfully, “Usually sweeter, too.”

“Oh.” Zhongli shakes his head. He’s always been lactose intolerant - it’s why he prefers herbal teas over any other hot drink. No milk required. “Just plain tea, thank you.”

“Alright,” Diluc types something. “And what kind of cake do you want with that?”

“...how about a slice of Madeira?” You suggest as Zhongli goes silent, looking bewildered. “Nice and simple.”

He nods, still a little confused, and Diluc puts one last thing into his register, prints out a receipt, and hands it to you. You turn to Zhongli as Diluc moves away to start making your drinks.

“Haven’t been to many cafés before, have you?” Your eyes twinkle teasingly, and Zhongli can’t help but flush a little.

“No,” He says slowly. “I’ve never particularly liked them…”

You chuckle, and Zhongli has to fight back a lovestruck smile of his own. “You’d better not let Diluc hear that. His dad owns this place.”

“Are the two of you… familiar?” He asks. He’s not entirely sure that he wants to hear the answer - especially considering the way you laugh after he’s finished speaking.

“I had to defend him once,” You reply, “Nearly a year to the day, actually. Poor guy got himself accused of murdering a homeless man just around the block.”

“I still don’t know how you managed to get a not guilty verdict so quickly,” Diluc comments, coming up to the counter and setting down a tray with two steaming mugs on it. He moves to the side and opens the cabinet of pastries to retrieve the slices cake you’ve ordered.

“Evidence, my dear Ragnvindr,” You say playfully. “Surprisingly enough, it’s easy to get a not guilty verdict when you have rock-hard evidence that your client isn’t guilty.”

Diluc shakes his head in apparent disapproval, but Zhongli catches the way his lip quirks up as he sets down two colourful (and, honestly, very delicious-looking) slices of cake, each on their own dainty little place, on the tray. “Well, here’s your order. Who’ll be paying?”

Zhongli quickly reaches into his pocket, opening his mouth to offer to foot the bill, then suddenly shuts it again when he feels nothing but crumpled-up paper. He sighs mentally. He’s gone and left his wallet behind again. That’s, what, the third time this week? And it’s only Tuesday...

Luckily, he doesn’t need to confess his forgetfulness, because you immediately pull your own wallet out of your pocket and slap a crisp bill on the counter. “Here. Keep the change.”

“How generous,” Diluc says dryly as you laugh. “I believe your usual spot is free for now, so you should hurry.”

You nod, reaching forward to take the tray. “Right. Thanks!”

Zhongli hovers for a moment as you start masterfully working your way back through the maze of tables to an unoccupied corner. As he turns to follow, however, Diluc calls out to him.

“Wait.”

Zhongli pauses. He contemplates ignoring the barista for a moment, then decides that it’s not worth the pettiness, and turns back around.

“Do you need something?” He asks.

Diluc gives him a searching look. Zhongli gets the feeling that he’s trying very hard to read something from his expression.

“...your daughter wants to let you know that she’s cancelling afternoon tea for two weeks if you don’t make a move,” He says finally.

“...what?” Zhongli’s so surprised that he’s unable to prevent his eyebrows from flying up. So much for his stoic act. “You know A-Fei?”

“Is that her name?” Diluc picks up the piece of paper he’d been reading when you and Zhongli had first entered and holds it out. Zhongli takes it carefully. “She stopped by this morning and gave me this.”

Zhongli reads over the note. It’s Yanfei’s penmanship, alright. How long has she been planning this for? “...right. Thank you.”

“One more thing,” Diluc adds as Zhongli turns to join you at your table. “[Name] seems to like you a lot. Don’t mess this up.”

Zhongli pauses. He glances over at you, and you wave with a grin. For a moment, the café seems to fall away - and there is nothing but the distance between the two of you, and the warmth of your smile.

Heart resolved, he turns back to Diluc, and nods firmly. “I won’t.”

#unedited #genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact imagines #genshin zhongli #genshin yanfei #genshin xiao #genshin diluc #zhongli x reader #reader insert #fluff #not much actual romantic action but tbh i was focused more on the zhao family dynamic sooo #wait a minute i just thought of something #if the zhongli in this piece literally has kids......#does that make him...... a dilf????

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