#otp: you’re always saving me
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Jiang cheng for the ask game
Also asked my @jcs-singular-slut-strand my beloved <3<3<3 and another anon, i'll just put it here. this needs a lot more jin ling but i'm tired sorry
Favourite thing about them: the fact that jiang cheng isn't a genius like wwx. he works hard and he fails and he's still so fucking amazing. he's sandu shengshou, he's sect leader jiang, he's zidian's wielder, he's fucking amazing. jiang cheng goes from this:
the most laughable one was the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, the people of which either had been killed or had scattered, leaving only Jiang Cheng, who was younger than even Lan XiChen and was still a child born yesterday, who had nobody in his hands but still dared call himself sect leader, holding up the banner of rebellion as he recruited new disciples.
to one of the most feared people in the world. everyone needs to clap for him.
propoganda : sect leader jiang convincing rogue cultivators to join, the dichotomy of our poor little dangereuse meow meow, he's trying so hard but he's going the wrong way, man believes his big brother so deeply even when he wants him dead, his fearsome reputation comes from killing his brother but gosh he will cry if you mention that,
Least favourite thing about them: not a least favourite thing tbh just--i so badly wanted the reverse core reveal man. i wanted jiang cheng to throw it in wei wuxian's face that he sacrificed himself first. i know it's not his character, and it's better that way, but i want him to- and then i wanna see the devastation on wwx's face. delicious
Favourite line: this post has that variation of my father picked me five times in my entire life and it made me happy for months that i cannot bring myself to write so you should just click on the link. also, devastation->
the absolute variations of Wei Wuxian!
Don’t you understand? When you’re standing on their side, you’re the bizarre genius, the miraculous hero, the force of the rebellion, the flower that blooms alone. But the second your voice differs from theirs, you’ve lost your mind, you’ve ignored morality, you’ve walked the crooked path. You think you can be immune to all those condemnations as you stay outside of the world and do whatever you want? No such precedent has happened before!
Why do you want his forehead ribbon? To hang yourself and commit suicide? I can lend you my belt, you’re welcome.
Go ahead. What other bad news do you have to report?
something something If you insist on protecting them(the Wen side branch), then I can't protect you
brOTP: Jiang Cheng & Jin Ling. that's his jiujiu, man. you can fucketh right off if you wanna say anything bad. i would love love an explored dynamic between Jiang Cheng & Lan Qiren. also a possible wen ning & jiang cheng or lan wangji & jiang cheng but we are not gonna see it happen in this cannon lmao.
OTP: chengxian. here's why one, two, three, four (gif), five, six, seven (gif), eight (thoughts on different wavelengths), the absolute circles of them saving each other, the fucking golden core reveal scene. golden scene reveal part 2, between this and jonsa, i'm never beating the incest allegations
edit: jiang cheng will always forgive wei wuxian
nOTP: i started out with jiang cheng/lan xichen... but i don't really see it anymore. but i don't hate it either, i will read fics for it if i like the writing.
Random headcanon:
lichtenberg scars. many of them, glowing whenever he uses zidian. here's where i got it from.
man is a savant at politics even if he's loud and angry.
yunmeng jiang absolutely adores their sect leader. i will love you forever if you send me recs all of them. pretend i haven't read a single one.
Lan Qiren has a favourite student that year and his name was not LWJ. Person had the same initials as Jesus Christ.
Unpopular Opinion: liking Jiang Cheng itself might be an unpopular opinion, tbh. but. let me punch wen ning just once. once. i'm sure he's done nothing wrong in his life ever. but please. once
Song I associate with them: zero idea. i'll get back to you on this.
Favourite picture of them:
babey! i think we're underestimating the potential of disney princess jiang cheng // that's his whole damn world he loves them so much // the shepherd's favourite lamb vibes.
#mdzs#jiang cheng#the untamed#jiang wanyin#asks#anon asks#yunmeng shuangjie#yunmeng siblings#yunmeng jiang#i love him. your honor. please
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pick up the phone !!! pt2: electric boogaloo
synopsis: my take on whether they’re a caller or texter
cast: maki zenin, yuta okkotsu, toge inumaki x black fem reader
cw: cursing, (yuta’s part is a teeny tiny bit self indulgent 😬 <3 mb y’all)
—
maki - texter (occasional caller)
- doesn’t mind being on the phone since it’s you, but is more of a texter
- answers immediately like it’s almost scary
- is a bullet texter 🤷🏽♀️ idk she give me those vibes
- like i feel if you’re asleep or smth and she wants to talk to you she WILL spam you
- does not care
- has dnd on but allows your notifs to go through <3
- calls you when she can’t sleep but the second y’all get otp she’s knocked out
- like you’re talking about smth stupid and when you don’t hear her answer you’re like
“this bitch 😶”
- will facetime you but her camera is always off when she does
- however, if your camera is off she will be mad
“yeah go ahead and turn that camera back on you’re not slick 😐”
“mmcht 😒”
- has your contact photo as the picture she took of you kissing her cheek on y’all’s first date
- but then has your name saved as smth like
- “weirdo 🤥”
- always, always. ALWAYS. texts you good night
- she will not sleep until she does
—
yuta - caller (facetime)
- loves seeing your face
- facetimes you nonstop
- litterally twice a day he is obsessed with you
“babe can we facetime ☹️ i miss you”
“baby i wanna see your face, facetime me”
“facetime??? 😁”
- loves when you guys eat on the phone together cause he thinks its a date !
“bae can you pass the salt? 😋”
“boy if you don’t getcho corny ass on somewhere 😭”
- you still do it though cause it makes him laugh, it’s y’all’s little inside joke
- loves facetiming you on wash day cause he likes to watch you detangle your hair
- finds the way you work the different moisturizers and curl definers through your hair satisfying
- tells you you’re pretty nonstop
- has your contact saved as “my pretty girl 💕”
- and the photo is of a picture he took of you during golden hour when the sun was hitting you just right
- sends you good morning and goodnight texts
“good morning beautiful, hope you slept well <3”
“goodnight my love 😴”
—
inumaki - texter
- this man is a menace
- A MENACE I SAY
- litterally texts you all day
- like you could be at work and here he is blowing up your phone like a madman
“love, im at work 😭”
“i didn’t ask all that but ok”
- does not give 1, 2, or 3 fucks
- is always
- and i mean
- ALWAYS
- sending you those flirty meme pictures
- he thinks they’re so funny 😭😭😭
- sends hella tiktoks
- doesn’t know how to start a conversation to save his life though so he’ll usually just send something random asf in hopes of getting your attention
- works every time though
- checks on you to make sure you’re having a good day and to remind you to eat and drink water
- sends imsg games
- is an 8 ball god so you hate playing with him
- whenever you start losing you send darts and he get real quiet
“you always do this bs 😒”
- your contact photo is of you wearing a tinfoil hat he made cause he’s gotta protect you from the aliens !!!
- your name is set as “❤️❤️❤️”
- gets the point across perfectly in his opinion
#saint laurent productions#jjk x reader#jujutsu kaisen#jujutsu kaisen x reader#jujutsu kaisen headcanons#jjk x poc!reader#jjk x black reader#inumaki x y/n#maki x reader#yuta x reader#jujutsu kaisen x black reader
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The Sunshine Undertow (II)
Pairing: Oberyn Martell x f!reader**; Doran Martell x f!reader; Marcus Pike x f!reader (time travel/Outlander AU) (no use of y/n, reader uses a fake name)
Word Count: 9.0k
Warnings: Smut, semi-public smut, language, mentions of rape (not the physical act), teasing, banter
**Main pairing for the fic. They are end game and the otp but things get messy and there are a lot of feelings across the board. (Gif/moodboard made by me)
Summary: Marcus takes her on a date. Oberyn sees her naked. And Doran knows she’s lying. Thank you so much to TJ @pettyprocrastination for taking a look at this and helping me get some of my confidence back.
[Previous Chapter] * [Series Masterlist] * [Complete Masterlist]
The Night She Disappeared
He looked sharp in the black blazer and matching button down.
“These are for you.”
Marcus stepped into her apartment and handed her a small bouquet of pink and white lilies. She returned the gesture with a kiss on his cheek before setting them in the kitchen. They’d be fine on the counter until they got back from the museum.
“They’re beautiful,” she grinned, slinging the long strap of her purse over her shoulder.
“Just like you,” he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back in for a real kiss on the lips.
She laughed against his mouth. “Oh! So, you’re pulling out every cheesy stop in the book tonight?”
“You know it,” he smiled down at her, keeping her close.
“Are you going to open my door?”
“Yes.”
“Pull out my chair?”
“Yup.”
“Put your coat over the puddle to keep my shoes from getting wet?”
“Highly impractical, but of course I will.”
“Beat up the man at the bar who stares at me too long?”
“I will wait for him to buy you a drink first–you know, because of the economy.”
“Oh, sure, sure, sure,” she laughed.
Marcus’s hand was warm in hers as they drove to the restaurant. He liked to hold her hand over the gear shift as he drove with his left–it was just something he always did, only letting go when he had to pass or turn on the wipers. He kissed her knuckles and held eye contact. He let her pick the radio station. His hand always found its way to the small of her back, like there was a magnet inside them both. When he slid into the booth at the restaurant and brushed his lips against the shell of her ear to compliment her dress, it made her lower stomach flip a little.
Everything was always, unequivocally about her. Her. Her. Her.
Like he promised, he ordered the avocado egg rolls. They were annoyingly tasty. She ordered the chicken, him the steak–they traded bites off of each other’s fork. The food was delicious and they were disgustingly cute. It was enough to make guilt settle in the hollow of her throat about her earlier concerns during her middle of the week lecture. When it came to Marcus Pike–she had absolutely nothing to complain about. But if that were true, why did she feel so shitty about it all?
“You gotta work this weekend?” he asked, stabbing a roasted potato with his fork.
“Like always,” she sighed, doing the same with a caper that was trying to roll away.
“Saving lives,” he beamed and she scoffed.
“More like pumping stomachs of alcoholic frat boys and stitching up thumbs that have fallen victim to kitchen accidents.”
“It won’t be forever,” he encouraged her. “You’ll move on to your next practicum in December, right?”
“Yeah.” She took a sip of her wine.
He cut another piece off of his steak and pushed it around in the sauce before turning to face her, more head on. “You know if you hate it, you can always change careers?”
“I don’t hate it. It’s just that I’m…” she shrugged, feeling guilty for the weight of the conversation. Another thing to add to the already growing pile inside of her.
“Burnt out?” He raised an eyebrow and she nodded again as he wiped his mouth on a napkin. “I get it.”
She knew he did. If anything the definition of Marcus was ‘understanding’. He took everything in stride. It didn’t matter if it was his work or hers. His parents, halfway across the country in Texas. Her increasing irritations and mood swings about life. Nothing seemed to bother him. He rarely if ever got angry and when she brought it up he attributed it to his job and his desperate need to be a better man than his father.
The chicken melted like butter against her tongue as the waiter offered them another glass of wine. She nodded enthusiastically while she chewed.
“Why don’t we go somewhere this year for Christmas? When you’re on winter break?” Marcus asked, breaking the silence.
She let out a short, abrupt laugh. “Really? What about your parents? They’re gonna freak out if we don’t come spend the week.”
“Meh,” he shrugged. “Let them. We could go somewhere warm. Crystal blue waters, palm trees, sex on the beach–”
“The drink or the activity?”
“Yes.”
They both laughed and she leaned her head on his shoulder.
-
Marcus had taken them in the back door of the museum. He had expertly sorted through the hundreds of keys on his multiple rings and deactivated the alarm with the confident punch of a four digit code.
Every shared look was a secret grin, a playful tongue and cheek. He seldom did anything outside the rules and his playful energy and slight buzz from wine at dinner was infectious. She couldn’t keep her hands off of him. She rubbed against the side of his body, nipping his ear as he worked the door, giggling against his shoulder as he fumbled his keys and tried to capture her mouth.
“Focus,” she teased as he tried to put his hand under the hem of her dress and he scoffed.
“Hard to focus with you looking like that,” he whispered as the door unlocked and he pulled her into the employee only area.
The storage where the artifacts and paintings were stored when not on display was cluttered and dark. The fullness muffled the soft click of his dress shoes as he let the door shut a little too hard in favor of dropping his keys and grabbing her around the waist. Big hands and deft fingers pulling at the soft material of her sundress as she shoved his blazer to the floor and started pulling his button down out from its loose tuck.
“Marcus,” she breathed and he groaned, pulling apart just long enough to pick up his discarded jacket and toss it over the nearest crate. She gave him a questioning look.
“So you don’t get splinters in your ass when I fuck you right here…” he leaned down and kissed her throat and she squeaked.
“Wow–I forget how much I love Marcus without his inhibitions,” she teased and he pinched her thigh.
“I love you too, smartass.”
They pulled apart just long enough for her to hop on the crate, wiggling her butt back and spreading her legs so he could stand between her knees. His thick fingers reached between them to rub her through the silk of her panties while she worked on his belt. He was already hard against the soft front of his slacks and she couldn’t help but rub him through his pants as he pushed up her dress.
“You’re so pretty.”
His teeth at her neck were gentle, but each scrape left her wanting more. Harder. It was too much to ask for him to leave marks, that wasn’t his style. But it still sent goosebumps down her arms every time he added pressure.
“No one’s on duty?” she asked against his mouth as he nosed her head up.
“Joe is–but he sleeps at the desk and never comes in here.” He paused to give her another grin. “You’ll just have to keep quiet. I know that’s hard for y-OU..oof,” he grunted as she tightened her grip on his dick at his quip.
His breath was hot against the shell of her ear as he gripped her ass, lifting her just enough to push inside her comfortably. Over and over. She clung to him. Nails dragging across his shoulders and wrinkling his dress shirt as he pushed her closer towards the edge.
He deserved this. He had deserved the night out at his stupid favorite restaurant. He had deserved her doting affections, and her tender touches, and their shared laughter. When they were like this, she was no longer the ill-fitting puzzle piece. Things were as they should be. Things were good. Sex was their way back to one another, but she felt guilty being the only one who knew they had drifted apart to begin with. She could give him this. She could love him like this.
“Marcus,” she gasped and he covered her mouth with his, muffling her cries as he pounded her hard enough to shake the crate she was perched on.
“Like that?” he groaned and she nodded desperately.
“Just like that–like that–fuck, baby, please,” she whimpered and she reached down desperately for his hand, slapping his arm lightly until he gave it to her. She took his palm and placed it over her own mouth to stop herself from getting too loud. The action made his cock pulse inside of her.
“Fuck, that’s hot,” he gave her cheeks a light squeeze and her eyes rolled back slightly.
She knew better than to ask him to finish inside of her–Marcus was too careful for that. And she should have been thankful, but in the moment it was a different story. She knew he didn’t have a reckless bone in his entire body.
His lips found hers in soft kisses, spaced between even breaths as he gripped her thighs, then her ass, like he couldn’t keep from touching her. He nosed at her chin, carefully biting his way down to her ear as he waited for his heart rate to slow. Marcus let out a deep hum of contentment as she threaded her fingers through his hair and held him close.
“I meant to show you the exhibit,” he said gruffly and it made her smile.
“I mean I have a pretty good view from here,” she joked, pointing towards one of the paintings on the wall. “Tell me about that one.”
“Which one?” Marcus turned his neck at an awkward angle to keep from having to leave the comfort of her arms.
“The one with the lady–with the dark hair and the snakes?” she gestured again before going back to stroking his hair.
“Oh, that one,” he nodded. “One of my favorites–Princess Elia Martell. A tragic story, really.”
“Tragic?”
“Mhmm,” he hummed, laying his head on her chest.
“Tell me.”
–
Dorne - Now
The journey had taken four days.
In four days she had been chased through the woods, nearly assaulted, and slept three nights sitting straight up on a horse. She had learned to relieve her aching bladder in the woods without falling ass first into a thorn bush. She had subsisted off of hard cheese and stale bread with the occasional dried meat that was reserved for every other day. Magnus had told her it was meat from a snake, she didn’t believe him…at least not entirely. But when Doran gave her a wink and a gentle nudge, she ate it anyway. She was too hungry to care even if it was.
Her ass hurt from the hard leather of the saddle. Her thighs were chafing and she cursed every fiber of her being for falling through time in a fucking sundress. She would have killed someone for a pair of leggings. Kicked a puppy for her mattress and pillow. She would have committed unspeakable sexual favors for her phone and all of her unread emails. She didn't want anyone to ask what she would have done for her toothbrush.
She was dirty. Sweat and mud pooled in places that made her skin feel tight and itch with the need to be clean. She was certain that she smelled terrible, but the man at her back didn’t say anything. The prince at her back seemed perfectly content to keep his good arm around her waist for balance and make idle conversation with her while the others kept their distance.
It was clear no one trusted her. She was an outsider, clearly not belonging and not willing to give them more information than was absolutely necessary. They didn’t ask and her lips stayed sealed. It was better that way.
The first morning, when they had stopped at the river to refill their waterskins and give the horses a break, she had truly been able to look at Oberyn and what she saw nearly made her fall into the water.
He looked…like Marcus.
At first she thought her eyes were deceiving her. They were playing tricks on her and showing her what she desperately wanted and that was to see her boyfriend. Seeing Marcus would mean she was back in Boston. Back in her own time. Back where she belonged. But she wasn’t. And though the similarities were comically astute, the differences still shook her to her core.
Oberyn had a dark line of facial hair, where Marcus was clean shaven. His skin was darker, more time in the sun, the elements, the climate of Dorne no doubt being vastly different than Massachusetts. In fact, everything about him seemed darker, from his coal black hair void of product to his striking eyes the color of river rocks stoic beneath the rushing water. The nose, however, was the exact same. Strong and slightly curved down the ridge. A prominent landmark of his handsome face.
“What is it, princess?”
He had caught her staring.
“Nothing,” she shook her head and turned back to the river, splashing her face with the icy water. She stood back up and went to the horse, wiping her hands on the cloak that hung off of the saddle. “You just–you just remind me of someone.”
His eyebrow raised with interest as he stepped closer to her. He lowered his voice as the other men moved along the bank around them.
“Judging by the heat here,” he lightly touched his knuckle to the apple of her cheek. “And how quickly you looked away from me–do I remind you of your husband?”
She batted his hand away lightly. “He’s not my husband.”
"Betrothed?" He grinned at the admission and then again when she shook her head. “Your lover, then?”
“I guess that’s a good word for him,” she bit her lip and her chest felt tight.
She didn’t know why she suddenly wanted to cry. She was exhausted beyond measure. And it would be a lie to say she hadn’t found some comfort in Oberyn and Doran the last few days. The latter especially. Marcus was probably going out of his mind with worry. He was probably looking high and low, having called the police, her family, her job–and instead she had pulled another man’s arms around her tighter with each passing night.
The excuses piled up. Most of them relied on her fear and the multitude of unknowns about her current situation. But even that didn’t make her feel any less guilty, especially when any attention from the princes made her gut tighten and her heart gallop.
He had said her ‘name’ twice before she pulled herself from her thoughts and looked at him.
“I’m sorry,” she shook her head and wiped the burning from her eyes. “What did you say?”
“I asked if he was no longer of this world,” Oberyn said, putting a hand on her elbow. “Your lover–is he not alive?”
“No,” she shut her eyes tightly as she suddenly couldn’t stop the tears. “No, I guess he’s not.”
It was the truth. Hundreds of years in the past, Marcus wouldn’t even be born yet–so, technically, Oberyn was right in assuming he wasn’t alive. As ridiculous as the statement was, it still made her breath catch in her throat as she made a soft choking sound and pressed her hand over her eyes to hide the fact that she was about to cry.
“Shh,” Oberyn soothed her with soft mouth sounds as he turned her away from the horse and pulled her into his embrace. “It’s alright. I apologize for asking, m’lady.”
“It’s–it’s f-fine,” she cried harder into his tunic as she let her forehead rest against his chest. “I’m sorry for,” she shook her head and hiccuped. “I’m sorry for crying–”
When she attempted to pull away, he kept his hold firm. “It’s alright.”
His hand pressed gently against her hair and it was the final straw. She sobbed. There was no other word for the dam of emotion that burst from her mouth, from deep inside her ribs. She let him hold her and she sobbed. The aches of fear, frustration, loneliness, uncertainty, insanity–all of it, came pouring out from the deepest parts of her soul and onto his chest. He quieted her gently, soft murmurs of his lips against her temple to let her know he was there, she was safe.
“Oberyn?” Doran asked as he approached and she felt the younger man shake his head lightly.
The retreating sound of footsteps told her that they were alone again and she began to loosen her grip on his clothes. Now she was dirty and covered in tears and snot. How he didn’t find her repulsive was beyond her current reasoning.
“Here,” he said quietly, leaning back just enough to hold a rag in front of her face.
She sniffed and took it, wiping her face and nose. “I’m sorry–”
“Keep your apologies,” he brushed his knuckle under her chin and gave her a kind smile. “They aren’t needed.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
He nodded in acknowledgement before releasing her slowly. Nodding towards the horse, he put his hand on her waist. “I can’t use both hands,” he nodded towards his arm still in the sling. “But get your foot in the stirrup and I can give you a boost–as long as you don’t mind my hand on your ass.”
He grinned and it caught her off guard just enough to make her cackle. He looked at her like she had lost her mind. And maybe she had, but she kept laughing. It felt better than crying.
-
The mountains and forests soon gave way to sand. Large crags of rock and bare trees with gnarled branches stood stoic in the gentle breeze that blew hotly across the open. Most of the area was flat but off in the distance the dunes rose and dipped, and even further behind that stood the red mountains. Everything was shades of burnt orange. The land was made of sunshine and warmth as if the light touched it all and blessed it with an endless summer.
Oberyn had tucked the blanket away in one of the saddle bags as soon as they had made it across the border. Doran pushed the horses a little harder. A little faster. The animals didn’t seem to mind, it was as if they could taste home.
They breached the gates, three large archways that seemed to magically open the moment they came into range. The stone path bypassed the labyrinth that was the city itself and took them right up to the massive palace.
The stone and tan terracotta walls were offset with bronze ringlets that kept the gargantuan towers from all being one color. Large suns with swirling rays were perched on top of each tower, centered over almost every window, and fluttered in the middle of every flag. The sun glittered off of the mosaic trimmings that had been carefully pressed into the corners and the rooftops.
Her face must have shown the level of her wonder because Oberyn chuckled and leaned down by her ear to be heard over the sound of the hooves against the cobblestone.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?”
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” she agreed, leaning forward a bit in the saddle.
“Do they not have palaces like this in the Massachusetts Kingdom?”
His question was so earnest, she only laughed a little. “Not even close.”
“Well,” he leaned back, pulling up on the reins a bit as they broke through the last gate and up the incline to a set of large, open doors. “Welcome to Sunspear.”
Sunspear.
The name was incredibly fitting. Just like the planet, the palace seemed to be what the entire city revolved around. It was bright and warm and yet, as they got closer, she noted the sentries on the winding walls, and the guards at the entrance with a few people ready to receive them. It was both beautiful and deadly in equal parts.
Lewyn and Magnus rode up first, dismounting with grace and immediately passing off their mounts to the waiting stablehands. They exchanged greetings with a few men in fighting leathers and what appeared to be the customary orange and yellow tunics of the city.
“Magnus!” a gruff voice called out and they looked towards an old man, limping his way towards the horses. “What have you done to my Sevana?” He thrust his cane into the hands of a younger stable hand and lovingly stroked the nose of the horse that Magnus had jumped off of.
“I didn’t do anything, Mel,” Magnus scoffed. “I been riding all night, and I don't need you squalling in my ear.”
“Did you even look at her feet?” Mel raised his voice as he bent over and tapped the beast on the leg and inspected her hooves once she lifted them.
“What am I supposed to do with her f–”
“She served us well, Melvan,” Doran interrupted, making his own horse stop beside the others. “We couldn’t have made it without any of them.”
“Your grace,” Melvan bowed slightly. “You can't expect any beast to carry around something that weighs as much as Magnus without taking care of the poor creature's feet.”
“Listen, you old man–” Magnus started.
“It’s like a cow riding a mouse,” Melvan exclaimed.
She couldn’t stop the giggle that came from her lips and it was much louder than she intended. As all of their heads turned towards her, Oberyn broke into a coughing fit that effectively hid her outburst. He waved them away as if to signal he was alright and when they turned back around he pinched her hip. She glared at him.
“Doran! Oberyn!”
They once again all turned collectively towards the ornate doors of the palace as a woman squealed and called their names. It was hard to miss the large smiles that both men suddenly wore as she ran down the incline.
She wore teal silks that rippled in the wind created by her movement. Her earrings jingled and the gold bangles on her wrists made her sound like a walking windchime. Her dark hair was pinned back with an ornate array of pearls held together with gold thread, and it still nearly fell to her waist. She had the bronze skin and dark eyes of the Princes but her smile was as breathtaking as the palace.
“You’re back early!” she squealed again as Doran dismounted and she threw her arms around his neck.
He grunted, but caught her around the waist as he hugged her tight enough to lift her off the ground. “We had a bit of good luck.”
“I mi–” She started to respond but wrinkled her nose instead and started to push against his shoulders in an effort to get back on the ground. “You smell awful, brother.”
“Do I?” he raised an eyebrow as she took a step back. “Well, in that case…”
He caught her around the waist and rubbed his greasy curls on her shoulder as she laughed and protested. Her small hands shoved at him as she tried to turn and reached to Oberyn for help. “Get off! Disgusting–Oberyn!”
The younger brother slid down from the saddle and held up a finger for her to wait a minute as he reached up and helped her off of the horse. It felt good to have her feet on solid ground. Even if it was filled with more unknowns, it felt good to be somewhere stationary, somewhere that hopefully had a bed or at the very least a couch.
The woman had managed to untangle herself from Doran and shoved him playfully as she hurried over to Oberyn and hugged him tightly around the neck.
“Oh, hey, hey,” he chuckled quietly as he put a large hand in her hair and angled her body away from his arm still in the makeshift sling.
“You’re hurt,” she pulled away just enough to look at him. “I knew something was wrong. I knew it. I told Aero but he wouldn’t listen–”
“We’ll talk about this later and you can give me an earful about how you’re always right. But first,” Oberyn turned her slightly and gestured to the other woman by the horse. “Mistress Lily Pike,” he nodded to the woman who had his arm around her shoulders. “Elia Martell–princess of Dorne.”
Her heart stopped–the woman from the painting.
“Your sister?”
“Hard to believe I know,” she said with mock sincerity. “Thank the gods I was blessed with mother’s good looks.”
“But none of her common sense,” Oberyn muttered and Elia elbowed him in the ribs hard enough to make him grunt out a puff of air.
“Where did you find this one, brother?” Elia jerked her head to the other woman and the Prince smiled.
“Doran found her,” he started to explain but stopped, a tightness settled in his mouth that she didn’t quite understand, but he shook it off quickly. “Insisted she come with us.”
“Well, you look like you’re in need of a hot bath and some food,” Elia nodded. “And most definitely ten minutes of peace from this sorry band of ruffians.”
“Honestly, if you could give me somewhere vaguely flat, I’d be ecstatic,” she laughed. “I’m tired of sleeping sitting up on a moving animal.”
“Oh, you poor thing,” Elia looked positively appalled as she took her hand and started to pull her away from the group. “Let’s get you cleaned up and fed…and some better clothes.” Elia eyed the dirty, torn sundress with curiosity.
“Thank you, sister.”
“Thank you, Elia.”
The brothers said almost in perfect unison behind them as the princess waved them off and kept walking. She stopped short when the new woman stopped walking and looked back over her shoulder. Elia gave her a quizzical look before following her gaze.
“What about him?” she asked, nodding to Oberyn. When Elia raised an eyebrow, she continued. “He’s hurt–more than he lets on.”
“I’m fine, Lady Pike,” Oberyn started to protest but she cut him off.
“He’s not fine,” she shook her head. “I bandaged his side but I didn’t have the right supplies. It could get infected–you know, with fever, and–and swelling?” She tried to explain in terms that were more common for the time but Elia looked like she understood.
The princess nodded before looking back to Oberyn with her hands on her hips. “You heard the lady–come along.”
Oberyn rolled his eyes and huffed loudly, but he followed.
–
Elia moved around the room as she collected the things that were needed. She seemed curious about Pike but not distrusting in the least. She listened, and nodded, and offered suggestions as the other woman tried to remember natural remedies from the botany class she took last year. Fuck, she should have taken better notes.
The room they were in now was off to the side of the kitchens on the first floor. It was a warm, bright room that had spices and dried plants and vegetables hanging from racks and shelves. Elia pulled a wooden stool over to the fireplace and shoved Oberyn down into it, standing on her tiptoes in order to do so.
An iron pot hung off of a hook over the flames once Elia had dumped water into it along with a handful of plants that she had first smelled and inspected.
“That’s the queen’s skirt flower,” Elia said as the other woman pulled down a white, spindly plant. “You can use that? I thought it was a weed.”
“Back home it’s called anise,” Pike explained, breaking off the heads and putting them in the pot. “This–biloba,” a fan shaped plant went in next, “And most importantly–garlic,” she added a few bulbs into the pot from the dry storage shelves.
“And they do what, exactly?”
“Clean the wound before you bandage it,” she explained as Oberyn watched her carefully.
The princess handed a spoon and she started to slowly stir the items into the water as it heated up. She cleared her throat and smoothed her teal skirts before sitting up on the table, hands clasped in her lap. “Where did you learn this?”
“I’m going to school to be a doct–a healer,” she corrected, remembering Oberyn’s earlier confusion.
“And where are you learning that? Where is home for you, Lady Pike?” Elia asked, tucking her hands under her thighs.
“Far away.” She focused intently on stirring the pot and not looking at the other woman.
“She’s from the kingdom of Massachusetts,” Oberyn enunciated the strange word very particularly and Elia raised a brow.
“I’ve never heard of that place,” the princess shook her head. “How ever did you wind up here?”
“I–” she bit her lip as her chest suddenly felt tight again. She couldn’t possibly explain the truth to them, but she didn’t have an alternate story. Her shoulders clenched and she could feel the sweat along her brow as she continued to avoid eye contact with the royals at her back. Suspicious didn’t even begin to cover her behavior, but she wasn’t sure what to do about it either.
“My sister loves to ask questions,” Oberyn came to her rescue. “She asks more questions than anyone I’ve ever met and it is dreadfully irritating. She also clearly cannot tell when someone is trying to concentrate.”
“If you weren’t injured, I’d shove you off that stool,” Elia boasted, sticking her tongue out at him as he chuckled.
“You’re distracting my nurse. How is she ever supposed to patch me up with you squawking in her ear?” Oberyn gestured to her and when she looked over her shoulder at him, he winked.
Bastard.
“I do not squawk!” Elia protested and it made the other woman smile. “Lady Pike, I’m going to go get some things together for you–I’ll be back. And if my brother isn’t in one piece when I return, I’ll assume it’s because he annoyed you and deserved it.”
“Thank you.” That made her laugh as she nodded her head in thanks. Before the princess left, she stopped stirring to look back at her. “Also, you can call me Lily, your…highness,” she hesitated, the title not normally part of her daily vocabulary.
“And you may call me Elia,” she returned the favor with a kind smile before leaving quietly. “I’ll be back soon.”
The room quieted around the two of them as the sound of her footsteps quietly echoed down the hallway. She felt Oberyn watching her with quiet interest as she pressed the spoon into the pot, crushing a few of the ingredients slightly. She picked up a few of the clean strips of cloth that Elia had provided, dropping them in the water using the spoon to gently submerge them.
Movement caught her gaze from the side as Oberyn used his good arm to remove his shirt. She tried not to stare at the broad lines of his tan chest, the sparse dusting of hair, and an impressive barrage of scars of various sizes and shapes telling stories of violence and reckless behavior.
Oberyn watched her carefully as she pulled the strips of cloth from the pot and wrung them out. She turned her own stool to face him as she started to undo the belt and shawl that had served as a sling for the last few days.
“Magnus will be glad to have his belt back,” Oberyn observed, making conversation as she peeled the old bandages away from his stab wound.
“I’m sure the rest of us will be glad he has it back, too,” she quipped and he chuckled.
“I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t want to see his bare ass.”
They shared a soft laugh and her fingers pressed gently on his side to angle him where she needed. He was pliant under her touch, only jumping slightly when she touched his upper ribs. She made a mental note that he was ticklish as she moved to clean the wound.
“Can you hold your arm up just a bit–there, perfect,” she nodded as she cleaned the dried blood, carefully avoiding the already forming scab. “It’s not infected. Does it hurt?”
“Shoulder? Yes. This?” he gestured to the stab wound and shook his head. “No. I’ve had worse.” He paused before adding, “Much worse.”
“I can see that.” She dropped the soiled pieces of cloth onto the floor as she grabbed new ones. “I’m sure you have good stories to tell.”
“Loads of them, princess.” He grinned as she lightly tied a longer strip of cloth around his waist to keep the dressing in place. “I’ll have to tell you sometime.”
She bit her lip to stay quiet and instead just nodded. She didn’t want to offend him, but she had no intention of being here long enough for that. She had to get back. Back to Boston. Back to Marcus. She had a life and did not belong in this place, let alone in this century.
He continued to watch her as she continued to work. His soft, brown eyes were equal parts comforting and unnerving–they reminded her so much of Marcus. She cleared her throat quietly and moved the pile of rags to the table. With the stab wound cleaned and covered, she moved back to the pot and stirred it slowly, careful not to slosh the contents.
Oberyn cleared his throat quietly and leaned forward on the stool.
“You know you don’t have to be afraid–you’re safe here.” His voice was gentle as she looked over her shoulder at him. “Especially when you’re with me.”
She bit her lip gently and nodded. “What about when I’m not with you?”
His face sombered slightly as he rolled the tension out of his shoulders. “Just remember you’re an outsider in a world on the brink of war–I don’t envy you for that, Mistress Pike.”
–
Her bare ass was on a table, rhythmically rocking back and forth with a soft thud against the wall as her knees clenched up around his torso. She felt protected. Safe and cherished as big hands pinned her hips in place and held her still. Slightly chapped lips dragged along her collarbone and up her neck before whispering in her ear.
“Princess.”
He had never called her that. Marcus typically stuck with the usual terms of endearment. Sweetheart. Babe. Doll. She whimpered softly and clutched him tighter. Her sex stretching to accommodate his girth as he pinned her with his thrusts.
“Open your eyes,” the voice whispered again as he nipped her ear lobe. “Look at me when I make you come.”
She did as she was told, her lashes fluttering as she raised her gaze expecting Marcus to be looking down at her. But it wasn’t.
Those dark brown eyes bore into her soul as her fingers gently cupped his face and ran along the black hair of his jaw. He kissed her lips like he intended on consuming her with teeth and tongue. She would go willingly into the vortex of his mouth. She wanted to be consumed. Swallowed and kept safe.
“Keep your eyes on me, Princess.”
She sat up straight in an avalanche of pillows and gasped. Her breathing was not ragged but her heart was trying to beat out of her chest as she looked around the unfamiliar bedroom. The events of the last week came crashing down on her as she realized this still wasn’t some crazy dream.
She had been dreaming of fucking one of the princes. It was a toss up on if it was Oberyn or Doran who had been railing her on the table but neither was acceptable.
Fuck.
After she had patched up Oberyn, Elia had taken her to her room. It was gorgeous. A room that one expected to find in a lavish palace. A room fit for royalty. She kept thinking the ridiculousness of it all would eventually wake her up from this bizarre dream and she would be back in Boston. But so far, it was all still very real.
The bed was massive, awaiting her with emerald blankets and a mountain of tasseled pillows, and she all but belly flopped into it before passing out from pure exhaustion. It hugged her comfortably, much more than the bedroll on the ground outside or the back of the horse had. Her aching limbs and joints sang an angel’s chorus each time she rolled over.
The bedroom opened to the outside, gossamer curtains blowing gently in the breeze gave the illusion of privacy as they beckoned out into an open wading pool surrounded by unlit sconces. The air blew the water in a gentle, rhythmic lapping against the stone of the steps as the early morning sun glittered off the surface. Was there not a single thing in this place that wasn’t heart wrenchingly gorgeous?
She lifted her arm slightly and sniffed. She definitely should have taken a bath before she went to bed last night but she didn’t have it in her. Now, it was unavoidable.
As if someone had prepared for her eventual train of thought–a small table had been placed at the entrance to the pool with everything she needed. Glass bottles filled with some type of rose oils, a bar of plain homemade soap, and a stack of lush towels.
Dipping her toes in the water told her it was a little chilly. The sun had yet to fully come up and warm it but it would have to do. It was either tepid water or spend another minute smelling like a horse–she chose the former.
“S-shit,” she gasped as she stepped off the stairs and fully submerged, shoving her hair out of her face and clutching her chest. Goosebumps went down both arms as her nipples pebbled from the drastic temperature change. It wasn’t exactly terrible but it wasn’t nearly as good as her own shower in her apartment.
“Cold?”
She squealed, trying desperately to blink the water droplets from her eyes as she spun around to find the voice that hadn’t been there a second ago. As soon as her vision cleared she saw a smirking Oberyn, staring down at her with his thumb hooked into his belt.
He wore what appeared to be leather riding pants, a loose white shirt was tucked haphazardly in his belt and open enough to reveal his chest. His injured arm was still in a sling but he looked much better than it had the night before–at least he was caring for it properly. Fuck, he was handsome. Handsome enough that it pissed her off.
“What are you doing in my room?” she glared at him, keeping her arms over her chest. The water was clear so she had no doubt he could see plenty, but the principle of the action made her feel better.
“It’s my palace.”
“You mean your brother’s palace?” she snapped and he chuckled.
“Same thing–we share well.”
She felt like there was an innuendo that went over her head and it made her frown. “Do you always sneak in on your guests?”
“Of course not, lady Pike. I knocked,” he turned slightly and gestured back towards the door. “But you didn’t answer. Considering trouble seems to follow you everywhere, I let myself in.” He paused and grinned again. “I was only concerned for your safety, princess.”
“Ha!” she rolled her eyes and shook her head. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Thank you.”
“Well, as you can see,” she swept her arm out around the pool. “I’m perfectly fine. Now, get out.”
He had sat down on the edge of the pool and leaned his upper body back against one arm as he continued to look at her. Nothing but arrogance and audacity.
“What are you doing?” she balked.
“Sitting,” he inspected his well trimmed nails like he was bored.
“While I bathe?” she asked. “In case you haven’t noticed–I’m naked. So, get o–”
“Trust me, I noticed.” He smirked without looking up and she had the overwhelming desire to slap him. “Besides, what if you start to drown?” he asked with a shrug.
“The water is barely five feet deep. I think I can manage.”
“Yes, but you’re very tired. You could fall asleep and sink under,” he offered.
“Get. Out.” She tried again.
“What if you need to wash the middle of your back and you can’t reach?”
“Oh, and you’re going to be the one to help me?” she bit back and he nodded. “You have some nerve–”
The door opened again and they both turned and looked at Elia entering the bed chamber. Was walking in someone’s bedroom whenever they wanted a fucking family trait? She sank lower into the water and grabbed the bar of soap from the ledge.
“Oberyn?” Elia asked as she approached. “What are you doing here?”
“We were just discussing that actually,” he offered up a big, innocent smile, and she suddenly wanted to drown herself.
“Knowing you,” Elia stomped over to him and grabbed him by the back of his shirt. “You were being a vouyer–how many times has that gotten you into trouble?” He started to respond as he allowed her to pull him to his feet, but she cut him off. “I’ll answer that. Too many, brother, too many!”
She was much smaller than he was but she turned him around and pressed both hands against his back and dipped her head, using her momentum to begin shoving him towards the door. He chuckled and looked over his shoulder at her and winked. He fucking winked.
“Doran wants to see you, Lady Pike,” he called over his sister’s head. “That was my actual reason for coming in.” That bastard.
“Yes, yes,” Elia nodded. “I am well aware of what our brother wants. I’ve got it from here.”
“Enjoy your bath!” he called.
“Out!” Elia huffed as she gave him one last shove through the threshold and shut the door hard. She smoothed her hands down her dress and flipped her long black hair over her shoulders, righting herself once again. “My apologies about him, my lady,” she said as she came back towards the pool.
“Is he always like that?” she asked, running the soap over her shoulders and sinking down to do the same to her aching feet.
“Since the day he was born,” she blew a puff of air up to ruffle her own bangs. “Trust me, I was there.” She moved to the other side of the room and pulled out a stack of clothing that she had hastily laid out last night and started going through the items. “I’ll help you get dressed and then you can go see Doran.”
“Okay,” she nodded, suddenly feeling small. “Am–am I in trouble of some kind?”
Elia paused as she turned around and held the items to her breasts and looked taken aback. “Gods, no. What would make you say that?” She shook her head and placed her choices on the table with the towels. “I’m sure he wants to check on you–you’re a guest of the house Martell. It’s his princely duty to make sure you’re doing alright.”
That made her chest feel less tight as she finished lathering up her body and rinsed. Elia made her way to her discarded pile of old clothes and started picking them up off the floor.
“I have a thousand and one questions of my own for you, but I’ll refrain from asking until you’re more settled in.”
“That’s fair,” she nodded.
“I do have one question, though,” Elia prompted as she turned around with her bra dangling from her finger. “What by the goddess is this? It looks dreadfully painful.”
–
Elia had helped her dress. She had listened intently as she made up a lie about where she had gotten her modern day bra and sundress. She was certain she would be found out but the princess just nodded with quiet fascination.
When the sun was high in the sky, Dorne grew hot. It was clear the land was an endless summer, a warm breeze in the sands, a tropical paradise that required light, airy clothing that she wasn’t entirely upset about. The soft fabric left her midriff exposed and when she tried to cover it up, Elia had gently pulled her arms down and told her she looked exquisite. Her arms were bare and the dress slit up both sides to allow for adequate movement and air flow.
The palace was massive. She had never seen a bigger building in her entire life and without a map she was certain she would get lost. Without a tour guide or flashing neon sign, she was destined to never find her room again.
Her stomach growled while getting dressed and Elia had taken her to the kitchens for a quick bite. Her nerves didn’t allow for much more than a piece of fruit and hunk of bread but it would suffice for now. She was disappointed to see the princess go after depositing her in a study-like room with Doran. But Elia gave her another reassuring smile and shut the door quietly.
“Lady Pike,” Doran smiled as he walked over to her and took her hand gently, kissing the back of her knuckles in greeting. “May I call you Lily?”
“That’s….fine,” she nodded, momentarily forgetting that her entire existence here was a lie down to her name.
“How are you?” He released her hand and guided her to the table, pulling out a chair for her before taking his own.
“Better now that I got a full night’s sleep not on the back of a horse,” she smiled, trying to offer pleasant conversation. She could do this. She could do this. Less was more. If she kept it simple, she could lie her way through a basic conversation.
“Yes, that makes all the difference,” he chuckled with a nod. “Is the room to your liking?” he asked.
‘Apart from your brother barging in on me naked’, she wanted to say, but she refrained. She was talking to a prince for christ’s sake. A fucking prince. She didn’t know the first thing about what she should or shouldn’t say to this man. She was a med student from Boston. She was just a girl.
“It’s stunning,” she nodded quickly before adding, “...your–er grace.”
“Please call me Doran,” he insisted and she nodded again, putting her hands in her lap. He grabbed two small cups and a glass bottle. “Wine?”
“It's morning?” she blurted without thinking and when he gave her a small grin she couldn’t help but return it. “Sure, why not?”
“Dornish wine is the best wine in the seven kingdoms,” he offered as he poured them both a small amount. “But I’m biased.”
She took a small sip, his casual and kind demeanor made some of the tension leave her shoulders. Fuck. That was good. She took another drink, slowly looking around at the shelves of books and trinkets, scrolls and a table covered in old maps and tiny statues. This had to be his personal space. She wasn’t sure what she expected but it was more cluttered than she thought it would be. Where was his throne? His crown? Did he even have one? She was letting her mind wander to every period piece of media she had ever consumed. She was certain not all of it was based in fact.
The balcony opened up to a glorious view of the city and the waves of the ocean could be heard crashing against the rocks in the distance. This place was by every definition of the word and paradise and if she wasn’t so completely out of her element, she would have enjoyed being here.
“I–uh,” she swallowed thickly and put her cup down. “Doran?”
“Yes?”
“I’ll need to travel back to the Red Mountains as soon as possible.” She tried to sound confident, but she was anything but. Even if she made it to the place she had fallen through time, it was still a mystery as to how she was supposed to get back.
“Is that how you plan on traveling back to your home?” he asked, stroking his beard thoughtfully. “To Massachusetts?” When she nodded he frowned. “I’ve been doing my research, Lady Pike, and I have no record of such a place ever existing.”
“You looked into me?”
“Is it not my duty as Prince of Dorne?”
“Well,” she swallowed hard as she folded her hands in her lap and tried to appear calm. “What did you find?”
“Nothing.” He leaned his hand on the desk and gave her a stern look. “Nothing about your late husband either. Or his house. Or which of the families he served.”
“I can assure you–” she tried and he held up his hand and shook his head.
“Think very carefully before you continue to lie to me.”
Her stomach dropped as Doran’s tone became serious. She had never heard him speak in such a way and it made her want to puke. They held eye contact for a moment, his amber gaze burning into her own in such a way that she felt a bead of sweat run down the nape of her neck from her hairline.
“I’m not lying.” She hated how meek her voice sounded.
“Perhaps not,” he crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. “But you’re not being truthful either.”
“What do you want me to do?” she asked and he sighed.
“I understand you are in an unfamiliar place and want to have your secrets,” he continued. “But I do wish to know how, a lady such as yourself, came to be wandering about in the woods, dressed in nothing but her shift?”
She bit her lip gently and tried to formulate her next words carefully. It was probably best to stick to the truth as much as possible but even she was having a hard time grappling with it. How could she possibly expect him to believe her?
“I’m,” she sat up straighter. “A widow.” That was technically true–Marcus wasn’t born and therefore not alive.
“Oberyn said as much. My apologies.”
“I was traveling with a servant,” she hesitated, trying not to make it sound like a question. “When we were robbed.”
“Robbed? How awful.”
“Yes, robbed,” she nodded and the paranoid part of her brain swore she saw the prince start to grin before clearing his throat. “I managed to escape the bandits, I was forced to abandon my horse and my stuff–I ran across that horrible man in the woods–”
“Rhaegar?”
“Yeah–him.”
“Rhaegar Targaryen.”
“You say that like that’s supposed to mean something to me?” she quipped before she could stop herself and he chuckled.
“The Targaryen’s are the ruling family of the seven kingdoms–”
“I don’t care who he is,” she snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. “He tried to rape me.”
“And for that I’m very sorry, but he is a knight–”
“What does that have to do with anything? You saw him. You stopped him with his hand up my dress! You saved me!” She could feel her voice getting higher and she hated the tears of frustration that had started to burn behind her eyes.
“I beg your forgiveness, my lady. An unfortunate turn of phrase on my part.” He stood slightly and moved his chair closer to her and lowered his voice. “I need you to understand something.”
“What’s that?” She kept her arms close to her body, closing herself off from him as much as she could. In the short time she knew him, she was certain that Doran was one of the very few people who didn’t mean her any harm.
“You have managed to cross paths with one of the most powerful men in the new world,” he said quietly and she felt like she was going to be sick again. “But he has no power here. Dorne has managed to maintain its freedom from the dragons at our door–you are safe here.”
His words were similar to what Oberyn had told her the night before. Why were they both so concerned with her safety? Just who had she encountered in the woods? This larger than life man who made princes walk on eggshells–
“I just want to go home,” she said quietly, looking at the floor and shutting her eyes.
“I’ll try my best to make that happen,” Doran nodded, leaning back in his seat and taking a large drink of wine. “I’ll have my brother escort you personally. He is due to check in with the Yornwoods Saturday next and would be happy to have you.”
“Saturday next? Which is how long?” She had no idea what day it even was. Fuck. This just kept getting worse.
“In five days.”
“Five days?” she asked with surprise. “What am I supposed to do for five days?”
“That is the soonest anyone can escort you.” He stood up and walked behind the desk, resting his back by putting his hands on the surface. “Until then, the palace and the city are humbly yours.”
“That’s very nice of you,” she stood up as well, feeling as if she was about to be dismissed. When Doran remained silent, she started to move towards the door but his words stopped her.
“Maybe one day soon, you’ll trust me with your secrets, Lady Pike,” he looked down and poured himself another glass of wine.
“I doubt that.”
Her unabashed tone made him grin.
“There is a formal dinner tomorrow evening in the main hall–I’d like you there as my guest. One of my siblings will collect you when it’s time.”
It wasn’t a question. It was an order phrased like an invitation. With a nod, she quickly left before she could open her mouth and get herself into more trouble than she already was.
--
A/N: I am not doing taglists for this story--they are more trouble than they are worth at this point with very little pay off. I apologize for that. If you enjoy it, let me know!
#oberyn martell#oberyn martell x reader#marcus pike x reader#doran martell x reader#game of thrones#got fic#tsu#marcus pike
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Even more AO3 tips and tricks by psyluna
Here’s another collection of tips for AO3 users. The first post is here. You can skip to the section you want to read, it’s not sequential. In order, you’ll find tips for: 1) Posting and formatting; 2) Filters; 3) Site skins; 4) Popular tag meanings; and 5) A few Alternate Universes (AUs). The last section is more fic-related than AO3-related. Enjoy!
PDF version here.
♥ Posting and formatting ♥
You can save a story or chapter draft. AO3 keeps it for up to 30 days if not published.
AO3 does not automatically save what you write on the chapter text box. You have to press “Save as draft” for that. If your browser crashes or refreshes, or just about anything happens, it is gone. It’s highly unadvisable to write fic directly in that text box. The website tells you that all the time, but so will I: always keep a copy (or two, or three) of your work.
You can backdate a story if it was originally posted years ago. You cannot date your story for a future day, though.
Queuing chapters for automatic posting is still unavailable as of 2022-11-13.
Changing the posting date to “today” without any changes or updates is considered rude and unnecessary. People will search via tags and pairings anyway, and some won’t even check the most recent, especially in big fandoms.
There might be formatting issues copying text from Google Docs and pasting on AO3, even with the Rich Text option. Here is a fix. Follow the instructions and you’re good to go.
Also from Google Docs: sometimes, copying and pasting directly will add extra blank paragraphs on your chapter. One fix is to add spaces between paragraphs on the Docs file. Select your whole text, click the “Line and Paragraph Spacing” option on the toolbar, click “Add space between paragraphs”. Copy the chapter, paste on AO3.
Here’s another way to fix the undesired blank paragraphs.
Posting “works” that go “help me find this fic, I forgot the name” is a violation of the Terms of Service. Help requests are not fanworks, and AO3 doesn’t archive those. Do not post them, and you can report them if you ever come across one.
Not all works with low/no word count are against the Terms of Service. Some are fanart, podfics, or chatfics coded with CSS. Yes, you can post those on AO3.
♥ Filters ♥
Filtering in the tags you want is already effective, but so is filtering out. Set the “Include” and “Exclude” options on your filters for the results you want.
Type otp: true on the “Search within results” box if you’re looking for fics with only one pairing. Useful for rarepair readers and excluding ships written as background couples.
If your fic is on hiatus/discontinued, don’t mark as complete. Adding [on hiatus] or [discontinued] to the title/summary is better
Having trouble with multifandom one-shot collections clogging the search? You can skip some by excluding crossovers.
Sorting by kudos gives you an okay lead, if you’re new to a fandom and don’t know what to read. However, kudos count isn’t a quality meter, it’s a popularity meter. Some fandoms have juggernaut ships taking over 50% or more of the fanworks, and other pairings lean on the ignored side. Others are written divinely, but are unlucky, unknown, or just niche.
Alternatively, sort by bookmarks to find fics with returning readers.
♥ Site skins ♥
There are four official site skins: Default (white/red), Low Vision Default (white/red with increased font size), Reversi (dark mode), and Snow Blue (white/blue). You can change easily to one of them via the “Customize” section on the bottom left of the page.
There are many public skins available to use and/or modify. Go to your Dashboard → Skins → Public Site Skins to check out the options.
There are even more skins posted as works (yes, you can also post those). Copy the CSS, “create” a skin, paste on the text box, save, and apply, no coding required.
If you’re well-versed in CSS, you can make your own skin or modify a preexisting one. It’s a pain if, like me, you have no idea what you’re doing, but doable with time and patience.
When trying to create a skin, some preexisting CSS will not conflict with others, so you can mash them together no problem.
I highly recommend using Notepad++ for editing CSS.
♥ Popular tag meanings ♥
Dead Dove: Do Not Eat: “what it says on the tin”. If there is a tag for [thing], you’re going to find [thing] in the fic. Usually found in fics with controversial content, but not restricted to them. Serves to reiterate taking the tags seriously. More on Fanlore.
No Beta We Die Like Men: “fic posted without beta reading”. Might have variations, replacing “men” with the name of a character who dies, or something else like “no beta we die like my grades”. More on Fanlore.
Character Study: “work exploring a character in-depth. More on Fanlore.
Canon Compliant: “agrees and follows canon”. More on Fanlore.
Canon Divergence: “disagrees with/diverges from canon”. More on Fanlore.
Fix-It: “tries to repair ‘damage’ done by canon content”. More on Fanlore.
Aged-Up Character(s): “character(s) are depicted as older”. More on Fanlore.
Slow Burn: “fic with slow development, usually romantic”. More on Fanlore.
Hurt/Comfort: “a character is in pain or emotional distress, while another character takes care of them”. More on Fanlore.
Found Family, aka Family of Choice: “two or more characters treat and/or consider each other as family, even if not blood-related”. More on Fanlore.
Bunny Farm Escapee: “a plot bunny the writer has tried to contain from becoming a fleshed-out fic, but couldn’t, and this is the result”.
Long Live Feedback Comment Project: refers to the Long Live Feedback initiative.
♥ A few Alternate Universes (AUs) ♥
Check this list for many more!
Soulmate: two or more characters are connected or fated to meet. The nature of that connection varies, from having the same birthmarks to hearing the other person’s thoughts. They might be a perfect match, or just forced to be a pair by chance. In some stories, bad things could happen to them, or the world, if they don’t get together.
Coffee Shop: characters work in a coffee shop and/or are regulars there.
Omegaverse: characters have different biology from regular humans. Your mileage may vary as to how different, but in summary, there are three subcategories (alpha, beta, omega). They involve some “canine-like” things, like being in heat, even cisgender men.
No Powers: characters who have powers in canon don’t have them here.
All Human: characters who are non-human in canon are human here.
Flower Shop & Tattoo Shop: characters work on one or the other in nearby shops.
Wrong Number: characters meet by texting or calling the wrong number.
Fake Dating: characters pretend to be in a relationship.
Hanahaki Disease: one or more characters are affected with a disease that makes them cough flowers when in love with someone. Usually, they’ll be cured if their object of affection reciprocates their feelings. If they’re unrequited, they might die by suffocation, or undergo surgery to remove the source of the flowers, blocking them from ever loving again.
Pen Pal: characters meet and/or talk by exchanging letters.
Opposite: characters’ personalities and/or backstories are swapped.
Reverse: characters change roles, like heroes to villains and the other way round.
Hope you’ve learned something new! See ya.
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MEMBER OF THE MONTH
↳ Congrats Juhee @liveasbutterflies
💌 NOTES FROM THE ADMINS
Layla: JUHEE!! it's such a joy to have you as a motm as you're one of our oldest members... you have been a constant source for many dramas esp the sageuk dramas, and to witness before our eyes your growth as a content maker is such a treat!! moreover we can always count on you for more rowoon content, and all of those cute and fluffy dramas content, as i love those king the land cute sets 🥰🥰.. you have a beautiful coloring and style in giffing.. and your blending is always on point, such an inspiration tbh!! so thank you for being an active maker in the kdrama community and all the pretty gifs your provided us with through the years... and here's hoping for more dramas for you to enjoy in the future and to feed us with their content!! with love💛💛....
↳ favorite works: [ 1, 2, 3 ]
Sam: wow, juhee!! you’re basically a founding member. you’ve been with us on this incredible journey over the years and both you and our network have grown so much in that span of time. it’s always such a joy to see your sets in the tag. and I know I can always count on you to be putting out content, one of the most consistent content makers we have for sure! I also know that whenever I see a stray rowoon set in the tag, it’s 9/10 from you! I also love when you do your typo sets, they’re always lovely ❤︎ as a side note, it's an accomplishment that you’ve kept the same url this entire time too!!
↳ favorite works: [ 1, 2, 3 ]
Alexa: juhee! you were one of our OG motm picks and it’s been amazing to go through your content and see how it’s developed over the past couple of years! your sharpening and color has all come so far but i love that it still feels like your and i can always tell when a set is yours before i even see the url! your king the land gifs have been giving me LIFE and i’m so glad you’ve been capturing all the otp realness in the show! i’ll be looking forward to all of your uncanny enounter 2 sets and i can’t wait to see what other shows you create for in the coming future~
↳ favorite works: [ 1, 2, 3 ]
Lilly: Hello Juhee! I’ll admit I’m not as familiar with your work as the other admins, still being a relative newbie in this space myself, but it’s been a delight to see your sets in the tags and give them a closer look for this post! Your consistency is frankly inspiring (so quick to capture iconic moments O.o) and I adore your blended sets and graphics in particular. Also I really wanna watch Joseon Attorney now because of your sets. 😆
↳ favorite works: [ 1, 2, 3 ]
Sya: Juhee!! First of all congratulations for being our motm! I'm always excited to see what you've created for the ongoing dramas and I can always count on you for sageuk dramas!! I LOVE your graphics and blending so much, it's very aesthetically pleasing to the eyes (saved as inspo!). I'll look forward to more of your sets for the upcoming dramas, especially sageuks ❤️
↳ favorite works: [ 1, 2, 3 ]
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Review: Love Between Fairy and Devil
Year: 2022
Country: China
Platform: iQiyi; Viki
Love Between Fairy and Devil is right up there with Love and Redemption for xianxia dramas. It is literally everything I love about them coupled with gorgeous visuals that made my kid-raised-on-80s-fantasy heart soar. Admittedly, it took a handful of episodes for me to fall in love . But as The Untamed took me 14 eps – thank you Tortoise of Slaughter – I try to give C-Dramas a while before I pull the plug. Also, I turn a blind eye to how women lead’s characters are drawn early on because its often going to toe my line of too-gratingly hyper-feminined sexist. (If China could skip the innocent idiot trop at the beginning of every xianxia I would be eternally grateful)
Alright, caveats done, once we got over those hurdles, I fell hard and fast. Something about pained-stoic-overlord-of-evil having to submit to their thematic opposite is just catnip to me. So, by the time the Devil is bound and determined to secure the Fairy’s happiness For Reasons, I was hooked.
The story is fairly straight forward: imprisoned Devil and is tied to Fairy and together they have to save the world.
A lot of the show’s charm lays in its actors. I’ve had a soft spot for Dylan Wang since Meteor Garden. He is not the worlds best actor though he has definitely displayed some growth and more expressive range as the Devil, Dongfang Qing Cang. He also has that alchemical ‘it’ factor: an ability to render what should be, on paper, an unlikable character as sympathetic and a touch self-aware. There is a layer he adds to would could easily become a flat, uninteresting, and toxic character.
Esther Yu was good enough as the fairy though I feel she may have largely been constrained by the demands on women characters and I don’t think her voice actress did her any favors either. I did enjoy her eventual character growth, however.
As always, I am a sucker for equal and complimentary powerful OTPs, where each pushes the other and neither over-shadows the other. I also so much prefer a forthright admission of love and care to annoying love triangle shennanigans which I feel this drama delivered well. We can’t completely avoid a love-triangle and I recognize their purpose in storytelling, I just appreciate when the writers know their use and place within a story.
I think what sets this show apart is its handling of trauma and recovery, of how it shows the fallout of abuse, especially that taken from the hands of a mis-guided parent I love that while Fairy is obviously the catalyst for Devil’s healing, she is not his savior. Healing is something that generates from within him. Definitely check out @dangermousie who has written some great meta. (spoilers for the whole show obv but def check out their tag when you’re done)
Ultimately, this show is solidly one of my favorite of the year. The acting is captivating, the directing and cinematography beautiful and the writing thoughtful. It hits on all levels and overcomes its flaws with how well it gets right the important things. I suspect this show will wind up having a high rewatch value as well.
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Man after reading the previous ask i just wanted to commiserate a bit.
Even though lukerosa is my otp since launch, i’ve always been most charmed by artem, who was so awkward and sincere and sweet. I adore how supportive artem and rosa have been of each other from the very beginning and in any version of events i like to imagine that they grow to become close friends and partners-in-crime-fighting. Their immense mutual respect and admiration is just a great foundation for a relationship.
Now, I have more of an attachment to the pre-1st anniv cards because i’m a sucker for mutual pining, but i’ve enjoyed the post-anniv cards too because it felt like a natural progression of their relationship. To find out that the writing quality for artem’s stories eventually gets worse and worse is very disheartening. When the writing starts out amazing but becomes terrible later on, it is always worse because it feels like a betrayal.
I’m going to keep playing ToT especially since he’s not my only fave, but I really hope the writing gets better again, artem deserves only the best, most tightly-written, and consistent characterisation. And I hope even more that his soon-to-be-announced 3rd anniv card is good — if it can redeem the previous bad cards… well that’s the dream.
Thank you for reading! I hope you’re having fun despite all this :)
so i was going to answer my asks in the morning (it's been a long day for me!) but this ask was literally the sweetest thing i have ever read, i had to respond asap ;_;
as a fellow lukerosa enjoyer (their interactions are always such a treat!!! they're the best genre of childhood friends to lovers due to that eight year time skip and the draaaama that comes with it. i still think about luke's personal story 4 to this day i SWEARRRR), genuinely thank you for the kind words, it really means a lot!! 😭😭
i totally agree with your thoughts on artem's earlier cards, you took the words right out of my mouth :,,) we're also on the exact same wavelength of the pre-1st anniversary cards - they're my absolute most cherished favorites. entwined fate, lost gold, sickness and in health, skadi, railroad, first birthday, aaaa..... some of my absolute favorites.. the original personal stories 1-4 are my favorites across the board too (my favorites definitely being artem's and luke's !!)
gosh yeah i think that's why i'm so upset! i genuinely and truly adore artem as a character, and i adore his older cards. this is to the point where i used all of my saved s-chips on the previous select-an-ssr banner to get his railroad card instead of his second anniversary card!!
to make it even more baffling, i haven't noticed a quality drop like this in the other boys?! if anyone reading is a fan of the other three, feel free to correct me if i'm wrong, but luke, marius, and vyn's cards all stay very consistent personality and plot wise imo. i can't help but wonder if something happened to artem's writing team?? the writing literally feels so different, i can't explain it. it's like. a lack of understanding of his charm. they dont understand why people liked him, or any of the more nuanced aspects to his character and his dynamic with rosa.
i miss them being Best Partners with artem's dry sense of humor and rosa cheering him on over the most mundane of a shit (like posing against a wall HAHA) and them taking their time and artem opening up and becomimg genuine friends who make jokes and tease each other and the strong mutual respect and consent and ;-;;; sniff
and aw thank you for the kind words!!!! i hope you're having fun too!! wishing for an absolutely touching card for lukerosa as well :) <3 year three has fantastic potential for some prime hurt/comfort angst and fluff for those two!!
#asks#eastrum#i do have fun!! recently i've been getting more into reading marius and luke's cards!#tears of themis#I HOPE YOU HAVE A LOVELY DAY!!!!!!!!!!! ;v; <3 <3
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Asoue and wwdits
Into the woods if you feel up to it
Thanks for the ask, darling!!
Just answered for asoue here
What We Do In the Shadows
OTP: oh it's gotta be Nadja/Lilith. What can I say; I'm a sucker for lesbians, Lucy Punch, and bitter exes. They really have it all <3
Favourite canon pairing: Nadja/Laszlo of course. Though in recent series they haven't really been getting any screen time so my love for them has been dying somewhat. I hope they get some good scenes in the last season!
Worst pairing ever: Nadja and Colin. Why did they do that. Why did they do that. Why did they do that. Why did they-
Guilty pleasure pairing: I WAS HALFWAY THROUGH WRITING AN 'OH I DON'T REALLY HAVE ONE' PASSAGE WHEN I REALISED I DO. I FUCKING DO AND NO ONE WILL KNOW WHAT I'M ON ABOUT BUT HERE GOES ANYWAY!! Okay so you know in that one episode when Nadja was on the council and they had a fancy banquet and Nandor was in his depression nap and everyone thought he was dead?? Well one of the sexy vampire ladies that turned up was Carmilla (famous vampire from the vampiric novel, Carmilla) and I ABSOLUTELY wanted her and Nadja to get together. There it is, that's the guilty-pleasure ship, yet another one-episode character but somehow worse than Lilith because Carmilla only had like three lines
A pairing you want to see more: Nadja/The Guide!! The Guide is throwing herself at my girl and she is absolutely clueless. Icon <3
That pairing everyone likes but you’re like “lol no”: Nadja/Jenna. Really not into it, she gave me a VERY strong maternal vibe and I am. Not a fan of shipping them. Again, you do you, but like. Not for me
Favourite non-romantic pair: Nadja & Guillermo! I wish we'd given more focus to their dynamic earlier in the show, they' 've always had the potential to be really great bitchy friends, but we DID get her going absolutely fucking feral to save his life, risking hers in the process, so... it's a win <3
Into the Woods
I have basically never thought about shipping these characters so this is going to be fun
OTP: Baker's Wife and Cinderella. Straight up, I think it would be really fun and also the whole "when you know you can't have what you want what's the profit in wishing?" vs "how can you know what you want til you get what you want and you see if you like it?" I'm just saying, their little late night heart-to-hearts could have turned into something fruity
Favourite canon pairing: Cinderella's Prince/Baker's Wife is literally just funny. Like girlie what was even going through your head there
Worst pairing ever: Rapunzel/Rapunzel's Prince. I'm sorry, she was locked in a tower for her entire life, then abandoned by her mother for the horrible crime of making a friend (and fucking him, but still, that was your fault too buddy-boy), and he has the audacity to complain that she cries too much?? She wandered alone in the desert with newborn twins thinking that you were DEAD. It's been less than a year! My girl had TRAUMA and she deserved better
Guilty pleasure pairing: the Witch and the Stepmother. Do they ever interact? No. Do I think it'd be super funny to pair up the only villainous women just because? Absolutely. They can start an "I was a bad mother but also I love my children with my whole heart" club and make each other worse
A pairing you want to see more: Florinda and Lucinda with Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, respectively. First of all I think it's funny that it would fulfil the whole 'good marriage' thing, but also I just think the stepsisters get a really rough deal and someone needs to get those princesses out of there before the aspiring Henry VIII's get on to their second wives
That pairing everyone likes but you’re like “lol no”: Baker/Baker's Wife. I'm sorry, there is no good option here. She cheated, he undervalued her at every turn, yells in her face because she just wants to help, and then has this ~wonderful realisation~ that "wow, maybe I should work with my wife!" before going straight back to his "you stay here and do nothing Because I Said So" mindset in act two. Mans has anger issues and I don't like it. Also, again, she cheated. There is no good angle to this relationship
Favourite non-romantic pair: Cinderella and the Baker. They really said "well, that was an awful lot of trauma none of us asked for. Guess we're sticking together and raising a family of two orphans and your infant son that you had with your wife (who's now dead) who cheated with my husband (who's telling people I'm dead)". Like that's so fuckin iconic.
Wait but ALSO the Witch and Rapunzel??? That's a fucking fascinating dynamic right there, like the Witch does love her! She absolutely unequivocally does! But also she doesn't know how to love her, and it is SO endlessly interesting to me and always will be
Send me a fandom and I'll answer these questions!
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Introduction posttttt
WHATS UP ITS MEEEE
ok i’ll start by saying that i am one of the most chaotic people in the world jus ask my best friends.
i love reading like really really really really love it. if i dont read i will die.
this introduction will probably be long-
ok.
my favorite fandom is shadowhunters. I LOVE THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS SO MUCH
mangos.
Im so in love with Jace, he’s so perfection.
I also really love music, BUT THE ONLY MUSIC I LISTEN TO IS ABEL’S.
HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE ABEL’S SONGS:
Or nah, king of the fall, reminder, call out my name, less than zero, curve, earned it, double fantasy, after hours, how do i make you love me, shameless, angel, scared to live, six feet under, hurricane, love me harder, wicked games, valerie, coming out strong, smile, snowchild, party monster, i feel it coming, thursday, over now, one right now, starboy, popular, die for you, creepin’, save your tears, out of time, K-POP, heartless, unfazed, dark times, in your eyes, power is power, can’t feel my face, sacrifice, i heard you’re married, moth to a flame, lust for life, one of the girls, the hills, false alarm, and more.
My favorite thing is to read while listen to his music.
well, its already obvious, but my favorite game is genshin impact. i play on asia server with the UID 870141767, pls add me i have no friends :(
CHILDE IS LOVE CHILDE IS LIFE IF I CAN’T HAVE CHILDE THERE’S NOTHING LEFT. MY LOVE, MY DARLING, MY HEART, MY EVERYTHING!!! WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW MUCH LOVE I FEEL FOR YOU!! I ADORE, AM IN LOVE, AM SMITTEN, HAVE A CRUSH ON, WANT YOU SO BAD IT PHYSICALLY HURTS, ADMIRE, APPRECIATE, AM CRAZY ABOUT, HARDCORE SIMP FOR, AM FOND OF, HOLD AFFECTIONS FOR, FEEL PASSION FOR, HAS A DEEP FEELING OF CLOSENESS FOR, AM ATTACHED TO, CHERISH THE MOST, DOTE ON THE MOST, CARE FOR, LUST FOR, AM DEVOTED TO, WORSHIP FOR, YEARN FOR, HAS A WEAKNESS FOR, IDOLIZE, TREASURE, AM ABSOLUTELY CRAZY FOR YOU!!!!! CHILDE, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH IT HURTS. I WANT YOU SO BAD. YOURE MINE, AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN. I WANNA HAUL YOU ONTO MY BED AND CUDDLE YOU FOR HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS AND WEEKS AND MONTHS AND YEARS. WHEN I GROW UP I AM DEFINITELY GONNA MARRY YOU. YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE LIGHT OF MY LIFE, THE ONLY FLAME OF BRIGHTNESS IN MY DARKEST HOURS. YOU ARE PURE PERFECTION. THAT SILKY GINGER HAIR, TWINKLING BLUE EYES, AND THAT MISCHIEVOUS SMIRK..GOD, HOW COULD ANYONE NOT FALL FOR YOU?? I LOVE YOU SO MUCH TO THE POINT THAT ITS NOT EVEN CALLED SIMPING ANYMORE. IF YOU WERE REAL, I’D DEFINITELY MARRY YOU IN A HEARTBEAT. I HAVE A SOFT SPOT FOR YOU SO MUCH..IF I DONT HAVE A SIMPING SESSION OF YOU EVERYDAY I WOULD LITERALLY DIE. I HONESTLY JUST WISH YOU WERE A REAL PERSON IN THIS WORLD..SO THAT I COULD KISS YOU EVERYDAY. YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVORITE, MY MAIN. NOBODY WILL STEAL YOU FROM ME. I JUST LOVE YOU SO MUCH HIODNVIWNHFVWINVJIEFVHUIFSWHNUIEFVNHEVF..JUST LOOK AT THE PARAGRAPH I WROTE YOU FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY, YOU ARE THE MOST HANDSOME, ETHEREAL, PERFECT, FLAWLESS, EXCELLENT, BEAUTIFUL, ATTRACTIVE, PRETTY, LOVELY, WONDERFUL, CUTE, FANTASTIC, CHARMING, STUNNING, RAVISHING, DAZZLING, STRIKING, GLAMOROUS, AMAZING, ALLURING, OUTSTANDING, AWESOME, BRAVE, MAGNIFICENT, MIND-BLOWING, GOOD-LOOKING, EXQUISITE, FABULOUS, SWEET, THOUGHTFUL, PERSON I KNOW. PLEASE, JUST BE A REAL PERSON.
was that a bit much..? nah
i have more than 1000 fictional crushes but childe’s my lifelong favorite
i also play pjsk (ISTG MY SISTER TOLD ME TO PLAY) and my darling is toya <3
idk if it seems obvious but im oddly attracted to fictional males with blonde/red/ginger hair. (fuji, cale, jace, childe, etc)
i like reADING AO3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i spend 25 hours on ao3 a day lmao
my otp is zhongchi, capichi, malace, chiscara, and more
IM BI BTW IF YOU GUYS WANNA KNOW
aND I HAVE A HOPELESS CRUSH ON THIS DUDE WHO HAS LIKE 500.8K SUBS ON TIKTOK WHO IS IN MY SCHOOL AND IN THE GRADE ABOVE MINE. ITS COMPLICATED. AND IM ALSO IN LOVE WITH MY BEST FRIEND. IDK WHY
there’s so much drama (“trauma”) in my life (do yall get it?????)
i love creating chaos.
and i also love watching animee
my favorite anime is hunter x hunter cause feitan is hawt as hell (which is also my name btw)
im a FANBOY. IDC WHAT YOU GUYS SAY IM A FANBOY
my pronouns are he/him yeah
UhhHhHhBBYUGSYBGUX anyone wanna be friends???????????????
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If Daemyra and Alys/Aemond are foils, how will they be presented to us on screen?
I'm bad at predictions, anon, so try not to be too disappointed with me. I also despise the notion of getting into Ryan Condal's -- and any major writer there -- mind.
To many in the audience, Daemyra is OTP and one of the biggest draws to the show (aside from actually hating Rhaenyra and loving Alicent for many Rhaenicent-shippers).
Since Aemond has been modified into:
a way calmer, less volatile version from the book, a person who seems victimized instead of the woman-hating victimizer
a guy who accidentally, rather than intentionally as in canon, kills his nephew while his younger nephew tries to run away from him -- Lucerys thinking Aemond will kill him because of years of hate AND Aemond literally just having told him to put out his own eye then chasing him for more than 10 minutes (let's imagine this happening, it would be a long-enough chase)...
Then I expect that the writers would present Aemond/Criston's capture of Harrenhal and taking Alys as his war prize as him "saving" her from destitution and/or him having inner conflict over how Lucerys' death went down. Others have already argued or suggested that HotD Aemond might regard Alys as something like his repentance for his actions against Lucerys (her being a Strong bastard). That the writers will pair these two either as Aemond trying to use her as his private penance or/and Alys victimizing him because she is the older one...ignoring the fact that Aemond killed all the Strong male issue and takes her as a war prize/sex slave.
You know what, I can believe that they will have Aemond lose control of his own emotions again, raze Harrenhal again (like Aegon I), see how he killed the Strongs "accidentally", and then take Alys as his publicized war prize so that he can make up for the fact that he accidentally killed her means to live (the Storng house). And then, the "whore" and "groomer"/"pedophile" Alys will encourage or begin to change their relationship into a real sexual one so she can use his authority for her own use and protection and seek revenge against those she lived with (the survivors of the House and their followers or servants) with such power. Because they probably will also present Alys living under the Strongs as being destitute as mistreated, as I already suggested.
Thus twisting Alys into some sort of gold digging tramp and repeating this current misogynist nonsense of women "trying to take men's money and only wanting them for their money" that you see bouncing around in Instagram, TikTok, etc., and real life people's own mouths. Instead of, say....a war prize trying to just survive?
I already wrote how Daemon and Aemond are foils HERE and what a Byronic hero is (what Daemon is modelled from) HERE. The show would have us think Aemond is the Byronic hero, or what it thinks a Byronic hero is.
HERE is a post I made that has pics of an NY Times interview with Condal. Here is what he says about Daemon:
We established right out of the gate, in the pilot, that Daemon is a fascinating guy, but he’s not Ned Stark. So I didn’t see it coming.
To me, Daemon is the antihero of this story. He’s a character with a real darkness to him, who’s dangerous and charming in equal parts. I knew people would be fascinated by him and latch onto him, but I figured they’d do it in the way they did with Jaime Lannister or Bronn or the Red Viper. I did not think they would oddly apply this sort of super-fandom to him and try to justify every single thing he’s done as being intrinsically heroic. It simply isn’t. It’s not the case. Nor will it be in the future.
[...]
I see Daemon as having heroic aspects to him, and I understand why people would. I mean, he’s incredibly charismatic, he’s handsome, he looks great in that wig, he rides a dragon, he has a cool sword. I totally get it. But if you’re looking for Han Solo, who’s always going to do the right thing in the end, you’re in the wrong franchise, folks.
Basically, Condal thinks/thought people justifies everything Daemon does as something that is inherently, morally good or innocuous. He believes people love Daemon because he is handsome, charming, a dragonriders, confident, etc. Basically he is a bad boy, Condal says, and people love a bad boy, but Condal's says people mistake him as a good person when he isn't.
But Condal also said some contradictory things about Daemon, seeming to flip-flop:
My post HERE of him talking about the choking scene.
LINK to post by @eschercaine
Which goes to show how much Condal knows about how fans of this series think and feel. Fans love Daemon yes for his self confidence, but many do not just love him for that. Many love that he is willing to do whatever it takes, especially violence, to protect both his family's lives and their dignities. He has been doing things like this even before Viserys became king. It is Viserys who troubles their relationship by causing Mysaria's miscarriage in canon.
And there is absolutely no indication that either Rhaenyra or her kids feared him while she was married to him in their years on Dragonstone together. But in HotD, his relationship with Rhaenyra apparently has physical abuse?! Daemon fucks Rhaenyra trying to get close to his brother?!
Keeping that in mind, as it is beyond obvious that Aemond and Daemon are thematic rivals (I already explain how in the linked post above), Condal makes Aemond the "better" person. Therefore, Aemond must and will come out looking like a victim and a "better person" next season. And apparently because these relationships hinge on the man's psychological state more than anything, their relationships will reflect the man's inner woes.
Daemyra is a relationship of wounded envy and little to no communication, a high chemistry non love posing as real love in HotD. AlysxAemond will be one of repressed angst, manipulation, and guilt, another non love but this time the war prize element will hammer in how boys can't be abusers of adults but Aemond is "just trying his best". Daemyra will spiral, falter, and disintegrate with Daemon's increasing violence corresponding to his growing frustrations with Rhaenyra's increasing paranoia. Feelings of betrayal will be presented from both characters -- Daemon wondering where her trust has gone after years of him proving it to her, and Rhaenyra just from feeling him grow more and more distant (hinted at with Daemon not being there when she lost Visenya).
#asoiaf asks to me#hotd comment#hotd predictions#rhaenyra and daemon#alys and aemond#alys rivers' characterization#alys rivers#aemond targaryen#daemon targayren#rhaenyra targaryen#hotd characterization#asoiaf#hotd
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Nace Countdown to Christmas - Day 6
(From this post of OTP prompts)
Having a friendly arm-wrestling match
“Bess texted looking for volunteer magic assistant services for a new spell she’s adapting,” Ace yells from the kitchen. “I call ‘not it’.”
“That’s not fair,” Nancy protests on her way in from the living room. She scoops her phone off the counter where it had been charging. “I was it last time! It’s your turn.”
“Nope. No turn-taking. We firmly implemented—“
“The only reason we use the ‘calling’ system is because George insisted. And she only insisted because she’s really good at calling it first and she always wins.”
“And with her out of town, here was your chance, but you missed it.” Ace snaps his fingers in mock sympathy, and leans forward to press a kiss to her forehead. “Better luck next time.”
“You know, as my husband, I feel like saving me from being a spell-tester definitely falls within our wedding vows.”
“Vows which you also made to me.” Nancy stares him down, unimpressed, and he sighs. “Okay, fine. There’s only one solution. Arm wrestle.”
“You’re on.”
Five minutes later the match ends in a triumphant kiss and a dejected text: See you tomorrow, Bessita.
#nace#nace fanfiction#nancy drew cw#cw nancy drew#nace countdown to christmas 2022#my fic#nancy and ace#give me chaotic happy drew crew#I have a need
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Curious anon here: When did you start writing (fic or non-fic)? And for fic, do you prefer writing AUs or canon universe? Because you’re amazing at both 😍
Thank you so much, curious and kind anon!! 🥰
I don't remember when I started writing, but every memory I have, I have a notebook and a pen with me. I was always writing stories. Now I have a phone that makes it even faster and easier! Love it.
My first fanfiction was a self insert OC and I don't remember if it was a Black Stallion rip off or a Romeo + Juliet rip off. I was 13. I wrote both that year. It was a lot of fun. I was a horse girl who loved Shakespeare. I had an old set of the Black Stallion books that I read so many times they were falling apart. I can't find them anymore and it makes me really sad TBH.
And I had a huge crush on baby Leo. He was too old for me then, and yet somehow I am too old for him now, even though he is still over a decade older than me!
Then in my twenties I was getting divorced and I read Harry Potter for the first time and I went through a huge fandom period there, live journal fanfiction saved me from the deepest depression and toughest time. My OTP was Remus/Sirius aka Wolfstar.
And now ... I write original stuff sometimes, write online content for industrial brands for work, and thought I would never write fan fiction again. But then I saw somebody on Reddit say "God bless the Haladriels, there are some really cute stories on AO3."
That was 5 months ago and I have written over 100,000 words since then?!?! About goddamn Galadriel and Sauron?!?
AU feels a lot easier and more natural and overall fun to write. But I think I take more satisfaction as a writer when I get the phrasing to cooperate and the details to ring true in a canon universe? Also, the stakes feel higher because it's not about two humans it's these power players in a cosmic level story!
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Oh my Vishanti!! I’m just thrilled and honored for all the kind words, warm feedback and the fact that so many of you thought of me while watching dsitmom. Honestly I didn’t expect any of that so I’m really grateful and feeling fortunate to be a tiny part of this fandom, as much as I treasure having you all as part of my life.
I’ll try and answer every reply and inbox (and my apologies if I miss anyone, it’s not personal!! I treasure y’all!!), but I’m doing it all on this single post in order to not spam people’s timelines. I am not ignoring older asks either, it’s just that my inbox is really full right now and everyone is eager to talk about the movie. But soon enough. Thank you for your patience.
Replies and asks under the cut (and dsitmom spoilers of course) ~
- replies and reblogs -
@xoxoviva said:
Yes! You captured so many of my thoughts, esp. around plot nonsense, Wanda and America. I cried a little during that post-credit scene, first seeing the scarf and then seeing Clea! I cannot wait for more of them together!
Thank you so much! I didn’t cry because I was too happy but gods, the post-credit scene literally saved me from perdition. I’ve never felt so relieved in my life. I need them too, I really do!!
@aeris-the-sailor said:
!! This was a super informative and fun read! As an MCU fan starting to get into the comics, this got me more hyped to read more haha! Thanks, OP! 💖
Thank you so so so much for such kind words!! I always get extra 10 years of my lifespam every time someone wants to read Stephen comics! If you need a guide, I have one on my pinned post. You’re very welcome here n.n
@teamkidman said:
EXACTLY !! I started crying and screaming on the inside when Clea appeared because FINALLY the true otp is sealed. Also, Charlize as Clea holy fck a dream come true!
She nailed as Clea!! The girlboss energy she exhales is just off charts, this couple will be the death of all of us. It’s over :’)
@leftcandywolf said:
COULDN'T AGREE MORE. I hate the mcu
Thank you! I don’t hate the MCU, but I do disagree with the direction they take with some characters. Glad Stephen, Wong and Clea are all safe and sound <3 I unfortunately developed some kind of hype for the third movie after seeing them together, I’m sorry ;-;
@mckiwiwrites said:
I was waiting for you to post a review cause I knew you’d do such a good job explaining my opinions about the movie in a way I can’t. Couldn’t agree more with your post.
Oh my!! Thank you so much for being so kind and supportive, I truly appreciate and treasure your words deeply in my heart ;-; Glad we agreed on so many things, especially when it comes to Stephen yay!!
@cannibal-gourmet (can't tag, sorry) said:
I swear I started to check for your review as soon as I left the theatre!! I agree with your post 100%, the incursion reference got me super hyped, and the Clea appearance was just *chef’s kiss*! Can’t wait to see them together!! 💕
Aaaaaa this is so sweet and kind of you!! Thank you so much for being so hyped about my impressions, it means the whole multiverse to me!! I am too just so hyped for them to be the Couple Supreme, hopefully the next movie will not another six years oof
@fluffycakesistainted said:
The mid-credits scene basically salvaged the movie for me 💜
Not gonna lie, same. That, Stephen’s characterization and the Illuminati scene. But definitely the post-credit scene!!
@eileen-crys said:
CLEA MY BELOVED MY QUEEN I just watched the movie and I can't stop sobbing 😭😭😭😭💜💜💜💜💜💜🛐🛐🛐🛐🛐🛐 she's a goddess omg I can't wait to see her
SHE IS, I’M JUST SO EXCITED! THEY’LL CLEAN TOGETHER, STEPHEN WILL SIMP SO HARD FOR HER, I CAN’T 💜💜💜💜
@mevaa said:
I saw it today and YEEAH CLEA YEEEAAAAAAAH!!! I WANT TO SEE THAT MOVIE NOW!!
Honest to Vishanti if they give us a story focused on Clea and Stephen with references to incursions and Secret Wars, I’ll leave this mortal plane :’)
@zelmastantons said:
yes i squealed when i saw clea! also so glad when you pointed out that stephen's outfit on the mid credit scene looks like what he wore in v4 because my brain pointed out that it looks like tdods issue 1🙃
Oh, true true! He also wears a similar outfit in DODS, although the first time was indeed in v4. I’m glad you also noticed it!! There were so many nice references here and there, I loved it so so so much!!
@i-sudoku said:
I'm here to read your review about Stephen and the movie. I sort of got what you meant with your previous non spoiler review about Stephen's characterization (thankfully Benedict is protective of his character to make sure he stays in character) when I watched the movie. I saw his vulnerability, the need to be in control, the fear of rejection, and the need for love. He overcame some and admitted the rest so that's growth.
I’m so glad you saw these aspects of his characterization. I’m really full of joy to know our favorite meow meow is in good hands and it shows!! And actual growth? It was so good to see it!!
@dragonnan said:
Yeah I’m pretty much with you on 90% of this. I’m looking forward to learning about who Clea is in the aspect of the MCU.
I hated what they did to Wanda. HAAAAATEEEED!!!! Utter and complete dumpster fire demolition of a character nothing but ash in my mouth.
Plot - ugh.
I needed more “drawing out a moment into eternity just to watch the snow fall” moments. Like a LOT more.
A LOT MOOOREEE.
Zombie!Strange was a delight - loved that even if the battle fell a bit flat for me. And maybe my opinion is in the minority but for the love of everything I really needed this to be STEPHEN’S movie and at the end of the day it felt too much like he was there to introduce a new character.
I didn’t hate it - it wasn’t trashgame after all. But it did fall VERY well short of my hopes. And I do wonder how much of that was due to major rewrites after they chose to release NWH first as apparently THIS movie was initially supposed to take place before Spider-Man.
also I really hate the third eye
Thank you so much for your feedback! I’m just so so so excited to see more of Clea and her relationship with Stephen. Also she wants to fix an incursion so she probably has a magnificent role!! And yes, Wanda ugh. Too bad she isn’t dead, we’ll have to endure more and more of her AAAAA enough, please!! Or at least bring a variant who isn’t crazy so we can have Billy and Tommy as actual heroes. And I agree with you. It was supposed to be his movie and he was just tagging along. But it could be worse, it could be Civil War :’) Lastly yes, the third has terrible CGI, it’s really ugly and unnatural lmao
@valkyrieandstrangeridingaragorn said:
Wow, you rated it far higher than I did lol
I mostly agree, I really liked his characterization as well, I think that was the best part of the movie. My biggest concern was they would turn him into someone too arrogant and mean to pretty much everyone but I'm glad they didn't. He does have some emotional moments too which was nice to see. I just can't get behind them exploring his loneliness, lack of happiness and desire for love through asking him about Christine over and over again. I felt it reduced his need for love to just having a girlfriend when it should be a lot more than that, you know? But I agree with you about everything else.
I can’t help it, 90% of my score is due to the post-credit scene lmao And yes, yes, I’m with you. I agree with you on this matter of love but I can also kinda understand why Christine is pivotal to his happiness. His only friend is the Sorcerer Supreme now, with too many duties and responsabilities, whereas Stephen is responsible for taking care of the NY Sanctum. He has no other friends because he struggles with social relationships. He lost his entire family (if they’re true to the canon). I kid you not, he lost his two siblings and both parents. He’s the only one who managed to survive. The man has no family at all. So his only option is focus on his romantic life, and it’s “easier” to be invested in someone who was there for you once, enduring all your worst parts, even though it’s one-sided. He’s not happy because he’s alone and too afraid of trying again. But it’s nice to see that he has Wong from time to time, and now he will have Clea. Hopefully, even Bats!! He will get there for sure, hopefully widening his concept of happiness n.n
- asks -
Thank you so much, anon!! Yes, I agree. I mean, I don’t mind the fact that Wanda has fans but it was quite unfair for us to have our moment taken by their endless banter and bashing, their online behavior is often terrible but I’m glad we were vindicated on the regard. Stephen had a healthy character development. It’s only fair considering she also had her share (despite being basically bad). I also don’t mind Stephen being not popular but I’ll complain a lot if his only moment to shine is taken from us. Overall, all things considered, we had a positive outcome in my opinion at least n.n
I wish, anon!! My friend says the same thing about writers reading my blog and I’m like: naaahhh, I hardly think so. But it would be really an honor for me to be a source when it comes to the character 💜
VINDICATED!!!!!!
@pitahaya-studio
Thank you so so so so much, Wongrange’s CEO!! I thought of you so much whenever Stephen and Wong interacted, they have such a nice chemistry. And yes, yes, these two are indeed America’s dads from now on xD They’ll just start collecting children, wait and see haha. And yes, I have inside info that there will be more on America and Wong soon enough. I’m super glad! Thank you for always being so kind to me!!
@cosmiccstuff
OH MY VISHANTI, YOU THOUGHT OF MY POSTS? I’M LEGIT SO HONORED, FOR REAL ;-; Thank you so much!!
Ngl, it feels very satisfying to see that my passion isn’t a waste and that my strong opinions and analysis are worthy of something xD
Also yes, same!! I screamed twice (because I watched it twice lol). Clea isn’t known but that’s about to change and I honestly can’t wait for this!!
@sobeautifullyobsessed
weihgwighweoighwgh this is so sweet, thank you so much for this amazing message!!
To answer your question, I watched the movie twice. I’m not the best person to pick references and remember every detail but somehow I managed to do it with this movie. Kudos to my friend @godofmagic because he’s also a die hard Stephen stan and we share the same level of obsession, so it was really a unique experience, we kinda completed each other’s impressions. So yeah, I was not alone on this one haha thank you once more for this magnificent feedback!!
I’m glad you stayed for the character. Benedict is a great actor and I’m really honored to see that he loves the character and is very protective towards him. The only I found to return my love for Stephen is to write about what makes me love him so much, and I’ll never get tired of praising his devotion to such a strong feeling. This is just so beautiful, especially in a society that is constantly trying to teach men that they’re not supposed to be vulnerable or cultivate feelings such as love and sensibility. No one has taught Stephen to be like that, he was born with it despite all his attempts to bury those feelings. He’s just magnificent as a human being, his flaws are just what makes him human but the essence? It’s there. *proceeds to cry*
I’m glad we can rest in relief knowing that the movie portrayed him beautifully. And of course not all people will be able to see these details, but well, I’m doing my part by writing and spreading the word haha. Thank you for sharing such kind words!! Also your fics are super valid, sometimes we express our love for our favorite characters by giving them happiness, and that’s enough :3
@idowant-these
YES. A THOUSAND TIMES YES!!!
I’m just so sus to talk about this but I adore Mr. Misery to a fault because of everything it represents. So ngl, I’d love to have him corrupted by his own fears and insecurities, and of course having Clea and Wong bringing him back in a healthy way *chef’s kiss*
Ah, anon, that’s okay. People have different tastes, but thank you for being kind enough to spare a moment and be happy for me and her fans n.n I hope she grows on you. And yes, manifesting a wonderful third movie!! ✨
Naur cause I had the same uneasiness, especially regarding Sara and America. It’s true she also went for the white men but we all know that this was not a coincidence, it was a script choice. And truth be told, if Wanda was played by a WOC, she would never have had this gigantic fanbase cheering for her murderous tendencies or this overprotective behavior.
Anon, I have the feeling that you’re not gonna like Wong in this movie either. He does fight and I absolutely adore his fight against Gargantos/Shuma-Gorath, but as I said, the very fact that it’s centered around Wanda makes it bad enough to nerf the very Sorcerer Supreme. He does have a more significant role but yeah, he was nerfed a lot in order to focus on Wanda (and it’s not just Wong, Stephen too, so there’s that). But dw, he’s fine and I really adore his relationship with Stephen, especially by the end of the movie.
@lifeofroos
I KNOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!! SHE’S CLEANING!!! Best 10 seconds of my 2022.
--
I guess this is it!! Thank you again for everyone who dropped a message!! I truly treasure your kindness!! 💜💜💜
#reply#doctor strange#stephen strange#dsitmom#dsitmom spoilers#doctor strange in the multiverse of madness#mcu#long post
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Silm for the ask game?
otp- Silvergifting! I love them so much. It’s the doomed relationship. The close partnership, the intimacy of crafting together and pouring so much of yourself into your creations. The betrayal, the inner conflict, a love so destructive and beautiful and all-consuming that the only way to save oneself is a violent death. It’s perfect.
favourite canon pairing- Finrod/Amarië. Finrod gives up everything to find freedom in Middle-earth but his beloved still waits for him... and Finrod comes back completely changed by war. I like the idea of Amarië fighting in the War of Wrath and having to leave Finrod behind. I wish there was more content for them, for Amarië in general...
worst pairing ever- obviously Aredhel/Eöl but I don’t know anyone who legitimately likes them other than to indulge in how fucked up that relationship is
guilty pleasure pairing- Sauron/Maeglin. Add Sauron/Finrod to this list too. I like the idea of Sauron getting unintentionally attached to the elves he’s torturing. (Though I like post-canon Sauron/Maeglin too)
a pairing you want to see more- Balanóm (Finrod/Bëor)! Bëor fell in love with Finrod’s singing voice, the two of them had a close cultural exchange- and Bëor gave up everything to follow Finrod to Nargothrond, he literally renamed himself “vassal” in his language. I love the lord/vassal dynamics so much. But most importantly, it’s the tragedy of an immortal loving a mortal, and how Finrod was the first among the Eldar to witness a mortal’s death... it makes his sacrifice for Beren all the more heartbreaking. Please, write more of this ship, I’m begging you.
that pairing everyone likes but you’re like “lol no”- I can’t really get behind Aredhel/Celegorm, I headcanon Aredhel as an ace lesbian so her affection for Celegorm is completely platonic and familial.
favorite non-romantic pair- Russingon! Tolkien really goes out of his way to show how close Maedhros and Fingon are. I believe that they are the best example of a queerplatonic relationship in the whole text. They are canonically melotorni, I will not accept criticism. Fingon kinslays for Maedhros, he goes into Angband to save him despite knowing that Maedhros has essentially betrayed him. They renew their love, they go into battle together, and it all ends in tragedy. Fingon dies alone, Maedhros loses all hope, his sense of self, after his failure. These two make me so emotional and I am always thinking about them.
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5 and 18 for Salty Asks if you still do it
5. Has the fandom ruined a ship for you?
Would I have Timm x Cecilia shippers in the DNI of my blog otherwise?
Look, if someone likes my content and they ship that, I don't mind as long as they are decent human beings about it.
But that story has been told a million times, and I doubt anyone wants to read it again.
So, long story short if you're curious: A fanfic made them scummy people who made Quinn suffer. Later the ship became the cause of many of my bad experiences in this fandom, and with the years it has only accumulated more and more reasons for me to hate it.
No matter how cute the fans may make the content for them, the truth is that I'll always hate it. There's just no way for me to like it, or even fake liking it.
It's just that, with the terrible experiences and fanmade content I've seen, it has mutated too much into something hideous. And it's too late to transform it back into something that doesn't make me wanna puke.
So, rather than asking the shippers to DNI because they could get in conflict with me, it's more because I want to save them the trouble of seeing someone talk crap about your otp.
'Couse I know how that feels, and I don't wish that to no one. Genuinely.
Hey, the ship, as terrible as it is, may mean something special to someone the way Quimm means the world to me, so that's why I have a little decency about it.
However - and I can't stress it enough- Timm x Cecilia is a ship that has sunk very low to me, and I hope it stays sunk. Forever.
18. Does not shipping something ‘popular’ mean you’re in denial and/or biased?
If with this you mean Timm x Cecilia: HELL nah! I got damn valid reasons to hate it, and no one takes that away from me.
If we're talking about something like Sarge x Tomatoe lady, it's really just because I prefer something else. (CoughCoughSargeleyCoughCough)
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Personal Favourite - Part 1: Kiss It Better
Author's note: I got this ask from @missameliep over six months ago, but an idea only came to me yesterday. Is it a coincidence since today is her birthday? Who knows... Happy birthday, my dearest! I hope you're having the best time today and I wish you a lifetime of joy, great gifts and wonderful stories to tell 🥳🎂❤ [Original characters are creations of this author. The others are owned by Pixelberry Studios]
Book: Desire & Decorum (modern day AU)
Pairing: Prince Hamid x MC (Daphne)
Rating: T
Word count: 1141
Reading time: ~4 min
Summary: The everyday routine might cause small disagreements. But even then Hamid knows why he always eager to come back home.
Based on the prompt: OTP ask meme #6: What is their favourite feature of their partner’s?
Hamid placed his toothbrush into the holder and reached for the lip balm he was slowly getting attached to. At first, he often forgot to wear it and only had it on his lips if his partner applied it for him. But after that tiny product helped kept his lips hydrated during the driest season in Morocco, the balm became part of his everyday routine.
As he glanced in the mirror, he idly searched for the tiny cream jar only to be intercepted by Maya, who lightly bit one of his fingers.
"Kızım¹? Are you here because you want me to leave the water running or did you miss me?”
He smiled at the cat, who purred once he scratched under her chin.
“I know I haven't given you enough attention since I came back, prensesim². I promise we'll go for a walk and play tomorrow, okay?"
After a few more scratches, he put Maya on the floor and looked back at the counter.
"Now, where is it?"
He inspected the messy bathroom counter and shook his head. He wasn't the most organized person, but sharing a bathroom with Daphne could be a challenge sometimes. Whenever they went out, her process of getting ready included leaving a complete mess on the counter in a way it reminded him of the spare room they turned into a studio for her. For someone so worried about tidying up their home, chaos seemed to follow her once in a while.
Yet, he didn’t have the heart to argue about it. They hadn't been together for almost three weeks and because of jetlag, he barely remembered if they kissed since he spent most of the time sleeping after he arrived. It'd be a shame to deprive himself any longer of the lips he crossed oceans so many times to kiss again.
Trying to focus on his search, Hamid looked for the balm once again until he accidentally knocked down a few misplaced objects that unfortunately landed on one of his toes.
"Ow! Dalyarak!" He yelled and crouched down to check on his toe. Apparently, her spray pomade found the perfect angle to hit a toenail, which began to throb in pain.
Still not a reason to argue. But maybe kindly remind her of reorganizing the counter? Hm... She always gets annoyed with her own mess and rearranges everything anyway...
"Hamidciğim?" Daphne called from the bedroom.
"Yes?"
"Is everything alright in there?"
"It's fine!"
"Then who were you calling a dick swinger?"
He shook his head, but couldn't suppress a chuckle. It was hard to be mad when he could almost see her cheeky smile whenever she used the literal translation of such an offensive word. Either way, this wasn't a talk he wanted to have through the wall. So he ignored the chaos and returned to the bedroom.
As he approached her, he stopped in his tracks. Sitting by the vanity dresser, Daphne wore nothing but one of her sheer nightgowns. The ones she saved for whenever her plans for the night didn't include sleeping.
His eyes began to follow Daphne's ring finger brushing on her lips whilst she applied a balm. Over the years, Hamid often found himself ogling at her lips. But there was something about how they grew a bit fuller when she massaged them with her fingertips to moisturize them. Maybe it was just his mind playing tricks on him. It was just a balm after all. Yet, he knew it had more to do with the effect those luscious peach-coloured lips had on him.
"Bir tanem?"
"Huh?"
"What happened in the bathroom?"
"Nothing... I knocked over some cosmetics and a hair spray fell on my foot."
“Which foot?”
“The left one.”
"Hm… That explains why Maya ran out of there as if she witnessed a paranormal activity. How is your foot?"
"It hurts, but I'll survive."
"Let me see it."
"Aşkım, you don’t have to—"
"Sit down and let me see it." She pointed to the bed imperatively.
His eyebrows went up in surprise. Judging by the tone in her voice, it was better to simply do as he was told. He then sat down and placed his foot on her lap.
In silence, Daphne looked down at his foot. Her fingers lingered over the small scar on his left ankle after the accident at the beginning of their relationship. Then she inspected his injured toenail.
“Your toe is getting swollen, but since you had no trouble walking, it probably isn’t broken.”
“I told you everything is fine.”
"I still had to see it for myself.” She answered with a shrug. “Anyway, I think a cold compress and a kiss will be enough, but I can see if we still have a pain relieving cream."
"I beg your pardon?"
“You know… Those creams people apply to avoid bruises.”
“I was talking about the kiss part.”
"Oh, that…” She looked at his foot again, avoiding his gaze. “My mum always told me it works. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to try."
“It certainly won’t.”
Daphne gazed back at him and they shared knowing looks and smiles.
"Very well. I'll take the kiss now."
“Okay.” With that, Daphne placed a kiss on his reddened toe. “There. Better?”
"You cannot be serious..."
"But that's how it works."
"No, it isn't!"
"Yes, it is!"
"It didn't work for me." He folded his arms, feigning annoyance.
"Alright, I'll get the ice pack then."
As she stood up, he held her back by the waist and pulled her into his lap.
"Will you stop with this nonsense and give me a real kiss?"
Her hand moved towards the nape of his neck their lips touched at last. Wasting no time, she parted her lips to deepen the kiss, guiding his tongue into their very own slow dance.
Once they pulled away just enough to catch their breath, he chuckled softly.
"What?"
"Are you wearing the lip balm you gave me?"
"Um…No?"
As he stared at her deadpan, she smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry… I don't know where I left mine."
"It's probably in the middle of the mess you left on the counter."
"Yeah..." She bit down her lip and looked away. "Sorry about your toe. And the mess. I’ll put everything back in the morning.”
“It’s okay, my dove,” he answered, lifting her hand to his lips.
“Should I get the ice pack?"
"Not now. You still have to make up for what you did."
"Are you sure? I thought you'd still be a little jetlagged."
"Which means you'll have to work a little harder this time, aşkım," he whispered.
Though she tried to look innocent, the lust in her eyes told him a different tale. "As you wish, my love."
Hamid then closed his eyes and revelled in the feeling of her lips and hands roaming down his body.
---------
¹ kızım: my girl/ my daughter
² prensesim: my princess
#choices fanfic#desire and decorum#prince hamid#hamid x mc#desire and decorum fanfic#desire & decorum modern day au#meant to be au#lorirwritesfanfic#lorircreates
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