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bro-atz · 3 months

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1024UB CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT: WHEN DID YOU BECOME SO SMART?

word count: 2.5k

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“I still can’t believe you went home and visited your family without me,” Wooyoung complained to San as he shot him down.

“Listen, I get that you’re mad at me, but you don’t have to take it out on my character,” San frowned as he failed to avoid Wooyoung’s attack.

Ever since he got back from his trip with Gyuri, Wooyoung had been upset with San. They used to hang out a lot more before he and Gyuri went exclusive, which Wooyoung nagged San about until they finally hung out.

“Why didn’t you take me along this time? I came with you for the past three years,” Wooyoung continued to ruthlessly murder San’s character.

“Well, you know…”

“Does your dad hate me? Oh God, he does doesn’t he.”

“No, he doesn’t, Woo. He loves you—”

“Then why didn’t you take me along?!”

San searched for words that Wooyoung would accept and let him off the hook for not bringing him on the trip, but there were no words. What ended up changing the subject was San killing Wooyoung’s character explosively, letting him win the game. Wooyoung threw his controller at San.

“Stop being mean to me!”

“I’m sorry, Woo! I brought you the high quality steak cuts as an apology,” San bit back a laugh. “I can get you more meat if you have anything else in mind.”

That seemed to do the trick. Wooyoung, deep in thought, sat with his arms crossed over his chest. He seemed to be really contemplating what else he wanted from San. A few minutes of Wooyoung thinking passed before he ended up waving his hand in the air and saying, “I don’t know. If there’s something I want later, I’ll text you.”

“That works. Sorry, Woo.”

“It’s okay. You’re forgiven. I can’t stay mad at you. I also am super happy you brought the meat because there’s a recipe I’ve been wanting to try making for a while now.”

Wooyoung actually seemed more excited about the meat than he did playing video games, and San actually did let out a light laugh.

“Have you ever considered food science?” he asked.

“Yes, but we’re in our final semester. It’s too late for me.”

“Masters?”

“…Huh, I guess you’re right.”

With that, the two of them returned to their unnecessarily violent video game. Sometimes, San would get nightmares because of the game, but he didn’t dare admit that to anyone in the group (other than Gyuri) in fear that they would make fun of him. He was already scared shitless by people simply jumping out from behind a wall to scare him. Gyuri made fun of him a little bit at the beginning, but she felt bad after he fell to the ground and laid there for a good ten minutes. He was grateful that she had enough of a conscious to stop. Wooyoung did not.

“Hey, is it just me, or has Gyu changed lately?”

It was as if San thought about Gyuri too loudly. As he responded in shock, Wooyoung successfully killed his character. San scrambled to recover and act normally.

“What do you mean?” he tried to ask as nonchalantly as possible.

“Yeah, she’s been acting hella different ever since Hwa came back.”

“Maybe she’s still not used to the fact that he’s back. He did traumatize the shit out of her.”

“No, she’s not like… fearful? Is that the right word?” Wooyoung pondered. “Anyway, no, like I mean… How do I put this? Uh, remember when I told you that I think Gyu’s been having sex?”

As if he could forget. “Yeah?”

“Well, this was like a while back, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it,” Wooyoung killed San’s character once more. “Yes! Oh, uh, but yeah the other day I was looking for you and you weren’t responding, so I texted Gyu but she didn’t respond either. Then, I went to her apartment, and she was like…”

San felt his heart in his throat when Wooyoung trailed off. “Yeah?”

“She was under the covers and her face was hella red.”

“Was she sick?” San asked after the conversation pretty much ended because they were trying so hard to kill each other in the game.

“She said she was, but I feel like…” Wooyoung trailed off yet again. “Nah, I can’t say.”

“What? Tell me.”

“I think she was masturbating when I came in.”

San choked on his spit. He paused the game as he fell into a coughing fit, his hand shakily reaching for a glass of water that rested on the coffee table. He definitely was not expecting him to say that of all things.

“What… in the world? What the actual fuck?!”

“Bro, she was like… Definitely getting off or something… Like she was trembling and biting her lip and shit.”

It was at that moment that San knew exactly what moment he was talking about. That was the day San learned how to crack macadamia nuts. If he had heard this at any other time, he would have been pretty proud of himself, but now was just not the time. Wooyoung was scaring the shit out of him with this anecdote, and he prayed to God that he didn’t go any further with it.

“Never mind that. That’s just masturbation.” San took a breath of relief too early because Wooyoung followed that definitively with, “She’s been hooking up with someone.”

Once again, San choked on his spit, and he had to drink more water to calm himself down. Wooyoung did not seem to take note of his intense reactions to his statements. “Her neck was covered in red marks that day.”

“Maybe they were bug bites,” San prayed that Wooyoung would think he’s just playing devil’s advocate— he was quite oblivious.

“No, they were definitely hickeys… Lately, there seems to be more every other day.”

San was grateful that Gyuri was not here to hear this, otherwise she’d murder San for sure. “Who’s she been sleeping with, then? Since you’re so certain,” he tried to seem as though he were genuinely unsure about his theory.

Wooyoung pondered for another good thirty seconds before San could literally see a lightbulb flash above his head, “Oh my God, do you think it’s Seonghwa?”

Rage filled San’s blood. He was no longer anxious about the subject matter. He was pissed. How could Wooyoung possibly think that she would be hooking up with the very man that ended their friendship because he was whipped for a dumb bitch? San tried to calm himself down, but that didn’t work as he spat out, “I doubt that.”

“Yeesh, that’s harsh. Why do you doubt it?”

“Well, like, that one day where you and Joong tried to beat him up, before that he was saying super nasty shit about her personality. I don’t think she’d want to hook up with someone who actually said something so horrible to her face.”

“What’d Hwa say again? I forgot.”

“He said Bora was better than Gyu because at least she didn’t have Gyu’s anger issues.”

“Yikes, okay, yeah. She probably isn’t hooking up with him. I don’t think Hwa was even back when I walked in on her that one time.”

Realizing that he may have set himself up for failure, San could only nod. He should have let Wooyoung run with his Seonghwa theory. It was too late for that now, though.

“She’s definitely sleeping with someone. I also think it is someone in group. I don’t think she’s close with anyone outside the group, and there’s no way she would have been able to keep that relationship a secret… But who?”

He wanted to scream at Wooyoung to let it go. The more the boy talked, the more uncomfortable San got. He didn’t know how to lead Wooyoung away from the conversation anyway without sounding suspicious, so he just remained quiet and tried to look deep in thought until Wooyoung moved on from the topic himself.

“…I can’t figure out who… Eh, I’ll think about it later.”

Thank fucking God. San was so relieved when Wooyoung resumed the game and the two continued to play. He wanted to have a good time with his best friend, not get scared shitless by him. All of Wooyoung’s theories slipped out of his mind the more time they played. Empty beer bottles and energy drink cans decorated the living room floor and coffee table as the night progressed, and finally, San had to take a bathroom break. He paused the game and told Wooyoung that he had to go to the bathroom real quick.

After relieving his bladder, San made his way back to the living room. Wooyoung’s back was facing him, but he could still see that the tips of the boy’s ears were bright red. San got closer and saw that Wooyoung was looking at a phone. Fear washed over San’s body the closer he got to his friend on the ground. It was San’s phone Wooyoung was looking at.

“Oh my God, Woo! Get off my phone!” San was royally freaking out.

Wooyoung turned and looked up at San, his nose bleeding profusely, his face as red as a fire truck, San’s phone held tight in his white-knuckled grip. “Why the fuck is Gyuri sending you nudes?!”

“What?!”

San pried his phone from Wooyoung’s grasp and saw that Wooyoung had opened his text thread with Gyuri. The latest text he got from her was her keeping her promise and sending him pictures of her in the lingerie she bought for him— this number was a royal purple velvet garter skirt paired with a sheer bra that left little to the imagination. The worst part was there was a picture of Gyuri fully bent over, the skirt rising slightly to reveal her wearing the tiniest g-string in the world. San felt blood rushing through his body and turning him on. Horrible timing.

Wooyoung stuffed tissues in his nose to stop the bleeding as San sunk down to the ground with his hand holding his phone in a death grip, a new fear unlocked within him. He tried to speak, but his vocal cords refused to work. After many stuttering noises, San managed to squeak out, “Woo, wait, I can explain.”

Waiting was not an acceptable option for the boy with the bleeding nose. “She’s been sleeping with you?! All the texts you’ve been getting are from her?! When she texted you that one day and I saw the texts, did you hook up with her?!”

More empty noises left San’s soul. He couldn’t believe that the dumbass before him was actually using his brain for once. Part of San considered smashing one of the empty bottles against Wooyoung’s head to get the boy to pass out and forget that this happened, but he was frozen.

“Holy shit, wait…” San watched realization sink into Wooyoung’s eyes. “You went on vacation with her! You didn’t go home, you went to Jeju with her and Iseul!”

“Why are you using your brain right now?!” San found words to shoot back at Wooyoung. “Why are you smart now of all times?!”

“Everything makes sense! Oh my God, you and Gyu! Why haven’t you told any of us?!”

To get Wooyoung to stop talking, San pushed his phone far away from the two of them and covered the talkative boy’s mouth. Wooyoung instinctively thrashed around trying to get his mouth free from San’s hands, but San was strong. He finally settled down when San said, “I’ll explain everything if you promise to remain calm and not tell anyone.”

The boy nodded slowly.

“You cannot say a word to anyone, okay?” San reiterated.

He shot him a thumbs up, and San finally let go of him. The two sat on the ground with their legs folded. San narrated Iseul’s explanation as closely as possible, but he felt as though he missed something important. He told him about why they started hooking up in the first place, the fact that he and Iseul went on a couple dates, the “date” Seonghwa took Gyuri on, him and Gyuri becoming exclusive and going on the trip to Thailand— not Jeju— together and how that trip happened. That was pretty much everything, right?

The craziest part about that moment was that Wooyoung actually sat quietly and listened to everything San told him while staring at him with wide eyes and his jaw dropped the whole time. It kind of freaked him out to see his best friend so damn quiet for once in his life. He tapped his knee and asked, “You good, Woo?”

“Uh, um,” Wooyoung cleared his throat— San handed him some water to help his throat recover— and then said, “I just have one comment.”

“What is it?”

“You better be serious about her. I will get very, very angry with you if you’re just going to string her along.”

“Of course I’m serious about her. This wouldn’t have lasted this long if it were just for shits and giggles.”

Satisfied with his answer, Wooyoung’s body eased up, letting San relax a bit more. He could still feel his heart racing thinking about Wooyoung looking at those pictures Gyuri sent him. He couldn’t help but anxiously chew his lower lip.

“I’m still fucking shocked,” Wooyoung admitted. “I can’t believe that she is seeing someone in the group and that someone is you.”

San looked away shyly. Wooyoung continued, “Like you? Of all people? She could definitely do better.”

Offended, San kicked Wooyoung over. “At least I’m definitely better than you!” He shot back.

With a laugh, Wooyoung fell over near San’s phone. The two boys looked at San’s phone. San felt his face heat up just thinking about those pictures Gyuri sent. He still could not believe that Wooyoung found out about them because of their goddamn text thread. San cursed himself for not changing his password to something more secure so that Wooyoung couldn’t have gotten in.

“Yo… But those pictures of Gyu… The purple lingerie… That was hot. I see the appeal,” San looked at Wooyoung’s face, a fresh trail of blood running out of his nose.

“Woo, please, shut up. Don’t think about Gyuri like that,” San sighed as he shoved tissues up his friend’s nose.

“Is she your girlfriend?”

“Yes, you asshole.”

“…Eh, she’s still fucking hot.”

San put Wooyoung in a headlock. The two boys wrestled for a hot second before San’s text notification went off. He let Wooyoung go and checked his phone to see that Gyuri sent him another message.

PRIVATE MESSAGE: gyuday

gyuday: whyd you leave me on read? gyuday: were the pics not good? should i take them again? gyuday: oh wait don’t tell me ur getting off to the pics rn…… choosan: no i’m not choosan: but wooyoung knows now choosan: he got into my phone while i was in the bathroom and saw the pics gyuday: FUCK

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brooxonianbek · 7 days

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WEEK OCTOPEDIAN

{Mar 11th ~ 17th}

The illness that began last week has knocked me down in full force, and I’ve been bedridden for five days, which, suffice it to say, is not enjoyable in the slightest with no one to look after you at home. At the tail end of it, though, I was adopted by a new replacement mother — my pastor’s wife, dear Jo — and she had me for dinner and insisted I stay the night. It was a great relief, and I readily accepted the offer. I am immensely grateful for her appropriating me into her little brood, and for some much-needed feline attention.

I recovered enough life in time to attend a concert at the Oxford Town Hall on Friday — Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by candlelight. I didn’t know anything about the piece before going, but I have since been informed that it’s a piece of program music; that being music that tells a story through instrumental and musical symbols, as in Peter and the Wolf by Prokofiev. The Four Seasons, as you would assume, musically illustrates each season in a different concerto, with motifs representing characteristics of each one; birdsong, thunderstorms, tipsy revellers dancing in the streets, hunting dogs, rain, chattering teeth and cracking ice all identifiable in the piece. It was a spectacular performance — a string quartet surrounded by the flickering light of candles in the vast, darkened hall.

Saturday was another of our day trip excursions with legendary tour guide, Rob, to Salisbury and Bournemouth. Our omnibus carried us twice past the Big Ol’ Henge of Rocks, first thing in the morning. There were already tourists flocking around, with many more to come, I’m sure — so I really do think it was all we needed to see.

Salisbury itself seems a quaint little town, but all we had time to explore was the cathedral, which warranted a good hour and a half exploration of its own. As the tallest medieval spire in Europe, and the tallest building in the UK until the 1960s, it has an expansive interior, and the gothic pillars stretch upwards in a way that accentuates the height further. It had a fascinating combination of true medieval artistry and adapted 20th-and-21st-century features, as in the blue stained glass of the east window, and the crystalline font that so masterfully extends the depth of the building in its surface of liquid glass. I actually think the exterior of the cathedral is the most striking part, after all, though, and it may end up a subject of my painting at some stage.

Bournemouth was our next stop and, if I am perfectly honest, I didn’t particularly like it. Perhaps we were in the wrong area of town, but its only selling qualities were its churchyard, in which are buried the whole of the famous Shelley family — Percy Bysshe, poet; Mary Wollestonecraft, proto-feminist; and Mary Shelley, goth — and an art gallery that I was unable to visit this time around. They did also have an ocean, but lots of places have one of those.

Sunday, I went to a church lunch in the 18th-century country home of a family, most perfectly decorated around the exposed wooden structural with cozy, tasteful, artistic furnishing…I’d like a house like that.

#art history #architecture #architectural history #salisbury #bournemouth #stonehenge #graveyard #mary shelley #vivaldi #by candlelight

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easierreadthandone4711 · 6 months

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Day 4 in Nantucket

The hormones have quieted their rage, this post should be less emotional.

During my stay in Boston this summer I met a handful of people that I hope to know forever. It was an all female deployment for the summer - 55 of us to be exact. I’ll be honest, hearing all females was a bit concerning for me but the friendships I formed were more than I imagined I’d gain.

In the beginning I had been paired up with someone and we will call her E for her privacy’s sake. We clicked pretty quickly and E wasted no time showing me the ropes, as it was my first deployment for work. She will never understand how grateful I am for her and the way she put my nerves at ease. For weeks it was her and I, wandering around in target or total wine and more. Sharing stories and trying samples - we made plans for our summer ahead. Her family was coming and without even meeting me they had welcomed me in all their plans. I couldn’t wait, I love an adopted family ♥️ we each had a week back at home coming up and for whatever reason, o was struck with the fear that I wouldn’t see her again, as if she weren’t coming back. Her week at home was first, I managed to survive because the folks at work were amazing and kept me company. She came back and it was my turn. Sure enough, while at home, she informs me her orders have changed and she is reporting back at home for good. She would not be returning to Boston. This change would happen after I came back so I was grateful to have the chance to say goodbye. Just like that, our plans were cancelled. Shortly after she told me about her changed orders, I was informed I would be moving to a later shift in a different area. I was getting anxious all over again. I had finally found some peace and it was being ripped from under me. I knew this was always a possibility - changes like this are not unheard of. In fact, it why they encourage us not to make plans too far out, as you never know what’s coming up.

When I returned to Boston and I had to take E’s word for it that I would be okay. She’s been on the road much longer than I have and she hadn’t steered me wrong yet.. I tried to be positive but inside, I was panicking. As I’ve mentioned before.. my abandonment issues run deep and although this wasn’t her choice to “abandon” me, it was a loss of comfort and support for me. I was almost angry I had allowed myself to get as close with her as I did. Why bother forming friendships? I decided then that I would keep folks at arms length and just focus on work. E and I had one last hoorah at the local casino 🥲 after losing our money we headed back to the hotel and ate and laughed until I woke in my room the next morning. I don’t remember making it back to my room, I could only remember us laughing which made me so sad.

I was starting my new shift and I was more than nervous. Before this change, it was only E and I at our location… this time, I would be with at least a dozen other females that I had yet to meet.

The work gods were really watching out for me because then I met a dozen more people that now have special places in my heart.

One in particular, we will be referring to her as A. Within minutes of meeting each other, we were laughing and roasting each other. More so me roasting her but she played along with it well and I knew we were going to get along just fine. We began making plans and sharing stories of our lives back at home. I’m not sure we were apart except to sleep In our own rooms at night. We visited Salem .. probably three times… got tattoos in Rhode Island together and I even got to meet her best friend from back home (who was as amazing as A was). We were even moved locations AGAIN together, because our boss saw that we had bonded, so she made sure to relocate us together. Forever grateful for boss lady 🙌🏾 The end of our deployment crept up pretty quickly, quicker than I imagine and though we were both ready to be home, I know we both were bumming that we wouldn’t be with each other anymore.

Rumors of extensions were looming over us which made us nervous. It had already been four months away from home so neither of us wanted to stick around but IF an extension were to come, I hoped we would at least have each other, though neither of us wanted it for the other either. We squished as many activities as we could into our last moments together and I know we were both exhausted but we had no time to spare anymore.

Here I am, months later and we still speak, if not daily, we only miss a few days without speaking. She’s literally across the country.. we are as far apart as we possibly could be 🥲 but we have decided to do our own little book club ♥️ yes, another book worm like me.

As a reader of this blog, you should expect book reviews coming your way and hey, if you wanna join along, here’s the first book A and I will be diving into.

#massachusetts #travel #books #nantucket #book club #bookworm #reading #friendship #besties

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aquadestinyswriting · 1 year

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A Circle None Can Break- Part Three

Summary: Selene is finally called to a meeting with the King and one of the Head Librarians, only to get a lot more than she bargained for.

Words: 2,389

Warnings: Aside from some very mild bad language, I don't think there's anything that needs to be warned for. Please let me know if I'm incorrect

tags: @druidx, @strosmkai-rum, @homesteadchronicles, @warriorbookworm, @odysseywritings

Note: The Miranda Rights might be different to what many expect. That's because I used the UK (Scotland) one.

Selene frowned as she followed Stormbreaker through the halls of the palace. Those damned magic-dampening runes now seemed to cover almost every inch of the place. Almost. There were definitely areas that had been missed. Whether that was by accident or to allow the staff to use magic for some of their work remained to be seen.

"Right, wait here 'til ye're called. I'll let His Majesty ken ye've arrived." Stormbreaker suddenly said, stopping in front of a rather plainer looking door than the wizard was expecting. Selene nodded and stood to one side of the door, leaning against the wall as the kingsguard lieutenant stepped inside. The antimagic runes hastily carved into the stone sparked slightly at the contact, causing an unpleasant shiver to run down the wizard’s neck. It had been a very long time since Selene had last been bereft of the ability to sense the magical weave of the world and the sensation was even less pleasant than she recalled. Not only that, but now she was also without her connection to her familiar. She hoped that Chrackle wasn’t panicking at the lack of connection to her. The last time she’d been inside an antimagic field the bird had at least been able to see her. She looked over as Stormbreaker opened the door again and stood to the other side of it,

“Presenting the Grand Magus of the City of Toreguarde, Lady Selene Frigidwake.” he intoned, gesturing for the human woman to get to the door. Selene pushed off from the wall and made her way to the door. She inclined her head in a short bow as she stepped into the little room. It seemed to be a study of some sort. A desk was placed to one side of the room, two stacks of parchment neatly piled to one side and a quill sitting in the ink pot. Directly ahead was a large fireplace, around which several comfortable chairs were placed and a smaller table between them. Three tankards filled with ale had been placed on the table, along with a platter of various meats, assorted cheeses, dwarven hardtack and some of the fruits that grew on the side of the mountain.

In one chair, sending the human woman a wide smile, was an elderly dwarf, his beard having long since turned grey. He was wearing scholar's robes and a pair of pince-nez glasses were perched on the end of his nose. Standing in front of the fireplace, back currently turned to Selene, was a much younger dwarf. Dark hair fell in ringlets down his back, partially obscuring the Goldseeker family crest that adorned the back of his rich, purple, fur-trimmed cape. He was wearing a kirtle embroidered with gold and silver thread and he wore a ceremonial pauldron on one shoulder, to which the cape was attached. Selene could just about make out the glint of mythril chainmail peeking out from beneath the kirtle. King Storri Goldseeker, his hands clasped behind his back, addressed his guest, his back still turned to her,

“It’s no’ very often we get to meet the greatest heroes of the age more than once in one’s lifetime.'' he stated levelly, “I’ve heard some reasons as to why ye’ve decided to visit our hallowed halls once more, but I would hear them in your own words.” Selene took another step into the room, glancing to the librarian with a puzzled look, before returning her attention to the monarch,

“Your Majesty, I am incredibly grateful to have been welcomed back to your majestic home, even after all this time. As to why I’m here; I am not sure how much the good Abouna told you, so forgive me for my bluntness-”

“Forgiven. Proceed.”

Selene bristled at the interruption, but tamped down her temper and carried on,

“Your Majesty, I came here seeking information that would help me to permanently close the Hellmouth that currently lies beneath Toreguarde.” she said. The Low King of Fangthane finally deigned to turn around and look at his guest, eyes narrowing,

“And what makes you think we have any pertinent information that would possibly help your cause?” he asked. Selene did not know what she had, personally, done to insult the dwarven man in front of her, but she could feel her temper wearing dangerously thin. Perhaps the antimagic runes weren’t such a bad idea after all. She inhaled deeply through her nose and slowly let it out before replying,

“To be perfectly frank, Your Majesty, I do not know for certain.” she said, only just managing to keep her tone even, “I only know that I have very thoroughly exhausted all other avenues at my disposal.”

“What kind of information are ye after, lass? That will at least help us to figure out if we can even help ye.” The soft voice of the librarian was music to Selene’s ears. She turned to the elderly dwarf, a genuine smile lighting up her face,

“Thank you, Derek.” she sighed, “I’m looking to see if you have any information on-” Selene stopped and looked over to the door of the study, suddenly aware that there were raised voices coming from the other side. King Storri’s already thunderous frown deepened even further. He looked to the door and began a march towards it just as it burst open. The Captain of his Kingsguard- a tall and broad shouldered dwarf dressed in elaborately decorated full plate armour and a spec helm with a large, feathered plume on top- saluted the younger man and bowed deeply, holding his helmet under his arm,

“I apologise for the intrusion to this meeting, Your Majesty, but we have a situation.” he said, glancing over to Selene. King Storri groaned out a sigh and simply gestured for the Captain to carry on, pinching the bridge of his nose. Captain Bloodvein turned to the door and nodded to his Lieutenant, who ushered an unseen person forward. Selene froze as a troupe of Kingsguard marched into the room, hands on their weapons, surrounding her. Following in at the back, were two Ironguard and in the hands of one of them…

“Chrackle!” Selene yelped, her eyes widening on seeing the state her familiar was in. The corvid was wearing a falconer’s hood over his head and his wings and feet were tightly bound to his body. A thick, leather thong was wrapped tightly, too tightly, around his beak. Selene barely had time to process this when one of the Kingsguard snatched her staff away from her and two others forced her to her knees. Derek leapt to his feet, but was waved down by King Storri, who looked to Captain Bloodvein,

“Captain Bloodvein, what is going on?” he asked calmly. Bloodvein heaved a sigh and stepped towards Selene,

“Lady Selene Frigidwake, you are hereby placed under arrest by the authority of the Council of Fangthane under Section 1 of the Criminal Charges Act. The charges placed against you are as follows; of Conspiring with enemy agents, political Espionage on behalf of enemies of the Crown and plotting with enemies of the Crown to assassinate persons of political interest on the Fangthane Council. You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court.” Selene was silent as a pair of shackles were roughly placed on her wrists and she was hauled upright. Captain Bloodvein turned back to his king,

“Again, my most sincere apologies, Yer Majesty. I ken ye had questions for the Grand Magus, but they’re going to have to wait for now.” Storri nodded, glaring at Selene while she was walked out of the study,

“If the Council believes that she’s conspiring against us, I’d rather she were questioned properly about her motives.” Derek scoffed, lumbering over to the king and glaring at him,

“The charges are a load o’ nonsense, and you know it!” he snapped, “Now I don’t know who on the Council has a beef wi’ the lassie, but you ought to ken better.” Storri snorted,

“Do I now?” he rumbled, “Tell me, Head Librarian, does she not work as an official of the City of Toreguarde?” he asked smoothly, “Is Toreguarde not considered a part of the Drakemari Empire? And, lastly; is she, or is she not, a close friend and confidant of one Alexis Dalliance? Who, may I remind you, has been charged with attempted murder following a failed assassination attempt?” The older dwarf blustered for a moment, before recalling himself and bowing deeply,

“Point made, Yer Majesty.” he grumbled, “Well then, since my services are, apparently, no longer required, I suppose I’d better get back to the library.” he said. The longbeard paused at the door to the study,

“One last thing, Yer Majesty.” he said. Storri, who had turned back to the fireplace, glanced over to him,

“Yes?” he sighed wearily. Derek sent him the gravest stare that the king could ever remember being sent in his direction,

“Tread carefully. The last thing we need is for Toreguarde to have a reason to retaliate. There are good dwarves living there.” he said, closing the door as he walked out of it, leaving Storri to stare into the fire.

~*~

Edwin drummed his fingers on the table he was sitting at. He had been sat in the Hammer and Anvil for the last hour, having arrived after finishing his last service of the day, and Selene still hadn’t shown up. While he knew that she was in the city on business, surely speaking to the king shouldn’t have taken the whole afternoon? He looked around the busy pub, smiling as he watched the people around him enjoying their night. While he might have looked out of place to any outsiders, the dwarves here considered him one of them and any suggestions to the contrary would likely end with the ignorant sod being thrown out on their arse just out of principle.

Edwin watched as the pub’s landlord intervened in an escalating argument between a father and daughter, forcing both back into their seats and sitting between them. The Galanite did not envy Snorri; his family were known for being hot-headed and everyone knew not to get involved in Ironforge internal disputes, especially ones the youngest daughter was involved in. Not unless they wanted a minor explosion of divine magic going off in their faces. Edwin lifted his tankard to take another swig of his ale, only to find that it was disappointingly empty. He huffed and got up, about to make his way to the bar when the door of the pub slammed open.

As one, all the patrons turned to stare at the dwarf that had just arrived, huffing and panting as he stood in the doorway. The newly arrived patron stared around the pub, found Edwin and rushed over to him,

“Abouna! Abouna!” he called, “News that’s just filtered down from the Palace!” Edwin turned to the shorter man and quickly filled his currently empty tankard with some fresh water with a quick prayer. He handed it to the dwarf and sat back down,

“Alright, Firrik, calm down. What’s going on?” he asked. Firrik took a gulp of the water and stared up at Edwin, his eyes wide,

“Word in the vein is that your wizard friend’s been arrested.” he said. All other chatter in the pub died down as everyone else tuned into the conversation,

“The one that arrived this mornin’?”

“I thought she was invited?”

“Seems a bit stupid arresting an official that’s representin’ a city we’re meant to be allies wi’.” Edwin tuned out the rising noise of questions being called out, his heart hammering in his chest,

“On what grounds?” he asked, loudly enough for everyone else to hear. The noise quietened back down as Firrik fidgeted in his seat,

“I’m no’ sure of the exact charges. But from what I heard, it’s somethin’ to do wi’ conspiracy against the Crown and plotting with enemies o’ the Crown to assassinate the king.” Edwin stared at his friend, processing the information he had just been given. The rest of the pub was silent, everyone within waiting with bated breath to see what the Abouna would do. Everyone remembered the events that had occurred the last time one of his friends had come to the mountain. They’d have to have been living under the mountain’s roots to not. It was also extremely common knowledge, that the Grand Magus of Toreguarde was a close friend of the now publicly shamed and derided Alexis Dalliance (though if you asked any patrons of the Hammer and Anvil what they personally thought, many would say that she was a fine, upstanding woman and that the charges levied against her were probably a load of hogwash).

For his part, Edwin felt oddly calm about the situation. Of course someone was going to try and get one of his old travelling companions arrested. Especially one that was so politically involved in a city that half the nobles of Fangthane despised. He felt a prickly touch in his chest as Galana made Her opinion of the matter clear. Edwin knew the allegations against Selene were egregious and used that knowledge to channel his mistress’ wrath. Before he could open his mouth however, he felt a surge of power from a table to his left. He glanced over just in time to see Snorri’s niece get up from her seat, the young woman’s face twisted into an angry snarl, the floor under her table rumbling,

“No! This isn’t right!” she snapped, “First, Dar Alexis, now the Grand Magus? What in the bloody Pit is the Council playing at?” Snorri reached over and pulled the girl back to her seat while her father glared at her,

“Merri! Language!” Well, that was two Gods who were none too pleased with this development, Edwin noted. He stood, a surge of righteous power gathering around him as well. The dwarves closest to the two clerics shifted back several feet as Edwin turned to the young Moradhir and nodded,

“Don’t worry, that’s something I fully intend to find out.” he growled, grabbing his staff and storming out of the pub, a trail of thorny vines following in his wake.

#writing #aquadestinyswriting #the wizard's tale #a circle none can break #selene frigidwake #edwin goodwin #meredith gruksdottir #storri goldseeker

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klaineharmony · 1 year

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Happy New Year 2023!

Oh, my dears. It has been such a long 2022. I hope that you are still here, and feel loved and safe wherever you are. I have missed being here and seeing all of you.

I've been seeing a lot of posts re: the end of 2022, and how people have made it through the year. I have many thoughts about my own year of 2022. On the grateful side, Spouse and I are both still here. We did some major repairs to the house this year (to the tune of $11K!), with more to come in the spring of '23. We both have still managed to avoid Covid, almost three years in, and we are grateful for that. We are both gainfully employed, and have great coworkers who make our jobs more enjoyable.

However, 2022, from my own perspective, was still quite hard. The spring '22 semester was the worst I've had in 19 years of teaching, save perhaps my first semester as a full-time, TT prof - and that was more about me being overwhelmed and exhausted, rather than about not knowing how to reach the students. Spring '22 students were comatose. They wouldn't talk, wouldn't participate. It took me until midterms to have a full conversation with most of them. And once they started talking to me, it was clear they were just as depressed, exhausted, and overworked as I was. They had so much on their plates - work, school, illness, injury. I kept trying to be flexible, to give them as much grace and help as I could. Some of them did better. Some of them just made it across the finish line - but they made it.

Summer was, at least, a little more restful than usual. I was so tired that I absolutely had to take a few weeks and just sleep, recover, work in the yard, do all the things that had fallen by the wayside at home during the school year. It wasn’t enough, but it was at least something.

Fall '22 was hard, again. The students seem more cheerful and engaged, something for which I am very thankful. They did a really excellent job in my classes, for the most part, and I was glad they enjoyed themselves and learned new things, for I didn't feel like I was as good a teacher as I could have been. I had a D & C with my OBGYN early in fall term, to check for anything that looked precancerous or cyst-like (thankfully all came back clear) and had four days of recovery, with another week of moving more slowly than usual. Spouse and I were both sick twice, before and after Thanksgiving. And then my Grammy, my mother's mother, passed away on Nov. 5th, 12 days before her 96th birthday. She was my last living grandparent, and it's been harder than I expected. I was so, so glad that she was no longer in pain and back with her family (she was the last of five siblings to pass), but I miss her.

More joy - Spouse and I took our first real vacation in about eight years, and went out to Washington State to visit my uncle and aunt, as well as my bestie and her family. It was a wonderful vacation - peaceful and relaxing - and something we desperately needed after the turmoil and exhaustion of the past few years. Yule and the end of the year were also very peaceful, and again I felt thankful. Peace and rest are so needed right now - there is never enough, but it makes the moments where peace and rest can be had all the more precious. Here's hoping that 2023 brings more joy and less stress, more peace and less worry.

I am hoping to be here more in 2023. I miss being here. I miss you all. And I haven’t meant to be away for so long, but I hope to be here more and be more present in fandom more broadly. I hope this finds you making a peaceful transition to 2023.

#about me #personal #life of an academic

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letterstosestrilles · 2 years

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Dear Brennu,

I’m due to meet back up with Maliah and Niko in just a day or two, and I know I’ve been too busy to write much, so I thought I’d give you more detail on what I’ve been up to since I left Mashoy and my companions. That’s its own kind of oddness, it’s the second longest I’ve been apart from Maliah since we started traveling together, but I’ve heard from her about as much as from you, so at least I know she had a lovely visit with Marsa and is now running all over the Feywild with her mothers and is bitterly disappointed that she didn’t get a chance to visit with the displacer beast kitten she cared for while we were there.

(I don’t think you got the whole of that story, I’ll have to remember to tell it sometime.)

Meanwhile, I went to Kirim, as you know, since you only got a Sending from me while I was there. I spent some time seeing the sights, a new neighborhood or two of Sunwest whenever I visit, since it was the city my parents were from and I want to know it well. This time I found a wonderful cafe that has live performances and got to listen to some local performers over tea and pastries.

I know I told you about the home that was, amazingly, gifted to us on Nellaser’s Landing, but I can’t remember if I told you that there’s going to be a counterpart on Kirim as well, in a lovely corner of Sunwest, in a neighborhood not too far from my grandmother’s, I think. They’re still working on finding a precise place that will meet our needs (and I imagine there will have to be at least a bit of renovation so we can have tall guests, they asked me for some height estimates for doorways and things and I did request at least one guest bedroom sized for taller people), but they think by my next visit, whenever that is, I should at least have a place to stop in, even if the renovations aren’t totally done.

The rest of my visit was taken up by family, and more exactly, by telling my family what I experienced through the Lady of Stars and her kindness: the visit with my parents that I told you about when I was there. None of the three of them—my grandmother, my aunt, and my cousin, each belonging to a different parent—seemed to know what to do with themselves, hearing about it, and in each conversation every one of us ended up weeping, but I think they were grateful, too, to hear about it, and I was grateful to say it. My cousin Tidge didn’t seem sure how to deal with the sheer concept of it, but was glad to hear that I’ve come to some answers about Resurrection, and glad to share more memories of my father Ezenki. My aunt Khama’air, my parent Hanai’s sister, kept her thoughts more to herself, but hugged me for a long time. My grandmother asked me to go to the temple with her, to give the Lady of Stars thanks herself at my side, which I think helped to steady us both, perhaps all the more so because nothing divine happened at all, at least that I noticed.

When I’d done that and then had my time and my explorations, I came back to the Prime Material Plane and to Sestrilles, where I’ve been with my family nearly every waking moment. My brother Tyko likes to reassure himself that I’m safe and to yell at me to make up for the fact that he can’t protect me, so a lot of time was devoted to that, though I also had a nice dinner with him and his boyfriend, followed by drinks with the members of a book club they’re both in, all of whom were full of questions, more about Tyko, childhood stories and the like, than about me.

(Which, to be clear, I am beyond grateful about. The gods know I end up talking about myself plenty.)

I’ve also seen my Sestrilles parents a lot. My mother Tiriel is delighted I have a home to decorate, and after inquiring about my taste, Maliah’s, and Niko’s, as well as getting approximate dimensions of the windows of the apartment from me, she whipped together a vast array of curtains that we could change out every season and still not use all of in a year, just from sheer delight at me asking for her help. My other parent, Alion, is always a bit quiet, but they had a few family photographs printed and framed for me, so I know they’re happy as well. Their current foster children, Kari and Thari, contributed mostly by making faces at my taste, but that’s their job, as adolescents.

In between that, and seeing old bosses and the bard who first trained me, and visiting a few favorite restaurants, I caught up with Damaris Nimate, who’s overseeing the excavation of the wreck of the Wrath of Procyon, which is going well. They found some security cubbies of some kind and are bringing those up before they break into them. I’m hoping that whatever is found inside can be returned to some families, or maybe even provide answers, though whatever happened was so sudden that I can’t imagine anyone had time to stow anything securely. Damaris will tell me when she figures things out, though.

When I meet up with Maliah and Niko again, we’ll go to Mir, where Maliah and I first met, to visit some friends, and then down to Nosirion-1, where the children I’ve told you about live. (Though Devon will be looking at universities very soon, I owe him a trip to look at a few, so I don’t know if I should really be calling him a child.) I don’t know what we’re doing after that—we don’t have any steps planned between the star and what we hope will be the final battle, but I do think that at the very least we need to consult with Mishakal again, so perhaps we’ll be heading to her temple. I’ll keep you updated, though. I don’t want to disappear off to that battle without you knowing where I am.

I’ve also, I want you to know, been thinking about our promised vacation, and what quiet planets and stations I know where few people would bother us and where you wouldn’t be forced to be introduced to my children or my brother and my parents, which it seems a bit soon for. If you like the mountains, Hangi Syr is nice. Or there’s Caliz Beta, where there are beautiful beaches and where you would bump your head on a lot of doors. Or a dozen other places, depending on our moods. If I have any brilliant ideas, I’ll let you know, as long as you promise to do the same.

Is all well there? I won’t hover and ask about lingering effects of the water like the worst kind of mother hen, but tell me about everything else. Are your cousins still badgering you? Are you still working on that tricky bit of fingering in the music you showed me? How did that latest anthology work out? You seemed unsure if enough of the stories were good to be worth reading the whole collection, last time you wrote.

I’m forwarding a chapbook of Kirimi poetry in Common by a poet who wanted to write on the theme of the reconnection with the Prime Material Plane in a language more people could read. Note the acknowledgments! I am far more famous than I am comfortable being, most days, but the poetry is wonderful so I’m sending it anyway.

More news soon! I’m supposed to go to family dinner—five minutes ago, actually.

Elyn

#in character #in character: letter #letter to: brennu zahin #episode 202 #location: kirim #location: sestrilles #person: maliah #person: mehrnikorsa(niko)#person: am'elyn'nar ni huilin far-ehsan #person: khama'air ni udyati sul-saani #person: tidge (tehi'nem ni khisa ken-asisan)#person: tyko #people: alion and tiriel #people: kari and thari #elyn and brennu

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xseildnasterces · 4 months

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2023 in Review

Well here we are. 2023 was quite the rollercoaster. Lot’s of ups and downs and my Christmas trip did not exactly go as planned. The last time I saw my grandma was on Christmas Day, and I am so very glad that I went to visit her that day, as it would be the last time that I ever saw her alive. A couple of days later she passed away, still living alone in her own home, and peacefully from what we can gather. It has been a difficult few weeks since then. Arranging the funeral, writing the eulogy and then reading some of it at the service. It has also been full of trips to my grandmas house to start going through things and finding what we needed for all the other processes that you have to go through once someone passes away. There are many feelings around all of this, but I also don’t want to think too much into that right now as this post is supposed to be more about what goals I met from last year, and a quick summary of the state of things.

2023 started with me and mum watching a movie whilst everyone else went out for New Year’s Eve. I was more than happy with this. I had a great relationship with my Team Lead, work was great in general, I was very happy with my life in the US, I was looking forward to my work trip to Abu Dhabi, and lots of other planned trips, a wedding in Michigan, visits to H and so much else, however, just over half way through the year, things went wrong. As it stands, my work environment right now is incredibly traumatic and toxic, we have a new boss who I’m not a huge fan of, my Team Lead and I no longer communicate, I no longer have any grandparents and coming back to the US was not something I looked forward to as much as usual. Like I said, it’s been a ride. However, some things in my life are good, and for those I am very grateful for. I have developed some amazing relationships at work - with people who have really helped me through the initial process of the fall out of myself and my Team Lead and they are also still helping me through it. I do hope that it doesn’t turn into a formal process at work, but time will tell. I am so very grateful for my family and my friends and the people in my life who support and love me no matter what. All of those special people who I started 2023 with are still in my life and that is so important to me. I also got to travel and experience so many things in 2023 which I am also incredibly pleased about, and one relationship in my life has taken a huge turn for the better and I am now starting 2024 in a much better place in regards to that.

2024 looks to be a good year for travel. Next month I will be heading to Lapi for a wonderful winter experience, possibly taking a trip to New Orleans in March to visit a friend, I will likely go away for my birthday in April, I have a conference in the Netherlands in May, there is a wedding in Spain in July, we are planning a family holiday for September, K will be visiting in October and there will likely be a special trip in November. I am sure there will also be lots of little trips in between. 2024 is going to be a travel year that’s for sure.

Anyway, lets see what happened to my goals from 2023. I will start by saying this year was really not very successful:

Get a tattoo - nope, I’ve been researching who I want to do it though, so that’s progress right?

Visit a new country - yes! I went to the UAE for a conference which was an amazing experience (I had been to Abu Dhabi airport before, but that doesn’t count)

Pass my theory driving test - nope. I’m now not sure whether I want to do my driving test in the UK or the US, so because of this I stopped doing my revision for the UK test

Complete the 1 book a month challenge - nope, although I tried. It will be on the list again for 2024 though of course.

Read all articles saved in my ‘pocket’ account - I honestly don’t think I even looked at it

Create a budget and limit excessive spending

Get our ICA-NP research study published - sort of - It was accepted for publication, but it will not be published officially until this year

Try out a new creative skill - I don’t think so

Be more active - yoga, long walk or swimming once a week - I did start using a treadmill during the summer which I enjoyed, but then things went negatively in life and I stopped

Create a phonebook of my Bahamas trip - I should have, but didn’t get time

Yeah, as I said, not very good.

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rabidmind101 · 7 months

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and there are so many things I want to say to them. I’m gonna write it out here and let it go so that I don’t have the urge to post something for them and make all that messy.

after we said our goodbyes, I walked inside the building to my apartment. one car passed by, I watched. started walking. the next car I knew was yours. I looked back. I think you looked back too. I know we were extremely close but in the moment I saw this as no good. mind you the breakup was EXTREMELY fresh and I don’t blame us. but no more looking back my love ❤️

as happy and comfortable as we were I was just not the one for you. one day you’ll realize how much you learned from this experience. and everything you’ve learned you’ll take with your next relationship to make that one even better :) you have such a lovable soul. it’s so kind. you’re so mature and patient. I know in the future you will find a partner whose needs you align with. I want you to be happy.

I can’t listen to Caroline. my mom stopped in by ShareTea yesterday and I immediately started crying. I was crying walking to my car after the mall yesterday because I had been masking my emotions and anxiety quite a bit. I was also very tired. the tears just started pouring and I couldn’t stop them. my mom was there for me and I expressed to her how much it hurt to not hear from you. not knowing where you are or what you’re doing. of course this was never controlling but it made me happy just to hear about your day. I NEVER!!!! felt that way about any of my exes. makes me realize there’s a difference in being depressed and just fucking moping like all they did.

my body is in a biological habit to think about you all the time. I took you to so many of my favorite places. it’s gonna be hard to return. so many things I see out in real life reminds me of you and the lack thereof. the things I see online as well. but I know if it’s hard for me it’s hard for you. my love this is your first heartbreak. it can feel like the world is ending.

I really really hope that you’re talking a lot with your friends and family. I’ve learned that the thing that helps me the most is the company of my safe people. go visit F and I. visit your friends from college. you have so many wonderful friends in your life who love you and support you. they want to see you happy. I want to see you happy. you’re lucky to have the big groups of people that care about you! be grateful for it. I don’t have a big support group. I don’t have but three friends irl. only two of which I could talk to about this kind of thing.

this message was written for you and it’s everything I want to say to you. just because it’s for you doesn’t mean you should see it. I’m so serious right now, A. if for some reason you’ve found this account and you’re reading my journal entries that’s just going to hurt you even more and delay your healing process. I know you want to hear my voice and see my face and read my texts.

this is all love at play. this time instead of sweet and patient it is harsh and strict. it’s supposed to be like that. I know it’s better for you and for me if we disappear from each others lives completely during this process. I know how beneficial this will be for you in the long run!!!! which is why it needs to be like this for a long time, at the VERY least for a few months. when you love someone you sacrifice for them. and I’m still sacrificing for you right now. sacrificing my comfort, my feeling of being supported, and sacrificing having you in my company.

I know you’ve sacrificed too. you knew you had to let me go and sacrifice the same things that I am because I could not be fulfilled by this relationship. I cherish you for this. none of my friends exes did that for me.

I know you love me too but I worry about you now. I worry if you’re going to become more depressed and isolated. I worry that you will become more obsessed. I worry that you will beat yourself up over things. I worry that you will blame yourself.

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tandrew · 1 year

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January 2023 - Penang, Malaysia

Initially I planned on staying longer in Penang to enjoy more delicious food, but last minute decided to spend less time in Penang and more time in Australia since I've been to Penang so many times in the past but had only been to Australia once right before covid and really loved it.

My time in Penang was chill yet rushed as I wanted to fit in as many food trips as I could and ended up spending much more time chatting and catching up with family/aunties/uncles than I had originally anticipated (in a good way!). So I'm really glad I didn't bring any work with me since I didn't have nearly as much down time as I originally thought!

My last day in Penang was a long day. Started off by visiting my ah mah (grandmother on my father's side whom I was closest to) which was a mix of deep sadness but also great joy. Even 6 years after her passing her impact on me and the family is still felt and I learned more about her that brought me joy and greater respect for her than I originally had. Despite being born in and growing up in the US, my first language was actually hokkien so I could communicate with our grandparents for which I am so very grateful.

My uncle Allan and auntie TT are both huge foodies and like me are willing to travel for good food so we actually left Penang to go to a very remote restaurant in Kedah that had very fresh freshwater fish for lunch afterwards. Then they dropped me off with my mom's brother who is close to the airport where I'd be staying that night and spent my last night with mom's side again.

Even though I was full, I wanted to keep eating lol so we had a family dinner at a famous bak kut teh (meat bone tea) place where I tried the dry version for the first time. Afterwards, we went to a night market on the way to Kek Lok Si (famous hillside temple) to see the chinese new year lights but they hadn't put them up yet so went to my cousin @_____yj.ooi_____ 's place to watch a youtube video of the Kek Lok Si lights as a consolation 😂.

I really enjoyed my short stay in Penang, all the eats, learning more about the family history, being surrounded by hokkien speakers, and visiting ah mah. Next stop: Perth! (at Penang, Malayasia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpVBTwYMpVt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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smhalltheurlsaretaken · 3 years

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So do you guys remember my post about Jedi meeting their birth families and being chill with it?

I’ve been thinking a bit - a lot, for like a year - about all the headcanons around Jedi’s biological people, and there are really only two possible cases that seem to get explored: the pure of heart, flawed but loving, desperate parents who ‘had’ to give up their precious child to the Jedi and didn’t feel they had a choice (most commonly seen from the more Jedi critical parts of the fandom, but not always), and the horribly abusive no good parents at all who gladly dumped their baby onto the Order (which appears to be the way of some Jedi fans to ‘justify’ the adoption into the Order as legitimate, which really shouldn’t be the point because adoptions are just as legitimate without abuse factoring in).

What’s kinda sad is how little we’re willing to explore all the possibilities, maybe because we don’t want to be perceived as on the wrong side of the fandom by our own pals. We all deal with just so much bad faith discourse that we smooth out any sort of human drama and nuance to try and have clear cut narratives that are so black and white that they must prevent bad faith interpretations. Jedi have to be perfect pure angels that have never done anything wrong to be recognized as good, because we’re afraid that if we write them in an interesting way people will jump on the opportunity to accuse them of all sorts of stuff.

Well, I’m tired of vanilla fics and good guys vs bad guys when dealing with purely human everyday stuff. Bad guys are for the galactic battles, the epic clash of eternal forces. When dealing with how Jedi younglings come to the Order, we can have plenty of amazing, heart-wrenching drama and warm, happy moments where all sorts of good and regular people have different goals and meet and clash without anyone being at ‘fault’ or being to blame for it. I want to see (*sigh* to write) complex, difficult situations that can’t be perfectly resolved but where people do try and everyone feels like a *person*.

With that out of the way, what about:

- the unanimously proud communities, so honored that their daughter will represent their people and traditions among the Order, wear their clothing and bear their name

- the desperate mother with proud relatives, who doesn’t want to give away her child, but feels pressured into it by well-meaning relatives. The Master feels her reluctance and tries to reassure her, but she insists that it’s fine - and it is, she wants it to be, she wants to believe it’s for the best but it’s just so hard...

- Stass Allie’s parents, who saw their niece Adi GAllia go to the Order a few years prior. Their two families are influential on Coruscant, but with Adi already in the Order, do they need to send Stass too? Will people think they’re making a grab for power? Will Stass be better off over there, with her cousin?

- Tiplar and Tiplee’s parents. How many children do they have, besides their twins? Is it easier to let your children go when you know they will be together? Did they make the Master promise they wouldn’t be separated no matter what? Did they dress them in matching outfits, or were the Jedi the ones to come up with that?

- the teenaged single mom who cries tears of relief when she realizes her baby will have a good life

- the single dad who can’t bring himself to let his daughter go, because she’s his whole world. The Master presses, not fully understanding, because she would would give up everything for the good of her Padawan, including her relationship with him if need be. The dad still says no.

- the struggling addict parent who is glad to dump that kid (but who still wakes up at night crying, cursing the Jedi, cursing themselves - who get their life back on track for their next kid, maybe? Who meets more Jedi and is thankful after all, or who never does and stays bitter, but better...)

- the family using the adoption for clout, and the consequences for the Order PR-wise, with the younger Jedi having to let go of the bitterness and the anger

- the communities with their own customs surrounding the Force that the young Knight or the wise Master’s inexperienced Padawan struggle to grasp and accept

- the happy parents who are mildly Force-sensitive themselves but didn’t know (or did know, and expected some of their children to be sensitive too), with the Master or the Knight pondering what their own life would look like as a civilian, maybe a parent themselves, maybe giving their own child to the Order like those are doing now. Would they do it? If they could met that hypothetical version of themselves, what would they say about the life they have?

- the superstitious, incredulous or religious parents who are just glad to get a real explanation for the floating rocks, instead of all the theories and the judging and the gossip

- the ones who are desperately poor, and so very grateful, and the younger Jedi struggling with this, wondering if that’s why they were given to the Order as well. Struggling not to judge, because they wouldn’t be happy to give up their own younglings no matter what, right? Learning to be grateful, and understanding, and compassionate.

- the parents who decide to give their child away against the community’s pressure, finding comfort in the Jedi’s genuine desire to support them

- the siblings struggling not to feel betrayed by their parents’ choice - and the jealous ones, the proud ones, the amazed ones, the ones who were just toddlers and spend their life holding onto faded memories

And on the flipside to all of that, what about:

- the Jedi who find a baby among dead bodies, like Mace and Depa, and are so thankful they could save this one tiny light

- the Knights filled to burst with warmth and pride as the three of them get this little toddler to giggle on the way home

- the baby who has been screaming in the Force for weeks, wanting to go home, and who finally gets to feel a presence caressing his mind gently, telling him someone is coming

- the Masters who hold the little ones at night, when those who miss their old home feel lonely or sad, rocking them and singing to them

- the Jedi who have their niece, nephew, cousin, or sibling arrive in the Creche, who call their birth family to reassure them that it’ll all be okay, and yes, ‘the child will know who I am, don’t worry, we keep our names. I’ll help them along the way, I’ll keep an eye on them.’

- the Knight who shows up somewhere and experience a supersonic boom because that’s the one, this little one will be his Padawan, he knows it

- the Knight awkwardly trying to comfort the parents, but she can see that they can see that the baby has already latched onto her, and she senses their turmoil

- the Master feeling that the child won’t be suited for the life of a Jedi, and saying that, even as it’s so hard to turn away from those sparkling baby eyes and that little mental tug

- the Padawan balancing babbling triplets on his shoulders, because they’re from a species that makes a lot of babies

- the Master-Padawan pair visiting a child a lot during the transition period, and bonding with the other siblings as well

... Just... a mess of relationships and love on all parts, with understandings being reached, people finding peace and joy, and the opposite of all that, all acknowledging that there are no bad guys here, just complicated circumstances.

#headcanons #writing ideas #jedi positivity #jedi order #jedi culture #jedi younglings #long post #very long post #meta #(ish)#sw talk

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velvetcloxds · 3 years

Text

MEET THE MIKAELSONS| D.H.

Pairing: Derek x Fem! Reader, Teen Wolf x The Originals (requested)

Word count: 1962 words

Warning: none, just fluff

Summary: Reader takes her friends and her boyfriend, Derek to visit her family home where they find out that she’s related to the infamous Mikaelson vampires.

“Just don’t touch anything,” I command calmly, Stiles pausing mid air as his hand hovers over one of Klaus’s paintings and everyone allows for a soft laugh, Derek kissing the side of my head as his hand remains inside my back pocket.

“This place is beautiful,” Lydia notes, looking around slowly as her eyes move over the various features of the compound.

“Yeah,” I say with a shrug, walking deeper into the compound as I mimic her actions, mentally comparing the way it looks to the pictures Rebekah sent me with her letters and I can’t help but smile when my eyes settle on the Mikaelson crest, fingers reaching out mindlessly as I trace the carved wall numbly.

“What does it stand for?” Derek asks, moving behind me where he wraps his hands around my waist, face resting on my shoulder. My smile grows due to the gesture, free hand finding one of his.

“Mikaelson,” I note softly, memories of our family suddenly speeding through my mind like a slideshow, things I’d told myself I’d forgotten completely proving to be embedded into my brain.

“Like the ancient vampire family?” Scott asks, having disappeared to the bathroom for a minute as soon as we got here.

“More vampires?” Stiles asks from behind me, and I nod.

“Yeah, they’re the first of their kind,” I explain, though my attention is far from this conversation, a feeling similar to the one I felt when I explained this to Derek, him being the only one knowing not only who I truly am and where I come from, but whom I was running from. “The Originals,” I add, and Derek gives me a slight squeeze, turning me around in his arms, probably picking up on my dazed state.

“Cool,” Is all Stiles offers as a reply, taking Lydia’s hand as Scott follows them to explore more of the house.

“You okay?” He whispers, leaning towards me. I nod in his hold, hands moving to his arms.

“Just a little weird being here, I guess.” I look up to him, smiling slightly when our eyes meet. “I thought that when I finally got to see this place in all its glory, they’d be here with me, waiting maybe,” Derek nods with understanding, smiling sympathetically.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” He loosens his grip, leaning back to get a better look at me. “We can leave if you’re not comfortable,” He offers sweetly and I shake my head with a smile, kissing his lips quickly.

“No,” I tell him though I can’t hide the slight rise in my tone, his brows furrowing as a result. “We need to let things cool down in Beacon Hills and no one will bother us here,” I pause, sighing softly as I move my hands over his bare arms. “Besides, there’s a literal coffin around here somewhere with my name on it.”

“Wait really?” Derek asks intrigued as he looks around the room pointlessly. I nod, not fighting against the smile on my lips.

“Yeah, a dagger too, but I doubt we’ll find that just laying around,” I pull away from him briefly, taking his hand in mine as I guide him towards the hallway by the staircase where Stiles’ is excitedly gesturing towards the wall.

“It’s her!” He announces loudly, eyes moving over the painting that Klaus painted of our family, and I subconsciously tighten my grip on Derek’s hand, his thumb moving up and down against my skin to soothe me.

“It’s not her,” Lydia argues with a roll of her eyes, arms folded as Scott simply watches the scene unfold. “It’s far more likely to be a relative that looks remarkably a lot like her,” She reasons and Derek bites back a grin at my side.

“She’s a vampire, right?” Stiles ask, looking to me for conformation and I nod, seeing no need for the question as he literally walked in on me sipping from a blood bag a few months ago. “And she’s been annoyingly vague about her family and her history, right?” He asks, question directed at Scott and Lydia this time, they both nod. “And she brought us to her family home, which has paintings of the Mikaelson family which Scott saw in the bestiary, where he also read that the Mikaelson family also have a long-lost hybrid sister who hasn’t been spotted in years…” Stiles nods eagerly as he waits for the pieces to fall together, Scott and Lydia looking to me as it does.

“Are you a Mikaelson?” Scott asks, hands in his pockets as he shifts on his feet, I release a shaky breath before offering a mere nod as reply, Stiles almost jumping up and down with the conformation of him being correct.

“Holy shit,” Stiles begins and turns to me, eyes sparkling with excitement. “That is so cool, like literally the coolest thing you’ve ever told us about yourself,” He informs me, and Derek shakes his head at my side, glaring at the boy as he continues to grow more excited.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Scott asks hesitantly, ignoring Stiles who is fiddling with his jacket sleeves as he takes a closer look at my specific painting. “Didn’t you trust us?” He adds as well, and I shake my head quickly.

“Of course I trust you,” I begin, and Derek squeezes my hand again, reminding me to breathe as I think of the best way to explain this. “I wanted to tell you all, truly I did, but our family has enemies around every corner, and I didn’t want to bring you guys into that,” I look over all of them quickly before turning to meet Derek’s gaze. “I love you all too much to create unnecessary collateral damage.“

“So why tell us now?” Lydia questions with a raised brow and I notice the added heartbeats filling the room behind us before I could fathom a reply, the gushing wind of their entrance still swirling around us.

“Because you’re in need of our assistance,” A familiar voice explains, and I close my eyes for a second in preparation before turning to face my older brother.

“Elijah,” I whisper in acknowledgement, the words barely leaving my lips before he’s picking me up into his arms, twirling me around in a welcoming hug that causes a childlike giggle to erupt from my lips. “I’ve missed you too,” I confirm, hands on his shoulders as he sets my feet back on the ground and I take a moment to center myself. “And you,” I say when my eyes meet with Rebekah’s, happy tears tugging at her eyes and I release myself from Elijah’s presence to pull her into my arms, her arms folding around my neck as she holds me close.

“It has been far too long, Y/n ,” She whispers, laughing lightly through her tears. She squeezes me tightly before pulling away, hands moving to comb back the hair that’s been ruffled through our hug and her hands still on my cheeks as she takes me in. “My little sister, even more beautiful than I remember,” She notes, which earns a scoff from both my lips and Elijah’s.

“I look exactly the same, Bekah and you know it,” I muse, taking the handkerchief from Elijah’s hands to hold it out for Rebekah . “Though, I’d never turn down the compliment from the beauty of the family.”

“Oh, I take great offense by your insinuation, love, ” Klaus announces, and everyone turns to the entrance, where he leans against the wall, watching the interaction. “Welcome home, Y/n,” He notes with a large smile, and I know as far as greeting go, that’s quite the scene from the hybrid.

“Thank you, Niklaus,” I offer in the same and my cheeks practically hurt form the pure excitement rushing through me at seeing them all again, the nerves and discomfort from earlier slipping away almost completely, until Klaus’ eyes meet Derek’s and suddenly reality sinks back in. I take a few steps back, smiling up at Derek before rejoining our hands, my other hand snaking around his upper arm to keep him close. “I should introduce everyone,” I note with a nervous smile and Derek simply nods reassuringly.

“I’d begin with the creature you’re so eagerly latching onto,” Klaus announces, happy tone from earlier replaced with the all so familiar big brother voice.

“Play nice, Niklaus,” Elijah instructs, accepting my grateful smile before silently commanding me to continue.

“This is my boyfriend, Derek,” I begin, looking up at the man as he extends a hand towards Elijah inducing the longest handshake I’ve ever had to endure until Rebekah clears her throat, the two men pulling away from each other. “Then there’s Lydia, Stiles and Scott,” I add, releasing a small huff of air as I gesture to each of them individually.

“It’s good to meet all of,” Rebekah speaks up, catching my gaze with a warm smile before she looks to my guests. “We’re the Mikaelsons,” She explains, and I nod lightly. “Elijah, Klaus and I’m Y/n’s personal favorite, Rebekah,” She declares simply, mimicking my gesture until everyone has extended an acknowledging nod.

“We should talk business,” Klaus commands suddenly, standing from his leaning position to walk towards us. “You bunch are here for a reason, aren’t you?” He muses with a slight wink my way and I roll my eyes at the remark, knowing that only he would take this opportunity to take a jab at my decision to leave them.

“Don’t start, Niklaus,” Elijah offers with a tight tone and I would’ve laughed if the room wasn’t so tense, a sense of familiarity filling me at the little group dynamic that’s remained the same through all these years.

“I’m not starting anything, Elijah,” Klaus replies, hurriedly pulling his leather jacket straight. “I’m simply trying to remind our dear sister that she is here on what she called a family favor and that we wouldn’t want to waste her precious time,” I’m too late to stop the soft laugh that escapes my lips, Klaus turning towards be in slight shock.

"Honestly Klaus, it has been centuries and you're telling me that no one has yet to remove that stick from your ass?” I mock and Elijah steps forward, fully prepared to stop the interaction when a smile traces the hybrids lips.

“Little sister,” He muses and then shakes his head, pointing at me. “You have booked yourself a long dinner,” He announces and pats Elijah on the shoulder to invite him to leave the room with him. Elijah spares me a brief smile before following.

“That went better than expected,” Rebekah notes and I smile at her, nodding with relief as Klaus and Elijah begin discussing the diner plans on their climb up the stairs. “Why don’t I show you three your rooms,” she says and motions for Scott, Stiles and Lydia to follow them, pausing to give me a quick kiss on the cheek before leading them away as well. I turn to Derek with a smile, his eyes already waiting for mine as I do.

“You did good, sweetheart,” he tells me, making my heart swell as I lean into him. “I’m very proud of you,” He adds, and I feel a blush creeps onto my cheeks.

“I couldn’t have done it without you at my side,” I say simply, resting my chin against his chest as I look up at him. He hums lightly, shaking his head as he lifts his free hand to gently push the hair behind my ear.

“You definitely could have,” He muses and gently kisses my forehead, sending a welcome rush of pure bliss through my veins, I smile as he lingers close. “My brave girl.”

Hi there, more of my work can be found on Wattpad. Mxx.

Masterlist

#derek x reader #derekhale x reader #derek hale #derek hale imagines #derek hale one shot #teenwolf x reader #teen wolf #teen wolf fluff #the originals x reader #the originals #klaus mikaelson #elijah mikaelson #rebekah mikaelson #the mikaelsons

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shemarmooresfedora · 3 years

Text

Rebuilding Family

Summary: Y/N and Spencer were college sweethearts at Cal-Tech but once Spencer got accepted to the FBI Academy, he ended things deciding it was not fair to make Y/N wait for him. When they meet again years later, he discovers something unexpected.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem! Reader

A/N: i may have a little surprise for you guys tomorrow... (not related to this fic)

Masterlist

Chapter 15

“Jo! Please bring your suitcase downstairs so Daddy can load it into the car,” you called up the stairs.

“How high does the plane go up in the air? Who is the pilot? How fast does it go?” Jo asked as she walked down the stairs.

Jo had been asking a lot of questions about planes recently since you told her that you all were taking a little trip. You were going to Las Vegas so Diana could meet Jo.

Spencer was ecstatic about it so you tried to hide your growing anxiety to not kill his mood. You had already met Diana multiple times when you would accompany Spencer on road trips home on long weekends in college and she seemed to love you. But that was before you had her granddaughter and didn’t tell her or her son for six years. Not to mention the fact that you and Spencer were now dating again and living together.

“Those are questions for Daddy on the ride to the airport,” you ushered her out the front door, locking it.

Jo repeated her questions again once in the car.

“The plane will fly at about 5.9 to 7.2 miles up in the air. I don’t know who the pilot is but we can ask. Commercial planes fly at about 547 to 575 miles per hour which is about 14 times faster than the speed we are driving right now,” Spencer informed her.

“Woah,” Jo exclaimed, “I’ve never been on a plane before.”

“Yes you have, Baby J. You were just too young to remember it. You and Mommy flew from California to here,” you said.

Once you made it through check-in and security, you were waiting in the terminal for your flight to start boarding. Spencer came back with coffee and breakfast sandwiches for you both and a chocolate milk and donut munchkins for Jo.

“Thanks, Spence,” you gave him a quick kiss before unwrapping your sandwich.

“Jo, look!” Spencer pointed to a woman in a uniform, “I think that’s our pilot. Do you want to go say hi?”

Jo nodded shyly. She seemed to be a little starstruck.

“Come here, Princess,” Spencer lifted her up and walked over to the lady.

You watched from afar as the woman nodded her head to Spencer’s first question so she must be the pilot. She seemed very enthusiastic to answer any and all of Jo’s questions. She knelt down to her bag and gave something to Jo, waving goodbye.

“Mommy! I got wings!” Jo held up a little wing pin.

“Oh my gosh, sweetie! That is so cool!” you smiled, pinning it to her sweater.

“Do you want to be a pilot when you grow up, Jo?” Spencer asked.

“Yes,” she beamed.

“You can be whatever you want, Josephine,” you smiled, kissing her cheek.

It was the middle of the night. You couldn’t possibly sleep, knowing you were going to have to face Diana in the morning. You were expecting the cold shoulder from her at the very least.

You were sitting on the cool hotel bathroom floor, silently crying with your knees pulled up to your chest and your head tucked in between.

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” Spencer quickly rushed over to you, sitting down beside you.

Either your crying was louder than anticipated or he just woke up to use the bathroom because you forgot to lock the door.

“Your mom hates me and I know how much her approval means to you,” you sniffled, not looking up.

“Baby, can you look at me please?” he whispered.

You hesitantly looked up to meet Spencer’s sympathetic gaze. He used the bottom of his t-shirt to wipe the tears from your face, pulling you in for a hug.

“She doesn’t hate you, I promise. She is overjoyed to meet her granddaughter,” he assured you.

“What if she’s just not telling you, Spence? She is seeing Jo for the first time at the age of 6, I honestly wouldn’t blame her for being pissed,” you were crying again.

Spencer pulled back and cupped your face, wiping away the fresh tears with his thumbs.

“I’m really sorry, I got so excited I forgot to consider how you’re feeling. I can take Jo alone tomorrow if you don’t want to go,” he said.

“No, I want to go,” you replied with no hesitation.

Spencer smiled softly, “If you feel uncomfortable at any point, we will leave but I swear she is not harboring any animosity towards you.”

“Does she know we are living together and dating again?” you asked softly.

“Yes, she does. Let me tell you she was not happy when I broke up with you the first time so I can assure you she approves of us getting back together,” he chuckled.

He elicited a quiet giggle from you.

“Would you like to go back to bed?” he asked softly.

You nodded and Spencer helped you up off the floor and back to bed. Spencer wrapped his arms around you and you snuggled into his chest, finally getting some rest.

“Dr. Reid! Diana has not stopped talking about this visit all week! She is having a wonderful day!” the nurse at the front desk chirped.

“Thank you. Is she in her room?” he asked.

“Yes, you know the way!” she said, gesturing down the hall.

You and Spencer stopped right outside her door, halting Jo’s movement as well because she was in between you both, holding each of your hands.

Spencer knelt down to her level, “Do you remember who we are meeting?”

“Your Mommy,” Jo said.

“So that makes her your Grandma,” Spencer smiled.

“I already have a Grandma,” Jo said, confused.

“You have two Grandmas now, Baby J,” you explained.

Jo still seemed a little confused and made a grabby motion for you to pick her up.

Spencer knocked on the door and opened it a crack.

“Mom?” Spencer said.

“Oh, Spencer!” you heard the familiar voice excitedly shout from inside.

You entered the room with Jo nuzzled into your neck. Jo tended to get very shy around new people and liked to cling to you or Spencer until she warmed up.

Once Diana finished hugging Spencer, she turned to you and Jo.

“Hi, Y/N! Good to see you! Let me see my beautiful granddaughter,” she chirped.

“Good to see you too,” you smiled, “Jo, can you say hi?”

Jo nuzzled further into your neck.

“How about if you sit in Daddy’s lap?” you whispered in her ear.

She nodded and you handed her over to Spencer, taking the seat next to him on the couch.

“Oh, look at her precious little face. She looks just like Spencer did at that age. Hello, Josephine,” Diana smiled.

“Jo, how about you tell Grandma what we did yesterday,” you prompted her.

“We went on a plane and I got this,” Jo pointed to the wings that she was still wearing today.

“Oh my, the pilot must have thought you were a very important little girl then,” Diana nodded.

Jo beamed as you reached over to your bag.

“Um we brought some of Jo’s toys if you want to play with her,” you asked Diana.

“Of course! I would love nothing more!”

“I have to pee,” Jo tugged at Spencer’s sleeve.

“Okay, let’s go,” Spencer lifted her up.

Shit. As much as Spencer assured you that his mom didn’t hold a grudge, you were scared of the ‘girl talk’ that would ensue when he left the room. You couldn’t really offer to take Jo because you didn’t know where the bathrooms were.

Once the door to the room clicked shut, you felt Diana’s eyes on you.

“So long time, no see,” she said.

“Yeah,” you chuckled nervously.

“Now I’m Spencer’s mom and I’m supposed to see him as perfect but one of the biggest mistakes he ever made was leaving you and I made sure I let him know that. And I didn’t even know you were pregnant at the time. You both just had this special bond that was so clear to anyone who was within twenty feet of you. I am so grateful that you gave him the opportunity to come back into you and your daughter’s life,” Diana spoke.

You were tearing up at how nice she was being. She didn’t blame you for any of it.

“Can I hug you?” you asked with watery eyes.

“Of course, my dear,” she opened her arms, “I am so lucky to call you family.”

Spencer returned to see two of the most important people in his life hugging and the third was in his arms.

#spencer reid fluff #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid x reader #spencer x reader #reid x reader #spencer reid x you #spencer reid #cm fanfic #criminal minds

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4stars-uswnt · 3 years

Text

My Muse, My Valentine [Christen Press x Reader]

requested by anon: Not sure if you’re accepting any request but can you write a cp x photographer gf where her gf surprised her at man u, like her gf secretly transfer there to be with cp. Thanks

A/N: please ignore some of the inconsistencies this story has with reality :) but anyways... hope you enjoy and have a happy Valentine’s Day (tomorrow) and remember it’s a day about LOVE, whether that be romantic, platonic, familial, or self ❤️

“I’m gonna miss you,” you whine, as you watch your girlfriend pack her suitcase.

“I know, babe. I’m gonna miss you too, so much.” Christen leans down to quickly peck your lips, before continuing to fold her clothes.

You and Christen had been dating for almost three years now, having met after you’d photographed one of the USWNT’s matches. You instantly felt an attraction to the curly-haired forward, your camera always drifting towards her wherever she was on the pitch.

After you’d posted a couple of your photos on your Instagram, which Christen made a point to like and repost, you gathered up the courage to approach her after a game, and thus began your relationship.

With yours and Christen’s busy schedules, it was sometimes hard to find time for each other, but you made it work, sharing an apartment in Portland during the offseason and flying out for matches when you could. But being a sports photographer did have its benefits, as your work often led you to spending more time with your girlfriend and admiring her speed down the field and score goals.

But now, with the pandemic, as the NWSL was struggling to field games, you found yourself with little work. Christen herself was not quite satisfied with the league’s plan for the season, so when Tobin proposed the idea of going to the WSL, she desperately wanted to, yearning to get back on the pitch.

At first, when Christen approached you with the subject, you immediately opposed, not wanting to be so far from your girlfriend for such a long amount of time. Additionally, with COVID, it would be nearly, if not completely, impossible for you to visit. But after a blowout fight and discussing it further, you realized that this is what would be best for Christen and her career.

“Do you have to go?” You pout, sitting up and moving to the end of the bed.

“You know I do, (Y/N/N).” Christen playfully rolls her eyes.

“Humph.”

“Babe, come on, don’t make me feel worse about leaving you.”

“Then don’t,” you quip, grabbing your girlfriend by the waist, pulling her down on the bed with you.

“Babe!” Christen squeals, as you blow raspberries into her skin.

You lift your head from the crook of her neck, your eyes locking with hers. “I know that you have to go,” you admit seriously. “Doesn’t mean I like it, but I know that this is what’s best for your career.”

“Thank you, (Y/N),” she says earnestly, giving you a small smile. “We’ll text and FaceTime everyday.”

“I’m holding you to that.” You cup her face and bring her in for a kiss, savoring the feeling of her soft lips on yours. “I also know that you’re gonna kill it over there in Manchester. The WSL isn’t gonna know what hit them.”

Christen ducks her bashfully, a small blush arising on her cheeks. “You know I love you, right?”

“Of course, Chris. I love you, too.”

“Good.” She gives you a quick peck, as she gets up from the bed. “Now, either quit bothering me or help me. My flight is early tomorrow morning, and I haven’t even finished packing.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

—————

It had been a little over five months since you’d dropped Christen off at the airport and she left for Manchester. Despite the constant texting and the nightly FaceTime calls, you couldn’t help but ache for your girlfriend. Without her, the apartment was lonelier and the bed felt bigger.

It had helped that your work had started back up, first with some freelance work and then with the NWSL fall series starting, which gave you something to do and kept you fairly busy.

Currently, you were sitting at the kitchen counter, sipping on a cup of coffee, as you edited some photos for the Thorns. Just as you were saving your work and closing Lightroom, about to shut your computer, a ping alerts a new email in your inbox.

Switching tabs, you notice the message is from an unfamiliar address, so you presume it’s a new client. You click and open it, your eyes widening, as you scan the email:

Ms. (Y/L/N),

I noticed your professional portfolio through many referrals, particularly your work form the World Cup. I am writing on behalf of the BBC News Media Centre, and we’re looking for an excellent sports photographer to join the team, specifically to cover the FA Women’s Super League and the Premier League.

Your experience is outstanding, adn your work speaks for itself. I think you’d be a great fit for this role, and I’d love to tell you more about it and hear more from you.

Would you like to set up a phone or Zoom call soon? If so, let me know when you’re available.

Best,

Charles Smith

Director of Media Relations at BBC Sport

You quickly reread the email, and then reread it again, just to make sure you’re not dreaming. This was too good to be true. But you shake yourself out of your stupor and quickly type out a response to set up a phone call as soon as possible.

After hitting send, you shut your computer with excitement and throw your hands up in the air.

“Yes!” You exclaim into the empty apartment, as you throw your fist in the air and jump off the barstool.

Knowing you needed to distract yourself, otherwise you’d just be staring at your computer, eagerly awaiting the response, you decided to go on a run.

Jogging through the city, you think of your girlfriend and your potential reunion if this job offer worked out. You decided that if you did in fact take this position, you’d surprise Christen at one of her matches, hopefully one that you’d be able to photograph.

As soon as you arrive back in your apartment, you make a beeline for your laptop. You anxiously open your inbox and beam when you see Charles had replied to set up a Zoom call at 9:30 tomorrow morning. You excitedly type out pleasantries, telling him you’re looking forward to it.

For the rest of the afternoon, you were in an increasingly good mood. So later that evening, when Christen called you for your routine FaceTime, she could tell something was up.

“Why do you keep smiling like that?”

“Can I not be happy to talk to my girlfriend?” You tease, a huge grin plastered onto your face.

“You can,” Christen trails off, not quite believing you. “But you have the weird giddy look you get when something’s up?”

“Nothing’s up. Just had a good day,” you shrug nonchalantly.

“Okay,” the forward accepts, still eyeing you suspiciously. “Anyways, you know She Believes is in a couple weeks, are you working the tournament?”

“Yup,” you nod and make a mental note to mention that to Charles tomorrow.

The two of you continue updating each other, chatting about topics ranging from what you had for breakfast that day to re-inc’s upcoming drop.

“Alright,” Christen yawns. “I think I’m gonna call it a night.”

You check your phone and see it’s 5:37 pm, meaning it’s almost midnight in Manchester.

“Okay,” your eyes softening at the sight of your sleepy girlfriend. “Good night, Chris. I love you.”

“Love you, too, babe. G’night.”

After ending the call and shutting your laptop, you head into the kitchen to make some dinner for yourself, getting on with your evening.

—————

The next morning, you anxiously await for Charles to begin the Zoom call, nervously bouncing your knee and biting your lip.

“Hi, (Y/N),” Charles greets, his face appearing on your screen.

“Good morning. Or rather good afternoon?” You correct with a light chuckle, to which he reciprocates.

“Well, as you know from my email, we are looking for a photographer to join our team, and from many referrals, you seem to be a very good candidate,

“So, I was thinking maybe we could look at your portfolio really quickly and then hash out the logistics to see if this is something that could work out.”

“Sounds good,” you agree, as you pull up some of your best pictures and share your screen.

The two of you look through your photos, many from the 2019 World Cup, some of the Olympics, and a few from random NWSL games.

“Well, (Y/N), your work is quite impressive. If you’re ready, and you’re seriously interested in this position, we can talk specifics, scheduling, all that good stuff,” Charles offers.

“I’m definitely interested, but can I just preface by saying that my girlfriend is a major part of this decision, so depending on what she wants to do at the end of the season will impact my contract.”

“Oh?” He raises his eyebrows, clearly not expecting your candor. “Your girlfriend plays in the WSL?”

“Yeah, well, technically only for this season. Her contract is up in May,” you explain.

“(Y/N), to be completely frank, we’re looking to hire because a couple of our photographers had some personal issues due to COVID and had to leave mid-season,” Charles reveals. “So if it turns out that your girlfriend wants to go back to the NWSL, then we can work that out. And if she wants to stay, and you end up liking it here and you fit in well, we can also work that out. We’re pretty flexible.”

You sigh in relief, giving him a small smile. “Wow, thank you so much. So what would my contract look like?”

“Well, we can sign you to three month contract with the option for extension,” he offers, as you nod along enthusiastically.

“That sounds great,” you exclaim, beaming. “And just to let you know, I’ve already signed on to work the She Believes tournament from the 18th to the 21st.”

“That actually aligns with the WSL’s international break, and there are a couple Premier League matches that weekend, but I think we can manage, so that shouldn’t be an issue.”

“You guys are too kind and so flexible. I really appreciate it so much,” you say earnestly.

“It’s really just us being desperate for a good photographer,” Charles jokes.

“Either way, I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

“We’re excited for you to join our team,” he reciprocates. “So, in terms of when you’ll begin, I honestly would like you to come over as soon as possible so that you can get settled and get acclimated.”

“I am honestly ready to start whenever you’ll have me.”

“How about next week? The Manchester Derby is on Friday, and honestly, given your portfolio, I’d love you to photograph that match,” the British man admits.

“That’s perfect!” You were in complete awe of how perfectly everything was working out. Photographing a Man United match as your first job meant you could surprise Christen, maybe as an early Valentine’s gift.

“Great,” Charles smiles.

The two of you discuss and finalize your contract and the logistics of you starting the job. Once everything’s settled and you each have the information you need, you wrap up the call.

“Well, thank you so much, Charles, for this offer, and I can’t wait to see you next Tuesday.”

“I can’t wait to work with you and meet you. See you next week. Cheers.”

After ending the Zoom call, you begin to make a COVID test appointment, book your flight, and arrange your hotel room for the few days that Christen doesn’t know you’re there, preparing yourself for moving across the world.

—————

After landing in London, getting settled into your hotel, and meeting with the BBC team and the other photographers, you were now on your way to the Manchester Derby.

In the back of the black cab, you pull out your phone to text a good luck text to Christen.

It was difficult to keep your surprise a secret, especially when you were actually in England, because it was much more difficult to FaceTime without her noticing your change in setting. You had to make up the excuse that you were swarmed with editing and preparing for the upcoming Thorns trainings.

As you pull up to the Academy Stadium, you hear your phone ding.

Chris ❤️

Thanks babe. Miss and love you 😘

You quickly type out a response, before heading into the building.

(Y/N/N) 💗

Love you too. I miss u too but go kick butt.

The match was exhilarating. Not only were you a sports photographer, but you were also a huge fan of the game, enjoying a good game when you see one.

You watched in awe, the level and style of play significantly different from than NWSL. While snapping hundreds of photos of both teams, your camera would always somehow land back on your girlfriend.

Your heart ached for the curly-haired forward, as you missed her dearly. Until you saw her back on the pitch, you hadn’t really realized that you missed watching her play the game that she’d mastered, her movements around the pitch and on the ball effortless and elegant.

As the ref blew the whistle, signaling the end of the half, you scroll through some of the photos you’d taken, deleting some of the blurry and unfocussed ones.

A smile immediately forms on your face when you see a picture of Christen during warmups with a huge grin on her face. You spend all of halftime editing said photo and putting together an Instagram post for your girlfriend.

About fifteen minutes later, the teams take the pitch and you go back to doing your job. Throughout the second half, you could tell that Christen was getting increasingly frustrated, her team getting down 3-0 with only about five minutes left.

You watch as the players high five and hug each other, and you want nothing more than to run onto the field to be with your girlfriend, but you had a plan to stick to.

As the team goes back into the locker room, you pull out your phone to post a photo on Instagram and then you shoot a quick text to Tobin:

(Y/N)🤓:

toby go check out my ig post :))

Back in the Man United locker room, after Casey went through her post match speech, Tobin checks her phone and sees a text from you. The injured forward playfully rolls her eyes at your message but follows your directions.

Upon opening the social media app, Tobin raises her eyebrows, her eyes widening. She glances across the room to see if her best friend had seen your post, but Christen was minding her own business, changing into sweats after her shower.

“Chris!” The older forward calls over to the other woman. “Have you seen your girlfriend’s Instagram post?”

Christen furrows her brows in confusion. “What? No, what is it?”

Tobin waves her friend over and shows her the post:

Liked by mrapinoe, ashlynharris24, and 638,231 others

yourusername: My muse, my valentine.

“As I sat and looked at her

and the rolling hills she sat upon

I thought,

what amazing luck I have

that the world had created

such beautiful things

and given me the eyes to see them.”

- atticus

tagged: christenpress

- - - - -

mrapinoe: Stunning pictures, (Y/N). Love you guys 💖

alikrieger: These photos are 🔥🔥🔥🔥

alexmorgan13: love this 😍😍

cdunn19: Beautiful!

glennondoyle: Love love love love this!!

ashlynharris24: Holy shit! Are you in Manchester????

↳lavellerose: Was this today??

↳sammymewyy: Oh my gosh it was!

↳kellyohara: Valentine’s Day surprise for Pressy?? 👀

Christen zooms in on the photo in the center, her eyes widening when she realizes that it is from today’s match.

“How did she get that picture?”

Tobin mentally slaps her forehead at her friend’s denseness. “Knowing (Y/N), she probably took it.”

“But that’s impossible. She’s in the States,” Christen states and shakes her head, dumbfounded.

“Actually,” you speak up, stepping into the locker room, deciding to make your presence known. “I’m right here.”

“(Y/N)?” Your girlfriend looks up at you, her mind in a state of shock.

“Hey, love,” you greet shyly.

Once her mind caught up with reality, Christen runs and jumps into your body, kissing you passionately but briefly and wrapping you into a bone crushing hug.

“I can’t believe your here,” she whispers into your neck. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too, babe, so much.”

Unwrapping herself from the hug, Christen stares at you in awe. “What… how are you here?”

“We can talk about that later,” you give her another quick kiss. “But right now, I just wanna spend time with you. Maybe we can grab some dinner? You can show me around Manchester, considering I’m gonna be spending a lot of time here.”

Your girlfriend looks at you puzzled, but you just give her a wink with a small smirk on your face.

“Well, c’mon lets get out of here.”

—————

Back at Christen’s apartment, the two of you sit down for a nice and casual, but romantic, dinner you’d prepared along with a bottle of red wine.

After catching up, the forward finally decides to address the elephant in the room. “So how are you here? What’s going on, (Y/N/N)? You said earlier that you’d be spending a lot of time in Manchester, what does that mean? I’m so confused. Not that I’m grateful that you’re here right now and that I get to see you, but I thought you were working She Believes, and—“

“Chris,” you cut off your girlfriend’s endearing rambling. “Babe, you’re rambling.”

“Sorry,” she blushes, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

“I got a job with BBC Sport till the end of the season,” you answer her parade of questions.

“Does that mean what I think it does?”

You nod, while taking a sip of your water. “It means I’m yours if you’ll have me.”

Not having the adequate words to express her joy and excitement, Christen gets up from her chair, walks over to sit in your lap, and connects you lips for a searing kiss.

“I can’t believe you,” she breathes, rubbing her nose against yours. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” you quickly peck her lips while rubbing circles on her hip. “But as much as I love you and all this romance, we gotta get going soon.”

Your girlfriend tilts her head in confusion.

“Do the words ‘She Believes’ ring a bell?” You tease. “If I remember correctly, our flight leaves in a couple hours.”

“You’re coming with me?” Christen asks, her brain trying to wrap around the fact that her girlfriend, who she hadn’t seen in almost five months, would now be living with her in England and flying back to the States with her for the next week.

“Of course, Chris,” you give her a cheeky smile, along with a kiss to her nose, as you quote a book Becky had convinced the whole team to read. “You should know by now that I’d follow you anywhere. You’re the only good thing left in this world.”

#uswnt x reader #uswnt imagine #uswnt imagines #christen press x reader #christen press imagine #christen press imagines #uswnt #christen press

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nancywheelxr · 3 years

Note

Word of Honor prompt suggestion: WKX and YBY play the drunken ancient Chinese equivalent of Truth or Dare. The situation rapidly escalates from throwing Wolong Nuts to property damage, while a horrified ZZS attempts to restore order. In the end, Gu Xiang smacks both of them down.

anon, i am delighted by this prompt, thank you so much

Zhou Zishu loves having an extended family.

It’s great, so great. Amazing. Really, just lovely. A blessing.

“Who are you calling blind? Twice that distance, it would still land true!”

A blessing. Especially when they all decide to visit at the same time. Lovely surprise, truly. So great. Zhou Zishu is just so happy. Estactic even. Look at him, he’s a shining beacon of happiness.

“Shifu,” Chengling says, frowning up at him from the where he’s supposed to be meditating, “are you alright? You look stressed.”

“What nonsense are you spouting now?” Zhou Zishu snaps, “who’s stressed? If anything, it’s your laziness that’s stressing me!”

Chengling doesn’t look too convinced because, unfortunately, somewhere down the line, the kid seems to have lost all common sense. Personally, Zhou Zishu blames Wen Kexing. “Sorry, sorry, I promise I’m not being lazy,” he grins, eyes going wide and pleading-- another thing, that, personally, Zhou Zishu blames Wen Kexing for. “As soon as we stop hiding, I’ll go back to training!”

“Who’s hiding!” Zhou Zishu takes a deep breath. He’s been told to manage his stress levels. Besides, he’s not stressed. Beacon of happiness. Shining, that’s what he is. This is all fine. “We’re not hiding. We’re meditating away from the mess your Shishu is making with Ye-qianbei.”

Chengling nods once, serious. “A warrior knows when to retreat.”

“That’s not--” He stops himself. Somewhere, probably in the courtyard, there’s a crash loud enough to echo in the room they’re using. This is fine.

“Where would that count? I dared you to strike down that tree, not take a statue’s head!”

“What’s wood compared to stone?! Have you gone senile? Your dare was too stupid to consider, I made it better!”

Wen Kexing is slurring his words already, Zhou Zishu can tell, and it’s with a startling clarity that he can see it in his mind: Wen Kexing, drunk, throwing his fan around the courtyard on a dare, and Ye Baiyi, not drunk, unbothered by the very real risk of someone losing a limb if he deemed it entertaining enough.

They had been throwing those blasted nuts around, the last time Zhou Zishu checked on them. Shooting them around like arrows and leaving dents all over his walls. Then, he had been merely grateful for their unspoken agreement of not ever choosing truth, just in case someone stepped in one of the several emotion landmines scattered in their past-- if anyone starts crying, Zhou Zishu is walking out, he’s decided this very early on.

Well, he supposes, if it’s Wen Kexing, he would probably stick around to sober him up, tears and all, but he’d really rather not.

It was a mistake though, it seems, to leave them unattended for too long. Now the dares have escalated and one of the statues is allegedly missing a head.

So great.

“Stay here,” he tells Chengling, just in case the kid’s luck strikes again, and goes investigate the noises. Following the chaos is always sure to lead him back to Wen Kexing.

The several disciples scurrying away from the courtyard is also a good indicator he’s on the right path.

“Old Monster,” Wen Kexing is saying, and in his arms there’s a large stone that might at some point have been a statue’s head but has been hacked at too much to retain any semblance of its former image. Hacked at too heavily to have been done by a fan, lined with steel or not. Which means-- “I dare you to-- I dare you to cut this in half now!”

“Ha!” Ye Baiyi snorts, sword already unsheated, and there’s a faint flush to his face which is all sorts of terrible because if even Ye Baiyi is a little drunk, then how much have they drunk? And could people, please, stop waving around sharp weapons while inebriated? “You call that a challenge? Brat, I could be in my death bed and that would still be too easy. Don’t waste my time, come up with something better.”

Yeah, no, it’s definitely time for an intervention. “Alright, alright,” he calls, stepping out into the courtyard and promptly tripping over an entire watermelon. What the fuck. “What the fuck?”

“A-Xu!” Wen Kexing grins, waving at him while hugging the head to his chest, and it’s horribly endearing, yes, but also, terrible because Zhou Zishu is trying to hold on to his annoyance. “A-Xu, be careful! I won that fair and square, it’s my prize! Isn’t it good? We can have it after dinner but not the Old Monster, he can’t have it, A-Xu!”

“As if I wanted! It’s probably rotten--”

“Oh, it’s good that you’re here, A-Xu, I’ve missed you, and now you can stand guard on our watermelon!”

Deep breaths. “Where did you get the watermelon?”

“I won it.”

Ye Baiyi scoffs. “You cheated.”

“You won it. From where?”

“No, he cheated,” Ye Baiyi repeats as if speaking to a particularly slow child, “I’ve already told you that, stop making me repeat myself.”

“Don’t listen to him, A-Xu,” Wen Kexing walks over with his stone head, swaying as he goes, “no cheating was involved. Look, isn’t it a good watermelon?”

The question is accompanied with a genuinely distressed look, as if it was of paramount importance that Zhou Zishu agree with him on this, as if the whole world is hanging on this thread, so Zhou Zishu finds himself picking up the damn thing and awkwardly inspecting it around. “Yes, it’s very good.”

Immediately, Wen Kexing spins around, using the statue head to point at Ye Baiyi vindictively, “see? Take that, Old Man! How about it? A-Xu says it’s good, so it’s good, it’s not rotten!”

Well, in truth, it might be a little past its prime, but Zhou Zishu decides to keep that to himself and not think about where it came from anymore. This, he figures, is going to be a problem for Sober Wen Kexing when he wakes up tomorrow. So he places the watermelon back down and steels himself for the task of prying the head from Wen Kexing. “Yes, yes, I’m always right, and now A-Xu is saying it’s time to go to sleep.”

For his troubles, he receives a most betrayed look, “A-Xu, it’s still so early, A-Xiang isn’t even back yet,” something seems to click on his head, “and the Old Monster hasn’t completed the dare!”

Zhou Zishu curses silently. Having deemed Wen Kexing’s ramblings boring, Ye Baiyi had retreated back to the his seat at the table and been about to pour himself some water, but now he perks up again, throwing one of their precious nuts at them. “Come up with a worthy dare, then! Qin Huaizhang’s disciple, bring more wine.”

Hearing this, Wen Kexing rushes forward, waving the statue head. “Don’t change the subject! If you think it’s too easy, how about I throw it in the air first, huh? I dare you, cut it in half before it touches the ground!”

I’m going to have to rebuild this place again, Zhou Zishu realizes with a morose sort of resignation. The manor might have survived the Window of Heavens, but he’s not so sure it’ll survive these two drunk idiots.

This epiphany takes some time to be processed, so Zhou Zishu doesn’t feel too guilty for not noticing Gu Xiang arriving with Cao Weining until they’re at his side, gaping like little dumb fishes at the scene. “Ah, Zishu-ge! Why did you let them get like this!”

“A-Xiang, A-Xiang,” her husband says helplessly, and Zhou Zishu snorts, magnanimously forgiving her slap at his shoulder, “don’t be so harsh, it’s not so bad! Wen-gongzi is...” without anything other than drunk out of his mind to finish his sentence with, Cao Weining trails off.

“What a mess,” she grumbles, “what a mess. You were supposed to keep an eye on them!”

“Me? How am I to do that? Do you think I can grant miracles?”

She hits his shoulder again. “Zishu-ge! You just had to keep an eye on him! That’s the one thing you like doing!”

“A-Xiang!” Cao Weining gasps, grasping at her sleeves to keep her from going for another slap, “Zhou-xiong, we’ll help clean it up, it’s the wine we brought anyway.”

“Pah,” she scoffs, shaking Cao Weining off and marching towards the two still squabbling about how best to throw the statue head, “who’s we? Honestly!”

From their spot by the door, Zhou Zishu watches as Wen Kexing beams at her, saying something too garbled for him to make out, while Ye Baiyi just squints like he’s seeing a new weird-looking bug.

A-Xiang’s screeches are very clearly heard, though. In a minute, she’s prodded and bullied Wen Kexing into giving up the head and poured them both healthy servings of tea, taking advantage of Ye Baiyi’s seemingly internal debate over insulting a little girl to shove the glass at him.

“Huh,” Zhou Zishu says, admittedly impressed. She really is efficient when she wants to be.

“Ah, A-Xiang really is amazing,” Cao Weining sighs in a horrible smitten way, so Zhou Zishu has to fetch and toss the nearest broom at him, on principle. “Ah?”

“It’s very good that Cao-gongzi offered to help,” he smiles, knowing Wen Kexing will laugh about this come morning, “now if you excuse me, this one has a very drunk husband to rescue.”

Feeling very satisfied with himself, he labels the mess a problem for Cao Weining now.

Zhou Zishu loves having an extended family. A blessing, truly.

#woh #shl #woh fanfic #wenzhou fanfic #wen kexing #zhou zishu #gu xiang #ye baiyi #cao weining #woh tag #word of honor #wenzhou tag

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fruitcoops · 3 years

Note

Maybe something to do with another coops live stream they’re hilarious😂

These livestreams are basically my favorite fics to write and I’m so glad you all enjoy them! Sweater Weather credit goes to @lumosinlove!

“Hey, Instagram, we’re back!” Sirius smiled so wide his dimples appeared as Remus sat down and wrapped an arm around his waist. “It’s been a while since we did a livestream and we’ve been looking forward to it for a while, so let’s get started.”

“First question,” Remus said, leaning forward a bit. “Who kills the spiders? I do.”

Sirius wrinkled his nose. “We tried to do a catch and release policy, but they always end up coming back. Who is the better dancer? I don’t know, honey, who is the better dancer?”

Remus rolled his eyes and gave him a playful nudge. “Rub it in, why don’t you.”

“It’s me,” Sirius said with a smug grin. “Lionsfan65 wants to know if being married to your best friend is like having a 24/ 7 sleepover.”

“Oh, that’s a good one.” Remus bit his lip. “Yeah, I think so. I mean, some nights we stay up late to watch movies and other nights we stay up late doing taxes, but it’s awesome.”

“That’s so accurate,” Sirius laughed. “We should build a taxes pillow fort sometime.”

“We totally should. That would make it so much more bearable.”

“We could have popcorn!”

“Hell yeah!” They high-fived, and Remus turned back to the phone. “Do waiters ever ask if we’re splitting the check?”

Sirius groaned. “All the time. We were on our honeymoon and literally holding hands over the table, and the waitress asked if we were on a ‘guys’ trip’.”

“She also said that our wives must be glad to have the weekend to themselves,” Remus added with a grimace. “It was one of those awkward ‘thanks, but that’s my husband’ moments.”

Sirius scrolled through the incoming questions, then burst out laughing. “Oh, fuck, I knew I missed doing these for a reason.”

“What? Which one is it?”

He took another moment to catch his breath before tapping the screen. “To Sirius: no offense, but your husband is really hot. Why would I take offense to that, fernbaby? It’s true!”

“Who sent that in? Thank you, fernbaby, that’s so nice!” Remus blushed a bit, but his smile turned to confusion as he read the next one. “Who wears the pants?”

“Right now, both of us. On a really good day, neither of us,” Sirius said easily. “Honey, someone thinks I’m an ‘alpha’.”

Remus tilted his head. “A what?”

“An ‘alpha’, whatever the fuck that’s supposed to mean.”

“Seeing as we’re not werewolves, neither of us are an ‘alpha’.” Remus did air quotes around the word and raised an eyebrow. “Plus, the guy that originally coined those terms for wolf packs later came forward and said his experiment was unreliable and that he had proved wolves work in hierarchies based on age.”

“That’s science, bitches,” Sirius said with a grin. “Aw, this one is sweet! What are our nicknames for each other?”

“I call you ‘baby’ all the time, but ‘honey’ is a close second.”

“Yeah, there aren’t a lot of nicknames for my name. Um, I call you ‘sweetheart’, ‘mon loup’, ‘mon amour’, ‘Re’…now that I think about it, I can’t remember the last time I called you by your full name.”

“I hope not,” Remus laughed. “You only do that when I’m in trouble.”

“True. Oh, this one is for you.”

Remus scooted closer to him. “To Remus: what’s the hardest part about moving from PT to player? Ugh, everything. If I had to choose one thing, it would be having to step back from helping the guys when they get hurt in a game. Hestia still has to remind me to let her do her job sometimes, even though she’s the most amazing PT in the world and I have total trust in her. It’s pretty tough seeing your friends in pain and not being allowed to help them anymore.”

There was a beat of quiet. “Well, that got morbid fast,” Sirius said drily, making Remus snort. “This is promising: pick a Disney princess you each identify with.”

“Should we switch, and each say each other’s?”

Sirius gave him a look. “Do you even know mine?”

“Of course I know yours!” Remus said indignantly. “It’s Rapunzel!”

“What?”

“It totally is! You have a crush on Flynn Rider and her chameleon is named Pascal!”

Sirius hesitated, then nodded slowly. “Okay, fair. I was going to say Elsa. Yours is easy, though.”

“Are you sure?”

“If it’s not Belle, you’re lying to yourself.”

“It is, don’t worry,” Remus laughed. “Everyone in the comment section guessed that. Great job, guys! This is an easy one: what was our last fight about?”

“Which Disney princess I relate to more. Do we have the same taste in men?” Sirius stifled a laugh. “I think this one answers itself.”

Remus gestured vaguely. “Seeing as we look completely different, no. I’m into tall, athletic, heart of gold types.”

Sirius put his best poker face on. “Librarians are really my thing.”

“Okay, you know what—”

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding!” he laughed, tugging Remus closer to kiss his cheek despite the mock-scowl on his face. The phone screen lit up with multicolored hearts and they turned back to it after a chaste kiss on the lips. “Your turn.”

“Librarian,” Remus scoffed around a smile. “Why did we keep our wedding a secret? Well, we didn’t. Everyone knew it was happening.”

“We didn’t tell the media the details for a few reasons. Number one, we wanted a small ceremony with just friends and family. Number two, both of us are tired of people’s noses in our business. Number three, it was really, really funny watching them speculate.” He counted down on his fingers, looking rather self-satisfied. “And it worked. It was perfect.”

“Plus, we planned it in, like, six weeks. There weren’t a lot of concrete details to actually give people. Someone asked one for you, baby.”

“To me…do I get along with Re’s parents? Oh, I adore them. They’re amazing people and I love seeing them when they visit.”

A slow grin spread over Remus’ face. “Oh, I love this next question. Loops, we all know you’re weak for the French accent—you’re not wrong—but Cap, do you like his accent, too?”

Sirius lit up. “I do! It’s so cute! It comes out when he’s tired or excited and I just—” He smiled and drummed his hands on his knees, going a bit pink. “I dunno. It’s cute. Alright, let’s move on before I embarrass myself even more. Who’s the better cook or baker?”

“You are adorable,” Remus said, his cheeks vibrant red. “To answer the question, I’m the better cook, but I can’t bake for shit. Sirius makes brownies like you’ve never tasted before, though.”

“I’m practicing.”

“What’s the best prank I’ve ever pulled on Sirius?” Remus laughed under his breath. “Sirius and Pots teamed up to fuck with my gear one practice, so I spent the next day and a half playing the circus theme song whenever they walked into a room together.”

“Ah, fuck, I forgot about that,” Sirius muttered. “And then you got Finn to sing it, too.”

“I didn’t do anything, he started that himself.”

“He’s so annoying,” Sirius said fondly. “Alright, last question. Remus, was it hard to adjust to having more disposable income?”

Remus hummed in thought for a moment, resting his chin on his hand. “Definitely. I am so, so grateful to have this opportunity, but it’s always the little things that remind me. Like, plane tickets to go see my family in Wisconsin don’t have to be a big expense anymore. It’s been a really interesting adjustment for sure. Is that all we have time for?”

“I think so.” They waved to the camera one last time. “Thanks for joining us, and thanks for the great questions! Go Lions!”

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