Coffee and Musings

[coffeemusings]

A girl who loves coffee and writing! Independent & semi-selective multi-muse penned by Summer. Est 2025, but been writing for 15+ years. Featuring the muses seen above and from many other tv shows/anime, movies (including Disney), and video games! Rules | Muses | Memes

[coffeemusings]

My Final Fantasy XIV character. Raine Silvan. Race/Clan: Elezen. Wildwood. Nameday: 1st Sun of the 1st Astral Moon. Guardian: Nophica, the Matron City-State: Gridania

[kcytotheheart]

[♟] "Mhm! Pretty much. And no, it's permanent but that's fine with me because it's just another way to make myself... me. Not anyone else. Honestly, I didn't know that such a thing existed until I saw the one Axel had on his chest when he was recovering from his back injury after the war." Their gaze flickered slightly when they noticed the smile the other had for a moment didn't quite reach his eyes. But then something seemed to flicker across his face, it was interesting to watch emotions move across their face. Especially since it made them more real, human. It was a good look on him.

"Yeah! That's right, it is a sea salt ice cream. Have you tried one before? If not we can always go get some because any time is ice cream time. At least that's what Axel says." A soft snort left them as he also remembered how the other had been getting on their case about eating more than just ice cream and had been the primary cook in the mansion. Honestly, his food was really good so she couldn't complain. Humming lowly at their response to seeing more of their tattos, he leaning against him slightly, pushing up their other sleeve to show a vine of flowers that curled up along the inside of his forearm. The flowers were soft blue with yellow centers. Forget-me-nots.

"This was the second one I got after the sea salt ice cream one. Honestly, it didn't hurt as much as the sea salt ice cream one, nor as bad as my third one which I'll show you in a second. And I got them done at a shop in Twilight Town. Well the sea salt ice cream got done in Radiant Garden since that is where Axel had his first tattoo done." She paused for a second before grinning at him, eyes shining bright as she got an idea. "If you ever decide you want to do something like that, we could always get a matching tattoo too! Or just anything really, doesn't have to be a tattoo." They added on since tattoos could be scary if he had an aversion to needles. Which was possible but he didn't know the extent of what the other had gone through, just that both of them had been originally created with the same intent. After a moment, they lifted their hand up as she tucked some of her hair behind her ear; turning his head a bit so that the other could see the icicle tattoo that they had behind their ear.

"This was the third tattoo I got, since when I had initially died... Roxas told me I turned to ice before shattering like glass. And figured might as well add it to my body. And the flowers are forget me nots... Namine told me about them and their meaning and... well they certainly fit me and what I went through."

[coffeemusings]

Hiro was becoming more and more interested in these tattoos Xion was telling him about and he tried to remember if he ever saw Axel's. Probably not or else he would've wondered about it but he also hadn't seen him shirtless either. Hiro shook that thought, that image, from his head, a light blush creeping into his face.

"If I told you no, would that make me a dummy?" He asked jokingly with a smirk, then shook his head. "But no, I actually haven't tried that yet. I've um, I've had the chocolate, though. Kairi bought it for me one time.." He smiled at the memory. It... was a huge surprise for Hiro, the way Kairi approached him with a chocolate ice cream bar. He, at first, thought maybe she meant to give it to Riku, that she was looking for him, but she wasn't. Because it was like she read his mind in that moment, calling Hiro by his name and giving him the chocolate ice cream bar. The two had talked for a little while and it was one of the first moments where he really felt... welcomed. Included. It was like Kairi knew how unsure and awkward he'd been feeling.

Hiro watched Xion pull up her other sleeve, showing him his other tattoo. "Wow. This one is awesome!" He exclaimed, amazed at the size of it and the detail. "It goes up your entire arm?" He asked, leaning in to get a closer look at it. He couldn't help but think about getting a tattoo of his own now, too. Though he wasn't quite sure what of. Maybe... maybe a bird? He liked birds and from what he's learned from Xion, tattoos were all about the things one liked. When she offered the idea of them getting matching tattoos, his face lit up. "Wait... really? You'd want to get a matching tattoo with me, Xion?" He asked, looking and sounding stunned. So much so that it took him a moment to realize she was now showing him her third tattoo. The icicle.

He frowned a little when he explained the meaning behind it. "That... that sounds awful." Far worse than his 'death'. He looked down for a minute, thinking about his own, remembering exactly how he felt when the darkness took him. When death took him. "How come you'd want to get a tattoo that reminds you of that? It doesn't... make you sad?"

[coffeemusings]

Depression is hitting a little hard today, so I don't know if I'll be able to do replies today. I feel bad because I know I'm slow as it is and can barely get maybe 2-3 replies out a week. I always say this is a low activity blog, but I still feel bad about it, though. This month and next month is gonna be super busy so if I disappear for a few weeks, I'm very sorry in advanced. <3

[coffeemusings]

I’m considering giving FFXIV a try, but I’ve never been one to play MMOs. I’ve always been curious though… should I do it?

[coffeemusings]

My toxic trait is starting numerous books and tv shows without finishing the others. I hate it and I annoy myself with it lmao. I started FMA: Brotherhood, Daemons of the Shadow Realm, Sentenced to be a Hero and Mao. I just can’t ever stick with one. I want to continue Mao most but the subtitles an Disney+ are so hard to read.

And then I’m trying to read different books, too. -sigh- my interests just keep changing and I can’t keep focused on one thing for too long. The same thing goes for video games. I’ve been playing DDLV, replaying FF16, started Strangers of Paradise and I’m waiting for Black Flag Resynced and Halo. UGH.

[coffeemusings]

Has anyone here played the video game Split Fiction?

[kcytotheheart]

[♟️] “uh yeah I did, because you were definitely acting like one.” They were teasing of course, since they knew how important this was to the other; not to mention, he could tell that the other hadn’t been upset or angry by her comment. Since it was all in good fun. Xion couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her at his reaction, letting themselves be bumped back by the other as he grinned. Their expression beaming as they crossed their arms slightly.

She had been about to respond when he commented about their tattoo, the one on his wrist. Their eyes seemed to shine a bit brighter as they moved closer to show them. “Oh this? It’s a tattoo. Me, Axel and Roxas all have this one as a matching set. Isn’t it cool?” She paused for a moment before their expression softened a bit as they added. “And yeah, of course we’re friends, Hiro. The fact you have to even ask…” he teased lightly while bumping against him again before giving a low hum. Her fingers lightly traced over the tattoo on their wrist before remembering that they had others they could technically show him.

“Oh! This isn’t even the only one I have. I’ve got a few others if you want to see?”

[coffeemusings]

Hiro's eyes locked onto Xion's wrist when she showed him the... tattoo? "Tattoo? So, it's basically a drawing, but on someone's skin?" It reminded him of Namine's drawings, except this was on Xion's wrist, not on paper. Was it permanent? "Does it come off?" He asked, genuinely curious and interested in what tattoos were and how they worked, especially when he mentioned how he had matching ones with Axel and Roxas. That made Hiro smile, somewhat of a sad smile only because he hoped to have close friends, too, some day. It seemed like everyone had a trip. Sora, Riku and Kairi. Xion, Roxas and Axel. Aqua, Ventus and Terra. Did all of them have... tattoos, Hiro wondered?

"That's that sea salt ice cream, right?" He asked, head tilting slightly. Should he tell Xion he's never actually tried it? That might earn him being called a Dummy again and he smirked to himself at the thought, shaking his head. But then he nodded when Xion offered to show him the others. "Yeah!" His face lit up, turning so he was fully facing her now. "How'd you get these, anyway? Did it hurt?"

[coffeemusings]

Is it weird that I wanted to change my alias on here to Latte. It's weird, right? I'm an iced coffee addict, I can't help it. I dunno, just wanting to try out different nicknames for fun.

[thepaststillhurts]

"Yes, I have to admit I was raised on bugs. It's a wonder I'm a lion and not something else, and that I can still roar. But your mother was not a fun of it at all. She was angry with me when I tried to eat any bugs in the Pride Lands after I returned." Simba laughed. "But what could I do? I got so used to it, that eating meat itself was strange at first. But then I easily got used to meat again, of course." The lion continued walking, getting lost in the memories for a short time. "Nala even made it clear that if we ever had a cub, I wasn't allowed to give them bugs for lunch. Well, in your case, it was not an option actually. You don't like bugs anyway." Simba giggled.

They walked side by side, and soon their walk turned into a playful run to the Water Hole. As Kiara took off, old memories began to flood his mind that took him back like a flashback to the days when Kiara was just a cub...

... years ago.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Simba gave Kiara a little head start before going after her. He ran behind the cub; he could have easily outrun her, but instead he matched his pace to hers, making the game more exciting and to build her confidence. Seeing his daughter so happy reminded him of his own cubhood, and moments like this healed those old wounds in his heart caused by the events of the past; and if he couldn’t have the opportunity to spend much time with his father as he lost him very soon, then at least now he could enjoy these kind of moments with his daughter he so lacked.

Where does she get so much energy from? - Simba pondered. And indeed, Kiara was an energy ball. But why is he surprised, she was exactly like him, Nala told him so.

Despite the final burst of speed (of course he was careful not to overtake) it was his daughter who reached the Water Hole first. What a great race! Father and daughter championship, haha!

"I have to admit, it was a nice run."

"Maybe I should start fearing this mighty hunter?" The lion put himself into 'get-ready' position, just in case if this little cub mighty hunter wanted to attack.

[coffeemusings]

"She was angry? Really? But... that wasn't your fault." Kiara frowned, surprised to hear that her mother was angry with him. "I couldn't imagine ever eating bugs," she shuddered at the thought. "but like you said, you couldn't help it. It's all Timon and Pumbaa knew to eat. It's not like they can eat meat or... want to." It was probably really weird to them to even thinking about eating meat the same way it was weird for Kiara to think about eating bugs. She had to admit, though, she was a little curious... she shook her head. No way. She wasn't even going to consider it.

Shaking that thought from her head, Kiara took off in a run. "Try and keep up!" She called out with a laugh, her speed far greater than when she was a cub. She was sure to win!

-----------------

Kiara was completely focused on on her goal - on her mission. She was still way ahead of her Father and if she kept up just like this, without looking back, she was sure she could beat him! She watched closely for any rocks or branches that might be an obstacle, running around or leaping over them and keeping her balance and speed. She could feel her legs growing just a little tired, but she refused to slow down. She refused to stop. She was so close! So, so close!

Then she could hear him. She could hear her father closing in, catching up to her as he increased his speed. Her heart raced and she tried to run faster, though she knew if she pushed herself, it could end in her tripping and tumbling. Then she'd surely lose. But she's practiced. Aside from the other times she's raced her father, she's practiced with her mother when hunting and on her own. Even with Timon and Pumbaa, though that was more so to get away from them. Sometimes it worked. Most of the time it worked.

Seconds later, Kiara arrived at the watering hole with her father just behind her. She slid to a stop just before she could tumble into the water and she let out a triumphant laugh before turning around to look at him, a wide smile on her face. She couldn't say anything just yet because of how hard she was panting, trying to catch her breath. Then, after a a couple of minutes, "Wow! I really won!" She beamed. "Did you see how fast I ran, Daddy?" She giggled, clearly proud of herself not just for winning, but for her speed. She was definitely faster than she used to be.

She didn't really have any intentions of 'attacking' her father, but when he lowered himself to the ground, like he was about to pounce, Kiara gasped and did the same. Her legs were still tired and shaky, but she was still feeling full of energy. Adrenaline coursing through her veins. "Uh-huh! You should see me hunting with Mom!" She said, her body wiggling as she readied herself to attack. Which she did the next second, without warning. She dashed forward and then jumped into the air, lunging at her father. No claws or teeth, of course.

[kcytotheheart]

[♟️] If anyone could understand the pain of what the other felt, it was certainly Xion. After all, they had been created as a puppet, and it hadn't helped that the magic used to create her, made him appear as other people to anyone who looked at her. Watching the other as he closed and opened their hands, not to mention when he spoke up about there are times they felt okay and others when they don't. They gave a soft hum as she nodded slightly, after all, he understood. Even if the other didn't really know the whole story. Heck, sometimes she got nightmares of before their creation and before they had... actually gained a sense of self. Being locked in a dark room surrounded by many other replicas, mannequins who had no distinguishing features... Giving a small shake of their head, he watched them rub the back of their neck; his embarrassment and guilt almost palpable. Which was really just another sign of their growth and self.

Her indigo hues softened a bit as she lightly bumped her shoulder against his as they lifted their gaze to look at him. "Hey. What are you apologizing for dummy? Talking about how you feel... is like one of the things that makes someone... themselves. Plus, if I have learned anything from my time being alive... Being me, is that keeping stuff like that? The serious stuff, bottled up? It only does more harm than good. So I'm glad you told me." He offered them a small grin as they lightly poked the other's cheek before letting their hand fall, their sea salt ice cream tattoo would have been visible for a moment. Something she had gotten once she had gotten more comfortable in their body. "And hey, you certainly couldn't have picked a better person to talk about this stuff with than me. Plus... it shows you trust me which, I appreciate."

[coffeemusings]

Hiro was surprised by the bump to his shoulder, but his eyes brightened, even letting out a chuckle at her words. "Hey! Did you really just call me a dummy?" He asked, grinning. He wasn't actually offended or upset, of course, but he did gently bump their shoulder in return. And Xion's words helped. They did. And they made sense. It was... important to talk about one's feelings rather than keeping them bottled up. Xion wasn't the only one that had told him that, but given how similar the two of them were, it... meant a lot more coming from him. Made Hiro feel better, even. "Yeah... you're right. I know I shouldn't keep it bottled up. Especially because of this... vessel I chose." The one tainted with darkness. The one he refused to give Namine because of that reason. He wasn't going to chance it, wasn't going to risk it. So he used it for himself, for his soul. For his heart.

And that darkness, he could feel it's pull sometimes. Especially when he felt angry or upset, any of the negative emotions. They'd... intensify and then the darkness... it would tempt him.

He laughed and gently swatted at their hand when she poked his cheek. "Of course, I trust you. We're... friends, right?" He asked with a gentle smile, hoping that word was okay to use. It felt like they were friends. He was still learning the meaning of a lot of things, but... he was pretty sure what being friends meant. And feeling comfortable talking to someone about how you felt, that was definitely one of them. "What was that, by the way? On your hand? It looked like a drawing." He asked, curious.

[coffeemusings]

-Waves- I hope everyone is doing okay. As always, my activity here is slow. I started a new job last week so that’s taken up a good amount of my time plus my mom started her cancer treatment so I’ve been helping to take care of her and doing what I can. July and August are going to be really busy for me, but I’m doing my best to be here even if I can only manage like… two replies a week or every other well, if that. I’m sorry.

I will say I tend to do better when plotting things. And I’m a ship fiend so if you’re interested in plots and/or ships, let me know! I’m gonna try and be here a little today while playing games. Maybe FFXVI or FFVII Rebirth but I am struggling with that game. I just can’t stay interested in it ugh.

I’m also debating adding/making a blog for Zoe from Split Fiction. i love that game so much and I love Zoe and I think she’d be so fun to write, especially doing crossovers but I don’t know if anyone here has played that game lmao. I’m thinking about it.

[coffeemusings]

Continued from here. @kcytotheheart

Hiro sighed and nodded in response to Xion's words, his gaze dropping to his hands for a moment. He closed them, then opened them again like he was reminding himself that he had full control - that he was his own person. No matter how he looked and no matter the reason he was created. And he knew that. He knew he was his own person. After all, he gave himself his own name and chose his own path, but... still. There were moments, like now, where he'd remember and think about the fact that he was a replica. That he was created, not born. And he'd feel that pain that came with those thoughts.

So then he'd wonder, would it ever really stop hurting?

"There are times where I... feel okay. Where I feel like me, but then sometimes, it just..." He frowned, shaking his head. "it hits me again. Sometimes out of nowhere. Or sometimes when I... when I see him." He hated saying that out loud because it wasn't Riku's fault. And he didn't want anyone to think that's how he felt. It wasn't. It was because of Riku that he was alive, that he even had this chance to live and be his own person. He was grateful for that, for him.

Hiro raised his hand to the back of his neck and looked down. "Sorry. I shouldn't have said anything." He shook his head, feeling bad for bothering Xion with this.

[coffeemusings]

I do miss writing Jet and sometimes I think about bringing him back, but the ATLA lore intimidates me a bit because I'm not as well versed in it as most in the fandom. Especially when it comes to the politics and stuff. I just like to write Jet being alive and really coming into his own. Living and loving life, meeting new people, helping those that need it, etc. I'd love to write him as like... a family man. Being a boyfriend, a husband, and a father. I feel like he'd be such a great husband and father. He'd be so doting and loving and romantic. It's a need, but I just get nervous sometimes haha

[coffeemusings]

Continued from here. @kcytotheheart

It didn't take Kairi long to find Riku after she went searching for him. She had the feeling he was probably outside somewhere and she'd been right. It was almost as though her heart guided her to him, helping her to find him, and when she did, she watched him for just a few moments. He seemed to be deep in thought, something not uncommon for Riku, though, and she couldn't help but smile to herself at the thought, but then it faded just a little because she wondered... was he thinking about Sora?

Unfolding the blanket, Kairi draped it over his shoulders and offered him a warm smile when he turned to look at her and it widened at his invite to join him. "Are you sure? It's okay if you'd rather be alone for a little while." She said, but when he made room for her, she sat down next to him and glanced up at the night sky.

After a moment, Kairi looked at Riku again and spoke softly, quietly. "It looked like you were deep in thought," she tilted her head slightly. "Were you... thinking about Sora?"

[thepaststillhurts]

Simba was fiercely convinced of his own righteousness, he believed only he could know the truth of what had happened because no one else had been there - neither Nala nor Kiara. Although Simba knew Nala did not mean to disbelieve him, he didn't even consider the possibility that she was talking about and tried to highlight.

He needed to gather his thoughts to start telling because the memories were not so clear anymore as there was chaos in his head.

"After we left, we headed to that area of the Pride Lands where had been a savannah fire last time, you know. I don't really know the reason why we went there, but anyway I had a thought in the back of my head that maybe we shouldn't go there because it is near to the Outlands and Zira could take the opportunity to have an attack on us, on me... We were talking when they actually showed up - exactly what I was afraid of - and I also remember Zira saying:

Well done, Kovu. Just like we always planned.

Then they started attacking us.

Then...? Oh, yes, then I got thrown to the bottom of the Gorge and they started chasing me down the canyon as well. I tried to climb up the wall, and I noticed Kovu standing above on the ledge. Zira shouted something like 'Get him, get him!' but I can't really remember what exactly. Then somebody jumped after me, I think Nuka, he grabbed my leg, but soon he let it go, probably because the log under him broke and he fell down. I reached the top and climbed it, and I didn't see Kovu anywhere after. Then I started to limp home alone, Kiara, Timon and Pumbaa found me."

[coffeemusings]

Nala remained silent as Simba recalled what happened to him, every detail about the ambush. Something seemed... off about it. Something that made Nala reluctant to believe Kovu was truly involved. Not that she was disbelieving Simba's story or what he believed, but... she was starting to wonder if Zira knew how close Kovu was getting to their daughter and if she knew he wanted be with her and not against her. Nala witnessed the two of them together that night underneath the stars and Simba had witnessed it, as well. He seemed to genuinely care about her and if he really wanted to hurt her, if he really wanted to hurt Simba... Nala sighed.

"Do you think it's possible, Simba, that Kovu didn't have anything to do with the ambush? The place where it happened, Kovu didn't lead you there, did he? The two of you simply... ended up there?" Unless Simba, himself, took them that way. She was trying to make sense of it all, including Kovu disappearing during the attack. Perhaps because he was trying to find a way to help him or because he was scared and wasn't part of the attack. It didn't sound like Kovu lead Simba there, but it did sound like Zira was watching and waiting... she was smart, ruthless, cynical and manipulative. That they knew. Perhaps she was that way even with her own family.

"What we saw between Kovu and our daughter that night, Simba, it's difficult to believe that it wasn't real." The way they were leaning against one another, nuzzling affectionately, smiling and laughing - it's exactly how she and Simba were together. "Do you think it's possible Zira planned the entire thing? Without Kovu even knowing? He was with us all night." She remembered, frowning. He and Kiara came home together, after having spend almost the entire day together according to Kiara, and Simba invited him inside of their den that night. He stayed with them. At what point would he have been able to even discuss an ambush with Zira?

Nala sighed and leaned against her husband, nuzzling him affectionately.

[musemelodies]

Timon had been humming absentmindedly, gathering grubs for lunch (and helping himself to a few on the way) when suddenly--

"AAAAAA!"

He jumped in the air, dropping the grubs, his fur standing on end. Eventually, he managed to compose himself (kinda), looking up at Kiara and shaking his head. He really should've seen that coming.

"Ya just couldn't resist, could ya, Princess?"

[coffeemusings]

Kiara erupted into laughter at her Uncle's scream and the way he jumped, though she did feel a little bad about him dropping all of the gross grubs he collected. "Daddy said you were easy to scare and he was right." She giggled, walking over to the grubs and gently batting them into a pile to help make up for making him drop them. "I'm sorry about the grubs, though..."

"Were you going to eat all of these? Or are some of them for Uncle Pumbaa, too?"