art-missy

[art-missy]

It's been a while since last time I drew something.

[art-missy]

Cheng Xiaoshi described himself as a cuddly individual. You, you preffered using the term 'clingy'. It was a fact barely acknowledged by himself, sighed by Lu Guang and ridiculed by Qiao Ling. You on the other hand, almost suffered because of it. He had so many ways of being clingy that you were done counting. He always had to have a physical contact with you and for that, he had many techniques.

There was the casual but classic arm around your shoulders when in public, your waist when in private. It was a way to pull you closer, he would also often share a warm smile with you.

There was the arms wrapped around your waist followed by his chin on your shoulder or the top of your head. He often did that when he felt sulky, when he was trying to convince you or when he felt like watching whatever you were doing over your shoulder.

There was the lovely head on your shoulder when he felt slightly tired or on your lap when he was sleepy. He kept saying that you were his best pillow. There were also times when he pulled you on top of him for a nap. In these moments, he called you his comforter or his Teddy Bear.

So many different ways to have you in his arms.

You were used to his touch, to his arms circling your body and his excuses for more contact. Yet, you couldn't understand what idea emerged in his mind for you to be cradled in his arms like a baby while he was sat on the studio's couch. Your head literally was cradled in the pit of his elbow, and he was rocking you from side to side.

"Cheng Xiaoshi, what are you doing ?"

"Shhh," he hushed you softly. "Don't worry, I've got you."

You looked at him as if a second head grew on his shoulder and he just started singing a lullaby. You threw a begging look at Lu Guang who just walked out of the room, leaving you at your fate. The traitor.

"Cheng Xiaoshi !" you pinched his lips, quieting him. "Did you knock your head or something ?"

The light pout that appeared on his face would have make you melt if your cheek wasn't squished against his chest.

"I didn't."

"Then what's going on ?" you groaned, trying to pull away but he kept you firmly in his arms.

"You were sick and anxious all week !"

"And...?"

"And I've read somewhere that being cradle in someone's arms could lessen your anxiety," he explained, shrugging. "It relaxes me when you do it."

Your eyebrow raised at his explanation. As adorable as he might be in your eyes, his actions often met your skepticism. You were indeed very tensed these past few days. Attentive and worried, he didn't let you leave his sight and took great care of you.

"Are you sure it's not another excuse for cuddles ?" you sighed.

"Of course it is !" he exclaimed but lowered his voice when he felt you flinching. "But it's also necessary. I'll be your service dog, today."

And he rocked you gently from side to side again, his warm chest still pressed against your cheek. And you let him do. Cheng Xiaoshi is like that, taking great care of people he loved with a sunny enthusiasm.

[art-missy]

"the magnus archives sounds cool! what are the content warnings?"

[art-missy]

Alcohol was often an excuse or a way for people to boost their ego. You've seen this all your life. When you told people that you were from a city known for the great variety of alcohols and their strength, they often tell you that a whole barrel would be enough for them.

And you liked to set their ego aside.

Currently, Scanlan could be find hanging unconscious on the chandelier of his Chateau, Vax'ildan was spread like a starfish on a table, and Grog was groaning against a wall. You took great pleasure at sketching their demise, immortalising every detail on paper. Only Pike was still sipping her cup, handling alcohol better than most of the party. You shared a look with Keyleth and she nodded at you. She finally understood why you have strictly forbidden her of touching even one drop of beer.

"What on Earth...?"

Percy, who just arrived in the room, watched his friends with an exasperated consternation, then raised an eyebrow at your calm and amused demeanor.

"Oh, Percy !" you smiled widely. "Since you prefer wine to beer, I got you a bottle. The best I could find."

Percival eyeing warily at the bottle you were pointing, as if it contained a summary of all the sins of humanity. A light scoffed escaped him as he sat down on a nearby armchair.

"So you could draw me inebriated ? I'll pass."

You chuckled softly at his blatant mistrust, setting your pen aside.

"No, don't worry," you shook your head. "I prefer sketching you when you're savoring what's dancing on your taste buds."

To illustrate your words, you turned a few pages of your sketchbook to show a portrait of him. His facial traits on the paper were relaxed, a serene smile painted his lips as the red of the wine glass contrasted with the jade of his eyes.

The real Percy on the other hand, had his eyes widen in shock and his jaw slightly ajar.

"When did you...?" he stuttered, his cheeks flushing.

"Everytime your brows relax, me and my pen are not too far," you shrugged as you handed him your sketchbook.

He turned another page and find another portrait of himself reading a book in a comfortable-looking armchair. The colors were warm, and something soothing emanated from the drawing. This version of himself seemed at peace, a look he could barely find in the mirror.

"Aren't you beautiful when your ego is away ? The best muse I ever had."

He turned another page and find himself laughing, his head tilted back and his eyes wrinkled with joy. He could almost hear his laugh by simply looking at the image. And he almost couldn't recognise himself.

"I can't believe you drew me that often," he breathed out, his eyes still wide as he hand you back your sketchbook.

"Oh believe it," you said calmly. "Because I'll be done only once I'll draw every relaxed expression your face can make. So, will you take the wine ?"

[art-missy]

So on the 27th DeepSeek R1 dropped (a chinese version of ChatGPT that is open source, free and beats GPT's 200 dollar subscription, using less resources and less money) and the tech market just had a loss of $1,2 Trillion.

Source

[art-missy]

The Angel and The Hound (Gekko x Reader)

Me ? Trying a fantasy AU ? I guess so. My brain agreed to write this but threw a tantrum when I tried to continue a one shot left in my draft for more than six months...

Anyway, thousands of apologies in advance for my torturous grammar and dull writing.

In a world of fantasy and mystery, where the scent of adventure drew people in like light attracted insects, where naives and arrogant fools were constantly eaten, where treasures and glory were as common as misfortunes and villainy, you preferred to live like a hermite.

Well, semi-hermite actually. While you preferred to live away from civilization, you stayed close enough to know about the recent news in order to avoid problem from said civilization.

Living alone in the Forest of Valorant wasn't as terrible as some people might think. Yes, there were creatures that could pounce on you and use you like their meals or chew toys, insects that could take a bite of your skin or a sip of your blood. There were mud and increases of risks of landslides after rains, winters could be lethal, nights scary and unpredictable and the whole area seemed to be design for people's downfall.

But it was your home.

It was only you and nature. Fresh foods, fresh air, fresh water, fresh life. You were far from cities and towns, therefore far from people and you were consequently better. You would sometimes help lost adventurers or parties, heal the wounded, guide them until the closest town or city then went back to your home. These people wouldn't be able to find your house again anyway, it was hidden in a large tree and protected by an illusion. According to some random people, you were known as the 'Woods' Angel' by the inhabitants of surrounding towns and nearby cities.

Finding it cringey, you would glare at any person calling you by this title.

Even your friends Skye and Clove started calling you by that name. It was a tease at first, but the druids kept calling you that way even when serious, unfortunately for you.

But despite everything, your life was peaceful and almost uneventful.

Almost.

Strolling and picking berries, you were just minding your business when you noticed a dog, no, a hound following you around. You were used to woods creatures and animals and most of them were also used to you. When one would cross your path, it would either mind its business or be curious and follow you around for some minutes before going away. You were used to it and it wasn't a problem. Yet, this animal was peculiar. This hound was huge and strong, much bigger than a grey wolf. Its brown fur higlighted the lime-green tips of its perky ears and its wagging tail. And despite clearly being a predator, this hound was playful in a goofy way.

You never saw that hound before, which led to the conclusion that it wasn't from around the area since you would have had remember it.

"New here, buddy ?"

Its ears perked up at the sound of your voice. Its tail wagged in excitement as it ran in circles around you. It kept following you around during your daily stroll, always pulling stunts to attract your attention. You swore you saw its warm chocolate-brown irises shine in delight everytime your gaze would meet its eyes. When it understood you were looking for berries, it literally rooted out a bush for you. It then looked at you, its eyes sparkling with expectancy.

"Thanks, buddy !" you smiled, bending down to collect the berries.

It let out an excited bark and roll on his back in front of you. Snorting, you gave a few belly rubs to this excited ball of fur and eagerness. With one glance, you noticed that it was a male. You raised an eyebrow, and straightened your back, looking at the hound who straightened itself on its four paws. He was so big and so tall that it had to slightly tilt its head down to look at you properly.

"Where the heck are you from ?" you muttered to yourself.

It tilted its head then nuzzled its snout against your cheek, his breathing warming your face. It clearly didn't seem to want to give you an answer, just wanted to stay close to you. It followed you during the totality of your stroll, running around you, rolling in the ground and sometimes asking for caresses, or belly rubs. And when the sun started to set, the hound started to whine and to be more clingy.

"Sorry buddy, but it's getting late."

It howled sadly and clinged even more to you. You pushed its head away.

"The nights here are no friends. Don't you have a place to go back to ?"

Its ears perked at your words and its back straightened, as if remembering something. Then, it let go of you with a huff, head low and a sad whine escaping its mouth. It gave you last nuzzle with its snout then ran away far in the woods.

"What a strange hound."

Strange indeed. You had no idea what breed it could be, probably a crossbreed. And when you friends came in your house to visits, you couldn't help but talk about your strange encounter.

"Aww !" Clove cooed as you poured them a cup of tea. "You made a new friend !"

Skye hummed, thoughtful. Sat comfortably in a plushed chair, she bit in a fresh made cookie.

"You said that you did not recognise its breed ?"

You shook your head, sitting in a chair as well.

"Yeah. I even searched in the book you gave me," you pointed said book on your cupboard. "I didn't find any breed of that height with the tips of ears and tail colored."

Skye's brows furrowed at your words as she spinned a spoon in her cup of tea.

"Colored ?"

"Mmhmm," you nodded. "Lime-green. I've never seen this color on a non venomous animal. Well, I don't exactly know if this hound is non venomous but you got me."

"Well I wonder if its even a hound," expressed Clove. "According to how you described its behaviour, it sounds more like a nice doggy. Its not attacking you, therefore there is no reason to be worried about it for now."

You leaned back in your seat, pondering their words.

"Fair point," you sighed. "Oh ! I've been meaning to ask. What is that village that burst out of nowhere at the south of the forest ?"

Clove perked in their chair, the new subject of conversation tickling their interest.

A few weeks ago, you had helped a few lost people who were asking the direction towards the south. The surprise you had when you discovered that instead of a meadow where you used to see goats and sheeps were now a whole and highly functional village had you stunned and speachless for a few minutes.

"A new village came out of nowhere ? How ?"

"The Mondragón Sanctuary," said Skye after taking a sip of tea. "Ruled and protected by the great sorceress Reyna. Tribeless outcasts of all kinds, runaways and survivors of the Kingdom tyranny are seeking refuge there. I've been reached out to teach the young druids of this village to master their abilities."

Clove's eyes seemed to sparkle. They reached out for Skye hands, squeezing them in theirs while doing pleading eyes.

"That sounds so cozy ! Could you put a good word for me ? I want to see that place ! And I could help youngsters too !"

"Sure," acquiesced the ginger druids. "The Sanctuary is actually asking for more professors," she then turned to you. "You could teach botanical and apothecary stuffs since plants have no secrets for you."

A grimace painted your lips as you shook your head. The simple idea of being the center of a crowd's attention made you sick.

"No thanks. The farthest I am from people, the better."

True to her words, Skye put a good word for Clove who are now teaching the young druids along side her how to master their elemental abilities. You often saw them exercising with children in a clearing in the south of the forest while picking incandescent berries. The sounds of laughters and squeals of joy was new but welcomed melodies in the sometimes chilly silence of the Forest of Valorant. You occasionally found yourself watching them from afar discovering their abilities, or drawing them in a sketchbook when you weren't searching for plants. Of course, there were times when Clove waved at you and that you had to jump in a tree to avoid being seen by so many eyes, but it was a new colorful routine adding new pigments into the once monotone painting that was your life.

Lulled by the laughter of children, you were now asleep in the grass, back against a tree. You were so deep in your slumber you barely noticed the young man walking in your direction until he was right before you. Startled, you jolted awake.

"Sorry," he smiled apologetically. "I didn't mean to scare you."

You eyed him warily, taking note of his light catching lime-green hair, the runes on his skin and the jewellery decorating his ears. Your gaze then met his —a very warm chocolate gaze— before falling on the constellation of freckle highlighted by his smile. Despite not knowing him, his face was vaguely familiar to you.

"I wanted to introduce myself correctly since I couldn't last time."

"Last time ?" you repeated, your brows furrowing in confusion.

His eyes momentarily seemed to shine at the sound of your voice roughened by sleep.

"Yeah," he nodded, taking a step further towards you. "My friends and I were lost but you helped us coming back in the village. Man, these woods are big ! We owe you big time !"

You stood up, cleaned yourself and took a step back.

"Oh," you said simply. He was with the group you guided to the Sanctuary a few weeks ago.

"I'm Mateo," he said with a nervous but happy smile. "But people call me Gekko."

You picked up your stuffs in the grass while telling him your name.

"I know ! Skye told us about you when we came back at the Sanctuary after you guided us, and Clove keeps praising your erudition. They also said that if we ever get lost in the woods, there were great chance to have an encounter with the Woods Angel."

"Snitches," you grumbled an unpleased grimace stretching your traits.

From the other side of the clearing, Clove's voice could be heard, calling for you and highly distracting. When Gekko looked back, you were gone.

★★★

Keeping people at arm's length was a skill you perfectly mastered after years of semi-isolation. You could disappear in one blink, lowered your presence or just hide in the shadows. Gekko seemed to have finally understood that after several attempts to strike conversations with you when you were out admiring your friends' educational prowess.

While you proud yourself in keeping people away, it was another story for animals. When you went out in the clearing today, the exact same hound from a few days ago was comfortably laid down at the foot of the tree you usually relaxed against. It immediately perked when it noticed you.

"You again ?" you gasped in surprise as it came nuzzling against you.

You let it cling onto you as you sat down against the tree. It immediately put its head on your lap.

"Do you belong to someone from the Sanctuary ?" you inquired, to which it let out a soft growl.

It kept looking at you as you mindlessly caressed its colored-tipped ears while drawing in your sketchbook, its eyes reflecting a confusing intelligence. It sometimes lifted its head to take a peek, sometimes nuzzled its head better against you.

And slowly, this hound slithered into your cocoon, being an element of your routine.

You often met at the tree in the clearing, relaxing together —sometimes to the point of taking naps together. You soon discovered how eager this animal was. You sometimes discovered bushes of berries at the tree where you often met. Or there were these times when it let out soft whines when you stopped caressing it. And you also found yourself laughing more thanks to it. You had a listener for your little rants and company when you needed it. Clove often teased you about the hound, saying that you've been adopted by it.

You once let him follow you to your house, showing him how to pass through the illusion that was hiding it. And since that day, you would often hear it scratching eagerly at your door or see it napping in your garden.

You were now used to hear your new friend around and the familiar noise of its claws scratching the wood. So one day, when you heard someone banging with strength at your door, you couldn't help but grabbed your daggers.

"Go away !" you shouted.

"Please !" the voice was masculine and familiar, the tone heart-wrenching. "It's an emergency !"

Biting your lower lip, you kept your guards up.

"How did you find this place ?"

You heard sniffling from behind the door and your hands clenched around your daggers.

"You showed me the way."

"Liar !" you hissed.

There were a silence and for one moment you believed he was gone. But then, you heard the familiar pattern of claws scratching the wood. Confused, you hurried to unlock the door and swung it open. A light yelp escaped you when you saw Gekko, ugly tears flowing down his cheeks and sobs shaking his broad shoulders. When he saw you, he immediately fell down to his knees and hugged your legs, burying his face in your stomach.

"I'm sorry for lying to you all this time but please, people are dying at the Sanctuary," he begged, his fingers clenching around your thighs. "I'll do anything ! I'll...I'll even stop seeing you if that's what you want, I promise but please, save them ! They're my family."

Momentarily paralysed at the sudden contact, you let the informations sink in your brain as his loud sobs were painfully clenching your heart. For a short instant, you saw your hound nuzzling against you.

"What happened ?" you breathed out.

He sniffled again and looked up at you, his eyes red of despair. He then pulled out two vials from his thigh sac. They both contained a dark grey sandy powder.

"We found soldiers of the Kingdom spreading these in the river and the wheat. People started feeling sick and our healers can't help the ill."

You took the vials, opened one and took one short inhale before cursing under your breath. Recognition hit you in the most unpleasant way possible. If you were right —and you furiously knew you were— you would have to act fast before the worst could happen.

"When did people start getting sick ?" you asked as you gently pull away from his arms, rushing inside your house.

He quickly stood up, following you.

"Yesterday afternoon," he wiped his tears as he watched you pulling out different bocals, vials and tools and put them in a large messenger bag. "People started dying this morning."

You tossed your messenger bag at him and grabbed a few notebooks before rushing outside.

"Did you inhale the powder ?"

"No," he shook his head. "I didn't. Why ? What does it do ?"

"It nullify abilities of magic users and weakened their immune system as well as draining their life force in a recording speed. Healing abilities won't work on the sick. You can't find the plants used to make this powder on this continent. The Kingdom must have imported it."

You saw his eyes widening in horror as you exited the illusion protecting your house. You then felt his hand grabbing yours, stopping in your track.

"Wait. Get on my back, we'll be faster."

And under your heavy but still surprised eyes, he turned into a hound.

Your hound. Looking at you with sad eyes while holding your messenger bag in his mouth.

You barely contained the disillusioned scoff that escaped you and his big canine body winced in response.

"Let's just go."

When you arrived at the Mondragón Sanctuary, a gasp of horror leaved your mouth. It was almost liveless. The once colorful and joyful village was now filled with gloom and sorrow. Gekko kept running through the streets until reaching what seemed to be a small hospital. You climbed off Gekko's back and he turned back to open the door for you. Another loud gasp escaped you at the maelstrom of panic in the hall. Healers and physicians were running everywhere, screaming orders and moving sick people.

Suddenly overwhelmed, you took a step back, your hands clenching on the strap of your messenger bag.

"Mateo !"

Before you even knew it, a tall woman rushed towards you two to cup Gekko's face in her hands.

"Where were you ? I looked for you everywhere !"

"I brought help."

Your attention was led behind you when a familiar voice called your name and when you turned your head, you saw Skye walking in your direction.

"Oh gods, Skye !" you whimpered, taking her in your arms.

Your friend looked so pale, so weakened. Walking seemed to take so much energy. Seeing her in that state brought tears into your eyes.

"W-What about Clove ?" you stuttered.

"They can't leave their bed," she coughed.

Gekko retrieved your attention by grabbing your hand again and gently calling your name.

"This is Reyna. The head of the Sanctuary and my mentor."

You looked back at the great woman and almost fell under the intensity of her stare. You felt like her deep purple gaze was analyzing each atom of your being. There were something about her that was confusing your instinct : on one hand, you felt very protected by her presence. On the other, you also felt like you walked into a lethal and sadistic trap.

"The infamous Wood Angel," she said with her sultry but imperial voice. "My protégé told me a lot about you. Clove and Skye also praised your knowledge and competency."

You side-glanced Gekko —who shyly looked away, and Skye who coughed again.

"I'll go straight to the point. Are you able to get rid of this illness ?"

Your body winced when you noticed the attention of everyone in the hall on you. You literally felt their eyes eaching your skin, their silent questions suffocating you. Anxiety raised silently raised its thread to make you its puppet. Your fingers raised to dig their nails in your wrist, but before you could hurt yourself, two hands gently grabbed yours. Your eyes searched for who they belonged to and fell into Gekko's warm ones. For an instant, you saw your hound's worried gaze.

Feeling oddly relieved, you took a deep breath then nodded.

"It's not my first time dealing with this. I brought my equipment but we need to be quick and I need space to create the remedy," you took another deep breath, taking a look inside your bag. "I brought my own plants and potions, but I want the antidote to be strong. And I need incandescent berries for that."

Gekko perked at your words, his hands squeezing yours again, recognition sparkling in his eyes.

"I know where they grow. I can go fetch you them."

Reyna sized you again, her eyes, glowing faintly.

"Very well," she agreed. "Mateo, tell Sage and Viper to quickly prepare their laboratory."

"Sure," Gekko nodded then looked back at you. "Come on, it's this way."

You let him drag you out of the hall.

"Skye, please find a bed to rest. I'll be as quick as I can."

"I know," she smiled weakly. "I trust you."

The walk in the different corridors was filled with a loud silence. His shoulders stiff with tension, Gekko avoided your gaze as much as he could. Yet, his hand never left yours, its grip strong but gentle. A heavy sigh escaped your lips and his body wince in response.

"Look, I'm sorry," he finally said.

"Oh ? You are now ?" you raised an eyebrow. "You know what ? Forget it. There is much more urgent than your deceiver tendencies."

He froze as his hand grabbed the doorknob of the laboratory. He then looked back at you with sad eyes. For a moment, your hound was back in front of you. Gulping, you diverted your eyes elsewhere.

"I played with your trust and that's not fair. I...I've been wanting to tell you for a long time. Really. But the more I waited, the harder it got."

Your eyes stayed away from his as your jaw clenched. You've rarely felt so hurt, but your feelings weren't the priority at the moment. Yet, for a rare time of your life, you had difficulties putting them away. Huffing, you harshly pull your hand out of his touch.

"I've felt less alone with you around," you lamented in a murmur. "I thought you were my friend."

"I am !"

"Friends don't deceive each other !" you scolded. "You played me for months ! And all of that for what, huh ?"

Your argument was quickly interrupted by the door swinging open on a tired looking woman scowling at you two, her green eyes glaring.

"Could you two be loud elsewhere ? I'm trying to focus."

An oddly exhausted huff escaped Gekko, but he took the time to introduce you to Viper, an alchemist who soon understood that you were there to help and the Sanctuary salvation. She welcomed you into her dizzyingly organised laboratory and you didn't waste time pulling out your equipment. You were pulling bocals out of your bag when you felt a hand patting your shoulder.

"I'll go fetch the incandescent berries," he murmured. "I'll be back soon."

You didn't answer. You didn't even look at him.

You gave Viper instructions, teaching her how to manipulate certain plants and certain mushrooms, answered her questions. Soon, Sage, a cleric, came to help the both of you and you ended up working in an efficient synergy.

Focused, you were manipulating boiling vials when a blue armadillo-like creature arised in your sight, its strange body slightly deformed behind your magnifying binoculars. Startled, you let out a yelp and, as you jolted back, your back collided with a torso.

"Gekko, how many times did I tell you to not summon your spirits in here ?" sighed Viper as she handed you another vial.

"Sorry," he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "But we're back with the berries. Set the basket down, Wingman."

Another creature, this time yellow and almost axolotl-like, walked on the work plan and set down a basket full with incandescent berries. It garbled, cheerfully waved at you and disappeared into the runes on Gekko's arm.

"Please let me help you," he begged. "It's only fair that I–"

You cut him off with a loud exhausted sigh. You sized him from head to toe and groaned when you recognized the stubbornness in his eyes. You were used to see it on a canine face, but the blaze was the same. You had a quick flashback of that time when he didn't let you carry your basket of flower. He had only let you carry it once you were back at your house.

"Put on protection gloves and an apron. Incandescent berries are quite tough to deal with."

You didn't have the strength nor the will to argue with him. It wasn't the moment anyway.

Gekko proved himself to be efficient and quite reliable. Once you showed him how to manipulate incandescent berries without being burned by their juice, it was easy for him to fill a few dozens of bocals. Meanwhile, you were stirring the boiling cauldron. After Viper and Sage added minced mushrooms and plants into the odd-colored mixture, you took a graduated pipette to take the right amount of incandescent juice to pour it into the remedy with extra caution. Its reaction to the mixture would indicate if the antidote was reliable ot not. You took a deep breath and waited. The incandescent juice started to sizzled on the surface of the potion before bursting in small flame dancing on the liquid. When the small blaze went out, you let out a relieved laugh.

"It's working !" you announced, putting an amount of potion in two vials. "Where are Skye and Clove ?"

★★★

Rushing outside of the laboratory, you ran through different corridors and then burst into the room where your friends were. The poor druids didn't even have the strength to be startled. You handed a vial to Skye and helped Clove drinking theirs.

"Shyte ! It's spicy !" they grimaced. "I'll need a cookie to help pass the taste."

"You'll have all the cookies you want once you'll be fully recovered," you smiled. "It should take a few hours."

"Efficient as ever !" complimented Skye. "You're already done ?"

You nodded, sitting on the edge of her bed.

"Only the first round of potions. Sage and Viper are giving the antidotes to the people in the building while Gekko and a few other emissaries are giving it to the rest of the village," you explained before narrowing your eyes on Skye. "You knew, right ?"

She didn't even seem to need more precision to what you meant. A sigh escaped her.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, her tone sincere. "I thought he would tell you."

"Well he didn't. Since when do you know ?"

"The day you recalled us your first meeting with him. He has quite notifying traits when he shapeshifts."

Feeling themselves excluded from the conversation and completely clueless, Clove gently fist your top to attract your attention.

"Knew what ? Who are you talking about ?"

★★★

Back at the laboratory, you were crafting the remedy for the umpteenth time. You were so focused you barely paid attention to the small green bouncing creature on your left, or the dozing shark-like one at your feet. You had to supply a whole village, after all. You already managed to supply the totality of the building, the neighborhood, and to fill a two whole tables with vials. Emissaries came from time to time to take some. In a few hours, the ill that touched the village would be nothing but a bad memory.

"You've been working all night. Please take a break," you heard Gekko pleading.

"I can do that later."

He had been keeping you company for hours, without even flinching. You were done filling another vial when he gently grabbed you wrist and led you to a small couch.

"And you say I'm the stubborn one," he sighed. "You did enough for today. Sage and Viper taught the recipe to other physicians and healers."

He sat you down and kneeled before you.

"But—"

"Please," he begged taking your hand in his.

For a quick moment, you heard the whine of your hound. He nuzzled his warm cheek in your cold palm, his lids heavy.

"I owe you. Again," he was thanking you, but his voice sounded so apologetic. "You helped me when I was lost in the forest, listened when I came asking for help and saved my home and family without hesitation. All of this despite the fact that I tricked you."

Your eyes narrowed on him, almost glaring.

"Why did you even do this ?"

You felt him flinching at your tone.

"I've been thinking about you since we first met. Skye had warned me that you barely interact with people, so I approached you in my canine form. I wanted to tell you since day one, I swear. The day you found me again in the forest, I wanted to have more time so I could explain but it was getting late." he laid his head on your lap and guided your hand to his head. "Everytime I tried to talked to you as Gekko, you did your best to keep me at arm's length. So I turned back and used the hound to get close to you. I'm sorry. I would understand if you decide to not see me anymore."

A silent yawn stretched your jaw as his words echoed in your mind. You were mad at him. He learned so much about you without your knowledge, he slithered into your life and settled comfortably in your routines and heard your rants, he heard you expressing your mind. Hell, thinking about all the times you rubbed his belly made you deeply embarrassed. But he was good company and had the ability to turn your plain loneliness into a very colorful painting.

"I don't want us to part ways," you confessed. "I would miss you." you raised a scolding finger when he raised his hopeful eyes to you, interrupting him before he could say anything. "But, trick me again like you did and I'll make you drink a beverage with a balding effect. You hear me ?"

He nodded, holding out his pinky finger to lock it with yours.

"Pinky promised !"

He looked so eager at the moment that it made you realize that there weren't really any difference between your hound and him.

"Now that I think about it, you never named me."

Your brows furrowed in confusion.

"Named you ?"

"Normally, when people see an animal regularly, they end up giving it a name. Yet, I've been visiting you for months yet you didn't give me a name. Why ?"

Internally, you already had the answer. Giving a name or a nickname was like accepting and nurturing a growing bond between two individuals. By giving him a name, you would have accepted to be mire vulnerable to your hound that you already was. Due to past experiences, you had difficulties bonding with others, Skye and Clove being exceptions but it was mainly because they never left you and proved multiple times how much you meant for them.

You didn't want to give him an answer. Not for now. So you changed subject.

"What happened to the soldiers that poisoned the Sanctuary ?"

He noticed your abrupt change of topic but said nothing of it.

"Oh. Reyna took care of them," he shrugged way to casually for it to not be recurring, and chuckled at your raise of eyebrows. "Don't worry, they're still alive. Which is kinda sad for them, now that I think about it." His gaze regained its worry when you yawned again. He gently pushed you down so you could lay down on the couch. "Please have some rest. You've been standing on your feet for hours."

You couldn't even argue, your lids were closing on their own.

★★★

You woke up at the sounds of whispers and the scent of bakery. When you opened your eyes, Clove's radiant smile blinded you while a gelatinous paw patted your forehead. Your eyes then met lively white ones.

"Huh ?"

"Aren't they awesome ?" Clove exclaimed as you sat up, taking Wingman in their arms. You also noticed Skye drinking juice and Gekko bringing you a tray of food. "And they're so cute too !"

Gekko sat down beside you while you watched your friends interacting with the four very lively spirits. Even though Clove could now exit their bed, you noticed they were still very cautious with their movements. As for Skye, dark circles were still present under her eyes.

"Eat a little," said Gekko. "You didn't have dinner last night."

"How is—"

"Everything is fine," Skye cut you off with a reassuring tone. "The whole Sanctuary had their vial. Now eat."

You noticed the tables which were filled with vials the precedent night now empty. A small sigh of relief escaped you.

"Oh," you accepted the toast Gekko presented you and bit in it. "Good. I can go back home then."

You didn't notice Gekko's frown as you finished your tray and chugged down the entire pitcher of orange juice.

"I'll probably return to my town, just the time for the Sanctuary to recover fully," hummed Skye before turning towards Clove. "You coming ?"

Clove nodded, still playing with Gekko's spirits. Speaking of Gekko he gently nudged his shoulder against yours.

"You won't stay ?" he questioned and once again, he looked so much like your hound. "You never come to the village. I...I could show you around or even show you my place."

You shook your head, setting the now empty tray aside.

"I'll be fine. But thanks for the proposal."

You swore at that moment that he contained himself from whining.

"You sure ? The whole village wants to thank you."

"And this is one more reason for me to go back home," you grimaced standing up and stretching.

Clove and Skye silently watched your interaction, one with a knowing smile, the other with fond eyes.

"Okay," Gekko's shoulders deflated. "At least, let me walk you back home."

You accepted and let him take your hand to lead you outside of the building. On your way out, you briefly saw Reyna talking to Viper. When she noticed you, she nodded in your direction, as if appraising and thanking you. Once outside, Gekko shapeshifted into the hound and invited you on his back.

He ran through the village, attracting brief attention. Feeling awkward, you hid your face in his fur until he exited the Sanctuary. You immediately felt your body relaxing when he reached the forest and ran through the different groves, the rhythm of his paws drumming the floor almost lulling you. He only slowed down when he passed through the illusion protecting your home, and stopped when he reached the house. You climbed off his back and he didn't wait for leaving his canine form.

"Did you mean what you said last night ?" he asked almost shyly. "That you'd miss me if we parted ways ?"

"You're still welcomed," you agreed. "I love your company."

His eyes lit up before he suddenly took you in his arms. His embrace was as warm as his eyes, strong but so gentle. Surprised by his sudden and bold action, you remained stunned for a few seconds before returning the hug.

"Thanks again," he murmured in your eyes. "For everything. You really live up to your nickname."

He chuckled at your irritated groan before patting your back. And then, he did something you would have never predicted. He kissed the apple of your cheek.

"Please have some more rest," he said as he took a step back. "And don't be surprised if you find me napping in your garden."

On these words, he shapeshifted again and exited your sight. He didn't even let you the time to see how flustered he was by his own bold action.

My headcanon is that Clove wrote this fanfic to tease you and Gekko.

I don't know if I'll do a second part for this one. Honestly, I'm pretty doubtful. It was funny to write but I don't have any idea for a part two nor any inspiration left for it.

Thank you again for reading this. I wish you a nice day/evening/night ^^

[art-missy]

So a while back I won a cheap eBay auction listing for a collection of love letters from the first world war.

They arrived today, and…the listing was WAY more than I expected for the price I won it for. There’s over 100, and they’re not just from WWI, but from 1906 (earliest I’ve found so far) through to 1915.

Charlie writes to his girlfriend, Gertrude. This is the most beautiful, lovesick stuff I’ve ever read. He sends her so many letters, sometimes twice a day, and lots of poems. He seems to have been an artist, as he talks a lot about small exhibitions of his stuff, and included a flyer for one. He also talks about how her parents don’t approve of them and how he’s desperately awaiting the day they’ll be married.

I haven’t found the latest of the letters, but the fact it’s up until 1915 and then stops…doesn’t give me hope for a happy ending.

This man continuously refers to his precious beloved Gertie as his queen and goddess, and whilst most of it is sickly sweet, there’s some raunchy stuff too, with him talking about how he can’t wait until they have a little house together and can ‘please each other all day’…

There’s. So many.

I’m going to put them in order by date, read them through, and then maybe even transcribe them so we can find out a bit about Charlie and Gertie’s love story.

[art-missy]

Walking or wading ?

[art-missy]

Winter powdered.

[art-missy]

Gizmo was a strange cat. Even for a maincoon.

While cats of this breed are known for their atypicality, Gizmo managed to stand out even among his peers. The first time you pointed that out, Sal had shrugged, saying that it was maybe because Gizmo had been trained to be a service cat. And you swore that when you had looked back at him, you saw this orange furred menace winking at you. Sal and his father were so used to his behaviour that they didn't seem to see how peculiar this feline was.

"He takes baths, for fuck's sake !" you once whispered-shout next to the bathroom's door. "He doesn't lick his ass like any other cats ! No, he takes whole fucking baths and alone ! And with a fucking swimming cap !"

"Yeah," Sal had shrugged again. "He likes the scent of lavender."

Even Larry stopped questioning things and shrugged his behaviour as normal. When he was in a mood for weed, he always had some catnips for Gizmo. And when the cat had his dose , you could hear him snickering, his pupils blown wide.

"Well he's high, duh !" said Larry when you pointed the cat.

With time, you found yourself being less awkward around Gizmo. He was mischievous but not malicious. Yes, you would find him play video games or just reading a journal, but as time went by, you ended up considering this orange fur-ball like an averbal friend. You would sometimes find yourself talking to him and he would answer with meows. You would share VHS, sometimes do movie marathons with him (you found out he loved thrillers and westerns) and discover that horror movies made him laugh (yes, laugh !).

"I swear, this movie clearly is overrated."

You knew cats could be expressive and that having a maincoon could be the equivalent of having a toddler, but his eyes were so revealing of his thoughts you sometimes wondered if he wasn't someone who got reincarnated into a cat body. He looked so offended by your words, with an amount of shock and betrayal so high in his eyes that you couldn't help but apologize. Sulky, he made you watch the sequel of the movie you were watching.

"I've got what you wanted. You have what I asked ?"

And of course, you would do business with him. It would take place on the rooftop of the apartments. Wearing sunglasses and dragging a small bag with his mouth, Gizmo meowed in affirmation. You opened the small bag and found what you asked : a neatly folded warm top belonging to Sal (his clothes were always the warmest) and pictures of the blue-haired young man at random times of the day, eating, doing his homeworks, playing video games...

You looked down at the not-so-small feline and he looked back at you over his sunglasses, returning your gaze. You nodded, and he nodded in return.

"Here are your stickers," you said, pulling his reward out of your coat's inner pocket. "These are the rare editions you've asked. It's a pleasure doing business with you, Gizmo Fisher."

He nodded once more, readjusted his sunglasses then silently exited the rooftop, clearly satisfied.

Yes, Gizmo was a strange cat and it was one of the many things that made him so charming.

[art-missy]

Sat on Phoenix's bed, you were watching him doing his night routine. Well, you were not exactly watching.

You were glaring.

Phoenix could feel it. Your eyes possessed the only fire that could burn him. Even though you weren't exactly aware of this talent of yours, he always felt the need to calm this fire before it turned into a full blaze then an inferno.

"Did I do something wrong ?" he asked, turning in your direction after putting on his bonnet.

"We're going to bed."

Phoenix's brows frowned in confusion. You did not only possessed a fire, you also had the ability to puzzle him with a concerning ease.

"And...?"

"You're going to squash me again," you groaned.

He was not only confused now, he was lost beyond any hope to be found.

"What ?"

"Squash me. Crush me. Mash me. Do you need any other synonym ?" the fire in your eyes grew in intensity. Not a damaging blaze, but the heat was still very present.

"Babe, I don't understand where you're going."

Your eyes narrowed slightly and one of his eyebrows raised in response, waiting for you to develop. You were a master in the art of hyperbole and Phoenix was very much aware of that. It was confusing at first, especially in the first stage of your relationship, but he quickly learned to read between your exaggerated words to listen to your needs and desires.

"Your big, warm body always find new way to squeeze the life out of me," you complained. "Your body temperature is already higher than a volcano, but did you know that it raises when you sleep ?"

The guffaw that escaped him at your words earned him to receive a pillow right in the face.

"Sorry babe ! But that's very bold of you to say that when you're a cuddle bug yourself."

"If it were only that, it would be fine. But you have the habit of turning the heating at the highest temperature when you go to bed," you hissed, throwing another pillow at him. "This added to your body temperature is enough to kill me ! Why activating the heating when you're a natural heating yourself ? Brim would be glad if you saved the bills."

Hearing you, Phoenix raised his hands in a placating manner, a calm smile on his lips as he walked in your direction.

"Okay okay," he conceded. "I admit that pushing the thermostat at its maximum temperature is kinda over the top. But you know me, I'm chilly !"

This earned him to receive another pillow in the face.

"Your room is the warmest of the dorm, you moron," you sighed. "Even without the thermostat on. You really are not aware of your body temperature, huh ?"

He shrugged, turned off the heating of the room then came back by your side.

"There. Better ?"

"Much better," you nodded, laying down in bed.

Joining you under the comforter, Phoenix turned off the light. Even in the obscurity of the room, he felt your eyes warming his skin.

"Do I still have my right to cuddle ?" he mused.

"Depends," he felt you shrugging and heard the light amusement in your voice. "If I'm certain I won't wake up with your body crushing my back to death in the morning."

Chuckling, he slithered his arms around your waist and pulled you closer against him. Feeling your body against his, he momentarily wondered which one of your bodies was warmer.

"No promises. What about my right to goodnight kisses ?" he murmured.

"Jamie, you kissed two pillows in less than five minutes," you snorted. "Wasn't it enough ?"

"Of course not !"

He felt your lips against his cheek and your breath against his skin. You were right. He really didn't need heating when he had you. His room was indeed the warmest of the dorm quarters and his heart hot as a volcano.

"Good night, Jamie."

If he was the fire, you were the fuel. It only hit him in these kind of warm moments.

"Good night, babe."

[art-missy]

sometimes you need dialogue tags and don't want to use the same four

[art-missy]

It fucks with me that dog intelligence is tested with obedience tests, so there's a significant bias towards compliant dog breeds. Dogs that are intelligent enough to understand what is being asked of them, but are too headstrong and/or independent to go through with it, get lumped up with the dogs that might want to do what people ask them to do, but are too stupid to understand the assignment.

And it fucks with me that chihuahuas are actually quite intelligent. They're not stressed and angry because they're too stupid to understand what's going on. They understand exactly what's going on, and that's why they're so angry and stressed.

[art-missy]

"This issue seems to be pretty recurring with your equipment," you sighed, massaging your temples.

Comfortably sat in a nearby chair, Tejo was casually polishing a gun, humming a tune.

"Really ?" he said with drawled tone.

It seemed like he took his habits with you. Taking coffee with you in the morning, tinkering with you, going on mission, then coming back in your workshop. You often wondered why. Tejo was a veteran intelligence consultant. Cypher's lab or Killjoy's workshop sounded like places we could find him, but no. Most of the time, he was where you were. When you asked him why, he simply said that at first, he was seeking for your help to rearrange his weapons since you often worked and tinkered on a type of tech pretty close to his and that the other agents praised your eye for details. He then had casually admitted that he ended up enjoying your company.

"The sensitivity of most of your stuffs is too high, Tejo," you said, pushing your magnifying glass far from your face. "I think you know very well the risks of such fault in techs such as yours."

For a very quick instant, your eyes inadvertently fell on the scar that ran through his neck to below his collar bones, and the one dancing on his forearm.

"And I trust your skillfull hands to be able to fix it."

"You don't trust your own ?" you raised an eyebrow to which he only smirk.

He shrugged, setting down his gun on a table.

"I like it better when you're the one taking care of my equipments," he said, crossing his legs in a laid-back manner. "Especially when you boost the battery of my drones."

You sighed, taking off your working gloves and stretching your arms above your head.

"My mistake. I should add more security to your equipment, not boosts."

"I'm fine with both," he shrugged again. "I said it many times already, I trust you."

Your eyes slightly squinted on him and he supported your stare without a flinch.

"May I ask why ?"

"The whole protocol has been praising your skills and you proved me many times that all these appraising words about you were no exaggeration," he said matter-of-factly. "You always check my equipment several times before use and scold me when I use it in an... 'unnecessary reckless way' ? I think these are the words you used."

"As I should," you scoffed, rolling your eyes to which he just laughed.

You watched him standing up and walking in your direction. Once at your level, he gently patted your shoulder with a strong hand.

"You put a lot of care in what you do," he nodded, still smiling. "It is enough to label you as 'trustworthy'."

[art-missy]

Some agents were looking at Clove and you with skepticism. Sat comfortably on a couch of the common room, you both were intensely staring at each other.

A staring contest ? Maybe. But why sometimes suddenly drawing stars on the other's face then ?

When Jett have asked, you just answered 'why not' without looking away from the controller's eyes. A shrug later, she let you at your curious activity. The agents of the protocol started to get used to Clove and your antics. They were done trying to understand most of them.

"Ugh !" they groaned, finally looking down at their lap and looking oddly breathless. "You got another point."

"Yes I did !" you smiled smugly, grabbing a blue marker to draw another star on her face.

You indeed were having a staring contest with each other. But there were a little twist. The loser of each round had to receive a little drawing on the face made with a marker. For now, you only had one pink butterfly drawn on the cheek while Clove had at least eight stars on their face.

"Your gaze is so strong !" they complained once you were done drawing on their skin. "How did you get that skill ?"

"I've got no such skills," you shook your head, a light chuckle escaping you. "Your eyes are just cozy to drown into."

They just blinked at you, their cheeks flushing at your words while a loud whistle and a proud 'smooth !' could be heard from (probably Phoenix) not so far in the room.

Clove still did not understand how it could be so easy for you. For them, staring into your eyes for too long felt like entering the sight of an old but gigantic and powerful entity. It started with the feeling of their eyes being stared at, which was no problem. Next, their mind started to feel lost and their own thoughts were suddenly being too loud and too quiet at the same time. Then, they were feeling their soul being analyzed, touched, craddled in a cosmic embrace with a divine care. And when they had enough strength, enough will, to step out of this otherworldly feeling of drowsiness and look away, they would have a sudden sensation of falling from another Realm and being forced back into their physical body as the whiplash of the earthly sensations coming back would leave them breathless.

"Another round ?" you smiled.

Clove's eyes widened, wondering if you had any idea of the effect your gaze had on them.

"Of course !" they accepted, taking your hands in theirs.

Of course they would accept. They were addicted to your eyes.

[art-missy]

“Purple suits you better than pink.”

A slight pout appeared on Ashley's lips at your words.

Shopping was an activity you loved doing together. You could be looking for clothes or art supplies, as long as you were doing it together, a bright day would be promised to you.

Sat on the couch in front of the changing cabin, you were watching her admiring herself in a pink top.

“It's a pretty top, though,” she said.

“Well duh ! You're wearing it. The top is pretty because you're in it, silly !” you rolled your eyes.

She snorted and looked at you with a slight smirk.

“Smooth talker.”

"Am I ?"

You were always the first to compliment her or to tell her how much you loved her. There were not a single day when she was not flustered because of you. And the more she spent time with you, the more she realized that you were doing that without being aware of the effect your words had on her.

“Yes you are !” she nodded and snorted when you quizzically tilted your head. “Anyway. Why purple and not pink ?”

You hummed, looked at the ceiling, stretched your legs a bit then looked back at her.

“Well, you have beautiful eyes and you wearing purple easily brings out the emerald of your irises,” you smiled. “The color pink is still beautiful on you, but purple makes you look divine.”

Once again, you made her flustered. She was now pink, emerald and crimson.

“I'll take the purple one,” she muttered under her breath.

“Why not taking both ?”

Ashley had to look away to not be blinded and burned by the warmth and brightness of your smile. Your words already touched her heart and she wanted to avoid spending the rest of the day like a blushing mess.

[art-missy]

Hello, I am Tareq from Gaza Iam trying save my family from the genocide happening here. I ask for your help in spreading my story and donating if you can contribute anything, no matter how small.Please don,t forget to sharethe latest post from my page and follow my account to help spread the story to the world. Thank you.