fae-bish2

[fae-bish2]

Dance with the Reaper

Warnings: smut, !female reader insert

I am going to start writing fanfics with female reader insert and take requests. 

“It’s finally the day, and here I stand, gazing at the ballroom in awe and hoping that my hand will hold a man’s for a dance. It’s all I’ve ever wished for…” It may have been for the pairs waltzing ever so gracefully that you so desired to join in, to waltz along with the piano’s enchanting notes as everyone else did. To get lost in a lover’s arms or to enjoy the thrill of dancing with a stranger. Oh, how beautiful it must be, you thought as you sat with champagne in your right hand, letting out a sigh and gazing at your reflection in the glass which you were holding. Every lady wore a marvellous dress widened at the hip line made out of the most satisfactory materials. The jewellery of expensive kinds, such as necklaces and earrings, decorated their forms. These ladies had their coiffures so well thought that you felt ashamed of your own for a split second. Their masks had cunning themes which made the men drawn to them, and they, likewise, wore suits of the most stylish designs, with the finest accessories alongside them. You turned and caught a glimpse of a masked man watching you from afar, but he did no gesture, no attempt to approach, so you let it slide for the time being. Your eyes focused on the enormous room adorned with the pale yellow tapestry. The curtains, which you usually knew to be dark, were now of a sandy shade, and the light came down upon you gently from a chandelier hanging from the exceptionally high ceiling. As time passed, you saw the instrumentalists, 4 to count, from which you recognized a pianist and a violinist entertaining the guests with their skillfully played music. For you, all this appeared out of a fairytale, but dear my, where was your prince charming, you wondered. You’ve spent the majority of the evening waiting as every other lady did to have your hand asked for a dance. Even though you came with your dear male cousin, it was not in your interest to spend the rest of the night by his side. After all, it was just for etiquette that you did so. However, no gentlemen invited you, and, therefore, embarrassment filling your heart, you decided to retreat by the side. You tasted the fine champagne in hopes it would heal this sore heart of yours. It ached for a lover. For an affair like those that you’ve read about in novels. As you finished the champagne, you exhaled softly. You made your way with small steps towards the garden, wanting to admire the beautiful night sky since your cousin was nowhere in sight.

Reaching the polished silver railing on one of the balconies, you leaned gently on it, admiring the sight the garden had to offer. Little tables with chairs and a butler speaking with a pair who just exited the ballroom were now visible to you. You closed your eyes for a brief moment and felt the chill of the night breeze stroking your cheeks, which brought a little childish chuckle from you. Your finger traced the side of the railing as you thought back about the day you received the invitation to the ball Vincent was hosting. It was an incredible feeling that one, but it didn’t last for long. You were afraid of how it will turn out since your manners were not of the high-class ones. Getting this letter seemed like a mistake the more you thought about it. But your name was on it, so how could it have been an error? A deeply saddened sigh broke the silence that formed because of your wandering thoughts. ‘Vincent Phantomhive, huh?’ You whispered spitefully to yourself. 'I should have known better than this. Being here is a mistake. All the ladies, dancing and all so beautiful and I-’ Just as you wanted to finish your train of thought, you heard footsteps behind you. You tried to walk away, thinking it was someone who wanted some fresh air.

“Good evening,” said a male’s voice, and you turned to see the man that was eyeing you from the start. “May I have the pleasure of dancing this waltz with you, milady?” he asked, bowing respectfully before you and extending his hand.

It took you by surprise the sudden appearance of a stranger just as you were cursing the Phantomhives for embarrassing you was a delightful coincidence. You hesitated for a mere second, studying the gentleman in front of you. He was tall and lean, his clothing tailored so carefully that you could only describe his appearance as stunning. He was a nobleman or at least someone of a high rank, or so you assumed. Because of the masks, he must have mistaken you for an acquaintance of his own. As the etiquette requested of such a situation, you must accept or decline. But he had already made an ungentlemanly gesture when he asked for your hand without being introduced to you. Therefore, you decided to abide by his request with utmost excitement, which, of course, you made sure not to show. “Thank you.” You said, and the man escorted you towards the dance floor without saying a second word, though he was more than obviously pleased that you accepted.

He was a gifted dancer and charming with his gestures. His arm would slide lower all the time to which he would giggle once noticing your visible shyness. He needn’t see your face to know that, by the end of the dance, you were a flustered mess with a strong wish of learning more about him. However, you believed that was impossible since it wasn’t adequate for a woman to start such a topic of conversation, especially in the middle of a waltz. He appeared to know you or, by all means, mistaken you for someone he thought he knew, which you considered frankly intriguing.

“Lady Y/N, you seem preoccupied. May I be so bold to inquire what is of such importance that it can disturb my lady’s peace?” The man spoke as he held your right hand whilst swaying with you on the rhythm without seeming to care about manners or etiquette. His words caught you off-guard, and you swore you could see a grin even through his mask. Not only did he know your name, but he also spoke with such elegance whilst acting in such an ungentlemanly way. Was he somebody you knew, someone who could be playing with your mind, perhaps? But no, that was impossible. No other man you were familiar with was there, and you knew this wasn’t your cousin either. Your silence appeared to remind him of something because he quickly voiced it. “My sincere apologies, milady, I seem to have created quite a haze in your mind. Permit me to present myself, for I am the Undertaker.”

That didn’t ring any bells in your mind, so you just bowed your head carefully, letting him know you acknowledged what he just related to you. How glad you were that the mask was shielding your face. You didn’t want to seem ignorant of his bizarre name. “Did the cat eat your tongue, my dear? You’ve been lifeless this evening, and this is nothing like yourself.” He giggled just as the piano notes ended. His arm took yours as he walked you towards the garden without asking for your permission which, you enjoyed.

You felt what you presumed to be the thrilling feeling of finding a secret lover or what you hoped would turn into an affair.

“Oh, my, Vincent and his ideas!” The Undertaker exhaled, removing his mask as soon as the two of you reached a private corner in the garden. “Who thought wearing masks would be a good concept? Look how confused you are, milady! Did he not comply with my mere request of introducing you to your secret admirer? Of course, he hasn’t, and I must do all the labour. What a sly watchdog he is. I must pay him back for this!” He chuckled, running a hand through his long silver strands of hair and oh dear Lord, were you stunned by his handsomeness.

You were so amazed that you failed to take off your mask, which, like the 'gentleman’ he was, Undertaker decided to remove on his own. He approached you until his chest was almost grazing yours. His hands went slowly to the back of your head, so he could untie the knot of the string, which was holding the mask. Once this barrier between the two of you was down, you saw his smile grow wider. (most likely because of how red your cheeks must have been even with all those cosmetics on).

“Mister…Undertaker, are you sure you are not taking me for someone else?” You found the boldness to speak, and he excitedly pulled you in his arms as if you were already long time lovers.

“Finally, so the cat did not eat your tongue, poppet. I am indeed sure you are the one I was looking for the whole night. Are you not F/N L/N? I am positive you are. I’ve been meaning to meet you for quite a while, you see but haven’t got the right opportunity to do so. I couldn’t invite you to my humble shop, ney that would have scared you away.” The overwhelming flow of his speech stunned you once more, and you humbly said a yes, so to answer his question.

“Yes, I am F/N L/N… But forgive me. Who are you again? I take that you are the Undertaker but, that doesn’t answer my questions, mister.” The mortician let out a laugh, and you couldn’t help but find him not only handsome but extremely lovable too.

“Indeed… my apologies, poppet. I am a close business partner of Vincent’s, you see. As to how I know you? You’ve recently buried a close one, did you not, poppet? Well, I am the one who organized it. I take that my appearance is quite different, but my voice should be similar. Did you not recognize me?”

Now it clicked to you. That creepy elder man who was waving at you in the graveyard, the one you spoke to and told him your name and how much you’ll miss the one you buried. He was the one to comfort you in such a peculiar way too. Could that man be this handsome gentleman standing in front of you?

“That rang a bell? hihihi~ I am grateful it did. It would have been a shame to go through all the trouble of convincing Vincent to send an invitation to an unknown woman if this particular woman didn’t even remember me.”

Was it not a mistake then? You were invited to the ball by the strange man from the graveyard who turned out to be prince charming. Now you began to believe in fairy tales. “Mister, I must confess that this entire situation is making me deeply confused. The man from the graveyard, turning out to be a fine man like yourself, already stunned me more than words could tell, but knowing that you are one of the host’s close ones, it’s a piece of even shocking news.”

Despite what you just said, the man grabbed two glasses of wine and offered you one, his arm sneakily wrapping around your waist. “Little one, is this really what you want to fret about now? We have all night for ourselves. If details are what you desire, me shop is always open for you.”

You pondered for a moment, and he was right, why waste such a night asking questions. Even better, your cousin was still gone, so you had all the time to spend with your companion. Your lips tasted the sweet wine before you rested your head on your man’s shoulder with a slight smile.

“Hihihi!~ already so confident… that’s how you charmed me, little one!” He said and, with a swift move, lifted your chin to himself and pressed his lips sweetly upon yours, marking the first-ever kiss in your life.

~—~ Quick change of scene ~—~

Long silver locks were draped over your bust as you lay on one of the beds in the guest rooms. The Undertaker hovered over you, emerald eyes piercing through yours so deeply you thought they could see right into your soul. His suit was discarded somewhere on the floor across the room, and so was your dress. At this point, your hair was a mess, your legs wrapped around the man’s hips as he thrust roughly into you, seemingly not breaking a sweat. One of his hands was holding yours whilst the other was on your mouth, meant to muffle your quite loud moans of pleasure as he made his way with you. You truly hoped no one was going to try to come in because that would have ruined this entire magic feeling.

~—~ Flashback ~—~

After the kiss ended, it didn’t take long for the Undertaker to sweep you off your feet. It was clear he was an intellectual, experienced man who faced many things in his life. A man you began to desire so badly that the mortician noticed it at some point and invited you into a 'tour’ of the mansion. You eagerly accepted, expecting a few kisses and inappropriate touched but what came next once again took you by surprise. This tour didn’t last long because once he made his way into the first empty guest room with you, he closed and locked the door, scooping you up and throwing you gently onto the bed. He reached down and yanked off his boots before climbing in bed on top of you. Upon noticing your shy figure, he found himself tenderly kissing all over your face and neck.

“My… a first-timer, ey? Quite rare these ones. Going to tell you a secret poppet, but most women aren’t as high class as they might seem…”

One of his hands rested itself upon your ankle and slowly went up until it reached your knee. Your breathing became faster, but you were enjoying it. The mortician’s hand then went up and against your inner thigh, teasing you and making you desire him even more. He needn’t put much effort into it because, in less than a few moments, he was already helping you remove your dress, and you were helping him remove his suit. And how nice it felt once all those clothes were off. Gentle hands travelled all across your frame, felt your tender skin and kissed all the way down your neck and shoulders, behind your ears, your chest. He even took his time to savour each one of your breasts, play with the bud and lick around it so skillfully that you arched your back quite a few times. Then he went lower down your chest, leaving a trail of wet kisses all over until his lips rested inches away from your core. His head raised to you, and you nodded, to which he pushed his hair to the side and began eating you out. His tongue rolled in long motions up and down your womanhood’s lips, in between them and circling your clit with it. Whilst he did that, your hands clutched a handful of the bedsheets, biting on your lips to muffle your cries of pleasure whilst he, on the other hand, was undoing his trousers. As soon as he pulled those off, he dragged you towards him, and you spread your legs. He found your eagerness adorable, so he stopped for a moment to admire you before he gently pressed the tip of his manhood into you. It hurt a little, but the Undertaker knew anatomy well enough to make it hurt as little as possible. In no time, you found yourself relishing in the man’s thrusts as he slanted over you.

~—~ End of Flashback ~—~

Time passed, and he managed to make you orgasm a total of 3 times while he didn’t look even remotely tired. His stamina wasn’t human, but you were delighted that was the case.

“Ngh… poppet? Can you hold on for one more time? I’m about to hit my high as well!” He groaned, burying his head in the nape of your neck, his voice sounding like a song in your ears.

You nodded and let out a moan to encourage him to continue, so he slammed himself into you and pinned your hands on either side of your head, quickening the pace of his thrusts. It didn’t take long until he also released, collapsing on you and giggling before rolling onto his back on the bed and drooling. Although you were exhausted and ravished, you leaned over him and stroked his cheek with the back of your hand. His eyes shut, and he pulled you closer, giving your lips a loving kiss which you suddenly broke in fear. “Oh, Godness, I am dead”. You said, standing up in a rush and collecting your things from the ground. Your dress was in no condition for you to wear it again that night and your hair was untied and messy.

“I wouldn’t say dead. Just mortified!” He teased, standing up and hugging you from behind, gently swaying with you and kissing your neck.

“No! No… I am dead, and you know well why.” You spoke, sitting on the edge of the bed with your head on your hands. You could not return home in such a state nor stay at the mansion. And your cousin would be so furious if he found out, your whole family would want you out. What will everyone think?

“Me shop is open. You can always come with me. I am a lonesome man anyway. And don’t worry. I will solve everything with your family if this is what worries you so profusely.” He sat behind you, making you lay on top of him as he caressed your hair. You couldn’t deny that you believed him. His voice was smooth and his words so well thought that you agreed to his proposal. You’d come with him. “If I’ve done such an ungentlemanly thing with you, don’t I get to keep you, poppet?” His smile was purely dazing, so you shook your head softly and closed your eyes tiredly. “My… I almost forgot how tired you must be. Close your eyes, little one. Let the Undertaker handle it from now on.”

[fae-bish2]

From enemies to lovers - Bruce Wayne x Fem!Reader

Synopsis : You can’t stand Bruce Wayne. His smug face, his condescendence, his dumb ideas for the company, his nonchalance, you just can’t stand the man ! But when you’re stuck with him during a hostage situation, your entire perception of who he really is changes and…

My masterlists : @ella-ravenwood-archives​

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“The Embrace” - by Ron Hicks. This is one of my favorite painting for many reasons, and it fits the mood of this story I believe :). 

                                             ************

It was all over the news.

“The prodigal son returns : Bruce Wayne becomes CEO of his parents’ company after coming home to Gotham. Where was he all those years ? Rumors of his non-stop partying in Europe confirmed ? To learn more, turn to page 7 and-”

One day, things were going as usual at work. The next, your worst nightmare came in. And he took the shape of a handsome playboy billionaire.

Is there a word to describe the opposite of “click” ?

Clash. Fail. Flop. Flunk. “Going down like a lead balloon”.

All of those and more applied. And it was instant. Visceral.

He came in all arrogant and smug, greeting people as if he owned the place (which he did but that wasn’t the question, the guy was just barely coming in after he left for years, uncaring of what happened to his parents’ work !). Flirting overtly with every single woman, and trying to charm every man. The kind of person you either want to be with, or want to be period.

And here you were. Completely unreceptive to it all. Trying really hard not to roll your eyes at his every move, not to antagonize him at every turn. Trying to not openly be sarcastic as it was slowly becoming obvious he didn’t know anything about what was going on in his “own” company.

You couldn’t stand this type of person. You didn’t even need to know more about him to get a feel at who he was. Just the way he stood, the way he smiled (that fake smile that didn’t reach his eyes), the way he talked.

You left the room after you were formally introduced to him, frustrated as hell. What ? He was going to be your boss now ? You had enough with entitled rich brats…

He left the room just as frustrated. Who was this person who pointed out his every flaw so openly ? Oh because he definitely saw through all your little snarky comments everyone else didn’t seem to notice. Nobody ever did that to him. Except maybe Alfred.  

You both were too quick to judge, but there was no mistaking what happened : you two were not going to get along.

Keep reading

[fae-bish2]

THE HEART IS THE ENGINE TO OUR FEELINGS

Mechanic!Oikawa - The cocky bastard has many after him [ ♤ ]

Mechanic!Iwaizumi - If he can ignore you, he’ll ignore his feelings [ ♤ ]

Mechanic!Hanamaki - “So which one of us is your favorite ?” [ ♤ ]

Mechanic!Matsukawa - Will flirt but is he serious ? nsfw [ ♤ ]

Mechanic!Daichi - His fiancé has a lot to say [ ♤ ]

Mechanic!Sugawara - Looks can be deceiving [ ♤ ]

Mechanic!Kageyama - Anger will always get the best of him. [ ♤ ]

Mechanic!Tsukishima - Rolls his eyes at the clients [ ♤ ]

Mechanic!Yamaguchi - The shy one [ ♤ ]

Each link will be added to their mechanic of choice, slowly Pt. 2

[fae-bish2]

stability, reciprocity and a romance for the ages

Summary: Peter Parker seems to be made of sunlight and comfort, and she seems to know just how to love him. Both sides of him.

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader (she/her pronouns); fluff, romance, just so much sentimentality, happy ending.

Warnings: allusion to past abuse/abusive people, but no details are given, it’s not glamorized - there’s a focus on healing.

Words: 8k

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Peter feels like such a cliché, letting the thought of the pretty girl who just moved in next door twist his attention and occupy his mind to the degree it does.

The degree in question being mortal danger coming much closer than usual to finally putting a nail in his coffin.

He finds it hard to stomach, while staggering home, that he was almost disemboweled by a crane hook while thinking of the cinnamon rolls she left on his doormat that evening.

He isn’t nineteen anymore, and he isn’t even among the most youthful twenty-somethings. At twenty-seven, with everything he’s seen, being so distracted by her makes him feel like a hormonal teenager, and he doesn’t long for those days at all.

If anything, Peter Parker keeps dreaming of stability in every aspect of life, but especially where romance is concerned. He’s grown tired of the thought of going on dates with strangers, even if he’s realistically only done it three times in three years, all of them single dates. As in, he met them once and then never again.

He wonders, and often, if he’s just too picky, but whenever he finds it in himself to be brutally honest, he knows he’s a sucker for pretty eyes and kindness.

Keep reading

[fae-bish2]

(.4) bruised knuckles

pairing: jean kirstein x reader

summary: The moment your eyes met his, you forgot every single prejudice you’ve been raised to remember by heart. A flutter of attraction passed between your gaze and his, almost like a spark of recognition, one that would smolder and burn the impenetrable walls erected between his fate and yours. But, life never made it simple for you. He was no ordinary man. And you… you were Eren Jaeger’s baby sister. The sister of a man he would have to either kill or be killed by in the ring. His sworn enemy.

chapter summary: Tensions rise as you treat Jean’s wounds. Mikasa opens up to you about her fears. 

warnings: blood and tension

masterlist 🥊 ✗ playlist 

“Oh, fuck,” you whimper, staring at the blood pooling in his hands. You knew that if he stood here for one more minute, Jean would collapse.

There was no time to deliberate.

“Follow me,” you said, and led him down the hall. You rounded the corner, careful to make sure you weren’t being followed. You held his hand, pulling him close to your side. His hand was clammy with sweat and you focused on getting to your special place.

Keep reading

[fae-bish2]

(.3) bruised knuckles

pairing: jean kirstein x reader

summary: The moment your eyes met his, you forgot every single prejudice you’ve been raised to remember by heart. A flutter of attraction passed between your gaze and his, almost like a spark of recognition, one that would smolder and burn the impenetrable walls erected between his fate and yours. But, life never made it simple for you. He was no ordinary man. And you… you were Eren Jaeger’s baby sister. The sister of a man he would have to either kill or be killed by in the ring. His sworn enemy.

chapter summary: You witness first-hand how deadly Jean can be in the ring. Eren approaches you for your help. 

warnings: blood and tension 

bruised knuckles masterlist 🥊

The sound of flesh hitting flesh will never stop making you wince.

It was the first challenge for today, and when you entered the arena halls, there was almost a grim film hanging around every competitor. Most of them were white-faced and hungover from the party last night.

All except one.

Keep reading

[fae-bish2]

(.2) bruised knuckles

pairing: jean kirstein x reader, slight armin x annie, eren x mikasa

summary: The moment your eyes met his, you forgot every single prejudice you’ve been raised to remember by heart. A flutter of attraction passed between your gaze and his, almost like a spark of recognition, one that would smolder and burn the impenetrable walls erected between his fate and yours. But, life never made it simple for you. He was no ordinary man. 

And you… you were Eren Jaeger’s baby sister. The sister of a man he would have to either kill or be killed by in the ring. His sworn enemy.

chapter summary: For the first time, Eren is unsure of his abilities. You get closer to Jean during a chance encounter. 

warnings: smoking, cursing, suggestive themes

bruised knuckles masterlist 🥊

“Fuck!”

You flinch when Eren slams the door to your bedroom closed, hastily setting down the astronomy book you were reading on your bedside table.

He’s red in the face, hands clenching and unclenching as if he was envisioning throttling someone’s throat.  

It didn’t take you long to find out what he was so worked up about.

“Did you see how fucking smug that son of a bitch was?”

Opening your mouth to reply, he stopped you with a loud groan. “I’m done for.”

Your blood ran cold. You knew that Eren had his doubts, but this… this was not him.

Keep reading

[fae-bish2]

𝔟𝔯𝔲𝔦𝔰𝔢𝔡 𝔨𝔫𝔲𝔠𝔨𝔩𝔢𝔰 𝔪𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔩𝔦𝔰𝔱

The moment your eyes met his, you forgot every single prejudice you’ve been raised to remember by heart. A flutter of attraction passed between your gaze and his, almost like a spark of recognition, one that would smolder and burn the impenetrable walls erected between his fate and yours. But, life never made it simple for you. He was no ordinary man.

And you… you were Eren Jaeger’s baby sister.

The sister of a man he would have to either kill or be killed by in the ring. His sworn enemy.

➥ overall warnings: angst, slow burn, enemies to lovers, blood, gore, violence, attempted murder, mentions of murder 

➥ taglist: closed

➵ part 1 ➵ part 2 ➵ part 3 ➵ part 4 ➵ part 5 ➵ part 6 ➵ part 7 ➵ part 8

➥ status: discontinued due to low interactions

[fae-bish2]

(.1) bruised knuckles

pairing: jean kirstein x reader, slight armin x annie, eren x mikasa

summary: The moment your eyes met his, you forgot every single prejudice you’ve been raised to remember by heart. A flutter of attraction passed between your gaze and his, almost like a spark of recognition, one that would smolder and burn the impenetrable walls erected between his fate and yours. But, life never made it simple for you. He was no ordinary man.

And you… you were Eren Jaeger’s baby sister. The sister of a man he would have to either kill or be killed by in the ring. His sworn enemy.

warnings: to be added for future chapters

bruised knuckles masterlist 🥊

Being a Jaeger was no easy feat.

Beyond the heavy responsibility and nobility surrounding that last name which was passed down from one great champion to another, it also signified worth in a world that called for the bloody extermination of your kind – the Eldians.

And so, as a Jaeger, there was always the pressure to be seen and to look good while you were at it.

As the youngest sister to a district sparring champion with multiple notches in his belt, it sometimes spelled out exhaustion trying to keep up a facade.

Keep reading

[fae-bish2]

MC who keeps absentmindedly saying things that remind the brothers that they are mortal.

TW: Angst, Implications of death

"You can pry it from my cold dead hands"

"I'll be rolling in my grave"

"I'll be long gone by then"

The brothers hate it when MC uses morbid statements like that because it's a cruel reminder that their beloved MC is only meant to share such a small fraction of time with them.

There's an in-game chat message where Lucifer let's everyone know that in the future the house of lamentation will need renovations. Except this likely won't happen for another 200 years. Everyone starts brainstorming the ways they can spruce up their rooms before he informs them

But maybe Asmo or Satan ask what MC would like for their room and get a sobering answer

Asmo: I would love more closet space!!!

Asmo: And a larger bathroom!

Levi: A bigger tank for Henry! And more shelves for my Ruri chan figurines!!

Mammon: Ya already have a huge private bath Asmo whatdya need a bigger one for?!

Lucifer: No need to get ahead of yourself, renovations won't be begin for another 200 years.

Asmo: :'(((

Asmo: Oh MC darling, what do you want when we fix this place up?

MC: Oh I'll be long gone by then

Beel: Gone? Where are you going?

Mammon: ^^^

MC: I mean...humans don't live that long..

MC: So I'll definitely have passed on by then..

...

The brothers will look at their phones as your messages come in and feel an overwhelming wave of sadness weigh in their chests.

Lucifer

When he looks at the messages he stares at it for a bit too long. He's never been unaware of your mortality; he's always known that you were human and humans are mortal. But somehow it slipped from his mind that there will come a day when you won't be there any longer.

And it slipped his mind because when he's with you he thinks of the possibilities for the future. A bright shining one that fills him with a warmth he hadn't felt in a long time. Of the times to be shared and an endless number of your bright smiles he can gaze upon. Except it's not endless is it? One day he'll see the last of your smiles, feel the last of your touch, hear the last of your voice.

And he'd move the three realms and all their stars to find a way to stay with you. But for now he can't bring himself to hope. He needs to be strong for his brothers and he needs to be strong in case the day of all your lasts together arrives and all his best efforts won't stop it.

He sniffs and places his phone face down on his desk, swallows a lump in his throat and picks his pen back up. But at dinner he holds your hand under the table and drinks in the fond smile that you give him, knowing that at least for now you have plenty more to give him.

Mammon

His vision has clouded with tears before he's even finished reading your texts. He starts typing and hesitates before deleting it, jumping up and moving to the door. A text isn't enough right now for him anyways.

He just needs to see you, wants to be in your presence and tell you how much he loves you.

"Oi what's the big idea?!" Or he would if he could manage to spit it out.

But when you look at him he knows that somehow you know. You know how he feels and what he means. Because you love and understand and appreciate him in ways that he can't even comprehend and it makes him want to cry even more because how could he ever survive if that was taken from him.

"Oh Mams.."

You pull his trembling form into a hug and he lets out a whimper. He buries his face into your neck and pulls you tight against him.

"Y-You're ma human and I'm your first man and that means something! So don't cha plan on ditching me ok!?"

Levi

He's in the middle of decorating your joint Devil Crossing world when he sees your reply. His eyes trail to the little figure you've made of yourself outside of the house your characters call home. For you to not be there anymore... it would all feel so pointless.

You're his Henry. The two of you are supposed to stand beside each other through everything. Henry didnt leave the Lord of Shadows behind. So don't go where he can't follow. There's so much more to be together for.

Levi bites at his nails before shooting you a quick message privately. He hopes you'll say yes and that you'll continue to make the time for someone like him.

Levi: Do you want to come over and watch the newest episode of That Time I Fell in Love with a Human but I'm an Immortal Otaku?

MC: On my way!!! (っ.❛ ᴗ ❛.)っ

So please MC, just stay a couple more minutes with him. One more episode, one more raid, one more level. And then maybe time will be permissive enough to let you do all the one mores with him.

Satan

In denial. Scoffs and tosses his phone to the side as he returns to his book. But his leg keeps bouncing and his eyes dart back to the spot he threw the device. Of course you'd be there. He gets up with a huff and begins to tear through his personal collection. Books and knowledge haven't failed him yet and he doesn't plan on letting it start now. So he'll pour over every book and grimoire and dusty old scroll in the library and the RAD archives until he finds what he needs to keep you here with him.

He does that instead of thinking about what losing you would steal from him. How it would throw him into turmoil. As if he was born again, but this time from his own pain, lost and angry and missing a crucial piece of himself that would die with you.

But now he sits with you curled up in his lap, his cheek pressed against your forehead, and a hand running through your hair. He feels the steady thrum of your heartbeat since you've dozed off and feels content. In his other hand there's an old tome of obscure life magic. He's taken a break from his reading for now to bask in your presence.

Because time with you, no matter how much or how little, is meant to be treasured.

Asmo

You've barely finished typing the words out before you're getting a phone call from Asmo.

"Don't say such things, don't you know how awful that is?? Do you know the state I'm in right now?? My skin is going to be awful for days since you've decide to think such wretched thoughts! Oh darling, I can't take it.."

His voice is high and wobbly. You're sitting on your bed and can hear the quick pounding of steps towards your room over the sound flooding out from your D.D.D. Before you know it your door has flung open and you're hearing double. Asmo is standing before you, phone in hand, with tears sliding down his now blotchy red face. He wastes no time flinging himself into your lap and clinging onto your frame.

"Don't be so cruel and leave me MC, I love you too much, I couldn't bear it. Who else is supposed to love me like you do? And I still have so much love to give you, more than just one lifetime's worth."

"Asmo.." you coo at him.

"We'll talk to Solomon and figure something out MC, I mean it. I won't say goodbye to you."

Beel

It's hard to protect someone from the passage of time isn't it? He's the family defender but what is he supposed to do against this?

You're one of the few things to soothe the ache inside him. Your presence makes him feel full. Your kindness makes him feel light.

A nightmare wakes him up that night, not of Lilith like usual. But one of you, walking away from him while he's stuck still. You begin to crumble away as you move until you're just dust in the wind, slipping through his fingers. He wakes up feeling like a void.

Normally the hole he feels from his appetite is contained within him. This void feels like it's swallowing him whole instead. A large gaping maw waiting for the last seconds of your hourglass to flow out before snapping shut and breaking him in it's teeth. Before he knows it he finds himself knocking on your door. And when you see his face you usher him in and ask what's wrong.

"Can I fall asleep with you tonight?" He asks

And of course he can. He lies on his back and lays you onto his chest. He wraps his arms around you in a snug embrace and feels the warmth of your presence fill him. When he's with you like this he feels strong enough to keep anything at bay.

Belphie

Of all the brothers Belphie is the most painfully aware of your mortality. How could he not when he's felt just how easy it was to snuff the life from you. He's never apologized for that, not out loud at least. And part of that is because he knows he'd choke and sob on the words now. Because it makes it all too real that your magnificence is capable of being destroyed, and that there are avenues both of the future and of the past in which your light will have left him for good. And that is unspeakable to him.

"Don't you normally take a nap in the attic around this time, Belphie?" You say to him softly as he wanders into the living room where you are. It's only been a few hours since you had text in the chat.

"Couldn't get comfortable there today. I guess you'll have to do." He replies with a yawn.

He places his head on your lap as you study and buries his face into your stomach. His arms wrap around your waist and you're reminded of the sweet clinginess of a child. You run your fingers through his hair.

A tear sneaks out of his eye and he brings a fist up to rub it away quickly before you can notice. Then he nuzzles back into you, arms a little more snug around you. He doesn't plan on letting go of you anytime soon.

[fae-bish2]

Summertime crushes (pt 1)

Sebastian sighed, wiping his forehead with a rag and unknowingly leaving a grease stain behind. The oppressive heat was horrid, but it meant that Demetrius wouldn’t be leaving the house today. That meant it was the perfect opportunity to work on his motorcycle without disruptions or nagging. Sam and Abigail had come over too, and were playing music in the shade. 

He rolled out from under the bike and sat up, stretching out and groaning in relief. “Toss me a beer?” 

Sam grinned and pulled one out of the cooler, throwing it over. “How are things under there?” 

He knocked off the cap with his wrench and took a sip. “Good. The chain needs cleaning, and I’ll need some new brakes soon.” 

Abigail perked up. “Going into the city soon, then?” 

“Probably.” He shrugged. “Why, you want to come?”

“Yeah! Bee has been talking about a concert she wants to take me to next friday, would you bring me?” She pouted towards him, puppy eyes glistening. 

 He laughed a little. “Those haven’t worked in years. But sure.” 

She pumped a fist. “Hell yeah! Thanks, Seb!” 

He grinned and took another sip of beer, the cool drink providing a small bit of relief. 

“Oh, speaking of concerts, I found this great band I’ll show you at practice, I think they’re really awesome.” Sam spoke up, grinning. “They’re Zuzu based, so maybe we can even catch a show one time.” 

“I’m the only one with a car. Of any sort. And it’s a two person cycle.” Sebastian deadpanned. 

“Do y’all need a car?” Sebastian perks up almost imperceptibly at the farmer’s voice. Sam grins and waves them over, beaming. Abigail grins too. 

“Ayy, (Y/n)!” Sam called out. “What’s up?” 

You plop down on the grass next to Sam, directly across from Sebastian. Sebastian flushed, grateful that he was already red from the heat. Your muscular arms and shoulders were on display today, and as much as he hated the heat, he couldn’t help but be thankful that it let him see this. 

“Honestly, not much. The sprinklers your mom helped install have been a real lifesaver this year, and I’ve been able to go fishing more. The other day I even pulled a massive halibut! Enough about me, though. What’s this I heard about needing a car?” The others looked to Sebastian to explain, and he froze up, so Sam took over. 

Sebastian honestly wanted to explain, he did! But you were so pretty and you were smiling at him which like nobody but his two friends and his mom did and he just panicked. His cheeks burned in shame, and he ducked his head down in a poor attempt to hide. 

“Oh, Breakfast of the Damned? I could totally bring y’all there! I actually know the bassist, so I could probably get you some cheaper tickets.”

Sam gasped. “What! No way!” He reached over and grabbed his shoulder, shaking it. “Seb, they know the bassist!” 

Abigail was bouncing slightly. “That’s so cool, (Y/n)! You would really do that for us?!”

You laughed at their excitement. “Yeah, totally. Would you like to come, Sebastian? I think Jax would like you.” 

He blinked, and glanced up to meet your eyes. “Yeah, sure.” 

You beamed, and from the corner of his eye he saw Abigail’s eyes widen briefly. He dismissed it though, simply basking in your full attention. “Awesome. I’ll text them and ask when the concert dates are.” You grinned at Sam, and then turned to Sebastian again. “Off topic, I heard you were the guy to go to for wifi hookups?” 

He relaxed. This was comfortable territory. “Yeah, don’t you have it already though?”

“Nah.” You shrugged. 

Sam gaped at you. “No way! But you’ve already been here like a year and a half!” 

You shrugged again. “It just wasn’t important.” 

Sebastian hummed. “Well, I could get it set up within the week if you were willing to wait.”

 “Of course! How much?” 

He would do anything for you, he’s not going to make you pay for it. “Nothing, consider it payback for boosting Mom’s business so much.” 

You frowned. “What? No. How about… 2500? Might have lowballed it a bit, though.” 

He choked. That would be enough for a new monitor. No way was he letting you pay that much. “No way! 500, max!” 

You rolled your eyes. “3000, last offer.” 

“NO!” He shouted, then flinched back. 

You laughed. “3000 then.” You pulled out a pouch, heavy with gold, and cupped his hands over it. He couldn’t even hand it back, stunned by the gentle pressure of your hands on his. He couldn’t even move, honestly. 

Sam laughed. “Ha, you broke him, (Y/n)!” 

Abigail laughed, though it was slightly off. “Y-yeah, you broke him…” 

You flushed. “I just don’t want him to undervalue himself so much! It’s hard work!” 

Sam smiled. “I’ve been telling him that!” 

You nodded. “Thank you, Sam.” You stood up and dusted off your shorts, and Sebastian grew even redder as his face was level with your toned thighs. “Hey, Sam, wanna come with me to the cave to grab some of the beer I tried to make? We can bring it back to try.”  

“Sounds great!” The two of you walked off, talking cheerfully. 

Sebastian mumbled out, “Holy shit they held my hand.”

 “What?” Abigail said. 

“Holy shit they held my hand.” 

Abigail choked on her drink, then cackled gleefully, leaning back as Sebastian’s face burned. “I thought I was imagining things! You like them! Sweet Yoba, this is amazing.” 

Sebastian spluttered. “N-no, no I don’t! I just- I… “ He hangs his head. “Yeah.”

“Oh, you’re a total simp too, aren’t you.”

He slumped lower. “Yeah…” 

Abigail laughed. “Well, I’m pretty sure that you have a shot.” 

Sebastian snorted. “Yeah, okay. I’ll believe that the day Demetrius asks me about my job and listens.” He rolled his eyes and stood up, going back to work on his bike. 

Abigail sighed. “Stubborn idiots.” She mumbled.

{time skip}

Sebastian was just finishing up as he heard a loud crash. He jolted and hit his head on the bike, then rolled out holding his forehead and glaring. “WHA-” He startled backwards as he registered how close you suddenly were. 

“That sounded nasty, Sebastian. Mind if I take a look?”

He nodded mutely, and you gently cupped his cheek and tilted his head upwards towards you. He promptly felt like combusting and regretted agreeing very much. You were… stunning, even with your brows furrowed in concern. He stared helplessly up at you as you brought out a handkerchief out to clean his forehead off, subconsciously leaning into your touch. Your every movement was gentle, and he bit back a sigh at how wonderful it felt to feel like he was worth being gentle for. Not even his mother had been this gentle with him since he was a kid. Yoba, you were amazing. 

The moment was over too quickly, and he followed your palm briefly as you pulled away, before jolting back in embarrassment. You grinned at him. “Your head seems okay, Sebastian. Some ice might help, but it would likely help more with the heat than the headache.” 

He nodded. “Thanks. For helping. With that.” Yoba, why did he keep pausing? Why was he so awkward? Strike him down now, please. 

You laughed. “No problem. I’m glad you’re okay.” 

He hesitantly smiled back at you. “Yeah.” 

You grabbed his hand, and tugged him up. “C’mon, Sam and Abigail set up near the lake, we’re gonna swim some!” You pulled him along, chattering away, and he followed you, listening in quiet adoration. He really, really liked you, and he desperately hoped you felt the same.

[fae-bish2]

Friends

You sprint desperately towards the mine ladder, chased relentlessly by a shadow demon that reaches towards you, screeching with fury, it’s hollow eyes glowing with malevolence. Panic surges through your chest as your vision fades in and out as you climb. You begin to sob with relief as the cool fall wind hits your face, stumbling out of the mine entrance, collapsing against the dirt that clots your wounds, the midday sun blinding you after hours upon hours in the mines. You lay there, feeling like you’re going to fall apart, sobbing with relief because for a moment there you legitimately thought you might die.

You had thought you were safe, you had cleared out that level that night before you had set up your tent. You thought you were okay, but when you were woken up by a demonic screech and the rending of your tent and claws in your side, you knew you weren’t. You honestly weren’t sure how you made it out, with your side bleeding profusely and claws having raked across your back and legs and sides, but you did and you were so grateful. You didn’t know how you would get home, but you made it out of the mines. Your vision faded to black as you dimly heard Demetrius’ horrified shout of your name, and you passed out to the feeling of hands on your shoulders. 

———————————————————————

You woke up abruptly, hyperventilating as your hand went to your sword and found it absent. Cool hands wrapped around your wrist, and you flinched back.

“Hey, (Y/N). It’s alright.” Sebastian’s low voice came from near your ear, and you settled down from the blind panic at recognizing the pitch, heart slowing. “You’re safe.” He murmured, squeezing your shoulder. You nodded, reaching around for your bag. He pressed the strap into your hand, and you dug through it quickly to find the elixir Rasmodious had given you, wincing at the tug on your side. You drank it quickly, sighing in relief as your body healed up, wounds closing and pushing out irritants, aches and pains disappearing, headache fading away. 

You reached up, undoing the bandage you felt around your head that blocked your sight, and you paled at seeing Sebastian’s shocked face. 

“Ah… shit.”

“What the fuck was that?” 

You laughed nervously. “I… heal fast?”

He laughed incredulously. “You nearly required an emergency blood infusion, that was not healing fast.”

You sighed. “I- It’s nothing. It’s fine. I’ll just be drained for a couple days, and then I’ll be right as rain.”

“Oh sweet Yoba, you’ve done this BEFORE?”

You wince, realizing what you just revealed. “Um… no?”

He laughs hysterically, frantically reaching for a cigarette and lighting up, taking a deep drag, exhaling as the tension releases. “Alright, alright, alright. God, I just didn’t want Sam to be sad, why did I let them put you down here…” He muttered, before inhaling and looking you in the eyes. “Alright. We’re going to sneak you out of here, and then you’re going to explain just what the fuck you did and what is down in those mines because I’m starting to think that was a real sword with real blood and shit on it, not just some random prop you carry with you.”

You grimace. “Do I have to?”

 “Yes.” His eyes are alight in a way you have never seen, and even though you know it’s incredibly bad timing, warmth flares in your chest at how alive he looks. You groan, resigned.

“Alright, fine.”

——————————————————————-

At the farm, smoke from another cigarette wreaths his frame as he paces back and forth. “So, you’re telling me, there’s ACTUAL MONSTERS down in those mines, magic is REAL, that weird old man who shows up in town once a year is an ACTUAL WIZARD, and you REGULARLY RISK YOUR LIFE FOR ROCKS?”

“Yes?” You reply meekly, inwardly screaming at yourself for being so attracted to him as he glares at you and rants at his worldview being shifted so violently.

“Oh my god, the Spirit Eve animatronics are real, aren’t they.”

You perk up. “Oh yeah, I actually get to help catch them this year!”

He drops his cigarette. “You what.”

You shrink back into yourself. “Not helping?”

He tugs at his hair. “NO!”

“Does it help that the monsters are really only in the mines?”

“You just implied they’re other places.”

“Ah, shit.” You slump over, and he sits down suddenly and begins to laugh so hard tears come to his eyes. You watch in a combination of fear and awe.

“Uh… Sebastian? You good?”

“Am- am I-“ He gasps for air. “You risk your life for entertainment and rocks and you look like a Yoba-damned kicked puppy at me pointing out how bullshit that is!”

You huff. “It isn’t bullshit!”

He grows serious, leaning forward to grab your shoulders, and your skin burns under his hands. “You are insufferable, and I wish you had never moved here. Now, you are going to check in with me every time you go down the mines, and every hour or so, so that I know you aren’t dead. Sam cares about you because he’s dumb like that, and I’m not making him bury your body. Get it?”

Your face warms at how close he’s gotten, close enough that you can almost taste the tobacco on his breath. “G-got it.”

“Good.” He leans back, closing his eyes and tilting his head back to the ceiling.

“Uh… are we friends now?” You venture.

He laughs dryly. “Sure.”

[fae-bish2]

SDV Bachelorettes

[fae-bish2]

SDV Bachelors Edition

[fae-bish2]

Azumane Asahi x Reader

“— Because he’s so cute…

— What’s so cute about a third-grader who looks like a gangster and acts like a scared rabbit?”

Fandom: Haikyuu!!

Pairing: Azumane Asahi x (fem) Reader

Title: Sugar

Friendly reminder that English is not my first languge. I translate my works. You can check my Masterlists both in English and Polish here.​

Feedback is aprreciated. Thanks to it I can consider spending my time on translating the rest of my works. Take care ^^

Keep reading

[fae-bish2]

Gojō Satoru x Reader [Soulmate AU]

Why does Gojō Satoru wear a blindfold? Because no one wants to see what they have lost…

Fandom: Jujutsu Kaisen

Pairing: Gojō Satoru x (fem) Reader

Title: Black azure

Additional information:

It’s a Soulmate AU where your left eye is replaced with the eye of your soulmate (and vice versa).

Friendly reminder that English is not my first languge. I translate my works. You can check my Masterlists both in English and Polish here.

Beta: @fittsythesnail​

Feedback is aprreciated. Thanks to it I can consider spending my time on translating the rest of my works. Take care ^^

Keep reading

[fae-bish2]

Prologue - Something Wicked This Way Comes

A/N: alright here we go! the intro to my spooky series! the plan is one chapter for each bachelor/ette posted throughout the week leading up to halloween! happy spooky season! 🎃

       There are three things the people of the Valley know about the abandoned farm to the west: 

      They know it has always been and always will be there; lying deep in the thick northern woods of the Cindersap Forest where the trees grow so tall, the sun’s light is barely able to touch the dirt.

     They know it is owned by a wealthy family with a name so old, they can track their lineage to a time before the Valley itself was formed.

     And they know that if you set foot upon the farm,

     someday,

     somehow,

     inevitably,

     you will die.

     Every inch of that place, from the highest branches of the tallest trees to the deepest roots sprawling beneath the earth, is cursed.

     It hadn’t always been that way. There had been a man who arrived in the Valley nearly thirty years ago with an itching green thumb and contagious optimism, ready to take on his family’s farm. His children off at college and late-wife resting peacefully in the family crypt, he took on the land with heavy determination. Unlike those before him, he didn’t shy away from the town, visiting often with fresh crops and a wide smile. Mayor Lewis claims they had been good friends, that this man was the one to push him to run for Mayor and that he had attended the wedding of the man’s daughter on that very farm years later.

     While his daughter didn’t stay long, the man kept up his farm, happily tending to his crops and animals well into his twilight years. Those who’ve lived in the Valley longer fondly recall the polite old man with his gifts of freshly baked goods and homemade honey, always given with that wide, friendly smile.

     The same wide smile they would use to identify his body when it floated down river and caught on the southeast bridge.

     Gunther had been the one to find him. He’s spoken of it only once and claims that the body had been so blue and bloated, he wasn’t sure what he was looking at until he stepped closer and saw the bright, friendly smile stretched across the corpse’s face. The body was pulled from the river, the older folks doing their best to keep the kids away as Gunther gave his statement to the authorities.

     The family took the body, burying it per their traditions deep in their crypt, but the townsfolk still held a funeral in the Valley. A somber affair which ended in the saloon with the adults gathered around sharing happy stories of the old farmer over free rounds of beer.

     It wasn’t until after the saloon had closed that Mayor Lewis arrived on Gunther’s doorstep and the two agreed it was best not to mention the odd symbols painted on the body’s skin or how the corpse’s hollow gaze seemed to follow them as it was fished out of the water.

     With that, Mayor Lewis officially blocked off the path to the farm, setting up roadblocks and allowing the foliage to overtake the road.

     The rumors don’t start until a few years later when a young Sam tells his friends that his baby brother saw a weird old man wandering around the forest. The others brush it off as nothing more than an overactive imagination, but the topic stays on the old farmer and the decision is quickly made to investigate the empty farm. They never make it to the Farm, getting so turned around in the thick blanket of trees, they end up right back where they started. A frustrated Abigail suggests looking through town records to find a map to the Farm and desperate to solve this new mystery, the others agree.

     They don’t find a single map in the records. Instead, they read pages and pages of gruesome deaths. There are books upon books upon books recording a thorough history of bodies: found washed up in rivers, hanging in trees, attacked by animals, ravaged by disease, dismembered in the mines.

     All of them maimed.

     All of them brutalized.

     All of them painted with strange, unidentifiable symbols.

-

     The rumors go absolutely wild.

     Penny hears from Maru who hears from Sebastian who hears from Abigail that the land used to be used for ancient human sacrifice and that those who were so viciously murdered have returned for revenge.

     Gus overhears Emily telling Leah that the Farm actually used to be an old burial ground and the spirits are upset their resting place has been built upon.

     Pam, very loudly and very drunkenly, offers up the idea of a government testing site because “why else would Lewis always try to be so buddy-buddy with the Governor?“.

     Clint suggests the possibility of alien experimentation, but everyone immediately dismisses the idea in favor of a cult of serial killers living deep in the forest.

     The rumors die down eventually, but the idea is settled among the people of the Valley: to set foot on the farm is to sign your own death warrant.

-

     On the final week of Winter, almost seven years later, Elliott leaves his cabin, breathes in the fresh ocean air, and gazes out over the water. Something seems off and it takes him several minutes to realize that he’s never once seen the ocean so still. Even Willy makes his way out onto the pier to lightly prod the water with his fishing rod, but the water never moves. It dawns on the two that not only is the water still, there’s no wind. The trees, the grass, and the shrubs all stand so unsettlingly stagnant that Elliott has to return to his cabin and write just to have the scribbling of his pen drown out the silence.

     The power goes out the next day. It lasts for nearly an hour before it returns, and the townsfolk are thankful until it goes out again minutes later. This continues the entire day, the people of the Valley working around their spotty electricity as it flickers on and off. Alex heads outside to go for a run, deciding that the endless static coming from his television is going to drive him crazy.

     Maru stares through her telescope that night, trying to identify familiar constellations. She stares and stares for two hours unable to recognize any star formations. Frustrated, she goes through her notes, knowing that she’s missed something. She’s sure she has the correct time and telescope placement and looks back through the lens only to find that the stars seem to have rearranged themselves. She steps back, glancing up at the sky, before looking through the lens once more, and watching as every single star shifts and moves across the night sky. She’s clearly tired, she reasons as she returns to her room. She just needs to sleep.

     The power isn’t out the next day but for some unknown reason, the Saloon is the only building in town that can get their heater working. The townsfolk gather around the bar, passing around warm mugs of Gus’s fresh apple cider when Jas runs in with a fresh bundle of flowers in hand. She settles herself by the lit fireplace, the flowers resting on the ground in front of her as she begins tying the stems together. Marnie nudges Shane, gesturing to his goddaughter working with the entirety of her six-year-old focus. They watch her fondly, but the petal’s vibrant colors soon catch Shane’s eye and his fondness turns to curiosity. Where did Jas find fully bloomed poppies?

     The crows gather in the early hours of the next morning. There are dozens of them, spreading across the plaza, covering the rooftops of nearby buildings, and sitting calmly within the trees. They make no noise, no heinous screeching or fluttering of wings. They don’t touch the pieces of bread Evelyn throws them. They don’t even flinch when Mayor Lewis attempts to shoo them with a garden rake. They simply watch, black gazes unblinking and intent, searching for something long after the sun has set.

     The townsfolk don’t know if the crows are still there when the storm hits. It’s the worst storm in Valley history, wind whipping so violently the trees bend under its force. The snow falls in thick blankets, white coating every inch of the Valley as far as the eye can see. The town is buried hours before the sun has a chance to set. They won’t be able to shovel this, Lewis thinks, watching as the snow piles high above his living room window.

     Which is why he is completely and utterly dumbfounded when he wakes on the last day of Winter and steps out onto his porch to the sun warming his face and a soft layer of snow stretched out before him, barely an inch deep. He heads towards the plaza, perplexed at how calm the town seems.

     “Mayor Lewis!”

     Perhaps he spoke too soon.

     “Mayor Lewis! Mayor Lewis!” Jas and Vincent rush up to him in a frantic state, an out-of-breath Penny following close behind.

     “My brother was-”

     “The broken bus-”

     “Definitely saw-”

     “In the trees-”

     There’s nothing he can say to slow them down and their sentences become jumbled together, so hurried and panicked he can only catch a few words. He patiently waits, allowing the children to get out whatever tale they’re trying to tell and for Penny to catch her breath. She calms them down with a few expert words before looking to the Mayor.

     “I’m sorry about that. It’s just-” she glances back over her shoulder and it’s then that Lewis notices the crowd that’s gathered near the edge of town, “-the kids saw someone near the bus stop, but the bus isn’t running, and Dr. Harvey said he didn’t see anyone walk through town this morning.” Penny looks at him nervously and Lewis can feel an anxious knot build in his stomach.

     “I think they came from the farm.”

     Lewis thanks her, heading straight towards the crowd where he’s bombarded with questions. Who is this person? Are they a tourist? How did they get here in such dangerous weather? Did they come from the farm?

     “Everyone calm down,” Lewis speaks evenly, “it’s probably just a tourist who got trapped in the storm.”

     Are they alright?

     What if they’re hurt?

     Who would travel in this weather?

     “I’ll take a few people to go check it out,” Lewis says, “I’m sure the doctor would like to come in case they’re injured?” Harvey gives a quick nod, leaving to grab his medical bag from the Clinic. “In the meantime, let’s all let’s all just continue about our day, shall we? I’m sure there’s plenty to do that doesn’t involve crowding some poor traveler.” There are a few lingering whispers, but the crowd disperses easily enough, leaving Lewis, Gus, and Harvey as he rejoins them, medical bag in hand. The three walk the snowy path towards the bus stop in a tense silence.

     “I-It’s probably nothing,” Harvey speaks up, “the kids were probably playing near the woods and saw a wild animal.” He sounds about as sure as Lewis feels, but they reach the broken-down bus without seeing a single thing. That must be a good sign, right?

     “I don’t see anyone,” Lewis says, mostly to himself, as he looks around the barren bus stop. The snow sparkles in the sunlight, illuminating the area in a peaceful golden-white glow. He spots a wild hare or two bouncing between bushes, but no tourist. “You’re probably right,” he sighs towards Harvey, “just a wild animal.”

     “You fellas know any wild animals that stand on two legs?” Gus asks and the two men abruptly turn to him. They follow his stern gaze further down the path towards the blocked road to the farm and Lewis feels the cold begin to seep into his bones.

     Because the path isn’t blocked. 

    It’s completely cleared out, decade’s worth of foliage gone and the cement roadblocks lying in piles of dust on the side of the road.

     And standing in the center of the road, staring down towards the farm, is a figure with their hands on their hips and a large black crow perched on their shoulder.

     Lewis goes to take a cautious step towards them but doesn’t get the chance as the figure suddenly turns, looking over their shoulder. Their gaze meets his and he swears that, for a quick moment, there’s a bright flash in their eyes before they blink it away. They shrug their shoulder causing the crow to fly off without so much as a single caw and fully turn towards him, Gus, and Harvey. They give a wide, friendly, familiar smile and the chill that runs up Lewis’s spine is sudden and violent.

     “I don’t believe we’ve met,” they speak, voice echoing along the quiet road, “I’m the new Farmer.”

-

// next