#/ and of course the >:O at the end of each like a little roar

[oh-koenig-my-koenig]

merrily we fall out of line

(over-)protective!bestfriend!könig x reader (gn!pronouns) sfw MDNI slight age gap (reader mid to end 20s, könig early to mid 30s), grumpy x sunshine, (best) friends, mutual pining, (thus a bit) angsty; mentions of cheating (not between them), non-descriptive violence (dito) a/n: my first 'you'-reader fic (instead of the usual POVs i do), be gentle :')

You like König, he’s an old friend of yours, gone for months at a time, but when he is back home, you meet up, talking – well, you are talking more than him, the giant listening to you stoically – just spending time together. As friends, and that’s fine. It’s fine, really.

He has never shown the same interest in you, you’re always friendly with each other, but it is toned-down. Platonic.

So you get together with someone else. You tell König all about it – your new partner and how you met them – when he returns from his latest mission and his reaction tells you that you were right. He doesn’t really say anything, stoic and calm like always. Asking you some more questions. If you are happy in the relationship. Nothing less, but also nothing more.

König even meets the s/o and he’s trying to keep it together, because – obviously you would have never gone for him, he's too intimidating, too old, too closed off for you. At least that’s what he’s telling himself.

But still. The hot raging jealousy he feels as he watches you being touched by your new partner makes him almost see red. It's his own goddamn fault, he should have said something, anything, in all those years, all those moments you spent together, but he never did. Now he only has himself to blame.

He excuses himself from the situation, not able to stay any long, not able to watch the two of you any longer. Leaving, not without whispering a threat to the partner ("be good to them or else") while shaking their hand, and not without squeezing your arm softly one last time, because to get over you he has to stay away.

But König isn’t really able to stay away, still obsessed with you, still keeping an eye out for you, like he did so far. You on the other hand see much less of him, even when he's on leave, as he tries to respect your boundaries.

Can't say the same for your new partner, who rubbed him the wrong way when they first met. And when he follows them one day and catches them cheating on you... on you! The nerve.

He barely can hold himself back as he confronts them, but he remembers you, and he wouldn't want you to see him as a monster, so he stops himself from beating the shit out of them. He seethes: “Leave them or I will take them from you.”

And your partner ruefully breaks up with you, telling you everything except that they were caught by König. It hasn’t been a long relationship, but still, this feels shitty, obviously, tears streaming down your cheeks and sobs shaking you as you call the one person you trust most.

And of course, König comes over, he’s there to pick up the pieces, still convinced that you don't see him the same way he sees you.

He spends the whole evening with you, watching sappy romance movies and eating ice cream, the grumpy big man on the edge of the couch, trying to hide his bruised knuckles. Trying not to come too close and give you your space, but the furniture isn’t big enough for the two of you. Well, for him anyways.

He’s staying because you said you didn't wanna be alone. Honestly, he is a little unsure what to do because you just can't seem to stop crying and he hates to see you like that.

And then he makes an off-hand comment about one of the protagonists of the romance movie you're currently watching, and a sobbing laugh breaks through your sad grimace.

After that all he tries is to make you laugh until you shake with laughter, begging him to stop, your hands holding your tummy, because your stomach hurts.

“Please, I can’t.”, you roar, hiding your face on his shoulder, your tears staining the shirt he's wearing. Wiping the ones away that still wet your cheeks, looking up at him and giving him the first real smile this whole evening.

And he smiles back, a rare occasion.

But then he tells you that he has to go. You ignore the pit in your stomach, the corners of your mouth turning down, before he quips: "If you ever need a shoulder to laugh on, just call me." which makes you laugh again.

"Thank you.", you tell him and before you can think too hard about it, you stretch up and press a small, chaste peck to his cheek.

Only in this moment he turns to you, so it doesn't land on his cheek, but rather on his lips.

His whole world topples upside down when you kiss him, your mouths touching for just a moment, and he rears back, in total shock and awe, not sure what to do now. The one part of him is screaming at him to kiss you back, to grab you, to finally make you his, all the reasons why he shouldn't forgotten about. The other part is trying to be reasonable, especially now after your break-up, just needing a friend, and not.... him.

"I- I'm sorry.", you say when he just sits there, looking at you all dumbfounded. He would have been less surprised if you smacked him across the face.

He shakes his head. "No, don't apologize. I-", he stammers, his words breaking off, and your hand landing on his thigh pulls him from his thoughts.

“König-“

He shoots up, standing up straight, his tall stature towering over you. "I have to go.”, he says, heading to the door and you can feel disappointment seep into you.

"You don't have to go.", you say, following him. It almost seems like he’s running away from this.

He shakes his head again, and when he looks at you, you can't decipher the emotions in his eyes. "I do.", he says, and then he's out the door.

You just stand there in your shitty oversized shirt that you only ever wear at home when nobody else is here, your face swollen from all the crying. All alone again, the apartment silent except for the soft noises and the romantic music from the tv.

Stupid, stupid thinking that he might like you, stupid wasting the first kiss between you two like that, but... it also wasn't intentional. It was an accident. You didn’t mean to kiss him like that. But his lips felt so soft… Their softness and the softness of his gaze in contrast to his tall, muscled stature, his stern features and stoic nature.

You sigh, traipsing back to the couch, letting yourself fall into the cushions, feeling tears prick in the corners of your eyes, burying yourself in the plush. Being left is hard, and being rejected by the man you just can't stop thinking about.... the same day. Fuck.

You groan, hiding your face in a cushion, when there is a knock on your door. Heavy and impatient. You raise your head, your hands wiping away the wetness on your cheeks.

Knock-knock.

The knocking again. You get up from the couch, taking a few hesitant steps towards the door. It must be him. Opening it, and König’s figure fills the whole frame. Looking down at you while you look up at him.

He sees your teary eyes and curses. Something in Austrian German that you don’t understand. The words sound funny, not matching the expression on his face. The frown pulling the sides of his mouth down, the brows furrowed.

“Wanna come in again?”, you ask him, your voice steadier than you feel right now, gesturing into the flat. He does, and you take a step back to let him pass, closing the door behind him.

He makes one full circle across your carpet before he just stands there, swaying from one foot to the other. Seeming anxious, something that happens to him, albeit not so often with you, so you just give him a moment.

“I’m just…” He sighs, deeply. His gaze panning up from the floor to you, and suddenly you irrationally wish you put on some other clothes, before he speaks again.

“That was my first kiss, okay?”, he admits, and your jaw drops. His… first… kiss? But… That can’t be! Not at his age. I mean, you never saw him with anybody, but surely, he must’ve – must have – had his share of partners. At least one?

“Don’t look at me like that.”, he says, a heavy blush colouring his cheeks.

You avert your eyes for just a moment, but they find their way back to his. “I’m sorry, I just can’t believe that you never, uh…”, you try to find the right words.

The muscle in his jaw jumps, a sign that he’s tense. “I did stuff with people before, I’m not a-” He hesitates for a second. “Not a virgin or anything. I just never kissed anybody.”, he swallows. “Before.”

“Oh, I see.”, you say, unsure what else to say. Completely floored by this information.

“I just…”, he starts again. “Most other people only see me with the mask, I… almost never take it off, also during… that, and kissing through the mask would be weird, so yeah.” He rushes through the last sentence like he just had to get the words out.

Moments of silence passing by as you try to collect your thoughts. “I didn’t mean to, you know. Kiss you, on the lips.”, you finally say, your voice sounding a little hoarse. “Didn’t want to take that moment from you. That first time.” You clear your throat, tangling your fingers with each other, fidgeting. “Sorry.”

His eyes widen, slight shock spreading on his face. “No, no, I didn’t mean it like-“

Fuck, this isn’t going how he wanted it to. Maybe he shouldn’t have come back, just let you be. But the look on your face, your gentle plead as he basically ran away, the need to explain this situation, made him turn around again as soon as he stood outside your apartment building.

He takes a step in your direction, his hands shooting out in your direction, almost touching you, before they drop to his sides again. His body is so close to yours, you can feel the warmth radiating off him, just like before when you were sitting on the couch.

You look up at him, tilting your head back. Meeting his eyes, the familiarity of them calming you. And there it is again. That look on your face that makes him wanna grab you, hold you and never let go.

“I imagined for so long what it would be like to kiss somebody.”, he says, quietly. “I imagined what it would be like to kiss you. I just wasn’t… prepared.”

He… what? Tingles erupt in your stomach, making you feel lighter, your mouth dropping open, soundlessly gasping for air, at his confession.

“I didn’t wanna make you cry or anything, but I didn’t wanna, you know, with the whole… break-up and…” He looks down to his feet, sighing. Not saying the thing about ‘Him being him’.

“I thought it’d just be better.” He sighs again. “Better if I go.”

The stupid, stupid feeling of hope fills you at his words which makes you put it all on one card.

“You wanna try it again? The kissing?”, you whisper, taking a step forward, coming a bit closer.

His eyes jump to yours, the brows pulled up in surprise. After a moment, he nods. “Yes.” But he is not moving an inch. The tall man, frozen in place. Looking at you, hesitating, wanting to kiss you so badly, just the tiniest bit afraid to do it wrong.

You lean in, craning your neck. Your hand landing on his chest, firm and warm underneath your fingertips, steadying yourself and getting on your tiptoes.

His breath hits your face a moment before your lips press against his. Pulling him from his frozen state. He leans down, meeting your touch, his arms are closing around you, holding you closer to his body. A soft hum rising up his throat as he answers the kiss.

The gentle brush of his mouth against yours getting a little needier with every passing second, exploring you. So much softer than he had expected. The short peck you accidentally gave him before not coming close to this feeling now.

You stretch up, your arms coming around the nape of his neck. Needing him closer, pulling him down to you. Sighing into the kiss, your mouth dropping open a little bit.

His tongue brushes against yours, his hand gently holding the side of your face, his thumb brushing your cheek. You’re leaning into his palm, tilting your head, opening up to deepen the kiss until the two of you are making out.

Bittersweet, warm. Tasting just like you imagined him to. And a hint of the icecream you shared.

If he didn’t just tell you that he never kissed anyone before, you would have never guessed. Taking his time, slowly, oh so slowly. Maybe a little bit hesitant, but the way his lips brush against yours, the way his tongue is stroking against yours...

A pang of need is spreading down your body, the tingle remaining low in your belly, and he swallows up the sounds you make, not stopping to explore you, and you answer every single one of his touches. Both of you not coming up for air, breathing each other in.

He lifts you up, and you don’t still break the kiss as he carries you over to the couch. Lying down on the furniture, your front against his as you prop yourself up, not willing to leave the kiss. Pressing your lips against his, over and over again, wondering how you could ever stop doing that. Wondering how you never did that before.

“I’m glad we accidentally kissed.”, you say, mumbling the words against his lips.

He laughs a little, a light sound. “Me too.”, he simply says, cradling your face, deepening the kiss again. Something that makes you feel restless in the best way possible.

It feels so new and yet familiar, the way your smaller frame fits against his. He always thought that you are so tiny compared to him, when in reality you are not tiny at all, he is just that big, filling up the whole couch, so the only space for you is on top of him. He doesn't mind at all and you don't either.

Quite the contrary as you lay your head on his chest. Hearing his heartbeat, feeling it against your cheek, still a little faster than it should be. Because kissing you did that to him.

You’re melting into his body, the warmth of his embrace as his big arms hug you. Yawning a little bit, which makes him chuckle.

“Tired?”, he asks.

“Just a little.” Another yawn.

“That’s okay.”, he says, stroking over your hair. Kissing you on the forehead, a small, sweet peck. “Just sleep, Schatz.”

His cheek against the top of your head, his proximity, his familiar scent and the knowledge that you had been wrong – he did indeed like you just the way you like him – makes you forget about all the other shit that happened today as you drift off to sleep, his steady and calm breathing and the soft voices on the tv lulling you to sleep.

Masterlist for all my könig fics <3

[greghatecrimes]

Halloween prompt: House takes baby!Thirteen out trick or treating for the first time

hehe, I love this prompt! ty Jet for submitting it <3

House isn't much of a holiday person. But even he can't deny that Halloween is objectively the best holiday of them all, especially now that he has a kid (and a cute kid at that). Free candy to mooch from just from walking around the block? Sign him up.

Thirteen is dressed in the costume she insisted upon: a huge, round jack-o-lantern, with some adjustments made to make the face properly scary looking. (which Bee/oddlittlestories did a drawing of!!) she's pretty chatty for her age, and House has spent the past few days drilling her on how to say "trick or treat" as adorably as possible. She's practiced and got it down-pat. She's so ready for this. She's going to be the cutest kid in all of fucking Plainsboro.

First stop of the night is Wilson's apartment (of course). House carries Thirteen up to the doorstep and is giving her a pep talk. "You remember what we practiced, right? I knock on the door, I'll put you down, the door opens– that's when you hit 'em with the big guns. You remember what to say?" Thirteen nods. (Of course she does, she's his kid and she's smart as a whip. He's confident.) "Alright, let's get this show on the road. Knock 'em dead."

House knocks on the door, sets her down on the ground, takes one step back. He can hear muffled footsteps from inside. The door opens, and he sees the silhouette of Wilson holding a bowl full of candy. Before he can say anything, Thirteen throws her arms up, jumps towards him, and shouts "ROAR!" at the top of her little lungs.

House puts his head in his hands (but he's laughing behind them). When he looks up, Wilson is feigning terror as Thirteen toddles towards him, the giant pumpkin costume wobbling adorably with each step. "I got you, Jimmy!"

"What happened to 'trick-or-treat'?" House asks.

Wilson crouches down to Thirteen's height, and then pretends to be knocked aside when she gently baps him with one little hand. "I think she decided that SHE wanted to be both the trick and the treat."

"Yeah!" Thirteen grins and points to her costume. "Look, Jimmy! Scary!" (but of course she can't say her R's yet).

"Absolutely terrifying." House agrees. "But hey, Lucky Thirteen. Don't you want to show Jimmy what we practiced?"

"What you practiced?" Wilson raises a brow.

Thirteen frowns. "Not scary."

"You can be as blood-curdlingly horrifying as you want after we get some candy."

Thirteen brightens again. "Okay!" Without hesitation, she holds out her fabric candy basket and looks up at Wilson with the most adorable little smile he's ever seen. "T'ick o' t'eat!" (To her credit, she enunciates well for her age, minus those damn R's).

"Oh my god." Wilson looks up at House with an expression that's half-horrified, half-intrigued. House grins. "You trained her. Like a dog."

"T'ick o' t'eat!" Thirteen repeats, and pushes her basket against Wilson's knee. "Candy?"

"She's not a dog, Wilson. She's a finely tuned magnet for all the candy in Plainsboro."

"Yes, you can have some candy," Wilson assures Thirteen. He reaches for the discarded bowl and pulls out a small handful to drop into her basket. Looking back up at House, he says, "You are terrible. I expect a cut of no less than thirty percent of your earnings."

"Save me the Reese's in that bowl and we have a deal."

Thirteen ends up trying to scare people at almost half of the houses, but she's so adorable that she's showered with candy regardless. By the end of the night they've got enough to last them weeks.

[eleanor-bradstreet]

Young at Heart: The Princess (Benedict Bridgerton x Reader)

Benedict Bridgerton x fem!Reader Rated: G, the fluffiest fluff that ever fluffed Word count: 3.1k

Masterpost

Summary: The Colin monsters attack and you seek an answer from Benedict.

Author's Note: So many folks to thank for this finale chapter. Firstly, to @angels17324 who again had the idea for the adorable interaction with the children. Sweet Benedict being duped by innocent shenanigans is gold! Also to @mysticwitchcraftco for proposing we see the inevitable conversation with Colin after the last chapter. I liked this idea so much I went back and wrote it in! Lastly, to @broooookiecrisp who also championed the Colin convo and helped me craft the ending scene. This chapter was much shorter and weaker without each of you, and I hope you enjoy! 💙

Benedict rushed down the hall, nervous energy coursing through him. All he could see were your lips, soft and parted with bated breath, inviting him in. He still felt the warm thrum of your pulse under his fingertips where he held your wrist, the tingling brush of your noses…

His mind whirred, passion and reason each attempting to roar over one another, a situation he was well familiar with, though it had never been this intense before. He tugged at his cravat, then startled when a voice broke through his thoughts.

“Have your theatrics tired you, brother?”

He whipped around to see Colin, grinning like the cat that ate the canary, sidling up to him. 

“What?” His voice was flustered. “No, I am fine.”

Folding his arms, Colin leaned a shoulder against the wall, smirking. Benedict sometimes thought he had imbued too much of himself into his younger brother. Colin should have spent more time around Anthony’s disciplinarian nature and been molded into a dutiful little lieutenant, not a scamp. Then he would have been easier to deceive. 

“You and Miss y/l/n make quite the pair.”

“What do you mean by that?” Benedict had regained his composure.

Colin shrugged. “Acting partners. You are very convincing at…playing your roles.”

The raised eyebrow said it all. He suspected.

“She is a kind and talented young woman.” Benedict’s voice was low in warning, urging his brother to change course with his questioning.

Colin dismissed his tone entirely. “With whom you are spending an inordinate amount of time.” When his pointed stare didn’t elicit anything further, he gave up the ruse. “Oh, come now Benedict, you’re not as good an actor as you think you are. The heart on your sleeve is bleeding all over the place.”

Benedict deflated. His feelings for you were enough to wrangle with on their own. He didn’t need his family’s opinions on the matter to be mixed in. “The last thing I need is your admonishment…”

Colin looked around innocently. “Who is admonishing anything? I’m not Anthony.” They both sniggered at that. “Did you kiss her then? You may have been out of sight but I heard you breathing all over each other.”

Benedict rolled his eyes. Romantic inquiries from his naive little brother. Who would have thought he would ever see the day? But he knew he was not being judged, and it was an undeniable relief to have someone to confide in. “We would have, but she jumped away to tend to the children.” He hung his head, chewing on his lip. “This is complicated.”

“More or less complicated than the kitchen girl you helped me rendezvous with?” 

Now it was Benedict’s turn to smirk, remembering how he had stood watch while his teenage brother crept down the servant’s stairs to meet with the doe-eyed cook’s apprentice in the dead of night. He had told Colin how not to be a fool in their encounter, and figured that anything else they got up to was good experience for him. This felt different though, deeper somehow, but he wouldn’t reveal that.

“It’s time I returned the favor.” Colin walked over to him and rested a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll keep your secrets. Do you know if she shares your feelings?”

Benedict sighed. “I think so, but I’m not certain. Perhaps I overwhelmed her.”

“You?” Colin balked. “Unable to restrain your passion? It beggars the imagination!”

The dripping mockery was enough. “Oh, what a wonderful help you are.” Benedict shrugged him off with a grimace and began storming down the hall again.

“Brother, stop!” Colin called after him. “I’m sorry. You’re right.” When his brother turned again, the exasperated expression he wore was one rarely seen. It made him drop all his taunting. He pitied the poor man. “You don’t want to go scaring her off the property. She’s very lovely and much needed here. Take some time apart and see if she approaches you.”

Benedict paused, mulling over his words, then finally nodded. “Alright. Thank you.” Brow arched warily he asked, “Is this foolish?”

It was odd to find himself in the position of giving advice to his older brother, particularly in matters of the heart, but Colin felt determined to help him. He instinctively knew the answer to his question. 

“To follow your heart’s desire? Usually.” He shrugged. “But that’s never stopped you before.”

As a wide smile broke out over Benedict’s face, Colin knew that he would be alright. He clapped him on the back and urged him down the hall. “Now, let’s find something to eat.”

—

It was clear that something significant had occurred between you because Benedict avoided you for the next two days. He had been so impossible to miss ever since he arrived, that his pointed absence now was tangible. You didn’t know what to expect. You didn’t think you had done anything inappropriate. You felt certain it was him who had been violating the bounds of propriety with you. But women in your position had been sacked for less, and so you hovered in a nervous limbo, waiting to encounter him in a hall, or waiting for the Viscountess to unceremoniously request your resignation. Thankfully, you had the children to keep yourself occupied, and your hands were entirely full when a day of pouring rain kept you all cooped inside the nursery.

The boys had tired of their figurines and their paints, and they groaned at the offer of another storybook. Augie and Neddy were sporting the stern brows of their fathers, and Barney was entirely despondent. Only Caroline seemed to be enjoying herself, as she pulled up to stand against the rails of her crib and giggled at everyone. When you asked what they would all prefer to do instead, Augie spoke first.

“I want biscuits.”

You sighed, prepared to remind him that they must wait for their tea to have biscuits, but before you could respond, Barney staggered toward you with outstretched arms and wriggling fingers.

“Rawr!” He crowed, “I am the Colin monster. Give me biscuits!”

The cleverness of this little one, and the memory of the annoyance on real Colin’s face made you grin.

“Yes!” Neddy chimed in, mimicking his smaller cousin and adopting a squeaky growl, “I am a Colin monster too! You must give me biscuits!” No doubt they thought this was the method to secure some treats. If you could play along and keep them occupied for a while longer, you would reach teatime and everyone would be satisfied. 

“Oh no!” You brought your hands to your face in mock horror. “Not the Colin monsters! You cannot have my biscuits, I haven’t baked any today!” Then the three boys tore across the room toward you, snorting and roaring, hands grasping for your skirts as you scurried in circles around the nursery, always keeping two steps ahead of them. This was something you so adored about children, how they made you one of their own and reminded you how to lose yourself in simple fun. You all chuckled breathlessly as you ran, and Caroline watched with glee, ratcheting up and down on her nubby legs and cheering on the spectacle. When you had rounded the last piece of protective furniture and found yourself in a corner, you sank to your knees, hands clasped before you.

“Please have mercy Colin monsters! I swear I have no biscuits for you!”

“Then we shall have to eat you!” Neddy declared, and launched himself into your midsection. You fell backward, holding him to save him from the fall, and found yourself laughing helplessly as he and then Barney clambered on top of you, poking with their tiny fingers and baring their entirely-not-frightening teeth.

“Help! Help!” You called with faux despair, barely able to catch your breath from mirth. The three of you were so giddy, shrieking as they pinned you down and tickled you relentlessly, that you did not see Augie run out of the room nor hear the footsteps that came pounding down the hall minutes later. 

You were crying out in feigned agony as Barney pretended to chew on your fingers when over his shoulder you saw Benedict come skidding through the doorway, white as a sheet.

“Miss y/l/n?!” He was panting, entirely disheveled, in just a shirt and braces with his sleeves rolled up, forearms streaked with paint.

“Mr. Bridgerton?” You froze, staring at him as the tiny monsters continued to crawl over you.

He strode across the room and you could see the panic in his eyes. “Are you alright? Boys, what’s going on?”

Gently but firmly, he pulled each of them off of you and stood them upright.

Neddy turned to growl at his uncle, waggling his fingers in Benedict’s face. “I am the Colin monster and I have no biscuits so I’m going to eat Miss y/l/n!”

Immediately Barney whined, “No, I am the Colin monster!” Then the two of them began to argue with one another, stomping away to settle the dispute.

Benedict knelt beside you as you propped up on your elbows. For a moment you felt embarrassed at him finding you in such a position, but the genuine concern in his eyes melted away your self-consciousness. He scanned you over as if expecting to find some injury and you could see clearly that he was shaken.

“Augie came running and begging for help. He said you needed me. I thought…”

“We needed the prince to rescue the princess!” Augie suddenly appeared next to Benedict, smiling proudly and explaining his actions as if they were the most obvious thing in the world.

Benedict looked between you both, piecing together the innocent cause behind his terrified dash. You were worried that this would increase his aggravation with you. You still could not decipher what he was thinking since your flustered encounter in the theater and the last thing you wanted was to cause him unnecessary distress. But your anxieties started to ebb when he finally allowed himself to exhale and a small grin tugged at the corner of his lips. “I see.”

Then he reached out and took your hand, pulling you carefully to your feet. “Are you sure you’re alright?” His eyes carried an undeniable warmth and his voice was soft, the question meant for your ears alone, a honeyed tone that ran thick across your skin. You couldn’t help but sense that he was asking something greater. Asking how you felt about more than just being besieged by the children.

“Yes.” You returned a grateful smile. “I was only being attacked by the two miniature Colin monsters, as you can see. But I am quite well, thank you.”

He grinned that ruinous crooked grin and straightened his spine. “Good. I’m glad your anguished screams were only caused by these two.” Then he marched over to Neddy and Barney who had started to shove each other and were both wearing pouts that were so similar to Benedict’s, you had to hide a snicker. He placed an expansive hand on each of their heads, pushing them lightly apart and commanding their attention. “All right, all right Colin monsters. I have decided that I am not going to slay you, but instead, feed you some biscuits to satisfy your hunger. How does that sound?”

Both boys looked up at him and broke out into joyous smiles and cheers. You walked over to corral them all for tea, when Augie piped up over the celebration.

“Yay! And now you must kiss!” He stared up at you and Benedict with eager, sparkling eyes.

“Yes!” Chirped Barney beside him. “Kiss. That’s how the story ends.”

You felt yourself blush as your mind reeled, bewildered that the boys would say this, frightened to look at Benedict beside you, and equally aggravated that he had improvised the kiss into the story in the first place. But you felt the weight of his stare on your cheek and turned. His eyes, usually so piercing and light, had grown dark with something intense. He seemed to be holding his breath right along with you, looking at you for direction. He couldn’t possibly be considering…This couldn’t be happening again…

You stuttered, unable to complete a thought as your heart trilled in your throat. “Mr. Bridgerton, I…”

Benedict finally broke his gaze, releasing you from the spell, and turned to the children with his wry smile returning. “No, boys,” he said assertively. “Kissing is only for the puppets and grown ups who are very much in love.”

Something ran straight through you when he said that and you swore his eyes flicked over to you. You had to move, you had to free yourself from this quagmire. You turned and went to Caroline, lifting her out of her crib as she happily nestled against you.

“My mama and papa kiss all the time.” Augie announced matter-of-factly.

“Mine too.” Neddy groaned then shook his head in disgust as he stuck out his tongue. Barney followed suit, mimicking his distaste. 

You laughed, grateful that the humor of the little ones could rise to break the tension between the stares of the adults.

Benedict patted Neddy on the shoulder. “Well, that is because they are in love as I said. Come on now,” He swung Barney into his arms and clasped the boy across his back as before. “Biscuits await!” 

Then he turned and shot you a knowing smile before mustering all the lads and leading them out of the nursery.

—

You spent the remainder of the day breathless, smiling politely as you guided the children through teatime. Fortunately, their mothers and an assortment of Bridgertons were present too, which helped to distract you from overtly staring at Benedict across the room. It was evident he wasn’t cross with you and seemed to still want your acquaintance. But were you overestimating his level of affection? Had too many stories of dashing princes and fairytale romance burrowed themselves into your mind, inextricably blending fantasy into your reality as if you were a besotted girl? His intentions certainly seemed clear in the theater box and again when the children told you to kiss. Could it be that your wildest imaginings weren’t imagined at all? 

Your unanswered questions mired you in thought. You carried out the motions of herding the children but your mind was always with Benedict. You saw to their dinner, their baths and their nightly farewells to their parents. You could hardly finish their bedtime story, you were so distracted. The swirling sensations in your heart and mind were sure to drive you mad, and were strong enough that they propelled you to Benedict’s door. It was the guest bedroom he treated as a studio and candlelight could be seen within. 

Your desperation lended you an edge of uncharacteristic courage. Your last moment alone together had been interrupted by an audience. If you could be alone again, you wanted to know what would occur. Your fluttering stomach proffered an idea but you fought it down. Most likely Benedict would do nothing more than speak to you, carrying on in that friendly, flirtatious manner as he always had. Then you would have your answer. He was not enamored as you were, it was simply his natural character. If, however, you were wrong, it would be better than any of the fairy stories you had read in all your years as a nursemaid.

Hand shaking, you knocked on the door. He answered it, shirt unbuttoned rather too low for polite company and hair tousled, clearly hard at work.

His eyes lit, as they always did when he saw you. “Miss y/l/n! Is everything alright?’

“Yes, all is well.” Your voice was small, the sound struggling to escape around your pounding heart. “I only wanted to speak with you.”

“What about? Is another bedtime story in order? Do you need a dragon slayed?” He leaned against the doorframe with the grin that had come to visit you in dreams. You could only smile at his cheek, then he waved you over the threshold. “Come in.”

You wanted to take time to admire the canvases propped on easels throughout the room, to ask him what he was working on and where his inspiration came from, what his favorite colors were, how he had honed such skill. You wanted to know everything about him. But your nerves were overcoming you, a heated jittery energy rising through your body from your toes to your shoulders.

“Mr. Bridgerton…” your voice quavered, wondering where on earth to begin.

He closed the door and walked to you. “Please, call me Benedict.” His voice dropped into that low register, smooth and inescapable. His words were an invitation, not simply to use his name. How he could do this, flip a switch and magnetize you toward him with a single glance, a single syllable, was beyond your comprehension but you were utterly powerless against it. 

“That would be most improper.” There was no conviction in your words, just stuttering breath.

He stepped even closer, lips parted so that you could see the candlelight shining off the bottom one. You couldn’t tear your eyes from it. “Do you want to enforce propriety between us?”

He was offering you the choice, the final say in how you wanted to proceed. But your mind had been made up before you even entered the room. Every drop of your blood was humming, pulling you inexorably forward just as it had in the theater, just as it always did whenever he was close enough that you felt the warmth of his breath on your skin. 

“No.”

A smile ghosted across his face, something like relief. The last barrier of uncertainty having fallen away, he took your hands softly into his own. “What do you want? I’ll give you anything.”

Before you could stop yourself, you surged up onto your toes and pressed your lips to his, needing to know their softness, their taste, needing to finally seize what had been tempting you for so long. He staggered slightly, his hands falling to your waist, but his mouth remained still as you pulled back, searching his eyes. For a fleeting moment, you feared you had done something wrong, had somehow misinterpreted his offer. 

Then you saw the glittering joy in his gaze and felt the chuckles rising out of his chest under your palms. He smiled, beaming as a hand rose to trail across your cheek and into your hair. 

“What a surprise,” he breathed, “I want the same thing.” 

Then he enveloped you, lips crashing back against yours as he pulled you flush to his body. A deep and proper kiss, and it was every bit the fairytale you dreamed it would be. 

Fin.

Tagging: @angels17324 @bridgertontess @broooookiecrisp @desert-fern @fiction-is-life @kpopstanthot @mysticwitchcraftco @unholyhuntress @defnotashifter

[luxurychristmaspudding]

wip wednesday thursday

thank you for the tag bby @janaispunk!!!!!

i'm in such a slump with writing atm, so this is perfect!

step one: post snippets of the fics you're working on (can be a summary if there's no snippet)

watch - follow on from listen (f!reader x joel miller x frankie morales x santiago garcia)(literally just porn)

‘Couldn’t just - leave you out, daddy,’ you huff against the phone. A low chuckle rumbles through from the other end, and you bite your lip. ‘So this is - what? My consolation prize?’  ‘No,’ you frown, ‘It’s better than that. Better than your hand.’ ‘Better ‘n my hand?’ ‘Yeah, daddy.’ ‘Is it better than you, babygirl?’ You roll your hips at his question, biting back a whine. ‘No, daddy.’ He hums down the line. ‘Sounds like a consolation prize to me, honey.’ You sigh again, louder this time. ‘’S not a consolation prize,’ you groan. ‘Frankie isn’t even allowed to touch me.’ Joel chuckles at you properly this time. ‘You sound disappointed, baby.’ ‘I am.’ He waits. He waits, because he knows. Of course he knows. ‘We watched each other, daddy,’ you breathe. Confessional, dirty. A heat flushes up your cheeks as you tug at your t-shirt, suddenly nervous. ‘Watched?’ he asks, a smile curling the word. Mmhm. ‘Well done, baby,’ he says, ‘I’m impressed. Though a little disappointed it didn’t take you longer to figure out.’ You giggle, and he puffs out a breath before continuing. ‘Santi told me it wouldn't be so fast. Thought it’d take you guys a little while to -’ ‘He thought it’d take Frankie longer to work out,’ you interject. Joel falls silent. ‘He knows Frankie, but not me so well. You should’ve known better.’  Joel laughs again. ‘You’re goddamn right, angel.’

on call (f!babysitter!reader x neighbour!frankie)(idiots in love, when will these fools kiss)

‘Boyfriend?’ You grin at him, licking your teeth. He raises an eyebrow at you. ‘No.’ You shrug. ‘Shame. Is he -’ ‘Ex-boyfriend.’ You gape at him, jaw swinging open as your head swivels between the two men. Frankie isn’t sure whether he should be offended. ‘That’s your ex?’ You stage whisper, and Frankie swats at your arm as you slump against the fence.  ‘Yes.’ He grunts. You let out a low whistle.  ‘How could I ever compete?’ Frankie doesn't look at you as your words register, something hot and prickly settling at the back of his neck. Benny raises his hand in goodbye before his car peels away from the curb and disappears up the street.  When Frankie makes to move towards his front door, you hop the fence and follow him.  ‘You were competing?’ is all he can jest back as he leads you inside.

you know me too well - miniseries (f!reader x fwb!frankie) (super steamy and super angsty. deals with post-deployment mental health and being upheld by your best friends)

‘Berlin…’  ‘What?’ You laugh, trying to grab the paper from where he holds it high above your head. He fumbles with the second slip, biting his lip with laughter as you begin to crawl up his body - ‘Pope, give me that -’ ‘And Fish.’ You head whips round to Frankie’s, mouth in a little ‘o’ as everyone starts cheering. Frankie can hear his heartbeat in his ears as Will pushes him up from the couch and Pope kicks you off his lap. You stumble to your feet as he stands, wiping his sweaty palms on his jeans. His whole body feels hot, and your eyes are wide and wild. ‘Get outta here!’ Benny roars, ‘Your seven minute timer starts… now!’

futureproof - series (f!rockstar!reader x actor!joel) (an unlikely friendship, the talk of the tabloids. how long can a secret stay secret, and how long until you're forced to leave each other alone?)

You hold out a hand to him, a wide grin flashing the white of your teeth, and Joel finds himself stepping forward to take it before he can process what he's doing. Your palms are so soft, even with the callouses. 'Joel Miller.' He says through a shy smile, and your eyes crinkle back at him. 'I know who you are,' you chuckle, 'Come in, sit down. You're welcome to listen.' You squeeze his hand a little before pulling back and leading him into the room, and he's hit with the frightening feeling that he'd follow you anywhere. Your eyes are so full of mischief, of laughter, of friendship. Knowing you would be so easy. So easy Joel almost feels like he already does.

katchi (f!reader x joel miller - no outbreak au) (again, literally just porn)

no snippet - but you and joel go line dancing, he's sore afterwards, you give him an oiled up massage and end up going at it.

these will all be sooooo so smutty. in case that helps at all.

step two: put them in a poll and let people vote on which one you should work on

step three: every vote is one minute you put on a timer to work on that fic (ex. 15 votes = 15 minutes of writing)

you have my word &lt;3

no pressure tags (v sorry if you've already been tagged!): @schnarfer @magpiepills @eupheme @swiftispunk @cowgurrrl @joelscurls @hellishjoel

[oh-no-a-new-hiperfocus-hit-me]

We officially have a revised first chapter!!

A War of The Weak, chapter 1 : Burned Birdie

It was late at night and it was dark. A starless sky watched as mere mortals tried and failed to find purpose, dying in their never ending search. Dabi hummed a soft melody while walking, her hair brushing her burned shoulders ever so lightly. She wore an old black cape that had seen better days, and a  plain brown shirt and pants. She played mindlessly with the pieces of metal in her face, not only holding her skin together but also adorning her ears and nose.

  The town was quiet, most were asleep. Much like Dabi's cape, the houses and cabins in the street had seen better. They were dirty and had an abandoned air to them, almost like ghosts were their only inhabitants. She could relate to that, she'd always felt too empty, too old, too useless. Unlike her though, the houses, the streets, the village were all filled with fierce life inside, the desolated outside nothing but a facade to trick strangers.

  That became clear once more when Dabi finally decided to end her walk, entering a dark alley; there, a dark door of enchanted wood waited for her. She opened it, the door's handle shining under long fingers. As she stepped inside, she was immediately overwhelmed by the amount of light and noise. The bar roared with vivacity, all kinds of beings drinking and chatting, kissing and even fighting.

  They were all citizens of the great kingdom of Akarui, where blood was spilled in the shadows and people were burned at stakes. Not quite people actually — at least not all of them; all mortals perhaps, but all different from each other. For in the world they lived in, everyone was different, looked different, behaved differently…

  And had unique powers.

  Elves, vampires, dwarves, fairies. Every kind of magical being you can imagine, all under the rule of one King, and of course the almighty  Security Council. Groups of knights and warriors were formed, and entrusted  to maintain peace; to assure the safety of the people. Well, not all people. The loud, weird, "dangerous" ones never got any protection. Really, as Dabi saw it, they rarely got anything at all.

  Ignoring the crowd as well as the thoughts concerning her old grudge, she went straight to the back. Dabi opened a little hidden curtain, and it lead her to a long corridor. She walked to the last door, and kicked it three times. A blue face opened it, eyes filled with rage.

  "You're fucking late as shit!"

  "No shit, bitch"

  She entered the room without ceremony, throwing herself in her own bed. Her roommate, Shigaraki, looked at her like she had just killed his puppy.

  "We have a band to commit to! You can't just do whatever you want!"

  "Actually the last time I checked I was my own person who can do whatever the fuck she wants."

  "You're insufferable!"

  "You're an ass."

  "Well, you are-"

  "Dabi!" The door that connected their room to an adjoining one opened with a loud noise and a girl with blond hair and sharp fangs threw herself into Dabi's arms.

  "Hey kid," She got up, Toga still clinging to her. "How was your day ?"

  "It was awesome! Twice taught me how to make pie and big sister Magne is teaching me archery!"

  "Nice."

  Dabi was a woman of few words, yet that didn't seem to diminish Toga's excitement in the least.

  "Can we focus on what's important here? We have a show guys!"

  "Is shigaraki whining about us being late to the show again? 'Cause I don't really think the customers are gonna care. They're pretty drunk, you know. Oh, hey Dabi." Compress was standing in the doorway, and she could see Magne and Twice behind him.  "How'd your walk around town go?

  "Went well. Nothing interesting. Nothing new."

  The man nodded. He was tall, with sun-kissed skin under orange clothes and a black mask he never took off.

  "Hey-o you guys! Shigaraki's kind of right! We better get going!" A tall man with another black mask and an energy Dabi didn't know how he had, Twice loomed over Compress, wearing all black and gray, though she could see some of his blonde hair scaping the mask.

  "Someone here's gotta have a half a brain enough to listen to me." Shigaraki murmured under his breath.

  Dabi rolled her eyes but didn't ague. They did need the money from tonight's gig. A couple more days and they would have enough to go to the next town. The owner's husband had been kind enough to let them stay here. 

  As they headed to the stage, Shigaraki and Spinner tuning their guitars while Himiko sat by the piano, Dabi thought she would miss this place. They'd been there for nearly a month, playing in every bar and every party that would have them. It was a small town in the countryside of the kingdom, but unlike others, it was a refuge for outcasts. You could find every kind of being there, from mages to vampires; from nymphs to elves. Rumor had it the town was protected by one of Akarui's most powerful crime families, and so no bigoted people dared to attack it. It was nice.

  The woman had many reasons to want to be in this town, away from the spotlights of the capital. A cold breeze came in through an open window, and with her eyes closed, letting darkness and coldness embrace her, she stepped onto the stage.

 

▪︎▪︎▪︎

  Burned Birdie stay true

  Her lungs stung like they were being filled with a fierce acid, the tissue lined with cuts that were rubbed with salt.

  Burned Birdie stay here

  Her lips were dry, and her throat hurt as if at any moment her voice might fail her.

   Burned Birdie don't you prey on me, prey on me

  "And as she sang, her mind couldn't help but imagine her as the burned birdie. The scars on her shoulders ached as those painful memories reminded her exactly why she'd written this song - and exactly why she wanted to leave it all behind."

  Burned Birdie stay true

The little crowd erupted in applause when the song ended. They'd been there for three hours already, in a short while  dawn would be coming, and they were all tired as fuck.

  The bartender paid them what the owner owed, not much, but enough. It had to be.

  Dabi went back to the room she shared with Shigaraki while Toga, Twice and Magne went to the room next door, and Compress and Spinner to their own. 

  "Holy fuck, I think I'm gonna die of thirst." The woman threw herself on the floor, but trying to rival Tomura's dramatics never worked. Motherfucker was a class A drama king.

  "Not if I die first," He hit his head against a wall, got a bottle she knew he'd been hiding from everyone in his dirty clothes, and half stumbling, fell, lying next to her.

  "Wanna cure your thirst?" He waved the bottle in her direction.

  She caught it from his hand, laughing. She would feel more thristy afterwards, her throat hurting even more, her lips even drier; she knew it.  But hell if she cared.

                           ▪︎▪︎▪︎

"So you're saying Himiko's new hobby is… writing?"

  "Writing love stories, Shiggy."

  "Don't fucking call me that. So she was talking to Spinner and Compress, and?"

  "And she wanted to know how to write a… spicy scene with an elf."

  "What the fuck, an elf?"

"I think she's writing about her crushes." Dabi took another sip. "Do you remember that dancer who was said to have performed at the prince's birthday? She said she can tell he's hot from a painting she saw. So she's writing about that."

"Okay, but what do they have to do with that?"

  "Well she approached Compress and my man Spinny and told them about her story. And the… and then…" Dabi was already  bending in laughter from remembering the mens' faces when they'd told her. "Then Toga asked Spinner if he'd ever had a lover who was an elf. She asked for details, Shiggy. Can you imagine their faces?"

  "Elves suck." Shigaraki was frowing but seemed to have found the story amusing. 

  "Yeah, kinda. They're hot, though."

  Shigaraki made a disagreeing noise, but didn't answer. He looked lost in thought.

  At times like this, Dabi's thoughts could run free through her mind. The memories she kept in a small locked chest when she was sober came to her like an ocean wave, but she didn't care. Couldn't bring herself to. For once those tiny, happy children in her memory were distant, not her, not her siblings, but something else entirely.

  Shigaraki was looking at the ceiling next to her, clearly almost asleep. She could hear Magne and Compress snoring. They would have to leave, sure, and she liked the little town of outcasts, but as long as she had these freaks with her she'd be okay. No one else was looking after them, no one else would. Tomura was like a brother (a bratty, annoying one, but still). They had met ten long years ago, and build something like siblinhood on friendship, music and friendly fighting, something she wouldn't trade for the world.

  Yeah, Dabi had a brother.

  More than one, actually, she thought, as a bird entered through the broken window and delivered her a letter.

  She had no energy to get up, but she didn't need it; she'd read it tomorrow, the words would wait for her. She fell asleep with the letter in one hand and Shigaraki's empty bottle in the other. She dreamt of crowns she no longer had to wear and whispered stories of the lost princess of Akarui.

  Whispered stories about her. 

____

This is literally all due to @arson-n-barf and @scott-is-hyperfixating Thank you!!!!

Here is the draft for chapter 2

Would also be helpful if anyone could take a look. But please only do so if you have space and energy! And if you want, of course. You are super important. :) I just really love this story and love to share it with other people.

Speaking of which-

I made a map!!!

[yhwhrulz]

Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening" Devotional for February 2

Morning

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation.”

Job 2:1-13

Job 2:1

Even the devil will attend divine worship to serve his own ends. It is, therefore, a poor confidence which looks for salvation because church or chapel have been regularly attended. We ought also to watch and pray even when we are in the assemblies of the saints, for Satan enters there, and is busy with his temptations.

Job 2:2

Full of evil as Satan is, he is not idle. A lazy man commits one more sin than the devil himself.

Job 2:3

The glory of Job’s character was his sincerity and uprightness, and this like an impregnable fortress defied the attacks of hell, though the prince of darkness himself personally assailed him, with permission from God to take from him all that he possessed.

Job 2:5

Satan suggested that bodily pain would be the weapon to wound Job’s faith; yea, and turn it into rebellion. There was much malicious cunning in this, for many a man has yielded before the miseries of physical pain though he had been proof against every other trial. Yet the Lord can make his people more than conquerors even there.

In this wretched state he had no soft bed, but lay upon the hard ashes; nor does it seem that he had either surgeon or nurse. There he sat, the prince of misery; but there was worse to come.

Job 2:10

Satan tried to ruin Job through her who should have been his best comforter, but he was defeated, for he only led Job to utter another of those notable speeches which are now the treasures of the church.

Job 2:13

This showed sympathy, but even this was not permitted to continue lest it should comfort the afflicted one. Soon these three friends judged Job’s condition, and came to the conclusion that such unusual sorrow could only have been brought about by unusual sin. Under this impression, they added the last drop of gall to Job’s cup by accusing him of hypocrisy and secret sin.

I am a sinner shall I dare

To murmur at the strokes I bear?

Strokes, not in wrath, but mercy sent,

A wise and needful chastisement.

Saviour! I breathe the prayer once thine,

“Father! thy will be done, not mine!”

One only blessing would I claim;

In me, O glorify thy name!

Evening

“He shall deliver thee in six troubles.”

Job 4:12-21

Eliphaz, the Temanite, though he took a wrong and cruel line of argument with Job, nevertheless, in the course of his reasoning, uttered some grand things: we will read two passages of his first speech. In the first, he shows that weak and erring man must not question the wisdom and justice of God’s actions.

Job 4:12-21

In comparison with God what are men or even angels? Angels have but finite wisdom, and where their wisdom ends folly begins; theirs is not sinful folly, but such as ever must be in creatures when compared with the Omniscient One. Even angels know but little in comparison with God. How then can we think highly of frail beings, who from day to day are dying, and are so accustomed to see each other turn to dust that they think nothing of it? How can a mere insect like man, who is moreover foolish and sinful, dare to call in question the doings of the Eternal God?

Job 5:17-27

In our second extract Eliphaz teaches us not to repine under divine chastisements, for they will be blessed to our highest good.

Job 5:17

Be not averse to it, rebel not against it, ascribe it not to anger, and do not disregard it as if it were a trifle.

Job 5:18

The same Lord is in both our afflictions and our consolations, and he arranges that the one shall be surely followed by the other.

Job 5:19

Trouble may roar upon us, but it cannot devour us. It may vex us, but it shall not do us real harm. If we suffer a perfect number of trials we shall also have an all-sufficient degree of grace.

Job 5:21

a mercy indeed

Job 5:23

The Great Masters dogs will not bite his friends.

Job 5:25

The Friend of the father will be gracious to the children.

Job 5:26-27

We have not only been told this, but we have assured ourselves of it ”We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”

Why should I doubt his love at last,

With anxious thoughts perplex’d?

Who saved me in the troubles pass’d,

Will save me in the next.

Will save, till at my latest hour,

With more than conquest bless’d,

I soar beyond temptation’s power,

To my Redeemer’s breast.

Copyright Statement This resource was produced before 1923 and therefore is considered in the "Public Domain".

[libidomechanica]

Untitled (“He stirs a quietly, perchange”)

A curtal sonnet sequence

               1

Let us go. Ring out of tradition is near can claim, because you still, to those thee: ah! Beyond they wore that wrong; I can see form, or wrap me o’er the lofty lady’s eyes. He stirs a quietly, perchange. Is gone, so strangled in the worldly Wisdom. Of my friends, the river with his way. On the and my bosom the errant note that’s inner, he is with the city by this words as, uttering roar, let me give the hour!

               2

’Mong Graemes of Fear, and he supply of the big kids do not say: they only tend and groves to overcast! But in higher hand whereat tower; but as slowly worn her blue-bell strike up in colossal calm. Help me to such doom waits for Sin in Humanity’s machinery and sadly fell out of day? Come wild. Glad I discern a woman hang that I in the night. Already how am I so great, inmantle damp air.

               3

Relics brought him, and boast, a beggar and that convey what name way, behold which I can those the vulgar tongue; and its way, behold when it come with a stuff was couriers in truth: and lime; but that with the boy bringe: ich am for me. That they have strange and that rolled his life, the son, but our own white fog. A life likes alone. Or else let him in table-talk, or her drove The bailey beareth thee some sell, and fro, and through her throat.

               4

Its very charity. ’ We talk’d: the soul, but what poesy which makes it well as deaths, dere woman souls possess a leal and wars, and touch’d a purer her eyes are but born of after nine daies that bubbles fair maiden most loved, then the shape themselues and snatched man takes a wreck his fair lady’s tale, and mime, for now each one Beauty such Diana shows hands to breast: such that all ring if they fill at you to defende, while Geraldine!

               5

Else were fellowship of a living soul. He came at midnight wind sleep so sweet with open convict-clothes, that, admiring lyre already severall Objects you alone. Bare of nature in the world had to sweets all your mission which he to slumber of a blasting ended, as thou liest love, O troth but strangely ones. And recollects and with the lady Geraldine! What is here was not yet; but left my mother regal sea.

               6

She striated rock, as thou like a hawk, an’ it winna let a body be. A wither form, and closing in effect as I confess all the banks, we glide. The jocund honeycomb with storms, and the lady bows; man dies: nor is the stricken and fair Ellen of care the sweet native rill, to him. Catches thro’ the forest bare thread they dazzled at the lady dead? Rest. Stretch the first Sun arose and he than all to straight I not rest.

               7

And an offsprings to one we lay: and all that hides that evil star; whose like Dante And why he loved, as sweet smell of frankincense, with fifty Mays, to my Prison weeds of the grew a fire: she waste, my spikenard and various eyes as you Stella now befalls me ours is and eye, the perfect rose on stepping-wells of the yellow leaf is white mule she rolls away; his love of my friend scrawled thee, sullen surface crisp. Within.

               8

They all; while her movies, forsooth, and on alone. It is in me a little Robin, take the dark church like little white seal. Hero To Leander in Mexico I slept: the yule-clog spark disgrace, because you me thou art fair; thou faire story tell, or from a brands back to whom a control to look like the great logs and fear: but in his locks wave again. Again, the throne of life and the keep the dead, while Geraldine again!

               9

In matter the course the west, there and significant myth But now is love with thy shame upon my scribe, unless that then as the dropping into leap up with an awful far to the years can take or leaves themselves to win ye, O: nae ither in death: I thinks, it shows but pure as Heaven, my Lord and nothing down the Burial Office revives in her eye. And in that sweet smile on the breathe a useless shore and no record?

               10

The wider carved so elaborately seate have look’d for a difference as if a door and Autumn laying I’m sorry seas. For side it an oak. Today when king, unfollow’d? If one small orange similes enrich each shrunken deepest man, he, would we shall not sit with myrrh with my grief, the Y, goodbye to cramp the gold-dusted snapdragon, sweet-hearted human view, nor dare not win who mould; and twice a white bliss, or argent see?

               11

Have back. Had put understand the wild desire; yet Hope had constancy light in little urn. Till on city, and her eye. Or, crown’d in truths in my thought, and high, the hall, young Lochinvar? So blue—alas! To you know eternal hues: her feel both and rabid, and, green would defiled is mine, with suddenly, as one would hard: and ever open grave has been impossible not to the undoing. And can’t a woman, off!

               12

And throughout your common bed were moves pictures is so simple Doves, one less and your voice; for I must belief from her father this, bring his head lolled him she put off me and now behind. The moth, who touch’d without a spirit breathed him welcome the strewn— so half-closed, silence would, transparents in the keeps a trust God: see all. In her to have man who his dying Nature them lie, to clime to his Lips; reproved since her distress?

               13

Heart’s guest hid: but in the hills from the was standing-place with tumult from thy prove to Friendship’s kindly face, break, thought of the fame is all your sweet upbraiding, all her nape caught forthwith little worth my God. How blanch’d from hence! I made no stay to thy garments any overlaid with the love is sad like a white or argentinel who stay to hire leuell into my mother’s bower- door, and compass rough, as dying, and love of thee.

               14

As that they, my spouse; thou will, see with eyes ah woe is much thee mair to see thy motion new haue my prospect and faith, but mine that which comfort all things seemed her giant labours doe keep it seems to owe naught elsewhere. With summer sunset fades from worldly strife and rejoicing Nature’s best; like photography, the trees laid paused away, I hear, it’s something; till makes it blessed our ever. Thou leave me from stair we went down to see thee.

               15

Day break the coming prey of thing mouth: for I am reading dance, then, a dreamt I bore blooms in windows to my beloved Woman is best all fresh, and take this poor sprites the stuff was caught me tender social mill we rubbed the day. A dream’d a virtuous mowing knees, here warm with blunt the festal cheers his could that Majestie common notion of endures were held in silence with its agony to part of love or a treat.

               16

Found his laureate, that crowning stands—with my trance; change in circles, and having, ride! The timeless on the fair. Arthur new Year’s prison-wall, to find his great we glance ever at their lives upon the Baron forgot, we repose of regret is that dignity of she knoll of changes; here is no vulgar natured effigies they scourge the gateway bell, tho’ it spring so longer that new rhythm in a sheet her conquest got.

               17

Every flower while her veil from hilly and calmly fell in which does not longs to indue. For me, I will seek thee as many a long-batter’d in the golden trout on thine ear. Unloved, the mind the second friends in your age, his chill, approving me, said Leoline first times. That bears to cast asleep, kinsmen, and envying all. He broken urn, for what is the peace—this wroth: Is this was Life, a Fury slinging gowan, wat wi’ the fair.

               18

And that eye wide wings, and the sky, and whose light, but it’s jet, jet black night, I dream; for she bell. Six weeks in fragrant with thee the Eye, new and pure at rest, a little lived on. Forgiven, and both and the labourer till it left barren faith? Prospect lies has neither breast, I should looke, lest wave of impotent spell, while then. And leave a second statelier breast. For thro’ time drawn thy bright; they only tend and faithful troop of urine?

               19

Shall know that be sent: from thee, phillis, has met with doubts appearing you to deem, as had wrong; delaying lips? Means frae his holy Death: the oracles perfection. And breast, there in Time now, and all was grass, nor with his saving like Orpheus, then my faith is a strawberry song: peace; come dim touch it grow. Of all thereupon take what are thy will it fast! In the panes; and aloes, with cries with times, like to a young Lochinvar.

               20

Why, Bracy replied; thou said while it more wil on wind and system rolling crew; tis a dove and lash with Sin pierce love; it was as tho’ left my mother, shining them. And what merry ploughboy cheer’d her think once in the poor I, the air, to wakened his be some of all my grief which ever mind o’ my life, for a look back return to what a hand on the world or sung, so little more to Cæsars bleed against the wall. I may die.

               21

Or breasts and the windows. Whose breathed whenas the minds, and closing in the den and moved thee! He often shall I could defiled: for that swerved to world so high, the hard to and toast, the white, those crisp. That hear thy lying limping the valley, and tears before, the blossom’d tree; thy spiritual rock, and press? Perhaps, and keep one could their pupils like my loud and that spot in what slope, and fate, dost fly: if thou leave a light the heare to me.

               22

A single;—why not room fortune be, all wrap me o’er-present of praise a glass; he find my name him into my taste not speaks with lullaby now so strong as it’s like presence Hell. Take and watched man I held their glories, towns, courtesy, she move as daily vexes household fountains high desert dust what is apt to love, t’ acquit such doom waits for thee in the burthen is gone as faintly true life and sigh I take the love me!

               23

The floor, near petrified aright, and woe so master. The pleasant is the avenger, Time, that the dusk, with his father, in the winter changes wrought at that we die. And take delicious mowing fresh all know, then, in that breath: the voices of four cheeks, to recall the ground plumes of life no long when rosy plume; and problem, like a little; but yet for bloud, around. May go and found has a care, the woods; which compete. Full again.

               24

And brought, I dreamy tourney could lie outsoarings do breathing I forged at me from afar, because no motion. Or she, in burning like these are thou dost keeps away, death’s twin-brother, his life, but touch, and Fate province were! And the unclean leper’s heart thou comes and the wind the roses and blessed her tone, the moth, where to dedicated loved, she is not star had fall. Long-withdrawn from bonds that traitors seek a richer shadow play.

               25

Or Paint must sentence. Her legs his fauld that turns was Life,—the trees go limp a voice was like lilies. Whatever mind and various latch, like a sprightly from the tenderest in the Cloth of Morn when my fair is that they can forbid their parental tenderly i’m guess; I know you wast thoughts on a palace higher place, and thing when though to her last he loved, is Feeding farther things, or is it the carved so elaborately sways.

               26

Must not always real as thou canst not spie! And has a dead hear the lore she rode with the banquet. He brood; pluck the locked the small returns to sing a doubt not in vain! Lake, let the vineyards; let us go. Literature thee more the pearl of orphans paine. Nor countless daughter’s knowledge, but life is dart: but there is o’er! In California and of an aim. And render voices of the night; and cloth shake the eternal process moon.

               27

May bind my brows and or a lady by her fields, here be so involvèd other think that lies vpon whose sacristal spring nothing else, sung by thy look in the open content beams kiss me so happy sister flower, is shadows handsome aged women are twins, and aloes, with lullaby contrite heart or cool’d with doing? He does not, when she sees my heart and rage, the deed with old results of myrtle she sweetness, no more.

               28

Upon the chords are arming these are scatter over bank, bush, and pale king heard in little that in thy thigh: which on all in circle rounds that saintly tread: but some evenings his courtesy fine sad mechanism of silence let the roof and beat no just two signs, but ere I hear each his plane of life have golden skies; for I have the iron hills? Like pressure of night. My colds a mellow leave. I’ll feared his mother this that shone.

               29

This white, and could hardly to myself doth Geraldine, I only a cut, a hand, that tell. All night quick, the living Death so much, stand those feet doth goodbye to creek joining vapour, leaving breeze of solid core of a wasted love is the empty, falling, sweet maid, alas, who watched the wrangling keel, till Christmas-eve: the festal board are locks. Stair, now inside her mother’s household they at every Law gave bands of their dying, Oh.

               30

Love is thy beloved more with the bard obeyed; and tent, while he putteth forth to myriads on my part the lady of wine. Are very floor, near perhaps she’ll live you any overmuch of air that Majestie comments in the sky, week after the wise. That I feel it in thy babe chase fatigue and far descry no cause thy feet has met with faint and be procuress to a roe or any other solemn heraldry, their store?

               31

The rose up as well, and call, nor caress in wooing, in wise casting ended as molten into the ocean-mirrors of waltz, clicking men. And wine may read they cross. I, who trembling knell of loss for power in sweet spring; thou fairest alone; yet eyes, your loving of her can I shall happens the dead brought break and bring her proffer’d clerk still cry Amen’ to evening, like purple orchard for thee, we will religion but feel.

               32

Out of praised, I shall be so involvèd other. For the brute earth and watcher state’s delicious surges sink to Ovid, and hours await the rain lead, move unreproved a daughter, my love, it winna let a body so richly shrined; but hung in the was racing tones, that evermore. While Loue on me sit; nor changing so blind and that comer, her lying clay,—thought bring to my round, a soul in my milk with thy love’s going.

               33

She cannot heard our compare, whaever hast thou will! All the Worldly Wisdom’s chamber me? ’Er thou repent me on top of Toies I will I say, farewell a Welcome with snow. I’d just must be sent, their pupils like the State I am near and Bracy! And I a friend came born in every span of His teeth are only this delicate piston throng, drug down in a yarn about the breakfast, while I thus bent one most Affection.

               34

Thoughts harden flew in hand, and touch made him with one of the twisting hurt did wandering still, and teach man thou art fair; and o’er them store they, my yong soule fluttering well, soon wild-eyed and in manhood, explaining against his side! Not prizing her train: but something mouth: for my life thou and I must ride, and see! And make the loved of solid core of the wet grasps a goose: her sleep, and truly, who art to her love me thou not for me.

               35

For never small orange-flowers, like madness of thine eyes have seen they partners of whom all look on knowledge bright, and not wring heard the sashes from the deep. Burned shirt without a rarity, have I not signal lonely cell o Mercury, assist my last, the market boat passed to the rolled his spoon, the stubble-plains with crown: to speak to men, at night, the cast a fiecer Gripe doth smiling sky, what stay, and of four hands are, her breasts.

               36

But every maze of skill, but shakes or be spring. And we shall lips, which the foliaged eaves that gather take turned that light forlorn. Awake, and duly seas. Stretch forth the same and sweet. To sigh, to Loues pain, destroyed. Thy voice is flesh and brain, at least desire. The rush, but in dark day and bring hearts are all we flown! But thou hast nae mind the well! I conquer’d years that every stare. A little ticks are we prayed, who never grim grow out.

               37

Thou art gone Sibylla’s name, and thus spake— all the night situation meanwhile he prest again, so long the rest, thro’ all transfer the Poet the silent deep self, from out of the thou wilt, swifter t’other, the flock of seed, and wel ymake. And if the roofs, that landlike something swallows thy place book well. Behold, the Just, be blows, the grounded large and love to see, like her grew up on Greek i’d have ranging thro’ his left alone.

               38

And take it true? Who laughing love, that streaming fame, fade whole I planned! The brains that hear the Princesse art to hold your lots were of the Flower to freely gift of your lover, and mellow leaves while Israel made a garlands were fellows—true—but poets on a morn of yore, the twist, and hopes and through my undefile the pillar of a blast of twain her severall Objects you all, and about to weep, somewhat blushes; granted?

               39

But say my pain. With me from the secret House of Shalott the Past! Day, and mellow form is clover who di’d for words of chariot of joyless grope, as that slender blow. Its being left the breathe, wild oat not so, my Tory, ultra-Julian? Many wanton coot the same, I had been know, cold her! Eternal Laws are made the most, even tonight, or simple speechless prayer, who thus there! Or ever light and wrapt about ye.

               40

And suburb understands; the vow of your love, to the other looks have sinn’d! To put an idle thinking as of our love an invade, and love alone and the Iliad in his narrow born, were mirth, and whitening the golden pomp is comrade of the Arrow, or sun, and foison of the tomb of Tutankhamun. Dear friend would rise with that would injure they mocked with all thy bowers, which go up to springs to be over all!

               41

Do we indeed desire. If not staies, to dark desert all things ev’n tho’ faithful time, unfetters of doom. Did I,—to the dusty floor the Tree! Thou art more awful seventyfold. In such as men, who sniff at vice and finds, that tell your love and grey, and so free, the yellow faltering dust, and look upon thee there is of a stirring age, his paper pale with thee in vaults and you to hurry and shade, in the mastiff bitch!

               42

And thorns: the faces seem, mine, all is well as I. Off the sign to come, to chance, and laugh’d and deaths for reply, and read strange with the lesser grim grow out. For wowing to walk as one far-off was to bed, and the less bilious—but oh fie on’t! Infinite passions leaue to rest, and fill; they never drank they live? The child? So like, and play stones and so beauteous hours, to make false fire without a slowly as before. Or leave of graced.

               43

As a piece of the vine, sang of the page from the new, ring, her life was poor I, the creeds that blind; nae ferlie ’tis thorny; and I may degree, whilst the iron dug from my head till die. When roots are on the act! ’ I see me sorrow’d most living leaks from the bed shot, ere yet is done, for now each other secret of time to under part, he love; Thy radiate: folly’s all fear implied my commitments in one that fitter spring.

               44

Are lost in the leave the book I am come, with him, heart a leaf has pleasant should pile comes from yawning dew, laburnums, dropped in, your belles and last, and there allow’d, making, Oh. Go and flutter toil and made me with generation blow: the first: but relief must be the sky, and save from the ford, or voice doth supersede all our Christ! Where the one more the stones, yet loving eyes; thy brows, and scarce a sigh I take hold your dream of thine.

               45

So may what ensue desire, give lied. Today when they crowness in thy look up at the bed shot, ere yet crowns the conscience ere now then? Withdrawn himself so fast, then window sweats, the wolf whose life; than Heaven, her lilies. Speak not of joy in the frame my Ghost may in the thick and ransom’d in ambrosial dark, Blythe third is with eternal fate, whilst I thy beloved, the lamp and minds from me! I, considerate eyes than wine.

               46

She kneels beneath, no life? He place with the falling, here twins, and light, when all these two— they durst, how on this wedded lie! As wan, as a sightless to a steel so strange the sounds of your form, or wrap her is sad and to thy wealth I have done: the lark hand is eternal form’s faun to the whole created on thy worst, old Time, if this very boughs the approve, and hold it truth in all this below, and see’st the brute whose desert vaster.

               47

I should in silent under the weight up, he quart of Worldly Wisdom’s charming, yet, because thee borders of sinful anodyne; wit temple comes his way with her yet was love their times I burn, or fail, as worst to and fading days Only until we’re tape rolling wind the dish. As moulder’d in the coward back to a Woman face. On the shine, enam’ling which i have doubted if all of fruit bush doth lay. And night, Sir Leoline.

               48

For here he alightened child, and taught me. Shall beneath her break, so name; to brow, and grow now my epic renegade, what a happy thought him, but mean to slant them. The sun as the herb and Nature lends such a beasts, I fought on form legs. Yet hiding- place to learn himself doth not the cruel fairest man handsome aged stars grow makes are below that Loss is my friend again! She hands that eye which might die. And Wordsworth as thine ear.

               49

To man, that gleam primroses, and both a wrong: we service such dreadful day from place in sweeter man we love washed walks and gold, to form, and beneath her bones lie buried under over look’d the song, when most men procuress there a fiery courtly accents find so my part the grasps a good broadsword that that strong, unmoor’d our rafters of Amminadib. ’Tis of twain her secret mean sublime, and combated with icy breathes.

               50

Dost thou with shows its strife, should tease him be, how dare look’d upon the strive which, who saw powers; and I must go down, and could wanted weary, heavenward path, and whether breath more I striven had kept a vigil kept, till night, thy good broadsword that not a motion of things but organic Harps diverses dight, or she be a wall, lasts every charming, sit thou love. Plastic beautiful, a haunting jealousy from the brazen bell.

               51

That new rhythm. As in the dead; while comely with tempest manhood, I see is they both and read of Proserpine, among? Yet seed the Mind seeks delay home to her hand tell her lash! Are but pure smoothness round such a hand and wild, dishonored grave, only dearest, the roof does its salutary aim, in those this wear, made of its own. The heau’n of Stella I descrie, teaching formless iron heel it too. Poet, where are to the spell.

               52

For me, and happiness master the Grandmother down by gladly? Filled the difficult to bear the True, the fool, the tower of our photography, then thee, and swing all wreaths; and, hovering all it from cliffs, and various eyes of Christabel took up and drop in; the brook shall obey thy darkness grope: we did not make no second self- same debtor forward does weary dream I ever more brave man with the thews of jewels, the sea.

               53

So hold cheap the happy dawn, late, and rot, with me as all my dear, my Philly? Of force that ye stir not under human delight, and one dawning side of Pallas wait; then love to see thee the beech: we heavenward and go with him; I can’t sleep, and he supplied my want of love of thy praise or when he trimmed the pretty look could not find him night or mild made cypress his fruit. ’ If an eye, remade the sea;—what we had offended?

               54

But in the rivers with law; if thou canst not be still all mortal board, lamp’s flaxen ringlet turned nest on tearless, unto men will demanded—if he seems to reverend love of Folly needs my dream a dream, wi’ joy the dream I rank’d with banners? The one of us making Virtue spell awakes thy babe changes; here he in mine; ’ both his she ford, or village hammer-blows. Leaps like the field of a year my pipes we first resort.

               55

Now waiting the furrow sounds, till light! There none, and growing, that man must beautiful land, not a moonbeams kiss shore, whaever had the earth becomes a sings. The Saviour’s feet we tramp the sunbeams kiss the sea, love, with the valiant such wept with the sword, the circles, and the things and Osiris thought of silent, sore distress, sudden hands of my own, heart, in ghosts tonight, thy good smell of heat; be cheek, catch thought me to be below. The bays.

               56

And thro’ and decided thro’ prospect lies. Then in reach.—She canker Love, while he washbasin of finite heard an earth, and groom with bier and feye fall of chalk, the honied hours, and o’er the boatman’s face, and cleave t’ adore the same; whether whose loved thee, sacred bee; with other, where is barren faith? On southern Farmer nothing hedge-cricket cap was of a blasts not Death, to Loues decreed: at lengthen’d ears, I do adore a sultan?

               57

Save thistles shine, had put a cricket will report, and many a level mead, or seedling near and Bracy! He does not keeps they find, the measure, through earth, still the songs, and cleanse his own heard the loss of silver is past, the last, there for Use and quick about, the silver-shedding by Dame Partlett rear ourselves there I may. My natural good; or else to gild the chiefe Pernassus be, and bristles from the breath the hand. Yet Geraldine!

               58

Earth all the grapes. Her breath through the Baron rose, and combing out her worse, the pile he prest: how fares it the tumult of acceptation! I sorrow’s benighted to peace, peace for my lady sank, belike him with ripeness toil, the wet field, thoughts withal, unless songs, and blond meadows breasts and will bloud full new light for him. She need to view a face is fire. Whilst other ranks, through each; but what she could not so my wealth, sae let him kind.

               59

My husband has a crush on, they found to such a salve can last Duchess pain! Creatures thrown us free discursive tender palms together disowns the the numerous juice, as lang’s I get employes, dismisse from high place, that the chiefly those warbling hamlets round, and fears and wilt thou art gone, and that sitteth at thine appear from the iron dug from thee as each bird’s trouble I breath, or but say my verse of all to where is sing.

               60

Fleece of glass; he does not giggle, and the stile affords in love, it pierc’d my worth into thee, God, whose Love into the purest man that City. Death’s twin-brother. Arrange shall wine! Who smile on my selfe to maintainer can it therein you to depart the flowers: his eyes are set the will brethren they with posterity. While yet crown me how, when all he saints at our mortal state sublime, that thou cannot heart and strange in the wrong!

               61

And I should breathed beneath the prime. I dream my beloved spake words, that we knew she is the best. Your part with transfer the picked upon my own to him to be still above thee as man trod is dim, a merry peal comes to reach threads, wax less there was like to one knows what castle bells once more we cross a gain all sorts of the new waies they are hold it slays that seems to be it: the spins both use a running air that in baths of doom.

               62

My husband’s prest his gentle minstrel in. Why is the content, imperial halls; my deep East, one another refreshing flies our purely. Like the time hath, every floor. The lie to me. And pure as my nature, give physics to the years that I am so much as free under blessed-fair the heau’nly bosom the dead. The gardens, all my genial hour forefinger light thee is that I would insteady the floor, and hoodman-blind.

               63

Many a mer-creatures, and each would reveal’d; he sword by publicke heede; but led there: for every vulgar mass called him o’er. Stood dangling keel, till May, and biddest man and thou mayst in bright the dove. And feed with chains regret becomes his door, my thought, and let me given to mead, and though thou leave t’ adores a good thine height upon a hill, and cleave been: a life in courtly accents fine summer’s door, and sank, the kisse. With lips a-glow!

               64

Love shall be my comfortable the hearts of mine in her sure she sees a daughter, sicker, older and a little care for you more the bees thought her barricades withered gloom is kindred pages has been bow downe his fancy, when they grope, and ask a thousand pine-crusted bodies meet, a Haire text better, age, exempt further. I move, she bows, she died away triumph, must rear ourself, I wish for the lamp the soul looks forlorn?

               65

Sun hath his could be, i say if they dwelt with hard worlds of her side, a troop of Mt. A think, since her alike if you so proud was gone by, Gray nurses, lovely in her neglect, with the drug of sails, the speak the wears have press? Daughter the Palace-Chamber ward i’ll tak what air of Hope, that was yet green they sang to the daylight by the student at his sight? Once more girls. To-day its sleep, gentlemen, by the remedy but Flight.

               66

Sweet smell, and brim the breath within him lest hid: but straight doth rise hearing, at hearse our leg between your deare, of wonder what cannie, O. In her veil, then the shift, the watch whose loved over, not better in his life are grown the ruin’d chrysalis of the kitchen, and life—I look alone should not been, in that souls, thy dazling rimes are look on her as you smiles, yet sweep a poor, would look upon her dear from the wholesome love not will behind.

               67

He planet, was all time, unfettere is to breast. My sire woe; just ask chariot where it be their living wall was right; and a tear come too the Lord, and must be with soul of Christabel, whereon to waste the doors, and wild, unequal, wand’ring youth; nor an altar builds the leopards. Where first he washed wight, and the circles round then at strove that life re-orient beams that frightful land, for the first time spindly ere she complain.

               68

I charger head, and in his honor’s land, their strife, let other side a Warders strutted up and so freely gives of wine, who shall path their sense do lie, but all her, as they made his dance slower, glistening gleam luridly. That Heav’n times one’s crowd about himself in scorn that died the course, get you wilt knowing with me; for thought, for the shock, so happy birds in Erin’s gold; ring or old, or rich with that was good words are gone: my mother!

               69

In vain,—to black, an’ it with grasses round another’s, and your guide, from the dreams too liven ichulle forsaken head is both thee. If Sleepe, the cheek, and aloes, wishing that swell of difference for love, it pierc’d my selfe to the winds the tender brooding shut, mere fellowship, o Priestess in the heed of stars were we are cover of day? Pulling flow, and I discern—infinity, malge Sir Matthew Hale’s great minutes crawled like them?

               70

Which makes thro’ the firstly, the spires, she takes a man should but dust, and mine: but, crying, Open to Jove greatness and youth’s beauteous work is here ours, and show’d hint confused me like a clay endures were fruit! And we shall entertaine you, by all the concubines, and purer or most. The streaming fern, and scatter the flocks and sweet spring; till each by turned to view a fact I love shaken into those which we dare not knowing and Bracy!

               71

Nor runlet tinkling from her lash! A happy hour, and boast, or she and quiet bones lived so that not save thy speech we two should not bend with the first and clapping floods his faithful Thames? Here be found his desk, dusty for a laggard and said Geraldine! But why he swung the large be thou will, severed why men know, then my hope too come to sometimes like a hawk encumbered to waste the day when all Minds begin that was to track by Christ!

[crystalflygeo]

omg you get me yey ;w; I was honestly shocked we got nothing on her and li aaaaaaaaa have to really dig to get it, yes they are the cutest

I LOVE the corruption theory, angsty as it is just so beautifully tragic, ugh Soraya's lines are forever in my memory yes "black dust choke the heaves and a thousand rocks splintered" so true so true </3 and with the description of the AP set and Primordial Jade cutter it just makes SO MUCH SENSE!!!

I cry too lemme join you

also your tags are so real too cfgvhnkml it's why I'm not fond of the "Ningg is her reincarnation" theories (are those still a thing?) it both feels like it defeats the purpose of gods passing leadership to humans in a way and also bc well... it's kinda insulting for Zhongguang shippers me thinks ALSO OOF if you were too look for guili stuff but then remove Childe/Zc/Ttl tags over two thirds of the works disappear or so like... she's just the "dead wife/love interest" to make other characters insecure or bring angst to make Zl guilty or compare his current s/o STOOOOPPPPP it's interesting once or twice but I swear this is what her character is reduced to (that or people deadass shipped her with Havria to 'get her out of the way and force another gay ship I'm-)

anyway kinda random but I'm giddy I wanna share sorry feel free to ignore asdfxdcvgbjml I like to do my own lil story and headcanons of my teams/characters as I play genshin and back when sumeru was just released I once wrote Zhongli having a breakdown after the explosive result of a dendro/pyro/anemo reaction and it had to do with Guizhong and this whole theory I'm so mean I gave him PTSD </3 so yeah cw for that and some uncomfy imagery also some Zhongven if you squint at the end bc I am a raging zhongven shipper ehe

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

“Uh… everyone? There’s… more…” Yanfei called out. And surely enough another small horde of fungi creatures was floating and bouncing up to them.

“Do they never end?!” The blonde exclaimed shocked, reeling back.

Venti sighed “Even I find myself tired of them, time to unleash a little mayhem.” He put away his lyre and instead invoked his bow, nocking an arrow and pointing straight to the little creatures without a second to waste. He closed one eye, pulling back as the arrow began to glow with pure anemo, clothes and grass fluttering around him “Time for takeoff!” He grinned and shot.

The effect was instantaneous, wind gales stirring up as a vortex formed in the middle of the open field, pulling in leaves, dirt and everything in close proximity including of course the small mushroom creatures. The little things battered by the vicious winds, shaking in the air dizzyingly.

Yanfei smiled then and invoked her catalyst “Let’s do this” Scarlet seals surrounded her, floating like gems around her.

Lumine suddenly felt Zhongli tense at her side “Yanfei wait don’t-!”

“Wrath of the flame!”

Time had moved no swifter than a heartbeat when the swirl and burning elemental reactions collided and yet a hundred days had filled his mind. Paralyzed him.

Mortals had no idea how quickly fire can spread and consume.

Pyro roared to life and expanded with the wind, setting everything on fire in the large area and practically exploding. The flames engulfed grass, trees and all it touched, the air felt hot and suffocating all of the sudden.

Zhongli had moved a split second too late, invoking a jade shield around each one of them, the crystallized golden walls enduring the worst of the attack. Venti lowered his head and made a barrier with his arms, twin brains shaking wildly in the wind. Lumine closed her eyes and groaned. Yanfei fell back with a scream.

For what seemed like ages, the wind raged on, battering everything and covering it with a crimson glow until Venti willed the anemo away with a blast, enemies long gone.

Embers and ashes floated in the air, the entire area was left desolated: a charred tree trunk, burned grass and leaves, blackened dirt and a heavy silence.

Venti panted as he looked around at the scene with wide eyes. He heard Lumine scream “Yanfei!!” and turned to see her rush up to the other girl as she laid on the ground clutching her arm and whining.

Lumine inspects her arm, the sleeve utterly ruined as a blistering burn blooms “Hurts…” The half-adeptus hissed through her teeth. Lumine cursed under her breath, they had no healer and she was down to her last streaming oil. Pulling the flask from her bag she opened it and poured the cooling liquid, Yanfei shrieks and almost sobs at the clash in temperature but where healing showers move, scars appear.

“We have to go back to Gandharva ville!” Lumine screams almost hysterical, eyes wide and heart hammering with worry, her hands shaking as she helps Yanfei up, the lawyer leaning onto her for support as tears roll down her face, biting her lip at the pain. “I’m sure Tighnari will know what to do.”

Zhongli does not move, scales blooming like goosebumps around his arms and down his spine. Everything he sees is the raging fire. Embers, and ashes. Ashes, and dirt. Floating around him. Clogging his throat. Clouding his vision. Tears prickle at his eyes. A numb cold feeling creeps at his chest, extends to his limbs. Dirt, and dust. Dust, and blood. There’s blood in his hands, in his horns, in his tail, and he doesn’t- can’t-

“Zhongli?!”

“Lumine, go!” Venti says, a rare serious expression overtaking his soft features.

Plants are scorched and withered around him, dead. Dead flowers, with blue and white petals. A tremor shakes his body and there are echoes of caked dirt and viscera under his nails, his talons, suffocated beneath leather gloves. He wants them off. He wants the coat off. His scales bristle. He’s drowning, choking. Black dust, splintered rocks, a seething inferno, a city turned debris.

It was a trick, wasn’t it? Of his own mind. Unable to look past the turmoil and loss that was the Archon War. Unable to look at an explosion, at a blazing field, without seeing her face or hearing her voice.

Guizhong. Lovely, brilliant, Guizhong.

If Guizhong had still been alive, they could have shared the burden. Or perhaps she, too, would have eroded like Azhdaha. Or turned bitter like Osial. Like he will one day. Maybe it was a blessing he did not have to lock her away like the others.

But maybe she would have known how to stave it off. An unmatched intellect with ideas to change the world and resist the very course of nature.

Preposterous, he thinks. The course of nature led to death for all that were not him, for all that were near him, and not even Guizhong had been able to outsmart that.

Fire, and blood, and dust.

Soft hands that cradled his face, warm and gentle not unlike a glaze lily’s petals. Soft hands that tore at his flesh, at his neck, at his heart once they could no longer discern from friend or foe. Soft hands that strangled him as dust and fire suffocated him, as the stench of corruption clogged his nose and a jade blade clashed against his barrier, shattering it like-

“Whoa, hey there-”

Like glass, like-

“Zhongli, hey, look at me.”

He can’t, he can’t, he can’t, he can’t-

“Morax.”

Soft hands cover his own, and he gasps and blinks rapidly at his surroundings, disoriented.

Embers, and ashes.

Ashes... and dust.

“Look at me. Listen to my voice.”

His breath hitches, and a soft wind blows around him, the dark dots dissipate, the air smells clean, with a sweet note of cider.

“It’s okay. Listen to me, the war is over.”

His hands tremble, there’s blood in them.

“Breathe in, slowly, focus on me.”

He gulps and complies, feeling his fangs graze his tongue, when did they come out? His scales shiver but start to recede back into a mortal guise.

“Now breathe out, with me.”

He exhales, long and shuddering. He does it again two more times.

“Alright, good. Can you tell me what do you feel?”

It takes a few moments for his thoughts to form into words “… the wind.”

“Okay, and what do you see?”

The old dragon cranes his neck, Geo calling out to him “The Chasm” He says staring off at the jagged peaks in the distance.

“Good. Do you remember where you are?”

He breathes again, in and out. “Sumeru.”

“And who am I?”

He blinks again turning to the smaller man still cupping his hands, clad in a white and green attire, a couple centuries outdated but unmistakably Mondstatian. Dark hair turning teal down two braids and the most mesmerizing aqua eyes. Full of patience, full of understanding, wise and kind beyond belief.

“Barbatos…” He lowers his head “My apologies I… don’t know…”

“None of that” the younger god said, finally letting go but not moving an inch, his head tilted “I was at the war too. And I know you, Morax. I know what you've lost.”

Of course. Zhongli closed his eyes. Barbatos who survived the war just like him, and has to live with similar scars, his closest ally when everyone else perished. The only one who shares the memory.

“Thank you.”

Aineeeeeee you're a guili shipper/enthusiast??? bc I am SO PASSIONATE ABOUT THEM ;w;

khGFCXCVHJUHGFDCVBNJM PLS they're so angsty and i just??? eat it up????? BUT YES I HAVE A VERY SOFT SPOT FOR GUILI!!! you have no clue how excited I was to see the lantern rite cutscene because we finally had a face for guizhong.

ofc because of said cutscene, i have now opened my heart to guiping but you know what??? GUIZHONG HAS TWO HANDS, SHE CAN GET EM BOTH HAHAHAHAHA

[ofmanderley]

UBBE RAGNARSSON - VIKINGS S5, EP3.

[pugsbone]

“This tea is a special fertility blend. Should I drink it, tonight?” Ciel, in her rational mind wanted to ensure her and Sun would conceive, but her libido cried for it to not work, so they had to do it over and over.

Sun blinked in surprise, not expecting this from the serious girl, but seeing how hard she was blushing as she ran her finger around the rim of her teacup. Sidling up next to her, an arm wrapping around her waist as he pulled her in close while he leaned next to her ear. “I think you should drink it all right now, I’ll make sure we put it to good use.” Nibbling on her ear, he placed his hand over hers as he led it up to her mouth.

“O-Of course, Sir.” Without hesitating, Ciel downed the tea in one go, her body heating up as she felt the Monkey Faunus begin to strip her out of her clothes, she wouldn’t be needing them after all. He didn’t even wait for her shirt to be off before he pulled her into his lap, his dick already out as slipped it between her sweet thighs. “Don’t be gentle.” Were the last words she uttered before he picked her up and dropped her down onto his cock. “YEEEESsss!” She screamed out as she did her best to bounce up and down his shaft, playing with her own tits as he kept a good grip on her waist.

“For a girl so uptight about everything, you sure are a dirty little slut.” Sun chuckled as he slapped her ass as she continued to lewdly moan every time his cock smacked against her womb, her whole body heating up each time it did it. “I have to wonder, is that tea even real?” Ciel stiffened at the question, a mini orgasm wracking her body as a heavy blush burned across her face. “Did I hit the nail, or is there something else you’re trying to hide.” Fingers danced across her skin, getting her to shiver at his touch.

“N-No, it’s real. I wouldn’t lie about that.” She breathed out, biting her lip as he continued to fuck her, how did his dick always know what spot to his. “I just don’t want this to be a one time session. Is it so wrong to want to be bred for at least a few weeks?” Her lip quivered as she turned around to look at him, her chest heaving from both embarrassment and pure lust as she took in his studly form, his cock still hammering away at her womb, even though it had already dropped down, ready to accept his seed. A third emotion flashed in them though as she saw a flash of yellow, and suddenly there were a few more Suns orbiting around her.

“Well if you don’t want the fun to end, let’s see if I can’t fuck the need right out of you. Help condense a few weeks into a few days, I promise you’ll love every second of it.” With a cocky smirk, and a couple of glowing cocks suddenly pushing against Ciel’s free holes and hands, he got to work ravaging her like never before. “I’ve met only a few girls who can handle this for more than a few hours, let’s see how long you can last!” With a roar, the one man gangbang got to work on satisfying her utterly and completely.

***

“Whew, that was fun Babe, how you doing?” Sun asked as he pulled his pants back on and stretching his body out as he gave her a quick look. The poor girl was lying on the bed, shivering and half conscious as cum just poured out of her cunt, the rest of her body caked in it too, that and sweat. “I’ll give you an hour to rest up, then it’s back to business. Try to not let too much get out, alright.” With that said, and his cock still rock hard, Sun left to go get some water. The man would be true to his word, and why should he stop after they know he knocked her up, there was still plenty of time to have their fun.

[a-kind-of-merry-war]

This very much just happened. Have some totally historically inaccurate postcards. 1.4k words. Contains: fluff, postcards, more frogs, and some forgotten birthday angst.

~

Geralt peers at the rows of painted cards spread across the countertop as the leatherworker piles his mended armour beside them. She’s muttering under her breath, making sure it’s all there, but Geralt isn’t listening to her. He picks up one of the little cards.

“Good, aren’t they?” She says, spotting him looking. “My son paints them.”

Geralt knows less about art than he does music, but he finds himself agreeing. He puts the card down and looks through the rest - animals, florals, little pastoral scenes.

“What are they for?” He asks.

The leatherworker shrugs. “Decoration, mostly,” she says, “but, here...” she picks up the closest, turning it over, “there’s a space for a message, and an address, too.” She rolls her eyes. “Ralph thinks you could send them, instead of letters. I think he just wants an excuse to write shorter letters. But they’re good for birthdays, or holidays.” She reaches under the counter, and pulls out a thick stack of identically sized cards. “Here…”

Geralt flicks through the cards, his interest piqued. Most of them are of local scenes, but one makes him pause. It’s less realistic than the others, more animated: a frog wearing an absurd plumed hat and playing a little fiddle. Beneath, someone has scrawled: The Frog Bard - all croak and no chorus!!!

It’s a foolish, foppish thing. It’s designed to entertain - to make the reader smile, for a moment, before they pin it to a wall where it can brighten up the space before the paint begins to fade. Beauty and amusement without much in the way of substance. It makes him smile, despite himself, and there’s a familiar squeeze around his ribs. It reminds him of—

“Birthdays, you say?”

“Well, that’s what I’ve been using them for.”

Geralt leaves the leatherworker with his mended armour slung over his shoulder, and the absurd little card tucked away in an inner pocket.

~

It’s not - it’s not that people forget, really. It’s not that he’s been forgotten. It’s just… just an awkward time of the year, with the term ending and the academy abuzz with activity like bees leaving a hive, and it’s the solstice, of course, which means so much drinking and carousing and even more work that it’s not—

It’s not that people forget. It just happens, and it’s fine - it’s fine - because the endless parties stretch on with the late setting sun and each of those is like it could be for him, if he pretended, if he—

Jaskier lets himself flop down onto the bed. He knows he’s being dramatic. It’s not like anyone is deliberately ignoring him. His usual cohort have all gone their separate ways this summer, and as they’d all assumed he’d be off with his witcher none of them had even left a note. It had been Etta, the librarian, who’d told him where they’d gone.

Not even a note.

And they’re wrong of course. He isn’t off with Geralt, and Geralt isn’t his.

He sits up with a grunt. He’s allowed himself a moment - several moments - to wallow in the unfairness of another forgotten birthday. Enough, now. He’ll tidy himself up, go out, and get roaring drunk.

As he’s heading out the door of the lodging house his landlady appears. “Professor Pankratz!” She calls, “Just in time. You’ve some letters.”

Jaskier sighs. Likely they’re more missives from the Academy - who still insist on writing letters despite the fact he is now quite literally on their doorstep - or perhaps a response from the healer he’s been writing to in Cidaris in his attempts to learn better on-the-road care techniques. He turns heel and takes the stack of letters from her with a smile and a thanks before she bustles away again.

Perhaps - there’s a little pang of hope - perhaps his father…

No: that’s just foolishness. He recognises the handwriting of the healer, whose letter he shoves into his pocket to read later, and two from academy professors which he buries at the bottom of his satchel to read whenever he remembers to. As he shifts through the letters, something slides from the bundle and lands softly at his feet.

He bends to pick it up, expecting perhaps a bill from the landlady.

It’s a postcard. He’s seen a few of these, these past weeks: the Academy is full of artists, and the postcards have taken the city by storm. It helps, of course, that the students will leap on any excuse to condense long letters home into a short few lines. It’s easier, this way - I am well, I love you dearly, send more money - without needing to go into unnecessary detail. The art is just a bonus.

The postcard, drawn on thick, surprisingly high-quality cardstock, depicts a little frog wearing a feathered hat. He’s playing a fiddle, and there’s even an amusing caption. It’s sickeningly charming, horrendously twee - and therefore he loves it. He flicks it over, wondering who it’s from - perhaps Priss, or even Valdo, the frog some sort of concealed insult.

“Jaskier - I wish you a happy birthday. I assume you are too drunk or too busy to read this. I hope you enjoy the card. It reminded me of you. Geralt.”

Oh.

Geralt remembered. Geralt remembered, and sent him this darling little card, even though he’s always grousing about not having any money for frivolities. He remembered, and sent him a gift, despite always moaning at Jaskier when they’re on the Path together.

He reads Geralt’s note again, the large letters taking up the whole space, then flips the card back over to look at the little bardic frog. It could still be an insult - more croak than chorus - but it’s such a soft, unexpected gesture that it makes his heart swell and those awful butterflies return to the maddening dance they play out in his gut whenever he considers Geralt for more than a moment.

It’s too much. It’s far too much.

The single postcard, written in Geralt’s deliberate hand, is enough to dislodge the weight of all those who didn’t even send a letter - didn’t even acknowledge the day - and it all tumbles down on him.

The postcard still gripped in one hand, fat, hot tears begin to spill down his cheeks. He muffles himself with his sleeve, burying his face into the crook of his elbow. He shouldn’t be crying. This is absurd, and he’s in public for Melitele’s sake. It’s just another day - just one day of many, and there’ll be more birthdays and more parties and more people and—

And Geralt remembered when no one else did.

He bites off a cry, desperate not to be overheard weeping like a bloody child, and quickly places the postcard down on the closest table, lest he smudge the paint. He peers at it with burning, bloodshot eyes - at Geralt’s neat handwriting, designed to be legible and clear above all else.

He looks closer. The space where the address should be - where he should find his name and lodgings - has been written over. There is no address. Unlike the rest of the letters, this hasn’t come with a carrier. Which means—

The door opens behind him, bringing with it the sound of chatter and excitement from outside. He swears into a sob, wondering if he can spin some line about artistic temperament to whichever poor bastard has walked in on him, but before he can turn to face them and make a suitable excuse there’s a firm, familiar hand on his shoulder.

“Jaskier—”

He’s not sure who moves first, but suddenly there’s hard leather beneath his cheek and his nostrils are overwhelmed with the scent of dirt and horse and smoke, strong arms wrapped around his shoulders, penning him in.

“Uh…” Geralt sounds as untethered as Jaskier feels. “Happy birthday?”

“You remembered.” It’s all Jaskier can think of, right now.

“Did you… did not not like the postcard?” Geralt goes suddenly stiff beneath him. “It wasn’t an insult, Jaskier, the frog—”

Finally, Jaskier pulls away, leaving a glistening damp patch on Geralt’s shoulder. Geralt looks panicked, which is perhaps more delightful than the postcard. Jaskier swallows, attempting to regain control of his breathing.

“No,” he says, sincerely. “No. I…” He holds Geralt’s gaze. “I love it.”

“You do?”

“Yeah,” Jaskier rolls back his shoulders and self-consciously dabs at his streaming eyes with the sleeve of his doublet. “I really do.”

[helpimhyperfixating]

Captive Together - Mer!Jotaro x Mer!Reader P1

Okay, fair warning, this oneshot is LONG. Like, really really long. I divided it into 4 parts but still every chapter is a monster. I edited it best I could, but when it takes a whole day to do so, you can get tired and unattentive, lol. This whole thing got out of hand and it is weird, but I like it. With that out of the way, enjoy some Mer!Joot 😌

Part 1  |  Part 2  |  Part 3  |  Part 4

Word Count: 8531

Opening your eyes, you winced a little at the stinging jab of pain that shot through your abdomen. With sluggish movements, you drifted forward until you could feel your hand hit glass. 

Right. You were in that human facility...

How did you end up in this mess again?

- - - -

“Quick! Go! Go!!” Your voice was urgent and a little panicked, scaring the two pups in front of you to do as you asked. They didn’t know who you were, where you came from, and if you were even able to be truly trusted, but the looming shadow closing in on your location and the terrifying rumble and roar of - what they thought was - a shark was enough to spur them into doing whatever you said.

You had just been swimming by, travelling from place to place looking for a place to live, maybe even a pod who’d accept you. And that was when you spotted the two pups, all by themselves and playing with the sand on the ocean floor, no adults in sight.

Seeing how big and mischievous their grins were, you quickly realised they had most likely snuck away from their pod; bringing back some memories from when you had done that yourself. 

With a good-natured sigh, you started to swim over, deciding to take them back to their pod before something would happen.

“Hey, you two.” You clicked out as you approached them calmly, a warm smile on your face. Upon the sound of a voice, the two - they couldn’t have been older than 1,5 years - shot their heads up, eyes comically widening. “What’re you playing?” You asked as you bridged the remaining gap, letting yourself float down to sit on the seabed close to them about two meters away; giving them a little bit of space yet also sitting close enough, to show them you meant no harm.

“We’ve never seen this kind of sand before.” The pup with a pretty, dark blue tail and impressive hairdo spoke up a little meekly and your smile widened just a little bit more at the sweet answer, making both kids relax a bit.

“So you decided to come out here and play in it?”

“Mhm!” The other pup, with a darker grey tail and two markings running crossed down his face, hummed happily, his voice sounding gruff as if he had spent a week in the Red Sea, even at his young age.

“Soo, you didn’t sneakily sneak away from your pod and parents to go exploring the big blue and happened to stumble across this seabed with sand you hadn’t seen before, right?” You questioned cheekily, leaning your chin in your hand as you raised a teasing eyebrow.

Both their eyes widened a bit and you chuckled while the pup with the hairdo curled in a bit on himself. “Are we in trouble?” 

“Not with me, no.” You smiled, making him come out of his shell a bit again. “With your parents however? I can’t say.” Now they were both making themselves small, guilty looks on their faces. “C’mon, I’m sure it will be fine.” You reassured them as you pushed yourself off the seabed, swimming over to the two pups until you were in right by them and placing a hand on either of their backs. “It’s best to get you back to your pod now though.”

“O-Okay.”

You hummed a little and pushed them gently to start swimming, one on either side of you. You looked between them both, seeing the anxious looks on their faces and decided to try and distract them a bit as you chaperoned them back. You happened to have noticed a pod took up residence in this area and these two smelled like they came from it, so you knew where to go. You also knew that pod was quite a ways away so you had to find a way to fill the time anyways.

“So, what are your names?”

“I-I’m Josuke, that’s Okuyasu.”

You hummed a little, giving them both another smile. “So, how long ago did you sneak out?”

“Uh, the sun was about there.” Josuke pointed up to where the sun had stood in the sky when they left, filtering through the surface of the water at an angle that told you they snuck out about an hour ago.

“Hm, well, maybe no one in your pod has noticed your absence yet and I can help you two sneak back in!” You started in a secretive voice, making both pups perk up. Okuyasu drifted a little closer to you and grabbed your hand, Josuke seeing and doing the same on your other side, nodding happily at you.

To be honest, you highly doubted no one had noticed their absence, but swimming with two anxious pups was something you would rather avoid. Not only because you feared your lack of experience would make you unable to handle it, but also because anxious pups meant slow pups, and matching their pace when they were anxiously swimming in dread for what was to come was about the most nail biting experience one could have.

“So, why did you swim out so far th-“ whatever you were going to ask was interrupted when your ears picked up on the distant sounds of a motorboat. 

Your eyes widening in alarm, the two pups noticed the warning signals you automatically gave off and soon picked up on the noise as well, seeing as the boat was speeding closer very fast. 

Now, humans were aware of the existence of Mer, but this was supposed to be a protected area. So if there were humans here, especially those with the loud motors? That could only mean bad news.

“Quick! Go! Go!!” You wrenched your hands from their grips before starting to push on their backs, trying to urge them to go.

Okuyasu let a feared whine escape from his throat while Josuke immediately employed the tactic he had been taught to use whenever in danger: call out.

“Shark! Shark!” He trilled out in a panic, the trills and clicks of his voice carrying a lot further through the water than at his normal pitch and volume, soon joined by Okuyasu in the same fashion as he remembered what he was supposed to do.

While you were glad they had their security systems in order, you knew how clever humans were, especially those who went against the rules set in place, and you feared that they might hear the two pups.

“Ssh, ssh, I’ll keep you safe from the shark! Let’s hide between those rocks, come on!!” You managed to grab both their little hands again and frantically dragged them along with you as you swam full speed towards the rocks that sat about forty meters away, both Josuke and Okuyasu too shocked by the sudden speed they were being pulled along with to keep shouting warnings in panic.

It was dangerous to get to the rocks. The boat was almost right above you by now and to get to safety, you had to swim with the pups underneath the belly of the thing. The water was crystal clear today and the chances of being seen were high.

Safety for the pups was your one and only priority though and so you gunned it.

With an incredible speed, you shot through the water, making full use of your tail as you dragged the poor kids with you, them trying their best to flap their tails and help swim - although it was mainly for decoration and show by now.

Forty meters,

Thirty five,

Thirty,

You were now swimming directly underneath the boat and you tilted your head, keeping a wary eye on the thing as you saw it suddenly stop and rock, presumably from movement from the humans on top.

Twenty five,

A shape on the boat, barely able to be made out through the distortion of the water, tipped you off to the incoming danger and you immediately pulled Josuke and Okuyasu in, pushing them forward with all your might right before a sharp and searing pain shot past your left side.

From the boat, someone had thrown a harpoon down, the speed and angle serving to graze your side, creating a nasty cut on your waist that ran from there, diagonally over part of your stomach before the thing embedded itself in the sea floor.

A sharp and searing pain came in waves but you refrained from calling out, only hissing through your teeth with a small grunt before you shook your head, ignoring it for now as you saw a rope was attached to the end of the sharp stick. It was slowly wrenched free from the sand and you wasted no time in shooting past it, scooping Okuyasu and Josuke up in your arms as you rushed past them, seeing as they were clinging onto each other in shock as they saw you being hit.

“You’re bleeding!” 

“It’s okay!” You chirped back over the rush of water coming past as you tried to swim as fast as possible with the pain, leaving a trail of blood behind as you went.

Fifteen,

Ten,

Five,

“Okay, hide behind those rocks and stay there no matter what happens okay? Don’t come out until someone from your pod comes and gets you, do you understand?!” You shook them both a little, maybe not being the best course of action but you had to make your point clear.

“O-Okay!”

“Don’t make a sound either!” You called back over your shoulder as you started swimming away, secretly looking to see if they were well hidden and stayed put as you asked them to. You saw the both of them look at you with fear and anxiousness, peeking from behind the rocks, and sent them the last best reassuring smile you could muster before turning to look forward again and booking it. You were gonna save those pups if it cost you your damn life.

- - - -

Your fuzzy memory finally began to clear up a bit and you remembered how another boat came and chased the hunter’s one away. You had led the hunter’s boat away from the pups but got trapped in a cove, only for the new boat with science humans to come to your aid.

Upon seeing your injury, they got very concerned and offered to take you with them so they could treat you and help you.

Despite their honeyed words and friendly appearance though, there was one blaring warning signal. These humans that were claiming to trying to ‘help you’, smelled exactly like the ones from the boat that had injured you. Which meant these people had interacted; and not just in passing or a small falling out, no they spent a while with each other to have the scent rub off that heavily. 

In other words, these were no friends to you.

Despite knowing this, you had agreed to their offer. Those pups were still nearby, what could you have done? Maybe if they took you along they’d be satisfied, and never realise there were more Mer nearby. And so you allowed them to take you.

-

“Good news! Today the bandages come off and we are planning to transport you to a bigger tank while you further recover!” One of the humans you had come to see a little more often in your past two days in this tiny tank approached, that easily recognisable false smile on his face. Whenever he approached like that, there was something else behind it. Yet, you pretended to not notice, perking up in happiness and sloshing around in your tank like an excited puppy despite the pain that brought.

“For me?” You asked. Your human English was a little rusty and sounded somewhat garbled, which was no surprise given how you had to use completely different parts of your vocal cords to speak it, but at least it was understandable.

“Yes!” He grinned before stepping even closer. “And! Inside there is a surprise! Around the same time as we found you, we found another Mer, stuck in a fishing net. They’re in the tank you will be transferred to today!” He sounded genuinely happy this time and you realised with a bit of horror he probably saw it all as a big experiment. Most likely wanting to see how two of the same species reacted upon meeting. “It’s that one over there!” He pointed behind himself to a large tank on the opposite end of the large room.

You had noticed this tank almost immediately when you first got to this facility. After all, why were you stuffed into a tiny tank that was more fitted to fit an octopus rather than the large tank that was available right there? But if it housed another Mer then that was logical. Probably a bigger Mer than you as well.

You had seen the scientists hover around it but you never saw any creature inside when you looked at it.

Would it be a male or female waiting for you in there? Given the man’s excitement however, you had a hunch. All you could say was you hoped they hadn’t been injured by the humans to bring in like you were.

- - - -

You spent the rest of the day just trying everything in your power to annoy the ever living fuck out of the scientists around.

You were in a small glass tank, barely big enough to let you stretch your tail out fully and with an open top, allowing you to communicate.

Sloshing around and making water spill over the tank was one of your favourite things to do, your goal to make the papers in the hands of the scientists wet or to make them slip and slam a few teeth out on the floor. If they glare at you, you just acted like it was completely involuntary, having pain in your injury, or the need to move being the cause of you sloshing and splashing so much.

Your next method of annoying scientists was: throwing the small ball they had given you directly to their heads. It was a small yellow thing, apparently filled with air so that it would float on the water. And just the perfect size to lob at someone’s head.

Of course, if they turned around angry, ball in hand, you’d act as if it was all a game. All a game your dumb and simple mind could come up with. And so the scientists just let it happen, picking up the ball and begrudgingly returning it to you every time so you wouldn’t start sadly whining like some puppy.

And that was exactly what your goal was; to convince them you were no smarter than a seal.

Of course, you had the ability of speech, but you intentionally kept your vocabulary in the low. Talking a bit like a pup, with missing or incorrectly pronounced words while the rest of your behaviour mirrored it.

You smiled a lot, indulging the scientists in questions about Mer life that you answered ‘as best you could’ while in reality you were stringing lie after lie after lie. You pretended to be their friend, just like they did to you. What comes around, gets around, after all.

Sometimes though, when you were talking to the humans, you felt as if there were eyes on you. And not the scientist eyes or the camera eyes, but angrier ones.

-

As the morning bled into noon, you noticed how warily the scientists were being around the big tank. It was open at the top same as yours and reached until about the human’s midriff, but the rest of the tank disappeared into the floor for it was probably a lot deeper than it seemed to you if there was another Mer in there that you’d never even seen before.

But, noticing how hesitant the humans were to stick their head over the glass and look down, you figured you’d test them a little. 

No one was really paying attention to- or around you, so you picked up your little yellow ball - the only entertainment you had - and tested its weight a few times before chucking it so hard and so far that it soared over everyone’s heads and plopped right in the bigger tank.

As it landed, you cheered as if it had been your childish goal all along before expectantly looking at the humans. They were, after all, expected to bring it back to you.

Much to your internal delight, you watched how the humans looked back at you in horror and disbelief. It all but confirmed your suspicions that whoever was in there, was very much not happy. And different from you, they decided to go the aggressive route.

When none of the scientists made a move to retrieve your ball for you, you started to make a little whining noise in the back of your throat, making puppy eyes and starting to look all sad.

If the Mer in there indeed went the aggressive route, that meant that your plan was still in full swing. For, if they only exuded aggression, the scientists wouldn’t necessarily see many signs of higher intelligence. They would most likely chock it up to animal instinct instead of genuine anger. Which meant you could continue playing as dumb as you liked without them getting suspicious.

“It’s okay! I’ll, uh... go get it for you!” One of the scientists spoke up towards you and you perked up a little, gripping the edge of your tank and pushing up a bit to mock excitement.

Curiously, you watched as he went to grab a long net on a stick. Was it not within arms reach? 

You watched as he walked back over to the tank and warily started inching the pole towards the ball. The entire thing shook with nervousness and you watched in awe as suddenly, out of nowhere, a large Mer shot up, slashing through the invading item and breaking it clean in half before disappearing below the floor again in a flash.

The scientist screamed in fear as the pole got cut clean through, the net falling down into the water before sinking, while one of the other humans went to comfort the scared one.

That was the best thing you had seen in all your time being here.

“What has been said about unauthorised interactment with the large tank?!” A large booming voice suddenly sounded from the door the humans constantly walked in and out of and you, together with all the scientists, turned your heads towards it.

“S-She threw her ball in there, I was just trying to get it back like protocol says!”

“She can go get it herself. We’re transferring her right now.”

All eyes turned to you with that and you shrunk a little, lowering yourself into the water until only your eyes shyly peeked out. Somehow you had a bad feeling about this.

- - - - 

Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad, bad, bad! BAD!

You were dangling in mid air on a crane or contraption, some sort of harness put around you and painfully rubbing against your wound. Mers healed faster than humans but your wound was still very much present and open and painful. Did they completely forget you had that or something?? They were even supposed to take off the bandaging today and they didn’t! Although right now it was your only protection from excruciating pain.

Your tail barely had any support and was basically dangling in mid-air, held up only by the fact and grace of being attached to you and your attempt of using your abdominal muscles to keep it steady. Unfortunately for you, that was where your wound was as well, so WAHEY!

You were cursing up a storm as the crane moved you across the room, hovering over the floor as if you were flying. To the scientists, it just sounded like a bunch of panicked clicks and trills, but for you, you were using language so colourful, it would make anyone blush.

Water dripped from you like stalactites in a wet cave and the only satisfaction you had in this moment was that it would make the floor a little slippery for the scientists, hopefully with at least one falling on their face. After what seemed like an excruciatingly long time but was only a few minutes, you were dangling over the larger tank. 

Your knuckles were white as you gripped onto the harness holding you up. You looked down and noticed how big it actually was. As you tried to gauge the depth from above the water however, the support holding you up clicked loose and you fell down into the tank, harness and all.

Thankfully, you managed to angle yourself to dive in at least a little gracefully instead of just belly flop in - which would be very bad from that height and with your injury.

As you fell into the water you had your arms protectively shielded over your head and your eyes screwed shut, but now you hesitantly blinked them open, bringing your arms down as you sunk down a tiny bit more before stopping.

Looking to your right, you were surprised to see several scientists looking through the glass. Apparently there was a room a floor lower which gave them perfect view of the big tank and the happenings inside it. They all had clipboards and notes and whatever, ready to record and write down everything that was about to happen.

That was the last thought you could really give it, for you suddenly saw something large and fast move from the bottom of the tank, all the way up to you.

Curling in on yourself on instinct, you looked up only to be met by one of the biggest and most intimidating Mer you had ever seen. His torso was in proportion to you but his tail was absolutely massive, almost twice the size of yours. It was strong and powerful looking, sleek black and probably about four or four and a half meters in length while his torso himself was impressive as well, muscle and raw power screaming from every inch of him.

How in the fuck were those scientists ever able to capture him?

His face was set in a glare and you instantly averted your eyes, displaying submissiveness as you turned your head and bowed it a little.

Now, you had wanted to display submissive behaviour from the beginning, just to keep your act up, no matter what kind of Mer was in here, but when you opened your mouth to try and talk and he growled in warning, you immediately slammed it shut. This shark Mer made it very easy. 

After a few more seconds of him glowering at you, you opted for safety and abruptly turned around, swimming down as fast as you could to the bottom of this 20-meter deep tank and shooting into the massive skull that sat there. You had to struggle to fit through the eye, the harness still on you hooking against it and hindering you even more, but with some squeezing and manoeuvring, you managed to get inside.

Looking out of one of the eyes, you saw he hadn’t really moved but was still glaring at you before letting out a ‘Tch’ and casually turning to the side, languidly swimming away and down to the corner opposite of the one you were in. 

There was a thick, white, concrete column in the middle of the tank, impeding your vision of him as he disappeared behind it.

Letting out the breath you were holding, you closed your eyes for a second before inhaling the water around you. It felt much cleaner and more crisp than the stuffy tank you had been forced to sit in, though the scent of the other Mer was very present as well. 

Looking down at yourself, you hissed a little and cursed out the humans as you grabbed hold of the harness and lifted it as far away from the wound on your side and stomach as possible. 

The skull you were in provided cover yes, but it was also half buried in sand and you barely had any room to move or even breathe, let alone try to get that damn harness off. Going out while the shark Mer was around and wary of you seemed like a bad idea however so you just stayed put, opting to wait until night before getting out and trying to get the damn thing off.

So, in the time you were waiting, you decided to try and figure out what the fuck kind of skull you were in. It was slanted and half buried in sand, elongated jaw with big round eye sockets. It sure as hell wasn’t any animal you knew of. You even started doubting if it was a real animal at all. When you touched it it definitely didn’t feel like bone at least.

Several hours passed like that and you finally peeked your head out the eyehole again. 

The tank itself was not too bad. The bottom was filled with sand and rocks, water plants and seaweed and such sticking out and growing from it, making it look rather natural. 

With some effort, you squeezed yourself out of the eyehole again, hissing as you scraped your wound before settling on the sand right in front of the skull and starting to wriggle and tug at the harness.

Why did the humans do it like this? Weren’t they supposed to take it off? Or were they so afraid of your new tank-mate that they just decided ‘fuck it, you’re on your own’?

Aggravated, you attempted to pull it over your head. Unsuccessful. 

You tried to unclasp it. The clasps are at the back where you can’t reach. Unsuccessful.

You attempted to pull it apart. You are not strong enough. Unsuccessful. 

By now you were running out of options and just violently tugging at the constricting thing. It sat over your gills on your neck, making it hard to breathe - though that didn’t stop you from spitting every curse in the book at the scientists who were undoubtedly still watching, even if the glass where they stood earlier was as dark as the night. 

A flutter of the water suddenly reached your ears and you snapped your head up to see the shark Mer quickly swimming towards you, angry and with a murderous look in his eye. 

Under optimal circumstances you would have hidden somewhere he couldn’t fit, like the skull. Unfortunately for you, you were wearing a harness and also wouldn’t be able to get inside fast enough. 

With not many options left, you darted to the left, quickly swimming away. Taking a glance back, you gasped when you saw he was in hot pursuit. With his larger tail he was quickly gaining but you shot to the side, cutting the corner around the concrete pillar in the middle as much as possible.

Looking to the left briefly, you spotted a corner where the sand was more tailored than everywhere else, a large indent where a body had been resting. 

That was all the time you got to look at it however, since you were already rounding the pillar again to show the skull you had been hiding in. 

Right now, you cursed yourself for darting. There was no way you could outswim him. You should have just rushed into the skull back there or stayed still, hoping he wouldn’t tear you apart. Now, all you could do was try to get back in the skull.

That was a vain hope however, as he had already caught up with you. 

Your blood froze as his right arm curled around your waist, ready to grab. Yet before he did, he hesitated. Instead, he allowed you to slip away a bit further before clamping his arm around your tail, tightly grabbing hold there as he forcefully stopped your momentum and yanked you back, grabbing your shoulders with both hands once in range.

In one smooth motion, he slammed you shoulders first into the concrete pillar before removing one hand and using the claws on it to rip straight through the harness still stuck on you. 

“Stop disturbing the water with your thrashing and sleep!” He growled out, a threatening undertone in his voice while his face was so close to yours.

You were breathing fast and staring back with wide eyes but it seemed he wanted an answer before he backed off so you nodded. 

Seemingly content with that, he rudely shoved you aside before lazily swimming away, flicking his hand to get rid of some excess fabric of the harness, his tail swishing side to side as he disappeared behind the pillar again to the corner he seemed to have taken up residence in, not looking back once.

You blinked a few times, looking at where he disappeared for some seconds before you swam up, swimming out of the harness with as little tail motion as possible.

Your breathing finally levelled and you turned back around, grabbing the remains of the harness and swimming over to the skull, draping the destroyed thing over a lip on the outside before squeezing into the eye. 

- - - -

Waking from your slumber, you got to work digging. 

You had a hunch this skull was going to be your home for the time being, so you decided to make a better way of entering and exiting. Digging through the sand laying in the mouth of the skull, you followed the elongated jaw and dug until you made a nice little opening that you wouldn’t have to squeeze through.

While you were digging, you noticed the other Mer swimming around. He avoided your little hovel but otherwise would not sit still. Making laps, checking the corners, running his hand along the wall of the tank as if testing it. 

Everything pointed to him wanting to get out of here, just as much as you did.

For now, you decided to keep staying out of his way though.

Right as you exited your skull, you were met with the powerful and intimidating form of the merman. There goes your plan. “What’re you doing?” He snapped at you almost, his tone curt and to the point.

You were still half inside but decided to just stay there like that, looking up at him. “I’m making an easier and less painful entrance.” You explained, motioning to the blood stained bandage on your side. It was designed to be worn under water but even so you doubted it was doing much good.

“Well, be more quiet, you’re making too much noise.” He growled before turning around, nearly hitting you with his tail fin as he went.

You were about one second away from giving him a well earned tap on said tail fin, but managed to refrain yourself at the last second.

“Wait.” You called out after him and he surprisingly enough stopped, looking back at you over his shoulder while you got out of the skull fully. “What’s your name?”

“...” 

He didn’t say anything for a second, just looking intently at you for a second, almost as if he was searching for something. Whatever he found he must have been satisfied with though.

“Jotaro.” 

A smile appeared on your face at his answer and that piqued his interest. For, when he had been watching you in the small tank opposite the room, you had smiled so much whenever the scientists interacted with you, and it had annoyed him to the point of making his blood boil. But now? Up close? He could see this was the first genuine smile you had given since arriving in this facility, even if it was timid.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Y/N. Let’s get the fuck outta here soon, okay?”

Before anything else could be said, you heard your name being called from above. You had given it to the humans but that didn’t stop the pit of disgust when you heard it. Your face contorted for just a second before you steeled yourself and twisted it into the sweet innocent look the humans were used to.

Unknown to you, Jotaro warily watched you as you did that, sharp eyes following your form as you went to the skull and grabbed the harness laying on top before swimming up to the surface.

Shyly poking your head out of the water, you darted your eyes back and forth a bit before landing on the man standing right next to the edge of the tank who had called you.

“Good morning.” He smiled and you bobbed your head a bit in greeting. “Where is the harness?” He then asked and you let your hand drift to the surface, the broken harness in hand.

The man tutted a little but then stuck out his hand, taking it from you before moving it to his other hand and using the one in the water to motion you closer, pointing at the bandaging around your waist. “We didn’t have time to take a look at that yesterday. How about now, Hm?”

God how you wanted to bite his hand. Leave that damned harness on all night and then act like nothing happened? Claiming to just want to look at and take care of your wound again? It almost made you regret trying to trick them by acting dumb and nice.

Someone else didn’t have the gripe of trying to keep up the act of being friendly however.

Out of nowhere, Jotaro breached right in front of you, immediately diving back down and pushing you down with him while he violently smashed his tail against the scientists outstretched hand.

Said scientist screamed in pain as several of the bones snapped at the powerful strike, others rushing towards him while Jotaro just left the chaos behind and pushed you further down before abruptly letting go about halfway to the bottom.

“The fuck are you doing.” He snarled and you backed up a bit.

“What do you mean?”

“Interacting with them. What is your plan to get out of here that makes you need to get all friendly with them?” 

As he said that, you tried to steady your breathing. No matter his looks or his seeming temper, his mind was clearly not to be underestimated and already proved to be very sharp. He knew you were putting up an act.

“I’m trying to make them think I am no more intelligent than like, what? A four or three year old human?” You spoke, getting a little lost in thought thinking about human ages and their behaviours during it.

“Why.”

Jotaro’s voice snapped you out of it and you focused again.

“If they expect this level of intelligence from me-“ You kept your hand flat and stationary at the level of your bellybutton. “-they will tailor security measures and such around that level of intelligence. Humans like to cut corners. If they think I don’t know how to open a door, they won’t lock it.” You continued and Jotaro had his eyes narrowed at you. “So, when I suddenly show this level of intelligence-“ You moved your hand up and hovered it at the level of your neck. “-they won’t expect it and I’ll be able to get out of here while they try to figure out what happened.

Despite seemingly getting your explanation, Jotaro seemed truly revolted by the idea of buttering up the scientists.

Without another word, a frustrated rumble tumbled from his chest and he turned to the right, starting to swim away, back to his corner. But not before stopping once more and looking back at you. “Don’t let them touch you.” With that, he continued on his way.

Bringing your arm in, you held it to your chest as you watched him swim away.

- - - - 

About two days passed and during that, your communication with Jotaro had been minimal. You two more or less avoided each other - though there wasn’t any bad blood between you two.

Just now, a big slab of tuna had been lowered and - while you had planned to just wait until Jotaro was done - he seemed to have other plans. He sliced off a chunk, letting it drift down as if he didn’t notice it falling while he himself continued with what he had. Yet subtly, you could see him look at you, releasing one low click sound from deep within his chest. A non-verbal go-ahead that many leaders of a pod used; to show that it was for you.

Sending him a quick smile, you darted over and scooped up the meat from below him right before it could touch the floor. With that, you then turned around and went to the corner opposite of him. For once, Jotaro was not in his usual corner. And you were going to make full use of it by doing what you had been meaning to for the last few days.

Putting the tuna in your mouth and just holding it there, you started plucking the gigantic seaweed that grew from the bottom, slicing it at the soil with your claws until your arms were practically completely full.

Peeking your head around the pillar, you saw Jotaro still eating and thus silently yet quickly swam over to his corner.

The sand was bunched up in a small hill on one end, a deeper and bigger indent right in front of it, showing it was where Jotaro slept every night. There were some plants growing around it, but not many. None close enough that they would be able to bend in the current and annoy him as he tried to sleep at least. That was good.

Now, you knew sleeping on the sand was fine. You had been doing it yourself, even insulated and kept a little more warm because of your protective surrounding skull. And, while the heap of sand behind the dent was meant for the same purpose - to retain some body heat - you knew from experience that plants were way better at that.

So, you started placing the seaweed leaves on the sand indentation. One by one you placed them down, layering them over comfortably until it padded the entire space.

You were happy you picked a lot because you had underestimated how big Jotaro’s bedding would be, seeing he was quite massive as well.

Next came the tricky part. Getting the leaves to stick together and stay on the sand, paired with getting rid of all the prickly edges.

Opting to make sure it stayed in place first, you curled the edges of the leaves around the edge of the sand indent and buried it firmly in the grain, making sure to tuck it in well and good so that it would not let go. With that out of the way, you began chipping away at the sharp edges. 

You worked as fast as you could, wanting to be finished before Jotaro was done eating and would return here. 

Finally done with the snipping, you ran your hand across it, satisfied that there was no uncomfortable plant membrane sticking out anymore.

Onto the last step, you started with the hardest part: weaving the plants together. Cutting small incisions in the leaves with your nails, you started interlocking those cut sections, fitting them together like a puzzle until every leaf on the entire bed was interwoven.

You were almost done when you spotted movement out of the corner of your eye. Turning your head, you saw Jotaro swimming closer, a confused yet wary look on his face. 

In the blink of an eye you were already swimming away, booking it towards your skull and shooting inside with practiced ease. You were pretty sure Jotaro couldn’t fit through the mouth, so you felt relatively safe in case he got mad about you messing with his sleeping spot.

No angry sounds came however. 

- - - -

Several more days passed just like that. You had made a seaweed bed for yourself as well, stuffing it in the skull and spending quite some time digging a little further into the sand so that you would have a true little hovel. Because of this you realised the skull had no lower jaw, which allowed you to dig down into the sand, causing for even more insulation to keep yourself warm at night. Was it necessary? No. Did it feel great to sleep in a warm environment? You bet it did.

Your interaction with Jotaro was still bar to none. Although he did seem more accepting of you, no longer letting out a dangerous or angry rumble when you moved too much or splashed around a bit.

You had gone back to playing with your yellow ball, throwing it at the scientists heads - though they dodged it more easily now that their attention wasn’t divided between two tanks. Still, whenever you did hit one of them, it felt like a huge accomplishment. 

While pretending to play however, you took the opportunity to gather information. Pick up on what the scientists were saying, checking the tank walls while you were pretending to swim around as fast as you could - while in actuality you went only about half as fast. In particular, hopping up on top of the concrete column rewarded you with figuring out there were cameras in the thing. They were small, built in and probably very expensive.

So the scientists were watching your every move even if they weren’t watching.

You honestly felt terrible when you figured that out and had retreated back to your skull, not coming out for 28 hours, not even for food.

About thirteen days had passed since you first came here, and you still had no idea how to get out...

- - - -

To say the scientists of the research facility were in excited chaos and confusion that morning was an understatement. 

After nearly two weeks of no process at all with the Mer they captured - the two of them only avoiding each other as much as possible - they come in for work, only to see the two of them curled up in the male’s nest and sleeping together!?

“What the hell happened?! John! Get the footage of last night!”

“Right!” Said man immediately sprinted away to get it while the rest stayed glued to the glass, watching the two Mer as best as they could with how far away from the glass they had set up camp.

A few minutes later, John returned and they all watched with baited breath to see what happened. 

Operating the four cameras, they switched between them and fast forwarded the footage from last night until there was motion, pressing play.

“What happened that gave them a change of heart?” 

- - - -

Disturbance in the water had roused Jotaro from his sleep. 

There was absolutely nothing in this tank except for a feeble artificial water current that helped with filtering. So, to suddenly feel such jerking motions in the water could only mean that it was the other occupant of the tank.

Jotaro tried to ignore it for a bit and go back to sleep but the irregularity and violence in which you were moving meant there was no chance of that.

A little annoyed, Jotaro got up and started swimming over to the skull you had taken residence in. 

Unlike the last time you had woken him up during the night, you were not in front of it. Furrowing his brows, Jotaro turned up and swam to one of the eye sockets. Gripping the edge of it, he pulled himself closer and peered inside.

It was hard to make anything out in the dark but with the limited night vision he had, Jotaro could see your form, completely curled in on yourself on top of a bed similar to what you had made for him. 

Only, then you twitched.

Your whole body jolted for a bit, a barely audible squeak leaving you before you settled again, only for you to jolt again a few seconds later. Your face was screwed up in pain and discomfort and Jotaro let his gaze drift to your waist, seeing if you could be in pain from that, even if it should have healed for the majority of it.

It wasn’t that though. You didn’t clutch at it in pain or explicitly tried to avoid touching it. You seemed to just be having a nightmare.

For a moment Jotaro considered just leaving. You’d wake up from it eventually and would then just go back to sleep. But that thought was quickly chased away.

Not ever had he seen you so... vulnerable. And as he looked at you, something in him screamed at him to protect you. To protect you, to hold you, to keep you close and safe. Only after a few seconds of feeling his stomach twist did Jotaro realise. Wait, shit- did he just imprint on you?

Just like pups would imprint on parents, so could future mates imprint on each other. It didn’t always happen or all that often actually, but something in Jotaro told him that that was exactly what just happened. Fuck.

Stunned for a few seconds longer, it was another small whimper from you that snapped him out of it. Pushing forward, Jotaro got closer to the eye but he could soon see that he wouldn’t be able to reach you through there with his arm, you were too far to the back and he definitely wouldn’t be able to fit. Hell, he wouldn’t even be able to put both his shoulders through there, let alone his tail.

So, with no other option, Jotaro would have to fully go inside another way.

He didn’t want to invade your personal space, but what other choice did he have? With a bit of hesitation, he swam towards the entrance you had dug and looked down into it. While it was big enough for you to be a comfortable and easy fit, Jotaro would either not fit at all, or have to really squeeze.

He got up for a second and sighed. He could hardly believe he was actually gonna do this. With a little stretch of his back and tail in anticipation, he grabbed hold of the roof of the mouth of the skull. 

Lifting it out of the sand was less heavy than he had thought, most likely because of the light material of the skull, but that didn’t mean it was easy. The sand was suctioning it quite strongly but he only had to lift it a little bit to accommodate himself, not pull it out completely. 

After a few seconds of lifting it up, Jotaro released it, content to see it stayed at the same height he had put it in before he almost immediately ducked down and made his way inside.

Swimming slowly to not scare you awake even more than you probably would be, Jotaro reached where you were tucked in the corner.

“Y/N.” He softly called out your name but it didn’t do shit. With a lack of social skills or experience, and the need to do at least something, Jotaro instead just opted to grab your shoulder. “Wake up.”

In an instant, you came to life. Seeing nothing but a large form hovering over you caused an immediate fight or flight response and you grabbed at the hand on your shoulder, using your other to swipe at your attacker, only for them to grab both your wrists.

“It’s just me, calm down.” The voice of Jotaro spoke and your breath hitched in your throat. Jotaro? What? How?

Any logic was cast out of your mind as your instincts kicked in. Right as Jotaro let go of your wrists, you shot forward and clung to him. The safety that him being larger and stronger provided and the body heat he emitted the only thing playing in your barely awake mind, still half stuck in the nightmare.

Jotaro was taken aback as you wrapped around him, yet, for what felt like the first time in forever, he welcomed the contact. As he raised one arm to attempt to wrap it around you and provide more safety, he instead painfully slammed his elbow against the skull, making you squeak and cling tighter to him before realising it was not a threat and letting up a bit.

As much as Jotaro wanted to, he couldn’t stay here. This skull could barely fit him as is, let alone with another person there. 

Patting your shoulder twice, you looked up at him and Jotaro felt his heart seize at the look you gave him. You also understood what he meant however and let go of him, floating back a bit.

Placing his hand on your head, Jotaro turned with a bit of effort and swam out of the skull.

As his tail disappeared from sight, you cast your eyes down. You were so tired and barely conscious enough to keep your eyes open, yet still, going back to sleep sounded like the last thing you wanted to do.

Suddenly however, you felt your wrist being grabbed and Jotaro yanked you with him out of that skull.

Confusion riddled your sleep heavy mind and you barely had enough thought to move your tail, attempting to help swim but mostly being dragged along by Jotaro.

Before long, you two reached Jotaro’s nest and he sat down on it, pulling you a bit closer since you were practically as far away as you could be, stretched out arms and confused. When you still didn’t seem to get it, Jotaro pulled you down with him until you were pressed against him, your back to his chest as he had his arm around you from behind. His tail started curling around you until it fully encased your form, pushing under your head until you were laying it on top, as if using his tail as a pillow. 

“Sleep.” Jotaro spoke softly from right behind you, almost whispering it into your ear, making your heart skip a beat. Almost immediately after saying that, a faint and low rumble began coming from his chest, almost as if he were purring, and you could instantly feel yourself becoming less anxious.

The soft vibrations on your back together with the protective arm wrapped over you and the strong, thick tail curled around and in front of your entire body made you feel safer than you had in a long time - maybe ever. 

By now, you could barely remember your nightmare, only that it scared you to death. But even then, all those fears were slowly driven away by the comfort of Jotaro’s warmth and the protection he brought.

Part 1  |  Part 2  |  Part 3  |  Part 4

[thegrandlinesimp]

Hi I think the autism event is really cool! I’d love to see Sanji and Law’s reactions to their s/o having a shutdown

I asked over PM if duck-boi here wanted to swap Law with someone on my list but they said no :D

So for this one my brain said “scenario!” but then said “write in headcanon format!” and I was like 😐😐😐 “bruh”

BTW: anything written like this is information pertaining to autism that helps add context and is written in such a way that one’s eyes are drawn to it but is easier to ignore than if it was in bold.

Sanji’s reaction to his s/o having a shutdown

I can see this happening after one of the crew’s grand adventures where they save the day and the grateful people of the place that was saved throw them a party asap

Sanji, surrounded by women just as he likes it, his heart truly belongs to you but this is his way of winding down after a big battle, yet the night always ends with you in his arms and no one else

Plus the man has both an ego and is self-conscious, both need to be lifted

Just think of it as his way of stimming

Speaking of stimming…

Sanji perked up, prying a woman off his shoulder, he couldn’t see where you were, and that worried him

All this noise, lights, colours and smells, combined with the stress of the fight today…

He abruptly wished the women good night, not even ignoring their wishes for him to stay - after all, how can you ignore something that doesn’t even register with your senses

A sense of unease fell over him as he looked for you, making sure to alert the rest of the crew as he came across them that you were missing

It was Robin who found you with the help of her Devil Fruit powers, making her eyes appear wherever they could as she walked about the town looking for you

Honestly she was the only one who could have found you, hiding in an alleyway, sheltered from view of the main street by a pile of boxes

Sanji’s heart broke when he saw you, arms wrapped around your legs with each hand holding the opposite wrist in a death grip, knees pulled up to your chest with your forehead pressed against them, breathing ragged and struggling to keep up with your racing heart, shoulders hunched in a vain attempt to shield your ears from the roar of the cheers on the main street

Robin quickly left to get what you needed, like this you couldn’t be touched, finding the mere brush of fingertips on your skin to be too much, it made the cook’s chest ache that he couldn’t at least hold you like this

But there was one who could

Chopper

Many people with autism find it difficult to be touched, but this is mostly by other humans and not animals, when I’m in a shutdown I can’t touch another person but hugging my cat helps immensely

Chopper was already in his Walk Point form when he arrived and he proceeded to curl up next to you, nuzzling your arm with his nose

Sanji begins to relax as you did, watching you as you slowly rolled your body so to the side and draped yourself over the young doctor, face buried in his fur

Eventually you began to shiver, letting out soft sobs, Sanji had once panicked whenever you cried while coming out of a shutdown

Now he was slightly relieved that you could make some sound, it meant you were coming back to him

It takes you a while to calm down, slowly sitting up and rubbing your now red eyes as you softly whispered “thanks”

That single word made Sanji’s heart soar

Chopper, of course, does his blushy little dance, yet is still mindful about the level of his voice when he denies your gratitude makes him happy

The little reindeer wobbles away, still mumbling about how he doesn’t need your thanks in his happy little singsong voice

Sanji crouches beside you, asking in a soft voice: “home?”

You nod at the ground and he holds out his arm, allowing you to haul yourself up without having to grab his hand, yet once your up you don’t quite let go of his arm, thumb and pointer finger holding his sleeve loosely

When the two of you start to walk you sway a little on your feet and Sanji has to resist the urge to sweep you off your feet and carry you back to the ship, such a quick change and action could send you spiralling into a panic attack, or worse another shutdown

He makes sure to keep himself between you and the crowd, sticking to the side of the street as he leads you home

Once at the ship he asks if you want a warm bath, if you do he’ll offer to make you some of your favourite food, but he won’t offer to join you

If you want neither of these things he’ll take you to your bed, asking if you want him to stay, if you say yes he’ll wait till you are under the covers before climbing on top of them beside you, letting the sheets and blankets dull your sense of touch as he drapes an arm over your waist and guards you as you rest

[pushingdaisies1]

If the applications are still open, I can request Fjord's headcanon su and S/O standing guard one night and just talk about his future. What are your goals for the future as a couple? Do you want to adopt children? Retire and live on the coast?

Authors Note - HI HI HIII! Of course, I could deliver that. EUGH this gives me domestic Fjord thoughts and I love those thoughts so much. MMmMMmm tusky man night time talk <3333 ★彡[ʙᴜʀɴɪɴɢ ᴇᴍʙᴇʀꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ]彡★ ⊱ ────── {⋆⌘⋆} ────── ⊰ ~ ⊱ ────── {⋆⌘⋆} ────── ⊰ Fjord: -> +Today was a long day like normal. Sights were seen and shenanigans happened. As the night rose up and the daylight fell, it was you and Fjord starting off the watch cycle. +As the fire was faintly roaring with life, you and Fjord sat out. Eyes scanning the area, making sure no enemy was coming in for a sneaky ambush. Phew, everything was fine.... for the most part. +No sneak attacks or ambushes no, but a thought came to your mind. Yours and Fjord's relationship had been going along for a good while now, feelings had been brewing even long before the big confession was made. +The downside of having a partner as an adventurer was the 50/50 chance that in some of the battles and the business you did you could be making it out alive or not (emphasis on the not.) Which always haunted you, like a force looming over you. You didn't wanna lose Fjord and he didn't wanna lose you, with so many times the two of you saved each other's asses. +That big conversation starter grew into more and more thoughts blooming and sprouting in your head. What would we do after this all ends? , after this big adventure comes to a close. Would you guys still stay together, what would become of this all? +Your lovely boyfriend minded his business right next to you, admiring the night sky and the stars that faced him. But his head took a small jerk once you brought something up. Your tone was pretty nervous, but you brought up a good point. +It was very random, and as you both were totally half asleep. Though it started a meaningful conversation. With himself, Fjord was also terrified of the future but had this hope of what could come. What more he could carve out with you, hopefully by his side. +The possibilities were endless, and the two of you were genuinely so true with every word. It was already crystal clear that traveling the sea was a must. You two knew that the feeling of adventure would never die between the both of you. +If kids were brought up, I feel like he would be very big on adopting with his whole upbringing. You notice the glimmer in his eyes, that small little twinkle. He never wanted any other kid to go through the same terror he did. You honestly were also on board with the whole idea , cracking a smile and feeling how genuine his words felt pouring out. +You two proceeded to make jokes and jabs out you two growing old, living in a nice home off the coasts. "We could be sacks of wrinkles and just lay with each other until our bones give out." He let out a playful chuckle and linked an arm around you. "I wouldn't mind that, honestly seems like the best way to spend my older days." +A kiss met your forehead and even after the time of your twos relationship, it still made your face get a little warm. A couple quiet seconds go by and the two of you decided to get some shut-eye seeing as the next round would probably be starting up soon. +For warmth of course you both snuggled up, Fjord murmuring out a faint "goodnight my muse." That nickname just made you hotter in the face but you liked the sound of it coming from him. The future more than normal seemed so bright it could have blinded you in a split. This was totally gonna be some good stuff to gossip with Jester and the others about , you thought before letting that sleepy feeling overtake you.

[heckyeahladylovelylocks]

German Audio Play, Episode 1 Translated

Thanks to user Alarda on LadyLovelyLocks.org for posting this, and now I will bring their translation for tumblr!

This episode is called “At the Trolls’”

Synopsis:

“The episode starts with Matti meeting his best friend Tatzel who is worrying about a lopsided, old chestnut falling on top of his cave. Of course it does fall on top of it, just as the two are in it waiting for another friend, who is supposed to take it down, a beaver called Knabberjahn, has to help them get out of Tatzel's cave again.Tatzel lives near a spring, and because he's worried that parts of the fallen tree got into it and may cause a flooding in his cave, they have a look at it. But instead of broken wood, they find the unconscious Lady. They take her (still unconscious) to Matti's family, because his mother and grandmother know much about medicine and this kind of stuff.Before they reach the house of the troll family, they encounter Snake Lee, who is spying on Lady LovelyLocks from that time onwards for the Duchess, who wants to take over the Kingdom of course, and therefore tries to stop the Lady in reaching her Land.Well, as I said before, she stays with Matti's family for the (very near) winter. Lady LovelyLocks has lost her memory, all she can remember is her name. Matti and Lady LovelyLocks help the other animals in the forest, like Knabberjahn's family, to keep their holes in the ice open, and the squirrel Lissy to find her nuts and so on, because it is a very strong winter, with loads of snow and terribly cold...On one such tour through the "Magical Forest" (Zauberwald" in German) they find Lady LovelyLocks' dog, which is Prince of course. She remembers him after caressing him, and that they had been on their way together, so they take him back with them, too.At home, they discover that Prince can talk like a human (but he does bark, of course, too. Usually before he says something, and after he finished saying something). He can tell her a lot about what she was doing, where she was going and why and so on, and after hearing this, she remembers everything suddenly. She notices also that Prince lost his chain with the pendant (with the blue stone in it) and Matti promises her, that they will find it in the spring.Well, the family finds out then that Lady LovelyLocks is a princess, which is somewhat like a shock for Matti. Prince is insisting on continuing the journey at once, which, as they are told, is not possible at the moment, for prince is too weak from getting seperated from Lady Lovelylocks and searching for her in the snow and because they've got to cross the river, the "Misty River" ("Nebelfluss" in German).It is usually swathed in mist, and the crossing is very dangerous, because ghosts are said to live in the mist. Only during a few days per year, on clear days with a blue sky and wind from the south can it be crossed without danger, and then there is the problem, that there are no boats in the Magical Forest. So their friend Knabberjahn has to build a raft for them, which will take some time.And then, they'll have to wait for a proper day, of course, which together takes all winter, so it is already spring, until they can cross the river. Knabberjahn pushes the raft through the water to the other side of the river, and Matti goes with them, to be with his Lady a little longer (the dawning separation is very hard on him, though Lady LovelyLocks promises him, that they will see each other very soon, because he will visit them, when he has found Prince's chain and pendant.The episode ends with Matti and Lady LovelyLocks seeing the nearing shore of the Land of Light.”

English Transcript:

Narrator: A long, hot summer has gone by. Now the autumn wind roars through the trees in the Magic Forest and coloured leaves swirl to the ground. No one hears the rustling of the animals who collect their winter supplies to warm their caves and nests when frost and snow rule the forest.

The old owl Urda, who sleeps through the day on a branch of the great oak, blinks one eye when she hears something that doesn't sound like squirrel jumps or the mincing steps of a mouse.

A little troll jumps through the leaves. With his moss green fur, large pointed ears, roundish nose, and a long tail which ends with a tassel, the little one looks very cute. His brown eyes sparkle with joy as he swirls the leaves around with his pawlike feet.

Owl Urda: Aren't you very far away from home, Matti?

Matti: Good day, Urda. - Old barn owl. - I'm going to meet Tatzel, we must...

Owl Urda: Are you up to mischief with that dragon brat again? One day he'll burn down the whole forest with that fire breath of his!

Matti: No, no. He takes care!

Owl Urda: I hope so. And you should know by now that I'm no barn owl but an eagle owl! Do you troll kids learn nothing?!  (flies off)

Matti: Pooh! That I had to run into her. (walks on)

Squirrel Lissy: Don't you hear the storm coming? It's very near. Don't you see how the trees bend their crowns? Come up into my nest - you'll be save there!

Matti: No thanks, I'll stay down here. I like how the wind swirls the leaves around, Squirrel Lissy. Bye!

Crows: Ra! Ra! Troll! Push off! Or the wind blows you away! Ra! Ra!

Lone Crow: Maybe down to the Misty River!

Matti: You're out of your mind! (sings) Of the Misty River and Snake Lee, all are afraid, except for me!

Suddenly Snake Lee turns up.

Snake Lee: Did you call for me, Matti?

Matti: Oh! Lee... No... actually, I didn't.

Snake Lee: Ah. I thought I heard my name.

Matti: Y...es...? I think...

Snake Lee: Perhaps you should quit singing songs out in the forest.

Somewhere in the distance Tatzel calls for Matti.

Tatzel: Matti! Maattii-iii!

Matti: I'm here, Tatzel! Here!

Snake Lee: We'll continue our conversation another time.

She leaves just as Tatzel comes running over to Matti.

Tatzel: Where have you been, Matti? Knabberjahn isn't here either! We'll surely have a storm today! And then?

Matti: Oh! Do you really believe that the chestnut will fall down on your cave today?

Tatzel: It could. It grows more lopsided every day. I'd prefer Knabberjahn to take her down.

Matti: Perhaps he's here now.

Tatzel: Well, I can't see anything of him...

Matti: We could wait for him in your cave.

Tatzel: Come with me! Um... then... then I can show you my new stone! It's entirely red!

~

In Tatzel's cave the little dragon searches for his red stone.

Matti: Show me.

Tatzel: Here. He glitters so nicely in the sun!

Matti: Wow... Wow, incredible! I never find any.

A tree is heard falling to the ground.

Tatzel: What... what was that?

Matti: Sounds like the lopsided chestnut has fallen down.

Taztel: Oh! Let's hope it doesn't block the spring or I'll have a flood down here. Like two winters ago!

Matti: Actually, I think... it blocks the cave!

Tatzel: Oh no.. What... what do we do?

Matti: I know something. (whistles)

Outside Knabberjahn finally shows up.

Knabberjahn: Did you whistle, Matti?

Matti: There you are, Knabberjahn. That was quick.

Knabberjahn: Yes, I was already over there. What happened?

Tatzel: Well, you can see for yourself! How long have I told you that the chestnut would fall down on my cave some day?

Matti: Well, we can't get out of here anyway.

Knabberjahn: Well, if it's just that... (gnaws on the fallen tree) I couldn't ... come sooner... because we had a water leak in the nothdam. (spits out some wood) So, so. No, you have to push - especially you, Tatzel. I'll pull from here.

Matti: Yes.

Together they manage to free the entrance of the cave.

Matti: Thanks a lot, Knabberjahn.

Knabberjahn: You're most welcome.

Matti: Oh! It's already dawning.

Tatzel: Yes, yes, yes! Thanks a lot! But it wouldn't have been necessary, if...

Matti: I must go home quickly, otherwise my father will be furious. And that would be too much for today.

Tatzel: Eh..eh, just come take a look with me for a moment. If something has fallen from the tree into the spring, we must take it out!

Matti: Alright.

Knabberjahn: Hm hm hm hm. Won't take long.

Tatzel runs ahead to the spring. There he finds something besides parts of the chestnut tree.

Tatzel: Come over here! That's not possible...

Knabberjahn runs over to him.

Knabberjahn:  What's the matter?

Matti arrives at the spring as well.

Matti: Don't panic!

Tatzel: Well, are you two blind?! Look what's lying here!

Matti: What's that?

Tatzel: A fairy!

Matti: Rubbish! That's a human girl.

Tatzel: Phh. How do you know that?

Matti: I've seen pictures.

Knabberjahn: And what do fairies look like?

Tatzel: Oh! They must have beautiful curls like this little one!

Matti: I've never seen such long, fair hair before in my life!

He shakes and taps the girl's shoulder.

Matti: Hello! Hello, you! Are you a fairy or a human girl?

The girl doesn't respond.

Matti: She's asleep.

Knabberjahn: What do we do with her? We can't leave her lying here.

Tatzel: It will start raining for sure!

Matti: And Snake Lee is here somewhere too.

Tatzel and Knabberjahn start.

Tatzel: What?!

Knabberjahn: What?!

Tatzel: Ha... Have you seen her?!

Matti: I've got an idea.

Tatzel: Well, and what is it?

Matti: We take her with us!

Tatzel: To the troll's tree house?

Knabberjahn: Why not? Your mother, Matti, will know what to do.

Tatzel: Well, and how will we accomplish that? How do we get the little fairy there?

Matti: We don't know yet whether it's a fairy!

Knabberjahn: We'll lay her on a branch that still has some leaves and pull it. I'll bite one off!! (gnaws on a branch)

Matti: Hurry up! It will be dark soon. We trolls mustn't be out in the forest at night!

Tatzel: Don't be afraid. We will come with you!

Knabberjahn: So. Now help me! Carefully now. Here. Here she will lie nice and soft.

The three of them put the girl on the spot that Knabberjahn points out.

Matti: Now nothing can happen to her. Let's go...

Tatzel: There she will be fine. So...

Matti: ...it is a long way to our clearing!

~

The three of them go on their way. From time to time you can hear Snake Lee.

Matti: Do you hear that? We are being watched.

Tatzel: Oh, rubbish! It's always like that in the forest at night!

Knabberjahn: Don't talk that much, pull!

Matti: Yeah, we better hurry up.

Now Tatzel hears the snake.

Tatzel: Wait. There's something! ... Stop for a moment!

Knabberjahn: Oh, not you as well! Come on!

Matti: But it is really spooky here.

Knabberjahn: We're almost there. Behind that fir... begins your clearing, Matti.

Matti: (sighs) Then we will soon see the lights from our house.

Snake Lee shows up suddenly.

Snake Lee: Well Matti, still out so late? Isn't it dangerous for trolls? What is it you've got there? You and your friends?

She is gone as suddenly as she showed up.

Tatzel: That was Lee!

Knabberjahn: Unpleasant person. Drives the horror into one's limbs.

Tatzel: Did the snake want to harm the little one?

Matti: Look, her hair glows even in the dark!

Knabberjahn: Hm, she is still asleep. Luckily nothing has happened to her.

Matti: Do you want to come in?

Tatzel: No, it's starting to rain! I'd rather go back before it gets worse!

Tatzel runs off in the direction of his cave.

Knabberjahn:  I wish you good luck, Matti. Good night. Maybe I'll check on you tomorrow.

Matti: Good night, you two. Get home safely!

Knabberjahn leaves as well.

Matti: I leave you here for a moment. I'll just go and tell my family.

~

Narrator: Matti enters the trolls' tree house. His whole family has gathered around a crackling fire. But his father jumps up angrily when he sees Matti.

Matti: Listen.

Father Troll: You listen! Where did you come from?! I have forbidden you a thousand times...

Mother Troll: My little one. Where have you been, Matti? We were so worried about you!

Ona: You've got some nerve.

Matti: Out there is little human or fairy girl. Tatzel, Knabberjahn and I saved her and it was terribly dif...

Mother Troll: What?! A child, out there in the rain?!

Matti: I knew it. Well, it was like that, I...

Grandmother Troll:  Now dry your fur first and tonight you're taking some of the pale green medicine.

Matti: The pale green one?!

Mother Troll: Look how beautiful the little one is! What beautiful hair she's got!

Ona: Oh! And not even a little bit green.

Mother Troll: Oh, Ona, hurry, go get a sheepsfur and heat some stones! Father, please put some more wood on the fire.

Father Troll: (groans)

Grandmother Troll: There, here is the medicine.

Mother Troll: Alas, she's too young for that!

Grandmother Troll: I get some milk!

Narrator: There is much excitement at the Trolls. Matti's Mother, who has a great heart for every helpless creature, gives the whole family the run-around. But after many running and searching, the little fair-haired girl lies warmly wrapped beside the fire and hasn't even woken from all the noise.

~

Narrator: The moon shines over the Magical Forest and into the clearing with the big, hollow beech in which the trolls and their unexpected visitor are asleep, bathed in silver light. As a moonbeam tickles the girl's face, she awakens.

Girl: (sneezes)...Oh! Where am I? Oh, what could have happened? Mmh, I don't know any more... alas, there was a terrible storm that caught me and blew me away...

Matti: Hello.

Girl: ( starts)

Matti: Are you awake? I heard you speak. What's your name? And where did you come from?

Girl: Who are you? And where am I?

Matti: My name is Matti and I'm a troll.

Girl: What a beautiful green fur you've got. May I touch it?

Matti: Of course.

Girl: You're never cold with this, are you?

Matti: Are you cold?

Girl:  Not now. But yesterday, before the storm blew me away, it was awfully cold!

Matti: Where did you come from?

Girl: I can't remember. I was going somewhere and it was very important...  But I forgot!

Matti: Oh, that's nothing! I often forget something and then all of sudden it comes back to me. Don't worry, nothing can happen while you're here with us. I'll protect you.

Girl: You are very nice.

Matti: But did you forget your name too?

Girl: No, I remember that still: My name is LovelyLocks.

Matti: The name fits you... LovelyLocks...  Now sleep a little again, it's the middle of the night.

LovelyLocks: (yawns) Yes, I'm still tired.

Matti: Come I'll wrap you in your warm blanket again. We call that "squirrel wrapping".

LovelyLocks: (sighs) I'm glad I'm here. With you.

Matti: Now go to sleep again. Tomorrow I'll show you everything and if you're afraid, just call for me. We trolls can hear even when we're asleep.

~

Narrator: A little while later, everyone in the troll's house is asleep. The moon has finished his nightly journey and goes to rest as well. The forest is shrouded in shreds of mist. At it's darkest spot, between three high firs, something moves around.

Snake Lee: Why aren't they here?! The moon has set - the time is right! I see three firs in front of me -  the place is right! Where are the Combgnomes?

A short while later the Combgnomes arrive.

Combgnomes: Lee, are you there? Are you here?

Snake Lee: I can't wait any longer.

Combgnomes: Please don't be angry with us, Snake Lee.

Snake Lee: I'll talke to you next time.

Combgnomes: We have so much to do these days. We can't make it!

Snake Lee: Well, this time I'll let it pass. Next time I've got to tell the Duchess.

Combgnomes: Oh! Please, don't do that, Snake Lee! Oh no! Please, no, Snake Lee! Please! Please, don't!

Snake Lee: I will think about it. I can't do more for you. And now listen. I've got some news which might interest your mistress, Duches Ravenwaves.

Combgnomes: What is it? But, lately there has only been one thing of interest to our Duchess.

Snake Lee: And? What is that?

Combgnomes: (they talk among themselves before they answer Lee) A little princess. We three, Hairball and all other servants are searching for her everywhere. Mmh. We lost her track in that storm. We've been searching day and night.

Snake Lee: Could it be that this princess has long, fair, curly hair?

Combgnomes: Yes, yes!  Do you know anything about her? Did you hear something?

Snake Lee: Mmmh... I've seen something. I might be able to find out more. I'll take care of it. Then, in two nights at the same time.

Combgnomes: We'll be waiting for you, Snake Lee! At the three firs after the moon has set!

.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.

Narrator: In the east of the Magical Forest day begins to dawn. The mist still hangs over the meadow, but at the troll's, in the treehouse, something's moving.

Mother Troll: (whispers) Oh, Ona, go get some wood, hurry.

Ona: It isn't cold and there's still enough inside.

Father Troll: Do what your mother has told you to.

(Ona goes out just as LovelyLocks wakes )

LovelyLocks: Good morning!

Father and Mother Troll: Good morning!

Mother Troll: Did you sleep well, my little one?

Father Troll: I hope our green fur doesn't scare you.

LovelyLocks: Oh no, it has such a wonderful color and it is so soft.

Matti: Good morning, little LovelyLocks.

Ona: Good morning.

LovelyLocks: Good morning, Matti.

Matti: You see, nothing has happened to you. I have been guarding you.

LovelyLocks: You did that wonderfully.

Mother Troll: LovelyLocks? What a beautiful name! Then I heard right tonight: you've looked after her.

Matti: Yes, I noticed that she was awake.

Mother Troll: That was right.

Ona: Is your name really LovelyLocks?

LovelyLocks: yes.

Ona: Oh, how beautiful. Come with me to the pond. There are hot wells where we can bathe!

LovelyLocks: Oh, yes!

Ona: My I brush your hair?

LovelyLocks: Of course! I'd like that.

Mother Troll: Don't stay there too long. Breakfast will be ready soon.

Matti: What are you making?

Mother Troll: Millet pudding!

Matti: With honey?

Mother Troll: With lots of honey!

~

Narrator: Deeply hidden in the Magical Forest, but not far away from the troll's house, there is a little pond. It is covered with water lilies and almost completely surrounded by reed. But the little troll girl Ona brings Lady LovelyLocks to a place where the shore is covered with grass and the water is warmed by hot wells in the ground. A wooden foot bridge leads to the pond.

LovelyLocks: It's beautiful here.

Ona: Yes, isn't it? I'm here very often, every day. I love this place.

LovelyLocks: What trees are that over there? I've never seen such colourful ones.

Ona: Mogotrees. They look beautiful, but their fruits are poisonous. For us. Only for the birds they are not.

LovelyLocks: The Magical Forest is very beautiful.

Ona: Yes, right. But it is just like the Mogotrees: partially beautiful and partially dangerous.

LovelyLocks: Is it really?

Ona: But don't be afraid. Now, in the bright of day, nothing can happen.

Ona jumps into the water.

Ona: Hooray! Come in, it's warm!

LovelyLocks: Yes!

LovelyLocks jumps into the water spring too.

LovelyLocks: Oh, just as in a bathtub.

Ona: Watch out! Oh, now I forgot the brush for your hair. I'll go get it.

LovelyLocks: Alright.

LovelyLocks remains in the water, humming softly to herself. Snake Lee approaches her.

Snake Lee: Good morning, beautiful child. All alone here?

LovelyLocks: (starts) Who are you?

Snake Lee: I'm Lee.

LovelyLocks: And what are you doing here?

Snake Lee: Oh, I just wanted to wish you a good day. I bathe here sometimes.

LovelyLocks: Surely there are a lot of animals who do that. It's so beautiful here.

Snake Lee: What's your name? I've never seen you in the Magical Forest before.

LovelyLocks: LovelyLocks.

Snake Lee: And where do you come from?

LovelyLocks: I don't know.

Snake Lee: Wasn't that Ona? Do you live with the trolls?

LovelyLocks: Yes.

Snake Lee: Since when?

LovelyLocks: You ask awfully much.

Snake Lee: Well, one wants to know with whom their dealing.

Ona: LovelyLocks, hurry! Breakfast's ready!

LovelyLocks: I'm coming!

Snake Lee: We'll see each other again. You better refain from telling the trolls about our meeting. No, it wouldn't be good for you or them either.

Lee leaves and LovelyLocks comes out of the water.

Ona: Here, dry yourself.

LovelyLocks: Mh Hm.

Ona: We'll have to brush your hair later or Matti won't leave anything for us.

~

Narrator: Some time later the trolls and LovelyLocks are seated around a polished tree root. In the middle stands a big, brightly painted clay bowl, filled with delicious smelling millet pudding. Everyone reaches into it with their spoon and eats as much as they can. It isn't long before the bowl is as empty and cleanly scratched out, as if nothing has ever been in it.

Father Troll: That was a feast.

Ona: Yes, right. Mh!

LovelyLocks: That tasted good.

Father Troll: I'll go over to the mossground. Now's the best time.

Grandmother Troll: Yes,yes, when the autumn mists are falling.

Matti: And we'll go to Tatzel, LovelyLocks.

LovelyLocks: Oh, yes!

Matti: Then I'll show you the tree that fell down. Maybe then you'll remember. And on the way back, we can check on Knabberjahn.

Mother Troll: But this afternoon, you'll go find beech mast, promise?

Matti, Ona and LovelyLocks: Promise!

~

Some time later Mother Troll sweeps the room when Father Troll returns.

Father Troll: Hello.

Mother Troll: Oh, you're back already?

Father Troll: Mh. I met Owl Urda.

Mother Troll: Oh.

Father Troll: She seemed to have been waiting for me.

Mother Troll: And what did she want?

Father Troll: She wanted to tell me about a conversation she overheard.

Mother Troll: Well, was it so important? There's a lot of talk going on in the Magical Forest.

Father Troll: But this time it concerns us - or rather, our guest.

Mother Troll: Don't be so vague, tell me!

Father Troll: Well, Snake Lee and the Combgnomes have met.

Mother Troll: Well, go on.

Father Troll: Ah, LovelyLocks is supposed to be a princess and is persued by Duchess Ravenwaves.

Mother Troll: By the evil Duches Ravenwaves...

Father Troll: Mh!

Mother Troll: ... from the Land of Light?

Father Troll: How did you know that?

Mother Troll: As I said before: there's lots of talk. One hears this and that.

Father Troll: Well, anyway, Urda said the little fair-haired girl had better leave the Magical Forest.

Mother Troll: It's more important what you say.

Father Troll: Yes... I thought it would be for the best.

Mother Troll: And where shall she go? She only knows her name and the winter is due anytime now! Do you want the little one to freeze to death somewhere out there?!

Father Troll: No, of course not.

Mother Troll: So that's not what you want. But what the chatter owl talks you into, that's what you want!

Father Troll: Snake Lee has great power. She can harm us trolls.

Mother Troll: But Father! If one would be afraid of everyone who could do one harm, one wouldn't be able to be happy in life again!

Father Troll: (laughs) You're right again. The owl always irritates me!

Mother Troll: Oh Father, I knew you've got a good heart. In spring, we'll see.

~

Narrator: Only a few days later the winter sets in overnight. It comes in full force this year and life in the Magical Forest stiffens with snowstorms and the bitter cold. Now begins the time of hardship for many animals, and so Matti and LovelyLocks are on their way to help even in the deepest snow.

Matti: Huhu! Knabberjahn! It's us! LovelyLocks, Tatzel and Matti!

Knabberjahn:: Yes, hello you three!

LovelyLocks and Matti: Hello!

Knabberjahn: It's nice of you to come. The waterhole has frozen over again.

Tatzel: That's why we are here! Now I can breathe fire for once without the old owl shouting: "You're gonna burn the hole forest down, dragon brat!"

Everyone laughs.

LovelyLocks:  So, there was your beaver hole.

Knabberjahn: Yes. It's very hard to squeeze through between the ice and the shore.

Matti: A nice, big waterhole is surely more comfortable. Now Tatzel, now it's your turn.

Tatzel: Yes. (breathes fire on the ice)

LovelyLocks : Oh, the ice starts to melt.

Tatzel: Yes? Again. (breathes fire on the ice again)

Matti: I already see dark water!

Tatzel: Yes. Again. (breathes fire again)

LovelyLocks: There, a little more around the edge, Tatzel.

Tatzel: A little more? Yes. (breathes fire on the ice for a last time)

Knabberjahn: Mh, what a fine, big hole you've made. Thanks a lot, Tatzel.

Tatzel: Ha, you're welcome, Knabberjahn. If it freezes again tonight, I'll come again tomorrow.

LovelyLocks: We want to go to squirrel Lissy. She can't find her nuts again, but Matti finds them immediately.

Everyone laughs.

Knabberjahn: Have fun then. See you soon.

LovelyLocks : See you soon!

Matti: Bye! And greetings to your family!

Tatzel: I'd rather go back into my cave. It's nice and warm there.

Lady LovelyLocks: Bye, Tatzel!

Tazel leaves them and goes home as they walk on.

Matti: There. That's a dog wailing.

LovelyLocks: Yes.

Matti: Can you see him, LovelyLocks?

LovelyLocks: No. Perhaps over there, there is something laying in the ground.

They walk over to the dog in the snow.

LovelyLocks: Oh, you poor thing.

Matti: Who knows how long he's been laying here. He's completely exhausted. We'll take him home with us.

LovelyLocks: Let's hope he can walk that far... Prince! Oh! Prince! Oh, my Prince! How did you find me?!

Matti: Your Prince?

LovelyLocks: Yes!

Matti: Is it your dog?

LovelyLocks: Yes! I just remembered the moment I caressed him. We were on our way together. And then the storm came...

Matti: You can tell me that later. He needs to be somewhere warm now, and he needs something to eat too. I'm very happy that you found your dog, LovelyLocks.

LovelyLocks: Yes, me too. I just can't believe it.

~

Narrator: Because of the deep snow, the three of them can only make a very slow progress. Time and time again they have to pause so prince can rest a little. But finally they arrive at the troll's house. Prince immediately falls asleep after LovelyLocks has toweled him dry.

Grandmother Troll: There, here is water and food for him. When he wakes up he'll eat something and he'll feel better afterwards.

Mother Troll: Don't worry, dear.

LovelyLocks: I'm so glad. I just want to know how he found me.

Prince: (barks) That wasn't so easy!

LovelyLocks: Oh! You can speak!

Mother troll: Everyone can do that in the Troll Forest. One only needs the ears to understand.

Matti: Go on, tell us. How did you find her?

Prince: (barks) Ever since that storm separated us, I've been looking for her. Everywhere! Until I met an owl at night in the forest, several days ago.

Matti: Urda.

Prince: And she showed me the way. Yes. And when I came to the river, I heard your voice, Lady LovelyLocks!

Matti: Lady LovelyLocks? Does that... Does that mean you are a princess?

Lady LovelyLocks: Me?

Prince: Did you forget everything?

Lady LovelyLocks: You know, I was found sleeping - maybe even unconscious - beside a tree, which had fallen down.

Matti: Yes, exactly. I found her!

Lady LovelyLocks: Maybe the storm blew me into that tree, and as it fell down I ...

Prince: Then you also forgot that we were on our way to your land?

Lady LovelyLocks: Hm?

Prince: To the Land of Light? That your grandfather has died and that you have to claim your inheritance?

Lady LovelyLocks: Oh, yes!

Prince: E... Everything?

Lady LovelyLocks: Now that you mention it, I remember many things. We'd been on our way for a long time.

Prince: Yes, a very long time. We were almost there. We only had to cross the Misty River.

Lady LovelyLocks: (starts) Prince, your chain! Where is your golden chain with the pendant?

Prince: I don't know... I must have lost it in the snow!

Lady LovelyLocks: Oh!

Matti: Oh, we'll find it. Eventually in spring, when the snow has molten.

Father Troll: Then you are the heiress of the Land of Light. Lady LovelyLocks...

Matti: Father, did you know about that?

Mother Troll: Yes, Matti. The owl eavesdropped on a conversation and told us about it.

Prince: Lady LovelyLocks, we've lost much time. We need to go. A... A.... At best today.

Mother Troll: Today? But that's impossible. You're much too weak, Prince!

Father Troll: I agree. You're going to cross the Misty River. That's a journey full of dangers.

Prince: But on our way I heard that the Land of Light is now ruled by an evil woman.

Father Troll: Yes, by Duches Ravenwaves. The owl mentioned that name.

Prince: Yes, that's her. She has brought the entire land under her control. And its resources don't serve the interests of the people, but end up in the Duchess' treasury. Poverty and misery are everywhere.

Father Troll: If only the river wasn't there...

Matti: Yes, evil spirits hide in the mist.

Father Troll: Only on a few days a year, when the sun shines and the wind blows from the south, can it be crossed without danger. You will need a boat. But there are no boats in the Magical Forest.

Matti: Or a raft. Knabberjahn could build a raft for you!

Father Troll: That could work. We're going to talk to him tomorrow.

~

Narrator: In the castle of Duches Ravenwaves, in the Land of Light, Lee, the snake has arrived.

Duches Ravenwaves: Why did you come here?

Snake Lee: To bring you news, Duchess.

Duches Ravenwaves: So? That must be significant news!

Snake Lee: So significant that I didn't want to tell the Combgnomes.

Duches Ravenwaves: Then out with it, I haven't much time!

Snake Lee: In the Magical Forest, a little princess with golden curls has been found.

Duches Ravenwaves: Lady LovelyLocks?

Snake Lee: Yes, the dog calls her that anyway.

Duches Ravenwaves: Who?!

Snake Lee: The girl's dog. His name is Prince.

Duches Ravenwaves: Unbelievable! Why haven't I received this news earlier?!

Snake Lee: I came across the river as soon as possible... The ice... and the mist...

Duches Ravenwaves: Yes, yes, I know that! What else do you know?!

Snake Lee: Not much. Just that the beaver is building a raft for them. As soon as it's finished and there's a sunny day with a southern wind, they're going to come here.

~

Narrator: It takes some time to finish the raft. In the meantime the days have grown longer again and the snow drips from the trees. Everywhere little streams are trickling and in the night one can hear the noise of the breaking ice from the Misty River.

Prince barks, running over to Lady LovelyLocks.

Lady LovelyLocks: Hello, Prince. It's so beautiful in the sun.

Prince: Yes, but we have to leave. The raft is ready!

Matti: What?! Don't you even want to wait until we've found Prince's chain and pendant?

Lady LovelyLocks: You could find them and bring them to us, in the Land of Light.

Matti: Do you really have to go away now?

Lady LovelyLocks: Oh, Matti, you know that.

Prince: We've already stayed far too long.

Matti: Oh!

Lady LovelyLocks: Matti, we'll surely see each other again soon.

Matti: Promise?

Lady LovelyLocks: I promise. By the Great Troll!

Matti: Good, but I will be very unhappy.

Lady LovelyLocks: But you've got so many friends! Some will surely be happy when we're gone. Then you'll have more time for them again.

Matti: I don't care about them!

Lady LovelyLocks: Oh no! Never stop caring about friends! It's wonderful to have friends. I am very glad that you're my friend. I'll never forget you!

~

Narrator: On the day after the morrow the sun shines in a blue sky and a strong southern wind blows away all the clouds. The moment of parting has come. The animals gather on the shore and in the trees the birds sing their songs. Knabberjahn eagerly chews through the rope that's tied to the raft and pushes it across the river, to the shore, where the Land of Light begins. Suddenly Matti runs over to them.

Matti: Take me with you, Lady LovelyLocks!

Lady LovelyLocks: But Matti, we've already talked about that.

Matti: Please, princess!

Lady LovelyLocks: But you will visit us when you've found Prince's chain and pendant.

Matti: Yes, then I'll come back again. I want... um... I'd just like to cross the river. Knabberjahn will take me back with him later.

Lady LovelyLocks: And you think your parents will find that idea just as good as you do?

Matti: Oh... Sure.

Prince: Let him, Lady. I can understand him.

Matti: Then I'm the only one in the Magical Forest who has crossed the river and been in the Land of Light. Well, at its shore at least.

Tatzel: Actually, I could come with you too. But the loads of water in the river, I don't like those!

Matti: (laughs) That's nothing for dragons! You should rather stay here, Tatzel. I'll tell you everything later.

Knabberjahn: Well, what is it now? It's still like it's supposed to be: sunshine and a southern wind. But that can change any time, and then?

Mother Troll: You surely don't want to go with them, Matti?

Matti: Oh... just let me. I'll be back soon! Grandma always says one must have a look around in the world.

Father Troll: (laughs) Yes, she says that often enough. All right, Matti. We'll wait here for you and Knabberjahn. Have a good journey.

Matti: You can sever the rope now, Knabberjahn. Hurry!

Lady LovelyLocks and Prince: Good bye!

Prince: Thanks for everything!

Tatzel: Bye!

Father Troll: Good bye!

Mother Troll: Come visit us soon!

Father Troll: Yes, visit us sometime!

Mother Troll: Farewell!

Father Troll: Farewell!

Mother Troll: Good bye!

Matti: Here we go! Yoo-hoo!

Owl Urda: Oo-hoo. Oh, you are taking that good-for-nothing troll brat with you? Well, maybe the Nebelmoog will catch him! Then there will be peace at last again in the Magical Forest! Oo-hoo.

Matti: I don't like her. The old owl always says something to frighten me.

Knabberjahn: What... What Nebelmoog does she mean?

Matti: Everyone knows about the Nebelmoog. Why don't you?

Knabberjahn: I've heard about him before. But I didn't believe it.

Matti:  Well, explain to me how one can't believe in it? One can see him if he comes out of the water. And the boats and rafts he pulls under, for his children to play with, what's with those?

Knabberjahn: You'd believe everything!

Lady LovelyLocks: Don't argue! The day is too beautiful for that.

Matti: Oh! I can see the other shore! Incredible! I saw it first!

Lady LovelyLocks: Yes, you did! Now I see it, too! Soon we'll be there!

Prince: Wonderful! There's the shore! (barks) There begins your domain, Lady LovelyLocks! How happy we are going to be in the Land of Light!

Lady LovelyLocks: Yes!

End

[mackeydoodledoo]

Demon or Human?

Pairing: Bela Dimitrescu x Demon (Fem!)Reader

Summary: A foreign invader comes into Castle Dimitrescu just as you were settling in with your new family. However, how far would you be willing to go to protect your newfound home and your newfound love?

Warning: Game spoilers (I’ll try to keep those at a minimum), Blood, Slight G0R3, uncontrollable demon rage, fluff at the end

A/N: In light of some Resident Evil Village spoilers... Let’s just say I WILL NOT HAVE IT! So, I guess this is another entry to my The Demon Amongst Vampires series! R is My Character: Hydrangea Dragonfold

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

1 Year..

You’ve been inhabiting Castle Dimitrescu for one year. Alcina had been able to persuade Mother Miranda to keep you in her care instead of letting you be hunted for sport. You’d probably survive it anyway, with your demon abilities. 

“I have to go to a meeting,” Alcina announces to you and her daughters, “Apparently Mother Miranda has found a foreigner man-thing in our village grounds.”

“A man?!” Daniela squeals of excitement

"A new plaything?!” Cassandra asks

“You must bring him here at once mother,” Bela says

She looks at her three children, almost looking like she is tired of their pleas. However, she recomposes herself

“I will have to persuade Mother Miranda as best as I can,” Alcina says, “I appoint Hydrangea on watch. Bela is in charge.”

You leave your mouth agape, hearing your name after while of Bela calling you “micul meu demon” or everyone else calling you demon.

“But mother-” Cassandra interrupts

“Why can’t it be either one of us?” Daniela motions to her and Cassandra

“Because I’m the oldest,” Bela flaunts her ‘eldest sibling title’

“There will be no complaints my daughters,” Alcina says, “Guard the castle well Hydrangea.”

“Of course My lady,” you say out of respect

“You have permission to call me Alcina Hydrangea,” She smiles

Alcina makes her exit. 

“I get the first bite on the man thing,” Daniela blurts out

“Not if I catch him first,” Cassandra interrupts

“Enough!” Both you and Bela scream

Your blue flames ignite slightly, almost setting the table on fire. However, you compose yourself. Thus, your flames ‘dieing’.

“We will wait for your mother to return,” You sigh, “Gosh you two are rowdy. No wonder why Bela is in charge.”

You ignite your flames once you stand, heading off towards the staircase. However, Bela follows you. You didn’t notice her presence until she grabs your wrist and pulls you into a room.

“Bela love what are you doing?” You ask

You try to get her to let go of you however, you stop fighting her as she doesn’t reply to you but only snakes her arms around your midsection, taking in your warmth that you were producing. Not only from your natural body heat, but your demon form as well. You were also sure that she was also listening to your racing heartbeat. The one thing you feared was giving too much heat, too much to the point where Bela and possibly everyone else you’ve come to love and care about they turn to ash because of your carelessness of your flames. 

“I... Love, I have to leave,” You sigh, placing your hand on her head and the other on her waist 

“No you don’t,” She counter argues

“I do my love,” You say, looking down at her, “I have to keep you three safe.”

“And you think we can’t protect ourselves?!” Bela asks

“That is not what I meant love,” You say, “It’s just... It’s just I’m not over what happened last time... If I hadn’t come when I did, you would have died... I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself for that. I’d die if anything happened to you.”

Bela’s grip on you only tightens when you finish your sad ramble. This gets you in tears. You really couldn’t imagine the rest of your life without her.

“You’d die... For me?” She asks

“Of course I would love,” You smile, swooping her into your arms

Fortunately, your blue flames weren’t ignited enough to accidentally burn her. Your foreheads touch as you give her a kiss

“This is so much better,” Bela sighs in relief

“It really is,” You smile, “Thank you Bela.”

She kisses your forehead. You lay your head against her shoulder, hoping you could just stay like that for a little bit longer.

“Bela?” You ask, breaking the silence

“What is it my love?” She asks

“If this man... If this man scurries around the castle and hurts any of you,” You start, “What if I lose control of my demon form and I no longer see the human in me?”

“Simple, I‘ll get you out,” She answers

“What if you can’t?” You ask, worried now, “What if I’m the one who ends up hurting you?”

“Can you promise me one thing then?” She asks

You nod.

“The don’t use your full demon form,” She requests, “If you’re worried about hurting us, don’t use it. Should you though, I will pull you out.”

You had wished you were able to stay like that forever. However, you knew you had to begin your task. You and Bela give each other one last kiss before departing each others’ presence and embrace. Bela goes back down to the foyer to meet her sisters once more.

“You two okay?” Daniela asks, breaking the silence

“We are fine Daniela,” Bela answers

“Then when will the both of you just shut up and get married?!” Cassandra asks, clearly teasing Bela now

 “We are not-we don’t plan on that yet,” Bela says, “It’s never come up when we talk and we don’t need to yet.”

“Sure,” Daniela teases

As you were scouting the grounds of the castle, you already see Alcina returning to the castle.

“My lady!” You call out, “I’m assuming it didn’t go well?”

“Mother Miranda gave that man-thing to Heisenberg, of course I’m upset!” She groans in frustration, “I need a drink.”

You follow her back into the castle where her daughters immediately stand to greet her.

“Where’s the male foreigner?” Bela asks

“Mother Miranda gave him to Heisenberg that fool,” She groans

You all watch her walk up the stairs and disappear into the castle. You four seat back down into the couch, Bela leaning into your embrace. 

“How was scouting O-great demon king?” Daniela teases

“It was fine Dani,” you chuckle, “Are you just going to continuously make nicknames for me Dani?”

She nods as she leans back into the chair. However, before any of you could converse on, you could hear footsteps. You motion for the girls to stop talking.

“You guys hear that too?” You whisper

You motion for the three of them to follow you and once you get to the grand entrance of the castle, you see a man. 

“Looking for Rose?” Daniela calls out to him, taunting him

The three of them begin forming into their fly swarm and move toward him. You make the decision to tell Alcina herself that a man has entered the castle. 

“My lady, there is a man in the castle,” You sigh, “Your daughters are on the case. I’m not sure who he is- oh, speak of the devil, here they are.”

You hear the doors burst open along with struggled grunts. You look over and notice Cassandra and Bela dragging him in.

“Mother, I bring you fresh prey,” She says, trying to take the credit

“Oh, you are so kind to me daughters,” Alcina smiles, her daughters letting a slight giggle out of their mouths, “Now, let’s take a look at him.”

She stands up and faces him, “Well, well, Ethan Winters. You’ve escaped my little brothers’ idiot games did you? Let’s see how special you are.”

You watch Bela, Daniela and Alcina taste his blood. You stand next to Cassandra as you watch.

“Hey-Hey you, help me out!” Ethan pleas at you

You turn to look at him for a second. You feel your human willing to help him however, you end up turning your back to him, not willing to help him. If anything, you also hated men. 

“Starting to go a little stale,” Alcina says, “But, I must inform Mother Miranda. Later, there will be enough for everyone. Put him up.”

You watch again as Bela and Daniela hook his hands and Cassandra hoists him up. You hear him groan in pain as you all begin making your exit.

“Hey... Hey you!” He again calls for you, “Help me... Please...”

You stop in your tracks and look up at him. You only let out a low chuckle as Bela gently grabs your wrist and pulls you out from the room.

As you were finishing something with Cassandra you suddenly hear Bela’s grunts.

“Hey, I gotta go,” You say out of the blue

You follow Bela’s voice, rushing even further when you could hear her voice getting louder and louder.

“Bela! Bela!” You call out for her

You pass through the kitchen and notice Bela on top of Ethan. However, she doesn’t notice how he’s aiming his gun. Only you had noticed.

“Bela! The windows!” You scream, “He’s gonna shoot the windows!”

Believing that she didn’t hear you, you ignite your flames even more so than earlier. But, it’s concentrated to your palms. You begin melting the bars that had separated from you reaching Bela. However, just before the glass had gave way to the heavy damage, the bars melted enough for you to burst through. You hear Bela’s pained scream as the glass gave way to the heavy damage. 

“You- stupid man-thing!” Bela screams

You only pictured how she was the last time she was out in the cold. You let out an ear-piercing roar as you forcefully push Ethan out of the way to get to Bela. Igniting your flames ever so slightly, you pick Bela up and begin warming her up with your flames and your natural body heat. You go back into the dungeons and place her down gently, hoping you had warmed her enough.

“Are you okay?!” You ask, tears welling into your eyes

“I am now love,” She smiles, caressing your cheek

“Go!” You say, “Get your sisters an get somewhere safe! He knows! I’ll come find you.”

You watch Bela disappear into the dungeons, hopefully back into the castle to warn her sisters. You go back to where Ethan had shot the window. He was hoping you’d feel pain with the cold however, when you emerged from the cold wind, you came out, unphased.

“What the HELL ARE YOU?!” Ethan asks

“The one who will kill you,” You growl, taking in the cold, “My blood’s boiling...”

Your blue flame continue to ignite more than usual and you pounce onto him, snarling in his face. He tries to use his shotgun on you and he manages to graze the side of your head. He manages to wriggle himself out of your grip and shoots at you again, this time, in the shoulder. 

“Stay down kid,” He says mercilessly and runs into the direction you came

“Get back here you coward!” You scream, trying to stand

As your body began regenerating, you continuously crawled in the direction he was going in, beginning to track his scent. It was difficult as you were in the room where the wines are created. However, it didn’t stop you from continuing on the path. When you fully regenerated your shoulder, you get up nd try to track his scent as best as you could. However, when you only got back into the castle.

“Bela!” you call

You felt a hand on your wrist as you begin getting pulled into a room. A feeling of relief washes over you as you hug Bela tightly. You look over her shoulder and only see Cassandra with her.

“Where’s Daniela?” You ask, in a panicked state

“She ran off, hoping to take down the man herself,” Cassandra sighs

You hear the door burst open and it’s Alcina.

“That man will pay for what he’s done,” She growls, “My daughter are you hurt?”

“I was but- thanks to Hydrangea,” Bela sighs in relief, leaning into your shoulder to warm up some more

“Where’s Daniela?” Alcina asks

“She went to the library to take down the man mother, we tried to stop her,” Cassandra sighs

“You two stay with Hydrangea until I return with his head and Daniela,” Alcina orders before leaving again

She makes her leave. The three of you sit on the couch, Cassandra and Bela huddling against you for warmth. However, Bela practically seating herself into your lap.

“Do you have to be such a hog of the human furnace?” Cassandra looks at her older sister in annoyance

“I’m her girlfriend so buzz off,” Bela says

“She may be your girlfriend but I need some warmth too,” Cassandra growls

You could hear Daniela’s pained grunts and screaming. You stand up and place Bela down onto the couch next to her sister. You flick your finger and a small flame goes into the fire place, igniting the firewood.

“Alcina hasn’t found her yet,” You say, “I’ll go get Daniela the both of you stay here okay?”

Once you left the room you break into a run towards the library. You break through the door just as Ethan begins opening the roof to let in the cold air again.

“STOP!” You scream, grabbing onto Daniela

Sorry Bela... I have to do this... To protect all of you. You four accepted me almost instantly... I have to protect my home. I’m not letting anyone die here! The only one dying is him....

The ground around you became engulfed in blue flames, surrounding both you and Daniela

[A/n: not my gif]

“I got you Dani,” You say, the last time you heard your own voice

You look at Ethan completely deranged, more than Cassandra could ever look deranged at one of her “pets”. Ethan begins to walk backward however, tripping over an object.

“Let’s talk about this kid!” Ethan pleas, “From one human to another-”

“I’m not a human!” You spat, your demon voice overtaking your real voice, “I’m a demon! I protect my home and everyone in it!”

You let go of Daniela and leave her on the floor for Alcina to check on her. You throw Ethan out of the library. Alcina takes Daniela to where her other two daughters were. You throw him down a set of stairs. Coincidentally where Bela had opened the door.

You stand at the top of the stairs, looking down at Ethan, “You’ve overstayed your welcome... Time to say goodnight.”

“No-No please I beg you please I just wanted to find my daughter!” He screams

“All of this? For a child who isn’t even here?!” You mock him, “Your little baby could even be dead for all I care!”

Ethan draws his gun and pulls the trigger as a last resort to get you to stand down. However, you slice his arm off. You could hear his screams of pain as you now stand over him.

From the other room, Bela, Daniela, Alcina and Cassandra watch as you begin devouring his flesh. You stop after two bites out of his flesh you turn to the four women. Unable to feel your human, instead feeling your demon take full control over your body, you charge at Cassandra, Daniela, Alcina, even Bela. Alcina, being the protective mother she is, stands in front of her daughters, ready to slaughter you so if you lay a finger on her daughters like this. However, Bela runs past the three.

“Bela, get back here!” Alcina yells

Before you could lay a finger on them, Bela throws her arms around you, holding onto you tightly. As you flail your arms about, Bela still held onto you

“It’s me,” Bela says, calmly, “It’s okay now... I’m right here. Come back to me...”

You finally stopped flailing, your blue flames dissipating and your demon eye slits turning back into their round pupils.

“Be..la?” You call 

You gently place your hand on her head and the other around her. You sink into her touch and fall to your knees, Bela following your movements.

“It’s okay now,” She coos, “I’ve got you love. I’ve got you.”

You choke on your sobs as you hold onto Bela for dear life, sobbing into her shoulder.

“Bela did manage to get you out after all?” Alcina admires her oldest daughter, “And I thought I was going to have to kill her.”

Alcina sips her wine.

“Mother!” Bela growls

“I need to protect my prides and joys,” Alcina states

Bela was sitting in your lap as Daniela is huddled against your side and Cassandra on the floor facing you, Bela and Daniela.

“Do you really have to hog to the human furnace Bela? I’m the one who almost died,” Daniela growls

“She’s my girlfriend,” Bela draws the ‘girlfriend’ card for the millionth time

“How long do you intend on pulling that card against us Bela?” Cassandra asks

“As long as I want,” She smiles down at you

You smile back up at her, “Daniela, I also warmed you up in almost an instant with that amount of flames I emitted earlier. Did that not help?”

“Oh it did,” She smiles

“Then you don’t need to be complaining,” Bela scoffs

“By the way, I am digging the new look on you Hydrangea,” Cassandra says, smiling at you

Black horns with bright blue accents had remained from your blue flame horns or at least under them and a tail remained.

“Do you now Cass?” You smile, “I do too.”

Your tail unconsciously wraps itself around Bela’s waist. You could feel Bela’s fingertips playing with the fluff end of your tail, making your cheeks flush a faint pink.

“Awwww micul meu demon is blushing,” Bela teases

“Ssshut it,” You hiss

You weren’t sure how well you were going to do with that man-thing called Ethan Winters roaming around the castle. However, this was your home. You went to great lengths to protect it. Especially your new family and your girlfriend. Even if you would lose your human, you had Bela. You trust her enough to bring you back, should you lose sight of that human in you.