#//Niah on the other hand…

[reddragon-cowboy]

Spike is streetsmart and knows all about the concrete jungle of the city. But if he was in a real, actual jungle or woods, he’d be at a total lost as to what to do (or how to survive if he was lost.) He have no survival skills whatsoever.

[probablyasocialecologist]

“It was an assumption—almost an article of faith—amongst many biogeographers, ecologists, and paleoecologists that the great regional rainforests were, at Western contact, the product of natural climatic, biogeographic, and ecological processes,” wrote paleoecologist Chris Hunt, now based at Liverpool John Moores University, and his colleague, Cambridge University archaeologist Ryan Rabett, in a 2014 paper. “It was widely thought that peoples living in the rainforest caused little change to vegetation.” New research is challenging this long-held assumption. Recent paleoecological studies by Hunt and other colleagues show evidence of “disturbance” in the vegetation around Pa Lungan and other Kelabit villages, indicating that humans have shaped and altered these jungles not just for generations—but for millennia. Borneo’s inhabitants from a much more distant past likely burned the forests and cleared lands to cultivate edible plants. They created a complex system in which farming and foraging were intertwined with spiritual beliefs and land use in ways that scientists are just beginning to understand. Samantha Jones, lead author on this investigation and researcher at the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution, has studied ancient pollen cores in the Kelabit Highlands as part of the Cultured Rainforest Project. This is a U.K.-based team of anthropologists, archaeologists, and paleoecologists that is examining the long-term and present-day interactions between people and rainforests. The project has led to continuing research that is forming a new scientific narrative of the Borneo highlands. People were most likely manipulating plants from as early as 50,000 years ago in the lowlands, Jones says. That’s around the time humans likely first arrived. Scholars had long classified these early inhabitants as foragers—but then came the studies at Niah Cave. There, in a series of limestone caverns near the coast, scientists found paleoecological evidence that early humans got right to work burning the forest, managing vegetation, and eating a complex diet based on hunting, foraging, fishing, and processing plants from the jungle. This late Pleistocene diet spanned everything from large mammals to small mollusks, to a wide array of tuberous taros and yams. By 10,000 years ago, the folks in the lowlands were growing sago and manipulating other vegetation such as wild rice, Hunt says. The lines between foraging and farming undoubtedly blurred. The Niah Cave folks were growing and picking, hunting and gathering, fishing and gardening across the entire landscape.

[...]

“The Cultured Rainforest project has shown how profoundly entangled the lives of humans and other species in the rainforest are,” says University of London anthropologist Monica Janowski, a member of the project team who has spent decades studying highland Borneo cultures. “This entanglement has developed over centuries and millennia and succeeds in maintaining a relatively balanced relationship between species.” Borneo’s jungle is, in fact, anything but untouched: What we see is a result of both human hands and natural forces, working in tandem. The Kelabit are a little bit farmer and a little bit forager with no clear line between, Janowski says. This dualistic approach to land use may reveal a deeper human nature. “Scratch any modern human and you will find, under the surface, a forager,” she says. “We have powerful foraging instincts. We also have powerful instincts to manage plants and animals. Both of these instincts have been with us for millennia.”

[hobeemin]

the union of bacchus

⚜️ genre(s): supernatural, fantasy, greek god au, smut, romance, angst

⚜️ pairing(s): dionysus/artist! xu minghao x (f) oc

⚜️ summary: as the god of wine, you’d think he’d be just as lively. but no, this enigma of an immortal always kept others guessing. that is until he met her. she was more than he anticipated–mortal or otherwise. somehow, she put him under a spell. had he found his equal?

⚜️ rating: 18+

⚜️ warning(s): swearing, drinking excessively, ritual madness*, sensory deprivation, bdsm, soft dom! minghao, penetrative sex, fingering, oral (m & f receiving), multiple orgasms, overstimulation, unprotected sex (safe sex folks), exhibitionism, marking, hair pulling, mention of an orgy, mention of depression, break up, anxiety, heartbreak

*ritual madness: maenads (followers of dionysus) would scream and erotically/wildly dance in order to achieve a state of divine madness and ecstasy.

⚜️ word count: 11.3k

⚜️ credits: for the 13 Gods of Olympus collab hosted by @beomcoups and @wooahaeproductions

banner resources found here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

⚜️ a/n: and a huge thank you to isi @raplinesmoon and aeris @beomcoups for looking this over and beta-reading it for me. I appreciate the feedback and comments 💜 sevn @aaagustd, niah @agustdef, maren @wooahaeproductions, raven @shadowkoofor their encouragement. this is my second svt fic and i was super nervous about it all. thank yall so much 💜✨💜✨

“Are you ready?”

There was a pause before she looked up at the woman and nodded reluctantly. The woman thinned her lips as she held the veil.

“Don’t go through with it if you’re not sure. You have to be willing.”

She turned to her reflection, staring back at her counterpart. This had indeed been a journey. So much had happened within the past month for her to be considered ‘normal’. Was she ready to take this leap of faith?

It was time to give her an answer.

“Yes, I’m ready.”

The veil was clipped to her hair as more ladies assisted her with the garment. The train alone was at least six feet long. The fabric was a golden sheer material, accentuating her shape. It was ethereal. No one could take their eyes off her as she walked down the aisle guided by candles. 

There was no instrumental accompaniment; the hooded figures around chanted softly as she approached the altar. Her eyes lifted as she saw him standing there in all his glory. Power radiated from him, and an aura surrounded him. 

She was almost rendered speechless as she made her way next to him. He stepped down the stairs, holding his hand for her to take. The warmth radiated from his palm, calming her nerves ever so slightly. He gave her an assuring smile that she gratefully returned. 

This wasn’t a mistake. This was where she belonged. He lifted the veil, chuckling softly. 

“You look beautiful, Irie.”

“T-Thank you.”

“I can’t wait to make you my bride. Do you understand what this means? Do you accept?”

Irie’s heart thumped to the sound of the scepters thumping against the ground. The chants grew louder as the figures removed their hoods to reveal countless women watching. Power radiated from the earth in the middle of the bayou. He had chosen her to be his bride. In the vast selection, Irie was to be his.

The question on everyone’s mind was if she would accept.

---

She wrapped her jacket around her body as a slight chill passed through the air. New Orleans, though known for humidity, was unnaturally cool that day. Maybe she shouldn’t have worn the sundress, but it was cute. None of her other clothes were going to be wasted on this trip.

So why was she in New Orleans? A simple answer would be that she needed to get away, but she could have gone anywhere: New York City, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Miami…the list was endless. But something drew her to New Orleans. Irie wasn’t sure quite what it was, but as she booked her flight, she didn’t second-guess her choice. 

The sights and smells made her smile as she walked around Jackson Square. The weather did little to sway the tourists and vendors. She stopped by Cafe Du Monde, grabbed a bag of beignets and an iced latte, parked herself on a bench, and people-watched. Street musicians played jazz on buckets and horns. Living statues stood in place, changing their positions slightly—walking tours passed as the guides pointed to historical landmarks. The city was alive and buzzing. 

Irie felt at ease in the midst of it all. Little known to her, she was also being observed. His eyes followed her as she took her seat on the bench. Studying her form, he seemed entranced by her. The subtle movements she made were unlike anything going on around her. While others brustled by, she found her peace in the stillness. 

That intrigued him. And anything that intrigued him was worth getting a closer look. But should he reveal himself so soon? Decisions…decisions. He didn’t want to frighten her or come off strong.

So what to do?

His mood perked up as an idea came to mind. He pulled out his phone and pressed one of the preassigned numbers. It didn’t ring long as he smiled at the voice answering on the other end.

“Did I wake you? Why were you still in bed? No, I don’t really care, to be honest…Then why did I call you? Of course, I needed something. What are friends for?”

He laughed at the response, shaking his head. “I’ll remember that the next time I have a party…anyway can you get here within the hour? I need you to vet someone for me. Yes, again. You know I can’t approach a potential on my own. Against the rules, remember. Great. I’m in Jackson Square. You’ll know who I’m talking about when you’re here. Perfect. Ciao.”

Placing the phone back in his pocket, he made his way down the street, a pep in his step as he came to an art gallery. Stepping inside, a few people looked up, greeting him as he passed. He nodded in their direction, walking towards a door off to the side. Pushing the door open, the office lights flickered as he approached his desk. With a soft grunt, he slumped into his seat.

A knock at the door brought him from his thoughts. He looked up and saw a woman’s face appear in the door opening.

He sat up straight, waving her in. “Is there a problem, Arsinoe?”

“No, no Minghao. The preparations for the exhibition are going smoothly. I just had questions about which pieces you wanted to sell.”

He nodded as she handed him a few sheets of paper. He flipped through them quickly, muttering to himself. “Everything but the Spell installment is available.”

Arsinoe nodded, taking the papers. Minghao closed his eyes briefly until he realized she hadn’t left. He opened his eyes, brow quirking curiously. “Is there anything else?”

She cleared her throat, taking a seat across from him. “Well, now that you mention it. The ladies and I were concerned.”

His lips thinned in annoyance. “Oh, you were? What’s got you so concerned?”

Ah. There it was, that coldness that occasionally came out. Minghao attitude could easily switch at the drop of a hat. 

Arsinoe shifted from one leg to the other. “Well…how are you holding up after getting that message from Zeus?”

He groaned, leaning back in his chair as he pinched the bridge of his nose. The last thing he wanted to talk about was that man. There was a lot of unfinished business between father and son that he wasn’t ready to unpack. How do you just ship off your kid to an island to be raised by nymphs? Minghao didn’t know what else to do. He didn’t care for Zeus’s approval. In fact, he managed to wiggle his way onto Olympus just on a whim. They had no idea the magnitude of his actions would rock the very foundation that was the Gods. A demi-god with God status was unheard of ever. 

He was able to charm everyone…well, not all. There was Hera to deal with, but she was a small piece compared to the others.

Minghao focused his attention back on Arsinoe. “I’m not worried about him. He’ll get a response when I feel up to it. For now, my focus is on this exhibition and other matters.”

”Such as?”

”Such as none of your business for the time being,” he snapped, instantly regretting it. “Sorry, just a lot on my mind.”

She waved it off with a smile. “I’ll let it slide. Are we going to have special guests tomorrow night?”

”Possibly. Jeonghan might stop by today,” he answered, stretching from his seat. “I’m gonna head up to the studio for a bit. Just message me if anything comes up.”

Arsinoe nodded, gathering her paper. “Got it, boss.”

He headed up the spiral staircase towards his studio with a wave as Arsinoe watched. Once she heard the door open and close, she exited the office and returned to the gallery.

One woman looked up from her work, calling out to Arsinoe. “Is he alright?”

“I think so, Nysa. We’ll all have to keep an eye on him for now.”

“May the Gods watch over him,” they said in unison.

——

Irie wiped the powdered sugar from her hands and sundress. She sipped the last remnants of her latte and threw the trash away. Stretching her limbs, she looked around, deciding what to do next. A small apothecary on the corner caught her eye as she went down the street. Stepping inside, she was met with smells of spices and herbs. Incense fumes danced around as she peered at the jars on the shelves. 

A particular one caught the corner of her eye. The liquid was bright pink and shimmery under the overhead lights at closer inspection. Irie seemed to gravitate toward it, reaching out to touch it.

”A love potion? Powerful stuff.”

Jumping in surprise, she almost dropped the bottle. The man caught it with ease, lifting the shades off his face and propping them on top of his sandy blonde hair, a playful smile on his face.

She pointed at the bottle, her brow raised in disbelief. “A love potion? Doubt it.”

He shrugged with a chuckle. “Anything’s possible in New Orleans. This city buzzes with magic and mischief.”

Irie snorted. “Magic?”

“Not a believer?”

“More like a realist.”

“Interesting. So what’s a realist doing in the most magically charged place in the United States?”

“I’m minding the business that pays me,” she snapped, staring at him. There was something about him she didn’t like. An aura surrounding him that seemed to repeal her away. Her flight response kicked into high gear.

He gave a slight bow. “I mean no disrespect, chère. In fact, to show I mean no harm, I’d love to invite you to an art exhibit a close friend of mine is hosting.”

With the flick of his wrist, he pulled a card from behind her ear and smiled as he handed it to her. Irie took the card from his fingers gingerly and glanced at it curiously.

“Xu Minghao? The surrealism experience, the ecstasy of the gods?”

“So it’s not the best title of an exhibit, but I think you’ll enjoy it,” he said.

Irie scoffed. “So what do I say when I get there? I’m pretty sure this seems exclusive and invite-only thing.”

He placed his glasses back over his eyes with a chuckle. “Just say Jeonghan sent ya. Take care, Irie.”

She looked up from the card with a start.

“Wait, how did you know my–”

He was gone.

She looked around the store. Besides a few tourists, the strange man had disappeared. How curious. She slipped the card in her purse and continued browsing. The interaction still lingered on her mind. Should she go? The event was happening the next night. It wasn’t like she had many plans. And she did appreciate a good art piece. Why not give it a chance?

---

“She’s cute.”

Minghao looked up from his canvas to see his long-time friend in the doorway. 

“I’m guessing the exchange went smoothly.”

Jeonghan shrugged, walking further into the studio and propping himself on a stool near Minhao. 

“Her name is Irie. She claims to be a realist, or whatever that means, but she’s quick-witted and feisty: all things you like.”

He nodded in agreement, “True. What else did you get from her?””

Jeonghan slightly frowned as he recalled his encounter. “She didn’t go for my usual tactics. I really had to work for it.”

Minghao laughed as he set his palette down on the table. “I like her already.”

Jeonghan rolled his eyes. “Don’t get so cocky. I invited her to your exhibit, but don’t get your hopes up if she doesn’t show.”

“Regardless, if she does, I’ll see her again. Miss Realist is attached to this city, and everyone eventually falls into the magic.”

Jeonghan snorted, shaking his head. “I wish you luck.”

“Thanks. Will I see you tomorrow night?”

“Maybe. I have to run some errands for the higher-ups. Business as usual. Do you need anything for me to pass along?”

Minghao’s expression turned sour as he rummaged through his oil paints. “No.”

“Very well. Although, your father wants to see you at some point.”

“Pass,” Minghao replied.

It was a long shot, but there was no harm in asking. Jeonghan could sense the stress that request caused his friend. Zeus wasn’t known for being the ‘father of the year’–more like the millennium. The Gods weren’t the best at their parental duties; hell, he spent most of his time cleaning up the messes of various gods to keep the balance.

“Alright, I’ll be back tomorrow night for the exhibit. I’m curious to see if she’ll show.”

“Well, this will show if you still have it.”

Jeonghan laughed as his shoulders shook. “Have I ever led you astray? I always come through for you, buddy.”

Minghao nodded after a moment. “You do. No complaints about that.”

“Excuse me.”

Minghao and Jeonghan looked up to see Arisone.

“Forgive me for the interruption, but it’s time, sir.”

Minghao sighed as he rolled his shoulder. “Duty calls. I’ll see you later, Jeonghan.”

“Take care.”

Minghao wished him well and followed Arsinoe out of the gallery.

“Nysa will close up,” she called, walking down the street.

He didn’t respond; he just walked after her, hands behind his back. The nightlife was beginning to stir around the city. 

Wonderful. 

His appetite was growing with each passing moment. New Orleans was the perfect place for him to plant his roots. He was fortunate to be able to pick a place of his own, unlike his father and uncles. Zeus thought the earth was a part of his domain, but most of the Gods who lived there rarely took him seriously. He watched in amusement as diverse groups roamed Bourbon Street in various states of inebriation. 

“How about that place?”

Minghao glanced in the direction Arsinoe pointed. The band's sultry tones lured in outsiders, including himself. He walked in as the humidity swirled into an embrace. The saxophonist blew out the last few notes as everyone clapped enthusiastically.

He stood near the bar, ordering a drink and watching. The club was packed as everyone danced. Minghao exhaled as he let his influence take over. The atmosphere became hazy. He could see the results immediately. It was enough to make Aphrodite and Eros jealous. However, he’d never admit that aloud; they worked together in tandem at times.

Looking over the rim of his glass, he noticed her. Of all the places, she’d found her way there that night. Sitting in the corner, nursing her drink, she bobbed her head to the beat.

Should he make himself known? After the way Jeonghan described her, he had to hold a conversation with her at least. Sliding through the crowd, he made his way to her, holding his drink out with a smile.

“Great band tonight, don’t you think?”

Irie lifted her brow at the stranger approaching her. Guard up, she gave him her fake smile and nodded.

“Uh-huh.”

Minghao pulled back, noting her icyness. The last thing he wanted was to spook her. 

“Enjoy your night,” he said with a nod, turning his attention to the band. Irie bit her lip, slipping from her chair.

“Hey,” she placed her hand on his forearm. Minghao turned to look at her curiously.

She chuckled nervously. “Sorry. You just can’t be too careful out here with folks. Some people have ill intentions.”

Minghao nodded in understanding. “I get it. I love this town, but some things lurk in the shadows. Stay safe out here.”

A rambunctious group of college males pushed past, knocking Irie into him. She let out a yelp as she almost fell to the ground. Minghao’s quick reflexes caught her quickly, bringing her against his chest. 

Now that she was close to him, she studied his features. Long face, nose, sharp features, cold dark eyes, lean but muscular, red stained lips, slightly puffy. His hair was dark and styled in a mullet. While it wasn’t a trendy style, he pulled it off too well. She shivered as his fingers danced along her side. Even though she was clothed, she felt naked in front of him. 

He was giving her equal attention as she gazed at him. The view was undoubtedly better up close. He could feel her pulse quicken.

“Are you alright?”

“Y-Yeah.”

Minghao grinned down at her. While she wasn’t considered short by standards, he was taller than she was. His body was lean, but his muscles rippled underneath. He seemed substantial, holding onto her in the dimly lit club. They were so close now she could smell subtle notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel from the bourbon he drank. Along with his cologne, it made her lightheaded.

“Would you like to dance?”

“Now?”

“Yeah, right now.”

Irie gripped his shirt tighter. “Yes. I’d like that.”

The double bass began the first few haunting notes as if on cue. Minghao took the lead, guiding their bodies side to side. Irie let the music roll over her, dropping her guard down as they danced. It was sensual in every way. She rolled her hips against his, making him bite down on his lip. Breathes deepened, and they seemed like they were the only two individuals in the room. 

Somehow, they made it up against the club's worn brick wall. There, Irie decided to push the envelope more. She turned her back to him, pressing her backside against his pelvis. The beat quickened as the horns joined in, accompanied by the drums. A sultry voice wove in with the instrumental, adding to the provocative nature. 

Minghao tried to keep it together. While he enjoyed taking the lead, her pushing her dominance turned him on. It stirred something profound inside him, something he hadn’t felt before. It made him pause momentarily, making Irie turn face him fully. Beads of sweat trickled down her neck and along her clavicle towards the swell of her breasts. 

“Still with me?”

“Never left,” he teased with a smile.

“Good,” she murmured in his ear. “I’d hate not to be the distraction you need.”

“Oh? I thought I was distracting you.”

“It can go both ways,” she purred.

That purr in her voice made him shiver. He pulled her flush against him, both hands placed strategically on the small of her back.

“You want to kiss me,” she stated factfully.

It wasn’t a question–more like a statement.

Damn. She was something else. 

It made his face flush.

“Yes. I-I do.”

Cute.

He was nervous. 

“Then do it,” she urged.

The friction between her legs was becoming too much. Why was her body responding so strongly to his? But she craved it, wanting him to take her in the crowd. Instead, she moved things along, gripping the front of his shirt and bringing his lips down to hers, yet she stopped before they touched. She swiped her tongue across his bottom lip. His nails dug into her back, making her whimper. 

Minghao was losing patience with her teasing, moving one hand down to her backside and grabbing a handful. Their lips finally made contact, teeth clicking as they made out furiously. No one paid them any mind; it wasn’t noticed if they did. Irie pulled away, tugging his bottom lip in between her teeth. Minghao grunted out as the pain quickly transformed into pleasure as she sucked it gently. She released his lip, smiling against him, as her chest heaved.

“Damn, that was–”

“Hot? Alluring? Piquant? Spicy?”

Irie laughed, shaking her head. “A thesaurus of knowledge.”

Minghao laughed along with her. “Not bad for two strangers, huh?”

“I’d say we’re more than well acquainted now.”

“Enough for me to ask your name?”

She poked his cheek, giving him a grin. “I think this certainly earns you the right to know. It’s–”

It seemed as if the oxygen in the room had dissipated. A force dragged her from Minghao’s arms, making her facial expression blank.

Without a word, she walked away from him. Time resumed as if nothing happened. And she was gone. Minghao looked around frantically in a panic. Where had she gone?

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Arisone and Erato. Rage filled him as he stormed over to the pair. 

“What the fuck did you do?”

Arisone bowed her head. “I tried to stop her, but it was too late.”

He rounded on Erato with a snarl. “Well?! What do you have to say for yourself?”

Erato held her ground, glaring at him. “Forgive me, but you cannot further your infatuation with that mortal.”

With the snap of his fingers, they were back in his studio. With a glare, he sent Erato up against a wall, knocking the wind out of her.

“The only reason you still stand is because you helped care for me at a young age. Explain yourself.”

She let out a cough. “I-It wasn’t just me. Eros pushed his influence to help. But I had a vision. That woman will end you and all we stand for. She will bring the destruction to what you hold dear.”

Minghao snorted in disbelief. “These are ramblings. Erato, you’ve been ill for some time. You haven't been well since I took my last bride a century ago. Maybe this is too much for you to handle. Maybe I should send you back to stay with Ino.”

She shook her head angrily. “No! No! I belong here. Just keep away from that woman!”

“ENOUGH!”

Minghao glanced over at Arsinoe, giving her a look of contempt. “I hold you responsible, Arsinoe. And to make things right immediately.”

Sighing, he ran his fingers through his hair. 

“Leave me.”

Both nymphs bowed before exiting the room. Once they were gone, he let the door slam and walked up to the balcony overlooking the city. The chill of the air was unlike the heat he felt in that club. He could still feel her lips on his, her body heat against him. 

It was like a drug; he needed another fix. No mortal had ever done that to him before. He had his list of lovers throughout time, but they were for but a season or two. Infatuations came and went as quickly as time passed. But this, this was unfamiliar.

Minghao was always so sure of himself; now, he was left alone to figure out his thoughts. 

All he knew was that he had to see her again. 

 ---

The sound of the streetcar horns woke her up. Irie blinked as her vision cleared, looking around the room. What had happened the night before? A sudden wave of nausea hit her as she fell back onto the bed with a groan. Head pounding as a migraine formed, she pulled the covers over her face to block the sun.

What the fuck? Did she drink that much? 

A shower. A shower was needed. Slipping from her bed, Irie closed the curtains so she could take some time to walk into the bathroom. The steam from the shower comforted her as it cleared her head. She wrapped her goddess braids on top of her head before stepping in. As the hot water dripped down her body, her thoughts unclouded. A ripple of emotions hit her at once. She placed her hand on the porcelain to keep her balance. The events of the previous night came flooding back.

That smile, those lips, that dance. Yes, she remembered everything. It happened, and then it was over. Turning off the water, she wrapped herself in a towel and returned to the room. She sat on the bed, deep in thought.

She felt so many emotions: excitement, panic, and maybe even desire. Who was this man? Irie turned to grab the body oil off the dresser and saw the card that the stranger had given her in the apothecary. That exhibit was to be held tonight. She picked it up, twirling it between her fingers.

Something seemed familiar about it. It may be time to find out why.

Irie held the card up to the bouncer. They nodded briefly, sliding to the side to let her through. She walked inside as her jaw slowly dropped. 

This was no ordinary art exhibit. It was a live show of sorts. Aerialists spun from the ceiling with silk fabrics as a quartet played. Wine and champagne poured from fountains as patrons took their fill. Food spilled from the tables around the gallery. It was covered in grapes, pomegranates, and figs. 

The perfect word to describe the environment was hedonism. The extravagance overwhelmed her for a moment.

And yet.

It intrigued her.

A banquet server dressed in a chiton, face covered with a mask, approached her with a tray of drinks. She took one, thanking them, and looked at the art on display. She stood in front of a canvas splattered in an array of colors. The calming blues etched across the sky made her feel wistful.

“Not my best work.”

Irie turned to the right to see him.

Him.

It was him!

Though he gave the impression of being poised, Minghao was a wreck on the inside. Now that she was standing before him, he didn’t know what to do. The god did not like the feeling of uncertainty. He was always so sure of himself and his actions. 

This woman made him second guess. She looked exquisite just standing there. Dressed in a loose blouse, jeans, and heels, it was effortlessly sexy. 

Donned in a black jacket, she noticed the skin peeking out from the zipper being pulled down. He had magenta pants and black boots, and he looked comfortable in his skin. Only someone like him could pull off that outfit.

If only she knew.

Irie felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she stared at him. They weren’t in a dimly lit club now. The spotlights above showed everything. He was ethereal, standing there, almost as if a glow was surrounding him. She averted her gaze, sipping her drink as the memory of their intimate time together returned.

“I believe introductions are in order,” he finally spoke.

She nodded in agreement as he held out his hand. “Xu Minghao. A pleasure to meet you and welcome you to my art gallery.”

Irie took his hand gingerly as he shook it gently. “Irie.”

“Beautiful. But no last name?”

She felt the embarrassment wane as she smiled. “Haven’t earned that yet.”

“Ah, there it is, that spark.”

She smirked, looking around the gallery. “If you’re lucky, you might see more. How about you show me your art pieces, Mr. Xu?”

It rolled off her tongue so eloquently. Minghao bit his lip before a mischievous smile appeared. “Very well.”

They walked around for hours, chatting as he pointed out his favorite pieces to her. Now and then, a patron would rave about his work, gushing praises. He took it in stride, being polite as he could, trying not to appear too bothered by the interruptions. 

He wanted Irie to himself. 

Under the watchful eye, Arisone dictated to the servers, making sure the drinks flowed and the food was plentiful. She kept Erato out of sight for fear of what Minghao would do if he saw her.

However, he was currently enamored with this new lady. She thanked Zeus for whatever brought that woman to him.

He was happy, and that was all that mattered.

Minghao found a quiet spot away from prying eyes and ears so they could talk more. As time went on, his infatuation with her grew deeply. He didn’t want to scare her away so soon. Irie was a breath of fresh air for him. He could have easily probed her mind to her deepest desires, but that wasn’t right. His father did plenty of that with the women he laid with. Minghao wanted this to happen organically.

“So you’re here visiting?”

“Mhmm. A vacation was needed,” she explained. “Most would wonder why I came here alone, but I like it that way.”

“The wandering traveler,” he mused.

“Something like that,” she replied. “Are you an only child?”

Minghao chuckled, shaking his head. “I wish. Unfortunately, my family is relatively large, but I have made my own way. Those close to me who have been there since the beginning, that is my true family.”

He paused, letting out an incredulous laugh. “I’ve never said that to anyone before.”

“You’re not what you seem, Minghao,” Irie stated.

“As are you, Irie.”

She shook her head, toying with the cherry in her drink.

“Tell me something I don't know,” she murmured.

“I want to spend the entire night worshiping your body.”

She nearly dropped the glass she was holding. Irie let out a huff to mask her astonishment.

“Seems you got your work cut out for you then.”

“I like a challenge,” Minghao shot back with a smirk. “Though I think I would be correct in knowing you feel the same as I.”

After a moment, Irie nodded, taking a sip of her drink. Her eyes wandered around the room at the other people standing around.

“So you consider me a challenge?”

He mulled over the question momentarily. “We’re equally matched, but I'm leaving all decisions to you. You'll decide how this goes from now on. I won't take offense if we leave it as it is now.”

It was tempting. Her curiosity peaked at the possibility of how this night would go. He intrigued her. Most people would jump around the bush trying to get to the point, but not him. He was something different. The aura that surrounded him seemed to leave her in a hazy uncertainty. She wasn't sure whether it was good or bad, but all Irie knew was that she was going through a dry spell, and his lips were tempting to bite. 

The thought alone made her face warm. 

She cleared her throat before finishing her drink and set the glass on the table.

“Let's say I agree to this. What's next for us?”

Minghao smiled, fiddling with his napkin. “Ladies' choice: my place or yours?”

Irie returned the smile, stepping close to him, so close he could smell the sweet remnants of her drink on her lips. 

“Yours.”

What came to pass that evening was nothing Irie had prepared herself to experience.

Minghao opened the door to his home, letting her enter before him. Irie looked around in awe. It was eccentric like him. He owned a townhouse in the French Quarter. Art hung on the walls, each with a purpose to the interior design. She slipped her shoes off, following suit, and wandered further inside. One thing caught her eye. She stepped towards a glass cabinet—two items glittered under the lights. One is a crown wrapped in gold foil ivy and grapes, and the other is a gold staff wrapped in ivy leaves with a pinecone shape on top.

“Like it?”

Irie turned to look at him. He came into the room holding two wine glasses.

“What are they?”

“That’s called a thyrsus; it’s kind of like a wand or scepter.”

“Interesting. Are those ivy and grapes?” 

“Yes,”

“Do you like Greek mythology?”

Minghao shrugged with a smile. “It’s amusing. The stories are entertaining.”

“Dionysus liked grapes, hmm?”

“I believe so. It was more so cause of wine.”

“Ah, that makes sense.”

He handed her the glass and led her to the couch. She settled down as the soft cushion engulfed her. Irie let out a sigh, closing her eyes.

“You find it comfortable here?”

She opened her eyes to see Minghao sitting on the opposite end of the couch. “This place complements you and what you are.”

“Oh?” He sipped his wine, savoring the rich grape and currant notes. “What am I exactly?”

Irie leaned on her forearm on the back of the couch, examining him curiously. “I’m not sure, but you’re an enigma. I find that exhilarating.”

“You don’t mince words, Irie.”

“No use in having pretenses.”

“Touché.”

Her wine drained from the glass; Irie licked her lips and set it on the coffee table. She slithered over to Minghao, a smirk on her lips. He smiled, finishing his own as she reached to put it on the table. 

“So.”

“Yes?”

“I think we should continue where we left off that night at that club,” she suggested. Irie straddled his lap as his hands found a place on her waist, guiding her down. The wine still stained his lips, making her yearn to bite.

“That’s not a bad idea. I invite it,” he replied in a husky tone.

Her nails dragged down his chest, toying with the zipper. “I’m glad. I couldn’t stop thinking about you, Minghao.”

“Maybe it was the wine,” he teased.

She laughed, tugging the zipper down. “Not at all. I’m just wondering what you meant by worshiping my body all night.”

He pondered it momentarily as his fingers drummed along the skin peeking from under her blouse.

“First, we'll have to set some ground rules.”

“Mmmkay. This isn't one of those NDA things, is it?”

For the first time, Minghao gave a genuine laugh. It made Irie think of summer rain–one of those quiet ones that happened at sunset sprinkled the ground, and cooled the earth.

He shook his head. 

“I’m all about consent and what someone’s kink preferences are.”

Irie nodded, following along with him. “Okay. Well, this might sound strange, so I’m not sure how to word it.”

Minghao urged her on with a soft smile. “Try. It’s okay.”

Irie nibbled on her bottom lip, trying not to squirm too much in his lap–he was trying not to get distracted by it.

”I’ve always been fascinated with being the dominant one in the bedroom. Choking and tying up. Being more of a giver than a taker,” she explained.

”Choking and typing up are good. Would you be open to marking?” he inquired.

Irie looked down at him, tilting her head. “I’ll be honest. I’ve wanted to since last night.”

Minghao felt a flutter in his core from her words. He gulped softly, trying to keep his pulse steady.

“What are your hard nos?”

”Bodily fluids and anything near my rear,” she answered.

He nodded. “Okay. Those are mine as well. Overstimulation and exhibitionism are also things I enjoy.”

Irie tapped her chin. “Good. Safeword?”

”How do you feel about the traffic light system? Red, yellow, and green?”

 “Fine with me.”

His hips lifted, making contact with hers, causing her to moan softly. Suddenly, he flipped their positions, her back pressing against the couch cushions. He took her wrists, placing them above her head.

“Keep these here for now, please.”

She bobbed her head, feeling that intoxicating feeling return. He was meticulous with his actions. His touches were with purpose, only adding to her pleasure. Settling between her legs, he leaned in, lips ghosting her neck. Irie gripped his back, her breathing heavy.

“What's your color, Irie?”

“G-Green.”

He looked into her eyes, smiled, and kissed down her chest, taking his time to touch any skin, all the while helping her undress. Reaching her jeans, he tugged on the band playfully before unbuttoning them. Irie lifted her hips, assisting him as he pulled them down and tossed them aside.  She laid before him only in her lingerie. The air conditioning caused goosebumps to form on her skin. He seemed under a spell looking at her on the couch. Was it possible she could have been a goddess, too? 

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered.

Irie felt the heat rise in her cheeks, avoiding his gaze.

”No, I want you to keep your eyes on me while I taste you, Irie.” Minghao looped his arms around her legs, pinning her hips to the couch.

He slipped her panties to the side, noticing her wetness collecting over her pussy lips. He blew softly, making her whimper as she tried to squirm away, but couldn’t far with her legs being held by his arms. His tongue flicked out, tasting her essence. He found her clit with ease, already swollen from her arousal. Fingers instantly went into his hair, pushing his face further down. Irie grinded on his lips as he took his fill. His hand reached up and massaged her breasts, caressing each one and rubbing her nipples softly. As they hardened under his hands, Minghao pulled lightly on her nipples. His eyes never left hers. Hearing Irie's noises only made him lick faster, and eventually, Minghao slid two of his fingers deep within. Irie threw her head back as curses flowed from her lips. 

His fingers and tongue moved in tandem, taking her to heights unknown. A sheen covered Irie's body as the pleasure became almost unbearable. She gritted her teeth, rutting against his mouth and fingers, searching for that sweet release. 

“It’s okay, love, you can let go,” he urged.

That was all she needed. Her eyes squeezed shut as if wave after wave slammed her body. Minghao moaned, feeling her muscles clench around his digits. He watched in fascination at her orgasm, arousal trickling down her thighs, coating his fingers. He lapped it all, cleaning her with care, coming up to sit next to her as she shook from the impact, letting her rest in his lap while she caught her breath. Irie nuzzled against him, kissing along his neck.

“From how that happened, I thought you’d be out for a while,” he observed.

“Hardly,” she murmured against his skin. “That was just an appetizer.”

She gripped his hair, tugging it back as he hissed. Straddling him from her position, her lips and teeth covered every inch of his skin, leaving red and purple angry marks in her wake. He tried to grip her waist, but she jerked his head back, smirking.

“Nope. Keep your hands to yourself. Understand?”

Minghao's Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, giving her a noise of cooperation. She set to work undressing him down until he sat there in his boxer briefs. She noticed his erection straining against his underwear. Her nails scratched down his chest, over his thigh, ghosting over his cock. It twitched in anticipation as she kneeled before him.

“I’ve barely touched you,” she remarked.

He bit his lip, trying to move under her. “G-Gonna tease me all night?”

“Maybe. It’s fun to watch you writhe under me.” 

Her breath tickled his cock, making Minghao wriggle. She chuckled to herself in amusement before giving him tiny kitten licks around the head and shaft. She moaned, tasting him on her tongue–sweet with a slightly salty aftertaste. Nevertheless, it was delicious, and she craved more. With one fell swoop, Irie engulfed him in her mouth, hollowing her cheeks. The lewd sounds that followed were music to Minghao’s ears. His hands scrambled into her hair, pulling it up in a ponytail to assist her. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her.

His sounds of encouragement only pushed her further. She deepthroated him, reaching up to massage his balls between her hands. Eyes watery and mouth stretched, she continued her movements, wanting nothing more to make him feel good. He was in complete bliss. He would have folded already if it weren’t for his god-like abilities. Still, he didn’t want to waste any of it going down her throat. This was something he needed to fill her with. He tugged at her braids gently as she let his cock pop out her mouth, covered in saliva and cum. 

“Y-You’re amazing,” he cooed.

Grinning, she wiped her mouth, giving his cock a final kiss before rising to straddle him once again.

Irie gave him a quick peck before leaning close to his ear. “I’m not done with you yet by any means. I want to be bouncing on that cock.”

Minghao reached down, pulling his underwear down, shaft slapping against his abdomen. His fingers wrapped around Irie’s throat, putting slight pressure on it. 

“Take a ride, love.”

Haziness filled her eyes as she situated herself hovering over his cock. The head coated with precum, she slid down with ease, stretching her. They both exhaled at him being buried deep within her. His hand never left her throat, giving it another squeeze. She took that as a sign to begin stroking him slowly, her hands anchored on his shoulders as she sped up.

Irie ached for another release. She quivered each time she came down on him, moaning out, frustrated with the need to cum. Minghao used his other free hand to wrap around her waist helping her move, wanting to feel her more. The knot in her abdomen loosened as she trembled above him. Through gritted teeth, Minghao knew he wouldn’t last long. 

“F-Fuck. Cum for me, love.”

Releasing her throat, he teased her clit, flicking against it for added sensation until she unraveled above him. The silent cry racked her body as she convulsed on him. Her cunt gripped him like a vice. Minghao held onto her so she wouldn't topple off the couch. The grip on him was just too much as he pulsed inside.

“Need to cum, love.”

“I-Inside,” she rasped.

He stilled his movements as he groaned, painting her insides white—their bodies jolting from the aftermath. 

After a few moments, he moved their positions to lying on the couch. He gently brushed the braids off her face. She opened her eyes and cuddled up against him.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hi,” she whispered back, suddenly feeling very shy in front of him. 

“Would you like some water?”

“I’d like that.”

He nodded, unraveling himself from her arms, and placed a blanket around her shoulders before walking into the kitchen. She could hear him rummaging around the kitchen and emerging with two glasses of ice water. He handed her one before sitting beside her. Irie sipped her water, letting it coat her vocal cords. It helped make the cloudiness clear from her head. After drinking half the glass, she set it down near the wine glasses.

Minghao set his glass down so she could curl up against him. 

“Not getting sleepy on me, are you?”

Irie fought back to hold the yawn, threatening to spill out. “Hardly.”

The following day, Irie woke up to the sound of running water. Her eyes fluttered open, and she saw two women standing in the bedroom, cleaning up the place. With her eyebrow raised, she sat up, covering her body with the sheet. The woman noticed she had woken up and stopped cleaning.

He chuckled mischievously, sliding his hand down to her backside, and gave it a generous squeeze. “Good cause we’ve only just begun.”

---

“Good morning, Irie.”

“You know my name?”

“Minghao told us to ensure you were comfortable while you stayed here.”

Irie blinked a few times, staring at them. “Who are you?”

The woman with waist-length black hair pulled into a braid and smiled. “I’m Eriphia. This is Ambrosia,” she pointed to the other woman with coppery-tinted curls.

“You work for Minghao?”

“Yes. We’ve drawn a hot bath for you to relax in. What would you like for breakfast?”

Ambrosia walked over to hand her a silk robe. Irie stood, a bit self-conscious in her current state. Both women made no remarks nor changed their facial expressions as she stood to put on the robe. Eriphia led her to the luxury bathroom, where the sizeable freestanding tub sat in the middle. Steam rose from the water as lavender sprigs floated on the surface. Irie removed her robe, and Eriphia took it and hung it on a hook.

“If you need anything, just call for Ambrosia. I’ll be getting your breakfast together.”

Irie nodded as she stepped into the water. The heat soothed her muscles as she lay against the neck pillow. She was sore, but in the best way. Thinking about the previous night's activities, she couldn't help but smile. Minghao was an attentive partner…maybe even a lover. Who knew?

She was curious about his whereabouts, though. Leaving her alone with these women seemed strange, but at least they made her feel welcome in his home. She hadn’t realized how long she’d been soaking in the tub until Ambrosia held a large fluffy towel. Irie stepped out, wrapping the towel around her body.

“Your clothes are being laundered, but we have something for you to wear in the bedroom,” Eriphia explained before walking out.

Irie walked into the bedroom, quite surprised at how clean everything was. The bed was made up, the clothing spurned across the floor gone, and the candles were removed. It looked as if the previous night had been erased.

She dressed quickly, styling her braids into an updo, and went to the kitchen. Eriphia was putting down a place setting at the table. 

“That outfit looks good on you.”

“Oh, thank you,” she answered, sitting at the table. 

Ambrosia and Eriphia bought the plates in trays and placed them in front of Irie. As they lifted the lids, she pointed out the various things on the plates.

“That is eggs rossini–poached eggs on top of a foie gras mousse crostini, accompanied with a beef filet, Madeira hollandaise sauce, smoked salmon with the toppings, pain au chocolat, and fresh fruit coated in honey. We have fresh squeezed orange juice, but I’ve got French-pressed coffee if you prefer that as well, and mimosas or Bloody Marys.”

Irie’s eyes rounded to circles. Decadent wasn’t even close to what was laid out for her. What kind of man was this Minghao?

“The orange juice is perfect, thank you,” she replied as she took her fork from the linen napkin.

Ambrosia bowed. “I’ll leave you to enjoy your breakfast. Bon appétit.” 

Irie looked down in wonderment. Where would she start?

“The eggs rossini are the best.”

She jumped with a start and saw Minghao standing in the doorway, eating a few slices of mango. Smiling, he cut another piece off with a paring knife. 

How could something so mundane come off as incredibly attractive? 

Irie blinked a few moments, trying to fight off that hazy feeling returning. Then he walked over and sat beside her, still working on his mango. 

“Did you sleep well? Were they helpful?”

“The ladies?”

“Yes”

Irie nodded, using her fork to cut into the eggs. “They were great. Thank you.”

“I wanted you to be comfortable and feel welcomed.”

Irie shot him a glance, letting out a huff. “Do you treat all your one-night stands like this?”

Minghao raised his brow, returning a huff of his own. “No. Any other inquiries you wanna know?”

Well damn. 

Irie concentrated on eating her breakfast as she let his words marinate. He wasn’t like any person she had ever met. Who would go through such an elaborate gesture for someone they had only met a few nights ago? He did nothing but confuse her more and more. There was only one way to find out.

“So how does this end?”

He had finished his mango and poured himself some French press coffee. He’d been stirring sugar into his cup as she spoke her concerns.

Satisfied, he took a sip to check the sweetness level and met her gaze.

“How do you want this to end? Remember. I did say you would decide how this went.”

“I understand, but I shouldn’t be the only one making these decisions. If it was only one night, I can respectfully say it was amazing, and I wouldn’t have any regrets if it ended right now. I don’t like being toyed with, Minghao.”

“Is that how you feel? That I’ve toyed with you?”

She set her fork down, leaning back in her chair, and stared at the ceiling. “No, you’ve been great, respectful, and decent. It’s just that–”

“You don’t want to get your hopes up,” he finished.

She nodded, quite embarrassed to have the mood changed.

He got up, holding out his hand. Irie glanced at it and then up to him before taking it.

He kissed her knuckles, rubbing them gently under his thumbs. “Irie, I like you. I haven’t been with anyone in a long time. I wasn’t open to getting hurt again either.”

He noticed her expression, and his anxiety rose. “That was a lot to unpack. I know we just met, but y-you make me feel…I don’t know…inspired again.”

Irie sighed softly, letting it all sink in. “I-I like you too, Minghao. And it scares me how much I have this pull towards you.”

He cupped her face in his hands, kissing her lips gently. “We can take things slow if you like. I’m in no rush.”

She felt the calm wash over her as his lips pressed to hers again. “Neither am I. But Minghao, I’m not from here–”

“We’ll cross that bridge eventually. I wanna show you something.”

She nodded as he smiled, took her hand, and walked up the stairs. They went past his room and headed towards the end of the hall. He pulled a key from his pocket, unlocking the door and pushing it open. 

The natural light filled the room, almost blinding her, but her eyes adjusted as she looked around. Half-finished paintings and sculptures littered the room in an organized chaos. He stood by the door, watching her look around.

“I’ve never let anyone in here before, but I wanted you to see this side of me. I know you saw the art in the gallery, but this is my personal work.”

“It’s beautiful, Minghao,” she murmured.

“Would you ever let me paint you?”

She turned to him in surprise. “You wanna paint me? Like a portrait?”

“Not as formal, but yes, I’d love to.”

“I’d like that,” she answered with a smile.

They spent the rest of the day enjoying themselves, talking, and getting to know each other better. Minghao learned about her childhood and where she was raised. Like him, she came from a large family and wasn’t close with most of her siblings–he could relate. From music to food to pet peeves, they better understood each other. 

Was it possible he’d fallen for her?

Was it too soon to tell?

But he was sure there was something deeper there than just the carnal cravings. He wanted nothing more than to protect Irie.

And yet.

Something nagged the back of his mind. How would she react to his otherworldliness? He often watched the other Gods get into tragedy after tragedy when it came to love. He had heartbreaks to heal from in the past.

“Don’t move.”

Irie sighed heavily as she lay on the chaise. One hand propped over her head as her braids cascaded down the cushions, and the other rested on her hip. She was nude from the neck down as a sheet was strategically placed over her lower half. 

“My arm is itchy,” she pouted.

He glanced up from his sketch, hand moving with the charcoal. “Give me a second. I’ll come to scratch it for you.”

It felt like an eternity, but he rose and walked over to alleviate the itch. Irie sighed in contentment, closing her eyes. Minghao dragged his hand down, leaving light touches over her stomach. Irie opened her eyes and began to laugh.

“Minghao! I’m ticklish!”

“Good.”

Grinning, he started tickling her sides, making her cackle as she tried to squirm away. 

“M-Minghao,” she gasped.

He released his hold, sitting back on the chaise lounge. Irie caught her breath and tackled him playfully. His hands wrapped around her, bringing her down on top of him. She kissed him, nibbling on his lower lip.

“Guess you’re not finishing the sketch.”

He moaned, dragging his nails along her back. “I’ll finish it later. This is better.”

She kissed his neck slowly. “I agree.”

He closed his eyes, feeling the heat rise, but willed himself to pause her movements. 

“Irie?”

She looked at him in concern. They had only been seeing each other for a few weeks. She’d even decided to extend her vacation. It wasn’t hard to do. She had enough vacation time to cover a few months if she wanted to. Was he ending things? The thought flashed in her mind, making her worry. Things had been going so well. But there was one thing Irie hated: when people didn’t get to the point. 

“Yes, Minghao?”

She waited for the ball to drop.

“I need to show you something.”

What?

She looked at him curiously.

“What is it?”

“It’s a surprise.”

Irie’s lips pulled downward. “I really don’t like surprises.”

He exhaled slowly, trying to find the right words. “It will explain who I am, who I truly am. I care about you, and I don’t want to have any secrets between us.”

“Okay.”

He smiled, running his hands through her hair. “Thank you.”

She leaned into his touch. “When is this happening?”

“Tonight. We’re taking a short trip to a rural part of Louisiana. That’s all I’ll reveal.”

Her head jerked up, giving him a strange stare. “I don’t like the word rural.”

He kissed her forehead. “I promise it’s just the outdoors. Nothing more.”

Little did Irie know what waited for her that night.

---

“What is this place?”

The trip was only an hour outside the city, near the swamps of Baton Rouge. Irie tried not to look concerned as Minghao guided her through the brush. At night, the sounds of the forest came alive. She squeezed his hand as branches snapped around her. He kissed her cheek, and all her worries melted away.

“I own some land here,” he explained. “Before I moved to New Orleans, I preferred the quiet of the forests and the swamps. I’ve always felt calm being in nature. There is so much power that comes from the land.”

As they got closer, Irie could hear drums. The beat matched the sound of her own heart. She could see a large fire situated in the middle of the clearing. People standing around were dancing, drinking, and eating.

“Is this a party?”

“Kind of,” he answered before stepping into the clearing with her. Everyone turned to him and cheered, bowing low.

 With closer inspection, everyone was dressed similarly to his art exhibit. Masks adorned the majority of the crowd. She noticed Ambrosia and Eriphia as they approached one another, one of whom Minghao identified as Arsinoe. 

“Welcome to the Bacchanalia.”

Irie glanced at Minghao to the women. “The what?”

“It’s a celebration. A time to let loose and lower your inhibitions.”

“So it’s a rave?”

Minghao snorted, shaking his head. “Better than a rave. First impressions?”

Irie looked around the clearing, still taking it all in. “It’s interesting.”

Ambrosia walked over to her, holding out a drink. “This will help, but you don’t have to participate.”

She stared at the liquid in the goblet. “What is it?”

“Black wine made from black cherries, blackberries, and grapes. Minghao’s recipe.”

She took a sip, and the tartness made the inside of her cheeks tingle. An unknown sensation coursed through her body, and she felt like floating. She giggled, handing the goblet to Minghao as he sipped. He passed the goblet back to Arsinoe, pulling Irie flush against him.

“And so it begins.”

It was like that night they met at that club. Time seemed to slow down as everyone gave in to the enchantment. The music grew louder as everyone undressed slowly in the clearing. Not a care was given. Irie and Minghao were in their own world. Nothing mattered to them. At one point, he had her up against a tree trunk, legs wrapped around his waist. They undressed quickly, and grunts filled the air. His hips snapped in rhythm, making her dig her nails into his shoulders. Somehow, he got more of the wine, pouring it down her breasts and licked a trail along the curvature. She was in absolute bliss, not wanting it to end. 

She would have noticed everyone’s pupils turn black if her mind had been clear. The animalistic instincts had overcome the people. But she didn’t care. She only was focused on the man whose cock was buried in her pussy. He took her to heights unknown, the overstimulation making her dizzy as he changed their positions, setting them on the ground as she bounced on his cock with fevered movements. Minghao covered every inch of her body with kisses and touches, wanting to be closer to her.

“F-Fuck Irie…L-Like that, you feel so good, baby.”

“M-Minghao, I’m so close.”

He sat up, gripping her hair as she hissed. 

“Do it. I’ll fill you up. Do it, please.”

The grip around his shaft nearly made him cry out. He throbbed, stilling his movements as shockwaves passed through their bodies. Irie cried out, holding onto him as their bodies trembled from the impact. Minghao kissed her lips slowly as both collapsed in the grass as exhaustion swept over.

“Rise and shine, sleepyhead.”

Irie’s eyes fluttered open when she saw Minghao lying next to her. The cloud had lifted over the clearing. She tried to sit up as the throbbing in her head returned. She groaned, closing her eyes as she rubbed her temples.

“What the hell happened last night?” she murmured through her hands, trying to hide from the sun.

Minghao cradled her head in his lap, taking over to massage her temples. She sighed deeply as there was instant relief.

“What do you think happened?”

“Most of it seems like a dream or somewhere in between that sleep and awake time. I saw dancing and drinking. And sex. There was a lot of sex. It felt so raw and free,” she rambled on.

Minghao nodded. “You’re not wrong. Everything you witnessed happened. It was what some call ritual madness. It’s a state followers get into when in the presence of a god.”

Irie snorted in disbelief. “A god? They don’t exist. Those are myths told in school.”

He paused his touches, looking down at her. “You really believe that?”

“I believe what I can see and touch,” Irie replied. She laughed, returning his gaze, taken back by his expression. “Don’t tell me you believe in those things.”

“Irie–”

“Minghao,” she sat up, looking at him incredulously. “You can’t be serious. Nothing like that exists.”

Suddenly, his skin glowed a golden bronze as an ivy crown appeared on his head and the staff in his hand.

“Holy shit!”

Irie jumped back, almost tripping over her feet. Minghao sighed as he returned to his original form. “You see now. So you believe?”

“What the fuck are you?!”

“Surely you must know. There’s been subtle hints since I met you, Irie.”

She shook like a leaf. Everything she denied made sense.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“You’re a Greek God.”

“Yes, I’m Dionysus, and I’ve fallen in love with you, Irie.”

Oh damn.

She felt her body go numb.

“Minghao–”

“I know. I’m shocked to hear me say it, too. But it’s true. I’ve fallen for you. I don’t know what it is, but you have taken my doubts about love and devotion and turned them on my head. The last thing I want to do is scare you away. I don’t want this to seem like I’m love-bombing you. What I feel is real, Irie. I can’t go another day knowing if you’ll leave my life.”

Her lips trembled as she looked down. There was so much to take in, yet she felt the same. Never had she understood what love at first sight meant, but on that fateful night, their lives were intertwined in fate. 

He held out his hands for her, and she took them. He noticed the way she shivered.

“I’m terrified of how much I feel for you,” she whispered. 

“I am, too.”

He rubbed his thumb against her cheek, pressing his forehead to hers. “Would you be mine and I yours?”

She met his gaze, pressing her lips in a soft kiss. “I do.”

---

A month later, she walked down an aisle toward this ethereal man who had stolen her heart.

She turned to her reflection, staring back at her counterpart. This had indeed been a journey. So much had happened within the past month for her to be considered ‘normal’. Was she ready to take this leap of faith?

It was time to give her an answer.

“Yes, I’m ready.”

The veil was clipped to her hair as more ladies assisted her with the garment. The train alone was at least six feet long. The fabric was a golden sheer material, accentuating her shape. It was ethereal. No one could take their eyes off her as she walked down the aisle guided by candles. 

There was no instrumental accompaniment; the hooded figures around chanted softly as she approached the altar. Her eyes lifted as she saw him standing there in all his glory. Power radiated from him, and an aura surrounded him. 

She was almost rendered speechless as she made her way next to him. He stepped down the stairs, holding his hand for her to take. The warmth radiated from his palm, calming her nerves ever so slightly. He gave her an assuring smile that she gratefully returned. 

This wasn’t a mistake. This was where she belonged. He lifted the veil, chuckling softly. 

“You look beautiful, Irie.”

“T-Thank you.”

“I can’t wait to make you my bride. Do you understand what this means? Do you accept it?”

Irie’s heart thumped to the sound of the scepters thumping against the ground. The chants grew louder as the figures removed their hoods to reveal countless women watching. Power radiated from the earth in the middle of the bayou. He had chosen her to be his bride. In the vast selection, Irie was to be his.

“I-I can’t,” she blurted out.

The crowd paused, staring between her and Minghao. She felt the grip on his hands tightened as she tried to pull away.

“Are you serious?” he asked, finally finding his voice.

Irie bit her lip, looking away from his gaze. 

“I can’t do this, Minghao. We can’t do this.”

“Why? We love each other, don’t we?” he questioned.

“Because I’m a horrible person,” her voice quavered as she snatched her hands away from his, turning her back to him.

MInghao felt his throat tighten as he stared at her. Irie balled her fists as she began to walk down the stairs.

Don’t go!

He wanted to shout to the heavens for her. Each time he tried to speak, his throat jerked back, making it hard for him to speak.

As Arinsoe tried to grab her, Minghao held his hand up, stopping her.

Irie ran out of the room, disappearing from view. Bromis rounded on him, sweeping her arms around angrily. 

“You’re just going to let her go?!”

Minghao’s lips thinned as he felt the rage flow through him. “Know your place, Bromis.”

She growled, shaking her head. “With all due respect–”

“I don’t care. Leave me.”

Arinsoe tried to reach out to him, only for him to avoid any touch. “Minghao–”

“I said leave me,” he ordered.

She knew that tone. It was final. She nodded curtly, gesturing for everyone to go. “You heard him. Everyone leave, now.”

---

The next few days that passed left Minghao in a deep state of depression. He never left the darkness of his room, denying anyone to see him, even Jeonghan. He refused to eat or drink, locking himself in his studio at all hours of the day.

Arsinoe couldn’t bear to watch him suffer like before. Things had to be set right.

She found Irie walking along the riverwalk, watching the cruise ships enter the port. 

“He’s a wreck, you know.” 

Irie, startled by her entrance, almost fell from her spot.’

“Why are you here, Arsinoe?”

“You know why.”

“I’m not playing these games with you. I made my decision. I couldn’t do it,” she expressed plainly.

“Bullshit. You love him. You’re just afraid to admit it to yourself,” Arsinoe snapped back.

“I’m not gonna sit here and take any verbal assault from you or anyone associated with him,” she hissed, getting up from her seat.

“You would have left the city if you really felt that way,” Arsinoe called to her back, “But you’re still here. You both deserve second chances at this. I’ve seen him at his lowest of lows. I raised him. Did you know that? Despite all the odds, that man is a fighter, and he fell in love with you, Irie. Why are you so scared to admit it to yourself?”

Irie fought back the tears, biting the inside of her cheek. It was too real. This was too real for her. She stared at the water as waves rippled from the ships.

”I’m used to being on my own. Disappointment was just a part of my life. Things got too real that night, and I panicked. It’s easier to close my heart than to anticipate the pain that comes later.”

Arsinoe listened to her carefully. She gave a small, sad smile, shaking her head.

”You’re a lot more like him than you realize. There’s love there. You both need to be willing to let the other in.”

Irie reached over and squeezed her hand. “Thank you, but I’ve burned that bridge even if I could.”

Shaking her head, she turned and walked away. Arsinoe sighed profoundly, watching as Irie walked away, looking at the river's ebb and flow.

—-

Minghao eventually emerged from his room. It took some coaxing, but he went outside for a walk around the town. It was a small victory for the Maenads, but nonetheless, he was getting outside once more. As he turned the corner at Jackson Square, he nearly ran into Irie. They leaped back in shock, staring at each other.

“What–”

“Ambrosia said you’d be going on a walk today,” she replied.

“Oh.”

She fidgeted in her spot, switching her weight from one leg to the next. “Would you like to talk?”

“I’d like that.”

They found a quiet cafe off the main road, settling on an outdoor table. After ordering their drinks, the silence felt so thick between them. Though his heart ached, he decided to speak.

“I didn’t think you would still be here.”

“Minghao–”

“As much as I hurt, I could never hate you, Irie. I blame myself for falling so hard I couldn’t see anything around me.”

She winced at the words. “We both were fools in love caught up in this whirlwind. I-I realized I cared so much for you that it felt like we didn’t know what we were getting into. I mean, for goodness sake. You’re a god! The pressure of knowing that knowledge was terrifying!”

He frowned slightly. “I know. I’m sorry; I should have eased you into it more, but I can’t help but feel that way. I still want you, Irie.”

“I-I want you too, Minghao. But where do we go from here?”

He exited his seat, kneeling before her, hands covering hers. “Can we start over? I want to do things right. I swear I want to be the best person for you, Irie. You deserve that and so much more.”

She hadn’t realized she’d been crying until Minghao wiped her tears away with his thumbs.

“We really are so messed up.”

He chuckled with a nod. “We are, but look at my life. It’s nothing but messed up. You make it bearable.”

He pulled her into a hug, kissing the top of her head.

“I love you, Irie.”

“I love you too, Minghao.”

She pulled away, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “So because you’re a god, that means by association, I'm like a goddess, right?”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Remember, we’re taking things slow.”

She scoffed, giving him a poke at his forehead. “Fine, but when the time comes, I get to choose my own thing.”

“Wouldn’t have any other way,” he promised and sealed it with a kiss. 

[pippipsquirtsquirt]

Summery: when kitty arrives at KISS, she notices that there is something going on between Niah and Min Ho, who are supposedly best friends.

————————————————————————

“Come on, Niah, we gotta go over to the boys’ dorm, Min Ho is making breakfast.”

Niah groans and rolls out of bed and throws on one of Min Ho’s sweatshirts and some leggings before following Kitty out of the room.

Kitty smirks at the outfit and nudges Niah. “You totally like him.” Niah blushes and scoffs. “What? I so do not like him, I mean I love him, but as a best friend,” she stammers. Kitty simply rolls her eyes and laughs.

Once they make it to the boys’ dorm, Kitty jumps at the chance to help Min Ho, wanting to talk about Niah, as Niah sits on the couch with her knees to her chest since she was so tired.

Min Ho kept giving Niah concerned glances. She seemed like she hasn’t slept much at all, something that happens when she extremely anxious.

“You like her,” kitty says quietly. Min Ho blushes and looks away. “I do not,” he whispers. “You do, Minho. I get that she’s your best friend, but it’s ok to like her.” Min Ho pauses while looking at Kitty for a moment. “I don’t like her, I love her, Kitty. She’s my everything. She has a family at home waiting for her on the holidays, but she chooses to stay here with me so I’m not all alone. It’s not fair to her, I just love her so much that I can’t tell her to go home.”

Kitty smiles and looks over at Niah, who’s half asleep. “After breakfast you should go sit with her, you guys would be so cute cuddling,” Kitty says while giggling and Min Ho rolls his eyes while smiling as the two finish up breakfast.

Niah perks up when Min Ho shakes her carefully. “Breakfast is ready, come on, Love.” Niah hums quietly and follows Min Ho to the table. Min Ho has an arm around her shoulders the whole time, concerned by how tired she is and Kitty is on the other side just grinning at the two.

As soon as they finish eating, Kitty quickly takes their plates and shoos them to the couch. “I’ll clean up. You guys watch a movie.” Niah hums and walks over to the couch, reaching towards Min Ho to pull him down next to her. Min Ho smiles softly and wraps his arms around her and presses her head to his chest.

Kitty squeals quietly, and Min Ho hears her, sending her a glare before placing a kiss on Niah’s head and turning on her favorite movie.

Kitty takes a picture of this and sends it to Min Ho, causing him to smile softly once more.

Once Kitty realizes that Niah is asleep, she Neal’s next to Min Ho with a large grin. “You guys are so cute!” Min Ho rolls his eyes and hushes her.

Once Min Ho is pleased by the amount of time she slept, he lets Niah go back to her dorm to finish up homework with Kitty.

Min Ho grabs his phone once the two leave and goes to the picture that Kitty sent him, changing it to his lock screen with a goofy smile. He’s never felt like this for anyone. He’s used to his short term flings, a date, maybe two, sleeping with the girl, and heading home before she wakes up, no hard feeling about it. But with Niah it’s different. They’ve never done anything together, and he’s feeling butterflies in his stomach and smiling more then ever at just the thought of her. He’s never been happier.

“You guys were so cute in there, look at this picture!” Kitty shows Niah the picture, causing Niah to blush and hide her face with a small smile. Kitty smiles and sends the picture to Niah, putting it as Niah’s Lock Screen. “Kitty!” Kitty giggles and hands the phone back, noticing how Niah stops and stares at the picture, trying hard not to smile.

“Don’t give me that look Kitty. He’s my best friend, that’s it. Best friends do this stuff all the time! The picture on your Home Screen is me and you.” Kitty giggles. “But me and Dea are on my Lock Screen.” Niah rolls her eyes and throws a wadded up paper at her with small giggle.

Later that night, kitty heads down to where the party she had planned is, and made Min Ho go pick up Niah from the dorm.

Min Ho doesn’t even bother knocking before going in, something they never bothered doing since they knew each other so well. Each other’s dorm was like a second home.

Min Ho walks in and smiles when he sees her struggling while putting on a necklace. “Let me help you, Love.” Niah jumps at his voice, not realizing he was there til now. “Hey, Min. Thank you.” Min Ho grabs her necklace and brushes her hair out of the way, clasping the necklace and pausing to look at her in the mirror, finding her eyes are on him.

Min Ho slowly comes out of the trance she put him in and places a lingering kiss on her temple. “Let’s go. You look stunning by the way.” Niah bites her lip while smiling with a blush. “Thanks, Min. You look handsome as ever,” she says while fixing his ever so slightly crooked tie. Min Ho blushes slightly and grabs her hand, pulling her downstairs.

When Min Ho spots Kitty, he pulls her aside. “Has Niah ever said anything about, you know, having feelings for me?” Kitty shrugs with a smile. “Can’t tell ya.” Min Ho glares at her and she giggles. “Go over there, look her in the eyes and tell her how beautiful she is. You’ll know by how she reacts.” Min Ho grumbles at not getting a straight answer when he turns around to see Niah lost in thought while looking at him with a blush. Min Ho smirks and turns back to Kitty. “I think I have my answer already.” Without saying anything else he walks over to Niah. “Hey.” Niah blinks out of her trance and blushes. “H-hey, Min.” He grins and pulls her into his side and kisses her cheek.

He spends the rest of the night teasing her, trying to get the best reactions possibly while thinking about making his first move.

Later that night when he walks the girls back to her dorm and pulls Kitty aside again. “I need your help-don’t give me that look, this is the only time I’ll be asking for it. I need your help planning my first move.” Kitty claps with and excited jump and tells him her idea.

The next night after avoiding Niah all day to get ready, he has Kitty bring Niah to his dorm.

“Come on, Ni. We’re going to Min Ho’s.” Niah sighed. “Then why did I have to dress up?” Kitty rolls her eyes with a smile. “Let’s go.” Niah groans and adjusts her dress, which she’s not 100% comfortable in, but even she can admit that she looks cute.

When the pair get to Min Ho’s dorm, Kitty covers Niah’s eyes and opens the door. Min Ho turns around with a cute, boyish grin and pulls Niah to him while keeping her eyes covered before gesturing Kitty to leave.

Once the door is shut, Min Ho uncovers Miah’s eyes and she look at the amazing set up he had.

There’s a blanket on the ground with snacks next to it, and pillows on top of the blanket, one of her favorite movies ready on the screen. The light are dim, with the fairy lights that she made Min Ho put up awhile ago on.

“Min, what on earth? This is beautiful but what is going on?” Min Ho just smiles and hands her pajamas that match the ones he’s got on and shoved her into the bathroom.

When Niah opens the bathroom door, Min Jo is waiting for her and grabs her hand and pulls her to lay down on the blanket with him and pulling her to his chest.

“I’m in love with you, Niah. It’s been awhile since I’ve realized it, and it was only the other day that I admitted it to Kitty. You truly are my everything. You’ve made me feel things I’ve never felt, all that chick flick lovey dicey crap. I hate it but I love it at the same time. And I’m ready for a relationship, with you that is. I can’t picture myself with anyone else, hell, I can barely even look at another girl. I wanted tonight to be special. I know we’re best friends, grown up together even, but I want that to change. If you don’t feel the same, which I have a feeling you do, but if you don’t, tell me and I’ll gladly stay friends with you, but I love you, Niah.” Niah lays speechless, her head propped up on his chest while looking at him.

“Min, I-I love you too, but what, what if things go bad when we start dating? I can’t lose you, you’re my best friend, my everything and I couldn’t handle-” Min Ho cuts her off by pressing his lips to hers, something he’s been longing to do for the past few years.

When he pulls away, he caressed her cheek. “No matter what happens, I’ll be here. We’ll get through it together, hand in hand. You’re never gonna lose me, and I want you to be mine for the rest of my life, I get that we’re still young and in high school, but I don’t care. I already know what I want, and that’s you.”

Niah blushes and nods slowly. “Be my girlfriend, Niah.” Niah grins and nods once more. “Yes, forever yes, Min.” Niah is the one to kiss him this time and Min Ho grins in the kiss. He never really thought he’d ever get to experience this moment, but now that he has, he’s never gonna let go of her.

[s-4pphics]

dial. 5 (e.w.)

wc;cw: 3.9k, fratadjacent!ellie, all ocs r black coded<3, angst, weed, nun crazy… yet😝😝😝😝

SEVEN MONTHS LATER 

You’re finally a fucking senior! Joy to the queer world! 

After barely surviving your last term due to heartbreak and an intense depressive episode, the future ahead of you brightened the second you stepped into your aunt's home. Your summer was the highlight of your year… maybe even your life. What had you done in your past life to be blessed with such an amazing auntie? 

She took you any and everywhere you wanted to go. You never imagined Iceland would be the home country you wished to be born in. The mountains, the bright green grass, the fucking waterfalls you only dreamt of diving into. You became a mermaid the second you and Niah jumped into the Reykjadalur River. 

Every fiber of your being rejuvenated after your much needed break, and you were ready to get through your last year without chips on your shoulder. Fuck everyone from your past!

Moving in was always the worst part of the year. As much as you loved decorating, you never fully threw yourself into it until your third week on campus. Your fairy lights would have to sit in their box until you got your schedule in order. 

You and Niah trekked back and forth from your dorm to your auntie’s truck, hauling in box after box until your arms burned. Your back was already killing you. 

“Fucking son of a bitch— “

You interrupted Niah’s exhausted exclamations, “Swear ja— “

“Bitch, fuck you! I'm grown!” She dropped the last box near your work desk before slumping onto your chair. 

“Alright, my loves!” Your aunt entered your shared room with bags of new bedding. “This is the last of it. Need help making your bed?” 

You blankly stared at your aunt, and she smiled slyly, “Don’t look at me like that! You’re my baby!” 

You shook your head, snagging the neatly wrapped blankets from her hands, tossing them to the floor and engulfing her in the tightest hug you could muster. 

“I love you,” you mumbled into her shoulder. 

“I love you, baby. You’re almost done, you got this,” she kissed your cheek a dozen times before pulling back to plant more on your forehead. And nose. 

“Want me t’walk you out?” 

“I got it. Unpack and get comfy. I’ll see you in a couple months, okay?” She bopped your nose and you nodded, embracing her one last time before seeing her out. Niah gave her a goodbye hug and watched her dodge exhausted bodies down the hallway. 

Niah helped you set up your mattress topper and stuffed your pillow cases before your phone vibrated in your pocket. 

“Dina’s having din-din downstairs in a feeew,” you sing-songed, “Come with us?” You gave Niah the best puppy dog eyes you could muster, her lips pursing as she glared at you. 

“Girl… Y’all always wanna do shit when I’m fucking tired— “

“Pleeease.”

She sighed heavily before conceding, “If that bitch show up, I swear to god— “

“Dina wouldn’t let that happen,” you defended. 

“Oh, she wouldn’t? Really?” Niah scowled. 

“Stop,” you huffed in agitation, “Nothing that happened was her fault. She did what she could at the time.” 

Niah and Dina never explained to you why their relationship rifted, but you could only assume that it was due to you and Ellie falling out. They haven’t spoken since the beginning of summer, according to Niah, and it upset you greatly. You all used to fall asleep on the phone together every night during your scheduled breaks, and now you were hesitant to have them in the same room. 

You were never against Dina and Ellie being friends, even after she blew up on you; They grew up right next to each other, for fucks sake! They’ve always had a strong bond, and not even Dina’s loyalty to you would ruin that. Niah would just have to understand. 

Your best friend rolled her eyes, but dropped the tensity in her shoulders. 

“I’m not eating.” 

You pouted. 

“I don’t care about that,” she pointed at your stuck-out lip, “Get my purse.” 

The booth you shared with your friends in the dining hall was tense. 

You awkwardly forked your pasta while Niah and Dina stared at each other. You didn’t notice any hatred in their gaze, but the fire was there without a doubt. 

This was the worst dinner ever. 

“Sooo…” you twirled your noodles, “How was your summer, Dee!” 

“Fine.” 

Your bright smile dropped at her empty response, but you tried again. 

“Cool! Did anything exciting happen? I saw you and Jess traveled a bit!”

“We did.” 

Your eyes flickered between your two friends, their eyes distant. 

“Guys, c’mon! This is so stupid!” You nearly threw your fork on your plate. “Why are y’all even mad at each othe— “

“I’m not fucking mad— “

“Ask her that— “

Both friends brushed you off in their fit of rambles, and you exploded. 

“CAN Y’ALL STOP!” 

Neighboring students began to stare at all three of you, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care. 

“I don’t fucking care about Ellie anymore! I’m over it! It’s a new fucking year and I wanna move on, but I can’t if y’all keep bringing it up every time you see each other!” Niah tried to interrupt, but you cut her off with a stern finger. 

“I know why you’re mad and I appreciate you for caring, but Dina didn’t do anything wrong! You’re taking your anger out on the wrong person!” You took some breaths through your nose to calm yourself.

“I don't wanna see y’all fighting over this bullshit anymore. I mean it! Or we’re…” you looked between them with a harsh glare. “We’re gonna have a problem.” 

Moments of thick silence passed before you heard a gentle snicker. Followed by a snort. 

Boisterous laughter escaped both your friends while you stared in confusion. 

“What’s so funny?” 

Niah clapped her hands in hysteria. 

“Who the fuck are you tryna intimidate— “

“She pulls one little prank and suddenly her balls dropped. How cute! —“

Your head jerked in Dina’s direction, “Wait—” 

“Oh! You thought I didn’t know about that shit? Seriously?” Dina wiped away tears, “You’re nasty, by the way.” 

Heat washed over your entire body at her smirk and arched brow, “My baby’s a fucking freak! Who woulda thought.” 

Niah muttered whores around her straw with a shake of her head. 

“… You still got the vid, or.” 

“DINA!” 

More laughter erupted from your table, and your arms folded across your chest. Dina’s hand met Niah’s from across the table in a high five. 

“She does still have it, not gon’ lie— “

“SHUT UP, NIAH!” 

The second Ellie saw you, Niah, and Dina laughing through the windows of the canteen, she hit the fastest fucking U-turn of the century. Her appetite dissipated in an instant and she booked it towards the parking lot and into her car. 

She hated the physical reaction that took over her body whenever she saw you, the only thought on her mind being run, run, run. 

After her last… encounter with you and fucking Abby, she made a request to move to the complete opposite side of campus. She packed all her belongings and was out of her and Jesse’s shared place in the nick of time, surrounded by faces she wasn’t used to. The thought of switching schools raced through her mind days after it happened, but when she realized that you hadn’t had plans to broadcast your porno across the campus’ Snapchat, she was at ease.

At least for a little bit. 

Telling Dina and Jesse was, by far, one of the worst parts of this whole experience. 

She hadn’t mustered up the courage to do it until two months later when Abby brushed past her with a mere nod of acknowledgment at a house party. Her hazy mind thought that coming clean would erase some of the guilt she felt, but it was all for naught. 

All she got was a theoretical pie thrown at her face when both her best friends' exploded into the biggest laughing fit, she’d ever seen from them. They knew she deserved all the smoke she got from you and Abby after everything she did, and despite her attempts at being prideful, she knew she did too. 

You never came along when Ellie was around for the remainder of the term, and she didn’t know whether to be thankful or full of fucking shame. It became a bit of both overtime. 

She’d only seen you once after the sextape fiasco. It was during move-out week: your face was droopy and tired—probably due to finals— as you and your family hauled box after box into a truck. 

Ellie hadn’t had a reaction to anyone like that since her first fucking girlfriend. The sweaty hands, the swirls in her tummy, the jitters of her fingers. It all came back to her and she wanted to vomit. 

Looking as cuddly as you did that day shouldn’t be allowed. Ellie knew she didn’t deserve a hug from you, but she allowed her imagination to take over anyway, her subconscious completely engulfed by your scent and forgiveness. 

Ellie’s head rested on her steering wheel, her head banging against it and accidentally sounding the horn. 

Ellie’s never been in a relationship with someone who wasn’t selfish. She allowed people to take and take and take so much from her in the past, gladly accepting their overstepping and lack of boundaries if it meant she received their affection. It went on for so long until it abruptly halted and left her destroyed and alone. Her heart iced over after her last relationship went up in flames, and she vowed to keep it that way. If there’s no love, there’s no heartbreak. 

She thought she could do that to someone else. Prey on someone as sweet and comforting as you. 

But it didn’t work. You fucking cracked her. You’re a witch, and your pussy is godsent. 

Ellie brought out that side of you and she regretted it (despite the jerks in her clit every time she reminisced about your glittery tears), and she owed you the most respectable apology she’s ever given.

Ellie reached into her hoodie pocket and pulled up her phone, messages filled with students asking if she’s around to sell. She ignored them all and searched for your contact that she selfishly never deleted. 

Her thumb hovered over the unblock button. 

Ellie’s heart is racing and she thinks she might pass out. 

She got used to hearing the small ding from the bell of the Starbucks entrance that she hardly ever looks up at who’s waltzing in. 

When she heard you and your best friend’s laughter, she almost dropped to the floor to hide behind the service counter. She was not fucking prepared to see you. Nausea and butterflies stirred in her gut at the sound of your giggles. 

H-Have a good day, she cringed when her voice cracked, scribbling the customer's names on their cup before passing it down to the mixing station. 

The minutes that passed felt like years, endless seconds of anticipation of seeing you face to face for the first time in months. Her eyes scattered to the end of the lines where the two of you stood every two seconds, observing how you inched up the line. 

Until the two of you stood in front of her, Niah’s intense glare searing through her skin and shaking her bones. She shakily asked for both your orders, but you took over, answering for you and your roommate with your classic smile. You’re too sweet for your own good; She couldn’t imagine being this cordial in public with someone who did what she did. Said what she said. 

You looked fucking adorable: hair twisted, dangly earrings, glossy lips. Her hands wouldn’t stop as she scribbled your name on your cup and cake pop baggie. 

Niah was fucking grilling her, and rightfully so. Ellie’s shocked she didn’t reach over and strangle her with her bare hands. Her presence was a threat on its own, Jesus Christ. 

You swiped your student ID and yanked a stiff Niah by the arm over to the pick-up line, the wind sitting in Ellie’s lungs finally releasing. 

She peered over at the two of you as she collected the rest of the orders from caffeine-withdrawal students, anxiety pitting in her gut when she watched you snag your cup and bag, reading the messy scribbles she left at the bottom.  

hi. can we talk when you’re ready?

You had enough courtesy to hide the baggie from an already pissed Niah, and she was grateful. It gave her an inkling of hope before you frowned, your eyes surprised, then confused. Then angry. 

Ellie almost cried at the scoff that left your mouth when you shot her a pissed glare, before you snatched your dessert from its encasing, crumpled the paper and threw it into the trash by the exit. She watched the two of you leave with a heavy heart, embarrassment overtaking her when you refused to look back. 

Ellie couldn’t shake the feeling that you experienced this same disappointment whenever she shut you down previously, and it made her feel even worse. 

Ellie started seeing you everywhere you went after that: in the quad, on the way to class, even in the fucking library (a place she never went!), but you never seemed to notice her. She hadn’t been in the study center since she was a fucking sophomore, and she instantly remembered why when she caught a glimpse of you in your own world, headphones on as you scribbled down your notes. 

Remorse flooded her gut when she remembered the time, she dismissed your proposal of listening to a playlist you made for her a couple days after you fucked a couple times. She didn’t even know what artists you liked. 

Even after all this time, she refused to forget all the times she upset you, intentionally or not. 

The twisted part of her brain was already prepared to march over and speak with you, but she had enough sense to overpower her selfish desires. 

She managed to get past you without hassle, rushing onto the elevator to find her usual spot in the second-floor corner. It was her safe place whenever she came in here; She’ll never forget when she and Dina tripped balls atop the beanbags pressed up against the window. 

Going to the library was pointless; The thought of you and your sprinkled cupcakes dominated her mind for the rest of her study session. 

It was the best part of the entire year. 

The month of October has its own presence: it’s grand and dark, gloomy, fun. Evil. You would never wear bright orange on a normal day, but during October, you might as well be a pumpkin! 

All your friends were already in the Halloween spirit, baking and decorating some of the strongest edibles you’ve ever smelt in your damn life. You were shocked that none of Jesse’s neighbors called to complain about the loud scent. 

“You wanna hit?” 

You peered up at Abby’s invitation puff from her blunt with a polite smile and a shake of your head, “You know I have to drive that one home,” You pointed out an already wobbling Niah in the kitchen. 

Abby chuckled around her next puff, “They’re gonna go fucking crazy with those.” 

“I’m scared,” You huffed, “Niah literally turns into a fucking potato when she’s high. I can never get her to move anywhere.” 

Abby giggled at your eye roll while she ashed. 

Running into Abby after what happened last year was much different than you expected. 

After you two went your separate ways at the party, you assumed she would never want to see you again, blow off any invitations you had to hang out, go back to fucking Ellie like nothing happened, but she did nothing of the sort. 

She always waved you over when she saw you sitting by yourself, greeted you with the brightest smiles and warmest hugs, texted you first. She was everything you could’ve wanted from someone. From a partner. 

So why didn’t you feel that spark whenever she looked at you with those pretty, blue eyes? 

You could always be honest with Abby, so bringing up your predicament was easy. She took it with a grain of salt and told you not to worry because she’s still a whore. It’s college! Her energy always calmed you. 

Niah’s weight plopping down next to you broke your trance. She slumped onto your shoulder with a weak giggle of it’s October 3rd. 

You stared down at her blankly, “It’s the tenth, bonehead— “

“Shhh, shh, i-it’s October 3rd,” she sloppily pressed her index finger to your mouth. 

Abby’s laughter rang from next to you like bells in winter. 

Ellie was… sad. And felt like a fucking loser. 

She’d been lazily lying on her couch with her dab in hand, scrolling through Instagram and watching 5-minute crafts when she received a notification from Dina. 

She felt a subtle crack in her chest when she saw her best friend caption the post the ‘best time of the year 👻’. She was dawned in her usual witch's hat while Jesse had a pumpkin carving imprinted on his shirt, both decorating what she assumed to be laced sugar cookies. 

Her heart shattered when she scrolled through the slides and saw pictures of a slumped Niah, Abby with her tongue out and middle finger up, and you, eyes gentle and smile doll-like with two peace signs by your face. You looked so cozy under the yellow glow of the decorative lamp. So comfortable in the place she used to call home. 

… She’s never not received an invite to decorate edibles. Why was a lump growing in her throat? Her high was fucked. 

Another notification from Jesse’s Snap highlighted across the top of her screen. Her thumb tapped it without hesitation, and some tears fell from her eyes to her cheeks. 

It was a clip of you, Dina, and Jesse squeezing out icing from a tube onto a loudly snoring Niah’s face, snickering softly when the traces of sugar didn’t go where you wanted. 

Stick it up her nose!

Ellie’s body tensed when she recognized Abby’s low whisper in the background. That was definitely the final nail in her coffin. 

The Snap ended with Niah’s eyes peeling open like a zombie and your heavenly laughter. 

Ellie dropped her phone and sat up, resting her head atop the back of the couch, palms digging into her teary eyes. She tried to convince herself that she was angry, pissed the fuck off, ready to fight everybody, even her closest friends. But she wasn’t at all. 

She was lonely and sad, and no one was there to comfort her. 

Class dragged on the entire week leading up to Halloweekend. 

Your shoulders were heavy and slumped from exhaustion. What kind of professor assigns projects the week before Halloween? They’re pretending as if they’ve never been students before; They know you’re all getting faded soon! 

You and Niah were grinding in the library the entire week, perfecting your papers and presentations for the following week. You didn’t want anything to ruin this weekend. Distractions, be gone! 

You’ve dedicated a couple hours each day to prepping your costumes for Friday and Saturday. The excitement to adorn your fairy getup was nearly bursting through your eyes. You decorated your wings with sequins and glitter, made your own flower crown, and designed your own spirit guide by snipping and re-stuffing a Squishmallow. 

You were a little too antsy to start the weekend; Niah almost called Dina to help tape you down to a chair. 

You bolted down the crosswalk after your scheduled library visit, a bright grin on your face at the thought of showcasing your designs for your costume. Dina and Jesse are your best critics. 

You turned the corner and hit a hard chest, almost falling to the floor before a pair of strong arms wrapped around your waist. 

“Lookin’ for rings?” 

Your smile widened at the all too familiar voice, “What does that mean?” 

Abby separated from you with a gentle smile, pointing at your sky-blue sweatshirt, “Blue sweater… running… Sonic— “

“Oh fuck!” You paused before a lightbulb appeared atop your head. “Oh fuck! Sonic would’ve been such a cute costume— “

“Still stressing Niah out?” Her brow arched. 

“Of course! Dina and Jes are about t’get the same treatment!” You rushed past Abby, throwing her a wild wave, “I'll see you on Friday bitch!”

Her airy laugh aired behind you before you eased past departing students and into the apartment lobby. 

It’s almost impressive how much your mood can deplete due to one person. 

You instantly recognized Ellie’s back muscles over her muscle-tee, her tattoo sleeve completely exposed as she murmured to the receptionist. The bun at the back of her head was coming loose with each nod of approval she gave. 

Anger and embarrassment and sadness battled for power in your gut as you glared through her skin and down to her bones. And she must’ve felt it.

She spun at the sound of the door shutting, and her eyes immediately glossed over when they locked with yours. She looked like a deer caught in headlights before she whispered hey.

You ignored and looked behind her and greeted the familiar receptionist, “Hey, is Jesse home?” 

“Yeah, babe! You just missed him— “

“W-Wait— “

“Cool, thanks,” You didn’t hesitate to book it for the second entrance, Ellie’s urgent calls of your name ringing behind you. You heard her following you down the hall like a horse. 

She called your name out louder, “Fuck, wait, wait— “

You frantically pressed the up button on the elevator but it was for naught. 

You felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, “Hey— “

“Ellie, don’t fuckin’ touch me, I’m serious,” you spat. 

Her touch dropped, her hands raising in the air, “Okay, okay, I’m sorr— “

“You’re sorry? Really?” You scoffed. “Fuck off, bro.” 

… Where the fuck was this elevator?! You were this close to holding the button down until the doors opened. 

Ellie sighed, “No, I’ve… I've been meaning to talk to you. Can I— “

“I don’t give a fuck about anything you’re saying, genuinely,” You harshly turned to glare into her eyes. Her gorgeous, green eyes that, for the first time, seemed so soft for you. Desperate, and not lustful. 

She didn’t seem to care about your protests, “I know I fucked up and I was… awful��� “

The dings sounding from the elevator sounded like alarms. 

“Ellie, please, I’m begging you, just leave me the fuck alone,” Rageful tears flooded in your eyes. “Get the fuck away from me! Just g-go away!” 

Ellie’s small glimmer of hope died in her orbs, her body flinching at your tone as she peered to the floor with red cheeks. 

The doors peeled open after what seemed like a lifetime and you threw yourself between them, slamming the fourth-floor button like your life depended on it. You refused to look at Ellie as the doors shut, your heart pounding in your chest as you heaved, your hands resting on your knees. 

You vowed that absolutely nothing could ruin your weekend, but why was Ellie’s flushed cheeks and sniffly nose almost enough to make you fold? 

Almost. 

okkkaaaaayyyyy im switching shit up fr so excited to write the next part stay with me yall lemme cook lemme coooook

taggie waggies love yall down :3 @dyk3ang3l @iced-metal @sawaagyapong @kittnii @mariefilms @villainousbear @pick-me-up-im-scared @dragonasflowercrown @elsmissingfingers @bugaboodarling @freakumfilm @robinismywifee @ohitsjordynn @womenofarcane @inf3ct3dd @nil-eena @kaispaws @letsreadsomesins-shallwe @yuckyfucky @machetegirl109 @ximtiredx @mattm1964 @liabadoobee @tfuuka @aouiaa @lastofvenus @iove-bbb

teaser, one, two, three, four

[arkipelagic]

In northern Palawan two tiger subfossils were found during archaeological excavations at Ille Cave near the village of New Ibajay, as reported by Philip Piper and colleagues … Piper and colleagues take the tiger bones as evidence of a viable tiger population in Palawan. However, tiger claws are widely used as amulets in the whole of South and Southeast Asia where tigers occur, a practice carried out in earlier centuries, as pointed out by Van der Geer. Furthermore, the condition of the tiger subfossils differs from that of the other fossils, as they show longitudinal cracking of the cortical bone surfaces due to weathering, indicating a post-mortem exposure to air and light. In addition, slight damage is present at several places, and partial concretion occurs on one of the condyles. Piper and colleagues are aware of the 'ornamental' (magic) value of tiger skins and teeth, and admit that these can be transported over long distances, but they overlook tiger claws and jugular bones, which are widely used as well. The tiger subfossils might thus very well have been imported by the human settlers. Such was the case with the tiger canine found in 10th to 12th century Ambangan sites in Butuan, Mindanao, as explained by Elenita Alba. On the other hand, admittedly, Palawan is not far away from Borneo, and tigers are known to be excellent swimmers. A few tiger remains have also been reported from Borneo, being two subadult canines and a metacarpal fragment (Niah Caves) and a navicular bone (Madai Cave), from large latest Pleistocene and Early Holocene vertebrate assemblages. The conclusion that there was a viable tiger population in Palawan during the latest Pleistocene and early Holocene.

Excerpt from “Evolution of Island Mammals: Adaptation and Extinction of Placental Mammals on Islands” (2011) by Alexandra van der Greer et al.

[belicioustummy]

🫢 for all

🫢 Do they have any kind of belly kink or awareness of it? Do any of the characters around them?

tansy and niah both have stuffing kinks, usually with tansy being fed and niah feeding it. tansy is generally more into getting stuffed, but she loves spoiling her girlfriend, so they swap roles occasionally. niah also just finds tummies to be very attractive. she often lets her hand rest on tansy’s even when it’s not full

willow kind of assumes everyone finds the idea of being just slightly too full to be a little sexy. eating on dates isn’t uncommon, after all. plus, he has a friend with benefits (chuck) who loves rubbing his belly after a nice big snack. it’s as normal and romantic to her as massaging your partner’s back or shoulders. she also finds the noticeable weight she’s put on since she finally began to care for herself properly to be hot, although that’s partially gender euphoria and finally being happy with how he looks

chuck doesn’t think he has a belly kink, he just likes to get a peek of a midriff when someone reaches up… or watch a pretty girl absentmindedly pat her tummy after eating too much… or feel the soft curve of a guy’s big stomach against his while they make out… wait what was the question again

cade doesn’t specifically have any belly-related kinks. he is a massive hedonist, though, and that often intersects with eating as much extravagant, delicious food as he can. he wouldn’t be opposed to someone he got involved with paying specific attention to his belly, just as long as they’re focused on him. cade is very self-absorbed

lola has a wide knowledge of kinks. while stuffing itself doesn’t do much for them, she can and will mix it with a little sadism when her lovers are interested. she gets to dominate them, and they get to indulge until they can’t sit up. everyone gets turned on and happy. he has a bit of magical knowledge as well. though he doesn’t use it just for kink, it can help increase someone’s stomach capacity or help with digestion during aftercare, among other things. on the topic of bellies, they do think pregnancy is hot as well lol

[reddragon-cowboy]

A symphony of scents plays with his senses once Spike steps through the threshold of the kitchen area. And as anticipated for most mornings he wakes up to, eyes locate Niah hovering over the stove with a rubber spatula in hand, the other end buried in a mixture of thick yolk and other ingredients : chopped pieces of red & green bell peppers and pieces of sausage thrown into the recipe where she skillfully prepares scrambled eggs. The scent of bacon is ever more potent as he watches the greasy oils ooze from strips of pork that pop and jump with enthusiasm, sizzling within its own heat in the next pan over.

The young woman only resumes her culinary work, unaware that two visitors now loiter within vicinity, since Spike had yet to announce his presence as he stands a few feet behind, absorbing the scene before him with a silent tongue where his mouth gradually waters at the delectable aroma of food. Nonetheless, food wasn't the only thing that caught his center of focus, visible in the way his gaze quickly wanders to the back of Niah’s figure, for such a lovely sight pulls at a desire hidden underneath the surface of tired eyes that instinctively softens, whispers something heartfelt and tender reserved for her.

He steps forward in her direction, and teasingly jabs a finger at her side as he passes by. Niah jumps with a gasp, pure bewilderment carved on her face at the unknown touch, until a familiar husky voice disturbs the quiet. ❝ What you cookin ? ❞ good lookin'.

Once she finally spots him, tension rolls off her shoulders as a sigh of relief passes her lips. ❝ Geez Spike, you scared me for a second. ❞ She exasperates with a small huff, head turned as she watches him choose one of the biggest mugs available off the dishrack. Her attention returns upon the task at hand, resumes stirring the gooey yolk. ❝ You fell asleep on the couch again I saw. ❞

He grips the coffee pot by its handle before pouring himself a cup. ❝ Yup, hope you don't mind, do ya ? ❞ Spike knows she doesn't mind. Never has Spike heard a single complaint about where he slept. For the past two and a half years of living under the same roof in this peculiar arrangement, the toolshed was offered as a space for his own privacy. A generous offer, yes. But more often than not, Spike would rather feel the plush cushions of the sofa beneath him as he drifts off to sleep. ❝ --taking over your couch like a cat. . . you sure have an odd fixation for taking in strays like no one's business. ❞

❝ Ahh. . . and are you one of these strays you speak of ? ❞

He snorts through his nose, the question eliciting a small quirk that creases the corner of his mouth. White creamer now blended into dark liquid he stirs with a spoon. ❝ Probably. . . and if so, I'm surprised you ain't boot me out yet with all the trouble that follows me around with my bounty hunting gig. ❞ Fingers curl across the mug handle before he saunters towards the table beside the window, pulling out a chair to sit as he rests the mug upon the surface of the table. And from his position at this specific angle where he sat, he was afforded the view of the entire kitchen dappled in hazy sunlight that snuck through the open windows, and Niah stood perfectly in his line of sight, including Duchess who ambled quietly up beside her feet. He takes a sip from his cup, hot liquid searing his tastebuds with that familiar acidic, hazelnut flavor as it spreads over his tongue. ❝ Guess, uhh, you must really like me that much to put up with me, huh. ❞

A hint he drops with a splash of diffidence, despite attempting to sound casual. Another hint that joins the many other clues that form a puddle of feelings they’ve yet to touch on. But she stirs the eggs and remains quiet, acts as if she didn’t hear it, nor understood the obvious meaning behind the significance of his last few words. And she carries on with a tired sigh, careful in how she responds to this delicate ( flirtatious) subject that she occasionally tiptoes around. ❝ Spike. . . y’know I don’t mind you being here. . . I actually am glad you are here. And besides, you probably get lonely and cold in that shed at night anyway. ❞

Spike couldn’t suppress the chuckle, accepting her answer with gladness that inspires a smile to form on his lips, one small and weary, in the same manner his eyes rest low and half-lid as he stares at her with longing. He props his forearm on the table before taking another sip of coffee, speaking after he swallows. ❝ Heh, funny. . . who says I’m lonely when I got the cat to sleep with me now ? ❞

Niah piques up and stole a quick glimpse at him over her shoulder. ❝ Ha, you mean Duchess ? I saw ya’ll when I passed by earlier. ❞ She says as she replaces the spatula with a pair of tongs instead, maneuvering the strips of bacon by carefully flipping them over. Their sizzling intensifies as they crackle with excitement. ❝ It was actually cute seeing ya'll sleeping together like that. A sweet, rare moment. I would’ve took a picture if I thought of it at the time. ❞

❝ Oh, you saw that, huh ? ❞ His gaze shifts back to the feline again, who seemed focused on Niah preparing breakfast. ❝ Yea, she’s definitely a sly one-- slipped right up beside me sometime in the middle of night. If she was a highly trained assassin, I would’ve been dead by now-would’ve been the end of Spike Spiegel who got done in by a cat. It would definitely be something to see those words imprinted on my tombstone. . . ❞

She titters at his joke, and the mere sound of her laughter was enough to tickle his ears. ❝ That’s soo stupid. Don’t say such awful things about her ! It was cute to see her cuddled up next to you. You might’ve actually saved her life. So, she must be really fond of you, y’know. ❞

❝ Hmm. . . probably only because I shared my lunch with her. But she seems quite fond of you right now, she’s lookin just as hungry as I am. ❞

❝ Huh ? ❞ At the implication of his comment that Duchess was awake, Niah decided to pause all movement. She quickly dropped her gaze towards the floor, finally realizing Duchess had, indeed, been here all along, sitting patiently at her feet, blue eyes wide and expecting for food of her own. Oh, poor dear ! She thought as she offered Duchess an apologetic glint in her eye. Niah was so preoccupied with assembling breakfast for her and Spike that she failed to notice Duchess had joined in attendance as well. ❝ Aww, hi baby, did you sleep well ? You hungry, hmm ? ❞ She asked with a tilt of her head, her tone swimming with a sweet light utterance, an attribute Niah adopted from time to time whenever she interacted with the dainty feline.

After adjusting the flames on a low setting on the stove, Niah walked ( with a little skip in her step) over to the other side of the counter where a bowl of food was ready and prepared to be served for their new guest. Niah spent the time concocting a meal from one of the many recipes she discovered on the web, and hopefully, Duchess would find this particular dish appetizing enough. ❝ Here you go, sweetie. ❞ With her knees bent, she crouched close to the floor near the table and placed the dish beside another filled with fresh cool water, both bowls posited upon a tray should food tilt over the edge. The meal was a grinded concoction that featured meaty components, consisting of : salmon, chicken, beef, and egg.

While remaining close to the floor, she reaches out as fingertips lightly stroke Duchess head, massaging the thin layer of soft fur between her ears as a kind smile touches her lips, an expression of pure fondness towards the elegant feline. ❝ Go on baby, dig in. Hopefully you’ll like this one. ❞

The sweet aroma of food cooking reaches her nostrils as well. A low purr rumbles from her throat as she inhales the heavenly scent. While on the streets of Mars, Duchess was forced to scavenge for food like a common stray. But here, she was fed like the royalty she was named after. She truly did find it a blessing to stumble upon such kind humans. Even if Spike--as she found out he was named--was a little rough around the edges, Duchess could sense he had a kind heart.

After he announces that he was going to get something to eat, Duchess hops off the couch and dutifully follows him to the kitchen. She was quite hungry as well and she was looking forward to see what Niah made for her this time.

[reddragon-cowboy]

A little something surrounding the relationship between Spike & Niah. I thought I'd share some more insight into Niah's peace-loving nature in comparison to Spike's tendencies to resort to violence when the situation calls for it. Yet, sometimes, it's all about the act of protecting ones who are dear to you, even if their choice of going about things might go against your beliefs in some way.

Niah tries to be a good girl.

Especially when she woke up in the future on Mars, she desired nothing but a clean slate as she was forced to begin a new life off earth. Niah was accustomed to trying to be an upstanding citizen throughout her life, presenting a ‘good’ image for her parents and other authoritative figures she’d come across. Unironically, her parents led her into a somewhat sheltered childhood, which eventually became an issue as she grew to develop her own independence. Even still, she wasn’t a person who started nor looked for trouble and did her best to obey all laws set in place (the ones that mattered anyway), even for a corrupt climate such as Mars where the superior authorities just barely exercised their power for the good of the people as they, instead, inflated their own self-interests at the expense of others.

Funnily enough, this exceedingly good, lawful image would come into question when she met Spike Spiegel, a bounty hunter who fell into her life on the pavement one silent night. Being placed in an interesting arrangement with an eccentric man whose past was shrouded in mystery, she had plenty of time to observe his…questionable activities as a licensed bounty hunter. With his code of conduct and moral compass revealing to be a tint darker against her own light, Niah continuously finds herself contrasting against his own views that seems drenched with apathy and violent ferocity, attributes the young woman noticed he keeps subdued underneath a mask of coolness.

Yet, along the way, she sometime wonders how Spike managed to sink his roots beneath her skin, slither through her veins and straight into where her hearts quicken its beat whenever he inches a tad closer. Shoulder to shoulder. His rugged fingers uncharacteristically soft when hands meet hers.

How his right eye squints as he aims that deadly Jericho with her in view, and shoots a bullet inscribed with his name on it. Niah isn't fond of guns due to the type of harm they do. But she realizes the weapon that rests at his hip is used honorably, used to protect her. Save her. Spike can pull the trigger when she lacks the heart too.

He’ll do the dirty work to protect her. Take the fall for her. At least for the sake of her good image.

@bebopcrew; Relationship Week. 02/20

🌹✨Spike Spiegel & Niah Foxx ✨🌹

[unoscraft]

"Oh to have you in every world..."

Written by Jhanizarie Barnes

Which route should I go to reach the agreed place?

I couldn't find my way out of this enormous fortress, and I was beginning to despair.

Fortunately, I came upon several servants who pointed out the way there. Suddenly, while I

was looking for it, I came upon a garden and saw a young woman fall in front of me, and I

halted to help her. It was strange since all she was doing was just staring at my face as if she

had something to say to me but couldn't. I'm not sure where I'd seen her before, but there was

something about her that was familiar.

"Are you okay?" She felt her face becoming red and quickly hid it.

She flashes a small smile and cutely nods in front of me, I guess she’s already 8 years old like

me. She softly thanked me for helping her, while i’m observing her looks. She may look

princess but her act and dress says the opposite. Her white dress was covered up in dirt and

her ribbons are falling from her wavy hair, she’s a mess indeed.

“I’m prince alirey, you?” I offer my hand again as a gesture of respect.

“I’m niah!” I was about to talk to her more but my servant found me. They are already calling

me saying it’s our dinner time. When I was about to bring niah with me I just saw her running

away from me while she’s holding a lavender flower in her left hand.

During our dinner time, I expected Niah to be one of us since she’s the princess, but I just

saw another girl. Maybe she wasn’t the princess that I’ve been expecting. After I finished my

dinner I excuse myself to wash my hands politely.

On my way back to the dining table, I heard two young girls chit chatting. I’ve decided to

eavesdrop out of my curiosity.

“Please alisha?! Just switch places with me when he’s here! I’m afraid he wouldn’t be friends

with me since i’m a princess..” it was niah and the other girl that I’ve met during the dinner

earlier!

“Fine, just be thankful you’re my friend and my mom has been loyal to serve your family for

years! ” Alisha said, the fake princess. But why does she have to hide?. “Okay! And also I'm

shy because he’s so charming!” Niah giggles, I smiled and shook my head

Our families became closer together. As time passed by Niah wasn’t shy to me at all but she

still hid her identity. I just let her, maybe she’s more comfortable with that. I joined the

soldier training because I’m representing our kingdom, and niah joined too. She’s always

there whenever I go somewhere else.

After a while, our training also became harder. My father, who's also a king, told me that our

legacies were divided into half. The left legacies contain 4 kingdoms, the right legacies

contain 4 kingdoms and that’s where we belong. The left legacies decided to have a war with

us, they are saying we have something that we’re hiding. I'm still not sure what it is, but

every day they manage to start a battle, start to kill some of our citizens, and continue to

threaten us if we don't give them what they want.

“I..love you prince alirey.” I was speechless when niah confess. Tomorrow’s gonna be our

last war with the left legacies and now we’re ready for it. But why does Niah have to confess

now of all times? Of course, I share the same sentiments with her. But the timeframe now is

insufficient.

She left me with no choice, I lied saying I was in love with the princess, her best friend. She

even revealed to me that she’s the true princess. I looked at her in my most cold eyes while

she’s kneeling infront of me begging me to give her a chance, I couldn't because the war was

getting near. I knew she would protect me during that time, I just left not saying anything. It

pains me to see her crying and I couldn’t do anything but to lie.

Eventually, war came. Niah didn’t even bother to took a glance at me, that’s good to know.

She's tougher than she should. Everything was going well, we may die or not. At least we’re

doing this for the sake of our people.

I was panting and almost bending in my knees. Someone called me when i looked back an

enemy was already stabbing me from behind but someone took it from me. My hands

immediately draw my sword to cut off his head. I held her waist. My mind couldn’t process

everything but my body kept on carrying her away from the war.

“Niah, stay with me please.” It was her, Niah protected me, as far as I know she was far from

me. I always keep her away from me whenever the war is occurring but I'm surprised she’s

already behind. As much as I wanted to keep her alive, a lot of blood has been dripping and

draining her body. I just sat down and hugged her more while I cried. Her eyes was already

half asleep, I knew she couldn’t make it. I softly planted a kiss on her forehead, and I smiled

through the pain.

“Rest, my princess. I love you..” After that she just smiled and nodded. She finally rests in

my arms. The war ended through pain and blood, but the princess' last words by her letters

for the kingdom also made the war end in a peaceful way as it should.

I was just staring at the sky while i’m at the garden where I first saw her. The sky was bright.

Sunshine like her, I started to mourn her death again. I just stopped when Alisha tapped my

shoulders, I couldn’t say a word and just followed her gesture.

I formed an “oh” when I finally realised what’s the secret of the right legacies, the tree of the

other world. Alisha simply drew a straight line, raising my eyes in perplexity. Niah was there,

seated in a location resembling a school. While chatting with her friends, she is grinning. I'm

confused as I stare at Alisha. She gave me the signal to go into another dimension while

smiling. "If you want her, get her. That’s the secret of this tree, it is a bridge for the two

worlds that have been unseen." I walked in without giving this any thought. She started

pouting as soon as I walked in, and as she drew nearer to me, I took a closer look at myself.

She and I are both carrying the same school attire.

"Psh, you really drove me crazy earlier! Even though I already know the right word, you still

beat me! Thanks to you, I even dropped two points." She rolled her eyes. I initially didn't

understand anything, but I just went along for the ride.

“Not my fault.” I said coldly and sat at the chair, she just rolled her eyes and walked away

from me. I couldn’t help but to smile seeing her alive, seeing her in another world but this

time in a much more peaceful way. Maybe in this world, the only war that we can encounter

is a little war between the two of us.

[hobeemin]

cruel

🔥 genre: smut, angst, e2l, supernatural

🔥 pairing: demon!jackson wang x demon!(f) poc reader

🔥 rating: 18+

🔥 warning(s): swearing, fire, exhibitionism, teasing, light choking, kissing, multiple positions, powers, demons

🔥 word count: 851

🔥 credits: a HUGE HUGE thank you to @playmetheclassics and @sugakookitty thank you both for looking this over for me cause I was freaking out.

resources for banner found here ~ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

🔥 a/n: @agustdef​ niah, aka my younger sibling, i’m wishing you the happiest of birthdays!!! i hope you enjoy this fic!! i’m not gonna get sappy cause we don’t do that over here lol.

He sat among the bodies, toying with any that dared come close. His throne, a large obsidian shape, hypnotized anyone who stepped close. They didn’t realize what lurked in the shadows. His appetite was insatiable. Eyes the color of burning coals, skin almost leathery in nature as if soot covered his limbs. But his physique was breathtaking. No one could deny him that.

Jackson was proud, powerful, and gorgeous. Eons of power surged through his bones.

And yet he wanted more. 

He was bored of this world. Nothing challenged him anymore. He sighed heavily as smoke curled from his nostrils. It danced around his head slowly. 

And then she appeared. His eyes rounded for a moment before going back to his neutral expression. Across the rubble, it looked as if she was floating. Through the dust and smoke, she glowed. 

Her eyes set on him as a ghost of a smirk appeared on her face.

So this is who made nations tremble. 

He stood, closing the distance between them instantaneously.

No words needed to be spoken as both their lips sought the other out hungrily. The flame started small as each wrestled for dominance. His fingers dug into her hips, leaving bruises as her nails scratched along his skin, leaving dark, red, angry marks.

It was animalistic, feral, and oh so sensual.

Pulling back to tug on her lip with his teeth, he growled softly.

“Who are you?”

She chuckled, pressing her palm to his chest and shoved him to the ground. Hiking up her dress, she licked her lips as she straddled him.

“Do you desire me?”

He bobbed his head without any hesitation. Something in her voice seemed to lull him into a stupor. He felt heavy…heady. She was the only thing he wanted.

“Who are you?”

She bit down on her lower lip, dragging her nails down his chest and letting them dip to his Orion’s belt. “I think we’re beyond introductions, Jackson.”

The sound of his name on her tongue stirred something in him. She felt his cock twitch against her inner thigh.

“Seems something else is paying attention,” she teased. “I’ve barely touched you, and you’re already gone.”

Jackson gritted his teeth, glaring hard at her. “You think this is funny?”

She tilted her head to the left and then right before answering. “Yes. Yes, I do.”

His hands encompassed her ass cheeks, squeezing them. “I don’t like being considered a joke.”

“I didn’t say that; you did.”

With a hiss, he flipped their positions. Eyes glowing red, he leaned in, placing hot kisses along her neck and jawline.

“You’re insufferable.”

“Yet you put up with it every time.”

Pushing his pants down just enough for his cock to spring out. It slapped against her thigh as he guided it against her bare lips. He grunted, coating the tip in her arousal.

“Just how I remember.”

Her face formed into a scowl as she wrapped her ankles around his lower back, lifting her hips to push him further in.

“Say less. Fuck me. Now.”

Damn, he loved her bossiness. And fuck her, he did. Ignoring the watchful eyes and judgments, their sounds of pleasure filled the air. One hand on his back and the other grounding her in place, she was in a state of bliss.

He rolled over for her to be on top as she bounced harder. Jackson’s eyes rolled back as he matched her rhythm. It was almost too much for him. She squeezed her breasts, still moving on top, her tongue snaked out to coat her lips.

“What’s my name?”

His hips stuttered as he tried to concentrate. “You never-“

“Jackson,” she cooed. “Say it. I know you can.”

“I-I,” he stammered, trying to keep his mind clear.

She rolled her hips, making him groan out. “Fuck…it’s…it’s-“

She moaned as the feeling of the knots in the stomach began to unravel. “G-Go ahead, Jackson…say it.”

“Shit!!! You feel so good hugging my cock, baby. G-Gonna cum in that pretty pussy.”

She slowed her movements as she hissed. “Not unless you say my name!”

“FUCK!!! Y/N!!!!”

She gave one last roll as waves crashed over her body; she screamed into the vast wasteland as it shook the ground. Jackson watched her in awe as his orgasm came just as hard. He cried out as he spilled his seed, filling her to the brim, sitting up to hold onto her until he finished. 

He shuddered, kissing her lips before falling back down. Y/N skin felt ignited as she grabbed his shoulders, pulling him up towards her.

“I win.”

Jackson’s eyes widened in fear. “N-NO!”

Flames burst from his body, licking her skin as she absorbed it. She pushed him down, standing as the vortex opened, dragging him in. She blew a kiss as he yelled before disappearing.

Rolling her shoulders with a sigh, she glanced around the area.

“Amateurs.”

A chill ran through her body as fingers crawled up her neck with a squeeze. Jackson reached in to nip her earlobe with a quiet laugh.

“Oh, we’ve only just begun.”

[sofspook]

worth a try

(in which Liam is... not home for Christmas)

|| Masterlist ||

I’m the kind of person who plays Christmas music before Halloween. Looks like I’m the type to post a Christmas drabble before Halloween, too. Anyway, I thought I’d give some background on Liam’s story, so that some of the things he does make a little more sense. 

Didn’t think I could possibly make Christmas sad? Think again. 

CWs: Taylor being gross towards Liam (a minor) in general, pretty blatantly implied past, present, and future sexual abuse (and obvious but NOT explicit noncon touching), general blanket warning for creepiness and boxboy universe/pet whump/dehumanization setting, mental emptiness as a coping mechanism, brief death mention, food and forced eating (not physically forced, but like, there isn’t an option.)

context: Takes place way before Shipping, way before he meets Keith. Liam’s name at Taylor’s was Luca. 

-

There are other faces at the table. Ashen, empty faces of boys from WRU like him, like Luca, each accompanied by the bright cheery faces of men Mr. Taylor knows, each with matching slow smiles, hungry eyes.

It’s Christmas, or so he’s been told. There are three big, brown, seasoned and plump and tender turkeys mounted on expensive white plates at the center of the long dining table, each adorned with a saucière of rich-smelling gravy. Extending from them outwards is an array of other dishes, from roast beef to mashed potatoes to carrots and parsnips and asparagus and stuffing and a whole lot of other things he doesn’t know the name of. It’s Christmas, or so he’s been told, so there are guests over, and he’s to be on his best behavior for friends.

Friends are never a good thing, here. Neither is dinner. Dinner means I’ll do something for you, if you do something for me. Nothing here is free. But it’s not like he has the choice to starve and be left alone. I’ll let you eat a tremendous dinner with us tonight, little bird, if you-

“I don’t believe I’ve met your little pet, Jim.”

“This is Luca. Say hello, darling.”

“Hello,” he says, devoid of any fear or hope or enthusiasm or reluctance. It’s just words. It’s just exactly what he’s asked to say. Nothing more, nothing less.

The conversation doesn’t move beyond that, and Luca doesn’t keep track of it. Briefly, his mind wanders to the castle, to dragons and to the story he’s creating in his head about Niah and Liam and the knights and horses and- but then he stops himself, vaguely recognizes the danger of drifting off while at dinner, and he opts to watch the way light bounces off his silverware instead.

“Eat, dear,” mutters Mr. Taylor, with a carefully-hidden sneer. “I didn’t ask the company for an ungrateful, wretched little thing, did I?”

He doesn’t know whether to say yes, Sir, or no, Sir, because both answers are right and both answers are wrong depending on which question Sir thinks he’s answering and that certainty of being wrong grips him with particularly horrifying icy talons so he doesn’t. He doesn’t answer. Instead, he picks up the fork with his left hand. From outside in, he remembers.

Luca looks at all the food dished onto his golden plate. There isn’t much he’s allowed to have, of course. He can’t have a big stomach when he’s meant to be looked at. He hasn’t eaten all day, for that reason, but he’s not hungry anyway. Not really. Not when pictures keep flipping through the backs of his eyes, not when his head is empty, not when he can still feel the memory of hands over his skin, not when he knows what dinner means, not when he knows the reason behind the looks he’s given, not when he knows, not when he knows what’s going to happen tonight.

Briefly, he wonders if Mr. Taylor would still keep him, still treat him the same if he were nothing more than an animated corpse. Preserved and pretty and quiet.

And with that image in mind, he stares blankly at the slice of turkey on his fork, and does his best to do what everyone else is doing. He keeps picking lightly at his food the way he’s been taught to, the right way, the way Mr. Taylor likes, regardless of the horrible full-but-not-full please stop I’m not hungry leave me alone stop touching feeling in his stomach. And from the surface, no one could know that he’s in excruciating pain. He remains empty, silent, hollow-eyed. The way he’s been taught to, the right way, the way Mr. Taylor likes.

His Sir sits at his right, always, and for only one reason, really. He’s right handed, and therefore uses silverware with his right hand. His left is for Luca, who is always close enough to reach at the table. It didn’t take long for Luca to develop the little useless habit of keeping one hand, the one facing Mr. Taylor, under one leg. It doesn’t help and it never stops his Sir from reaching but it makes him feel a little better, pretending to have some control in a way that would go unnoticed. 

It never helps and it won’t now, and Luca knows this even as Mr. Taylor slides his left hand over the inside of his thigh, even as his hand lingers and inches higher, heavier. Luca knows that having his own arm in the way isn’t going to stop him from going higher, knows that he’ll just move it out of the way, but he tries anyway. And that’s what happens. His arm is pushed away, and Luca’s breath hitches but he keeps picking at food he doesn’t want like everything is fine. It didn’t help. Never does.

But it was worth a try.

---

\ @looptheloup​​ \  @deluxewhump​​ \  @burtlederp​​ \  @lave-e​​ \ @whatwhumpcomments​​ \  @whumptywhumpdump​​ \  

*don’t hesitate to let me know if you’d like to be removed from the general tag list or if you’d like me to leave you off tags for drabbles like this that take place in captivity. :)

[thesunnyshow]

Name: Kim Age: 26 (27 in September) Writing Blog URL(s): @jinterlude​   

Nationality: Filipino-American Languages: English  Star Sign: Virgo MBTI: ISFJ-T Favorite color: Any shade of blue  Favorite food: Ah, I have so many, but I really do love ramen & this Filipino noodle dish my grandma makes. Favorite movie: West Side Story. A close second is Pride & Prejudice (2005) Favorite ice cream flavor: Rocky Road  Favorite animal: Pandas Go-to karaoke song: Upside Down by A*Teens (I think I just dated myself) 

What fandom(s) do you write for? Mainly BTS, but I have written for SVT, EXO, GOT7, Monsta X, B.A.P, & NCT

When did you post your first piece? Oh dang, when? Hmm… I want to say Oct. 2016 (?) on my first blog (I had deleted and came back to Tumblr).

Do you write fluff/angst/crack/general/smut, combo, etc? Why? I mostly write a combo because it just happens that way! My main genres are: fluff, romance, & humor/crack. 

Do you write OCs, X Readers, Ships...etc? I mainly write OCs stories because that’s what makes me the happiest when it comes to writing, but I still write x reader fics for drabbles and oneshots. 

Why did you decide to write for Tumblr? Funny story. The reason why I started writing for Tumblr is because an old group of friends said that I should write a funny story based on a college class of mine, so I did and here we are. 

What inspires you to write? Usually, it’s my imagination, but other times it’s either the song I’m listening to or even the show I’m currently watching. Right now, my inspiration draws from anime. 

What genres/AUs do you enjoy writing the most? Genre wise, I love writing fluff & romance. AUs wise, I’m a sucker for Royal/Royalty. Mafia/Gang & Soulmate AUs would be a close second. 

What do you hope your readers take away from your work? Oh, wow. I honestly never thought about that before. I think for me, the one thing I hope my readers get from my stories is at the end of the day, please do something that will make you happy. Your own happiness should always be a top priority for you. 

What do you do when you hit a rough spot creatively? I take a break! Instead of forcing myself out of the creativity slump, I just take a break and let my mind recharge. Then, I go back to my outline and look over while listening to music that I know will spark some creativity juices. 

What is your favorite work and why? Your most successful? My favorite works (yes, I couldn’t pick just one) are my Royal!AU Seokjin series (Fight for Me & Our Second Chance). I love the amount of time and effort I put into those two stories, and I’m simply in awe at the world and characters I created. My second favorite is my latest Seokjin oneshot, Protecting Each Other. It’s my first story that exceeded 10,000 words, and I’m just proud of how that turned out. Successful wise, I would say it’s, This Little String. It’s a Soulmate!Taehyung oneshot based around the red-string of fate, and every other month, I see someone like and/or reblog it, so I say that’s pretty successful!

Who is your favorite person to write about? Seokjin hands down. I mean, not only is he one of my ultimate biases, but for some reason my creative banks dishes out ideas and inspiration for him like it’s nothing. 

Do you think there’s a difference between writing fanfiction vs. completely original prose? I personally don’t think so. You are still writing original content that derails from the source material (or adds to it), all you have to do is just replace your idols’ name with an original character name, and there you go. What do you think makes a good story? For me, I’d say that if you’re honestly proud of the end product, then that story is good, and your readers will see that. What is your writing process like? First I get an idea, or I like to call it, “it appeared to me in a vision,” then I outline it (if the idea lingers in my brain), and then I start writing and editing. Sometimes I’d sprint with my fellow writers on a server I’m in, and other times, I’d put on music and just let my brain go wild. Most of the time, I’m sprinting with friends. 

Would you ever repurpose a fic into a completely original story? If I had the time, probably. I can see my Royal!AU series becoming an original story with different characters and an expanded plotline. What tropes do you love, and what tropes can’t you stand? I am a sucker for F2L I (friends to lovers)! I just love the idea of dating someone who’s your best friend, so why not date your best friend, if the feelings are mutual of course! As for tropes, I dislike, I can’t say that I have any. I think it’s because (and I feel so bad for this), I don’t really read much stories other than what my mutual friends have written. 

How much would you say audience feedback/engagement means to you? It means the world to me because I do like knowing if I’m doing something right or if I need to go back and edit something for clarity. Mainly, I get likes and reblogs (with no feedback), and while it’s still nice of someone for taking the time to like and reblog something, I would like some feedback, please. I’m still grateful no matter what, though!

What has been one of the biggest factors of your success (of any size)? I think it’s the support of my amazing group of friends/mutuals! It’s thanks to their support that my work is reaching a wider audience, and it just means the world to me that they read my blood, sweat, and tears. I love them so much, especially my close friend, Jey (softjeon on Tumblr)!

Coffee or tea? What are you ordering? For coffee, my go-to is a Caramel Macchiato with Soy Milk (from Starbucks), but lately I’ve been using my Keurig, so I just Peppermint Mocha and 3 tsps of Sugar (I can’t stand bitter coffee lol). For tea, I really like Mango green tea from Gongcha (another boba place chain). 

Dream job (whether you have a job or not)? My dream job is to be an elementary school teacher, however, I am currently working on becoming a social worker where my population will still focus on children/students. So, it’s a good compromise!

If you could have one superpower, what would you choose?  If I could have one superpower, it would be cryokinesis aka ice manipulation!  

If you could visit a historical era, which would you choose? Oh, that’s a tough one, but if I had to choose one, I would go for the 1960s so I can see the Beatles live!

If you could restart your life, knowing what you do now, would you? No, because it’s thanks to those life lessons that I grow up to be who I currently am. Sometimes you have to go through those harsh experiences to be a better version of yourself!

Would you rather fight 100 chicken-sized horses or one horse-sized chicken? One horse-sized chicken, then I can feed my family for months. 

If you were a trope in a teen high school movie, what would you have been? Oh, hands down, I would be the stereotypical geek/nerd. Though, I was called a “preppy” in 9th grade, so that was a first. 

Do you believe in aliens/supernatural creatures? Yup, especially ghosts! 

Fun fact about yourself that not everyone would know? I can say the alphabet backwards! 

Do you think fanfic writers get unfairly judged? Oh, hands down, especially when it comes to writing smut. I’ve seen other blogs condemn writers who write smut about real people, but my thing is that these idols are merely face claims for a character that the author is writing about. 

Do you think art can be a medium for change? I think so! Every artist has a voice, especially with what’s going on recently, we need to be able to use our voices to spread light on certain issues. 

Do you ever feel there are times when you’re writing for others, rather than yourself? I used to think that way, especially when it came to writing x reader inserts since I know that’s what “sells” to the Tumblr audience. Now, I’m perfectly happy with writing x OC stories, and I’m content with my stories getting at least 5 notes. If it breaks 10 notes, then that’s a success!

Do you ever feel like people have misunderstood you or your writing at times? If they did, then I wouldn’t know. Most of the time, I think my writing is okay with people. 

Do your offline friends/loved ones know you write for Tumblr? Yes, my soul friend managed my old blog once upon a time and actually read one of my smuts. I was so embarrassed! But at least he said it was tastefully written, so that’s a bonus? 

What is one thing you wish you could tell your followers? Always remember that it is okay to take breaks/go on hiatus! 

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers who might be too scared to put themselves out there? My advice to those who want to start writing but are too afraid put themselves out there is to simply go for it. I was that person who was afraid to put their writing out there for the world to see, especially with some already established BTS writers on Tumblr, but I went for it. At first, it might be discouraging but know that your mutuals/friends will always be your number one supporter! Use their support as a motivator to keep writing and finding your groove! Then, eventually, all of your readers will start trickling in and showering you with the love and support you deserve!

Are there any times when you regret joining Tumblr? I wouldn’t say regret joining but more like allowing my life to be revolved around it. At one point in my life, it felt like a second job/chore for me, and Tumblr should never be that type of site! 

Do you have any mutuals who have been particularly formative/supportive in your Tumblr journey? Oh, I have so many! The ones that come to mind are definitely Jey (softjeon), Beanie (jinned), Nina (j-sope), Kenz (parksfilter), Renae (mygsii), Atlas (astraljoon), & Niah (randomkoalablog) to name a few! I love these amazing people so much and cherish their friendship to the moon and back!

Pick a quote to end your interview with: "Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious … and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney

[daleyposts]

Prompt!: a fluffy day with Noah and everyone else just having fun. Goofing off, a trip somewhere? Sure, a sleepover?? Amazing. Whatever you want!!

First, I wanna apologize for being so late with this. There was a medical emergency in my family that, along with some heavy work schedules, pretty much consumed my life. The family member has a long road of recovery ahead of them, but they are doing much better than initially.

Second, I want to thank you for the prompt, as I really need something light and fluffy right now. I kinda combined the two???

Its short, but I hope you enjoy it

It was a dark and stormy night, which was the opposite of what the forecast had indicated.

"Never trust a weatherman," Noah grumbled, peering out to the dark, wet, nothingness that greeted him. Well. Not 'nothingness', really. The neon glow of the gas station across the highway was visible, just barely, through the near torrential fown pour. He heard Blue make an unhappy noise from across the room, so he corrected himself, said, "Never trust a weatherperson."

"Meteorologist?" Gansey suggested.

Noah looked back at him. He was sitting at the desk in their hotel room, a vaguely damp map spread out in front of him, no doubt planning a way to recover the few hours they had lost of their group trip by having to stop thanks to the heavy rain. He was all hunched over and had a scowly, furrowed look to his face.

Noah looked from him to Blue, who was seated at the head of one of the beds and mindlessly flipping through channels. The volume was muted, though Noah didn't now why, and she whould complain every few mintutes about how there was nothing good on. Her legs were stretched out in front of her, and Henry sat with them in his lap, delicately painting each toe a ridiculous shade of orange.

Noah wondered if the hue had been purposefully chosen to match the Camaro.

On the opposite bed, Adam and Ronan sat, facing each other and playing an unnecessarily serious game of red hands. By the look on Ronan's face, he was winning.

Noah watched as Adam stared into Ronan's eyes, maybe to try and unnerve him, before quickly trying to slap Ronan's hands. He was quick, but Ronan was quicker, and he crowed in triumph as he pulled his hands back just in time to avoid Adam slapping them.

Noah surveyed each of his friends a second time, and sighed.

Sighed again when his first sigh wasn't acknowledged to his sayisfaction. Or, at all, really.

Sighed again after that, and, to make sure his point was getting across, loudly sigh, "I'm bored."

"We know," Ronan grumbled, yelped in surprise when Adam used his moment of distraction to successfully slap his hands. "This is the 12th fucking time you've fucking told us your bored."

"You could help me finish painting Blue's toes?" Henry suggested.

"Denied," Blue said, clicking off the television.

"I was banned from painting her nails," Noah sniffed, "Unjustly, I might add."

"Oh, it was more than just," Blue said to Henry's inquisitive look.

"Well," Gansey said, leaning back in his chair and away from his notes and maps, "I brought a game for just this sort of thing."

Gansey pulled an unopened deck of Uno from his satchel, and Noah could have kissed him. Instead, he grinned widely and pumped his fist twice.

The six of them squeezed unto a single queen sized bed and were about to start aying when someone suggested they raise the stakes, come up with a prize for the winner, which was decided would be the much coveted passenger seat of Noah's van they were traveling in.

Later, they would all argue over who the someone was that made the suggestion. A few insisted it was Noah himself, but he was adament that it was either Blue or Ronan.

An hour into the game, and a proverbial Pandora's book of chaos broke loose.

Noah had been distracted by a praticularly loud burst of thunder, so he didn't see exactly what happened, but he heard Ronan suddenly shout about cheating.

Henry, who had maybe payed better attention to the flow of the game them Niah did, loudly agreed, citing the rule book.

Blue scoffed, and indignantly insisted that there were no rules in Uno, that it was like love and war, anything was fair.

Adam vehemently agreed, to which Ronan muttered, "et tu, Brutus?".

Gansey tried, for several moments, to shush them all with the reminder that there were, technically, too many people staying in the room and they would all get kicked out. He gave up eventually, somewhere around the time Ronan threw his hand of cards in the air and Blue stood on the bed.

Noah couldn't breathe he was laughing so hard.

[neshabeingchildish]

Poly Wanna? Ch. 10

Even though this is a rated M story with characters in the 27-29 age range, I understand and respect that there are kiddos here and have no intention of writing flat out graphic adult material. I’ve used a lot of mature language, but have hopefully not gone too far in this chapter, which has numerous dreams and situations that I tried not to make too explicit. Be prepared for a few shockers, but hopefully, the M didn’t go into some other higher letter!

I stopped tagging as many people. I heard that the tags weren’t really working well anyway, so I just started over on these tags with the people that I know are reading and if anybody else is, they can find it on my page. @adorkable-blackgirl @chenoahchantel @woahjusttakeiteasy-man (I hate this because it’s way too mature content for your eyes and I feel like I have to say that, but also feel like if I didn’t tag you, that’d be effed up, because you’ve read and reviewed every chapter!) @up-the-tube Anywhooo, if any of the 4 of y’all, or I guess I should say if Lizzie and Niah want me to PROMPTLY remove you after this update, I understand completely and I am SO SORRY FOR THIS. I tried to handle it hella different ways. Nothing went right. I know them first two just put up with ANTYTHING from me. 😅

Laughing Fits and Lucid Dreams

The movie watching went well. They wound up turning on some horror movies and Charlotte practically clung to Jasper the entire time. He loved that. She was so fearless, but whenever a horror movie was on, she would be worked up and a little bit terrified. Jasper fell to sleep first, probably because the past couple of days he hadn’t slept well at all. He had been awake and worried, then the three were awake all night and before the sun even set, he was passed out and draped around Charlotte. She tried to get up a few times, but he clung to her and groaned whenever she attempted. Poor thing. “I was pretty positive that between Jasper’s lack of sleep, my pulling and tugging his emotions in various directions and Henry and I arguing in front of him that he was not only exhausted (which I think is why he had a panic attack), but he was also scared and even in his sleep, his abandonment or rejection issues were flared up. I sent Henry to get my travel box of crystals from my room and I was determined to intercede on Jasper’s behalf, so that he’d be able to sleep well.”

Charlotte selected a rainbow moonstone, herkimer diamond and opal aura to set out. Henry didn’t mind if Jasper remained in his bed, but he recommended that Charlotte stay too. “If he wakes up in bed with me, and you’re not here, I don’t know how he’ll react to that.”

“Like I could get away, anyway. This boy is squeezing me like a python.” Jasper snuggled in even closer to her and held more tightly. 

Eventually, he did let go. He was asleep and Henry was out fighting crime, so Charlotte went back to the Man Cave to check up on him. Nobody told her she could, but being back in there had stirred something up in her. She went up there to sit at the control panel and see if she still “had it.” Spoiler alert, of course she did. No plot twist, though. She was surprised to see Henry return alone. Where the heck was Ray? Asleep? She shook her head. 

“You just keep exploring on your own, huh?” Henry asked.

“Who’s gonna stop me?” She asked back. He laughed and transformed into his regular clothes. “I started some work while I’m here. Thought about running some stuff past Schwoz, but he’s probably asleep.”

“Like you should be. I mean, I see that you’re dressed for it.”

“Well, yeah, but I’m in the middle of something right now,” she said and pointed to the screen. He couldn’t tell what she was supposedly in the middle of, so he just let her have her way and went to get himself something from the auto snacker.

Henry and Charlotte eventually went back up the elevator and checked on Jasper. He was still completely out. She was in her night clothes while in the Man Cave, so she simply slipped back into Henry’s bed with Jasper and he quickly resumed holding her closely, tightly. 

Jasper had this cuddle habit. He kinda groped you in his sleep. His hand cuffed her “gens” and his other arm was wrapped gently around her throat. It was a possessive hold that Henry remembered well. He went to get cleaned up and threw on a pair of boxers, stared at himself in the mirror for a while and wondered, was he ready to do this? Should he just grab some covers and take one of the several other beds in the house? Part of him knew that might be best for everybody. That part of him was thoughtful and considerate. It didn’t win. He climbed into his own bed and laid down next to Jasper, wrapped an arm around the two of them and felt Charlotte’s hand touch his, then intertwined their fingers. He didn’t know if that was conscious or not, but was scared that if he questioned it, even in a whisper, it would be too jarring and possibly make it weird. Jasper shifted a little and Henry took a deep breath, cuddled closer to him and let himself fall asleep.

.

Henry blew a bubble, then went up the tube. Charlotte was doing some interpretive dance in the living room, belly full with child, and music playing, accompanied by ethereal voices, in the background. There was a patch of grass beneath her bare feet, a real patch that he had made room for, for her. Jasper was nearby, playing the bongos with his hands and beatboxing. She wound up at his lap, he pushed the bongos aside and collected her into an embrace and kissed her. Henry backed away, giving them some space, or… maybe he was… getting smaller? He looked at the place, it was getting smaller, and eventually, it was no longer his house, but Jasper’s apartment. The grass was gone, the place was cozy and they were perfectly happy without him… And he realized that he’d shrunk so small that he vanished and everything went dark. 

Henry awoke with a start and glanced next to him. Jasper was awake, but cuddling Charlotte, who was asleep. “You okay?” He wondered. 

Henry nodded, “Bad dream.”

“Bad dream, or honest one? Char’s got the good dream crystals out,” he said and pointed a thumb. “I mean… they’re like in HD, Dude. I had amazing dreams. They didn’t all make sense, though. Mostly about… you…” He turned his gaze to Charlotte and rubbed her arms. “And of course, her. Thank God… What were you dreaming about?”

“You… The two of you… Just… like… I don’t know… You two have a connection. You’ve got this beautiful thing going on, and since I’ve been back in your lives, I’ve just kinda been making a mess of things. You’d probably be better just forgetting about me.”

“No doubt, but it’s a little late for that. You said that you love us… You’re going to have to tough out whatever that confession will mean for all of us.”

“Do you think that it does mean anything for all of us?” “I think that I woke up because I heard her say your name in her sleep. I think all three of us are experiencing a lot of feelings.”

“That’s because I stepped back into the picture. You and Charlotte could be on a patch of grass, expecting a baby, with her dancing a tribute to the moon goddess or something and you playing bongos and beatboxing, but instead, you’re sleeping in my bed, and none of us are getting any.”

“That was an oddly specific depiction, but add a cat and I’d say fairly accurate,” Jasper chuckled. Henry sighed. Jasper pointed to a slip of paper beneath the crystals. “I didn’t look to see what she wrote down, but whenever I ask her in the morning, I'll bet it'll be something about the three of us. Come here…" Henry came closer and Jasper shifted to allow Henry to cuddle up with Charlotte. He wanted this SO bad, but she hadn't really made him feel like it was okay. Then again, if she'd said his name in her sleep… Henry wrapped himself around her and moaned out a sigh. He was asleep again in no time. 

.

“Hey, Hen!” Charlotte cheered, come on! You’ve gotta get in here!” He looked over to where she and Jasper were inside of a photo booth. “When was the last time that we took a photo?” She asked, with a beaming smile and radiant skin. He rushed to get into the photo and they took several. They put their faces together, made silly expressions, shared a few kisses. 

Jasper cheered, “Win me something!” And Henry rushed to do so. He got him the biggest stuffed animal… though it was a sasquatch. “Yay! Bigfoot comes home with us!” Jasper celebrated as Henry handed him the huge plushy. 

“You guys wanna get on the ferris wheel?” Henry wondered. They didn’t look excited about that. “I’ll make it worth it, for both of you…” He told them. Their interests were piqued and they went for it. 

Whenever the ride first started, Henry’s hand began to move up Charlotte’s pretty little floral dress. She smiled and looked at Jasper who raised his eyebrows and licked his lips. Charlotte leaned back to slide her pelvis forward and Henry shifted to get on his knees. Jasper simply smiled and set his plushy aside, so that he didn’t miss anything. The next circle, it was his turn. But, Henry certainly couldn’t pull that off with him in his romper… Actually… Henry could! Jasper protested for a short moment that Henry might rip his “romphim,” but was silenced soon enough. As they got off of the ride, Charlotte took one of Henry’s hands and one of Jasper’s. “Let’s go home,” she said…

.

Charlotte woke up and looked at Henry, wrapped around her and shifted to see Jasper wrapped around him. She grabbed her paper from beneath her crystals and looked at it. “Please, allow us to see how it could be, if we got out of our own ways and did was what best for everybody. If we forgive, forget and move forward… I would like to see THAT dream…” She set it back down and went to the bathroom to pee, rub one out and refresh. Henry’s bathroom was even extravagant, though most of his things weren’t in there. Some necessities were in the cabinets and he had really good toilet paper and a very expensive looking bidet. She’d gotten one of those ones that you attach to the toilet whenever they lived together and kept upgrading it whenever she could over the years, but didn’t have a separate and sophisticated basin! 

She came back to the two men cuddled up and wondered how Henry wound up in the middle and if that meant that Jasper didn’t want her next to him. She had several dreams throughout her sleep, that she could remember very vividly. That last one though… it made the most sense and was the clearest, so she figured maybe that was the dream that she was meant to see.

The previous one wasn’t even a current VERSION of her! She looked like she was in college! In fact, she remembered that night that she had dreamed about…

Charlotte was stressed out, gathering a bunch of books to turn back into the library, dressed as a complete nerd, barely able to stay on her feet, with huge goggles atop her head and a messy bun in her hair, with poofy tendrils traveling away from her. As soon as she dropped the books into the deposit, she took a deep breath. She made it! She could go celebrate tonight! She stepped into the place, hair done, and transformed for a few hours into a little vixen, still kinda awkward, but in a delicious little package that reminded Jasper of a golden candy wrapper. He stared at her and she made eye contact with him, then smiled shyly and turned away. She went to find a seat, so that she could size up the room - figure out where the exits were in case of emergency, figure out where her vantage point would be for getting in and out of the bathroom, where she would most likely be more visible, or preferably, most likely not to.. And two guys came up to the table, simultaneously. One, the one that she’d seen earlier had asked if she wanted to dance. The other, a tall blond, asked her if he could buy her a drink. The two men turned to look at each other, challengingly, but then they look each other up and down, rushed towards each other and immediately began kissing. She had found it. The perfect seat.

That wasn’t exactly how it had happened in real life. She had gone out, gotten hit on by about a dozen old men, and went home drunk and depressed, remembering that she had been dumped by her ex and in turn lost her other ex, and she did more drinking when she got home. The dream was a nice little reimagining. 

She wondered what THEY were dreaming about, but shoved her way into the middle of them. They barely resisted her doing so and after she managed to squeeze in between them, both were facing her and laid hands or arms on her in some way or another. That was more like it. Who did they think they were, putting HER on the outside? But, now that she was in the middle with them groping and rested on her. Damn… she’d forgotten how sore she still was… and NOW, she was being poked at by TWO peckers. “Ugh. Good going, Charlotte,” she whispered to herself.

.

Jasper was on the dance floor, twerking. Charlotte, at the bar in a tailored suit and a hat dipped low over her eye. Feelgood walked into the place and several patrons paused to see if that was actually him, or if some person was simply going around dressed like him. He came up to the bar and immediately noticed the tiny stud checking him out. She told the bartender, “His drink’s on me,” then, she took a sip of hers, touching the liquid with her tongue, before her lips. He smiled at her and moved closer to thank her, but she put a single finger up to his lips to quiet him, even though she hadn’t glanced at him again since her initial power move. She was watching something, or rather, someone. He turned to see him, a sweaty, beautiful disaster. He understood completely why she didn’t want to be disturbed. 

After a while, the woman beckoned the dancing man with the curve of a perfectly manicured finger, her pinky, glistening with a pink diamond. He came over and she gathered him to herself by the buttcheeks, slapped him across one and kissed him on the ear, “Got you a present, Babe.” She turned him to face Mr. Feelgood. 

Jasper cheered, “I’m such a fan!”

Feelgood said, “I’ve only seen you for five minutes, and I’m a fan, now, as well.” Jasper blushed. 

The woman pressed close to Feelgood, beckoned him down to her, like she’d just done Jasper and he had no choice but to lean closer to her, because she had just commanded it. What was he supposed to do? Deny her? Their faces were joined at the nose and she said, softly, “You’d better not hurt him, or I’ll hurt you. Thank you for your service,” and planted a slow and painful kiss on his lips. The rest of it was a blur of body parts, touching, kissing, the flash of her camera…

Jasper woke up grinding against Charlotte and quickly stopped himself. These dreams were becoming a problem! But, Charlotte was back next to him and facing Henry… Actually, she was laying against Henry’s chest and his fingers were tangled up in her curls. Jasper moved in closer to her and rested his head in her curls and cuffed her to himself, without taking her off of Henry’s chest, because he didn’t wanna disturb her. But, he was also painfully aware of what that last dream had done inside of his shorts. He should probably deal with that? Naw, it’d go away in a while if he ignored it. Whenever it went down, he went back to sleep.He had a filthy, raunchy dream about them. 

It was mostly him speaking very aggressively to Henry and ordering him around, making an object of him and dominating him to serve he and Charlotte. To pleasure them at his command, and cleaning them up. But, with Charlotte, he was not only gentle, but docile, speaking to her as though she were a goddess that he was worshipping through these acts. She was divinity and Henry was a sacrifice. Something that he owned and was offering to her. And Henry was willing to be that to him, to her, for him, for them. But, she explained to him that Henry needed to be pleased and cleaned up to, and asked him nicely if he was willing to do that, for her. Of course, he was. And she collected both of them to her bosom and held their heads in her hands, stroking their hair. 

The situation in his shorts woke him up. UGH! I knew I should have taken care of this! He got up and went into the bathroom and just decided to take a cold shower, since he needed to clean himself up, anyway. He’d read that cold showers curbed libido and apparently, all of his dreams would be lascivious cesspools tonight. His daydream in the shower though was anything but. 

It was them going home together from an amusement park. Charlotte had honeycombs from the rooftop beehives that Henry put there specifically for her and she made them snacks of cheese, edible flowers, fruit, and those honeycombs. She gave the cat some homemade pate that she did herself. She played thunderstorm sounds accompanied by music, and lit candles all over. They talked for a while, laughing about nothing and everything, then kissed, then touched, then… Maybe his daydreams were tainted too. Maybe… this itch just needed to be scratched! Maybe… If they just did this, did it… Everything could just continue on and they didn’t have to think about it this hard anymore. Maybe, he was just hoping for a good excuse to climb back into that bed naked and just let or orchestrate something to happen! This cold shower was VERY uncomfortable and not the LEAST BIT helpful! He turned off the water and shivered as he dried off. Then realized/remembered that his shorts were in no condition to be put back on. He was going to get the towel and go get more, but whenever he was picking them up off of the floor, he heard the bathroom door open and he quickly turned and faced Henry, whose eyes went wide and directly to...well… the jewels. He turned away and covered his face, “Sorry, Dude. I’ll go use another bathroom,” Henry said.

“No, I was just about to go!” Jasper said and wrapped himself in a towel and rushed out, forgetting his shorts. Henry was going to tell him that he had, but when he picked them up, they were still… not wet, but clearly they’d been recently… altered. He chuckled to himself and flung them into his laundry hamper, disturbed that he had been tempted to give them a whiff. 

Whenever he finished using the bathroom and washing his face, he went back to the bedroom and Jasper and Charlotte were gone. Jasper had either woke her up to leave, or had picked her up and carried her out. Henry didn’t want to bother them, but he did want Jasper to know that it was okay and he wasn’t going to do anything because of what he’d seen. He went to check in Charlotte’s room and heard the two of them giggling. The door was cracked, so he peeked in and saw Jasper, releasing his towel and getting in bed, on top of her. He left, but he knew that there was no way that he could go to sleep now. He went back into his room and collected her stones and set them and her paper outside of her bedroom before going back into his own and locking the door. He turned down his lights, opened a bottle of wine from the bedroom wine cooler in his closet, and decided to do a late night wine workout, a bit of wine, a bit of workout to blow off some of his energy, then meditate and finish the wine and then, he might go back to sleep and just hide out in here until those two left… He heard a knock on the door and rolled his eyes. They must’ve left something.  

He opened the door and Char was in a thin little robe and Jasper was in a pair of boxers. “Yeah?”

“Sorry we took off. We had to handle something. Can we come back?” Charlotte asked. 

“Not if you’re bringing those damn crystals. I didn’t get ANY sleep!” Henry complained, but he was really glad that they came back and got out of the way of the door to let them in. Jasper wouldn’t look at him, so he stepped in front of him to make him at least reflexively do so. Jasper and he were face to face and Charlotte laughed, “Now kiss!” She said, playfully. Jasper leaned his head back, but then gave Henry a quick smack on the lips and sidestepped him to go back to the bed. Henry licked his lips. They tasted like Char. He smiled and blushed and asked, “Does anybody want a bottle of inexpensive wine?”

“I’ll take one.”

“I’ll take a couple,” Jasper said. Henry handed Charlotte a bottle and handed Jasper one white, one red.

“Hey… if you two lived here, what kinda stuff would you like to add or take away to or from the house?” Henry asked.

They began talking at the same time and Henry, after years of this, even though it had been a while, managed to hear every single word that they both said. A patch of indoor grass for yoga and meditation, rooftop beekeeping, a colossal sasquatch plushie… “Hey, wait… I had a dream that I won you one of those! I thought I made that up in my head. Are there colossal sasquatch plushies somewhere?”

“You won ME one?” Jasper asked in excitement. 

“Yeah! We went on the ferris wheel and I went down on both of you,” Henry said, laughing. 

“Oh!” Jasper didn’t know how else to reply. “Just throwing it out there, I guess.”

“Well, it’s obviously Char’s fault, because she’s the one who brought in the sex dream crystals.”

“I brought in crystals for dream clarity and recall. Nobody told you to think of going down on people on a ferris wheel. Don’t put this on those crystals.”

“I’m putting it on you!” Henry said. “You wore a chocolate skin tight dress all day, and a silky short set to bed, especting somebody to have decent thoughts.”

“ESPECTING?” Jasper repeated, laughing. “How much wine have YOU had?” 

“How much jizz did you have in your shorts when I found you naked in my bathroom?” Henry asked. 

“WHOA!” Charlotte said and her eyes widened. “You didn’t tell me that Henry saw you naked! Is… that why you needed a late night fix?”

“I needed that before the Henry incident. I took a shower, I wasn’t wrapped in a towel, and he came in to use the bathroom. I promptly covered myself and left.”

“And came to get me for a quickie,” Charlotte said.

“Which I needed BEFORE the cold shower I’d just taken, that didn’t work.”

“Relax. I barely saw anything. All I saw was his butt bent over and like 2.5 seconds of dingle. Are you shaving now?”

“I try to keep things orderly,” Jasper said.

“Good job.”

“Show us your stuff,” Charlotte said to Henry.

“Do what now?” Yeah, huh?” Henry and Jasper replied.

“He saw our dick and we should see his,” Charlotte said.

“Our?” Henry said. “You… You gotta… I don’t remember seeing YOUR…” 

She grabbed a handful of Jasper’s and confirmed, “This is OURS. Show us YOURS.”

“Ours is… awakened,” Jasper said quietly. She didn’t let go. Henry looked at Jasper, wondering if this was an honest request or demand. Jasper knew what his look meant. “I do believe that she means it,” he said. 

Henry laughed and stood up, “Fine. Okay…” He pulled down his pajama bottoms and reached for his boxers, “I mean… it’s just private parts under these. No… not any…”

“SHOW US YOUR DICK!” 

“OKAY!” Henry pulled his boxers down and Charlotte screamed and laughed. “Wow. You are a mean lady,” he said and pulled his shorts back up.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to laugh. I just can’t believe you listened to me!” She laughed onto Jasper’s chest. Jasper hadn’t laughed. He’d looked right at it and it didn’t seem to be a laughing matter to him. “Nice landscaping. Is it flames?”

“It’s supposed to be a tulip,” Henry said, looking into his shorts. “I couldn’t do a daisy, but I’m definitely practicing.”

“It’s nice,” Jasper said, softly. 

“Yeah, Jasper’s jumped at the sight of it!” 

“You can’t drink anymore around Henry,” Jasper said and took her practically empty wine bottle. She gave him a threatening look, but he just kissed her on the nose and said, “So, I guess you’re not showing us anything?”

“You both know what it looks like,” she said. 

“Henry doesn’t. I doubt that you had the same thing going on when you two were together.”

“You’re right, I didn’t,” she said and smiled. But didn’t make any move to show anybody anything. Instead, she said, “So, Hen. I have a Bermuda Triangle piercing…” he gasped. “I get a Brazilian wax, front to back, but leave a patch of hair at the mons pubis, and it’s trimmed like an arrow pointing down, and above the arrow is a little Adinkra power of love symbol tattoo. My stuff is too much for your eyes to handle. You can’t even handle the description.” 

All he said was, “I don’t know what kinda tattoo you mean. I think you need to show me so I won’t be ignorant.”

“Google it,” she said and laughed. 

“How hot is it, Jasp?”

“Super hot. I mean, all of her is, but it's like… unf.” Henry undressed and Jasper and Charlotte watched, speechless. 

He got naked and said, “I’m going to bed like this. This is how I like to sleep and this is how I’m gonna sleep.” 

Charlotte said, “Aight, I’m head out…” And she and Jasper cackled, but she didn’t head out. 

Henry got up and asked, “Any more wine for anybody else?”

“You don’t think you’ve have enough, huh?” Jasper wondered. Henry came out with three bottles and passed them around. Charlotte set hers aside and Jasper opened his. 

“I’m going to sleep, so that I can get up and see the sunrise in a few hours. You two have fun. Be safe,” she said. 

“We’re not doing anything without you,” Henry said, opening the bottle. She fought a smile. “This is a… triad. So, sweet dreams,” he said and kissed her on the forehead… Like he wasn’t stark naked. 

“You… too…” She said and laid down. He dimmed the lights a little more and Jasper climbed under the covers and removed his shorts, as well. But, he was gonna finish this bottle and go to sleep. He didn’t know if he was trying to watch the sunrise. But, he hoped to at least get some sleep. Henry locked the door back, just in case Ray, Schwoz, or worse, PIPER, came through the place. He’d have a hell of a time explaining any of this. He was just figuring out himself what he wanted and needed.

[desertcreated]

Suna watched her husband work, his craft set aside in favor of helping the tribe clear out as much sand as needed from the troll ruins so that tents could be properly anchored.  Huge stone snakes stared down at the humans as they worked, judging the rightfulness of their place among the forgotten runs and loa busts. 

“He will be alright..” A woman’s voice pulled her stare from Adir and she schooled her features into a smile for the words of comfort.  Mia, a woman with feet disfigured from a slave raid by another tribe edged herself closer. “Does he worry his wounds will make him less manly or attractive to you?” She hummed, her own stare settling on the man whose charming smile had been stolen from him.

“Adir’s beauty is in his heart. He knows that but I suppose he forgets that at times. He is too used to depending on his smile to get his way.” Suna whispered and then passed her water satchel to the slower woman before she moved to join Adir.

“A walk, Adir. It is time for water.” She slid the people he was working with a thoughtful look but none of them protested, none of them looked up as he dropped his shovel and moved to join her. 

“You do not have water, Suna.” He mused after a few moments. “In fact, I saw you hand it to Mia.”

“You saw?” 

“I see everything that you do, it is my duty to you.” He partially smiled but the wound that dominated his features from ear to chin refused to allow more than just a quirk to the corner of his lips. “Adir, past the chasm and the hum of the swarmers the mountain gives way to the ocean. I saw ships there, broken or abandoned.” She paused in her walk, her stare turning up to him. “I also saw what they have been whispering about, lands belonging to the titans. Creatures that serve as guardians for the titans are there and mysteries that are not meant for us… I know the warlord is going --”

“That means Niah will go, they are bound by blood Suna and there is not much we can do besides teach her.” He turned to face her, his chin dipped as he gave her his full attention. “There is more.”

“There is more.” She agreed. “.. we have not mourned and we need -- “ “I can’t…” “ -- we need to mourn our daughter’s loss Adir and you will not interrupt me! You were hurt and did not get to our children in time and I know your body is tired. I know your heart is tired. I know you do not want to think about it and you do, every night. Do you intend to waste away until I have no one?”  “No.. I..” He watched her and her fire, his stare moving over her face. “I couldn’t find them, Suna. I couldn’t find them.” “I am hurting also but we have Niah and we have each other and we cannot waste away  and we cannot live here. We cannot see what the titans did not want us to see.” “What are you saying, my life?”  “I am ready to return to the sea.”