#🌻a timed chapter

[libraryofdesire]

looking for some threads, more info about the muses can be found here, like this post and i will reach out to you. below are some possible connections i've been brain storming, but happy to discuss almost any pairings, am open to a lot.

🌻Austin; fellow personal trainer / personal training client.

🌻Catalina; spa guest who wants a little more "treatment" or step dad/brother.

🌻Daisy; worker that her parents have hired to help on the farm or somebody whose come to stir up some trouble in the country side.

🌻Henry; mean step mom/step sister or friend of his mom/sister.

🌻Joseph; employee at the store he owns or ex girlfriend who moves back into town

🌻Lucy; leader of the church or friend of her parents/older siblings.

🌻Sara; personal assistant or rival real estate agent

🌻Theodore; ex-colleague, daughter/wife/sister of an ex-colleague, step daughter/daughter or best friend's kid.

[loveshotzz]

I guess it’s never really over

mechanic!steve harrington x fem!reader exes to lovers

chapter three -

This has got to be the longest crush ever

Robin’s bad date, and a late night that changes everything.

warnings: 18+ A little bit of queer and mid twenties crisis angst for Robin, with comfort obvi. Tension, but are we surprised at this point?, and a secret third thing, wonder what it could be? 😚

wc: 6.3k

authors note: Hi babies! I am taking just a week off from my posting schedule for this week long work trip I’m taking on Monday. There’s lots of conferences and I won’t have much down time. We will resume our normal posting schedule for chapter four starting 3/20 🌻🧡

series masterlist | series playlist

June -

Would you believe me if I said I’m in love? 

                            Baby, I want you to want me.

You can’t believe you landed yourself in detention.

All your late night study sessions for the SAT’s that led to oversleeping and missed alarms finally catching up to you just like Robin warned you it would. Miss O’Donnell is the one who makes your best friend's predictions come true, handing you that notorious pink slip for walking into her class ten minutes late for the third time this week. 

When you arrive at exactly 3:15, the classroom is mostly empty. Your eyes scan the bored faces of the few students joining you, hoping to at least see Eddie’s familiar head of curls. But of course, today of all days, he’s managed to be on his best behavior or just didn’t get caught. 

Sighing defeated, you give Mr. Clark a tight lipped smile, ignoring the shocked look on his face seeing you in here. Picking an empty desk in the middle away from anyone, you decide to busy yourself with the Algebra homework you’ve been avoiding for the better half of a week. It’s when you lean over to unzip your backpack that you catch the sounds of sneakers squeaking against the ceramic floors.

”Ahh, Mr. Harrington. Even fashionably late to detention, I see. Your hair looks good enough to sit in silence for an hour and a half to me.” Mr. Clark announces the king of Hawkins's grand entrance with the kind of sarcasm that makes you smirk as you start arranging your things on your desk.

“That’s good to know 'cause I was doing it for you Mr. C.”

Steve Harrington always thinks he’s so charming

Snorting as you click your pen, you dare to look up only to catch ‘the hair’ looking right back at you with that golden smile that you’ve seen take even the strongest soldiers out. 

Oh no. 

Eyes going big, you quickly bring your attention back down to your homework, silently hoping he doesn’t take the seat next to you and land you in here next week too. 

“So thoughtful of you. Now why don’t you take a seat and do some studying for that test on Monday. And maybe this semester you won’t have to worry about relying on extra credit to keep playing basketball.” Mr. Clark dismisses him, earning a low whistle from the boy who holds his hands up in surrender, Nike covered feet coming down your row.

No, no, no, NO.

You still don’t look up, rereading the same question over and over again because no matter how many times you try, you’re too distracted by the cedar and clove that invades your senses kicking them into overdrive. The whites of his sneakers catch in your peripherals when he does the unimaginable and sits next to you.

Staring at the equation with the kind of concentration that’ll be sure to give you a migraine later, it takes him a good thirty seconds before he temporarily gives up trying to get your attention to grab something that gives the illusion of studying out of his backpack. 

Trying to play it cool, your stomach twists in nervous knots worse than the ones you get when Robin forces you on the janky rides at the summer fair every year. Sure, you’ve been hit on by a guy here and there, but no one can prepare you for what it’s like to catch Steve Harrington’s attention—especially for someone in your Hawkins hierarchy who would never be on the receiving end of it.

He flips through the pages of his textbook loudly, earning his first warning glare from Mr. Clark, and you decide to write your name on the top of the page so at least it looks like you’re doing something. After a couple bounces of your knee, you can feel the heat of his gaze back on you.

”Psst, hey.” 

The last letter of your name comes out illegible, and you jump at the hushed sound of his voice. Taking a deep breath, you work up the courage to meet his flirtatious smirk and golden brown eyes. The sun leaking through the windows gives you a glimpse of the green that hides inside them from this close. You hate to admit that he’s just as pretty as everyone says he is.

”Hi,” you smile a little shy, offering a small wave of your pen and it lights up his whole face, making your body buzz.

”You have a highlighter I can use or something?” He keeps up his ruse, the whites of his teeth showing in a grin.

You arch an eyebrow at him, something sarcastic reminiscent of Mr. Clark flashing behind your eyes. 

“What? You don’t think I’m actually going to study?” He acts shocked, slapping his giant hand across his chest and it earns the kind of giggle from you that pushes him full steam ahead.

”It’s blue, is that okay?” Giving into the bait, you try and hide the way your face warms, ducking down to dig in the bottom of your backpack.

”Are you kidding? I love blue. Favorite color actually.” Laying it on thick, you can see the way he scoots to the edge of his seat, the spice of his cologne making you bite at your bottom lip as your fingers wrap around what you’re looking for.

Sitting up in your seat, you aren’t expecting him to be so close and it threatens to steal the air right out of your lungs.

”H-here,” you manage, holding the blue writing utensil in the small space that's left between you.

Steve's eyes roam your face freely, pink tongue coming out to wet his full bottom lip before they settle back on your gaze, lids a little heavy, voice low and somehow sticky sweet.

”Thanks, honey.” He leans forward more, purposely brushing his fingers with yours when he takes it out of your grasp, “but now, I’m afraid the only way you’re gonna get it back is to let me drive you home after this.”

“I’ve got plenty, you can keep that one,” you try to stay strong, but when that second giggle slips out, you seal your fate.

”I can’t do that, this is your favorite one.” He tisks like it’s the craziest thing he’s ever heard, with a crooked grin that makes you bite the inside of your cheek.

”Is it?”

”Absolutely.”

“Are you two done? Or should we schedule a second date for next week?” Mr. Clark interrupts.

”That would actually be date number three. We’re going on two after this is over.” Steve smirks, throwing you a wink ignoring the harsh way you whisper of his name. 

Yeah… you were fucked.

“I’ve got a date tonight!” 

Robin sings excitedly, bursting through the front door in a wild ball of energy, successfully waking you up from your nap on the couch. Blinking slowly, as you start to recognize your surroundings, rubbing the sleep from your eyes, you force yourself to sit up, wincing at your stiff neck and the fact that you dreamed about Steve Harrington again. 

“A date with who?” You grumble, still a little grouchy, yawning with a stretch that pops in your back.

”This girl that I met at the record store this morning, we talked about Tracy Chapman and Tori Amos for what felt like hours. She’s just, wow, she’s so cool. Almost too cool for me, you know? She’s a senior in college-“

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold up.” Cutting her off before she can ramble any longer, you wave your hands for her to stop: “First of all, no one is too cool for you, okay? If anything, it’s always going to be the other way around.”

“Yeah, okay, Steve.”

It takes a minute for her words to sink in about the man you haven’t seen in almost a week and a half, but when they do, the glare that settles on your face makes her laugh. 

“Ha ha, very funny.” You deadpan with a tight-lipped smirk, before clearing your throat, “Well where are you guys going? Do you want me to go undercover in case you need saving? I’m fully prepared for a stakeout.”

Robin rolls her eyes, but her smile, which spreads wide enough to see all her teeth, gives away her love for your dramatics. 

“No, I don’t need you to go undercover or anything. I mean, it is going to be nice knowing you’ll be here waiting for me to tell you all about it instead of having to call you and hope the city girl answers.” She teases, earning the scoff from you that she was looking for.

“I’m choosing to ignore that, and if at any point you change your mind, you know your own number.”

Earning a genuine laugh from Robin always makes your soul feel lighter, so when your joke lands and you get one, the heaviness of Steve that’s been weighing down on your shoulders eases up just a little bit.

”I’ve just never been approached in public before like that, you know? It’s not just the other girl you know is gay on campus. I don’t know, it feels good.” Your best friend’s confession makes you want to wrap her up in a hug, keeping the urge to remind her of your offer to move to the city with you to yourself for right now, letting her bask in the moment.

”Well, you're hot. Can you blame her? If you weren’t basically like a sister to me, I’d be all over it.” Wiggling your eyebrows, she flips you off, but you still catch the tinge of pink that paints her cheeks rosy.

”Please, Steve would have my head on a stake.” She snorts, purposely trying to get under your skin now.

”Robin.”

”What? I thought he was going to pop a blood vessel in his eye when I mentioned your little ‘adventure’ last week” She giggles, heading towards her bedroom.

If only she knew just how much those words were true. Your thighs meet like in the memory you can’t stop playing on a loop, palms turning sweaty, remembering the velvet of his lips so close to your neck.

”Wait! Did you ask that on purpose?!” You gasp, jumping to your feet to follow her.

”Maybe.”

”Maybe?!”

”You know what I do need help with?” She ignores you, spinning on her heel to meet your narrowed eyes.

”What?”

”Help me pick any outfit?” Pushing out her bottom lip, she gives you the kind of puppy dog eyes that no one in their right mind could say no to.

Sighing heavily, your feet drag on the carpet before flopping yourself onto her bed huffing out a “Fine” as the box springs squeak.

The rest of the day is spent going through what feels like every outfit in Robin’s possession, even getting desperate enough to try on some of your clothes despite your clashing styles. Settling on a pair of boot cut jeans, a black half crop top with a flannel shirt that you’re pretty sure she stole from Steve and the Dr. Martin’s you got her for her birthday last year, she was ready to break hearts. Blue eyes roll in the back of her head when you make her say ‘I’m the prize’ until you feel like she halfway believes it before handing over her I.D. that you’d found stuffed between the cushions of the couch in a frenzied panic to search for it only ten minutes prior.

The sun starts to set on Robin’s small apartment after she finally heads out the door, and the shadows that bounce off the white walls bring back the thoughts of Steve you’d successfully gotten rid of for a few fleeting hours. 

Huffing to yourself with crossed arms, you watch the flat bag of popcorn spin around in the microwave. You can still hear the beginning Moonstruck playing on the TV in the living room, over the loud hum of the machine. Comfortable in an oversized shirt that lands just at the bottoms of your cotton sleep shorts, goosebump dot across your legs from the cool of the A/C. Your skin still tingles everywhere he touched and the week of radio silence feels worse the second time around. 

The shrill sound of Robin’s phone and the first kernel of popcorn exploding in the bag overpower your ears all at once, making you jump. Mumbling cuss words under the now constant sound of popping, you try to calm your heart rate down, wandering to the living room. Your hand hovers over the phone, the realization about who might be on the other line making your stomach drop. He hadn’t called Robin yet. There’s a moment of hesitation, but you take a deep breath, letting the air expand in your lungs, silently counting to three before you grab the phone off its hook.

”Buckley residen-“

”I need you to come get me, I- I’ve made a huge mistake and I’m just so fuck - “ Robin cuts you off, the rasp in her voice cracking like she’s trying not to cry, “I’m just really embarrassed, please come get me.”

“What happened? Where are you? I’m coming, just - just tell me where you are.” Running to her bedroom to grab your sneakers with the phone pressed to your ear, you can hear her sniffle.

”Benningans, it’s the next town over. I’ll be outside -“

”Are you safe?” You panic, slipping your foot into your shoe as quickly as you can.

”I’m safe, I’m just, I’m embar- I don’t want to talk about it right now. I’m safe, I’ll be outside.” She mutters.

”I’ll get there as fast as I can, okay?” Feeling a little helpless, you try to ease the hurt that’s evident in her tone with soft reassurance. 

”I’m just, I’m really glad you're here. I’ll see you soon.” She manages to get out before the line clicks dead.

Slipping your second shoe on, the realization that you don’t actually have a car to save her with, hits you like a ton of bricks. 

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

Stomping back to the living room, your eyes find the mustard yellow address book next to the phone’s dock. Your fingers fumble through its pages, eyes squinting as you try to read Robin’s messy writing, searching for a familiar name. You find two:

Eddie and Steve.

You stare at the page, your moral compass going haywire. Despite the way he’s rented a space in your mind, the thought of seeing him alone again makes your stomach twist. Eddie would be simple. Eddie would be easy. Your thumb hovers over the first number in the one she has scribbled down for him, but no matter how hard you try, you can’t bring yourself to press it. She needs Steve.

You groan loudly, stomping your foot for good measure, before letting out a long breath through your nose, dialing his number that you knew you should have all along. 

It only rings twice.

“Whatever it is, the answer is no,” Steve deadpans.

”Is that really how you answer your phone?” You scoff, doing your best to ignore the butterflies you’ve managed to stifle as they start to come alive at the sound of his voice.

“I thought this was - shit, I thought this was Henderson - erm I mean Dustin, you remember Dustin?” He stammers and you know that hand of his is running through his hair right now.

“Yeah, the middle schooler.”

“Well, he’s like nineteen now -“

“I didn’t call you to talk about Dustin, Steve,” You sigh heavily, rubbing the bridge of your nose, “Robin called me really upset from Bennigans, and I don’t have a car or any way to go get her-” 

“I’m on my way.” He cuts you off without any hesitation,“Be outside in five minutes for me?”

”My shoes are already on.”  

After a click, you’re left with the sound of the dial tone in your ear. You hang up the phone as warmth floods your body, easing some of your temporary worries. 

Steve Harrington is making it hard to hate him.

The short walk to Steve’s BMW from Robin’s front door feels like stepping through a time machine.

One that takes you back to late nights sneaking out your bedroom window, always being extra careful not to wake your parents up so you could go make out with your secret kind of boyfriend under the stars. Those were always your favorite nights with him. The nights he’d put away the king Steve armor, those nights he’d just be Steve. A boy who just wanted to make his father proud, thinking maybe he’d stay home more if he was.

You can feel the way his eyes roam your body, the heat of his stare lingering on your exposed legs, setting your skin on fire. Suddenly more than aware of your lack of pants, only part of you regrets not changing into some leggings, but you try not to think about that too hard right now.

He clears his throat when you open the passenger door, the smell of leather and the dark woody sweet scent of oil surrounding you as you slide into your seat. The spice of his cologne tickles your nose when you close yourself in, clicking your seatbelt in place before daring to meet his eyes. The golden brown inside them shimmers with something you’d missed in the orange glow of the street light and the nerves still feel the same way they did five years ago. The only thing that hasn’t changed.

”Thanks for doing this,” you offer with a weak smile.

When he realizes you’ve put your weapons down for the night, his face softens with a crooked grin, subtle pink dusting the apples of his cheeks.

”I meant it when I said I can’t say no to you,” he starts, selfishly letting his eyes roam the smooth lines of your face that are finally not twisted up into a glare before realizing his slip up, “and Robin, my best friend obviously.”

”Our best friend, Steve.” You tease trying to ignore the tension that crackles in the empty space between you even worse than before.

”Whatever you have to tell yourself,” he winks, forearm flexing as he puts the car in drive.

Scoffing a ‘whatever’ with a playful roll of your eyes, you let your muscles relax into the familiar seat. The Police’s Every Breath You Take spills through the speakers just loud enough to be heard over the low rumble of the engine, and you become hyper aware of his hand resting on the stick shift, the tips of his fingers just close enough to brush against your thigh every time you hit a bump. 

There’s a silence that falls between you once the street lights run out and his full focus shifts to the pitch black road ahead. The quiet is filled with what almost happened in his room, unspoken words that don’t dare to roll off of sober tongues. You wait until he’s too distracted looking for surprises that might run out from the woods on either side of you to let your eyes wander over and really take him in.

A white drawstring hangs low on his heather gray sweatpants that fit tight over his thighs spread wide. Your throat goes dry at the white tank top that hugs his broad chest, the gold chain that wraps around his neck getting lost in the thick patch of curls on display. You’re finally able to really make out more of his tattoo for the first time, thin, precise lines that look like feathers attached to a set of sparrow wings.

”Did she tell you what happened? I mean, is she safe?” He interrupts your greedy stare, eyes lighting up when he catches you, tucking it away for another time.

”Uhh, yeah,” you answer with a shake of your head, teeth biting down on your bottom lip with hot cheeks, “she’s safe, she kept saying she’s embarrassed but wouldn’t tell me why, just kept begging me to come get her.”

He just hums, lost deep in thought of all the things it could be, and his grip on the steering wheel tightens with worry. 

“We’re only ten minutes away, so it won’t be too much longer now.” 

He reassures you, but it feels like he needs it too, especially when his hand leaves the stick shift to run through his hair that looks more tousled than usual, making you wonder if he was lying in bed before this. A worried breath exhales through his nose, with a tight jaw, and you hate the way your stomach drops when both his hands find the steering wheel after he tugs on his roots a little bit. 

Nervous fingers play with the bottoms of your sleep shorts, trying your best not to stare while you keep your gaze out the passenger window. Stolen glances are followed by tight lipped smiles when you’d always find him staring back. Honey and chestnut make your stomach flutter, and you think maybe some things never change. 

It takes less than the ten minutes that Steve promised for the back roads to turn busy, and bright with the kind of lights a small town on a Saturday night has. A slouched frame sitting on the side of the road catches in his headlights, getting closer you see that Robin’s waves have lost all the bounce she left the house with, along with the rosy tint in her cheeks. The flashing Bennigans sign spins a block behind her, and the orange bulbs match the burning ember on the end of her cigarette that dangles from her full lips. 

“Shit, it’s bad if she’s smoking,” Steve mutters, turning on his hazards as he pulls up next to her, the wheels of his car coming to a stop. 

She hollows her cheeks out, taking one last drag, waving at you to stop unbuckling your seat belt as she gets to her feet. Blowing the smoke from her lungs into the wind, she flicks the half smoked butt into the street before opening the back door, sliding into the leather seats with an exasperated huff.

“Just, don’t – I’m okay,” she starts, closing the door and shutting out the whir of the traffic outside. “Turns out her boyfriend’s best friend really likes Tracy Chapman and Tori Amos too. She really thought me and him might hit it off after our talk at the record store today. I don’t want to talk about it, I just want to go home with my two favorite people and feel sorry for myself.”

“Well, you’re in luck,” Steve doesn’t miss a beat. Turning around in his seat, he flashes her his million-dollar Harrington smile. “I’m the king of feeling sorry for myself.”

Her lips twitch, but when she sees the natural roll of your eyes at the boy next to you, it turns into a full blown smile. A little shimmer came through in the dulled-out color of her eyes.

Got me up all night

            all I’m singing is love songs.

“Honestly, now that I’m thinking about it, this girl sounds like a scammer, Rob. I mean, come on.” Steve snorts, rifling through her cupboards in the kitchen. Tracy Chapman and Tori Amos, what kind of game was she playing at anyway?”

Robin giggles from her place next to you on the couch, her head resting on your shoulder, the green apple of her shampoo still lingering on her curls that tickle your cheek. 

“Plenty of people like those artists, Steve.” She sighs, but you can still hear her smile, “It’s fine, I’ll just stay the lonely Hawkins lesbian for the rest of my life, no big deal.”

”Shut up!”

”Will you stop?!”

You and Steve chide her at the same time, hard eyes meeting from across the living room and softening. He doesn’t even try to stop the lopsided grin that pushes up your favorite cheek and you hope Robin doesn’t feel the way it makes your skin warm. 

“Whatever, I already warned you I’m going to be miserable. Gimmie a break, and you’re actually taking forever in there, by the way.” Whining, she sits up, sending a rush of fruit and leftover tobacco to your nose.

“Yeah, well, I can’t find your peanut butter,” he mutters, opening up the cabinet above the sink, the bottom of his tank top rising enough to see a sliver of sun kissed skin and a few more freckles. Why does it feel like there's always more?

”What are you even making anyway?” you ask, ignoring the way Robin’s head whips around. A smirk spreads wide across her face because you’re actually trying to make conversation with Steve.

“Just a little something that’s going to cure my best friend’s heartbreak,” he winks, the jar of JIF extra crunchy looking extra small in his grasp, twisting the cap off. “We came up with it together, actually.o biggie.”

Your gaze narrows, but he doesn’t miss the way the corners of your mouth twitch, something sparkling inside the dark gold in his eyes.

”Interesting, considering I ran to the store earlier to grab my best friend’s favorite ice cream, just in case.” You counter, something mischievous twisting up your lips. “You didn’t even think to stop and get it on our way home. Some friend.”

Robin’s smile lights up the room, very obviously enjoying the show, maybe even a little too much. Clapping her hands together, she lets out a content sigh before leaning back into the couch cushions.

”I really could get used to this,” she beams, “maybe we should have a contest, see which one of you can do the nicest things for me.”

You can’t stop the snort or the roll of your eyes that has Steve throwing his head back in a fully-bellied laugh, giving you the perfect view of his neck, and only Robin clocks the way your giggles are cut short and the secret way your eyes glaze over.

”I’m not gonna lie as much as I love crunchy peanut butter banana s’mores, I have to say Steve, the fact that she actually called you makes her the winner for the night.” She smirks, chuckling harder when you shove her with a hushed ‘Robin!’

His smile doesn’t fade as he starts to cut banana slices. Big eyes meet yours with the kind of look that threatens to melt you into the couch.

”That’s alright, I’ll be a gracious loser tonight, but just know, honey, I’m very competitive.” He warns, long fingers spreading the fruit evenly throughout the peanut butter that messily coats graham crackers.  

“I don’t like to lose, so it’s fine.” Your quick reply deepens the smile lines in his cheeks, putting the finishing touches on your snacks.

“Yeah, this is definitely the life I was meant to live,” Robin gloats, nudging you, “I’m the prize, right?”

It’s your turn to throw your head back in the kind of laugh that rattles in your rib cage, too distracted to see the lovesick way Steve bites his bottom lip watching you from across the room.

But Robin does.

With a heart so full it might burst, tears threaten to spill from the ocean in her eyes, daydreaming about moments like this, only ever thinking they would be something that stayed trapped in the confines of her mind. The warming feeling of happiness wraps around Robin like a blanket when she gets to sit between you both on the couch. A distant friend she hasn’t seen in a long time, a secret she’s kept mostly to herself. 

With a messy plate of half eaten treats and sticky fingers, she’s content watching Cher and Nicholas Cage fight over how much they love each other. Fully knowing that Steve is sneaking looks at you from over her head, smiling to herself at the nervous way you fiddle with your hands in your lap because of it.

Robin doesn’t fight the exhaustion that starts to make her eyelids heavy just a little halfway through the movie. It’s easy to give in when your body weight relaxes deeper into her side, and how Steve drapes his arm over the back of the couch, tucking you both into his chest with evening breaths.

You’re warm, cozier than normal, and it surrounds every part of you.

Cheek pressed against something that’s not firm enough to be the couch, you nuzzle yourself deeper, chasing the heat and the sleep that’s threatening to evade you. Your cushion starts to move, making eyes shift behind lids that aren’t ready to open yet. Lashes flutter, feeling the way your leg is slotted between someone else’s, and the warmth of a palm finds the small of your back, pulling you closer.

A deep sigh rumbles in your ear before fingertips lazily trace up and down the dip of your spine. Stubble tickles your forehead, and as coherency starts to come back to you, a softer patch of hair rubs against your cheek. The kind of spice and lingering sunshine that could only come from one person hits your senses, and the white cotton of Steve’s tank top finally becomes visible. 

The shift in your breathing brings his soft touches to a halt, the muscles you’re pressed on your side against stiffening. Realizing your hands are sprawled across his chest, just under your chin, you can feel the way his heart races under your palm. He’s everywhere, and despite the way you’ve told yourself you hate him, your fingers curl into the cotton of his shirt because it feels like home. Toes pressing into his calf, you wind your leg around his tighter, and it turns timid fingertips sure of themselves, tracing patterns between your shoulder blades. You don’t dare look up at him yet, or it would make the way your own hand starts to explore his abs that twitch under your red nails real. 

He feels different than you remember, there's more of him now, harder in spots that used to be soft. Your fingers get greedy, the blunt ends of your nails scratching along the outline of his happy trail, earning a low groan from him that vibrates deep in your core. Those butterflies that have made a permanent home out of you start to stretch their wings, and when they feel the soft velvet of his lips against your forehead, they tickle at your ribcage and kick up your heart rate. You wonder if he can feel it.

It’s the faintest kiss, one that you’re not sure you would’ve even felt if you were asleep, but it makes you lean in closer. Inhaling deeply, tears sting at the corner of your eyes when the familiar scent only makes you crave him more. After years spent denying the existence of his touch from your memory, it’s almost overwhelming to feel it again. 

The muscles in his arm underneath your neck twitch, and the fingers that have been drawing lazy circles on your back move slowly up your shoulder. The backs of them run down your arm before they finally connect with your skin, goosebumps exploding underneath his touch in a ball of electricity that you can feel on the pads of them that start a new path up the loose sleeve of your shirt.

You fiddle with the bottom hem of his tank top, the heat of his body radiating against already flushed skin. Brave fingers dare to dip underneath only to get stopped by a large palm wrapping around your wrist 

“Baby,” there's a hint of a smile and a little bit of grogginess in his voice that gives away that he hasn’t been awake that much longer than you, “I think you should at least look at me before I let you get under my shirt.”

Biting at your bottom lip, you push yourself deeper into his chest, embarrassed, feeling the gentle shake of his body when he laughs. 

“Come on pretty, let me see your face.”

His affection makes your heart swell, and you know what it means if you look him in the eyes. Your nails dig into the cotton, tugging at the fabric a little while you pull yourself together, lashes fluttering against your cheeks, shaking the rest of the sleep. Lifting your head up from its hiding place, you cross the line you promised yourself you wouldn’t, but when you meet the green that shimmers in the darkness of his eyes, and the crooked grin that twists up his full pink lips, it feels good to give in.

Releasing the hold on your wrist, he’s gentle, almost hesitant, when his warm palm cups your cheek. The rough pad of his thumb traces the line of your cheekbone feather light, and you can’t help but lean into his touch. No more armor, fleeting glances, or stolen looks, not when he’s this close and even more handsome in the glow of the moonlight. 

“Beautiful.” He murmurs just loud enough for you to hear, and your legs somehow wrap around his tighter.

”Yeah?” you whisper, your fingers coming up to the play with the gold chain dangling from his neck. “Why didn’t you kiss me then?”

”What?”

”Last week,” 

”That wasn’t the right time,” he sighs, eyes tracing every line of your face like he’s committing it to memory, “It would have ruined it.”

“Ruined what?” You press, twisting the metal between your fingertips, heartbeat ringing in your ears.

“My chance at trying to do this the right way, the way you deserve.” He doesn’t hesitate to say it, like it’s something he’s thought about for years, and it makes your head spin.

“What about now?” 

“That depends,” he hums, the pad of his thumb dragging across the slight pout of your bottom lip, threatening to steal the air from your lungs.

”On?” Your voice comes out just above a whisper. Tilting your chin up, you can still smell the peanut butter on his breath.

”If you want me to.”  He breathes, the tip of his nose running along the length of yours. 

Your hold on his gold chain tightens, pulling him even closer. His eyebrows pinch together when he feels the slightest brush of your lips against his, and he can still taste the sweetness of the banana.

”Please tell me you want me to.” 

The desperation in his voice is enough for you to tug him down, closing what’s left of the small gap, your top lip catching against his full bottom one. Just enough to feel the familiar silk that could leave a wildfire in their wake before you finally speak.

“Kiss me, Steve.”

A groan rattles deep in his chest, and he doesn’t hesitate to do what he’s wanted to since he saw you. Applying just enough pressure to wake up every last butterfly, the tip of his nose pushes into your cheek when he slots his lips with yours. It’s soft at first like he’s testing the waters, taking it slow so he can savor it, just in case you never let him do it again.

He pulls away enough to look at you, chestnut eyes blown out wide, and you hate that you already miss his kiss. Giving into everything you’ve fought for so long, it’s your turn to capture his lips. It stuns him at first, but when you open your mouth, his body melts easily into yours, and that big hand of his moves from your cheek to hold the back of your neck. Tongue swiping boldly across your lower lip, he begs you to let him in.

Moans get hidden, muffled inside each other's mouths after you grant him access, your fingers tangle themselves inside the thick forest of his hair that’s still just as soft as you remember. Nipping at his bottom lip, the grip on the back of your neck tightens and you can feel the way he kicks up in his sweats because of it. Your own thighs threatening close when you’re reminded of what’s between his legs.

“Baby,” he warns in between kisses, feeling the roll of your hips, but you don’t miss the subtle way he tries to meet them with his own.

It’s too easy to get lost in him, and the years it took to move past him make even more sense when your tongue finds his again. Fighting for dominance, you try not to think about the irreversible damage tonight might do to you as you tug at his roots, teeth scraping together, the kiss turns more heated by the second. Years of anger and longing come out in desperate touches. His hand finds its way to your hip, the pads of his fingers brushing against the skin under your shirt, sending a shiver up your spine, letting you roll them one, two, three times before tightening his hold.

He pulls you closer, letting you win before his nose nudges against your cheek, his lips finding the corner of your mouth. Catching his breath, he trails them along your jaw before making his way down your neck. Your chest heaves, fingers turning soft and slowly running through his hair. He hums against your skin, his hand staying under your shirt, the warmth of his palm covering the small of your back, leaving wet kisses on the sensitive spot behind your ear.

”Let me take you on a date,” he whispers, leaving one more under his jaw before pulling back to look at you.

”Steve -“

”Just one,” he begs, bumping his nose with yours, smirking when it makes you smile.

”Let me sleep on it,” you sigh, ducking your head under his chin to hide. Too many thoughts trying to occupy space in your mind with a head still dizzy from his lips.

”I’ll take what I can get,” he laughs, the tips of his fingers starting up the familiar patterns that started all of this, quickly make your eyelids heavy, nuzzling deeper into his chest. You weren’t ready to think about tomorrow yet.

🌻 chapter four

[kaymarie-bell]

TWST JP May Schedule is out!

Early May

NRC Masterchef Event, "Meeting Rice"

[SR] Azul

[SR] Ortho

[SSR] Club Wear - Magift Uniform Leona ver.

Main Story reading campaign (This is rewards I think?)

Epel Birthday campaign (May 6th)

Main Story - Book 7 Chapter 8 will be distributed

Limited-time Summons - Savanaclaw Dorm Uniform, Rook ver. will be available alongside the Main Story update. This card will contain spoilers for the Main Story (!!!)

Mid-May

Silver Birthday campaign (May 15th)

Late May

TWST Tsum Event, Part 3, with the following cards

[R] Ace

[R] Jamil

From the summons:

[SSR] Vil

[SSR] Idia

[SSR] Malleus

[SR] Trey

[SR] Ruggie

[SR] Silver

Deuce Birthday campaign (June 3rd)

I was waiting for a Book 7 Silver card but LOOK! here comes Rook with the steel chair!-🌻

[jeonginsleftcheek]

The sun to me

Chapter III. Sun ray.

pairing: hwang hyunjin x afab!reader

word count: 3.4k

chapter summary: discovering a hidden place helps discover hidden feelings and the camera captures a fleeting moment of happiness.

warnings: description of a nightmare with drowning

~ Masterlist for the series

~ next part

🌻 Sunflower - happiness and positivity.

There's no air that can reach his lungs, Hyunjin realizes this as the feeling of water filling up his insides consumes his entire being.

He's grasping for a figurative straw, his arms are lifting up to reach towards the surface, where he can see the light reflecting off of it, the sliver of hope he craves to hold on to.

Bubbles leave his lips as he screams silently in panic, unable to swim up, like some kind of deep sea leviathan has gripped his ankles and it's pulling him further down.

Down where he'll disappear forever, his body becoming food for the fishes, his existence forgotten like he was never even alive.

Like his dreams, thoughts and wishes didn't matter. Like whatever painting he ever created was scraped away, washed away, faded away into oblivion.

There's warmness and comfort replacing the harsh iciness of the sea when he stops fighting against it, letting it take him into it's depths where he'll be safe from all the harm that the big bad world has brought him.

Hyunjin's eyes open abruptly and the warmness he felt in his nightmare comes in the shape of salty tears sliding down his cheeks. He coughs, sitting up quickly, feeling like the air from his lungs has actually been taken away.

He reaches for the glass of water on the nightstand and drinks the refreshing liquid with big gulps.

He shivers, eyes fluttering before he reaches up to wipe his tears away.

Hyunjin can't even remember the last time he cried, or the last time he had a nightmare like this.

Shaking it off, he checks the clock and as he slowly comes to his senses, the hope he wanted so desperately to cling onto in his dream, lingers in his chest again.

It's almost time to meet up with you.

With newfound excitement, Hyunjin slowly but surely forgets about the feeling of the cold sea enveloping him as he gets ready for the day.

His camera is a must as he grabs it last, before skipping two steps at a time as he makes his way downstairs.

"Good morning, Hyunjin."- Isaac almost scares him as he appears beside him in the hall, a newspaper in his hand.

"Oh, good morning Isaac."- Hyunjin smiles, after the mini heart attack he experienced.

"What's the plan for today?"- Isaac asks and doesn't miss the way Hyunjin's smile widens.

"I- uhm- managed to find a tour guide for the island."- he stutters out, redness spreading on his cheeks.

"Oh really? And who might that be? I know everyone here and I just wanna make sure you're safe."- Isaac half-jokes, he has every good intention in mind.

"Y/n."- Hyunjin answers and Isaac looks a little surprised.

"So, am I safe?"- Hyunjin asks as Isaac gets quiet suddenly.

"Yes, yes, very safe. I'm just a little surprised that she offered."- Isaac says, waving the newspaper around.

"How so?"- Hyunjin tilts his head curiously.

"She's kind of a... homebody. Or gardenbody, if you will."- Isaac snickers at his own joke. "Mostly keeps to herself and her flowers. But she's a good girl, really."- he finishes, with his signature warm smile.

"I thought so too."- Hyunjin nods.

"Well, have fun. I hope you'll indulge me later with a little visit to my studio."

The lump in Hyunjin's throat is back.

"I'll try."- and he really will.

With all he has in him, he will try to look deep within himself to find the strength and inspiration he lost somewhere along the way.

When your alarm wakes you up that morning, you don't feel annoyed or groggy, you feel excited.

The sun coming through the window lays on your body like a warm blanket, threatening to make you fall asleep again but your galloping heartbeat doesn't let you fall into the safety of your dreams again.

You get up with a kind of giddiness in your body, a skip in your step as you decide to wear your favorite yellow dress, the color of the sunflowers, the one kept in the back of your closet, existing only for special occasions.

The thought of spending time with and getting to know Hyunjin, makes for a pretty special occasion in your mind.

You're already planning a little route, imagining taking him to all your favorite places, the ones you saw so many times now being looked at from a new pair of eyes, the eyes of an artist with a paintbrush and a camera.

You wait for him in front of your flower shop, clutching at your little backpack, nervousness washing over you.

Hyunjin arrives on time, the sunlight making him shine brighter than any pretty jewel you've ever laid your eyes upon.

When he sees you, his face breaks into a smile as he runs his hand through his hair, a habit you already picked up on.

He's wearing sunglasses and his usual jewelry, his camera resting on his chest and a backpack on his shoulders.

"Morning!"- you greet when he's close enough.

"Morning!"- he returns the greeting equally excitedly as he cascades up to you.

"Did you sleep well?"- you ask and Hyunjin shivers a little, his lips parting as he blinks.

"Let's say I did."- he nods, pursing his lips.

"It takes some time to get used to all the smell of the varnished wood in Isaac's house."- you chuckle, starting to walk.

"Oh, you've been there?"- Hyunjin asks as he hurries up to follow you.

"Of course! Everyone's been at Isaac's."- you chuckle again. "We're like a little community here. He invites half the island to dinner sometimes. Well, when it's his son's or wife's anniversary mostly. He doesn't want to be alone then. I bring him flowers and my mom's famous cake."- you say as you approach the little restaurant you visit almost every day.

"Oh yeah, he told me about his son. Not about his wife though."- Hyunjin looks thoughtful.

"He'll tell you, I'm sure."- you say as you stop walking. "I thought we could eat breakfast first if you haven't had it yet."

"Oh yeah, actually I'm starving."- Hyunjin nods quickly, almost forgetting about the previous conversation.

You walk in and are greeted by Catherine immediately as she stands behind the bar and wipes away clean coffee cups, putting them back in their designated places.

Luna is sitting at one of the tables, coloring and lost in her own little world.

Catherine greets you, then stops when she looks at Hyunjin.

"Oh, hello there...?"- she looks at your new friend expectantly.

"Hyunjin. Nice to meet you."- he picks upon everyone wanting to meet the newcomer at their island.

"Catherine. That's my daughter Luna. And my husband, Bennet."- she points at him just as he walks out of the kitchen, carrying a plate of pancakes for his daughter.

"Oh, good morning, good people!"- Bennet smiles and you chuckle.

"Hyunjin just arrived on the island and I'm planning to show him around. But we can't really do that on an empty stomach."- you say and Catherine chuckles.

"Oh no, we can't have the two of you hungry. Why don't you two sit down and I'll bring a menu so your friend can look at it?"- Catherine says.

You take your usual spot, next to the window and she brings the menu for Hyunjin.

"You eat lunch here, right?"- Hyunjin asks as he scans the menu.

"How did you know?"- you ask, looking up from setting your backpack down on the floor.

"It's kind of the only restaurant in the vicinity."- Hyunjin chuckles and you feel your face warm up in embarassment.

"Right."- you giggle.

"Here's your lemonade."- Catherine appears.

"Ooh, can I order one too?"- Hyunjin asks.

"Of course, I'll get right on that."- Catherine says before she disappears again.

"So, what do you recommend?"- Hyunjin asks.

"Well, an omelette is always good. So are pancakes. Maybe some fruit?"- you say and he chuckles.

"How about all of it?"

"That sounds good."

After you order a little bit of everything, Luna appears next to your table.

She giggles at Hyunjin shyly, half-hiding behind your arm.

Hyunjin greets her and you bend down to her level.

"Don't be shy."- you chuckle and then sign something as Hyunjin observes the two of you and realizes that the little girl is deaf.

"Oh, okay."- you laugh, your face red, you sign something else and Luna giggles again before running away back to her table.

"She can't hear at all?"- Hyunjin asks quietly.

"No, she was born like that. But she's a happy little girl."- you smile.

"What did you sign to her last?"- he asks curiously.

"I told her she looks pretty."- you say and Hyunjin nods. "She also said that you look like a prince, and that I look like a princess."

Hyunjin sputters, almost choking on his lemonade, his hand on his chest.

"Well, not sure about the first one but I agree with the latter."

Your heart threatens to betray you in that very moment.

With tummies full and cheeks rosy, Hyunjin and you walk quietly together, the sound of gravel crunching under your feet seemingly loud in the comfortable silence.

"Have you been living on the island your whole life?"- he asks, breaking the silence suddenly.

"Pretty much, yeah. I've only moved for college shortly but I never finished."- you say.

"What did you study?"

"Journalism."

"Really?"- he chuckles. "If you graduated maybe you'd be the one interviewing me and maybe we'd meet then, in the showbiz world."

"Okay, mr. Big Shot."- you laugh and he laughs embarassingly at himself.

"Why didn't you finish? Lost motivation or?"

"My mother fell sick. Had to move back and take care of her."- you say and Hyunjin again feels like he's just here digging into people's wounds.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine. It was a long time ago now. I'm glad I moved back here. I like this quiet little life. I think the big city would eat me up, honestly."- you confess, leading Hyunjin to the pretty forest behind the beach where you sat looking at the sunset the night before.

"The big city really does eat you up. You get stuck in a rut and washed away with all the other trash."

"Speaking from personal experience?"- you quirk up an eyebrow as you finally get under the shade of the big trees.

Hyunjin lifts his camera up, snapping a few pictures before he turns towards you and you lift your hand up just in time for him to snap a picture of you trying to hide your face.

"Yeah, I guess so."- he answers, the look in his eyes doleful.

"Is that why you came here?"- your finger is now pressing into Hyunjin's own wound.

"Kind of."- he says quietly. "The lifestyle I live right now is not something I'm proud of and definitely not what I wanted."

"Sometimes you have to do the things you hate to get to what you love."- you say as the two of you make your way to the neatly hidden cove you always loved to come to with your little notebooks and pencils.

Sometimes you would go there just to sit and think. Sometimes it was the only place that you could cry in peace at, your tears blending into the vastness of the salty sea, soothing and alluring.

Nobody asking you what's wrong and what they can do to make it better, because nothing can make it better, nothing except letting it all out, away from all the prying eyes and hands.

"I'm pretty sure I mostly do things I hate. Don't even know what I love about it anymore."- Hyunjin finds himself surprised with the fact that he can so easily tell you what's been weighing heavy on his mind for what feels like an eternity.

"Don't you love painting?"

"I used to. Not sure anymore."- Hyunjin shivers at the realization that it was the first time he's uttered that out loud except when he was screaming at his manager.

"I'm sure you can teach yourself to love it again. Maybe with a little help too. For example, what is your favorite thing to paint? Or was, rather."- you ask, curiously tilting your head at him as you near the narrow entrance to the cove.

"Flowers."- Hyunjin says as you come to a stop in front of the entrance and he lifts his camera up to take photos.

"I happen to know quite a lot about flowers."- you tease and Hyunjin chuckles, putting the camera down.

"Oh really now? Maybe I could use your knowledge as my inspiration if you'll let me."- he smiles and your heart flutters.

"Sure, you can come to my flower shop or garden any time."- you smile back and it's like some kind of relief keeps washing over Hyunjin whenever you smile at him like that.

"I'd love that."- he says and you lead him through the little cave out to the beach.

"This'll be a pretty picture."- Hyunjin mutters just as you turn around towards him, the beach coming into view behind you in the opening of the cave.

Click.

The camera clicks, capturing the moment in the frame forever.

You chuckle as you walk out to the cove and Hyunjin follows.

"Wow!"- he gasps. "So beautiful. How is this place still not discovered?"

"Eh, during the summer months people flood this place like moths to a flame. But during the rest of the year, it's mostly empty."

Hyunjin snaps a few pictures again.

"Maybe I should take some pics of you too."- you say.

"Be my guest."- Hyunjin doesn't hesitate to hand you his precious camera.

It doesn't do justice to Hyunjin's beauty, his face bathed in the sunlight, his eyes closed as he turns towards the sea, his lips upturned in a small blissful smile, his dimples showing.

He really looks like the lead of a romance movie, the ones you watched way too many times, knowing deep inside that you'd never be that girl who gets the main guy.

Always the girl on the sidelines, where you got used to being to the point it became hard for you to even imagine falling in love or imagine going out of your comfort zone and giving away your vunerability into someone's open palms like it was just a thing to toss around as everyone takes a turn picking at it, leaving with pieces of you.

Pieces you will never get back, leaving you with your soul bare.

You don't want that, you don't think you even know how to give that anymore.

Everything you give, goes to your flowers.

All your love, your hopes and your tears grow in the shape of stems sprouting out of the earth, blossoming into different colored petals drenched with intoxicating scents.

"Took enough?"- Hyunjin breaks you out of your thoughts and you chuckle a little.

"I think so."- you hand him back the camera before the two of you take a stroll on the beach.

Hyunjin feels like the lead in a romance movie, but there's a wall in front of him, one that is too high to climb up on, too sturdy to break and too deeply rooted into the earth that you can't even dig a hole in it.

The setting is there, the girl is there, only his heart is not. It's scared, hiding away like a wounded animal after a scuffle.

If it was a few years before Hyunjin would surely already let himself fall into you, assured that you'll welcome him with your arms wide open but that's not who he is anymore.

Whatever kind of fairytale he blindly believed in before was just that; a fairytale, not a reality he could touch with his fingertips, hold in his arms, taste on his lips.

But, he is willing to deceive himself even for a fleeting moment of happiness like this.

The walk is short and you end up sitting on the rocks and taking more photos of the picturesque beach, the conversation between you now more light, avoiding the heavy themes and instead commenting on something laugh worthy, something to alleviate the heavy atmosphere threatening to absorb you.

You take Hyunjin back through the forest, walking him all the way into Isaac's street, promising that you will show him another favorite 'secret' place on the island in the next few days.

The sun is almost setting as the two of you turn around and start making your way to your homes.

Hyunjin finally feels something.

It may be small and flickering, like a light at the end of a ceaseless dark tunnel but he can see it in the distance, welcoming him with it's warmth.

Your evening routine has never felt more special. Even though it's the same night after night, it's like there's glitter sprinkled on everything you touch, making it glow beautifully like it was something completely new.

And while you hum along to your music and cook dinner like some movie character waiting for their lover to arrive home, Hyunjin is sitting in his room.

Isaac wasn't home when he'd arrived so he just made his way upstairs, the wooden stairs creaking under his weight, each one singing a different specific song.

Hyunjin ended up sitting on his bed after a shower and a snack, his camera in his hands as he looked at the pictures both of you took that day.

There was something familiar in the sun rays bursting between trees, in the crease of his brow, in the wave of the sea, in your bright smile. It was as if all of the nature's beauty blended together and into the two of you, whispering quietly to him, coaxing him into a net of safety.

Hyunjin caught himself smiling wide at the thought of you.

A knock on the door burst his little bubble, and he cleared his throat before yelling a 'come in!'.

"Evening, Hyunjin. I was just wondering if you'd like to eat dinner with me."- it was Isaac with his warm smile.

"Of course. I'll be down in five."- he says and Isaac nods curtly before leaving Hyunjin's room.

He sets the camera aside, accidentally casting his eyes on the paintbrushes sticking out of his suitcase he hasn't even completely unpacked yet.

Something twists in his stomach and he turns away from the little devils, deciding to make his way downstairs.

Isaac looks up from preparing the table and Hyunjin joins in, helping him.

"So, how was your outing?"- Isaac asks with a small smile.

"Refreshing, honestly."- Hyunjin returns the smile. "I don't remember the last time I was this relaxed ever since I stepped foot on the island."

"Well, that is so good to hear! I'm glad this little island brings you a peace of mind like it did for me."- Isaac says as the two of them sit down.

"I used to live in the big city. Stop me if I'm wrong here but you probably feel exasperated and worn out from the lifestyle of a successful artist."- Isaac starts and Hyunjin stops him.

"How'd you know I'm successful?"- he asks with his brows lifted up in surprise, making the older man chuckle.

"It's easy to guess so. With one look at your attire, anyone can see you're well off."- Isaac concludes.

"Right."- Hyunjin nods, his cheeks becoming rosy in embarassment. "So, you used to be a successful artist too?"

"Hey, don't say used to!"- Isaac laughs and Hyunjin chuckles, apologizing before Isaac hits him with a 'just kidding'.

"But yes, I used to live the lifestyle you do now. And even with my wife beside me, I continued living the same... let's say festive lifestyle and I neglected her and my son. Ah, it's a long story for another day."- Isaac stops himself.

"Well, I'd like to hear it one day."

"The point I want to make is, don't make the same mistakes I did. If you see a good opportunity, grab it while you can."

Hyunjin can't help but think he's talking about you.

He barely manages to fall asleep that night, even after walking around and eating good food, his mind is restless.

He dreams of blank canvases and sun rays that night. He dreams of your smile and the warmth he feels doesn't come in the shape of tears this time, it comes in the shape of a good feeling blooming inside his chest.

✨Taglist: @moonchild9350 @janepg @velvetmoonlght @hwanghyunjinismybae @jehhskz @laylasbunbunny @porangporangmeong @jeonginslefthand @sapphirewaves @simpforleeknaur @laughatdanger @lixies-favorite-cookie @linavc @quokkacidal @thisaintredwine @m00gyu @yaorzu-blog @skzfelixlove @tajannah-price1 @puccaaak @aft2rsexs @xxkissesforchanniexx @aprilmaejune77 @lilmeowneow @stayjinnie @astrobebba @danihwang882 @kaysungshine @nchhuhi @1810cl @chartrucewhore @babigriin @jisuperboard @alisonyus @minluvly @instantsoulnight

[kiame-sama]

You stated in previous chapters / answered asks that some monsters are open to sharing the Human darling with their comrades. How would the dynamic of those harem / poly pairings work in the future where their mated / married / bonded to her with children? Is there a primary significant other among them? Are they all referred to as some variation of dad, or are non bio-dad(s) called uncle / something else? How hands on / affectionate are they with children they aren't related to biologically? If their Human specified an amount of kids, as well as the order she'd want them to get her pregnant (like having a pup with Sebek first since he's the only one that can knock her up with needing a c-section) would they respect or would there be coercion / guilt trips to change her mind?

🌻 anon

Warnings; talk of hybrids, poly relationships, poly yanderes, mention of eggs, oviposition, mention of c-sections, multiple fathers,

~~~~~~~~

In terms of Malleus and his Hoard, he is the one who is the primary mate to the Human, everyone in the hoard knows this and respects it. As far as having a hybrid from the different Hoard members go, Lilia will fight to the death to be the primary caretaker and few are willing to challenge him on that. Fae are notorious for stealing and obsessing over Human children and Lilia is no exception with these Hybrids as many share the Human traits considered to be so cute. Of course, he wouldn't encourage any child other than those officially his own to call him 'Father' or some variant of, he still won't discourage it either.

Malleus is insistent that he be given the right to actually breed the Human first as Dragons take quite some time to grow and develop and Briar Valley does need an heir to the throne once he takes over for his Grandmother. He will try to ensure the egg is safely delivered with very minimal damage and hopefully without the Human needing a c-section. After that, other Hoard members are welcome to mate the Human so long as the Human is willing to bear more children for the Hoard. Lilia will likely be next due to general ranking in the Hoard and Lilia wants a whole hoard of children to raise. Provided the infant isn't too large to damage their wings, they can be delivered without a c-section. It's only when the infant is too large that they need to be removed for the safety of the mother and the infant. Silver and Sebek would be next provided the Human is alright with bearing them young as well. It is less of a need for them as it is for Malleus- for his own sake and the sake of Briar Valley- and Lilia- who is obsessed with having his own hybrid child. They would happily take up the mantle of father if given the opportunity though.

Silver and Sebek are perpetually stressed parent figures who are honestly glad Malleus and Lilia are stepping into the fathering roles. They will show affection and act as co-parents to the herd of children, but they are nowhere near Lilia's level of parenting. Lilia is taking over a parental role regardless of whose child it is ultimately. Malleus will immediately add all children born to his Hoard to his Hoard officially. They are all his treasures and though he doesn't know for sure how to be the parent he wants to be, he will try to do it for his new Hoard members.

The group of some half and some full siblings would actually get along rather well. You can certainly tell who takes after who most but the children are siblings on their mother's side so they would actually play nicely together. Lilia will make sure there is harmony among the children and does a good job at keeping them peaceful with one another. Any conflict is resolved quickly.

~~~~~~~~

Vil and Rook would be able to share the responsibilities of parents so well they both are Dad (Vil) and Papa (Rook) respectively. Each chick and hatchling will just be convinced they have three parents. Rook has a large family himself, so he will be happy to raise Vil's chicks with his own hatchlings. Vil will ensure the entire family is supported through his acting and will be vicious to any paparazzi looking to harass his mates or his children.

Rook is as much Vil's mate as the Human's mate and the Drider will fight to protect his mates. It doesn't really matter to them who the Human chooses first, so long as they both get an equal shot. Vil is the stricter parent where the Human is the more lenient one. Rook often plays mediator to try and placate the different parenting styles and keep peace among his beloveds. Both men would share duty as parents and lovers with grace and equity.

The Harpy chicks actually prefer their Drider half-siblings over one another as they will be in conflict and direct competition with one another first and foremost by instinct alone. The Drider babies are usually competing with one another as well, so it would be ideal to have one Harpy chick per Drider hatchling. Not every egg hatches but it more likely there will be more drider babies than harpy babies based on egg number alone.

~~~~~~~~

(Art credit to original artist who sent in as fan-art)

Azul, Floyd, and Jade would have a very unbalanced sharing of parental duties. Most of the infancy tasks would likely fall to Jade and the Human as Floyd would flake out when he doesn't feel like it and Azul won't really get what to do at first. Eventually Azul's many tentacles will come in handy to keep the infants calm while he works and give the main two parents a break.

Jade and the Human will likely have the closest bond out of the four as they cook together and rear the young together, but Floyd makes it clear he needs his time with the Human as well. Azul is more the sugar-daddy of the group, but he is still happy to spend an extended time with the Human and the many infants. Floyd is fun-dad as decreed by the shoal, or as he calls himself Daddy. Jade is Father to the shoal and is the one the kids go to when they need help. Azul is either Boss Azul or Octo-papa. The Human is the one and only Mama of the group and is the main comfort and support of the family for all three fathers and children. Basically the keystone that keeps Jade and Floyd from trying to kick Azul out of the family or eat him as both eels are fond of eating octopus. The group is in harmony with the Human among them.

The Eel children will easily forget they don't share the same fathers and odds are both Floyd and Jade will be putting their eggs in the Human around the same time, so even the parents don't know who belongs to who. They just assume the more mild-mannered ones belong to Jade and the lackadaisical ones are Floyd's. The octo-babies will put themselves in octopus pots to avoid the teasing of their Eel siblings as they are far less rough and tumble than the Eels. Azul will show favoritism to the ones that are too afraid to leave their pots early on in life as he was also quite fond of hiding in his own octopus pot as a child.

[bosbas]

Hi I just read you’re Colin and Benedict series and I just wanted to say how much I loved them both. I can’t wait to see what you write next. We need another chapter about Benedict and y/n children. Again: absolutely adore you’re writing 🌻���

Thank you so much my love!! And you are absolutely correct, I did need more of Benedict and y/n. here's a very quick lil drabble! I hope you enjoy <3 Also, they're using non-toxic paint which I am pretty sure is historically accurate lol. 

I find myself running home to your sweet nothings

series masterlist

pairing: benedict bridgerton x best friend!fem!reader WC: 1.6k words

Warnings: period-typical gender roles, alluding to sex, benedict and y/n having kids, benedict and y/n being very in love

March 14, 1824 – Y/I,

I apologize for not being there as you wake, but I have undertaken a special project with our children. We are not to be disturbed at all today if you can help it.

I asked Anthony to procure you the book you were so intent on finding, and he has, as is typical, been able to find it with relative ease. The book should be waiting for you downstairs at the breakfast table.

Yours,

B

You giggled, giddy as you read your husband’s note. Benedict had been away visiting with a French artist for a few weeks, and you had been left to take care of the children on your own (with the help of their governess, of course). And while you did love them dearly, caring for three small children left you little time to yourself.

After Ben had come home the previous night, he had promised you a surprise in the morning, and a day to yourself was truly one of the best things he could give you.

Sighing contentedly, you descended the stairs so you could begin reading in the gardens as soon as possible. As you passed Benedict's studio, you heard quite a commotion going on inside but decided against investigating. You had an entire day to yourself, after all. Might as well enjoy it.

---

After several hours of reading and only a few breaks in between, you decided that, no matter how much the quiet solitude was relaxing, you had simply missed your best friend too much to stay away. 

Knocking firmly on the studio door so that you could be heard above the noise, you eagerly awaited any indication of what your children had been doing with their father all morning and a better part of the afternoon. 

"Just a second!" called Benedict, and you heard bouts of giggling and rummaging. 

"How long is a second?" you asked after a few moments. 

Opening the door wide, Benedict smiled as he lay eyes on you. Sneaking a quick kiss on your lips and grabbing your waist as he led you into his studio, he said jokingly, "Impatient as ever, I see."

"Only for you," you smiled sweetly, pecking him on the cheek. 

Leaning down to whisper in your ear, Ben responded, "Oh, after last night, I'm quite certain I knew that already."

You gasped, scandalized, and hit Benedict on the arm. 

"Ben!" you chastised lowly, not amused in the slightest. "The children are here."

He only laughed at you.

"The children are quite busy, actually," he pointed out, nodding over to where your two daughters were helping their youngest brother smear paint on a canvas. 

"Is that what you've been doing all day?"

Benedict nodded proudly, scooping up your oldest into his arms while your other daughter remained focused on directing your youngest. 

"Do you want to tell Mama what you've done, Poppy?" he prompted.

"Papa says it's a masterpiece," she said smugly, pointing over Benedict's shoulder to a canvas that had what looked to be a big house surrounded by flowers. "It's our cottage!"

You gasped in delight, looking at all the different flowers she painted. "That certainly looks like our garden, doesn't it? And I do believe that is a poppy, just like your name" you commented, giving her a kiss on the top of her head. 

"And what have the rest of you done?" you asked your remaining children, who by now had collectively given up on Cedric's painting. 

"Cedric, of course, has created a more... abstract piece," said Benedict, looking thoughtful as he assessed the mess of colors in front of your son. 

Being only two years old, he certainly did not have any sort of artistic direction in terms of painting, but it seemed like he had a wonderful time nonetheless. 

You laughed at Ben's commentary but ultimately agreed that your son's artwork was wonderful. 

"Mine is the best," said your other daughter, Lily. "Look, Mama! Doesn't it look just like you?"

Holding up what could only be described as a giant jumble of lines and two barely discernible circles that could be construed as yes, Lily looked as proud as ever. 

You choked back a laugh, making eye contact with Benedict. "Is that me?" you asked your daughter, who was still positively beaming as she held up her painting.

"Yes! Papa has so many paintings of you in here I thought I might try to do one of my own. And look, I even drew a flower here," she said, pointing to an area you supposed was your hand. 

"Oh, I look lovely, don't I?" you commented, rather touched that your daughter had taken the time to paint you, no matter how unrecognizable you looked. "Thank you, darling," you said, placing a kiss atop her head, too. 

"It's got lots of potential," said Benedict thoughtfully. "Just some shading here and there, and it'll be good enough to go in the National Gallery."

You smiled sweetly at his mock seriousness, thoroughly enjoying seeing him in his element with your young children. You supposed that was what marriage was all about. Seeing bits and pieces of your husband in your children. And you couldn't be more thankful it had been Benedict that you ended up with. 

"Thank you," you whispered to him after he let Poppy go help Lily add some color to her painting. 

"I love you," he whispered in return, holding your hand gently and interlacing your fingers. 

---

Later that night, as you were applying all of the creams your lady's maid had insisted you apply before bed, you turned to look at Ben, who was already half asleep. 

"Are you coming to bed soon or am I going to have to carry you here myself," he grumbled. 

You laughed softly, shaking your head. "Who's impatient now?" you teased. 

"I swear I will do it," Ben answered sitting up and crossing his arms as he blinked the sleepiness away. 

You finished up and went over to his side of the bed, putting your arms around his neck as he placed his around your waist. You squealed as he used his hold to drag you into bed so you were lying down next to him, and he proceeded to run his fingers over your lips as he stared at you.  

"I barely slept while I was away. It just wasn't quite the same when I didn't have you in my arms. And besides, I had no one to talk to after every day of looking at wonderful art," Ben said softly, smiling as he looked you up and down. "I missed your face. It's quite a breathtaking one if I do say so myself."

"You might be a bit biased," you teased.

Then, after a beat, "I love you, you know," you said, kissing him softly. "Did the children tire you out today?"

Benedict shook his head, "They're quite remarkable. I do think Poppy will be your clone soon enough. She's far too clever for her own good."

Then, smiling mischievously, Ben said lowly, "And especially now that you're in bed with me I suddenly find myself with bounds of energy."

"I'm sure you do," you responded cheekily, fluttering your eyes shut as he leaned down to kiss you. 

As his lips moved against yours, you felt the same butterflies you had felt years earlier. It seemed they had made a permanent home in your stomach, and they only came to light when Ben did something like this. Three weeks away had been far too many, and you had found yourself missing his sturdy presence in your life. He was as much a part of who you were as you were yourself, and it was simply a gift to be able to live with your best friend since childhood.

"Did you miss me in France?" you said, pausing your kiss. 

You already knew the answer, but it was nice to hear him say it anyway. His letters to you while he had been away were simply not enough now that you knew what it was like to have him stroke your hair as you fell asleep or kiss your forehead in the mornings. Even as a child, you couldn't have imagined a marriage as wonderful as this one. 

"I almost went mad," he said, breathing heavily and nudging your legs open with his knee. "You are my very best friend, you know?" 

"And you are mine."

"I do not even know how I managed to breathe when you were so far away," he said sincerely, kissing your neck.

You gasped in delight, tugging on his hair. 

"It was quite lovely to get a bit of a break from you, actually," you teased.

This was, of course, a lie. You rather enjoyed having Benedict near you every night, talking for hours, and taking long walks on your grounds. But he didn't have to know that at this moment. You had certainly missed him, but he had to work to make up his absence.

"Oh, was it?" Ben taunted, looking down at you with half-open eyes. "I think I can change your mind on that particular matter."

You were positively giddy in anticipation of what was to come. "I'd love to see you try," you challenged.

"I'm certain you would," responded Benedict, a hand creeping up your leg as he bent down to kiss you once more. 

—

series masterlist || buy me a ko-fi!

[ataleofcrowns]

CH11 Release Dates

Hellooo, hope your summer is going well so far 🌻

It's been a while since I gave a solid update but I wanted to wait until I was absolutely sure I could finally announce the CH11 release dates.

I'm at 62k words at the moment, having finished A's route and filling in the last scenes for D's route as well. The drafts for each LI route will be finished within the week, but there are some portions I'm not completely happy about, so I will have to take time to do rewrites as well. I've already been doing a LOT of editing of the past month lol.

But, I can finally get started on writing the last 15-20k words that consist of the main plot for this chapter!! It does mean that if I want to make it in time for an early access release, it might be a situation where only the LI routes are released for Patrons, and then the full chapter will be released together with the public release.

Hopefully it won't come to that, but I've never written a chapter this huge before, so I'm letting you know just in case that ends up happening!! As for the release dates:

Tier 3, Crown: August 17

Tier 2, Successor: August 24

Tier 1, On the Run: August 27

Public release: August 31

So there you have it!! I'll also be opening up beta reader applications during the coming weekend, so keep an eye out for it.

That's it for now!! Until next time 💖

[libraryofdesire]

🌻 like this post and you'll get 1-2 starters based off your wishlist! 🌻 comment muse/s below or i'll go random. muse list can be found here.

[these-posts-arent-real]

(masterpost link)

Aaand we have returned to the madness on a larger scale! What are these cats up to...

#sighh #i know i've been away from dash sim posting for a while #was dealing with my last few days of school #but #that is Over Now #i can return to fulfilling everyone's need for Warrior Cats But Tumblr

57 notes

🐦 s3afow1s--sc0wl Follow

PLEASE stop talking about the most recent TTDV slates without spoilers, it hasn't made its rounds to ShadowClan yet and I don't want to know what's going to happen before I read it!!!!

#ttdv discussion #ttdv:rp #through the desert vast #ttdv: rattlesnake path #ttdv #through the desert vast: rattlesnake path #especially since i heard the newest slates have seafowl in them a lot #he's my specialest guy...

9 notes

🔁 🛤 carnation-stem-02 reblogged

🍲 ex-thundrclan-kipper Follow

I think the worst thing about no longer being a Clan cat is that a lot of the time I have no idea what y'all over there are talking about. What is TTDV?

🦁 lionsight-x3 Follow

TTDV stands for Through the Desert Vast. It's a new slate series everyone's going bee-brained over... I haven't read it yet because I prefer for a series to be finished before reading, but I've heard good things. Queer rep within the first couple chapters of the first slate-set, a non-traditional setting and cast (a rogue group living in the desert), and complex characters... needless to say I'm excited for when it finishes and I can read it!

#it's been on my to-read list for a while #maybe this is a sign #it seems pretty cool #ttdv

2,070 notes

🔁 🐦 s3afow1s--sc0wl reblogged

⛰️ fc-rockpaint Follow

In honor of Through the Desert Vast becoming popular, I've decided to make a rock-dye project on all of the main characters. Today's character is... Seafowl!

Unfortunately I don't have the right paints to portray him accurately (I haven't been able to find any white herbs for his patches, but I'm still on the lookout!) but this is mostly accurate to how he is described in the slates.

🌠 nightshade-tast3s-yummy Follow

Pssst... @s3afow1s--sc0wl

#eeeek! seafowl! #i looove him so much... my precious boy... #art #ttdv #ttdv seafowl #thanks for the tag!

162 notes

🔁 🌻 l1llyst3m reblogged

🌻 l1llyst3m Follow

Aahhhh I've finally gotten into TTDV and... NOBODY was gonna tellme that one of the characters is heavily implied to be transfem? Nobody thought I'd find this interesting????

🌻 l1llyst3m Follow

SCRATCH THAT. IT'S CANON. PIT VIPER IS CANONICALLY TRANS.

🐚 hermitcrabfriend Follow

I had wondered if you were talking about Pit Viper when I saw this post a cople days ago! Apparently so ^w^ yeah, it's canon, gets confirmed in the second slate set.

🌻 l1llyst3m Follow

This makes me wonder. Why is everyone on this site talking about Seafowl saying he gives "egg vibes" when we have. An actual confirmed trans character. Right here.

Nothing against Seafowl but the only vibe he gives off to me is traumatized.

🏞 trouttail-prefers-bass Follow

He's your typical prettyboy cishet protagonist type and everyone is pissed off that he's a side character rather than ttdv's ✨️specialest boy✨️. So they're trying to make him special by claiming he gives off trans vibes when he clearly does not and is happy as a tom.

🌻 l1llyst3m Follow

#wait till op reads rattlesnake path

What do you mean by that-

#what do you MEAN by that— #im gonna need context #is this /pos or /neg #does something bad happen in rattlesnake path?? #help someone pls #through the desert vast #ttdv

103 notes

🔁 🥬 rxttencatmint reblogged

🥬 rxttencatmint

Im so fucking irritated... my mom wont let me read TTDV because it's "inApPrOpRiAtE." Which. Of course. Is because it has lgbtqia+ characters.

🥬 rxttencatmint

WONDEDFUL NEWS. MY MENTOR LET ME BORROW HIS COPY OF THE FIRST SET. AHHHHH!!!!! I GET TO READ IT!!

#YIPPEEEEE #òwó im so exCITED!!! #ive been wanting to read ttdv for a whileee #i love my mentor sm

5 notes

🪵 i-eat-moss Follow

My unpopular opinion (TTDV:RP SPOILERS INCOMING)

Keep reading

#ttdv:rp #ttdv #rattlesnake path spoilers #ttdv spoilers #ttdv:rp spoilers #nothing against pit viper!!! #i like her as a character #i just dont get why we got a whole book explaining her backstory

203 notes

🐚 hermitcrabfriend Follow

I LOOOOVE RATTLESNAKE PATH SO MUCH. IVE JUST GOTTEN TO READ IT AND IM SO EXCITED. OMG.

Not only is it a whole set dedicated to my favorite character !!! like a dream come true!!! It ALSO contains good intersex rep (Ball Python my beloved!!!). Over all just a FANTASTIC set in a fantastic series.

12 notes

🌱 dirtdigger-23 Follow

I'm... back?? I'M BACK ON CLANBLR!!!! WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO

#i thought i'd never get back #stuck on Tumblr...

0 notes

🍽 the-post-maker

I hope y'all enjoyed this insight into what the cats do when they get fandom-y... and if you want to discuss TtDV further... well, there's a server for that ;) now back to your regular dash

[hanafubukki]

My favorite headcanon for Meleanor from OT3: when the council tries her patience too much, she throws them a dinner party where all the food is prepared by Lilia. You can't leave the table before you've eaten everything + dessert. The only excuse for your absence is death. Particularly distinguished individuals get second servings. Naturally, Meleanor herself does not eat anything and enjoys the spectacle. (Yuu just sits in her corner and sips water, thanking the gods that she doesn't have to eat her husband's cooking)

[Masterlist]

Hello Anonie 🌺🌻🌷

I love how we all chose to make the senate suffer before and now with the reveal of chapter 6, we have upped the torture a bit and I am here for it!

With the reveal of all the hell that Lilia went through, Meleanor is going to make sure they all suffer. No one can hurt him, only she gets that privilege. 😂😂

So why not let Lilia have some fun and also get some revenge?

It is a rule to never let Lilia Vanrouge into the castle’s kitchen. At one point in time, it was an unsaid rule, but then it became a law.

With only a few exceptions, and this was one of them.

Queen Meleanor was holding a special party for her council. They had got on her nerves one to many times recently and she needed a way to enjoy their suffering without the usual flair.

After all, fire and thunder can get boring at times and her victims would get used to it as well. So a new method was hatched, let them suffer slowly during a mandatory dinner.

You would usually feel bad for anyone that had to partake in Lilia’s cooking, especially when he had a certain glint in his eye. But this time? You didn’t really care.

In fact, you relished in it. Let them suffer, if they wanted to act like idiots, they had to face the consequences.

Plus, your husband deserves the revenge after being under their thumb for so long.

So you sipped from your glass a special drink that Queen Meleanor gave you and watched from afar, enjoying the show.

Too bad the senate made of spirits couldn’t eat, but Dawn had them handled. Last you checked, his magic was making a special cage encasing each of them. You can only imagine what they would do after he was fully done with them all. You had a feeling the family might play volleyball with them.

You smiled and sipped your drink.

Yes, this was the life.

Those who needed to be punished was getting their comeuppance.

Your loved ones are alive, well, and happy.

You couldn’t ask for more.

Suffer Council suffer 🔥🔥🔥

Well, not all of them are bad, but you know the ones who need to are going through it 😈

You think Peter is crying somewhere because of the bill? I think he’s all for them getting their just rewards too since the council are a pain in his butt.

[unnoticed-poison]

⌞✰ᴅᴀʀᴋ! ʏᴀɴᴅᴇʀᴇ! ᴍᴀɴʜᴡᴀ/ᴍᴀɴʜᴜᴀ ᴠᴀʀɪᴏᴜꜱ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ✰⌝ 【 𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝟏𝟎 】

【 𝕿𝖗𝖆𝖎𝖑𝖊𝖗 𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕 】

【 𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝟏 】

【 𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝟐 】

Chapter 3 to 9 are posted on AO3, Wattpad and Quotev :3

Damn this semester was craaaazy man but thankfully I passed the year 🥳

Also to those reading this before other chaps, no mc is NOT pregnant

Anyways sorry in advance if there's any grammatical error I missed and hope you enjoy the chapter 🌻🌻🌻

Gazing intently at the shimmering ruby ring on his finger, the man's brows creased with thought at his current predicament.

It has been two days since Kim Rok Soo, now known as Cale, arrived in this new world. He was currently at the tea shop called [The Fragrance of Tea with Poetry] to clear his mind. When he decided to visit the shop early in the morning, the owner, Billos, walked over to him and warmly greeted him with a bright smile upon seeing him walk through the door, talking to him as if they were longtime acquaintances.

"Welcome Cale!"

Cale blinked, then replied. " Hello."

Billos glanced at the ring he was wearing and decided to ask. "So, what did she think about the ring?"

Ah yes, that.

The red-head faked a found smile as he lifted his hand to admire the ring. "She loved it." He did his best to sound sincere. "Thank you again; I appreciate it."

"It was no problem! Anything for my dearest client."

....sure.

"Anyways, I want-"

Before he could say another word, the blonde beat him to it.

"Ah yes, the third floor is empty as usual. You go sit yourself down while I prepare the sweet tea and bring the novel you requested last time."

Oh, so Cale was a regular here, noted.

Cale nodded silently, placing a golden coin in the man's chubby hand. "Consider the rest as your tip."

That coin was worth one million gallons. He was aware that the guy was wealthier than him, but he didn't give a damn. After all, since he was the son of a filthy rich Count now, he was finally able to do what he always wanted to try but couldn't due to his lack of money.

Billos smiled. "Ah, generous as always."

.......

(･ω･)つ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⊂(･ω･)

And so here he was, surveying the city gates from the window, with a steaming cup of tea in his hand. Waiting for the hero to arrive, he took a sip and hummed in satisfaction. The sweet flavor was a nice change from the bitter tea the creepy old assassin kept serving him.

When he first transmigrated here and found himself in the body of Cale Henituse, the minor antagonist that got beaten to a bloody pulp by the protagonist, he looked at himself in the mirror for a while before slapping himself multiple times, trying to wake himself up from this silly dream, but alas, it was unfortunately real.

Adjusting to the new environment has been a bit challenging due to it being different than what he expected. The lack of fear or annoyance from those around him made him feel lost, but he got over his shock pretty quick and began looking for answers.

Fortunately, he managed to catch a maid who was alone last night and drag her to somewhere secluded without anyone noticing.

Young master? Is something the matter?"

Ignoring her bewildered look, Cale crossed his arms. "Please tell me everything that went down the past month and don't leave out any details, understood?"

The maid was confused, and rightfully so.

"Huh..?"

What kind of request was that?

Cale pulled out something from his pocket and tossed it to her.

?

She opened the pouch, and her eyes widened.

!?

The pouch was full of gold coins!

"Oh god..."

"Now, tell me everything."

"O-ok!"

She spilled out everything, how the madam fell down the stairs after revealing what 'he' actually did and lost her memory, how the Count threatened to disown him if he didn't make things right, and how he managed to fix his reputation after the truth was out and win the woman's affection, then proposed again on their anniversary during the festival.

The maid sighed blissfully as she recalled the event.

"It was so romantic, and then you two went back to the mansion early and...." She trailed off and coughed, a blush covering her cheeks from the memory. She happened to pass by the room late at night, and oh god, the things she heard the madam say...

Cale groaned, of course. He didn't want to hear THAT kind of detail! "Is that all?"

"Yes, young master."

"..Hm, thank you then."

He handed her another small pouch. " This is for your silence, tonight never happened ok?"

.....

"Who am I and what is this place?"

Cale chuckled at her words, Good.

Money really is the best.

(･ω･)つ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⊂(･ω･)

It was all weird. but he'll have to get used to it. Besides, this wasn't so bad; at least he doesn't have to pretend to be trash or anything of the sort; that was a plus.

He won't miss his past life that's for sure. With him being an orphan with no money or loved ones to speak of, his life had no purpose or meaning.

That was not living; that was just...not dying.

He shook his head, sighing deeply.

The man absolutely hated pain and death, so for now, he has to make sure he avoids triggering Choi Han's rage. After that, he can enjoy his family riches to his heart's content and live his dream life of being a slacker without fear of any harm coming his way.

After all, his life motto was pretty simple.

"Living long without pain. Enjoying the small joys of life. Living a peaceful life..."

Yup, that would be perfect for him.

As for his wife...

Cale covered his face with both his hands as he recalls the 'joyous' news; the word 'father' still caused him to have the chills.

Well...that can wait. He will cross that bridge when he gets there.

He looked out the window again. Today was the 31st day of the 3rd month in the 781st year of the Feliz calendar. The Harris Village, where the hero considered it his home after leaving the forest of darkness, is most likely burned down with no survivors by now.

Choi Han was going to arrive any day now, and he has to be prepared. As much as he wanted to stay in his room and not interact with the man at all, he can't avoid him since he needs to run into Ron and his son so they can follow the hero on his long journey, so he needs to make a good first impression.

Tsk, this was troublesome.

Cale decided to relax first and enjoy the sweet tea while reading the book the original owner requested, it was a transmigration novel...huh, interesting.

After a while, he exited the cozy shop and found himself greeted by a small kitten. Its vibrant red fur and golden eyes caught his attention almost immediately. It sat there, seeming to be waiting for someone; its ears perked up and its tail wiggled with excitement once it saw him. He had to admit it was quite adorable.

"Meow!"

Cale frowned and tried to shoo it away. " I don't have food for you, go away."

The feline didn't seem to be phased by his words, simply blinking at him and mewing again as it rubbed itself against his leg, making the man sigh before setting his sights on a bakery nearby and making his way over there. He thought the kitten would be hot on his heels mewing for food, and planned to buy it some meat while he was at it, but it sat there, watching him for a while before running off as soon as he brought loads of bread.

Oh well, he shrugged as he walked off, leaving behind a very very happy baker who was closing his shop for the day. He made 2,2 million gallons! That's far more than he can make in a month!! This would allow him to pamper his beloved wife with a lavish gift and treat her to a nice dinner!

Hmm~ he couldn't wait.

(･ω･)つ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⊂(･ω･)

"I-It's a man-eating tree! It will kill you!"

Ugh...those brats won't shut up; he was aware of

the dangers thank you very much.

He was currently at the hill that looked over the city, there he found a small spot that was fenced off from all directions except for the empty space that previously had an old wooden door that he was easily able to break.

The tree that was inside looked to be hundreds of years old, it was given a special name by the people here.

The man-eating tree, those who decided to end their lives and hang themselves there became mummies overnight and were beyond recognition.

Placing the heavy bag on the ground, he looked at the tree with a faint smile. That's the one he's been looking for, and those punks trying to warn him confirmed it.

A long time ago, during ancient times, there was a priestess who got kicked out of the temple she worked at, the reason being that her gluttony was far too much to handle.

The woman died soon after from starvation as a result and a tree grew on top of her body. Her grudges and power resided in this tree, a power he wanted to obtain for himself.

[The indestructible shield]

That shield is the left-over of that woman's power, and he was going to get it.

He began emptying the bag and feeding the hole that was large enough to fit an adult's head. When the bag was half empty he was interrupted again by the little girl tapping his back.

"It's dangerous!"

.....

Cale rubbed his temples for a bit before he took out two breads from the bag. "I won't die." He mumbled, tossing the little bags to her. "Here, now get lost."

The little boy grabbed his sister's hand. "Noona, let's go."

"...ok." She looked at him again, her eyes held some concern. "Be careful sir.." She warned him one last time and backed off, handing one of the breads to her brother, who happily tore off the wrapping and began eating it.

Finally, now he can work in peace.

He began feeding the tree again, once the bag was completely empty he smiled in satisfaction upon seeing the darkness that was formed by the grudge became fainter than before.

"M..more.."

Creepy...

"I'll bring more tomorrow." This would probably need about seven more large bags or so.

"MORE..!"

Geez, gluttony was such a scary thing.

He stood up, dusted himself off and stepped out of the fenced area. He spotted the two children sitting near the entrance, happily munching on the bread and scoffed.

"Listen here, if you want more food tomorrow, don't utter a word of this to anyone understood?"

!

More food!?

They nodded eagerly, which was not surprising; after all, the children of the slums treasured food above everything else, they did not fear anything, not even death.

Cale left after that, the children paused and watched him silently. Once he was out of sight, the silver-haired girl ran to the other side of the fence, where a woman was waiting there with a bag.

"He's gone now miss!" She exclaimed, Hong stayed where he was as his sister pulled on the woman's hand. 

Who was this woman?

Why of course, who else could it be other than you?

(･ω･)つ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⊂(･ω･)

Standing by the ancient tree, a heartwarming smile spread across your face as you ruffled the boy's hair. "Good job Hong, you did amazing!"

Beaming with pride, the boy grinned at the praise and scratched his nose bashfully. "It was no trouble for me!"

Placing the sack on the ground and opening it, you said. "Well then there you go, a deal's a deal." You handed them a bag full of bread and some pastries.

Delighted beyond words, the two could hardly contain their excitement as the girl swiftly grabbed the bag, expressing her gratitude with a bow. "Thank you!"

With that, they left and waited outside the fence for you as usual while devouring the food, leaving you to do your task in peace.

You received no new task, so as a way to pass time you spent most of the day either in your room reading novels and being a lazy bum or shopping with Lily. She was such fun company!

Recently you decided to do this, feed the creepy tree and at the same time get closer with the kids. Their cuteness was almost too much for you that you were resisting the urge to just up and adopt them instead of Cale every time you came by.

That damn baker you buy the food from better keep his mouth shut, you thought. As you bent down and threw the food inside, you heard Xian speak in a cheerful tone.

[Speeding up the process for the protagonist! Good job host!]

.....sure.

....

[...You weren't planning on taking the holy shield for yourself, right host?]

.....

[Host..?]

You snickered, amused at how he was so easy to fool. 'Of course not you dummy, why would I do something like that?'

[ Don't scare me like that! .⁠·⁠´⁠¯⁠`⁠(⁠>⁠▂⁠<⁠)⁠´⁠¯⁠`⁠·⁠. ]

'What's with those emojis?'

[ They're cute no? I wanted to try something new :3 ]

Well, it was kind of cute. 'Sure sure, whatever makes you happy.'

[ Oh by the way I forgot to mention, would you like to see what the other hosts think of your performance so far??? ]

....the fuck.

You abruptly stopped what you were doing. ' What do you mean by that?'

[ Every host's actions is recorded by their system for future reference and security reasons, I posted the recording of you online and let's just say you've gained quiet a few admirers! ]

....

Did you hear that right?

'You.What?'

[Where did you think those points came from? 70% where given by the main system while the rest was gifted by the hosts who liked what they saw.]

Did he also show the....

"Hmm.."

'The kids aren't here right now so why don't you come out~?' you thought in a sickly sweet tone.

[ No, you're gonna break my screen if I do. ]

OBVIOUSLY-

[ I didn't post footage of you having sex with the minor antagonist if that's what you're worrying about! ] Though he was tempted to do that as payback for the stress you put him through.

Oh. Well then.

You sighed in relief, at least you got points from it. 'Just don't do it without asking me next time k?'

He rolled his eyes, like when you asked him when you made such a reckless plan? [ Of course host! ]

[ Anyways, I have the comments left by the other players and the comments left by the readers from the real world reading the novel from Kim Rok Soo's pov; which one would you like to see first? ]

'Wait, the real world? My world?'

[ Yup! We actually aren't allowed to see those, only the main system can. ]

'Then how did you-'

[ My friend hacked into it for me just this once :D ]

'.....Never mind, that's none of my business, I want to see the comments left by the readers please.'

[ Alright! Just a moment please, those comments are a mix from the Manhwa and the novel. ]

A screen hovered before you.

Hm, nice!

[ There's still many more! Would you like to see view them as well :D? ]

'Later, I'm done now.' you answered as you threw the last pastry in. The darkness didn't fade, not a tiny bit, which was understandable since the bag was not even half the size Cale brought.

[As you wish host.]

Walking out of the fenced area, you turned to the kids. "Thank you two for keeping watch. I'll bring you some cake tomorrow. Do you have any flavours in mind?" You needed to bring some fruit and meat as well; eating sweets everyday was unhealthy.

"Carrot-cake please!" 

"Chocolate!" The boy beamed.

"Chocolate again? You sure don't want anything else?"

Hong shook his head, jumping up and down. "Chocolate!!"

"Alright alright." You laughed softly at his enthusiasm before turning to leave. "Again, don't mention me at all alright? Especially to my husband."

"Yes miss!" They exclaimed in unison.

"Alright then, take care." 

"Bye!"

(･ω･)つ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⊂(･ω･)

That's how it went for the next few days. On or Hong would keep an eye out for Cale while you fed the tree, just not enough to make the darkness grow fainter, least Cale gets suspicious.

It became a routine. That is, until the kids decided to put their little plan into motion.

Watching you throw the last piece of pastry into the hole, On made eye contact with her brother, silently nodding to each other as they stood up and headed over to you.

"Finally."

It's going to take about 1 or 2 more trips for the darkness to completely fade. You decided to leave the rest of the work to Cale since you grew bored of doing this.

You felt something pull on your dress.

Hm?

You looked down and paused, taken aback by the big, puppy-dog eyes Hong had while On was eating a cookie as he spoke with hesitation.

"M..mom..?"

.......

So..so..SOO CUTE, AHHHHHHh!!

[ Dont fall for it host! ]

'Too late.'

[ Host! (⁠˘⁠･⁠_⁠･⁠˘⁠) ]

Resisting the urge to hug the boy and squeeze him to death, you bent down and pinched his cheek. "You sly, sly brat, you think I'll fall for that?"

They flinched, looking down in shame. They failed...

"No! That wasn't my intention! I-I..-"

"Because you're right."

"..Huh?"

You reached out and ruffled their hair, your expression softening. "I'm taking you two home."

What!?

They looked up; their eyes widened in surprise. "Really..?"

"Of course!" You replied with a grin. "Don't try to trick me again though." Your words were firm, but your expression was still gentle.

[ Shouldn't the protagonist be the one to take them in..? ಠ⁠_⁠ಠ ]

'Oh come on it's not that big of an event; besides, they're warming up to him anyway so whoever brings them home doesn't matter, just let this one slide k?'

[....I give up! (⁠ノ⁠｀⁠Д⁠´⁠)⁠ノ⁠彡⁠┻⁠━⁠┻! ]

A little while later, you could be seen shopping around the city with two happy, adorable kittens in your arms while the servants followed you, holding the items you brought. You made it a habit the past month to shop around the city the whole day when Xian reported spotting Ron spying on you once to report to the Count on your actions. After about a week of doing that Ron stopped seeing that you weren't doing anything suspicious.

"Bring this." You pointed to some shoes that caught your eye. "This as well, and that one, in fact bring me the whole shelf."

"Yes madam!"

While Cale gets three gold coins as an allowance, you get five, which was more than enough to buy whatever you wanted.

While you tried on the heels, the two kittens stayed near you, cheering on the inside. They still couldn't believe their luck; the plan worked! They finally have a home now.

There was still a small problem they forgot to mention to you..

They glanced at each other again and shrugged. That's a problem for future them, they just hoped you won't get too angry.

"Who wants some fish?"

"MEOW!!"

(･ω･)つ⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⊂(･ω･)

Back at the mansion, Cale silently observed the kittens in your arms. "I see you decided to have pets now."

You gave an enthusiastic nod. "Aren't they adorable?" You cooed, your fingers gently caressing On's silver fur, making her purr in contentment while Hong tapped your hand with his paw with a pout, wanting to be caressed as well. " This one-"

Cale cut you off; his tone cool and measured. "Is a girl while the red one is her younger brother."

He figured that out long ago, he'd be an idiot not to.

"What I would like to know is what my beloved wife was doing out in the slums holding such heavy bags while pregnant."

......

!?

How did he-?!

Cale's expression shifted to one of amusement upon seeing you tense, not stroking the cat's fur anymore. "You really thought I wouldn't find out?" He asked with a hint of playfulness in his voice.

....

You glared at the siblings as they avoided eye contact. You snitches! Those gifts were wasted on you!

Cale chuckled, getting those punks to talk was surprisingly easy. Once he noticed the hole appeared to be slightly lighter than when he saw it last time and the chocolate smudge on the boy's face he knew someone else must be aware of the power the tree held and want to claim it for themselves.

When he asked the kids...

"I can't tell!"

"If you two tell me who's been feeding the tree as well, I might take you two in, in your cat form course." They'll be useful.

!?

They exchanged glances, unsure of whether to speak up or not.

Was he serious..?

They'll be able to stay with the nice lady in a fancy house?

......

Seeing them not willing to talk, the man began walking off. "Ho? Well then, I guess I have no choice but to go to every bakery and ask them; I'm sure they'll talk once I pay them enough."

"W-wait!"

The man stopped and looked over his shoulder at them, raising his eyebrow impatiently. "Hm?"

The girl hesitated, looking down at the ground. Her brother took a step forward and answered in her place.

"It was..."

He didn't lie, he was planning to take them in after Choi Hans arrives, but you beat him to it.

.....

"I can explain-"

Your dumbass didn't think of an excuse in case he found out.

Fortunately for you, the maid came right at that moment to escort you two for dinner, Cale rose from his seat with a fleeting smile. "We'll talk later."

Before he left the room, he turned to you. "Won't you come with me?"

"N..no I'm not hungry at the moment, you go ahead."

"Suit yourself." He said with a shrug before walking off as you glared at the snitches one more time before handing them off to the maid to be bathed and fed, leaving you alone in the room as Xian appeared beside you.

"How are you planning to explain that host?"

"Shut up and let me think please."

[ (⁠￣⁠ヘ⁠￣⁠;⁠) ]

Ok ok, what would be a believable explanation...think think you stupid bitch.

With your mind racing, you suddenly recalled the fortune teller you met at the festival, and a light bulb went off in your head.

That's it!

You turned to Xian with a grin. " I found an excuse."

Rather than looking relieved, the little screen looked nervous, confusing you.

"Ah..host.."

Aye, you didn't like that tone. "...what?"

"Remember Harris Village?"

"Yeah..? Aren't they supposed to be dead by now?"

After they confirmed the pregnancy, you told the Count you wanted to visit your family and tell them the happy news yourself, and at the same time see the place you were born and grew up in in hopes of getting more of your memories back.

Obviously, the man approved, as long as you take at least 20 guards with you for protection.

You couldn't believe how easy it was to fool those people, but you didn't complain.

You were planning to prepare the gifts you were gonna take with you and wait eagerly for the day you'll finally leave, then when the original protagonist, Choi Han, arrives and informs them of the massacre you'll have a mental breakdown and miscarry in the process.

Simple, but effective. The doctor thing is going to be tricky though.

You suspected the virus thingy played a part on the previous one.

"That's the issue." He laughed nervously. "They aren't dead; the main system just informed me."

"......"

"They were supposed to be dead on the 28th last month, but the assassins haven't come yet for some reason."

Obviously it's because of the virus dumdum.

With a furrowed brow, you spoke. "And why did they wait until now to inform you of this?"

"Some events are okay to take a little while to occur from their original time, with a maximum delay of one or two weeks, it's already been about 6 days now and since this is a key event they're growing concerned, I'm worried they'll have you a dangerous task of some kind because of that."

Hm...that won't do.

Maybe...

"If they end up not showing up..maybe I can..." You spoke softly, trailing off, unsure of whether you should vocalize your thoughts or not.

....

"Host, you're not suggesting..."

Just at that moment, a screen popped out.

Ah..well shit.

Village gotta go hehe

A new novel got mentioooooned in this chapter!

For the readers comments, I was planning to only add hosts comments but I made a mistake and with me being too lazy I just decided to have Wang Yi hack into the damn system just once just not to redo those texts.

I got the blue screen thingy from Pinterest, the background behind the screen from the Manhwa itself and all the pfp I used are from Pinterest, I might actually use one of them as my new pfp they're so cute!

Drew this last year during summer :3

Anyhow hope you all have a wonderful summer!

[odyssean-flower]

The Winding Path of Fate Masterpost

Pairing: Neuvillette x Female Reader

Status: Ongoing

Summary: As the plain daughter of a poor noble family, you knew that there were very few prospects for you. However, your carefully laid plans for your future are completely upended when you somehow find yourself in a marriage with the Chief Justice. What will become of you two?

Rating: Teen

Content: Slow (medium probably) burn, strangers to lovers, marriage of convenience, eventual happy ending

Warnings: None except restrictive gender roles i guess?

Note: I first update this fic on AO3 every friday and then update here the next day I got no schedule anymore.

Feel free to leave a comment on this post or message me to be added to the taglist! You will be updated every time i post a new chapter here!

AO3 link

🌸 Spring: The Garden Meeting

🌸 Spring: Three Meetings and a Proposal

🌸 Spring: An Agreeable Marriage

🌸 Spring: Moving In

🌸 Spring: Long-Distance Observation

🌸 End of Spring: When a Planted Seed Sprouts

🌻 Summer: Paintings and Sunflowers

->🌻Bonus Chapter: The Kingdom of Sunflowers

🌻 Summer: Honeymoon Prelude

🌻 Summer: The Honeymoon (Part 1)

🌻 Summer: The Honeymoon (Part 2)

🌻 Summer: The Honeymoon (Part 3)

🌻 Summer: Photos

🌻 Summer: Nighttime Perils

🌻 Summer: The Art of Pretending

🌻 Summer: The Meeting

Taglist: @just-simping-over-genshin, @xalphafox, @jqnehr, @favficdump, @thetwinkims, @cielclassy, @the-mxs-of-many, @mxyarylla, @lynettezz, @rosedpetal, @blue-sapphire-ink, @cringeycookies, @cherie-soup, @rilllvri, @anyaeuh

[alistreinn]

Anyone care for some dogday brainrot!!?? 🐶🌞🌻🧡💛

This is my version of dogday!! I've been super obsessed with poppy playtime ch 3 and the smiling critters so much. The chapter on its own was so much more creepy and lore based then the others and it absolutely captivated me. The smiling critters freaked me out a lil tbh but after a bit I got also super obsessed. I absolutely LOVE dogday since the first time I saw him and what happened to him in the game was so awful he deserved so much better, the poor pup (ಥ﹏ಥ)

Anyways drawing these guys has been so much fun and the redesigns I've been seeing are super amazing so I've wanted to do mine and now that I have I literally want to draw them all the damn time. The one on the left is a more streamlined design cuz I honestly forgot his eye spot on the other one lol. But I wanted his face to resemble sun rays in a way and I am really satisfied with the way he looks in my style.

I have catnaps ref done already and posted em on my Instagram but I'll make a lil drawing page for them as well cause it was so fun to do for this guy. I hope y'all like this just as much as I did making them!!

(The ref on the righthas my insta watermark btw)

Likes and Reblogs are very cherished if you enjoy or save em <3

[thesensteawitch]

What Blessing Is Coming In Your Life?🕊️🌻

Pick A Pile Reading

(Left to Right- Pile 1, Pile 2, Pile 3)

Hello, Senstea Souls!

Welcome back to another collective reading. Take what resonates and leave what doesn't.

In case of personal readings, I am sharing the links below:

Booking Form

Rate Card

Pile 1

Tarot Cards- 3 of Wands, Eight of Cups, The Hermit, Ace of Cups, King of Cups, Knight of Wands

Hello, my dear pile 1. I see that this blessing seems to be a blessing in disguise. You currently may be or will go through some difficult emotions that will make you feel trapped. To be sensitive to pleasure you'll need to be sensitive to pain too. You may want to isolate yourself from the world for some time to see the clear picture. The sun will shine again and a rainbow will be formed. This blessing in disguise will push you towards faith. I see that some of you have never truly experienced faith. You will experience it now. Because that faith will take you to the end of the road, to your home. This journey may seem never-ending but that's not true. Your one action will bring a ripple effect. It will change everything for you. You are just one decision away from vanishing these dark clouds above your head. Soon some divine intervention will happen which will free you from the long ongoing anxiety or emotional turmoil. For some of you, I see that someone will be coming to save you and get you out of your misery. This person will be an action-taker and may inspire you to finally make a move. This blessing will come once you consciously withdraw yourself from the world and listen to the voice that comes from within you. Interestingly even when alone on this journey there's somebody who will always be there for you. They may stay quiet but will stay near.

In case of personal readings feel free to DM me.

Pile 2

Tarot Cards- 10 of Swords, Three of Swords, The Fool, The Emperor, The Chariot, Nine of Swords

Oh my god pile 2. A tough cycle is ending in your life. You have endured the amount of pain you were supposed to. I sense a rigid energy around you that was just not letting things go your way. Some of you might have stayed at home for longer than you should have. The tough cycle has almost ended. Now a new chapter is beginning. All the pain you went through to follow this new path with a new perspective and courage was worth it. You cleared a karmic debt. Congratulations! Don't keep hurting your heart with your thoughts. A huge personality shift was needed and that's why the divine made sure you go through this tough phase. A lot has changed within you. Deep down you know that you are not the same person anymore and that my friend is your blessing. You may not see it but you're blessed with renewal and new energy. With God's grace, you've transformed. You need to let go of the old version of you completely. You've already shed a lot of your old skin. Shed the last bit of it too. Some of you are even in a shock state. You may feel numb to your surroundings or what happened to you. Or some days you may just burst out with tears all over your pillow cover. It's been difficult and my heart is with you but now the universe says, “They have learned. It's time for new beginnings.” Move forward with faith don't doubt your intuition. It took you so much pain to truly listen to your intuition. Now is not the time to ignore it. Say what is there in your heart. Be honest about your desires and what you want out of your life. Either say it to someone or directly to the god. But be clear. You went through all this only to refine your true expression. You are being blessed with new opportunities and transformation. The universe is showing you, the new you.

In case of personal readings feel free to DM me.

Pile 3

Tarot Cards- The Lovers, Three of Wands, Three of Pentacles, The High Priestess, Two of Cups, Knight of Cups

You know what pile 3? Love stands against all odds. Despite all your doubts and speculations what's coming in your life is true love. You won't need to do anything. It will happen in the divine timing. Some of you have already come across this person in your life. I see a soulmate connection. You don't need to be so afraid your bond is divinely protected. You may be completely opposite of each other but perfect for each other. 333 may be significant for you. No matter what goes wrong in your life this person will stay with you through thick and thin. They'll love you dearly. They may take things slow but they'll make a move. It's beautiful to see how you two are going to be a support system for each other. I sense that deep down some of you may not be ready for this connection as you will be challenged to trust them. But if you stand firm and trust your intuition you'll see all the green flags. The whole universe conspired for you two to come together. It's happening! Wow! I am so happy for you guys! Just spend some time alone to understand this person better. Give yourself space. Don't discuss this connection too much with others. Because ultimately you know better.

In case of personal readings feel free to DM me.

[loveshotzz]

IGINRO Update -

Hey guys, I just wanted to give you an honest update about chapter four of I Guess It’s Never Really Over. Even though my airline found my ipad, they still have not sent me the paperwork the airport requires me to fill out to even pick it up despite me calling every day, multiple times a day since I’ve been back. (I’ve emailed too and the most i get is that my ipad is being kept safe)

I’ve also been incredibly sick and pretty much bed ridden the last two days on top of that so i haven’t even been able to fully unpack from this work trip or even get my life organized. Today is the first day I haven’t had a fever and I had to go back to work with a giant laundry list of things that need to be done before a big visit on Thursday.

Long story short, I have not been able to write despite how much i’ve craved it the last week and a half. i don’t want to give you a rushed chapter just to fulfill a time line, especially not one that’s so important to the big story of this series. My hope is to get it to you by Wednesday of next week, so please bare with me. I’m sorry to anyone who’s been looking forward to it, because it’s all I’ve thought about for a week now.

If you want the teaser I still had planned to drop today, I’d love to give it to you ♥️ thanks for your patience and sticking around. I love this story so much and I can’t wait till I can get lost in it again very soon. 🌻

[libraryofdesire]

🌻 open to: males. 🌻 connection: dad, step dad, brother, step brother, brother in-law, uncle, grandpa, friend of the family. 🌻muse: lucy wright. 21-25. submissive. bi-curious. stay at home daughter. inexperienced. innocent & naive.

she couldn't sleep. it was frustrating, as the house was peaceful, all members seemingly asleep, even the little babes that like to spend part of their days crying. it was the time for lucy to relax but she just could not settle amongst her sheets. reading did not help, reflecting on church did not help, journaling did not help. when she'd looked at her alarm clock for what felt like the fifteenth time in the space of ten minutes, lucy finally rose from her bed. perhaps a cup of tea or glass of water would be enough to settle her, if she was quiet enough to make her way through the house.

she paused in her doorway, straining to hear noise before she slowly began to creep down the staircase, it only took a few moments for lucy to reach the kitchen, floral night gown dotted with blue and white flowers rustling around her thighs as she stepped around the counter.

lucy pulled at a cupboard handle, pausing with wide eyes as it squeaked loudly. it wasn't the only noise however, hearing a grumble from across the room - had somebody fallen asleep on the couch? lucy took a glass into her hands, but slowly turned around, green gaze floating towards the couch as she clutched the glass with both hands, slightly startled.

"i didn't mean to wake you, i'm sorry."