#CountryRadioCC

[candied-boys]

Yayyyyyyy I finally finished my entry for my creative challenge 🫠 see if you can guess which song inspired it 😂

Luke Randolph x Reader

Country AU. Very dialogue heavy. No warnings, just pure fluff! (Except for smoking weed and drinking because it's set at a bonfire party)

“Rumour has it he's another brother.”

Gossip. The lifeblood of a small town. Especially in the flickering shadows of a rowdy bonfire.

“No way! You can't be serious,” the volume of your friend's incredulity coming off more like a whisper for the raucous surrounding you on all sides.

You look past the shoulder of another girl standing in your circle as she sneers, “Jeez that old man sure got around, eh.”

Attempting an even pitch you chip in, “So he's not just a new farmhand?”

“Wouldn't you like to know,” your best friend jibes, elbowing you in the ribs.

“Huh?”

You've been caught red handed.

Another friend pipes up, “You haven't taken your eyes off him all night.”

“What?! That's not true,” you deny with zero conviction.

“You're totally into him,” the same friend teases again.

“She is. She has a thing for gingers,” your bestie confirms to the group.

“Shut up!!! I do not!”

You absolutely do.

“Especially when they have green eyes,” she finishes with a wink at you.

“Oh well, he's perfect then!” the one who started the conversation snickers.

Burying your face in your hands you squeak like a mouse, “Shut up shut up shut up!”

“Go talk to him,” one urges.

“I can't!”

“You can,” another says dispassionately.

“No, I'll look like an idiot!”

“No, you won't. Just be normal,” one who clearly doesn't know you well chimes in.

“I don't know how to be normal!!!”

Your best friend laughs heartily at this, confirming your perception of reality, before offering, “Just introduce yourself and ask him where he's from.”

“Like what, just walk up and talk to them?! Jin doesn't even know my name! He's not even a friend of a friend!!”

“Oh, Jin is real sweet, he won't let it get awkward,” a girl stood across from you dismisses with a wave of her hand.

“Well, it'll be awkward AF if he hits on me!”

A fourth friend shrugs and reassures, “It's true he'll jump anything that moves, but he's not that dense. He'll know you're not after him.”

“No no no,” you shake your head rapidly. “Then that would mean that both of them will know who I'm after!!”

“Isn't that the point?”

“Just go over there and ask red to dance.”

It's clear from their bored looks and dry tone that some of the girls are getting tired of your shenanigans.

“I can't do that! I'll die of embarrassment!” you inform them in another pathetic attempt to get them to leave you alone.

“Yes you can! You're plenty cute and no one else has asked him, so he has no reason to say no!”

Tensing at the feeling of hands on your shoulders you ask, “What's that got to do with anything??!”

“Enough already. Just go talk to him!”

Another pair of hands have grabbed you by the wrist.

“Akh!!! You guys, no!!!”

Before you can turn and run, your bestie has betrayed you with the sweetest smile. “Here, just take a couple of cold ones with you and you'll be fine!”

You squeak as your only free arm is stuffed with icy bottles and you're given a rough but effective shove towards the tailgate of a jacked up Chevy.

Immediately you know there's no escape when that crimson gaze catches you in its talons.

“Hi Jin… I, uh, brought fresh beer? In case yours is getting warm, maybe, or something…”

The distant sound of your friends giggling behind you rings clear in your ears as you attempt and fail miserably to swallow your embarrassment.

“Well that's mighty nice of you, sweetheart. I just polished mine off.”

You notice he sets his bottle behind him, but the clink against the truck bed sounds more like a thud than the tinkle of empty glass, and you try not to visibly cringe at the idea that he probably pities you.

“There's one for your friend too,” you manage to say and hold out both bottles.

“Oh, this here's my baby brother! He's not from ‘round these parts so you've probably never met. Luke, look sharp,” Jin says and knocks the beer against his brother's shoulder to get his attention.

“Hmm? Oh, thanks.”

Mellow, not too deep, with a bit of a drawl. Even his voice is handsome. Yeah, you're done for.

“Luke, say hi,” Jin instructs as he introduces you two. To your surprise it turns out he does know your name.

“Uh… hey?” the redhead half-waves, then pops the cap off the bottle with practiced ease.

Hi…” you breathe and fidget with your hair. “So, uh, where you from?”

“Couple hours north of here. Small town nobody's really heard of,” he shrugs and takes a swig.

You definitely don't stare at the way the glass presses to his lips.

“Oh, smaller than here?”

“Yeah, like no high school kinda small.”

“I see,” is all you manage to reply while your brain short circuits watching smoke curl out of his pretty mouth when he takes a hit of the vape being passed around.

“Dab?” his soft tenor pulls you back to the present.

“What is it?” you query at the stick held in your direction between long slender fingers.

“Honey oil, I guess? Dunno. Good stuff though,” he shrugs simply.

You wonder momentarily if it's the marijuana that's makes his eyelids look so heavy and those emeralds shimmer like dew caught in soft moss or if he always wears such a sensual look without realizing it.

“Ah, can't today. I'm DD for my friends.”

He hums, a mix of appraisal and acceptance in his voice, before taking another draw and passing it along to his brother. The way Luke turns away a little and blows the vapour over his shoulder strikes you as both kind of thoughtful and unreasonably attractive.

“So that's why you didn't bring a beer for yourself,” Jin fills the awkward silence.

“Yeah,” you answer and instantly hate the way you still can't think of anything clever to say or even anything normal to ask to keep up conversation.

“Are you always the designated driver with your friends, or do you let yourself have a little fun now and then?” Jin queries and passes the vape along to whoever is standing nearest.

“We take turns, so I had my fun at the last bush party.”

“I don't think Luke here's ever been to a real bonfire, have you?”

“Don't think a coupla guys gettin’ drunk and high in the woods counts as a party, so no. Nothin’ as big as this anyways.”

“How do you like it?” you manage to squeak and mentally pat yourself on the back.

He shrugs again. “It's fine. Music’s good at least.”

Trying to keep your voice even you ask, “Care to dance?”

“Thanks, but I'll pass.”

It's your turn to shrug as if you don't mind and aren't screaming internally about how dumb you are and how awful your friends are for making you face your fears and how you can't even drink away the sting of rejection tonight.

“Uh, well, I think I hear my friend calling me,” you lie and give into the overwhelming need to run away and die of embarrassment. “It was nice to meet you, Luke. Jin, see you later.”

They wave casually, Jin wearing a bright grin as he raises his bottle to you in a half-goodbye half-thanks.

Just before you get out of earshot you hear “Ow! The hell was that for?” from Luke and turn to see him rubbing his arm, but you can't make out what they say after that.

“I don't remember raising you to leave a lady hanging like that, Luke.”

“I don't remember you raisin’ me. Period.”

“That's entirely besides the point. She worked up all that courage to come over here and chat you up, and you just went and shut her down! What am I gonna do with you?”

“What’re ya talkin’ about?”

“She wanted to dance with you. That's why she came over here in the first place.”

“What?!! I thought she was just bein’ polite. I don't even know her! Why would she wanna dance with a total stranger like me?”

“Geez Louise, Luke. You can't tell me with looks like yours you've never been hit on before. Did you not notice her watching you all night, her friends egging her on, literally pushing her over here to talk to you, or even how nervous she was standing here?”

“No… well… yeah… she did seem kinda skittish, but I mean I don't even know how to dance and it looks like a pain in the ass…”

“So you're gonna make a fool out of her because you don't wanna make a fool of yourself?”

“Woah, what?! I didn't mean nothin’ by it! She's real cute and all, I just…” Luke trails off, running a hand through his rusty locks.

“Go tell her that, not me.”

A brief glance, a silent query, a bashful sigh.

“Go on. Get gone,” Jin urges, reaching over to tousle the shaggy mop of red hair.

“Ahk! Cut it out!” head-shy and pouting at the blatant affection Luke jumps off the truck and runs off into the crowd, leaving Jin behind smiling into the last sip of his beer.

The cold metal of the coke against the embarrassed flush of your skin draws out a long breath — one dripping both with relief and regret like the uncomfortable condensation that trickles down your neck.

Ear-splittingly loud music, boisterous laughs and drunk shrieks, the crackle of half-a-dozen pallets burning; it all fades into the background as your inner voice finds every word in your vocabulary to insult your intelligence.

“So this is where ya ran off to,” a languid voice breaks through the cacophony of your mind.

“HOLY SHIT! You scared me!!” you squeal like a piglet as you whip around and simultaneously drop your makeshift ice-pack on the ground.

There he stands, all lean muscle and six-foot too many inches to guess, lazily leaning against the same tree you've been hiding behind for five minutes now.

“Sorry,” he answers softly while he bends to pick up the can at his feet. Before handing it back to you he dusts the pine needles and grime off with the hem of his oversized purple t-shirt.

Taking the unopened drink back timidly you manage a thank-you but mostly just stare at how pretty his hands are until he shoves them in his jeans’ pockets.

“So uh… I never danced before. That's why I passed on yer offer.”

Lifting your gaze from fidgeting with the pull-tab, you catch him glancing to the side at nothing and a nervous hand running through the back of his long hair.

“Oh, that's okay! No need to apologize! I can't really dance anyway. I was just trying to be polite and all. Y'know, new kid in town, thought you might be bored, maybe like some company. But I'm sorry for bothering you! I didn't mean to interrupt like that and make things awkward.”

Why is the only time you can string more than three words together when you're hell-bent on apologizing for existing?!

“Y’ didn't,” he says plainly, returning his hand to a pocket.

“I didn't what?” you ask like a deer in the headlights. You don't even know what you just finished word-vommiting two seconds ago.

“Y’ didn't make it awkward. I did…”

“Oh, uh…” you stammer, as if the conversation needed more awkwardness.

“I ain't keen on dancin’, but maybe we could go for a walk instead? The moon's real bright tonight.”

You can't tell which, but when you meet his gentle gaze, you're certain either all the blood has drained from your face or you are completely flushed. Still, you manage an overly enthusiastic nod and a broken “sure.”

“There's a lake just over those hills if you wanna see it. Sometimes there's fireflies,” he offers with a gentle voice that has you leaning in closer.

Just to hear him better. That's all.

You fall in step behind him, praying you'll work up the courage and the brains to say something — anything really.

“I didn't know the property had a lake,” you finally offer as the ruckus of the party begins to fade into the distance.

“Where d’ya think we water the animals when we put ‘em out to pasture?” he replies with a chuckle before coming to a sudden stop and turning around. “Speakin’ of which, we're bein’ followed,”

You whip around the moment you catch sight of his furrowed brow. “Shit, we're not being stalked by wolves are we?!”

Behind you his cheerful laugh makes you flush both with humiliation at your apparently stupid question and with something equally as uncomfortable but not as unpleasant.

Heading a few paces back towards where you came from Luke continues, “Naw, but they wouldn't hurt us anyway. They like me. It's just Babybell. C'mere girl. Y’ come all the way out here lookin’ fer me?”

Under the warmth of the harvest moon you make out a ruddy brown creature with a coat of shaggy hair reminiscent of a certain strapping redhead now knelt on the ground.

“Oh! A highland calf!! She's so cute!!” you chirp in delight at the realization and trot over to the pair.

“Isn't she? I helped with the birth a few months back so she follows me around a lot,” Luke explains, her cheeks cradled in his palms as he scratches her chin. “But where's yer mama, pretty girl?”

“Can I pet her?” you ask, all giddy and bouncing on your toes.

“Course! Just a sec,” he answers and literally scoops up the calf in his arms so her fluffy face is level with yours.

“Omg isn't she heavy?!” you ask in complete shock but still reach out to pet her soft, wet nose.

“Not really. She's only, like, 200 pounds,” he replies, nuzzling his face against her fluffy head.

“TWO HUNDRED POUNDS?! And you can just CARRY HER AROUND?!!” you shriek and gape up at him as he stands there grinning with a kind of childish pride.

But your squawking is cut short when suddenly you're shoved from behind — gently — yet with enough force to nearly knock you into Luke.

“There y’are, Milk. Figured ya couldn't be too far behind,” he calls affectionately over your shoulder.

Turning around, you're greeted with a snort by the 1,000 pound shaggy, brown beauty that is Milk. Even with only the moonlight you can see she has the prettiest big eyes under her long bangs.

“Wait, she's not a dairy cow. Why is she called Milk?” you ask while ruffling the mess of hair on her head.

“Mmm, cuz her coat’s the colour of chocolate milk,” Luke shrugs and sets down Babybell, but not before giving the calf a big kiss on her cheek. “I just name ‘em whatever comes to mind. Most of ‘em didn't have names ‘til I got here. They're raised for meat afterall.”

“Wait, so then is Babybell named after those little round cheeses wrapped in red wax??”

“Naw," he chuckles and joins you in petting Milk. "There's a bell in the barn she likes to make ring and she's a baby so."

“Super cute,” you can't help but giggle with him. “So she just follows you around?”

“Yeah, most animals tend to do that though. They all seem to like me. Even the wolves.”

“Were you being serious earlier?!”

Distracted by the headbutting demands for attention from the little calf Luke hums, “Mm? Oh yeah. You'll see when we get to the lake.”

“Not wolves, I hope?!” you shiver at the thought.

Luke only laughs before standing up to head off once more, but he pauses to glance over his shoulder and reach out a hand.

“The hill has a lot of lose rocks and hidden grooves. Don't want ya sprainin’ yer ankle or nothin’.”

Hesitant yet eager, you place your palm in his and walk beside him — feeling as meek as the gentle giants trailing behind you and oddly at ease all of a sudden.

“So, uh, do you know a lot about animals?” you find yourself asking while he helps you avoid a patch of treacherous gravel.

“Enough, I guess. I worked on a farm before comin’ down here. How ‘bout you? Ya like animals?”

“Yeah, I love them! I went to university to study ornithology - I mean —”

But he cuts you off, “So ya like birds, eh?”

“Wow! Not many people actually know what that means...”

“I didn't go to college but that don't mean I don't read nothin’,” he quips and flashes you a cheeky grin before asking, “So, what brought ya back here then?”

“Well, I missed the small town life, and I figured I could help with conservation efforts out here by working with the local farms to set up critter friendly agricultural practices.”

“But they don't pay ya for that, do they?”

“Nah. Well not in cash, but in vegetables and what not.”

“So where d’ya work then? Watch yer step,” he mutters and takes both hands as you jump over a hole after him.

“Just at the coffee shop in town. What about you? I guess you help out on the ranch here now?”

“Not if I can avoid it. I spend most of my time playin’ hookie — nappin’ in the hay loft, watchin' the cattle graze, or fishin’ by the lake.”

“Wait, but you said you worked on a farm before. Did they let you get away with that back there too?” you query up at him as you reach the top of the hill.

There's a look in his eyes you can't discern as he answers back down at you, “Aw hell naw. That was damn hard work. But even if I don't do nothin’ down here they can't kick me off the property or cut me outta the will, so why would I?”

“Huh.” Frowning, it takes you a minute to get your head around his statement before you dare to ask, “Is there really nothing else you wanna do with your time here?”

“Guess I'll find out,” he replies, the impish curl of his lips belies the weight you feel in his gaze. “But c'mon. We're almost there!”

Hand still clasped in his, he leads you through the underbrush and out the other side of the sparse woods to the lake. Just as promised, fireflies linger along the shoreline as if waiting to greet you.

“Critters really do like you, eh?” you comment as Luke leads you closer without any concern for scaring them away. Instead you find yourself surrounded by even more of their delicate twinkling.

“Told ya,” he smiles down at you.

In awe you hardly notice the minutes pass until you hear the gentle hum of a familiar tune.

“Lazy yellow moon comin' up tonight shinin' through the trees,” he sings under his breath.

Without thinking you whisper back, “Crickets are singin' and lightning bugs are floatin' on the breeze. Oh! It fits perfectly!”

“Right?” he chuckles back.

“Too bad we didn't bring a fishing rod,” you lament with a giggle.

“Well, I guess that leaves lyin’ on our backs and countin’ the stars or jumpin’ in the lake.”

“I think there's one more option,” you answer but don't dare meet the querying tilt of his head. “Fallin’ in love in the middle of the night.”

Immediately you slap both your hands over your mouth in horror. You can't believe you just said that! Could you be any cheesier!?!

Panic in your pitch and embarrassment flushing your body with heat you splutter, “Last one in’s a rotten egg!”

“Wait what?!?!” is all he manages before you've kicked off your shoes, thrown your top and shorts on the ground, and made a beeline for the end of the dock.

Praying the lake will swallow you whole, you canon ball right in. Tragically it does not. And you don't even have time to run away before Luke catches you by the waist and hoists you up on his hip in the water.

Finally eye level with that leafy green gaze you lose the will to squirm and fight — all thoughts and words dissolving under his attention, probably melting out your ears too.

“Black lace, eh? Were ya expecting somethin' tonight?” he whispers with a teasing lilt and raised brows.

Words caught in your throat, you stare at him open-mouthed before squeaking in defense, “No! It's the only bra I own and I only bought it because it's really comfy!!”

“Mmm? And this,” he questions and traces the band of your thong around the waistline towards the back.

“My shorts are super short today because they're all ripped at the edges and I didn't want anybody seeing anything! That's all!!”

He laughs, obviously satisfied by your flustered reaction, “Well that's good cuz I'm not really a one-night-stand kinda guy, so I'd have to disappoint ya.”

“Oh, that's nice! I mean, uhhh cool? No, I mean, omg just kill me now,” you groan and plaster your hands over your face.

“Hey, now. I can't see the cute shy look on yer face when you do that,” he teases.

“THAT'S WHY I'M HIDING!!!” you garble out from beneath your palms.

A contemplative hum is the last thing you hear before he sinks under the water, holding you there until you smack him to let you up to for air. But before you can even catch your breath, his lips are pressed to yours.

[violettduchess]

Ahh, could I request Matthias with “I grew up on a farm” or “Use me”? Or whatever you feel like! 🙏❤️

A/N: In honor of his birthday today, here is your request anon!

Making such a proper character into a country boy wasn't easy until I found a way to connect the prompt "I Grew Up on a Farm" with Matthias's pride in Achroite.

Modern Country AU, Matthias x Reader

Entry for @candied-boys Country Radio CC

WC: 1.2k

The high-rise buildings of your city glisten with the reflection of a thousand neon lights. They flaunt the reds and pinks and yellows like fashionistas on a runway. Far below, the cars drive, resembling little lightning bugs, their bright, white headlights guiding them along the road to their destinations. The sky above is a gray mass of clouds, blanched and ubiquitous. The night's starlight has no chance against the blinding glow of the city and when it is visible, the moon is only a pale shadow of herself, like a copy made too many times.

Matthias is standing on the balcony of your small apartment, leaning on the railing. His strong hands curl around the cool metal, broad shoulders slumped forward. Slipping his hoodie over your thin nightgown, you step outside and join him. The sounds of the city that never sleeps greets you, a familiar song that has accompanied your nights since you were young.

You wrap your arms around him from behind. Feeling you hug him brings a tenuous smile to his lips and he places his hands over yours, holding you there, a silent plea to not let go. Your head falls forward to rest against his broad back and you breathe in the scent of him, cool and crisp and clean. It reminds you of snow-capped mountains, of winter’s first kiss, of a lake frozen over, diamond-like and dazzling in the pale December sun.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

His exhale is heavy. It courses through his body, dragging the weight of his tangled emotions with it. They feel like chains around his heart, fetters that tighten with every beat.

“Hey....” 

Your voice sharpens with concern as you let go and move so that you can see him. His noble face, the one you tease him about and say looks like a fairy tale prince, is shadowed by something that dampens the soft gray of his eyes, pulls down the corners of his handsome mouth. “Matthias?”

He hesitates and your stomach twists. Something is definitely wrong.

He touches his forehead, frowning, as if willing the thoughts to find the way out of his mind. “This may sound silly. I’m not a child but...” His voice sounds tight, wound with the fear of what may happen when he gives his thoughts life. “I....I miss home.”

You step back, away from him.

His gaze is pleading, heartbreakingly sad. “I know I said I would try. For us. I know your life is here and I thought I would manage. But darling....” His voice breaks on the word and he has to take a moment to regain control. “Darling, I am not made for this place.” He gestures towards the city, now behind him. “I miss the mountains. And the Achroite ranch. The people.” He sinks down onto the chair in the corner of the balcony, his tall body folding like a demolitioned building. “And I’m selfish for it, I know. I promised you. And yet.....” He runs a hand through his short, blond hair. “I can’t....be truly happy here.” Anguished he looks up at you, expecting to see the betrayal written in your expression, hurt shining in your eyes. 

Instead what he sees is something softer, something gentle.

Carefully you cross the small balcony to where he is sitting on the plastic folding chair and reach for him, dropping down onto his lap, knowing from experience the little chair is mighty enough to hold you both. He watches you closely, brows knit in a frown, but he wraps his strong arms around you, almost hesitantly.

Reaching up, you cup his cheek. “I know.”

“You do?”

For a man so intelligent he could be so dense.

You nod, running your thumb over his chin, a gesture familiar and loving. “The minute we left the ranch it was like your glow was slowly fading, a little every day. And I wanted to believe I could be enough to keep it alight. I thought if I could do that, your decision to return with the crazy tourist from the big city who wanted a dude ranch experience and got so much more wouldn’t turn into the biggest regret of your life–”

He hugs you to him tightly, shaking his head as he buries his face in your shoulder. “No, not possible.”

Gently you lift his head so you can look into his eyes. “You love me. I know you do. But you don’t love it here. And so this, here,.....it won’t work.”

The storm breaks in the gray of his gaze. He closes his eyes, fighting back the flood that is breaking his heart and drowning its pieces.

“Which is why we have to leave ‘here’....and go....” Your palm rests against his heart. “Where this is.”

Tears shine like raindrops in the sun when he opens his eyes again, disbelieving.

“What?” It’s a whisper, a prayer in the wind.

“I could never be happy seeing you this way, so far from that place that is in every heartbeat, in every shadow of your thoughts.” You hold his gaze as you speak the words that have been written on your heart for some time now. “ I fell in love with the man with the wide smile who showed me the mountains at sunrise, who shows the same consideration to everyone, from the boy who mucks the stables to the mayor of the town. The one who took me for long rides through the hills and showed me the pond where he learned to swim, the tree he fell from and broke his arm.” You smile, stroking his cheek. “I want that Matthias back and I think the only way I can find him is to bring him back to the land he loves....and if he’ll have me, join him there.”

“Are you sure?” The words are tremulous, restrained. “I couldn’t ask you to leave the city if it would make you miserable. I couldn’t put you through-“

“Screw the city. It was never that great anyway.” Your forehead touches his, your hands cradle his face. “I didn’t grow up feeling like you did. Like this place is a piece of me. What I do know.....is wherever you go, that’s home. To the mountains, to the moon. I don’t care. All I need is you.”

His words are barely audible. “But we came back here because of your job....you didn’t want to give it up. I would never ask you to do that.”

“I know you wouldn’t. And that’s why I am doing it voluntarily.” You lean back and there is nothing but warmth in your heart. “A ranch like yours always needs some extra hands, right? And I’m sure you can teach me.”

“You’re sure?”

There is not a single spark of hesitation in your answer. “Yes.”

“Truly?”

“Matthias!”

Relief like a river rushes through him and he can only stare in awe at you, the brightest sun in his sky. “I love you.”

You don’t reply with words. Instead you lean forward and kiss him, an answer, a testament to a love as bright and endless as the Western sky.

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[fang-and-feather]

Ikemen Prince - Leon x Carina

Written for the Country Radio Challenge by @candied-boys, inspired by the song/prompt Fishin' in the Dark

I finally managed to write something. It's quite simple, but it's been a while so just the fact I finished it is a victory, but I hope I'm not that rusty 😅

Words: 904

Carina took a deep breath and reclined against Leon’s back. She tried to move her legs a little without rocking the boat too much, so she wouldn’t disturb Leon if he was actually having better luck with fishing on his side of the boat.

Not that she expected him to.

How long had they been sitting there? Well, certainly from before the sun set. It was pretty dark now.

She didn’t mind, of course. The apparent monotony of fishing, or even the dark, but their little adventure had been so unfruitful that it was starting to wear her down.

“Tired already?” Leon asked, stretching behind her.

“I just need a new position. I almost don’t feel my legs.”

“If you want to go home, we can call it a night.”

“I don’t mind staying a little longer, but we might as well. Who told you this was the best time for fishing, anyway?”

“Luke.”

Well, Luke usually knew what he was talking about. Although he was the other boys’ half-brother as well, he wasn’t raised on the same world-renomed ranch as the others. He was more of a simple boy.

Leon was the only other one who appreciated the simple things like these. Who had a similar spirit of adventure as Carina herself.

“Then we might just have had bad luck. Maybe we shouldn’t have brought that special bait after all.”

“We wouldn’t know until we tried, would we? Maybe we should ask Luke for tips on bait next time, too.”

“Maybe.”

Carina cast her line in again, determined to have one last attempt, but when the minutes started to tick, she yawned, and couldn’t bear the silence anymore.

“You know, I had a dream of us last night.” She prompted in a low tone.

“Another naughty idea?”

“Hey! I don’t just have that kind of dream!”

Leon laughed.

“Sorry. I was just teasing.”

Catina turned a little and punched his arm playfully, which only prompted Leon to laugh harder. Fishing was quickly forgotten.

“I dreamt you were a king, and I was a princess from another country, but we used to sneak out at night, like we do here.”

“Certain things wouldn’t change, even in other universes.”

Both of them laughed, and they put their fishing rods away finally. This trip had been a total bust, but it was fun.

Carina yawned. Not fishing was surprisingly tiring, even if she had slept enough during the day, knowing they would be awake well into the night.

If they were actually fishing something.

“Ready to go home?” Leon asked.

“Can’t we sleep somewhere around here? Too tired to walk all the way home.”

“You know we didn’t bring our camping gear, love. Do you need me to carry you?”

She only hummed distractedly in response. It would be nice, but all the way home was a little too much.

“Is that a yes or a no?” Leon laughed again, turning around and making the boat rock and causing Carina to have to pull away. Then he wrapped his arms around her from the side.

She only hummed incoherently back. Her brain was suddenly so tired that thinking up words was difficult.

Leon laughed, and the boat rocked as he moved again, scooping her up.

That put a little of life back on her. Why was Leon standing up on an unsteady boat and picking her up? But before she could find words to ask, he was already jumping into the lake.

The water was cool enough to feel good on a summer night and actually wake her up.

Carina gave Leon an annoyed look at first, but she couldn’t keep it for long and both of them burst into laughter.

She splashed him, and Leon pulled her closer by the waist, running a hand through her hair.

“I had a dream once, too. More of a nightmare, actually. You were a beautiful mermaid. But you also were someone else’s girlfriend.”

“Who’s girlfriend?”

“Silvio.”

“Yeah, sounds like a nightmare. Why would you dream of something like that?”

Silvio was the son of the richest farmer in the country. He was from another city, but often came around on business. And as far as Carina knew, he was a total jerk.

“It was before we got together. I was really afraid your parents would arrange your marriage to someone else.”

“Even if they tried, I would have found a way out. Especially if it was to someone like that.”

“Well, maybe there is more to Silvio than you know,” Leon teased.

Carina splashed him again, and with a playful chuckle, dove into the lake and started swimming away.

Leon laughed as well and dove after her, the two playing chase around the lake. He had become a good swimmer, but Carina was just faster.

Still, he caught her up already near the shore, pulling her closer and kissing her.

“Do I get a wish granted if I catch a mermaid?”

“I think it’s fairies or gnomes who grant wishes when caught. But I can think about it when we get home.” This time, she kissed him.

They had to swim back to get their boat, then row to the shore and walk home while dipping wet but cuddling together, so they didn’t mind at all.

Sariel, catching the two trying to sneak back into the ranch, was another story.

But even that was another adventure for them.

Tag List:

@2-lines-and-a-circle, @queengiuliettafirstlady

@nightghoul381, @eventinelysplayground

@bicayaya, @keithsandwich

If you want to be tagged/untagged on future writings, you can reply to this post or send me a message

[queengiuliettafirstlady]

A lovely kiss

A lovely kiss

Fandom: Ikemen Prince

Pairing:  Luke x Julie

Part of : Country Radio challenge hosted by @candied-boys

Prompt : I like it I love it by Tim McGraw

Tag: Farmer AU Childhood friends to lovers Realization of feelings First date First kiss Fluff      

Word Count : 3.098

Author’s Note: An informal seemingly banal first date turn into so much more as feelings longs concealed from the world came to the surface in a way impossible to ignore, bringing the two lovebirds closer than ever as they share a kiss to convey all the feeling they have, revelling in the warm affection of their love. 🥰

Tag list

@kissmetwicekissmedeadly @aquagirl1978 @violettduchess

@nightghoul381 @william-rex @candied-boys

@writingwhimsey @fang-and-feather

@moonstruckmelancholic @wistfulwanderingone

@rjthirsty @ike-garden2024 @lichtluv

@jollibeeshappiness @starzyquee              

@maeko-kun @rkmaru

You can find me on AO3 as QueenJuliet 😊

Thank you for everyone who will like, reblog, or comment please be gentle with me english is not my first language so please do not leave rude comments I apologise for eventual errors I hope you will like it 😊

It was such a nice day, warm but not too hot ideal for a date, the mere idea made Luke panic inside as he frantically adjusted his shirt for the umpteenth time trying to straighten his necktie in front of the mirror before discarding it off with a heavy sigh throwing it on the bed.

His sister Leyla's dispassionate voice pulled Luke out of his reveries as he turned around to look at her.

“It’s too formal, you look way better like this.”

“Do you really think that ?”

“Of course I do. You are so handsome already on your own, you don’t need to look like someone you are not.”

“You are too wise for your age ya know.” 

He playfully tousled her hair, smiling at her crystalline laugh.

“Ahaha I know I get told it quite a lot.” 

She wrapped her arms around him in a hug he did not shy away from reciprocating. 

“Moreover she already knows you. It's not like it’s the first time you met her.”

“I know but I wanna give her a good impression.” 

“I am sure you already did the first time you met."

Reluctantly she pulled away from the hug 

He was about to slide off the door from his room when his sister voice called him back.

“Haven't you forgotten anything big brother ?"

“No."

“Nothing at all ?"

She looked at him straight in the eyes, the hazelnut of her gaze, like their mother, shining with mischief as she began to wander around a certain part of his room.

“I have put on perfume and I have also combed my hair and my clothes are all on … I hope.” 

He looked down frantically, touching his shirt and pants as he checked he wasn’t forgetting anything.

“Ahh her gift.” 

Luke slapped his hand on his face, mentally cursing himself for being so clumsy he really didn’t know what had gotten into him that day, usually when he meet her he always so easy and carefree while now he was having overthinking it so much even his thoughts were starting to swirl in panic.

“It was about time.”  

As he took the gift her sister tickled his hips, robbing a laugh from his lips, smiling at the sight of the carefree expression coming back to his bright green eyes.

“You would forget even your head if it wasn’t attached to your neck.”

“Thank you Leyla.” 

He smacked a kiss on her cheeks smiling at the melodic sound of her giggles as he made his way toward the door.

“Luke.” 

“Yeah.” 

He turned around to see his sister happily waving at him from the patio, caressing the ginger cat she managed to manipulate their parents into accepting it to keep.

“She is a nice girl, make her happy, got it?”

“I will.”

“Good luck.”

Luckily for him her house was next to his and so he preferred to walk rather than use his old truck, all the while he kept thinking about what he should have said and done to leave her a good impression of him.

It was true they grew up together but still he wanted to show off and possibly win over a chance to be her boyfriend, that thought froze him in his tracks damn he really was pointing high, a blush so fierce to rival his hair spread on his cheeks he hoped to cool down by the time he reached her patio.

Luke fingers were shaking as they combed through his unruly ginger locks he washed thoroughly only for her, he smelled of soap like his granny but he cared nothing of it, probably Jin would have teased him off endlessly but he paid this thought no mind after all the bartender was the closest thing to a friend he ever had and he knew deep down that he mean no harm with his jokes, as much was clear by the shard of affection ever present in his burgundy eyes as he looked at him almost as he was a little brother.

Once he arrived at the door he straightened his shirt, adjusting once more his belt and jacket, holding close his gift before collecting enough courage to speak.

“Hello it’s me Luke, are you ready ?”

Her voice sweet like pancakes drowned in honey coming from inside answering his question, paying no mind to how unsure his own voice was, something he cursed himself for.

He must have sounded like a damn creep or worse like a wimpy kid. She probably would have turned down without a second thought after their date, that thought soured his mood, but he hadn’t time to dwell in it until her melodic voice spoke again.

“Oh yes please come in.”

Her words set his cheeks ablaze, the double meaning of them put in his mind by the lascivious talks Jin slurred on when he was drunk and he was carrying him home.

Luke had pictured all sorts of scenarios for that afternoon, but nothing could have prepared him for that sight, better than anything he has ever seen, so much she resembled a statue worth to be in a museum not hidden in an unknown countryside village like theirs was.

Her smile brighter than the noon summer sun ever could be and as thousand times as warm as her fingers clutched a  bit shily the front ribbon of her shirt in a gesture both shy and provocative all at once.

“Is everything alright ?”

“It is thank you, now that you are here.”

A cheesy pick up line he wanted to throw up for how lecherous he must have sounded … but against any expectation she blushed shily before looking up at him with glittering eyes.

That peculiar shade between green and yellow made her look like a cat as she giggled softly, shaking her soft raven curls, she was so beautiful he would have neve got tired to gawk in awe at her, like she was his Queen, something he always treated her as since the first time they meet when they were so young to be barely able to speak.

“I have brought a gift. I hope you like it.”

He almost shoved his gift in her hands but she paid no mind caressing its soft fur, heat rose to his cheeks as he waited with bated breath about what she thought of the soft plush that was now cradled in her arms.

“It is so beautiful. I love every detail. Where did you even find it ?”

“I … well … I sewed it myself. I am sorry if it's a bit sloppy.”

He scratched the back of his neck nervously looking for a sign of distaste in her honest eyes, a light blush dusting her cheeks soon putting him at ease as a smile made its way on his lips.

“What are you talking about ? It’s gorgeous. I love it, thank you so much.”

Without waiting an instant she threw her arms around him, an hug he clumsily returned wrapping his arms  around her, careful to not tighten his arms too much as to not hurt her, like her sister advised him not to do.

And then it happened, in an instant his world turned upside down, and what until now looked so dull grey now looked so vivid an explosion of color just before his eyes like a firework on a summer festival.

Her lips landed on his cheek. 

A ray of sun on a rainy day brightening his life, shedding light on his whole existence, filling his heart with a warmth unlike any others, smoldering ten fold more than the summer sun ever could. 

Luke remembered very little of what happened after he brought her to that drive-in cinema on the hill, a romantic comedy was going on but his eyes were focused on her, her profile shining in the sun, her laugh clear as a river's waterfall and as much sweep away every sense of him filled with her, his heart racing madly in his chest as he tighten her arms around her hips, it was far from the first time he did it and yet that time felt so intimate, almsot illicitely so.

The gentle blush on her cheeks when he wrapped his arms around her made him sweat despite the chillnes of the air, he wasn't trying to hit on her sor omething she merely looked she had cold in his old truck, he did his best to clean anew for the occasion, and he wanted to warm her up.

In order to dispel the awkward sensation taking over his mind he turned to look at her, grateful for her to have found a topic of discussion to make him forget his clumsiness.

“Did you liked the film ?” 

“Oh yeah I thought it was pretty good. Why do you ask ?”

“‘Cause you was so quiet I thought you got bored”

“Oh not it's only I ain't used to such things.”

“Your sister didn't like movies ?”

“Nahh she prefers cartoons.”

“She is such a sweet girl.”

“She really is.” 

Imperceivably he leaned closer to her, her sweet scent driving him into her like a bear to honey her lips trembled slightly in anticipation as she looked at him, it would have been the perfect moment for a first kiss … but the maschera wasn't of the same idea.

“Hello kids, everything is ‘right down ‘here.” 

His southern accent heavy from every word he spoke chewing on an old shutted off cigar.

“Oh yeah thank you, we were just about to leave anyway.” 

He pulled away awkwardly adjusting his jacket before driving away, not knowing what to say he spit out the first thing that came to his mind, regretting it immediately as he saw a frown curl her rosy lips.

“I will accompany you back home.” 

“Already ?”

“It’s getting late.”

She pouted looking down from the window, a disappointment in her voice he couldn’t shake off and so he fretted over to add.

“You would like to do something else ?”

“Yes.” 

“Where do you wanna go ?”

“Anywhere as long as it’s with you.”

Her puppy eyes never failed to work on him and so he sighed heavily being the responsible adult wasn’t going to make her happy and despite knowing better than to stay out too late he couldn’t deny the fact he wished for the evening to end on a much sweeter note than the cinema left him with. 

He parked next to a luna park, the attractions were still there working, not many people visited it even more because outside of weekends and holidays it was closed but they always love exploring it together.

Paying little mind to what he did he fell into old habits taking her hand as they walked through it, until he slumped down on a bench imitated by her, before she could speak though he felt he  needed to apologise to her and took off that weight from his heart.

“I am sorry, ‘bout before … I don't know what's gotten into me.”

“You don't have to apologise.”

“It's just that you smelled so sweet ... and you are like really, really pretty ya know more than any other person I have ever seen. I really do like you a whole lot.” 

Luke kept his eyes on his lap talking through gritted teeth until she placed her hand on his leg making him whip his face up to look up at her.

“I am not the kind of guy who you think I am, Julie. I ain't sweet nor kind. I am lazy and love to eat, I have no talents.”

His rambling was suddenly interrupted by something soft pressing against his cheeks … he soon realized to be her fingers brushing on his face before landing on his lip, unaware of the effect and the dirty thoughts going on his head as she looked at her with a kindness he was unused to.

“Please don't say that of yourself. You are insulting the man I like and I can't stand it.” 

It was her turn to gaze down, but before the look of dejection could settle in her tourmaline irises he cupped her face in his hand, brushing his thumb on her cheek.

“You really mean it ?”

“Yeah … it is a problem for you ?”

Shyness swam in her gaze lightened by the dim light of the lamplight, along a coy smile dancing on her soft lips.

“Not at all.”

Damn how could it be … he brushed nervously his fingers through his hair enough to clear his mind from the emotions swirling in his heart, making him words he had until now kept in his heart tumble off from his tongue.  

“So you won't like to give up on me ?”

“Why should I ? You are one of the best men I have ever met. It's true this may be only our first official date as you called it but we had so many unofficial ones while we grew up together so yeah that was my thought since pretty much forever.”

It was too much, all to fucking much, she was so sweet and kind and damned beautiful like only she could be, she had slide in his heart but he never expected to have it stolen completely as he grew up by her. 

“Why did you ask ?” “‘Cause I am used to it.”

“Oh Luke.”

Great now he made the girl he loved cry, he saw tears glimmering in her eyes threatening to spill on her cheek ruining the light makeup she put only for him he knew how sensitive she was but damn he never expected her to shed any tears for him, even though she always reacted that way, his little crybaby 

“Don't cry for me.”

He brushed his thumb  to dry each teardrops before leaving a gentle kiss on each of her cheeks.

“I am not crying, damn it.”

“My little crybaby.” 

“I will get back at you for it.”

Now she was giggling sniffling softly, it reminded her of a stray kitten as she playful pawed at his chest before snuggling in his embrace, he smiled as he hold her close protecting her from wounds of his past he was slowly healing from only thanks to her affection.

“I will accept whatever punishment you see fit for me princess.”

“You are being petty now ya know I ain't the heart to punish ya my bear.”

“Then can I ask for a way to make it up to you ?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Close your eyes.” 

Her lips trembled slightly as she pushed in his direction, her breath ragged awaiting what he yearned to feel since he became aware of his feelings for her. 

This would have been their first kiss, things won't have gone back to normal after that … They would have become something across friends and lovers 

Luke was scared but he wanted to be no longer merely a friend she would have given up for a boyfriend … he wanted to be both, he wanted to spend all the eternity with her holding her close and loving her as much as she always did to him.

More than anything he wanted to make that kiss a good memory a good start not something she would have loathed to look back at but something she would have cherished and gazed at with gentleness but he was afraid he was not able to give her that, panic flooding in his veins pushing him to almost give up on that but her words about the fact she would have never gave up on him gave him enough cottage to push through, tightening his arm around her as he tucked a rebel lock of hair behind her ear.

At each heartbeat he leaned closer admiring her gorgeous features before closing his own eyes, ever so gently he pressed his lips on hers, taking in the way her fingers gripped his shirt to not let him go, it was such a shy gesture but that spoke volumes to him.

She loved him enough to keep him to make him stay with her despite deserving far better than the broken son of a farmer and a former waitress who so far received the only unconditional love of her little sister and of no one else treated no more than a spare son good only to cultivate the land.

But the way her soft lips pressed back against his own, their breath tingling together as his chest collided with her breasts, cladded in that tight laced shirt, made him realise for the first time the boundless mirthfully happiness that was to be loved unconditionally like she only had ever done, a love he felt for her since their first meeting, and that he would have spend the eternity showing it to her like she did to him.

Reluctantly he pulled away reading in her eyes nothing but love as she gazed up at him, his voice groggy as he spoke, so soft almost as he was afraid to break the spell of that dream as he brushed his rough finger on her flushed cheek before trailing on her sensitive lip trembling at his touch.

“I love you so much Julie.”

“I love you too Luke.”

It was evening but in that moment he wasn’t so sure, for he would have swore the sun dawned  a second time that day for him alone as she smiled at him with so much love to fill her gorgeous chartreuse eyes shining bright like a gem in the darkness of the forest outshining the dim lamp standing above their head and the sun itself that so shyly sank below the horizon and the moon winked down at them as the stars crowded around her to gaze at the spectacle of unconditional love they were giving off.

Needless to say that night signalled the beginning of something special, the starting point of their love, and no one know how grateful he was for their first casual meeting that lead him to that sort of happiness he always yearned but never even dreamed to be worth of, and yet she proved him wrong nuzzling softly in his chest and purring in delight as he trailed his fingers in her hair as they welcomed the sunrise nestled  together in his bed, as they used to do since they were children, looking at one another with fond smiles.

[candied-boys]

📻Country Radio Themed Prompt List🐎

Y'all, it's rodeo season and I'm havin' a hot cowgirl summer!

I know there are at least a few of us out here who love a little small town, texas two-step, roll in the hay, tailgate party, coffee with a sunrise, dusty boots and sundresses kinda slow life. I know I can't stop putting my favs in situations whenever I listen to country music and I hope y'all hop on the bandwagon and join me for my first creation challenge!

So round up your fav cowboys and giddy up, gurl! We ride 'til the end of September! Radio playlists below👇

FAQ:

Can I submit something I already created if it fits the vibe?

HELL YEAH! Old content that fits the theme in anyway and new creations are all welcome! (Honestly even if it doesn't fit any of the prompts, I'll take any country content I can get so please reblog your works and tag me!)

How can I write for the country genre if I'm not familiar with it?

Don't sweat it! If you vibe with anything here that's more than enough! I tried to pick lyrics with a variety of themes - family, love, coming of age, angst, bad boys/girls etc. They all centre around a sense of connection and relationships - universally human themes.

We're all here playing games that locate the characters inside cultures outside of Japan and we're here writing for cultures outside our own when writing for these games, so don't be shy! Just let yourself have fun.

What should I do with lyrics?

Use the prompts however you like; Any and all types of content submissions are welcome — writing, drabbles, head canons, drawing, mood boards, playlists, whatever makes you say, "Hell yeah!"

Examples: You could use the lyrics directly as quotes, indirectly as the premise for the art. Anything! You could incorporate the lyrics from the rest of the song. There are a ton of great lines/ideas in the rest of each song. You're not restricted to these quotes. I just picked ones that speak to me or have a strong image. If you vibe with it and it inspires you, go for it!

What fandoms can I use with these prompts?

Any suitors from games by CYBIRD (Ikepri, Ikevamp, Ikerev, MidCin, Ikevil, Ikesen, Ikegen, Morganatic Idol, ANYTHING)

What kind of content is allowed?

Sfw, nsfw, dark, angst, fluff, suitor x suitor, selfship, oc x suitor — anything is fine. I only ask that you use Tumblr’s built-in content label system to mark content as mature when appropriate. Use tags and warnings as you see necessary.

What tags should I use?

#CountryRadioCC

please at me @candied-boys so I can add your work to a masterlist

Playlists:

Lyrics:

Heart Like A Truck - Lainey Wilson

I got a hankering for four wide tires

And I can't help it, it's the way I'm wired

'Fore you get too close

Boy, you need to know

Turn - Tyler Hubbard

The way she turns 501s into long, tan legs

She can turn a bad day around like she turns those heads

She can turn one little look into turnin' me on

Five more minutes into all night long

Fishin' in the Dark - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

And it don't matter if we sit forever

And the fish don't bite

Jump in the river and cool ourselves

From the heat of the night

I Grew Up On A Farm - The Reklaws

Why I gotta watch the sunrise

Job ain't ever done till it's done right

I'll tell you what makes me cry about a steel guitar

And why I gotta work so hard

Dirt Cheap - Cody Johnson

That little girl that used to swing right there

I still see her pink bow in her brown hair

Runnin' up after one of them long days

A big smile makin' every little worry fade

Use Me - Dallas Smith

I'll let you go like I always do

Won't hurt as bad 'cause I always knew

That I was just a chapter, no happily-ever-after

Old Dirt Roads - Owen Riegling

Come and find me down where the treeline ends

And the cattails grow

We can be free, livin' our dreams out

Singin' to the radio

American Kids - Kenny Chesney

Sister's got a boyfriend Daddy doesn't like

Now he's sittin' out back, 3030 in his lap

In the blue bug zapper light

Fast Car - Luke Combs

Won't have to drive too far

Just across the border and into the city

And you and I can both get jobs

Finally see what it means to be living

Long Hot Summer - Keith Urban

I wanna see your brown skin shimmer

In the sun for the first time

I gotta be the one who knows just what to do to you

To get me that smile

I Like It, I Love It - Tim McGraw

Spent 48 dollars last night at the county fair

I throwed out my shoulder, but I won her that teddy bear

Cowgirls - Morgan Wallen

And she got a cold heart but she got a warm smile

Cut from the same cloth, she kinda buck-wild

Little bit angel, whole lotta outlaw

She's trouble but I'll tell you right now, y'all

A banner for y'all:

Adorable horse dividers by @/plum98

[fang-and-feather]

Ikemen Vampire - Jean x Pureblood! Reader

Written for the Country Radio Challenge by @candied-boys, inspired by the song/prompt Turn and this kind of party we have around here, but I guess this started to lose itself a little, the focus shifted... It's hard to focus when writing Jean's POV at such a point in a relationship... I plan on writing a more focused second part but I won't finish it this month so I am posting what I have now

Words: 1410

Jean sighed. Why did he agree to be there?

The trip he had agreed to because Comte somehow convinced Mozart to come. But from keeping his friend company on a plane trip he was afraid of, to agreeing to help Leonardo help these people organize a party… How did it get to this?

But he knew how. It was because of you. He just hated it.

Or maybe he didn’t actually hate it. He was just sure that was the wrong thing to do. He couldn’t just chase after you like this, but he felt like it was beyond his control.

Someone like him didn’t deserve what he was seeking. Everything you represented. But as much as he tried to distance himself, you weren’t just chasing him; you were step ahead, waiting.

Jean didn’t understand why you gave him so much attention, but from your first encounter, you were trying to approach him, and slowly turning his world upside down.

A part of him wanted to hate how your simple presence turned him almost into someone else. Made him the person he thought he shouldn’t be. That he didn’t deserve to be.

You could turn a rainy day from a hated experience into a sweet adventure as you dragged him through the wet roads to your favorite cafe. Turned his despair into hope as you countered his explanations of why he wasn’t someone you should associate with, as if you knew what you were talking about. You turned ideas he never understood into something that made sense, or that he was eager to learn about.

With a single smile, you turned his will to push you away into the desire to stay by your side. The wish to believe every word of praise and reassurance you ever gave him.

And after all that, with simply walking past, you had his head turning to watch you, like many other people. You stirred something in him and turned his thoughts into a shameful mess (especially regarding what beautiful legs you had, which brought up quite sinful ideas).

How could you turn a monster like him into such a lovesick fool? Because even his most sinful thoughts came because he was in love with you. He couldn’t lie to himself any longer.

And this party… Trying to keep his focus on the tasks at hand was so difficult with you so close and so often moving through his line of sight, although you hadn’t stopped to talk to him yet.

He watched you offer to help other people who struggled to keep the booth not far from where he was working up, watched you help the kids both to make and put up little paper flags and flowers, watched you test the games booths, showing surprising dexterity.

And he watched as you helped the kids with their traditional clothes, fashioning the girls’ hairs and helping a few of the boys combine shirts and hats or properly button or buckle up their clothes, sometimes even adding some face painting, with fake freckles or mustaches.

Jean didn’t understand much the tradition behind these things, but he was fascinated watching you go through all these motions.

You also helped some find pairs for the dance later. And right now, he was distracted from his task, watching you go through a last practice for said dance, patiently helping a couple of kids who had joined later to catch up.

Your eyes met his as you took a break, and you smiled, walking up to him.

“Couldn’t help but notice you can’t take your eyes off me, parceiro.”

“Sorry.” Jean finally looked away 

“Oh, I don’t mind. Not when it’s you.” You winked and extended a hand to him. “Would you give me the honor of a dance, sir?”

“I don’t know how to dance.”

“But I’ve seen you practice with a sword. You have good feet coordination. Besides, I’m already teaching the kids. I just want a partner for a demonstration, and I would like it to be you.”

If you had to dance with someone, he would also rather it be him.

“I don’t think I am the best person for this, but I would love to join you, if you are sure you want me to.” He took your hand.

“Well, the kids are on a break. Let’s get you properly dressed up first.” You dragged him away.

The clothes felt strange at first, but they were not uncomfortable. The hat was the only thing that would need more getting used to.

“You look perfect, cowboy.” You approached as he walked out of the changing room, adjusting his hat and the collar of his shirt. “Well, you’re always perfect. But looking like one of us kind of suits you.”

It was when you stepped back that Jean realized how your clothes matched in colors and patterns. The blue and white checkered shirts, his just a darker tone. The decorations on the pants pockets and the belts’ buckles. The major difference was the ribbon tied around your hat.

“Did you choose these clothes to match yours?”

“Would it bother you if I did?”

“Not a bother, but why would you? Matching clothes is something couples do, right?”

“And some families, but yes. But you are my dance partner tonight and I… I watched you watch ma all day, but I wasn’t the only one watching you. Sorry if this bothers you. Someone as old as me should be more mature than that, but maybe I wanted people to think you are mine, if only for tonight.”

Were you jealous? Why? And what did you mean by “someone as old as you”? How old were you?

As Jean tried to sort his thoughts around these questions and decide what he should or shouldn’t ask, and if he really wanted the answers, you stepped closer again.

“Jean?”

You looked so worried, almost as if you were going to cry, and it made his heart ache. Still, it took him a moment to realize why.

“It doesn’t bother me.” He reassured. “I just don’t see a reason for you to be jealous. We have known each other for less than a month and I am going to return to my country in a week. You have other friends who are better company than me. But although you came by as Leonardo’s friend, you spent most of your time while we were here with me. Why? Why do you care so much about an ugly monster like me?”

A part of him knew the answer, but he found himself unable to believe it without heating it from you. Although another part of him didn’t want to hear. He knew he wouldn’t be able to run away from your light anymore once he couldn’t deny the truth anymore.

“Because I already told you a lot, and will keep saying it as long as you are in my life. You’re neither ugly nor a monster. You were kind to me even when I frustrated you. You protect me, even though I didn’t need you to, but not because you thought I wasn’t capable of protecting myself. That’s just what you do. You helped me with the kids and they loved it, as awkward as things started. You are here, even though you don’t often get out and interact with people. I have other friends, yes, and I love them, but I couldn’t think of better company. You… I love you in a different way than I love them. I actually fell in love with you.”

Even though he knew, hearing the words made him freeze for a moment. Or maybe it was the rest of the words. You were always countering and praising him, but there was something different about you listing facts like these.

He wiped away the dampness on his cheeks, tears he didn’t notice until then, and just like that one night he protected you, the night things got out of hand, he pulled you into a tight hug.

Jean had no idea how long you stayed like that until he found his voice and his resolve.

“I love you too.”

After a while longer, you returned to the party, hand-in-hand, only to find the kids waiting for them.

“Oh, are we going to have a wedding?” One of the girls immediately asked, giggling.

“Not yet.” You laughed, ruffling her hair. “Now let’s get you back to practice, okay?”

Tag List:

@natimiles, @bicayaya, @tele86

@nightghoul381, @2-lines-and-a-circle, @eventinelysplayground

If you want to be tagged/untagged on future writings, even if it's in specific contents, you can reply to this post or send me a message

[candied-boys]

WAIT-

Can I recommend songs to the CountryRadio thing? I think I got some go ones? I think...

MAKE A PLAYLIST :D I CAN'T WAIT TO LISTEN

[candied-boys]

This little drabble I wrote last year was partly inspired by the lyrics in one of my favourite country songs:

The Beekeepers' Daughter

Luke Randolph x fem! Reader

Is this what they call a drabble or is it a hc?

Tags: SFW, fluff, country life, honeybees, pregnancy, breeding kink🤤, a lot of kids

Cowboy Luke who shows up at your honey farm one day and buys a crate each of lavender, clover, wild flower, heather, and buckwheat honey.

Cowboy Luke who is silently impressed by the way you insist on helping to carry the boxes of liquid gold out to his truck without breaking a sweat.

Cowboy Luke who pauses loading up his muddy red truck, the same colour as his beautiful hair, and looks at you curiously when you ask if he's going to take it to sell at a market in the city.

Cowboy Luke who grins wide with a sparkle in his lush green eyes and tells you he's gonna eat it all himself and that he reckons you'll be seeing a lot more of him since he just moved into the 500 acre ranch thirty minutes down the road.

Cowboy Luke who chuckles at your flabbergasted expression and confirms that yes, that old cow rustler does indeed have not merely seven but eight sons.

Cowboy Luke who just can't seem to get your pretty eyes, your adorable small town accent, and your honey sweet laugh out of his head when he's napping in the hay loft or riding the range for hours on end.

Cowboy Luke who comes back a month later to buy more honey, but only picks up one jar this time so that he has an excuse to come visit you sooner - this week sooner.

Cowboy Luke who keeps dropping by, saying he's too lazy to drive cattle and muck stalls, but chats you up until you let him help you with loading the hives into your truck and then rides shotgun in your truck to take the bees out to pollinate other farms.

Cowboy Luke who brings fishing gear the next time you take the bees out for a ride together so you got something to do while you wait for the tiny creatures to collect their fill.

Cowboy Luke who cooks you up a mean fried catfish with all the fixings using his catch from earlier after y'all get back to your little house on the farm.

Cowboy Luke who’s impatient for the weather to get a little hotter so he can finally ask you to go down to the lake with him ‘cause he just can't get the image of the sun kissing your bare skin out of his mind lately.

Cowboy Luke who just can't keep his hands off you after he finally makes a move, but you can't resist him either, and a few months of rolling in the hay later…

Cowboy Luke who catches a shooting star for you and puts it on a ring because he wants you and only you forever, shotgun wedding or not.

Cowboy Luke who has a hard time reining in his desire for you as the changes to your body remind him daily that it's his child you carry, always looking at you with those half lidded eyes tainted with lust that he knows you just can't resist.

Cowboy Luke who won't let you lift a finger once the baby is born, doing all the farm work and all the house work and all the baby care because he has an abundance of energy, but more importantly is madly in love with his baby girl who looks just like you.

Cowboy Luke who doesn't have to wait a year to ask for a second like he planned because you have baby fever and want him all the time.

Cowboy Luke who is over the moon when the doctor tells him you're having twins, but is secretly nervous because two boys will be a handful on top of a two year old.

Cowboy Luke who stands on the porch, his arms wrapped around you from behind, as the two of you watch your six kids run around the yard ten years later.

Cowboy Luke who never imagined he'd ever be this happy after everything he went through growing up, but who is grateful for every second of his life since he met you.

[kissmetwicekissmedeadly]

AHHH IM LATE TO THIS BUT I LOVE IT!!! such a cool idea!! Songs always get my writing juices flowing!!!!!

📻Country Radio Themed Prompt List🐎

Y'all, it's rodeo season and I'm havin' a hot cowgirl summer!

I know there are at least a few of us out here who love a little small town, texas two-step, roll in the hay, tailgate party, coffee with a sunrise, dusty boots and sundresses kinda slow life. I know I can't stop putting my favs in situations whenever I listen to country music and I hope y'all hop on the bandwagon and join me for my first creation challenge!

So round up your fav cowboys and giddy up, gurl! We ride 'til the end of September! Radio playlists below👇

FAQ:

Can I submit something I already created if it fits the vibe?

HELL YEAH! Old content that fits the theme in anyway and new creations are all welcome! (Honestly even if it doesn't fit any of the prompts, I'll take any country content I can get so please reblog your works and tag me!)

How can I write for the country genre if I'm not familiar with it?

Don't sweat it! If you vibe with anything here that's more than enough! I tried to pick lyrics with a variety of themes - family, love, coming of age, angst, bad boys/girls etc. They all centre around a sense of connection and relationships - universally human themes.

We're all here playing games that locate the characters inside cultures outside of Japan and we're here writing for cultures outside our own when writing for these games, so don't be shy! Just let yourself have fun.

What should I do with lyrics?

Use the prompts however you like; Any and all types of content submissions are welcome — writing, drabbles, head canons, drawing, mood boards, playlists, whatever makes you say, "Hell yeah!"

Examples: You could use the lyrics directly as quotes, indirectly as the premise for the art. Anything! You could incorporate the lyrics from the rest of the song. There are a ton of great lines/ideas in the rest of each song. You're not restricted to these quotes. I just picked ones that speak to me or have a strong image. If you vibe with it and it inspires you, go for it!

What fandoms can I use with these prompts?

Any suitors from games by CYBIRD (Ikepri, Ikevamp, Ikerev, MidCin, Ikevil, Ikesen, Ikegen, Morganatic Idol, ANYTHING)

What kind of content is allowed?

Sfw, nsfw, dark, angst, fluff, suitor x suitor, selfship, oc x suitor — anything is fine. I only ask that you use Tumblr’s built-in content label system to mark content as mature when appropriate. Use tags and warnings as you see necessary.

What tags should I use?

#CountryRadioCC

please at me @candied-boys so I can add your work to a masterlist

Playlists:

Lyrics:

Heart Like A Truck - Lainey Wilson

I got a hankering for four wide tires

And I can't help it, it's the way I'm wired

'Fore you get too close

Boy, you need to know

Turn - Tyler Hubbard

The way she turns 501s into long, tan legs

She can turn a bad day around like she turns those heads

She can turn one little look into turnin' me on

Five more minutes into all night long

Fishin' in the Dark - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

And it don't matter if we sit forever

And the fish don't bite

Jump in the river and cool ourselves

From the heat of the night

I Grew Up On A Farm - The Reklaws

Why I gotta watch the sunrise

Job ain't ever done till it's done right

I'll tell you what makes me cry about a steel guitar

And why I gotta work so hard

Dirt Cheap - Cody Johnson

That little girl that used to swing right there

I still see her pink bow in her brown hair

Runnin' up after one of them long days

A big smile makin' every little worry fade

Use Me - Dallas Smith

I'll let you go like I always do

Won't hurt as bad 'cause I always knew

That I was just a chapter, no happily-ever-after

Old Dirt Roads - Owen Riegling

Come and find me down where the treeline ends

And the cattails grow

We can be free, livin' our dreams out

Singin' to the radio

American Kids - Kenny Chesney

Sister's got a boyfriend Daddy doesn't like

Now he's sittin' out back, 3030 in his lap

In the blue bug zapper light

Fast Car - Luke Combs

Won't have to drive too far

Just across the border and into the city

And you and I can both get jobs

Finally see what it means to be living

Long Hot Summer - Keith Urban

I wanna see your brown skin shimmer

In the sun for the first time

I gotta be the one who knows just what to do to you

To get me that smile

I Like It, I Love It - Tim McGraw

Spent 48 dollars last night at the county fair

I throwed out my shoulder, but I won her that teddy bear

Cowgirls - Morgan Wallen

And she got a cold heart but she got a warm smile

Cut from the same cloth, she kinda buck-wild

Little bit angel, whole lotta outlaw

She's trouble but I'll tell you right now, y'all

A banner for y'all:

Adorable horse dividers by @/plum98

[ike-garden2024]

This is so cute 🥰!! I actually know some of these songs 👀😄

I used to get teased for enjoying country songs 😭 It’s great seeing it in a positive light as a prompt 💖

📻Country Radio Themed Prompt List🐎

Y'all, it's rodeo season and I'm havin' a hot cowgirl summer!

I know there are at least a few of us out here who love a little small town, texas two-step, roll in the hay, tailgate party, coffee with a sunrise, dusty boots and sundresses kinda slow life. I know I can't stop putting my favs in situations whenever I listen to country music and I hope y'all hop on the bandwagon and join me for my first creation challenge!

So round up your fav cowboys and giddy up, gurl! We ride 'til the end of September! Radio playlists below👇

FAQ:

Can I submit something I already created if it fits the vibe?

HELL YEAH! Old content that fits the theme in anyway and new creations are all welcome! (Honestly even if it doesn't fit any of the prompts, I'll take any country content I can get so please reblog your works and tag me!)

How can I write for the country genre if I'm not familiar with it?

Don't sweat it! If you vibe with anything here that's more than enough! I tried to pick lyrics with a variety of themes - family, love, coming of age, angst, bad boys/girls etc. They all centre around a sense of connection and relationships - universally human themes.

We're all here playing games that locate the characters inside cultures outside of Japan and we're here writing for cultures outside our own when writing for these games, so don't be shy! Just let yourself have fun.

What should I do with lyrics?

Use the prompts however you like; Any and all types of content submissions are welcome — writing, drabbles, head canons, drawing, mood boards, playlists, whatever makes you say, "Hell yeah!"

Examples: You could use the lyrics directly as quotes, indirectly as the premise for the art. Anything! You could incorporate the lyrics from the rest of the song. There are a ton of great lines/ideas in the rest of each song. You're not restricted to these quotes. I just picked ones that speak to me or have a strong image. If you vibe with it and it inspires you, go for it!

What fandoms can I use with these prompts?

Any suitors from games by CYBIRD (Ikepri, Ikevamp, Ikerev, MidCin, Ikevil, Ikesen, Ikegen, Morganatic Idol, ANYTHING)

What kind of content is allowed?

Sfw, nsfw, dark, angst, fluff, suitor x suitor, selfship, oc x suitor — anything is fine. I only ask that you use Tumblr’s built-in content label system to mark content as mature when appropriate. Use tags and warnings as you see necessary.

What tags should I use?

#CountryRadioCC

please at me @candied-boys so I can add your work to a masterlist

Playlists:

Lyrics:

Heart Like A Truck - Lainey Wilson

I got a hankering for four wide tires

And I can't help it, it's the way I'm wired

'Fore you get too close

Boy, you need to know

Turn - Tyler Hubbard

The way she turns 501s into long, tan legs

She can turn a bad day around like she turns those heads

She can turn one little look into turnin' me on

Five more minutes into all night long

Fishin' in the Dark - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

And it don't matter if we sit forever

And the fish don't bite

Jump in the river and cool ourselves

From the heat of the night

I Grew Up On A Farm - The Reklaws

Why I gotta watch the sunrise

Job ain't ever done till it's done right

I'll tell you what makes me cry about a steel guitar

And why I gotta work so hard

Dirt Cheap - Cody Johnson

That little girl that used to swing right there

I still see her pink bow in her brown hair

Runnin' up after one of them long days

A big smile makin' every little worry fade

Use Me - Dallas Smith

I'll let you go like I always do

Won't hurt as bad 'cause I always knew

That I was just a chapter, no happily-ever-after

Old Dirt Roads - Owen Riegling

Come and find me down where the treeline ends

And the cattails grow

We can be free, livin' our dreams out

Singin' to the radio

American Kids - Kenny Chesney

Sister's got a boyfriend Daddy doesn't like

Now he's sittin' out back, 3030 in his lap

In the blue bug zapper light

Fast Car - Luke Combs

Won't have to drive too far

Just across the border and into the city

And you and I can both get jobs

Finally see what it means to be living

Long Hot Summer - Keith Urban

I wanna see your brown skin shimmer

In the sun for the first time

I gotta be the one who knows just what to do to you

To get me that smile

I Like It, I Love It - Tim McGraw

Spent 48 dollars last night at the county fair

I throwed out my shoulder, but I won her that teddy bear

Cowgirls - Morgan Wallen

And she got a cold heart but she got a warm smile

Cut from the same cloth, she kinda buck-wild

Little bit angel, whole lotta outlaw

She's trouble but I'll tell you right now, y'all

A banner for y'all:

Adorable horse dividers by @/plum98

[candied-boys]

Why can't city lights just feel like home? 🎵

Ah Violet!!!! I love it 😭😭😭😭 I love every word. All the pain and fear and hurt. The longing and the hoping. The way him holding back all those emotions still shows through little by little, day by day, no matter how hard he tries to change himself. The disappointment in himself but the truth he can't deny anymore. I love every word 😭😭😭😭 thank youuuuuuuu

Ahh, could I request Matthias with “I grew up on a farm” or “Use me”? Or whatever you feel like! 🙏❤️

A/N: In honor of his birthday today, here is your request anon!

Making such a proper character into a country boy wasn't easy until I found a way to connect the prompt "I Grew Up on a Farm" with Matthias's pride in Achroite.

Modern Country AU, Matthias x Reader

Entry for @candied-boys Country Radio CC

WC: 1.2k

The high-rise buildings of your city glisten with the reflection of a thousand neon lights. They flaunt the reds and pinks and yellows like fashionistas on a runway. Far below, the cars drive, resembling little lightning bugs, their bright, white headlights guiding them along the road to their destinations. The sky above is a gray mass of clouds, blanched and ubiquitous. The night's starlight has no chance against the blinding glow of the city and when it is visible, the moon is only a pale shadow of herself, like a copy made too many times.

Matthias is standing on the balcony of your small apartment, leaning on the railing. His strong hands curl around the cool metal, broad shoulders slumped forward. Slipping his hoodie over your thin nightgown, you step outside and join him. The sounds of the city that never sleeps greets you, a familiar song that has accompanied your nights since you were young.

You wrap your arms around him from behind. Feeling you hug him brings a tenuous smile to his lips and he places his hands over yours, holding you there, a silent plea to not let go. Your head falls forward to rest against his broad back and you breathe in the scent of him, cool and crisp and clean. It reminds you of snow-capped mountains, of winter’s first kiss, of a lake frozen over, diamond-like and dazzling in the pale December sun.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

His exhale is heavy. It courses through his body, dragging the weight of his tangled emotions with it. They feel like chains around his heart, fetters that tighten with every beat.

“Hey....” 

Your voice sharpens with concern as you let go and move so that you can see him. His noble face, the one you tease him about and say looks like a fairy tale prince, is shadowed by something that dampens the soft gray of his eyes, pulls down the corners of his handsome mouth. “Matthias?”

He hesitates and your stomach twists. Something is definitely wrong.

He touches his forehead, frowning, as if willing the thoughts to find the way out of his mind. “This may sound silly. I’m not a child but...” His voice sounds tight, wound with the fear of what may happen when he gives his thoughts life. “I....I miss home.”

You step back, away from him.

His gaze is pleading, heartbreakingly sad. “I know I said I would try. For us. I know your life is here and I thought I would manage. But darling....” His voice breaks on the word and he has to take a moment to regain control. “Darling, I am not made for this place.” He gestures towards the city, now behind him. “I miss the mountains. And the Achroite ranch. The people.” He sinks down onto the chair in the corner of the balcony, his tall body folding like a demolitioned building. “And I’m selfish for it, I know. I promised you. And yet.....” He runs a hand through his short, blond hair. “I can’t....be truly happy here.” Anguished he looks up at you, expecting to see the betrayal written in your expression, hurt shining in your eyes. 

Instead what he sees is something softer, something gentle.

Carefully you cross the small balcony to where he is sitting on the plastic folding chair and reach for him, dropping down onto his lap, knowing from experience the little chair is mighty enough to hold you both. He watches you closely, brows knit in a frown, but he wraps his strong arms around you, almost hesitantly.

Reaching up, you cup his cheek. “I know.”

“You do?”

For a man so intelligent he could be so dense.

You nod, running your thumb over his chin, a gesture familiar and loving. “The minute we left the ranch it was like your glow was slowly fading, a little every day. And I wanted to believe I could be enough to keep it alight. I thought if I could do that, your decision to return with the crazy tourist from the big city who wanted a dude ranch experience and got so much more wouldn’t turn into the biggest regret of your life–”

He hugs you to him tightly, shaking his head as he buries his face in your shoulder. “No, not possible.”

Gently you lift his head so you can look into his eyes. “You love me. I know you do. But you don’t love it here. And so this, here,.....it won’t work.”

The storm breaks in the gray of his gaze. He closes his eyes, fighting back the flood that is breaking his heart and drowning its pieces.

“Which is why we have to leave ‘here’....and go....” Your palm rests against his heart. “Where this is.”

Tears shine like raindrops in the sun when he opens his eyes again, disbelieving.

“What?” It’s a whisper, a prayer in the wind.

“I could never be happy seeing you this way, so far from that place that is in every heartbeat, in every shadow of your thoughts.” You hold his gaze as you speak the words that have been written on your heart for some time now. “ I fell in love with the man with the wide smile who showed me the mountains at sunrise, who shows the same consideration to everyone, from the boy who mucks the stables to the mayor of the town. The one who took me for long rides through the hills and showed me the pond where he learned to swim, the tree he fell from and broke his arm.” You smile, stroking his cheek. “I want that Matthias back and I think the only way I can find him is to bring him back to the land he loves....and if he’ll have me, join him there.”

“Are you sure?” The words are tremulous, restrained. “I couldn’t ask you to leave the city if it would make you miserable. I couldn’t put you through-“

“Screw the city. It was never that great anyway.” Your forehead touches his, your hands cradle his face. “I didn’t grow up feeling like you did. Like this place is a piece of me. What I do know.....is wherever you go, that’s home. To the mountains, to the moon. I don’t care. All I need is you.”

His words are barely audible. “But we came back here because of your job....you didn’t want to give it up. I would never ask you to do that.”

“I know you wouldn’t. And that’s why I am doing it voluntarily.” You lean back and there is nothing but warmth in your heart. “A ranch like yours always needs some extra hands, right? And I’m sure you can teach me.”

“You’re sure?”

There is not a single spark of hesitation in your answer. “Yes.”

“Truly?”

“Matthias!”

Relief like a river rushes through him and he can only stare in awe at you, the brightest sun in his sky. “I love you.”

You don’t reply with words. Instead you lean forward and kiss him, an answer, a testament to a love as bright and endless as the Western sky.

Taglist: @alexxavicry @queengiuliettafirstlady @bellerose-arcana @thewitchofbooks @aria-chikage

@tele86 @dear-mrs-otome @writingwhimsey @mxrmaid-poet @silver-dahlia

@wendolrea @myonlyjknight @ikesimpleton @ikemenlibrary @namine-somebodies-nobody

@whatever-fanfics @justpeachyteastea @chirp-a-chirp @got7igot7family @kookie-my-little-sunshine

@mastering-procrastinating @portrait-ninja @starlitmanor-network @sh0jun @queen-dahlia

@themysticalbeing @nightghoul381 @whitelittlebunny @chi-the-idiot @bubblexly

[candied-boys]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

FANGY YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!!! THIS IS SO SWEET AND MY HEART 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 JEAN IS BEST BABY 😭😭😭😭😭 HE DESERVES THE WORLD AND THIS IS SO SO SO SO PRECIOUS 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

... He couldn’t just chase after you like this, but he felt like it was beyond his control.

Ah I love actions driven by emotions beyond our reach and yet still our own

A part of him wanted to hate how your simple presence turned him almost into someone else. Made him the person he thought he shouldn’t be. That he didn’t deserve to be.

😭😭😭😭😭 I hate that I love the way he hates himself so much. You did such an amazing job capturing his struggle and inner turmoil!!!

This was lovely to read and I love the way you used the prompt 😭😭😭 it's one of my favourite songs and I'm just so happy rn!!

I would love to read a part two some day so please tag me then 🥹

Ikemen Vampire - Jean x Pureblood! Reader

Written for the Country Radio Challenge by @candied-boys, inspired by the song/prompt Turn and this kind of party we have around here, but I guess this started to lose itself a little, the focus shifted... It's hard to focus when writing Jean's POV at such a point in a relationship... I plan on writing a more focused second part but I won't finish it this month so I am posting what I have now

Words: 1410

Jean sighed. Why did he agree to be there?

The trip he had agreed to because Comte somehow convinced Mozart to come. But from keeping his friend company on a plane trip he was afraid of, to agreeing to help Leonardo help these people organize a party… How did it get to this?

But he knew how. It was because of you. He just hated it.

Or maybe he didn’t actually hate it. He was just sure that was the wrong thing to do. He couldn’t just chase after you like this, but he felt like it was beyond his control.

Someone like him didn’t deserve what he was seeking. Everything you represented. But as much as he tried to distance himself, you weren’t just chasing him; you were step ahead, waiting.

Jean didn’t understand why you gave him so much attention, but from your first encounter, you were trying to approach him, and slowly turning his world upside down.

A part of him wanted to hate how your simple presence turned him almost into someone else. Made him the person he thought he shouldn’t be. That he didn’t deserve to be.

You could turn a rainy day from a hated experience into a sweet adventure as you dragged him through the wet roads to your favorite cafe. Turned his despair into hope as you countered his explanations of why he wasn’t someone you should associate with, as if you knew what you were talking about. You turned ideas he never understood into something that made sense, or that he was eager to learn about.

With a single smile, you turned his will to push you away into the desire to stay by your side. The wish to believe every word of praise and reassurance you ever gave him.

And after all that, with simply walking past, you had his head turning to watch you, like many other people. You stirred something in him and turned his thoughts into a shameful mess (especially regarding what beautiful legs you had, which brought up quite sinful ideas).

How could you turn a monster like him into such a lovesick fool? Because even his most sinful thoughts came because he was in love with you. He couldn’t lie to himself any longer.

And this party… Trying to keep his focus on the tasks at hand was so difficult with you so close and so often moving through his line of sight, although you hadn’t stopped to talk to him yet.

He watched you offer to help other people who struggled to keep the booth not far from where he was working up, watched you help the kids both to make and put up little paper flags and flowers, watched you test the games booths, showing surprising dexterity.

And he watched as you helped the kids with their traditional clothes, fashioning the girls’ hairs and helping a few of the boys combine shirts and hats or properly button or buckle up their clothes, sometimes even adding some face painting, with fake freckles or mustaches.

Jean didn’t understand much the tradition behind these things, but he was fascinated watching you go through all these motions.

You also helped some find pairs for the dance later. And right now, he was distracted from his task, watching you go through a last practice for said dance, patiently helping a couple of kids who had joined later to catch up.

Your eyes met his as you took a break, and you smiled, walking up to him.

“Couldn’t help but notice you can’t take your eyes off me, parceiro.”

“Sorry.” Jean finally looked away 

“Oh, I don’t mind. Not when it’s you.” You winked and extended a hand to him. “Would you give me the honor of a dance, sir?”

“I don’t know how to dance.”

“But I’ve seen you practice with a sword. You have good feet coordination. Besides, I’m already teaching the kids. I just want a partner for a demonstration, and I would like it to be you.”

If you had to dance with someone, he would also rather it be him.

“I don’t think I am the best person for this, but I would love to join you, if you are sure you want me to.” He took your hand.

“Well, the kids are on a break. Let’s get you properly dressed up first.” You dragged him away.

The clothes felt strange at first, but they were not uncomfortable. The hat was the only thing that would need more getting used to.

“You look perfect, cowboy.” You approached as he walked out of the changing room, adjusting his hat and the collar of his shirt. “Well, you’re always perfect. But looking like one of us kind of suits you.”

It was when you stepped back that Jean realized how your clothes matched in colors and patterns. The blue and white checkered shirts, his just a darker tone. The decorations on the pants pockets and the belts’ buckles. The major difference was the ribbon tied around your hat.

“Did you choose these clothes to match yours?”

“Would it bother you if I did?”

“Not a bother, but why would you? Matching clothes is something couples do, right?”

“And some families, but yes. But you are my dance partner tonight and I… I watched you watch ma all day, but I wasn’t the only one watching you. Sorry if this bothers you. Someone as old as me should be more mature than that, but maybe I wanted people to think you are mine, if only for tonight.”

Were you jealous? Why? And what did you mean by “someone as old as you”? How old were you?

As Jean tried to sort his thoughts around these questions and decide what he should or shouldn’t ask, and if he really wanted the answers, you stepped closer again.

“Jean?”

You looked so worried, almost as if you were going to cry, and it made his heart ache. Still, it took him a moment to realize why.

“It doesn’t bother me.” He reassured. “I just don’t see a reason for you to be jealous. We have known each other for less than a month and I am going to return to my country in a week. You have other friends who are better company than me. But although you came by as Leonardo’s friend, you spent most of your time while we were here with me. Why? Why do you care so much about an ugly monster like me?”

A part of him knew the answer, but he found himself unable to believe it without heating it from you. Although another part of him didn’t want to hear. He knew he wouldn’t be able to run away from your light anymore once he couldn’t deny the truth anymore.

“Because I already told you a lot, and will keep saying it as long as you are in my life. You’re neither ugly nor a monster. You were kind to me even when I frustrated you. You protect me, even though I didn’t need you to, but not because you thought I wasn’t capable of protecting myself. That’s just what you do. You helped me with the kids and they loved it, as awkward as things started. You are here, even though you don’t often get out and interact with people. I have other friends, yes, and I love them, but I couldn’t think of better company. You… I love you in a different way than I love them. I actually fell in love with you.”

Even though he knew, hearing the words made him freeze for a moment. Or maybe it was the rest of the words. You were always countering and praising him, but there was something different about you listing facts like these.

He wiped away the dampness on his cheeks, tears he didn’t notice until then, and just like that one night he protected you, the night things got out of hand, he pulled you into a tight hug.

Jean had no idea how long you stayed like that until he found his voice and his resolve.

“I love you too.”

After a while longer, you returned to the party, hand-in-hand, only to find the kids waiting for them.

“Oh, are we going to have a wedding?” One of the girls immediately asked, giggling.

“Not yet.” You laughed, ruffling her hair. “Now let’s get you back to practice, okay?”

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