#Esmeralda Took

[tehcherrya]

I have been very inspired, lately, to give the previous generation of hobbits that otherwise doesn't have any physical description/fanart some faces to names. Drawing the hobbit parents with their respective partners (and Ferumbras with his respective self). And it actually proved to be a decent character design exercise if I do say so myself!

Some of the design choices from the mind of the lovely @tehri -- As some of the hobbit stuff on their blog was what aspired me in the first place, as well as some hobbit head canons of my own thrown into the mix.

Hope y'all enjoy!

[tehri]

Hello there-- I have been quasi-browsing your blog, and especially your "previous-generation" hobbit stuff, Saradoc, Paladin, Ferumbras (<3), the whole lot! And I've enjoyed it especially because it's not the lore that is generally appreciated a whole lot. But since there is next to nothing in regards to fanart/physical descriptions of the figures of that generation, I am curious-- How did you imagine them?

Hello!

I've gotta admit, this is the nicest message I've received in ages. Buuuut it's also been quite a while now since I did any hobbit stuff, so bear with me while I dig up the memories and headcanons a little bit.

Putting the rest under a read more because this, uh, this might get long.

There are so many hobbits of that generation (and of the generations before them) that I'm going to choose to focus on particular ones here - in particular Paladin, Eglantine, Saradoc, Esmeralda, and Ferumbras. Leaving out OCs this time because... well, because.

And I know these are going to be really vague descriptions, but that's also because it's been quite a while since last... Things like face-shape or nose-shape are proooobably going to be left out here.

Paladin - I imagine that he's a fairly tall hobbit, and built like a damn bull. Years of physical labour and good living does that to a body, and Paladin is no exception. Think a strongman-build, kind of, with slightly paler skin and freckles. He definitely tans very easily. As a young hobbit, I imagine he had ruddy brown hair, which has definitely gone quite grey by the time of book-canon. I don't think I ever really considered eye-colour for him, but I'd imagine he has either brown or hazel eyes. Definitely laugh-lines around eyes and mouth.

Eglantine - A fair bit shorter than Paladin, with a stout build. If I think shape-wise, I'm thinking roughly pear-shaped. In my head, she used to have very dark brown hair when she was younger - on the verge of it being black, I'd say - while it's definitely gone grey or at least heavily grey-streaked by book-canon. She definitely has brown eyes, and her skin-tone is fairly dark.

Saradoc - You want a short hobbit? This is a short hobbit. By the time he was born, Brandybucks had both Stoor and Fallohide and Harfoot blood in them, and Saradoc got the Harfoot height. Short and quite stout, but definitely with signs that he is not an overly idle hobbit. He works, and he works hard. He's got the darker Harfoot and Stoor skin as well. When he was younger, his hair was a chestnut brown colour, but it's gone grey now that he's older. Eyes are a fairly dark brown. Also gets that little worry-crease on his forehead as he gets older.

Esmeralda - Much like her brother Paladin, she's a tall hobbit with a sturdy build, though not as sturdy as him. Very much an hour-glass shaped body, with fairly strong arms and shoulders (I did say she learned archery). She had darker hair than Paladin when she was younger but is similarly paler in skintone, and she got their father's green eyes. She's got plenty of laugh-lines on her face, and a crap-load of freckles.

Ferumbras - Shorter than Paladin or Esmeralda, and definitely broader in build (although not quite as, uh, strong). He's got a proper barrel-chest and a generous waistline - very apple-shaped. Paler skin (he really should go outside more) with plenty of freckles, and plenty of laugh-lines on his face. Used to have red hair when he was younger, it's definitely gone white as he's gotten old. Sharp green eyes.

That's... very bare-bones, but it's about what I can manage at the moment. Please do feel free to shoot me a message if there's something else you wonder about!

[boogflake]

Esmeralda and Bobby… I mean Ybbob 🩸🦇

[gg-is-a-loser]

introducing my ocs (finally)

i’ve posted them without context a lot so here is the overview 🔥🔥🔥

important background info: they all live in an underground city (literally) called safehaven. it’s a refuge for criminals and outcasts. there’s no real government, several groups have their own turf that they control

there’s not really any rules for like. species or powers or anything. i kind of just do whatever i want i fear

this is stryder, boss of a group called the serpents. youngest of three adopted kids, he inherited the job when their mother died. in a relationship with kestrel. don’t have any good recent art of it but he can transform, growing horns and extra eyes and claws. it can be on command or when he’s angry.

kestrel, stryder’s partner and part of the serpents’ medical team. she came from money on the surface, fleeing to safehaven after killing her husband. the serpents took her in and she fell in love with stryder. he calls her “songbird”. she can create wind, which goes out of control when she’s in distress. (part of how she got her scar- after the whole killing her husband thing, she panicked and the wind started up, which knocked over a candle and burned the whole house down. sad!)

hester, lead enforcer for the serpents and the middle child of the previous boss. she can see the future and has no control over when she gets visions. they don’t always come true, and sometimes she has a hard time telling the future from the present. hard to see in the headshot, but she doesn’t have arms. her bottom half is the tail/body of a reticulated python. best character to draw when anatomy is a nightmare

eden, a singer who works for the serpents. she tried to start a performing career on the surface but was cut short when she developed a… power? illness? no one is sure that caused flowers to grow out of her body. execs thought it would make her unmarketable and most people found it gross or scary. she came underground thinking the people there wouldn’t be put off by it, and was right. she performs in the bar stryder owns. technically she can control the thorny vines that grow out of her body, but it really hurts to do it.

melora, eden’s best friend and accompanying pianist. she used to be an assassin, but she really just wants to be able to focus on music now. she can manipulate gold (sorta like metalbending except just with gold) and would use her jewelry as weapons. technically she still can, she just tries to avoid it.

this is misha, a young thief. he and a few other street urchins tried to steal something from the serpents. only he and one other kid got caught. instead of punishing them, stryder saw their potential and now they’re both paid to do stealth work. misha has fairy ish wings. also he’s transgender. yay

rascal is the other kid who got caught with misha. except, they could’ve gotten away if they wanted to. they just didn’t want to leave misha behind. the two think of each other as siblings. despite being one of the youngest around, they’re the best when it comes to stealth and thievery. got the ears and tail of a raccoon. got a lot of scars from various scuffles, falls, other minor stuff.

anatole’s been in the group his whole life. his mom was a member and got killed in some fight. he really looks up to stryder. he’s probably the funniest guy around. he’s got a secret relationship with blair, a member of a rival group. he can also play bass (prefers upright but can do electric too) and plays with melora and eden sometimes. he’s basically a satyr but i don’t actually wanna use the word satyr yk

jasper is a mechanic. not technically a member of the serpents, but he works on their turf and does jobs for them. he’s got a few burns from various machines blowing up on him. it doesn’t happen as much anymore now that he’s a lot better at his work. he works on weapons sometimes. he’s got moth wings and antennae. he really likes olive but hasn’t done anything about it. tourmaline never lets him hear the end of it

tourmaline is jasper’s half sister. she’s a botanist and a gardener. she has a greenhouse which provides a lot of the food for the serpents and others in the area. she’s also got a few experiments going on in there. she’s good friends with olive and is completely not helpful to jasper about it

olive works in the serpents’ medical team. shes a bit odd. she says a lot of things that don’t make sense, usually just whatever thoughts float through her brain. think like. a calmer version of maddie hatter from ever after high. she doesn’t not like jasper back, she’s just never actually thought about it. romance just isn’t in her mind very often. she has feathery wings

esmeralda is the head of the serpents’ medical operations. she’s very serious, approaches everything with logic. she was really close with the previous boss. she taught kestrel everything she knows. she never really tells anyone how she got her scars, even hester and stryder have no idea. no one really pushes it. if i had an actual linear story she would probably die… very sad

julian is the bartender at stryder’s bar. he’s actually really powerful- he can shoot lightning out of the horn on his head. it’s hard to control though, it gave him his scar and killed someone close to him, so he tries not to use it. that’s why he’s a bartender and not an enforcer. he’s very pleasant, easy to talk to.

irene is the previous boss of the serpents. she adopted and raised avidor, hester, and stryder. she died peacefully of some illness and left the position to stryder. his snake tattoo is in honor of her, referencing her own face tattoo. she also had a pet ball python

ylva is a member of the blooddrops, a rival group to the serpents. she’s a bodyguard to the leader. she was the first person kestrel met when she came underground, and they’ve maintained a friendship where ylva provides insider intel. unfortunately for her, she’s in love with kestrel, who is not only taken, but uninterested in women anyways. she just has to keep herself useful. at least then she has an excuse to be around her.

bernadette is the leader of the blooddrops. she came from the surface after her wealthy husband left her and took their daughter with him. she’s the oldest of these characters and had the position even before irene rose up. in the same way stryder runs a bar on his turf, she has a brothel. it’s made her rich

raine is one of the girls at bernadette’s brothel. she isn’t very expressive and has a mean streak. she’s good friends with the others though. she keeps their secrets: she knows about ylva’s meetings with kestrel and blair’s relationship with anatole. she’s also a capable fighter and can create clouds which can rain and even produce lightning if she tries hard enough

blair is the most popular of bernadette’s girls. she has elegant wings that are too weak to actually fly. she’s generally very quiet and gloomy. she found anatole snooping around the place and really hit it off with him. they secretly meet whenever they can. i also want her to have a french accent even though france isn’t really a thing here

avidor is the eldest of irene’s adopted children. he’s ambitious and wants to create a real government for the city. that’s exactly why he wasn’t chosen as irene’s successor. she didn’t want him to abuse the position to gain too much power. he fought bitterly with stryder, which gave him his scars and left his right eye blind. now, he’s still trying to achieve his goal, having gained a small following.

carmine has lived in safehaven her whole life and never declared loyalty to any group. several years ago, she met stryder at the lowest point in his life, right after his mother’s death and his fight with avidor. they had an absolute dumpster fire of a relationship. she disappeared when she found out she was pregnant. she didn’t tell him. she knew trying to raise a kid in that situation would make for a horrible childhood. after leaving, she coincidentally ran into avidor, who offered help. her daughter grew up with him as a sort of father figure

beatrix is carmine and stryder’s aforementioned daughter. she sneaks off to fight in underground tournaments and is a reigning champion. her fighter persona is “beast”. stryder had no clue she existed until anatole admitted to attending a fight to make some cash off of the bets and noticed the resemblance. outside of the ring she’s super awkward and dresses like a school bully from a cartoon. like t shirt with a skull on it etc

bovie is a popular fighter and one of the only ones who’s come close to beating beatrix. when they aren’t actively beating each other up they’re actually good friends. she’s actually very sweet outside of the ring and balances out beatrix’s nervous energy. she is also transgender yahoo

pauline is a gun for hire. they work all over the city, traveling by motorcycle doing odd jobs wherever, whenever. they have pyrokinesis. also a really great cook and sometimes thinks about trying to open a restaurant instead

peaches is a freelance “doctor”. while he’s capable of genuinely helping a patient, he’s more likely to be hired by someone wanting him to torture someone. he’s got a weird kind of romance with pauline where he’ll patch them up after a bad job but he’s weird about it. also i named him five years ago . trust him with your vital organs !

[iminye]

» If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden - frances hodgson burnett

→ @lotrladiessource | day i · hobbits · mothers of heroes

[zouis-exes-to-lovers]

drop this sunflower 🌻 into the inboxes of the blogs that make you happy! let's spread some sunshine☀️

hiiiiiii!!!! <3333 first of all how've u been???? second of all here's a sunflower for u too 🌻 <333

[esmerclda]

@vintersang continued from here <3

Winter surprised all the Parisians on that fine afternoon. No one thought that all of a sudden the temperatures would decrease and bring snow. The street pavements were soon covered by a thick white layer, making people find shelter or simply return to a warm and loving home. Esmeralda hated winter: it was the time where she would have less income, a time where she would have to find any other way to eat something warm that would make her body survive another year.

Her feet were burning at the simple contact of the icy floor. She shivered and immediately put her cloak back on while gathering the last few coins in her hand. "Come on, Djali.. Let's go..." Her green hues noticed guards coming, already hearing people pleading for their cause. Esmeralda noticed the Captain, this handsome man who saved her more than once from an imminent death. Would he have acted like any other Captain of the Guards, he would've delivered her to Judge Claude Frodo. The simple thought made her shiver.

Esmeralda knew what the Judge was capable of. She had seen from her own eyes, people like her being taken away and never coming back. Deep inside, Esmeralda was never forgot what her own mother went through.

--

While being born to a hardworking mother and an absent father, Esmeralda lived the first years of her life in a small house, where the fire cracked in the fireplace and a warm soup was set on the table every night. Her mother loved her, loved her so dearly that she fought for her to never miss of anything.

Alas, times were becoming rough and Esmeralda's mother had no other solution than to sell herself to traveling nobles. During those times, the little girl stayed with a loving neighbor, who baked warm bread and read her stories by the fireplace. The young woman could remember the smell of the fresh baked bread and the butter melting on it. A small smile came across her face for a brief moment as she relieved the tender memory. However, it soon faded away when she remembered the next part. A loud knock on the door, a few whispers and a sob coming out of her neighbor's mouth. The next thing she knew, Esmeralda found herself facing the violent reality: her mother was murdered.

Poking her head out, Esmeralda saw the lifeless body of her mother being taken away. She barely had time to react that her neighbor pulled her back inside of the house. "You must leave, my love. They are coming after you! I am so sorry..." And with those words, the eight year old girl found herself in the cold streets of Paris. The voice of Judge Frollo shouting: "There she is! Bring me that child!"

Besides the cold and the snow, the young girl had managed to loose them and ended in the cemetery. That was when she met Clopin, a young boy who took her immediately and brought her to a whole new world: the Catacombs. It was a world filled with people like her, those considered as outcasts.

--

Djali snapped her back to reality as she was still watching the Captain, her heart beating loudly at the sight of his handsome figure. "Yes, let's go." Esmeralda whispered as she hurried up to the Cathedral. At least, she would find peace for a few hours. Perhaps warmth and a lovely conversation to the archbishop.

As she entered the Cathedral, the beauty removed her hood and walked inside. Her green hues watched with amazement the majesty of Notre Dame. It was quite intimidating to be standing there. A part of her felt that she didn't belong here but the archbishop always reminded her that every child of the Lord shall be welcome in the Cathedral. Esmeralda wasn't praying often, however, she knew that if she did, she would probably be heard.

While the brunette lit a candle for her loved ones, a sound caught her curiosity and she noticed an unknown figure in the corner.

It was a very beautiful woman, with an incredible white blond hair. A color that she never saw in Paris, making her wonder if she wasn't from another land. Her pale skin was as pale as the snow covering the pavements of Paris outside. There was pain, perhaps tragedy in her beautiful hues. As Esmeralda approached her, she could tell that she was suffering. Perhaps having a panic attack? She knew this too well and figured it would be nicer to reassure her.

"Here.." She whispered in a warm tone as she extended her hand. "Take my hand. Squeeze if you need." She said, offering her a warm smile as her green hues sparkled with kindness. "It's okay, I won't hurt you..." But her words seemed to be of no use. The woman was already begging her to leave her alone. Her cries attracted a few curious faces, which aggravated the situation. Esmeralda closed her eyes for a few seconds and exhaled a deep sigh. As she opened them, the woman turned around and stood before the other woman, as if she protected her.

"Please, return to your prayers or any of your previous occupations." She spoke with a firm tone. "There is nothing to see here." A man looked at her and asked in a cold tone: "What are you even doing here? You don't belong here." Esmeralda glared at the man as she said in a cold tone: "I belong here like any other lost soul. This is called sanctuary. Now please, don't embarrass yourself even more than you already do." Her hues watched them all with intensity and they immediately backed off and returned back to their own corners. Esmeralda sighed and slowly unhooked her cloak before turning around and looking at this mysterious woman.

Slowly kneeling before her, Esmeralda looked at her and smiled at her. "My name is Esmeralda. Fear nothing, I am only here to help you.." She paused as she looked at her. "Are you hurt? Here.. Have this. It will warm you." She said as she offered her own cloak to the stranger. The sudden sound of the bells ringing gave her an idea. A warm smile enlightened her face as she looked back at the other woman.

"Come with me, I know a place where you can be safer and less overwhelmed." She knew that her friend, Quasimodo, would welcome this woman warmly. "If there is something that truly calms me, is definitely the view of Paris from the rooftop with the sound of the bells ringing, a glass of wine and my dear friend Quasimodo. Do you trust me?" She asked kindly, knowing that there might be a risk for the other beauty not to trust her. "It is worth it, I promise you."

[the-blackened-pearl]

HOLY SHIT I’M NOT ALONEEEEE!!!!!!

The Price of Freedom if they had let me write it

[velvet4510]

Thinking about all the parents of the Fellowship during the events of the War of the Ring.

Thinking about Saradoc & Esmeralda Brandybuck and Paladin & Eglantine Took, none of whom have any idea where their sons are.

Thinking about the Gaffer, seeing a creepy hooded Man asking for the whereabouts of his son’s boss and then hearing that said son’s boss’ house has been raided and his son is nowhere to be found.

Thinking about Bilbo, knowing that his dear nephew is going into danger because of his own actions so long ago and might never return.

Thinking about Glóin, having to come home to his wife in Erebor and tell her their son is facing life-or-death danger for the first time.

Thinking about Elrond, the wise part of him knowing what must be done vs. the paternal part berating himself for sending his beloved foster son into such peril and wondering if he’ll ever be able to look his daughter in the eye again if her fiancé doesn’t come back.

Thinking about Thranduil, finding out that his only child has entered the war with the very same enemy that destroyed his father and 2/3 of his army.

Thinking about Denethor, trying to protect and defend his entire kingdom while constantly wondering why his favorite son still hasn’t come home.

Thinking about all those parents, having to spend month after month with absolutely no idea if they will ever see their sons again.

[fanaticsnail]

Warmth

Masterlist Here.

Word Count: 1,500

Synopsis: Sir Crocodile is out for a walk in Arabasta with his pug, and he is stopped by a curious child who desires to pet them. As you, their guardian, approaches, Sir Crocodile is intrigued by your candor.

Themes: Sir Crocodile x gn!reader, mildly suggestive themes, spice hinted but not explicit, you have a child under your care named 'Yarin', Crocodile is a secret softie, the pug has been fan-named 'Esmeralda'.

Notes: I just wanted to write for Crocodile and see where it took me today.

Wandering the streets of Arabasta, leash in hand and peering down at the small creature attached to the end, Sir Crocodile sauntered throughout the dunes. A small, gem encrusted collar circled the neck of the timid pup, its whole body jiggling and shaking with every soft patter and touch.

As the pug puppy sniffed at a round, leafy shrubbery, a small giggle followed a high-pitched shriek of delight. Bounding happily over to both Sir Crocodile and slowly sinking to their knees, a small child sat at the base of his shiney, leather boots.

“Oh my goodness, mister! Your dog is so beautiful!” the little one spoke, Sir Crocodile taken aback by the immediate approach from the child, “May I pet them? What’s their name?”

Clearing his throat, and slowly tucking his golden hook behind his back to not frighten the child, he gently nodded down in affirmation. Immediately, the young child gestured out the backs of their knuckle for the tiny pug puppy to snortle at, waiting until the beast was ready to receive a greeting touch. At the small flicker of a pink tongue catching the child’s hand, they giggle and immediately go to scratching and enthusiastically massaging the tan and brown puppy.

“Her name is Esmeralda,” Sir Crocodile spoke out slowly, his brow arched up as he marveled at the interaction, “Or ‘Ezzy’ when she is behaving herself.” The child repeated the name back to the dog, cooing and preening at them while truly enjoying the soft bristles and snuffy nose.

“Aww, Ezzy is so cute!” they cheer up at him, “My house won't let me have any dogs there. I have always wanted one, but I haven't been able to get one-.”

“-Yarin, just what do you think you're doing?”

The child stiffened, their eyes widened in shock before a smile splits up their lips.

“I'm petting Ezzy!” Yarin calls over their shoulder while smoothing their jowls and squishing their cheeks affectionately.

Sir Crocodile peers up, his dark eyes peering at the approach of a figure rapidly sauntering towards him. He took you in, noticing your fluster and exasperation on your face. Your worn clothes were disheveled, your feet dusted with the sands of Arabasta, and your eyes were swollen with fatigue as if you had not slept for days.

“Is that what you're doing, sweetheart?” you coo down at the small child, “Yarin, I need you to help me with the shopping, okay my love? Say goodbye to your new friend and little Ezzy, and I'll be right over.”

Yarin let out a soft whine before hanging their shoulders and rising to their feet.

“Thank you for letting me pet your dog, mister,” the child expressed up at Sir Crocodile, “I really like Ezzy. I hope you have a nice day.”

“That's a beautiful thing to say, Yarin. Off you go now,” you encouraged, gesturing for them to go back towards town. Waiting until they were out of sight, you turned to the eight-foot tall, hulking mass of a gentleman clad in embellishment and wealth. Your eyes met with his, your own smile mirroring the child he allowed to pet Esmeralda with an easy elevation.

“I appreciate you humoring Yarin, sir,” you indicate with a polite bow, “There is not much joy found in a child’s life these days, and animals are truly a delight.”

“That they are,” he responded in kind. Esmeralda resumed snorting at the leaves by his feet before sitting on the yellowed sand. “Are you the child’s guardian?”

“That I am,” you again nod to him. His interest was piqued now, watching how you easily expressed your formalities with a learned politeness.

“Your landlord will not allow pets where you're staying?” he asked curiously, stilling his golden hook behind his back to shield it away from you. You narrow your eyes and quirk your head in response, attempting to read his intentions behind his question.

“No, sir. My landlord is quite controlling of his properties, to which I partially agree with.” You respond in kind, “I cannot hang a single picture frame of my family without the approval of the lord of Arabasta.” Your smile remains on your face as you now again to him, “If you'll excuse me, I must return to Yarin and ensure the groceries are handled appropriately. May you and your darling puppy, Esmeralda, have a pleasant day, sir.”

Finally turning to return to the small child, Sir Crocodile calls out softly after you. “May you and your child have the day of warmth you have blessed mine with.”

This stops your haste, turning briefly to gift him with another soft smile in gratitude to the well wishes he expressed. In lieu of the bored grimace he constantly held on his features, he reflected that warmth back onto you with a smile of his own.

This is where the unlikely friendship began between yourself and Sir Crocodile, the lord of Arabasta, landlord of your small cottage, and your current employer. Whatever you or your child needed, Sir Crocodile was the benefactor to your desires. That small kindness from a child that was not fearful of him, who saw Esmeralda before they noticed the scar splitting his face, or the hook embedded in his sleeve, became a treasured memory in his growing infatuation with you.

Lavish gifts of scholarships and school uniforms for Yarin, a new uniform for your employment beneath him, and sporadic gifts that depicted his adoration for you became a regular occurrence. Where you saw a man who cared for his employees and their families, he saw a lengthy courtship where he had an opportunity to express his kinder side. Sir Crocodile loved you, and he was happy for his romance to remain unrequited while you raised your child alone.

You never reciprocated or demonstrated your own infatuation for him, fearing you were reading into his luxurious gifts where only friendship was found. Instead, you were gracious and accepting of the comradery and rapport you found with one another. Organizing his life, ensuring he was cared for in health, and providing him with an ear to vent his frustrations was all you could offer him. This was enough for both of you, Yarin visiting your office after school to complete their homework with Miss All-Sunday, and you sitting at your desk and scheduling Sir Crocodile’s appointments.

Whatever life you fled from was smoke and forgotten memory, the new family found in an unlikely place solidified your loyalty to the lord you served.

This was enough for the both of you.

Until it wasn't.

It didn't take much prompting to land yourself on the knee of Sir Crocodile, lips colliding in a messy oscillation of need and lust. The passionate exchange continued from his office towards his bed chambers, both of you silently thanking the care Miss All-Sunday took to watch over your child while you found yourself entangled in Crocodile’s bedsheets. Flesh to flesh, heart to heart: you were his, and he was yours in each slow movement and passionate touch throughout the evening.

Morning flooded the room at the shift of curtains, the dunes of Alabaster contrasting over the horizon as breakfast was brought to the both of you.

Neither of you discussed the shift in your relationship, although his subtle lean into you and brush of his head against yours spoke volumes more than you could admit. Love, true and rich, was in the movement of his embrace with you. Breaking the silence, you turned to him and peered up at his warm gaze.

“Did you know then that this was where I would be?” Your hands found his chest, gently raking the tufts of hair donning his broad torso. Crocodile drew down his right hand to eclipse yours. Raising your knuckles to his lips, he kept eye contact while he kissed your skin.

“No,” he confessed with a twitch in his smile, “But I did know how I felt for you in that moment.”

“How did you feel for me?” you asked carefully, your smile beginning to tug up your features and elevated the swell of infatuation in your chest.

“That your warmth would ignite my blood with your presence, filling my cold heart with hope and joy as my dog gave to your child,” he whispered, releasing your hand and cupping your cheek, “And that I needed you cared for, in any capacity. Whether we were to be friends, or lovers, I craved that for you.” He drew you up to him, gently placing his lips to your forehead and stilling his breath with your own.

You arched away from his lips to your head, motioning up to press your lips slowly against his. Whatever lust there was prior, love consumed it. Lips moving softly and soothingly against one another, you found your peace in the arms and bed of the crocodile. The only thing that broke you out of your mesmiration with one another was the sound of a puppy’s bark and a high-pitched giggle of Yarin outside the door.

“We should get up,” Crocodile whispered against your lips, traveling his deep kiss down to your neck, “And see to Yarin and Esmeralda.” You nodded in response, hastily turning your head and claiming a more intentional kiss from Sir Crocodile before you allowed yourself permission to withdraw from his side.

As you tugged your attire over your body, he admired the litter of his lust that clothed your flesh. Each kiss marring your skin in a heart-shaped bruise showcased how deeply he loved you. As you spoke with Yarin outside the door, he honed in on your voice and your inflections.

He truly didn't know what to expect back then, walking his dog himself in the square. Whatever he had desired to achieve, he acquired something far sweeter than he hoped for.

He had you.

Tag list: @mfreedomstuff @daydreamer-in-training @since-im-already-here @gingernut1314 @writingmysanity @i-am-vita @indydonuts @feral-artistry @the-light-of-star @empirenowmp3 @racfoam @sunflowersatori @carrotsunshine @skullfacedlady @jintaka-hane @thenotsofantasticlifestory

[blues824]

Second Years with a MC who is like Esmeralda from the Hunchback of Notre Dame(maybe include the pet goat?)

ColorMyTree is open! Feel free to leave a message on my Christmas tree. It’s free, so no money required. I also set it so that you don’t have to log in.

Disclaimers: I am not an expert on Romani culture. This is purely based on Esmeralda’s personality. Gender-neutral reader. Reader lives in Ramshackle, but is not Yuu. Characters include Riddle, Ruggie, Azul, Jade, Floyd, Kalim, Jamil, and Silver. In Silver’s, I put a small reference.

Riddle Rosehearts

You both actually despised each other at the beginning. You were very free-spirited and often enjoyed teasing him about everything just to make him upset. However, you always made sure to check in genuinely to see if you had gone too far with his boundaries. The first time you did that, he was actually surprised at the caring tone you had.

In classes, you were actually able to hold your own amazingly well. Not only were you competent, but you often found yourself neck-and-neck with Riddle when it came to answering questions and studying. However, unlike Riddle, you were also street-smart and not as naive, so you did feel a bit of a disconnect with him there.

Djali, your goat companion… familiar… whatever he was… he found him unsettling. He often headbutted into his leg whenever you both were walking together. However, he would switch up and lay in his lap when you both were in his dorm working on a project together. We just love a bipolar king, really.

Anyway, when you both end up getting romantically involved… everyone was surprised. However, it did actually happen that day you were at his dorm. The tension was clear to the both of you, and academic rivals turned into academic lovers. That was when Djali started really appreciating Riddle… especially since he could see that the Heartslabyul Housewarden looked at you as though you were the only being in existence.

Turns out, a free-spirited partner was really what he needed. After he overblotted, you took relaxation and breaks with him a bit more seriously. More dates, both large and small… more quality time… more words of affirmation… more physical affection like kisses and cuddles as well.

Ruggie Bucchi

You both related to each other on a book-smart and street-smart level. You respected his hustle, and he respected yours. However, you often danced for money, while he took up and assortment of odd jobs. Again, a hustle is a hustle, and game recognizes game.

However, he never realized how smart you were until you were both paired up during a project. Your goat seemed to like him, especially with how he settled into the hyena’s lap, which made you laugh a bit. But, that did lead to you pressing a kiss to Ruggie’s cheek as a ‘thank you’ for his help with a different assignment you were struggling with.

This was the start of your relationship. You often earned quite a bit of money as a performer at the Mostro Lounge, so you liked to spoil Ruggie with donuts whenever he had a particularly rough day in class, at his club, or serving Leona.

Everyone was a bit surprised to hear that the two of you got together. I mean, when you found out that Ruggie was behind Savanaclaw’s cheating, you were very upset and distanced yourself from him. However, he showed up at Ramshackle with a bouquet of flowers and some of your favorite snacks that he busted his ass to be able to afford for you.

From then on, you noticed that he always tried to make you happy, and the effort alone accomplished his goal since you loved him and his efforts. He considered himself a better person, especially with your encouragement to do better. Besides, the ear scritches were enough incentive.

Azul Ashengrotto

You had originally applied to be an entertainer in his lounge, and he asked what you could do. Needless to say, when you pulled out all sorts of magic tricks, your goat, and your dance moves, he was sold and immediately put you on the stage. The pay wasn’t incredible, but you were able to afford a few more luxuries that Crowley didn’t bother with.

Other than that, you both didn’t have much interaction outside of boss and employee, but then you saw your friends get taken advantage of. You were angry and you quit right then and there, which harmed the Lounge. Curse you for being a social butterfly with connections, Azul thought. So, he let your idiots go, and you returned to the Lounge.

Ever since his overblot, you felt bad for pushing him to his furthest limit, so you made him a self-care basket as he recovered. That was the start of a more romantic relationship, where he genuinely apologized to you. He allowed you to quit the Lounge in place of being his partner, who he loved to spoil.

You didn’t know struggle as much anymore, which you were grateful for. Djali was very happy to receive some snacks every single visit, and often rested in Azul’s lap as he completed homework or paperwork for the Lounge, or conducted business deals. That solidified this relationship for you.

Everyone noticed that Azul seemed a lot more chill ever since he got in a relationship with you. He also noticed that he often carried a new handkerchief in his breast pocket. Turns out, it’s yours, and you sprayed your cologne/perfume on it. He just wanted to carry around a small reminder of his beloved partner.

Jade Leech

He met you officially when you started working for the Mostro Lounge. Your dancing was enchanting, to say the least, and Jade found himself intrigued. Often, he would ask about your homeland, Fleur City, and the plant life there. You didn’t have many answers, so you just shrugged and brought some seeds back during one of your breaks where you got to return home.

During the events leading up to his boss’s overblot, you both were on different sides of the battle. You wanted your friends’ freedom, stating that the deal was unfair and unachievable to begin with. Your magic disappearing trick was definitely one that threw Jade for a loop in the ocean scene, and the way you teased them about not being able to catch you.

To say that at the end of everything, you were angry at Jade, would be an understatement. You were absolutely furious. You took back the seeds, which were plants at this point, and even sold off the terrarium he had made for you during your friendship. Fortunately, Yuu convinced you to forgive him (totally not because they were forced to), and you agreed to hear him out.

Jade presented you with a new terrarium, as well as the old one you sold off when you quit the Lounge in order to pay for some necessities. He bought it back from the student and gave it to you, which nearly made you cry and apologize. You paid him back with a kiss, and he was greedier than before and asked for a few more.

That was the restart of your relationship. He was happy when you came back to the Mostro Lounge, and you both would spend your breaks doing homework at one of the booths. It was a lovely way to spend time together, and it was a great way to get assignments done as well. It did take a while for Djali to like him again, though.

Floyd Leech

You were one of the only people who did not mind his clinginess. You were used to it with Djali, so it was like having another animal familiar trailing you around. However, this one was over 6 feet in height, and he was an eel, not a goat. It didn’t matter to you, though, since he offered a great deal of protection in exchange for attention.

However, shit hit the fan when Azul put your friends under contracts that were impossible to carry through, so you went on strike. Not only did this hurt the Lounge in terms of revenue, since you were an entertainer there, but it also made Floyd angry that you were no longer hanging out with him.

After Azul overblotted, Floyd went to Yuu to ask for help in getting you to forgive him. Yuu had never seen a grown eel-mermaid get down on his knees and beg for help, but there is always a first time for everything. He repeated the getting down on his knees and begging when he got to your room, and you offered to cuddle the sadness out of him which made him happy.

Ever since you forgave him, he has definitely been happier. You came back to the Lounge, and he was often completely captivated by your dancing skills. Not only that, but you often spent your breaks together, with him clinging onto you like a koala and telling you about his day. It’s gotten to a point where Azul begs you to move into Octavinelle with Floyd so he wouldn’t be pouty at night.

So you moved in, and Floyd was in a giddy state 24/7. You came to his games, you spent your work breaks with him, you lived with him… it was all he could ever ask for, really. The next step was meeting his parents, and he was especially excited for you to meet his mom.

Kalim Al-Asim

You both were opposite sides where societal and financial class is involved. However, some would think that this is why your relationship worked. He loved spoiling you, even before he became your boyfriend. You always felt bad about it, but he reassured you that it was perfectly fine and that he would just spend more money on you if you tried to argue.

Unfortunately, when it came to Jamil, you were very wary of him. Sure, you both came from poorer backgrounds, but you were able to see the Vice-Housewarden’s plan. If only your boyfriend believed you. However, it was only a matter of time before Jamil overblotted and threw all of you to the ends of the dunes.

To say you were angry not only at Jamil, but Kalim as well for not listening to you, was an understatement. As you all swam back to Scarabia, Kalim looked like a kicked puppy as you avoided each and every one of his touches. Djali was very torn, since he loved both you and Kalim, which made Kalim even sadder.

When the entire ordeal was over, you went back to Ramshackle and just gave Kalim dry responses, which shattered his heart and nearly made him cry. So, he asked Yuu how he could make it up to you. Needless to say, when you got back to your room at Ramshackle, your entire room was flooded with bouquet after bouquet of your favorite flowers.

You forgave him quickly, especially as he hugged your knees and begged until he cried. Unfortunately for your lips, you had to smooch the sadness out of Kalim. From that point on that day, he was very happy, and so was Djali. He didn’t have to be a child of divorce anymore.

Jamil Viper

You both came from familiar backgrounds… and by that I mean you came from familiar classes. Born as lesser-thans, trying to make names for yourselves. However, you were not born into servitude. You served yourself, and Jamil envied you for it. He was born with the job of serving Kalim, which made you pity Jamil.

Anyway, you both officially met when you were paired together for an assignment. Turns out, you both were a lot more alike than you thought. So, you started hanging out more often. You showed him a lot of fun things that you do in-town right below NRC for low prices, and he swears that he has never had more fun than when he was with you.

Unfortunately for the two of you, life is not all peaches and cream, so he overblots. However, since you were his partner, he keeps you with him as a sort of ego-stroke. You were heartbroken at being used by him in such a manner, and when everything was dealt with and Jamil’s overblot was stopped, you cried in your dormitory and didn’t answer his calls.

Your boyfriend felt like absolute shit for treating you as though you were some worshiper rather than his beloved partner, so he came with a bouquet and a meal he prepared to apologize. He walked into your room quietly and set his gifts on the desk before sitting on the floor next to you to beg for your forgiveness… and because you are who you are, you forgave him. Djali had a bit of a rougher time doing that, though.

From that point on, you both had dates where you spent time together, and he reassured you that he genuinely loved you and it was the overblot telling you that he saw you as someone to worship. You attended each of his basketball games, which he appreciated since he loved having his partner there to cheer him on.

Silver

He had met you during one of your dancing gigs at the Mostro Lounge. He was meeting up with a project partner at the Lounge to discuss a few last-minute details when he saw you. To say he was entranced would be a complete understatement… until you tripped and fell off the stage. He rushed to catch you, and he was very glad he did.

From that point on, you often called him your ‘Knight in Shining Armor’, much to his embarrassment and his father’s delight. Often, you both could be spotted on campus with him laying his head in your lap and sleeping… and Djali lays on top of his stomach to nap as well while you finish up some homework. Sebek did not like you very much, not just due to your status as a human, but also because he thinks you joke around too much. Lilia loves you as a child-in-law and often jokes about asking when the wedding shall be. Malleus enjoys your company as a friend and as a sort of sibling-in-law, if that makes sense.

You eventually moved into Diasomnia, opting to cook for everyone so that they didn’t have to suffer through Lilia’s cooking. Silver’s room became yours as well, and you often put in little pops of color everywhere. Not only that, but Silver often carried arround the handkerchief you gave him which added more color to his usual outfit. Besides, every knight carries a favor from his partner.

Silver loved you a lot, to be honest. You always stood up and argued Yuu’s case to Headmaster Crowley, often using your connections inside and outside of school to gather power and support. After all, the bird would rather not get news of his mistreatment of a magicless student to get out to news outlets. Ramshackle has benefited from your willingness to fight against unfair treatment, and so has Silver.

[deepinthedarkworld]

His comment drew a smile from the brunette. This guy seemed to be a flirt and it was impossible not to smile when he spoke. Something about him drew her in, held her interest. "Does that mean you've kissed people and not just told anyone?" Was that the reason he had wanted to get away that morning? Avoid any awkwardness with the rest of the travel group. Again, scratching at her curiosity with a simple comment. Josh was still but a mystery to her. A mystery Esmeralda intended to look into.

Dark hues travelled over the toned body as Josh removed his shirt. Without thinking, her tongue licked between her lips. Brain barely registering his words as he started moving away from her. Her response came in the form of her undressing herself down to her bikini. Then she put her hand over her chest and started running for the water. "Last one is a rotten egg." Laughter left her as she passed him, hand still covering her chest to make sure her breasts didn't bounce out of her top as she ran.

@utterxdesires

Holding onto her hand just a bit tighter as she struggled a bit with balance once off of the ATV, Joshua couldn't help himself but chuckle at the sight of her trying to take that helmet off. Just as he thought to reach out and help, she was putting it aside and Joshua turned to glance over at the beautiful beach and the sun only starting to warm up the sand. At her question, he turned his attention back to her, his eyes catching the moment she tied up her shirt a bit higher. Making himself snap out of it, he met her gaze and smirk. "I don't kiss and tell."he teased with a wink. "--- But in all honesty, you just gotta be good with the locals and they'll tell you all the best secrets."Josh pointed out. Taking off his shirt to reveal his slim muscular physique, Josh grabbed his backpack and just tucked the shirt in there. "You feel like going for a swim? Because I know I do."he mused as he began walking backwards across the sandy beach, giving her a big smile. @deepinthedarkworld

[anaconamor]

christmas morning with you - jude bellingham x reader.

quick sum: the anticipated time of year arrives. after sharing a night full of laughters, joy and some nerves, dad! jude surprises his babies as santa on christmas morning. insta au at the end! 🤍🎄

wc: 2.6k | masterlist | jude’s masterlist

psa🗣️: i refuse to believe christmas is legit two days away cause what? but dad! jude once again for us girlies! hope you enjoy 🤍🎄

“i look hideous!” jude yelled, trying to fix the super loose santa costume on him. you cried your eyes out laughing, having to sit on the bed and cross your legs or you would pee from laughter. “no please i’m sorry, i’m sorry, not really but i’ll say it so you won't change,” you wiped your eyes and stood up, walking over to jude who was ready to get out of the costume. 

“it’s supposed to be funny and cheery baby, you said you wanted to do this? surprise zion and esmeralda?” you reminded him, tiptoeing up to fix the santa hat that clearly was to small for his head. “yes but now instead of them being happy they’ll cry, and i don't like to see my babies crying,” jude sighed. 

ever since you had your two little ones, jude was an emotional mess. he would cry just by listening to their small pleads and sniffles to stay when he had away games or international break. jude would tear up at the smallest things zion would do. when he first kicked a small football, to saying his name, even when he spent relentless nights in jude’s arms. looking at zion right now, he looked like baby jude. jude spent so much time that he eventually recognized his small footsteps anywhere around the house. 

esmeralda? she was the spitting image of you but had her daddy's eyes that anyone could say the same. she was almost a year old, and jude would often tear up at the fact she's all grown. he brushed the smallest coils and curls back into pigtails, dressed her into baby pink onesies, and held her in his arms when she slept. esmeralda was a chunky toothy baby, who was a daddy’s girl over anything. 

“they won't cry trust me. they can recognize you from a mile away. plus i think the illusion they have of santa has been pretty positive after they took pictures with him and didn’t cry,” you reassured him, your thumb stroking his cheek watching him smile and relax into your palm. 

“but that’s because they saw the other kids happy, this time santa is in their home,” jude nervously stressed. jude went to sit on the corner of the bed clearly upset now of the idea of surprising the kids. “baby, you're stressing for no reason,” you sat on his lap, a hand resting on one of his shoulders and the other over his chest, “everything will go to plan, they said bye to the elf, and they left cookies and milk. if anything i think this would be the light of their year.”

the elf on the shelf was a new tradition introduced this year. and zion loved it more than anything, the first to wake up to see where it had moved or had done. but it cost small disagreements about where it would go or what it would do between you and jude. while you wanted a sweet and mannered elf, jude wanted to make it seem it was naughty and mischievous. 

after spending an hour tonight to find a place in the house, the two of you settled with the elf placed on top of the fireplace with a bitten cookie. the cookies the four of you made together after coming home from christmas eve dinner, jude holding baby esmeralda as he decorated the cookie, zion eating the frosting instead of using it, esme watching her daddy's every move, while you kept perfecting every cookie and poured milk into a glass. 

“the last thing i want is them a crying mess and forever being traumatized by christmas,” jude recalled leaning up to kiss you. “stop you’re distracting me,” you push back after getting lost into it. “i’m trying to ease your nerves but you have different ideas,” you state. “if you say everything will be fine and no crying babies, than i trust my love, ok?” he smiled wide and then smirked. 

you rolled your eyes at his smirk, and his flimsy hands that made their way up to push the straps of your top down. “so you’ll wear the costume?” you asked in a low voice, he hummed his thumbs drawing small circles on your skin. “good, now change out of it for tomorrow morning,” you smirked and then got up. 

“worst comes to worst, they cry and that’s it, but you're their favorite person so they quickly get over it,” you say fixing the straps that felt loose. “you make it sounds like they prefer me over you,” jude replied after taking the santa costume off, putting a loose white tee over his black boxers. 

“because they do baby,” you stifled a laugh sounding a bit unsure, getting under the covers and checking the baby camera to make sure the babies were okay. “that’s not true y/n. you spend almost all the time with them, even when you work. they love you and me equally,” jude frowned, sitting on your side of the bed where you lay, jude tucking your hair behind your ear. 

“not only are you an amazing mommy to them, but the most wonderful fiance to me. you care for us during the good and bad, not once losing your cool even when you feel like that. they don't have favorites. don't doubt their love because they smile the biggest when you walk into the room. i love you, my sweet girl,” jude rambled, his eyes never leaving yours even when his hand interlocked with yours kissing over your ring finger. 

“i didn't want to cry, jude, but oh my gosh you make that hard with this,” you got up and hugged him, kissing over the small scar on his collarbone, “i love you so much. you’re the greatest gift in my life along with our babies zion and esmy. being able to spend christmas with you after is truly the most thing i’m thankful for, because i wouldn't ask anything more in the world for our family to be together,” you sniffled, hearing jude chuckle and kiss your head. 

“cmon. i know you're tired after moving up and down all day to make christmas eve perfect. which i kept forgetting to thank you by the way,” jude rubbed your back before going over to the other side and laid next to you, bringing you into his chest. “stop making it seem like it did all the work. i wouldn't have done it without your help jude. listening to my idea or making comments where stuff should go, that’s why i got you a gift,” you giggled at when he let out a small gasp in shock. 

“we agreed on no gifts!” 

“i know, i know! but i had to, i promise you will love it, and it’s something that will be a reminder everyday,” you had to force yourself to shut up, knowing you were the type to tell someone about their gifts before the day could come. jude hummed in a “we will see” manner, kissing you a last time before going to sleep. “goodnight santa,” you whispered hearing him laugh. 

“quit it!” 

during the night, the babies joined you in the bed. esmeralda due to being hungry and wanting to be fed, and zion because of a small nightmare he claimed to have. jude was up before any of you, placing a kiss on the babies cheeks and on your forehead. the three of you were heavy sleepers, jude was not, waking up at any small movements or noise. 

jude whispered quietly to wake you up, not waiting any longer to surprise his babies and watch them open their gifts. “y/n? wake up its almost 9am, im gonna go change and wait downstairs okay?” you squinted your eyes and nodded, looking at zion and esmeralda sound asleep, small snores leaving their mouths. “i’m gonna change her diaper and we will be down okay? Make coffee please,” you pleaded with your eyes and pout. 

“okay hurry please!” jude said with anticipation, quickly grabbing the red santa costume and hat. jude waited by the tree, holding two gifts that belonged to the kids, his white beard helping not give his appearance away. jude heard the small scream zion let out saying it was christmas, and his whines to make you hurry up so they could open gifts. 

“zion please be careful! don't run down the stairs or you could get hurt baby,” you scolded but laughed at his cheery mood. esme kicked in your hold, her messy curls everywhere as her face was still slightly puffy after she woke up. zion gasped, and slowly walked forward, “is that santa, mommy?” he asked you with a quiet voice, feeling his small hand hold yours. 

zion came to stand behind your leg slightly timid or scared, as esmeralda gave you curious eyes. jude for a second thought this would take a turn and go the opposite way. zion was like this, if he didnt recognize anyone at first he got shy, but jude knew he was quick to happy and cheery. you seemed to have your way as all of the sudden zion peeked his head and then walked to stand back into his original spot. 

jude held back a laugh, and walked close to where the three of you were. “it is zion, and look he has your presents! go say hi baby, don't be scared,” zion ran over to jude who slightly stumbled back at the sudden push from the smaller three-year-old as he hugged his leg. “i can’t believe you’re here!” zion laughed and jumped up and down excitedly. 

“mommy don't be rude come here and say hi,” the small toddler urged giving you an attempted look of being grumpy. “hi santa,” you said with a laugh sitting on the couch as esmeralda crawled to her brother. “look esmy, that santa! and he's here with our presents,” zion crouched down to say to her. she sat on the floor and pointed at jude with her chubby finger, “dada?, but her brother laughed in denial. 

“no esmy, that santa not dada!” the toddler replied. jude’s heart warmed when he heard his babygirl call for him, but he didn't want to spoil anything, it was going to plan and he wanted it to remain that way. The fear and anxiety leaving his body, being afraid they would cry and get scared. he knew it wasn't the case when zion hugged him again, and couldn't stop smiling.

after zion and esmeralda opened the gifts jude had in his hand, zion kept asking question as to why he was here, how many kids he had visited, if he liked the cookies you guys had, if he the eld you guys had, needed to go back or stay. esmeralda knew it was her daddy, as she immediately crawled into his lap and began to tug on his white beard. jude took the whole santa act seriously, changing his voice to go deeper and instead of laughing he did the infamous “ ho ho ho”. 

zion believed every single second of it, not even noticing it was jude underneath. jude or well santa had to go back, zion pleaded for him not to go, but jude explained he needed to feed the reindeer, and give him them carrots. that the north pole needed santa claus back or the workshop would fail and there would be no christmas. zion hugged santa tight as possible making him promise to come next year. 

jude passed esme to you, giving you a wink before he left through the front door, zion screamed out that he couldnt believe it, that santa was here. he even walked over to the elf and thanked him for making this happen as apparently, it was one of his christmas wishes for santa to visit. 

“daddy! daddy! oh my god, santa was here you missed it!” zion yapped, explaining to jude who had the biggest smile on his face as he heard his little toddler ramble and stutter. esmeralda went back to her daddy as you grabbed you and jude a fresh brew of coffee in the christmas-themed mugs, kissing his lips and greeting him a good morning.

the next hour was spent watching your babies laugh and thank you repeatedly at their gifts, zion continuing to talk about santa being here. you took small pictures and videos to look back at the memory, jude kissing your shoulder from time to time, his brown eyes staring into yours. 

when you saw the time was right, zion and esme playing with his new toys, you walked over to grab both gifts. the presents neatly wrapped in the red wrapping snowman-themed paper with a small card dedicated to jude. when you sat down, jude did the same, bringing your gifts over to you, where you shook your head in disbelief. “i know we said no gifts but i couldn't help myself. i love to spoil you,” he said. 

after you and jude opened every gift, you gave him the final one. jude furrowed his brows, gently unwrapping the gift paper, continuing to eye you. you watched as he opened the red velvet box, and inside was a gold neck with three charms. your baby's heartbeats from your early pregnancy days, and an engraved hearth charm where it was custom themed, your hand writing spelling out ‘jude + y/n’ and your anniversary date where he asked you to be his gf. 

jude inspected every piece, his eyes welling up with tears feeling overjoyed with emotion. “there’s one more,” you reached behind you and grabbed the album of photos, jude letting out a nervous laugh as he began to look and reminisce you early relationship days, finding out you were pregnant, the trip to bahamas, zion and esmy when thet were tiny, and your proposal. jude brought you to his lap, where he wiped the tears away and snuck his head into the crook of youe neck. 

“i can’t thank you enough for this y/n. for this,” he gestured to the necklace and charms, “this” then the album still in his hand, “and for our little family,” jude felt over the moon. feeling speechless after the christmas morning went better than he imagined. He pulled you in closer, feeling more in love by you, a piece of him being complete after the gift you gave him.

“you’ve made this christmas and year so memorable, and im so lucky to have you jude. it’s the least i could do after everything you've done for me and our kiddos. i’m thankful to have met you, and to have person look after us 24/7. i love you so so so much,” you persisted, wiping the tears still present onto his cheeks. 

“i love you more than life itself,” he kissed you, holding your chin as your kiss felt like heaven. your lips made for him to taste and relish, molding perfectly with his. his hand tugged on you hair, not wanting to let go and keep you like this forever. jude had to resist and pulled back feeling breathless, you the same. 

hours later, jude was wearing the gold chain necklace, he had fallen asleep on the couch, baby esmeralda on his chest, while zion slept safe and sound, his head leaning onto his shoulder. he spent hours playing with them, the whole morning filled with laughs and screams from them. Jude had woken up, and went to place each baby in their rooms. 

he looked around for you, and called out for you and stumbled back in pure shock. you leaned on the door frame wearing nothing but a red lingerie set. a lace bra and thong, and thigh garters that were clipped onto the top waistband. he approached you, getting hard immediately, enamored with your body. he wasn't expecting this, but he sure as hell wasn't going to complain as you stood there with innocent eyes and a smirk on your face.

“you could count this as your last present.” 

————————

judebellingham posted on their feed!

judebellingham and ynusername

liked by: ynusername, jobebellingham, camavinga, realmadrid, brahmin, gioreyna, and 3,235,333 others.

judebellingham: feeling the love more than ever this year! happy holidays to everyone, and cheers to the new year! 🤍🎄

comments.

username30: i forget he’s a dad of two sometimes…

user54: YN APPEARANCE. NOBODY MOVE.

camavinga: feliz navidad bro ❤️

↪️ judebellingham: igualmente bro ❤️

vinijr: merry christmas ❤️🎄

↪️ judebellingham: merry christmas vini 🎄

realmadrid: enhorabuena jude! disfruta con tu familia.

liked by judebellingham!

ynusername: i love you endlessly 🤍

↪️ judebellingham: imposible bc i love you more prettygirl 😍🤍

jobebellingham: do you still have leftovers? will be coming over if you do.

↪️ judebellingham: we do but none for you

↪️ ynusername: ignore him, food will be ready soon, just come by!

gioreyna: miss you bro ❤️ happy holidays

↪️ judebellingham: happy holidays from my family to yours 🤍

user8238: their baby dressed as santa i cant 😣🥹

username328: i legit cant with them ☹️

username76: merry christmas and happy new year!

[revolutionary-thoy]

Croatian Sailor Pluto! I put her on an uninhabited island that's as far from the coastline as possible because I feel like that's very on brand for Pluto. Original Pluto is apparently meant to be half romani, so I took some inspiration from both traditional croatian and romani dresses. Resources on Romani clothing are surprisingly hard to find among all the horrible halloween costumes and esmeralda cosplays.

Also I love putting Pluto in suits, she's a cool business lady. what is her business?? who even knows!

[anae-art]

Day 19 - Monster hunter For this one, I wanted to redraw one of the scenes from our Curse of Strahd adventure, when we were just before the fight with Strahd One of my favorite scenes I must point out Well it will be a long story below (Prop list is from @crowholtz ) (Spoilers for Curse of Strahd below)

Just before the planned attack on the castle, we gathered everyone who wanted to help us to devise a plan. A little late arrived van Richten telling us that Esmeralda would arrive later and that we should start without her.

We spent an hour-long session planning the steps and when we had everything figured out, van Richten asked one of the characters to talk. After a while our friend came back to us, saying that the monster hunter would return later and indeed, after a while he practically ran into the inn with Esmeralda saying:

-Sorry, we couldn't come earlier, we were attacked by vampire spawns on the way. What is the plan?

And our reaction after a moment of consternation looked more or less like this:

-Oh, but you were here a moment ag…. OH NO

Yes, so as you can probably guess this previous van Richten was Strahd. He changed his appearance and insured the outing of my detection of the undead. And when he went outside with our friend charmed him and took the item that was supposed to help us in the fight.

Funnily enough, while we were talking, my character Gabrielle pulled out a sun sword, which dealt damage to him and our GM had to see if he would lose concentration and look like Strahd again. Unfortunately, he didn't lose it (although it could have been fun)

So we ended up with Strahd knowing our plan from us, taking items from us and our morale dropping to zero just before fighting him. A brilliant move. I still think it was one of the better scenes in the entire campaign

Although I must admit that our GM gave us some hints -Before Strahd entered the inn and he asked if he could enter -He stood up and moved away from me when I pulled out a sun sword -On top of that, van Richten talking about how much garlic helps fight vampires was suspicious…. But we were too excited to fight Strahd to notice it, ok...?

[mxnsterbabe]

Male Gargoyle/Female Reader SFW Wordcount: 5,890 Commissions | Ko-fi | Masterlist

A new human resident, seeking refuge for reasons of your own, finds love in the form of a monstrous guardian.

The halfway house loomed ahead, its imposing stone walls etched with shadow in the moonlight. You clutched your bag tighter, your pulse drumming in your ears. 

You glanced over your shoulder for what must have been the hundredth time, the cold weight of dread pressing against your ribs.

The door rose before you, solid and unyielding, its brass knocker shaped like a wolf’s head glaring at you. Your fingers hovered above it, trembling slightly. For a moment, you considered turning around. Would this place really keep you safe? Could it?

Before your knuckles touched the brass, the door swung open with a long creak. A woman stood framed in the warm glow spilling from inside, her sharp features softened by the lamplight. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her golden eyes swept over you.

“You must be the new arrival,” she said, her voice rich but calm. The kind of calm that unnerved you because it was something you’d forgotten how to feel. “Come in. It’s late, and you look like you’ve had a long journey.”

The way she spoke wasn’t a question, and somehow, it put you at ease. You stepped over the threshold, your grip on your bag loosening just slightly. The door closed behind you with a weighty click, and you tried not to flinch.

The house’s interior was warm, the dark wood floors gleaming and the sconces casting golden light along the walls. It smelled faintly of lavender and something spicy, like clove. Your breathing slowed as you took it in, though your heart was still racing.

“You’re Esmeralda?” you asked, your voice raspier than you’d hoped.

She nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I am. You’re  Lucas’ friend?” Her head tilted slightly, studying you with a kind of quiet intensity. “He said you’d been through a lot. That you needed somewhere safe.”

You swallowed hard. “He didn’t lie.”

Her smile grew warmer, more assured. “This is the safest place you’ll find. The wards will keep out... whatever it is you’re running from.”

The words hit you like a blow, and for a moment, you thought you might cry. Weeks of running, of watching shadows that seemed to creep too close, of every breath feeling like a gamble—all of it had been eating away at you.

“Are you sure?” you asked, your voice trembling.

“Positive,” she said firmly. “Lucas wouldn’t have sent you here if it weren’t.”

Her certainty left you speechless. For the first time in weeks, the knot in your chest began to loosen, even if only slightly.

Esmeralda’s gaze softened further. “Come with me. I’ll show you to the kitchen. You look like you could use some tea.”

You followed her down the hallway, the house quiet except for the faint creak of the wooden floor beneath your steps. As she guided you toward the warm glow of the kitchen, the fear still lingered, but her steady presence made it easier to breathe. For the first time, you let yourself hope this sanctuary might be real.

Esmeralda moved about the kitchen with quiet efficiency, the sound of water filling the kettle breaking the heavy silence that had settled over you. The faint scent of lavender hung in the air, mingling with the sharper tang of herbs drying in bundles above the stove. You sank into one of the wooden chairs at the table, the weight of exhaustion pressing you down as the kettle began to hum, low and steady.

Your hands rested against the table, fingertips brushing over its scarred surface, worn smooth by years of use. Esmeralda’s presence at the counter was a comfort, her movements deliberate yet soothing, as though she’d done this a hundred times for people like you.

The kettle hissed as it came to a boil, and the click of Esmeralda turning it off was sharp but satisfying. The earthy scent of tea leaves followed, curling into the air as she poured steaming water into two chipped mugs.

“You’ll feel better with something warm,” she said softly, setting a mug in front of you. The steam rose between you, and you curled your fingers around the cup, letting the heat seep into your hands.

“Thank you,” you murmured.

The silence stretched again, broken only by the faint creak of the house as the night settled into its bones. Your eyes wandered to the doorway beyond Esmeralda, the dim hall beyond swallowed in shadows. For the first time since entering, the warmth of the kitchen didn’t feel as reassuring. The dark seemed to press against the doorway like a heavy thing, waiting.

Then it moved.

Your breath caught as a shadow shifted in the hall, something large and hulking stepping into view. Your pulse spiked, fear tightening your chest, and the chair scraped loudly against the floor as you stumbled to your feet.

“I—” a voice rumbled, low and gravelly, almost a growl. “I didn’t mean to...”

The shadow resolved into something more solid, a figure stepping closer. He was tall—massive—with broad shoulders and thick arms almost as big as your thighs. The light from the kitchen caught his face, the deep grooves and ridges of his features etched deep into his skin. His flat nose and sharp tusks gave him a beastly look, but his amber eyes held something that was almost shy.

“I didn’t realise there was a newcomer,” he said awkwardly, his claws curling slightly as his hands rested at his sides. “It’s late.”

Your heart pounded, the initial fear still rushing through your veins. “I—sorry,” you stammered, stepping back toward the table. “You startled me.”

He hesitated, his wings shifting slightly behind him as if he were trying to make himself smaller. “My fault. I thought everyone was asleep.”

Esmeralda turned to him, her voice calm. “This is Olivier. He helps keep the house running.”

You nodded quickly, still clutching the edge of the table. “I didn’t mean to... react like that.”

Olivier tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. “You’re fine,” he said, his voice low. “I’m sorry for scaring you.”

The tension in the room eased, though your hands still gripped the edge of the table like it was the only thing holding you steady. His size had your pulse thrumming, the sheer presence of him filling the doorway as his amber eyes lingered on you for a moment longer. Then, with a quiet nod, he stepped back into the shadows, his heavy footsteps receding down the hall.

Esmeralda sat down across from you, sliding her mug closer. “He’s not so scary once you get to know him.”

You nodded faintly, though your pulse hadn’t quite settled. “I didn’t mean to react poorly.”

She smiled slightly. “He understands. Olivier’s... quiet, but he’s one of the kindest souls you’ll meet.”

You glanced toward the hall where he’d disappeared, the echo of his presence still lingering like a shadow in the warm light of the kitchen.

Esmeralda sipped her tea, her fingers delicate around the mug. She watched you with a sly smile as Olivier vanished, but said nothing. 

Across the table, you tried to steady yourself, the warmth of the drink doing little to calm the residual unease from your earlier scare. The room was quiet except for the faint clink of her spoon against the rim as she stirred absently.

“Feeling better?” she asked, her dark eyes studying you over the edge of her cup.

You nodded, though your hands still trembled slightly as you lifted the mug. “A bit. I just... I didn’t expect to see anyone.”

“Olivier isn’t usually up this late,” she said, a faint smile pulling at her lips. “He must have been finishing up something. He can be... intense at first, but he’s good. You’ll see.”

Her reassurance didn’t dispel the lingering image of his massive frame silhouetted in the dim hall, his amber eyes glinting in the shadows. Still, there had been something awkward about him, a reluctance that softened the fear he’d sparked.

You took another sip of tea, the earthy flavour grounding you as Esmeralda leaned back in her chair. She gave you time to gather yourself, her calm presence filling the silence.

“Come on,” she said gently after a while, setting her empty mug down. “You need sleep more than anything right now.”

You followed her out of the kitchen, the warmth fading slightly as you entered the cooler hall. The sconces along the walls cast soft light, their glow illuminating the space just enough to make the shadows feel less oppressive.

Esmeralda led you upstairs and past several doors, some plain, others with small, worn nameplates fixed above the handles. Your eyes lingered on the engraved names as you walked.

Olivier. Laurent. Lucas.

She noticed your gaze and offered a small smile. “Some of the residents here are permanent,” she explained. “Olivier and his brother, Laurent, have been with me the longest. Lucas helps me run the house, though you already know that.”

You wondered what kind of people—or creatures—could find permanence in a place like this.

Esmeralda stopped in front of a door near the end of the hall and pushed it open, revealing a cosy room with a double bed tucked beneath a window. The quilted covers looked inviting, and a lamp on the bedside table cast a warm, golden glow over the space.

“This will be yours,” she said, stepping aside so you could enter. “It’s comfortable, and there are extra blankets in the wardrobe if you need them.”

You nodded, your body already aching for the bed’s promise of rest.

She lingered in the doorway, her tone softening. “Get some sleep. Tomorrow, we’ll start figuring out how to deal with your... problem.”

The words brought a flicker of relief, though your shoulders remained tight. “Thank you,” you murmured, meeting her gaze.

Her smile was steady, reassuring. “You’re safe here. We’ll make sure of it.”

The door closed gently behind her, leaving you alone in the quiet. The soft creak of the bed as you sat down was the only sound, the room still save for the faint rustling of leaves outside the window. For the first time in what felt like forever, you let yourself believe her words.

***

The morning sunlight filtered weakly through the heavy curtains, painting the room in muted gold as you pulled on a fresh set of clothes. The bed, softer than you’d expected, had offered fleeting comfort, but the unease hadn’t left you completely. Whatever was following you, whatever had driven you here, still loomed at the edges of your thoughts.

A knock at the door startled you from your reverie, sharp but familiar.

“It’s Lucas,” came a deep, cheery voice.

You opened the door to see your old friend standing there, his broad frame filling the doorway. His dark hair was tousled, and the warmth in his grin was the first thing to settle your nerves since arriving.

“Morning,” he said, holding up a duffel bag in one hand. “Thought you might want this. Picked it up from your house this morning.”

Your heart twisted at the sight of the bag, a tangible piece of the life you’d left behind. “Lucas... thank you,” you said, your voice wavering slightly. “I can’t believe you went back there.”

He shrugged, his easy smile never faltering. “It wasn’t a problem. Esmeralda told me what was going on, and I figured you’d want your things.”

You stepped aside to let him in, the bag dropping heavily onto the bed. “I’m sorry,” you murmured, glancing at him. “I know we haven’t talked much lately, and now I’m here, asking for help.”

His expression softened, a hand coming to rest on your shoulder. “Hey, that’s what friends are for. Besides, you’ve got plenty on your plate. Let’s get this sorted, yeah?”

You nodded, the knot in your chest easing slightly.

“Esmeralda wants to see you downstairs,” he said, gesturing toward the door. “They’re waiting.”

You followed him down to the living room, the scent of tea and something herbal lingering faintly in the air. Esmeralda stood by the fireplace, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders as she sipped from a mug. Olivier was seated on a low armchair, his wings folded tightly against his back, and another creature—taller, lighter in complexion—leaned casually against the wall.

“You must be Laurent,” you said hesitantly, catching his sharp amber gaze.

“Guilty,” he replied, his voice low and smooth.

Esmeralda turned to you, setting her mug down on the mantle. “Good, you’re here. We were just discussing your... visitor.”

Your stomach tightened at the mention, the faint sense of being watched creeping back like a chill on your skin. “What do you think it is?”

“A shadow spirit,” Esmeralda said carefully, her tone matter-of-fact but not unkind. “They’re rare, but dangerous. The fact that it’s targeted you makes me think it has a purpose—or a grudge.”

Laurent’s gaze darkened, his sharp features set into a frown. “You’ve been followed for weeks. Why didn’t you come here sooner?”

You hesitated, guilt flickering in your chest. “I didn’t realise how bad it was. I thought it would stop.”

“It never stops,” Olivier said quietly, his voice carrying a weight that drew your attention. His expression was unreadable, but his amber eyes held yours for a moment longer than felt comfortable.

Esmeralda broke the silence. “There’s someone in the house who might know more. Rio. He tends to avoid most of us, but he’s knowledgeable about... unusual things.”

You nodded, though her tone sent a prickle of unease down your spine.

“Until we know more, we should take precautions,” she continued, glancing between the brothers. “It wouldn’t hurt to have someone watching your back.”

“I can do it,” Olivier said, his voice steady.

Laurent raised a brow but said nothing, while Esmeralda nodded thoughtfully.

You looked at Olivier, startled by the offer. “You don’t have to—”

“I don’t mind,” he said simply, his gaze unwavering. “You’re here to be safe. I can make sure of that.”

His calm certainty silenced your protests, leaving you both unsettled and oddly reassured.

Esmeralda smiled as she leaned against the mantel, her dark eyes scanning the room with quiet authority. The glimmer of sharp fangs momentarily distracted you from Olivier. 

“We need to cover every angle,” she said, her tone calm but firm. “Lucas, you’ll keep an eye outside and sure the wards hold. Olivier and Laurent will take shifts keeping an eye on her. There’s no telling how persistent this thing is.”

Lucas nodded, his arms crossed over his broad chest. “You got it. I’ll do a sweep after breakfast, make sure nothing’s slipped through.”

Laurent, still leaning against the wall with that lazy confidence, tilted his head. “What about Rio? If anyone knows what this shadow creature is, it’s him.”

Esmeralda’s lips twitched into a small smile, though her eyes remained serious. “I’ll talk to him. He’s not easy to pin down, but he might know something useful.”

You shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of everyone’s attention even as they spoke around you. “Is... is it really that bad?” you asked, your voice quieter than you’d intended.

Esmeralda turned to you, her expression softening. “We don’t know enough to say for certain, but whatever’s been following you isn’t ordinary. Shadow spirits are rare, and they don’t pick targets without reason.”

Your stomach twisted at her words. “So it won’t just... stop?”

“No,” Laurent said bluntly, his amber eyes meeting yours. “It won’t.”

The chill in his voice sent a shiver down your spine, but you caught yourself staring again, drawn to the way the light caught on the mossy brown texture of his skin. He wasn’t just imposing—he was striking in a way that made it hard to look away, even as your nerves frayed under his gaze.

He must have noticed, because his lips curved into a grin that bared sharp, gleaming teeth. Heat surged to your face, and you quickly turned back to Esmeralda, clutching your hands together in your lap.

“We’ll handle it,” she said, her voice cutting through your flustered thoughts. “You’re safe here. Between the wards and the watch, nothing will get close enough to harm you.”

Lucas clapped his hands together, the sound breaking the tension. “All right, then. I’ll start outside. If anything’s lingering, I’ll scare it off.”

Esmeralda nodded as he made his way to the door. Laurent followed a moment later, giving you one last glance before disappearing down the hall.

“I’ll stay close,” Olivier said quietly, his voice breaking the silence.

You looked up at him, startled to find him lingering by the doorway. His expression was unreadable, but his amber eyes held steady as he stepped closer, his massive frame making the space between you feel suddenly small.

“I—thank you,” you murmured, unsure of what else to say.

“If you need anything, let me know,” he said, his voice low and deliberate.

The faint scent of coffee lingered as he stepped even closer, mingling with the warmth of the room. It caught you off guard, the normality of it. Such a human scent.

The rough texture of his skin, the faint rustle of his wings, the intensity of his gaze—it all should have overwhelmed you, but instead, your chest tightened in a way you didn’t entirely understand.

“I will,” you managed to say, your voice barely above a whisper.

Olivier’s grin tugged at the corners of his mouth, exposing the faint points of sharp teeth. It wasn’t a mocking smile, though something about it felt deliberate, like he enjoyed watching you fluster under his gaze.

Your breath hitched, and the space between you suddenly felt far too small. For one wild moment, you thought he might kiss you. The idea hit you like a jolt, bringing a hot flush to your cheeks.

Instead, he raised a clawed hand, his touch far gentler than it should have been as he brushed a strand of hair from your face. His claws just grazed your temple, enough to send a shiver down your spine.

“You don’t need to look so alarmed,” he said, his voice soft, almost a murmur. “I’ve got you.” 

Then he stepped back, wings ruffling, and smiled a toothy grin.

“Olivier!” Laurent’s voice called sharply from the hall, and it snapped you from your reverie.

Olivier glanced over his shoulder but lingered for a moment longer, his amber eyes dipping to yours before he finally turned and stepped away.

From where you stood, you could see him and Laurent in the hallway. They spoke in low tones, their words too quiet to catch, but Olivier’s gaze kept darting back to you. Each time, the warmth in his gaze made your stomach flip.

You found yourself studying him, drawn to details you hadn’t taken in before. His face, squashed and batlike, was a jarring mix of harsh angles and ridges, his flattened nose and prominent tusks giving him an almost batlike look. It wasn’t conventionally handsome, but there was something about it—about the roughness, the sheer presence—that made it impossible to look away. His amber eyes gleamed under heavy brows, alive with a quiet heat that made your stomach flip.

His body was no less commanding. His shoulders were broad, a muscular slope that led to heavy, wide wings. Even his chest was massive, his stone-like skin shifting over powerful muscles that filled the doorway and then some. It should have been overwhelming—too much—but instead, it sent a flare of heat low in your belly that caught you off guard.

You tore your gaze away, forcing your attention elsewhere. Anywhere but the hallway where Olivier stood, glancing back at you like he knew.

The feeling simmered, hot beneath your skin. It wasn’t fear or gratitude, though those lingered too. This was something deeper, hotter, that made your pulse race and your thoughts scramble.

You barely registered Laurent leaving first, striding away with a final glance over his shoulder. Olivier lingered for just a moment longer, his gaze locking on you once more before he disappeared into the shadows of the hall.

Your chest felt tight, your fingers curling into the fabric of your shirt as you let out a slow breath. Whatever had just happened left your heart racing and your thoughts spinning. You couldn’t explain it—didn’t even want to try.

***

The garden was quiet the next afternoon, save for the faint rustle of the breeze through the hedges and the soft buzzing of bees flitting between flowers. You stepped through the gate, its iron latch squeaking, and paused when you saw Olivier.

He was crouched low by a patch of flowers, his wings furled tightly against his broad back as he worked the soil with surprising delicacy. The image caught you off guard—this hulking creature, all sharp edges and stone skin, tending to flowers with the care of someone cradling something fragile.

You almost turned back, unwilling to disturb him, but the moment your foot shifted, his head lifted. His amber eyes found yours immediately, sharp but unthreatening, and you realised there was no sneaking away now.

“Didn’t think anyone was out here,” he rumbled, straightening. He brushed dirt from his hands, claws leaving faint scratches on his palms.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” you said quickly, stepping closer. “I didn’t know you liked gardening.”

He shrugged, glancing back at the flowers. “It’s quiet. Doesn’t need much from me except patience.”

The corners of your mouth twitched, his unexpected softness making it hard to hide your curiosity. “What are you planting?”

“Nothing. Just cleaning up the beds. Weeds get in the way of the hellebores.”

“Hellebores?” You crouched beside him, taking in the wide, waxy petals of the pale pink flowers. “Are they your favourite?”

“Yeah,” he said after a moment, his voice lower, almost shy. “They remind me of the ones that used to grow wild around the castle.”

Your brows lifted. “The castle?”

He nodded, brushing his hands together. “It’s where Laurent and I started. Our... creators used to plant fields of flowers to keep the grounds from looking so grim. The hellebores always grew first, even in the frost.”

You watched him as he spoke, his eyes distant, his features softening in a way that made your chest ache. “You must’ve loved it there.”

His lips twitched into a faint, wry smile. “I don’t know if love’s the right word. It was duty. We were made to guard it. Guard them. We didn’t have a choice.”

There was no bitterness in his tone, but the heaviness of his words lingered between you. “Now?” you asked quietly.

“Now…” He trailed off, his gaze shifting to the trellis where climbing vines curled lazily. “Laurent found his purpose again. There’s a woman in town, they’re so in love it’s almost offputting. She’s young, kind. He’s taken it upon himself to keep her safe. Guess it gives him something to fight for.”

“What about you?”

He let out a low, rumbling sigh, his wings rustling faintly. “Still figuring that out.”

Something about the admission struck you, the vulnerability beneath his gruffness pulling at something tender in your chest. Your eyes drifted over him as he turned back to the flowers, his massive shoulders hunched as he worked the soil again.

The roughness of his stone-like skin, the powerful lines of his arms, it all made you feel so small in comparison. Your heart gave a small, rebellious flutter.

“I think you’ll find it,” you said softly, your gaze lingering on the curve of his wings. “Maybe sooner than you think.”

He looked at you then, his amber eyes catching the light just enough to make them burn. For a moment, you forgot to breathe, his gaze grounding you and scattering your thoughts all at once.

A small smile pulled at his lips, softer this time. “Maybe.”

You smiled back, the warmth in your chest blooming into something unfamiliar but far too pleasant to ignore.

 As you watched him return to his work, your affection grew, mingling with a desire that surprised you with its depth. It wasn’t just the strength in his hands or the curve of his wings—it was the way he treated the flowers like they mattered, like they deserved care despite their fragility.

It made you wonder, briefly, if he could ever look at you the same way.

The words you were about to say dissolved on your tongue as something at the edge of the garden caught your eye. Across the hedges, where the sunlight should have been golden and steady, shadows seemed to pool unnaturally, creeping into places they didn’t belong.

Your chest tightened. It was only three in the afternoon; the sun still hung high in the sky. It shouldn’t look like twilight was creeping in.

“Olivier,” you said, your voice thin and trembling.

He looked up from the flowers, his sharp eyes narrowing instantly. Following your gaze, he stood slowly, his wings spreading just slightly as if instinctively preparing to shield you.

“I see it,” he muttered, his voice dropping to a growl.

A shape moved through the shadows—low, slinking, formless and wrong. It seemed to flow rather than walk, black tendrils stretching out across the grass. Wherever they touched, the green blades curled and blackened, withering into ash.

The fear hit you like a punch, sharp and paralysing. You tried to step back, but your feet felt glued to the ground, the cold creeping up your legs like icy water.

“Get back to the house!” Olivier barked, his voice breaking through the pounding rush of terror in your ears.

You couldn’t move. The cold seeped deeper, into your chest now, slowing your thoughts, clouding them. The darkness curling at your feet seemed alive, pulling you down into itself.

“Olivier—” you gasped, but your voice was barely a whisper.

He didn’t wait. With a growl that shook the air, he launched himself forward, his wings spreading wide as he leapt between you and the creeping shadow. His claws tore into the ground as he landed, and with a snarl, he swiped at the creature, the force of his strike sending a ripple through its inky form.

The shadow hissed, a sound like air escaping a tomb. It recoiled, twisting into a mass of writhing tendrils that lashed out at him. One wrapped around his arm, and you watched in horror as his stone-like skin darkened where it touched, the veins beneath it turning black. Olivier snarled in pain, tearing the tendril free with a vicious jerk of his arm.

“Move!” he roared at you, but you still couldn’t. The cold was overwhelming now, like it had rooted itself in your spine.

The creature surged toward him again, its tendrils darting forward, trying to snake around his wings. Olivier ducked, twisting with surprising agility for his size, and swiped with his claws, raking through the darkness. His strike left faint trails of light where the shadow split, a strange, glowing wound that made the creature recoil again, its form shuddering as if in pain.

“Don’t you touch her!” Olivier’s voice was raw, almost feral, as he lunged forward again. He sank his claws deep into the mass, pulling it apart with brute strength, even as its tendrils lashed at his shoulders and legs. 

Each hit made him grunt in pain, but he didn’t falter, didn’t slow.

The creature screeched, the sound high and piercing, and it began to pull back, shrinking away from him. Its tendrils dragged across the ground as it fled, and you felt the cold start to lift, your body slowly releasing from the grip of paralysis.

As the creature slithered into the farthest shadows of the garden, he gave chase, his wings unfurling with a powerful snap. His claws tore into the ground as he launched himself after it, his bellow of rage rattling the stillness.

You watched, frozen in place, as he disappeared into the darkness. The garden, so tranquil moments ago, now felt sharp and foreign. Your stomach turned.

Your legs wobbled as the last of the cold released its grip, and you stumbled backward. The image of Olivier—his glowing amber eyes blazing, his movements brutal, his roar like something from a nightmare—seared into your mind. 

You had never seen him like that, not the quiet, watchful gargoyle who worked with careful hands in the garden. This Olivier was terrifying, unrelenting, and your chest tightened with fear—not of him, but for him.

“Olivier!” you called weakly, though the sound barely carried past the hedges.

Before you could take another step, someone gripped your arm gently. You spun to see Lucas standing there, his angular face tense but reassuring as he crouched slightly to meet your gaze.

“Come on,” he said firmly, guiding you toward the house. “You shouldn’t stay out here. He’ll be fine—Laurent will follow him.”

You stumbled inside, the warmth of the house washing over you like a balm. Lucas guided you to a chair in the kitchen, his presence solid and grounding. “I’ll make tea,” he said, already reaching for the kettle.

“What if he doesn’t come back?” you asked, your voice thin.

“He will,” Lucas said without hesitation. “He’s strong, and stubborn.”

The tea was warm in your hands, but it didn’t quite settle the knot in your stomach. Lucas checked you over, his gaze flicking between your face and your hands. “Whatever made you freeze like that,” he said, “it’s gone now. You’re fine.”

Hours passed, the clock ticking loudly in the quiet. Evening turned to night, and still, Olivier didn’t return.

When Laurent came through the door after dark, his expression was grim. He shook his head, his glowing amber eyes meeting Lucas’s. “No sign of him,” he said quietly. “I’ve searched everywhere.”

The fear that had been simmering in your chest all day spilled over, your heart sinking. For the first time since arriving at the halfway house, the wards, the walls, the safety it promised—all of it felt suddenly, terrifyingly fragile.

The tea sat cold in your hands as Laurent’s words echoed in your ears. No sign of him. You barely spoke a word after that, nodding numbly when Lucas told you to rest. The sound of the chair scraping against the kitchen floor felt distant as you rose and made your way to your room.

The bed was warm and inviting, but sleep didn’t come. You lay on your side, staring at the faint glow of moonlight spilling through the curtains, your mind a whirlwind of fear and what-ifs.

What if the creature returned? What if it was lurking just outside the wards? What if Olivier hadn’t been able to stop it—or worse, what if it had stopped him?

Your fingers gripped the blanket tightly as those thoughts twisted deeper. You had never felt so helpless, so completely vulnerable. No matter how much Esmeralda assured you the wards would hold, you couldn’t shake the image of the thing slinking across the grass, the way Olivier had thrown himself into the fight without hesitation.

You turned onto your other side, then onto your back, and then your stomach, unable to find a position that would still your restless mind. Hours passed like this, exhaustion pulling at your body while your thoughts refused to quiet.

Finally, at some point in the night, you drifted into a shallow, uneasy sleep.

***

The creak of your balcony door startled you awake hours later. Your heart leapt into your throat, and you shot upright, your pulse hammering in your ears. The room was dark, lit only by the faint silver glow of the moon, but the silhouette in the doorway was unmistakable.

“Olivier?”

He stepped forward, his massive frame filling the space. Even in the dim light, you could see the damage to his stone-like skin, mottled with dark streaks like the withered grass where the shadow had touched. His wings drooped, and his movements were slow, but his amber eyes glowed softly as he offered you a small, tired smile.

“Sorry,” he said, his voice hoarse. “Didn’t mean to scare you. I just... I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Your breath caught, relief crashing over you like a tidal wave. Before you could stop yourself, you were out of bed, crossing the room in an instant. You flung your arms around him, burying your face against his chest, uncaring of the rough texture of his skin.

“Olivier—” His name was all you managed before you tilted your face up, and without thinking, you kissed him.

It wasn’t planned, wasn’t careful—it was desperate, a release of everything you’d been holding in. His lips were warm, softer than you expected, though you could feel the roughness of his cracked skin. His wings shifted behind him, and his claws brushed lightly against your back as he steadied you.

The kiss deepened before you realised it, your body pressed against Olivier’s as though he was the only solid thing in the world.

His claws hovered at your back, hesitant at first, before resting lightly on your waist, their sharpness dulled by the gentleness of his touch. When he tilted his head slightly, his lips parted, and the warmth of his breath sent a shiver cascading down your spine. 

You felt the edge of one fang graze your bottom lip, the faintest scrape that left you trembling and breathless.

You pulled back suddenly, your chest heaving, your lips tingling from the kiss. “I—I’m sorry,” you stammered, your voice breaking. “I don’t know what came over me.”

His amber eyes burned into yours, glowing brighter now, as though your kiss had stoked something deep within him. He didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he reached up, one massive hand cupping your face with a gentleness that sent your heart pounding harder.

Then he kissed you again.

This time, it was rougher, hungrier. There was no hesitation now, his claws pressing just enough to hold you firmly as his lips moved against yours with purpose. His fangs scraped lightly over your mouth, and the weight of his wings brushing against your arms made your knees weak. His other hand settled at the curve of your hip, pulling you closer, and you felt the full breadth of his powerful chest rise and fall against you.

Heat surged through you, overwhelming and consuming, as though the kiss was pouring all of the tension and fear of the day into something raw and tangible. 

He groaned low in his throat, the sound vibrating through your chest, and it sent a spark of need curling through your stomach.

When he finally pulled away, his breath came rough and shallow, his forehead pressing against yours as his claws rested at your hips. You couldn’t move, couldn’t think—his presence filled the room, grounding you and making you weightless all at once.

“Don’t ever be sorry,” he rumbled, his voice low and thick with something that made your pulse stutter. His amber eyes locked on yours, the intensity in them leaving no room for doubt. “Laurent found his purpose. Protecting someone he cares about.” His voice dipped even lower, almost reverent. 

“I think I’ve found my purpose. In you.”