#I DIDN'T MAKE THE EMBROIDERED COLLAR just to make it clear

[emieclat]

in non-illustrstion news, i made a pantsuit for a wedding i'm attending! process video to come 🥰

[mydadleft471]

Cerulean Coast and Flower Crowns

Summary: Messmer takes you on a date to the Cerulean Coast. Fluff ensues.

This was a request from anonymous! I'll link the request here! I'm so sorry this took forever, I just started school again and the back half of my summer was NUTS. But this prompt was so cute I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I got home and busted it out. Thanks for the patience and the request anon!

Also, thank you guys for over 100 followers! I didn't realize I hit that until today, so thank you all so much! The support I get on here is insane, and it means everything to me. I love writing so much, and being able to share it with other people is so satisfying and gratifying!

As always, please enjoy and thank you all for following, reading, liking, commenting, and reblogging! I hope I'll be able to post again relatively soon because I love this man sm

A soft knock at the door slightly startled you.

“Just a minute!” You hollered, trying to finish your braids as quickly as possible. Ever since you had braided Messmer’s hair, he’s been trying to get you to match him. Wearing matching braids was a simple gesture, but to him, it was anything but. He’d yet to work up the courage to ask you to braid a lock of his hair in your own.

Securely tying your hair in place and giving yourself a glance in your vanity, you decided you looked good enough to answer the door. The embroidered gold collar on your red dress glimmered in the sunlight streaming through the nearby window. Whichever way you turned, you would seemingly glow. A set of polished ruby earrings and a matching necklace sat on the table before you. They were another gift from Messmer. He loved when you wore red. Perhaps it was something possessive, or maybe it was the fact that red was his color, so wearing it meant you were proud to be his. Whichever it was, you didn’t mind. You just enjoyed making him happy.

Standing from your chair, you hurry to the door and open it. Standing before you was Messmer himself. You notice that he’s not in his usual armor and cloak, but instead, he wears a ruby tunic with black pants. He looks simple, yet regal, all at once. His hair has yet to be braided, as he insisted that your braids look nicer. You think it’s just an excuse to have you do his hair, which you don’t mind.

“Hello, beloved.” You greet him with a blinding smile. “Would you like to come in?”

He nods and enters your room. The smell of vanilla wafts in the air pleasantly. You catch his eyes drifting over your dress. He seems to realize that he’s been staring at you, and looks away quickly. 

He clears his throat. “Red suits thee, it seemeth. Ne’er have I witnessed anyone as beautiful as thee, my consort.”

“You look wonderful as well, Messmer. What’s the occasion?” 

“I wish for thee to accompany me to the Cerulean Coast.” His face is red.

“For what, my love? Is there some pressing business to attend to there?”

“No.” He grabs your hand and straightens the matching gold ring on your middle finger. “I wish to take thee there. Nights ago thou had said something about the beauty of the Cerulean Coast.”

“Are you asking me on a date?” You cock your head at him.

“I- yes.” He seems like he’s trying to shrink away from your gaze.

“When did you want to go?”

“If today suits thee, then today. When thou’rt ready.” He squeezes your hand.

“Well, first I need to put on my jewelry. Then, I assume, you want me to braid your hair to match mine?”

“How well thou knowest me.” He gives you a shy smile.

“Come on, then.” You lead him over to your vanity and you sit down.

You reach for your ruby earrings and begin to put them in, but Messmer’s hand gently stops you. You shoot him a puzzled look. Did he not want you to wear these today?

“If I may, I would like to assist thee.”

You give him a small nod and hand him the earrings. They’re comically small in his palm. He leans down and slowly puts your earrings in, careful to not accidentally poke you. Once he finishes, he reaches for your necklace and stands behind you. He gently drapes it over your neck and adjusts any jewels that aren’t facing the right way, then clasps the ends together. He ghosts his hand over your neck and collarbones, making you shiver. 

“I adore thee in red.” You see him smile at you in the mirror. His eye glints possessively and your stomach does somersaults.

“Your turn.” You hop out of the seat and gesture for Messmer to sit, which he does.

You grab your brush and begin to part his hair down the middle, brushing it so it’s silky and smooth. Taking three small strands of hair, you begin an intricate braid. When you finish with the first one, you wordlessly pass it to him to hold, which he does. He’s gotten used to your silent cues when doing his hair. You begin the left braid next, shaping it into a half-moon, soon to be joined together with the other braid. It’s a very simple hairstyle, yet it is Messmer’s favorite. 

Tying the ends together, you lean over and give Messmer a quick peck on the cheek to tell him you’re finished. His face reddens and he gives you a bashful smile. Even after all this time, he still flusters from the simplest of gestures.

He stands from your vanity chair and gently grabs your hand. He brings it up to his mouth and places a delicate kiss on your knuckles.

“Will the Keep be okay while we’re away?”

He nods and squeezes your hand. “Fear not, beloved. I have left Gaius in command. We shall return by sunset.” 

It seemed like he already had everything planned for the day.

He leads you, arm-in-arm, down the stairs and hallways you’ve started calling home, and servants bow their heads in greeting as you pass. One of Messmer’s serpents winds around your waist and the other perches on your shoulder. They relax against you, comforted by your warmth.

Messmer shakes his head. “Fickle creatures they are. But I cannot fault them for preferring thee.”

“They’ve only been with you for the entire duration of your life. They can’t be tired of you.” The serpents hiss and wind around you tighter, making you and Messmer laugh.

Once you reach the gates to the Shadow Keep, Messmer signals to one of his guards. The heavy doors slowly open, revealing the vast plains of Scadu Altus. The breeze gently tousels your hair and you huff. Messmer gives you a small smile and tucks a wind whipped lock of hair behind your ear.

A knight approaches with Messmer’s horse and hands him the reins. He’d pulled away from you briefly to pet her. You’d seen her before, but you’d never dared to ride her. She’s a large, black horse with deep brown eyes. Her mane flows freely down her neck and she exudes power. She’s stubborn, but Messmer had rode her into many battles and came back unscathed. If he trusted her, so would you.

Messmer looks at you, standing timidly a few feet away. He gives you that gentle smile that only you get to see and approaches you.

“Have I told thee her name?”

“No,” you shake your head, ruby earrings gently knocking against your neck. “She’s beautiful, though.”

“She is called Belladonna. A fine horse she is.” She whinnies at his praise, stomping her hooves as if eager to go.

Messmer reaches out to you and you give him your hand. He slowly pulls you towards Belladonna and extends your hand to her. She sniffs you a few times and then butts her head against you.. Messmer laughs and you begin to stroke her mane, amazed at how silky it is.

“Thou needn’t worry; she is gentle. No harm will come to you with her, beloved.” You believe him as she nuzzles into your gentle pets and scratches. The tension you felt upon seeing her dissipated almost immediately.

“Come, consort mine.” He mounts and settles onto Belladonna easily, as if he’s done it a thousand times. He wraps an arm around your waist and hoists you up with assistance from his serpents. You settle with his stomach against your back, legs thrown over the side of the horse gracefully. 

“Wilt thou be alright?” Messmer secures you in between his arms, reins clutched in his hands.

“Just… don’t go very fast. Please?” Your stomach churns with anxiety being up so high. You also haven’t ridden a horse in what seemed like ages.

“Whatever thou wishest. We shalt go as slow as thou requires.” 

With a snap of the reins, Belladonna begins a slow trot. You thought you’d be jostled around more, but between the slow pace, the easy terrain, and Messmer’s form keeping you steady, you find yourself sighing and sitting back against your lover.

The trees are tinted gold as you ride past them, sunlight streaming in between the leaves. The grass sways in the gentle breeze and you admire the nearby wildlife as they prance carefree among themselves. You could imagine your surroundings in a painting. It was nice to be out in fresh air and away from the Shadow Keep, even if only for a little while.

Most of the trip is spent in silence apart from the gentle sounds of Belladonna’s hooves against the dirt and the occasional chirp from a bird nesting overhead. Eventually, the golden grass yields to a field of cerulean flowers. They seem to glow as they are guided to and fro by the wind. You wonder if they are magic, perhaps related to the Carian royal family?

“I have forgotten the beauty of this place.” Messmer’s quiet voice plucks you from your thoughts.

You turn your head to look back at him. He smiles down at you and presses a light kiss to your forehead. You hum in response.

“I’ve only been here once. I was fighting through it, so I really couldn’t stop and enjoy the scenery.”

“Since thou hast expressed thy interest in returning here, I requested that my knights clear this place of any who would pose a threat to thee.”

“You did that for me?”

“Of course,” he responds calmly. “Thy safety remains a priority of mine.”

“Thank you, Messmer.” 

“Gratitude is not necessary, beloved.” 

Belladonna stops at a sparkling coast with deep blue water. Messmer dismounts, then assists you off the horse. Bending down, he offers you his arm, which you take gladly. He leads you towards the coast, the water rippling as it crashes over the sand. Flowers mimic the waves and sway in the breeze. You notice that there is a blanket sitting among the blue flowers with a basket. You look up at Messmer whose face is bright red.

“Did you plan this?” You ask incredulously.

“Certainly not alone. Rellana assisted me.” He lets go of your arm and sits on the blanket. You follow his movements.

“What could’ve possibly made you ask Rellana for help?” You giggle and adjust your dress.

“I wanted thee happy, but I was unsure of what to do. Thou requested to return to the Cerulean Coast and I wished to make the occasion special.” He toys with the blanket and avoids your gaze.

“What did Rellana tell you?”

“She instructed me to bring thou here for a picnic. I hope it is to thine liking.”

You move forwards and cup Messmer’s cheek in your palm. He gives you a bashful smile. “I love this. Thank you, my love.”

He exhales and kisses your palm, visibly relaxing. “When Rellana offered her advice, I held the belief that this would not suit thy tastes. I am glad I am wrong.”

“You worry too much.”

“I am aware, beloved.” He reaches over towards the basket and opens it. “I requested rowa fruit pastries be made for thee.”

Your mouth waters at the sweet smell drifting from the basket. Messmer hands you one and you carefully unwrap it and take a bite. It’s perfectly fluffy and sweet. You offer a bite to Messmer, and he shakes his head, not willing to take your treat away from you. You huff and refuse to budge. Rolling his eye, he takes a small bite and you smile, triumphant.

You finish your pastry and look out at the ocean. The crashing waves provide a soothing sound and you can practically feel Messmer’s tension burning away. His serpents nap on the soft blanket, curled into one another.

You lean forwards and pluck a glowing blue flower from the ground. The stems are long enough to weave together. Looking back at Messmer, you realize that this shade of blue would look perfect among his deep red locks.

“My love?” You call to him in a sing-song voice.

“Yes?” He knows you’re up to no good when you sound like that.

“Can you go gather some more flowers for me? I think 30 should be enough.”

“Thou wouldst have me pick flowers?” You understand where he’s coming from. As a hardened war veteran and powerful demigod, picking flowers was probably not on his list of things to do.

You shoot him a pleading look. “Please? For me?”

“Fine, but I shall never again hear the false notions that I do not love thee.”

“Thank you!” Even though he seems upset, you know he’s just faking. He could never be upset with you.

He gets up and gets to work gently plucking flowers from the ground. As most things are, they are comically small in his hands. You begin to gather some near you, stretching your arms to pick them. You create a small pile, delicately draping the flowers over one another without sullying the serene glow of the blue petals.

In a few minutes, Messmer returns to you holding a bundle of blue flowers. He sets them next to your pile and sits back down. You give him a quick peck on the lips and utter a quick ‘thank you,’ then begin weaving the stems together. You work on Messmer’s crown first, as his will take more flowers.

He watches your nimble fingers thread the flowers together. Your beautiful face pinches slightly in concentration, and you move strands of hair away from your face as you work. He moves closer to you and holds your hair away from your face, helping you work faster and more efficiently. The ruby earrings adorning your ears sparkle in the dim sunlight. He admires you and wonders how he ever got so lucky.

Soon, you finish his crown and present it triumphantly. He gives you a loving smile.

“For me, beloved?”

“Mhmm,” you say, placing it on his head. The blue glow creates a halo and compliments his red hair well. He looks stunningly handsome. 

“A consort is deserving of a crown.” He gestures to you.

“I’m making mine next.”

“Wouldst thou teach me how to make these crowns?” He scoots beside you.

Your eyes light up and you nod. Grabbing two flowers, you show him how to weave them together tightly, so they remain locked in place. He watches you work and when you hand him two more flowers, he does his best to mimic you. It is harder for him to tighten them, as his hands are much larger than yours, but he tries his best. Once he’s weaved them together, you tighten them.

With you watching and patiently helping him, he eventually creates a circular crown of bright blue flowers. 

“Aren’t they fun to make?” You beam up at him.

“Fun, yet frustrating for my hands are much larger than thy nimble ones. But I enjoyed making it. I had the most wondrous teacher.” His gold eye shimmers at you.

He lifts the crown and you lower your head. He places it delicately on your head and smooths your hair down. When you look up at him smiling, he finds himself marveling at your beauty. The Cerulean Coast pales in comparison to your sweet smile.

“Beautiful.” He breathes the word, in awe of you. He pulls you closer to him, pressing a loving kiss to your soft lips. He sighs, at peace once more, thanks to you. 

He’d have to remember to thank Rellana after this.

[sweet-s0rr0w]

Day 1 of @hprecfest - First fic you read/first fic you remember reading

I started reading in the early 2000s, before HBP was published, so this is a tricky one to start off with! I vividly remember reading along to Cassandra Clare's Draco Trilogy and Maya's Underwater Light - both WIPs at the time, and neither freely available now 💀 if anyone else was around then, though, I have compiled a reclist of Vintage Drarry Fics (2001-2006, including such classics as Irresistible Poison, Beautiful World, Seamus is Seamus, and Love Under Will).

The fic I've chosen to rec today is the one that brought me back into fandom after a decade out; indirectly I suppose it's the reason I'm here at all, and so perhaps the lesson for any creators reading this is that you'll truly never know the impact your works have, even decades down the line!

Transfigurations, by Resonant : E, 71k, 2003 (MCD warning, but not for Drarry)

Summary: Five years after Voldemort's defeat, Harry returns to England to help re-open Hogwarts.

Excerpt:

"You're going to have to talk about it sooner or later, Harry," she said. "I know it's hard for you, but --"

"Hermione --" He looked over her shoulder, searching for something that would distract her.

He succeeded a little better than he would have liked. First he caught a flash of pale hair in the shadows behind the top table. Then the shape came clear. An expensively tailored robe, an expensively bejewelled hand, an expensively barbered head, an expensively curled lip --

Was he never going to be free of Draco Malfoy?

Hermione followed Harry's eyes, and then she straightened up suddenly, crying, "Draco!" and ran to clasp Malfoy. Harry stared dumbly after her. "Mother sent a book for you, and some biscuits, they're in here somewhere --"

"Never mind that," Malfoy said, hugging her roughly. Harry felt a pang of fury. Since when was Hermione so cozy with Malfoy? "What I want to know is, did Mrs. Spenser ever find Bratleigh's tooth?"

"Oh, yes, it turned out to be in his little brother's forearm -- but how are you getting on without mechanical pencils?"

"Musgrove's Magic Pencils are nearly as good, though not quite so satisfying to click ..." Harry watched their two heads bent together, the dark and the fair. They were exactly the same height, like a matched set of figurines. Something extremely strange must have happened while he was in Florida.

Malfoy was still affecting the look of a wizard-bard from a storybook, Harry thought scornfully: pale hair falling to his shoulders, deep-plum robe heavily embroidered in the same color around the collar, narrow hands heavy with silver rings. Harry hadn't remembered his mouth being quite so red.

He looked up and caught Harry looking, and something crossed his face that wasn't quite the expected sneer. Hermione was tugging him over by the arm. "Harry just got in today from America, Draco, he didn't tell anybody he was coming, I think he forgot how to write a letter --"

"He's forgotten a lot of things, I imagine," Malfoy drawled, but he offered a hand. "Potter. Welcome back."

Damn it, even his languid, lingering handshake felt as though there was an insult behind it.

Where to start with this fic? The premise is that following the war, Harry left for Florida, settling down with a group of Indigenous wixen as they worked to set up a new school of wizardry. He returns, five years later, to a Hogwarts in trouble, rife with traps and curses laid by Death Eaters long gone, and to his old friends, whose letters he'd mostly ignored during his time abroad. Many of the old faces are familiar, but the addition of Malfoy, now, inexplicably, best friends with Hermione and Professor of Muggle Studies, irritates Harry beyond belief. Worst of all, when it comes to Cursebreaking, Harry and Malfoy's magic works best in sync, so to their horror they find themselves paired together as they work to make the school safe on its reopening.

There are so very many things to love about this fic. The narrative tone feels very true to canon, as does Harry's voice; possibly a result of its being published while the books were still coming out, but unlike many of the other fics written back then, it has a very adult feel. It's set entirely in Hogwarts, and with a huge cast of supporting characters, including a sneering, dramatic statue of the deceased Professor Snape, sexy handyman Ron, COMC Professor Charlie Weasley, and some wonderfully endearing OCs. The writing's lovely and clean, sparing, but still very visual, and full of worldbuilding details so unique and rich you'll be thinking about them years later (trust me). And the relationship development is truly second to none; we come to love this Malfoy reluctantly, but so so deeply, along with Harry. Also, this fic has, to me, the original rushed sex in a bathroom stall scene, and one of the sexiest undressing scenes you'll ever read. I absolutely adore it, can quote huge chunks, and every single time I read it it brings back everything I love about the world of Harry Potter. Go and add it to your MFL, and you can thank me later <3

If you read it, and if especially you love it, please do let me know! And as always, please do take the time to leave the author a kudos/comment <3

[girlwithwolftatoo]

What is chained -Chapter 2

Warnings: None

Summary: Boys like party

Words: 3525

Quo tendimus?

During the campaigns, the soldiers' bundles, regardless of their rank, carried more or less the same thing: crackers, a portion of spicy cheese, bean paste. They took it in the breaks, the proper meals were mostly for the evening, and the pungent and intense aroma of the broths in the pots - patchwork broths, Acacius called them - gave him a melancholy that he could not name.

In the palace, the breakfast table was so exuberant that the general could not believe it was for only two men. And it certainly wasn't; emperors usually lunched with one or two men they trusted, weak senators who complied with their whims, foreign merchants who sought to curry favor with them, and the like.

The twins ate, as was the ancient oriental custom, lying on their sides between fluffy cushions lined with vibrantly colored fabrics; Geta was already fully dressed, Caracalla on his side, was wrapped in a gold-embroidered tunic that slipped off his shoulder, still in bedclothes, and at his side, fastened by his long solid gold chain, his monkey.

A servant approached to offer him water for the lavatory, and the younger twin made a gesture of displeasure, holding a hand to his head. When another servant poured him wine, his face changed to a relieved smile.

“This I do like,” he commented, contentedly, raising the glass to his lips. Geta reached out to take a couple of ovis hapalis, one after the other, popping them whole into his mouth, and only then did he see Acacius arrive.

“Ah, general!” he said by way of greeting, his mouth full of egg. He chewed with the delicacy of a cow and gestured to the nearest cushions “Please...have breakfast. You're up very late.”

“Actually I've just come from the stables” replied the general, sitting down with his legs half crossed. Caracalla, busy emptying his second cup, didn't even look at him. “I had a very enlightening night, your majesties, I would like to share my findings as soon as possible...”

“We don't discuss politics while we eat, do we, brother?”

Caracalla did not reply to Geta, but stared into his goblet, thoughtfully. The older twin cleared his throat.

 “Brother?”

“This wine is sour” Caracalla muttered. Geta snorted, grinning sarcastically.

“Can you hardly tell? It's your second glass, isn't it?”

Caracalla gestured to the servant with the decanter, and when the servant bowed, he grabbed him by the collar of his robe with such force that he almost threw him face first into the table.

“This wine is sour” he hissed in his ear. Geta watched with silent reproach, Acacius for his part stirred, almost on the verge of rising.

“Majesty” he called to him with the firmness with which he would address a clumsy soldier.

“Send some wine that's good!” the twin spat, releasing the servant only to add, ”And somebody whip this one!”

“Majesty!” Acacius raised his voice, and this time Caracalla faced him, shrugging.

“They've brought bad wine,” he excused himself. Acacius frowned.

“Majesty, though you may not like it, it is through servitude that people know masters. If a servant is constantly mistreated, people will think the worst of you.”

“Well simple, we cut out the gossipers' tongues.”

Geta decided to intervene, addressing his brother more than the general:

“Servants should not talk about their masters behind their backs, slaves much less, they know it so what's the problem, are you implying that they are the ones inciting the people, general?”

“Nothing of the sort,” Acacius replied, making an effort not to become impatient. He searched for a way to explain himself, for he noticed the venomous eyes of the two brothers upon him. “Consider a horse, your majesty. A well-kept horse takes notice, his coat is clean and shiny, his mane smooth, his legs are strong and light, his head is proud. A horse will never say a word about his master, but whoever sees him will know, by that alone, that he is in good hands or not.”

Silence, on Geta's face appeared a sign of understanding, but Caracalla, indolent, jingled the monkey's chain and remarked:

“Dondus looks very well, if the people see him they will know he is happy here. And the servants should be too.”

“Brother, the general has spoken a truth” Geta rebuked him, taking another ovis from its bowl “A wounded servant is obvious to anyone's eyes, even if they don't see his marks.”

“Who cares about that? I'm talking about Dondus” insisted Caracalla with a childish grimace.

“Honestly no one gives a fuck” Geta whispered, shoveling food into his mouth. Something exploded in the head of his twin, who stood upright like a snake about to bite.

“What did you say?” he whispered, squinting, and receiving no immediate response, he picked up another ovis and threw it in his brother's face.

“What do you think you're doing?” mumbled Geta, and the two began to argue loudly. Acacius sighed, pouring himself some sugary globi and trying to ignore the quarrel; if he were in the army, he thought bitterly, he would send those two rowdies to be tied up in the sun for a while, but even his new appointment allowed him no such chances.

It was not possible for him then to speak to the emperors, and at noon the parade of audiences began, where he remained standing in the midst of the thrones, seeking to whisper some advice to them when he noticed, shrewdly, that neither knew what to say; the day was brief, an hour at most, and then they both retired to their quarters.

“Ah, by the way,” jumped Geta ”we will send you to one of our dressers, general. You will come with us.”

“Where to?” asked Acacius, frowning.

“There will be a nice get-together this evening at Scylla's house, I'm sure you've heard of him. You are invited, in our name.”

“No one informed me of a party, and besides, I thought I told you about it” growled the general. Geta smiled, and his brother, having forgotten the morning's grudge, hung on his shoulder.

“We're not giving the party, general, that's out of the norm, isn't it?” Caracalla pouted. “You're coming with us, and you'll have a lot of fun. You can tell, with all due respect, that he hasn't had any fun in... a long time....”

Caracalla let out a chuckle and left with awkward steps. Acacius wondered if it would not be wrong to stick to the original plan and better, taking advantage of the party, take the heads of those two unpresentable.

Scylla was, as Thraex explained to him, the master of immense vineyards in the south of the empire, and he had a family engaged in those same duties in some provinces of North Africa, so in short, he was an immensely wealthy peasant, in the senator's words. But in addition Scylla was a quirky, fancied himself an artist and was, in short, a suitable pontifical friend for those depraved twins. Acacius took that in the best way, for one does not defeat the enemy by attacking and already, one must have a proper idea of the terrain where battles will be fought, so he accepted with a false good face to go in the same chariot with the emperors, who had chosen for the occasion really unusual fabrics: Geta was all dressed in blue and gold, Caracalla however, sported a long tunic of thin linen and on top, a pink cloak embroidered with pearls and natural shells.

“What do you think, general?” he asked, cocking his head coquettishly. Acacius found no kind words so he repeated:

“Is there any reason for this special occasion, your majesties?”

“Don't you know? It's a bacchanal. Our dear Scylla has just won a fortune through his third son in Caesaria, and we're going to celebrate.”

Acacius had understood that bacchanals were forbidden but imagined that, emperors being what they were, they had no compunction about allowing them as long as they were invited. The carriage rattled through the city in the twilight to a centrally located villa, the interiors of which were lit by a host of lanterns, some decorated with expensive tissue paper in shades of pink. The servants who greeted them bowed deeply, and were bare-chested; Acacius sighed, it was going to be a very long evening.

There were already at least two dozen guests, all dressed in the same bewildering extravagance as the emperors or even more: there, one man wore a grotesque Greek mask and a crown of thistles on his hair, there, another wore a diadem with real ram's horns entangled in ivy.

“The theme of the feast is the gods,” Geta explained to him as he took two goblets in passing and handed one to Acacius. “I am Helios, see, lighting up the dark sky.”

Caracalla was already lounging on a mountain of cushions, pampered by more half-naked servants offering him viands and wine, his monkey, who for the occasion wore frightful golden wings, was pacing back and forth as if fleeing from the crowd.

The host appeared soon after, also dressed in blue and with vine leaves on his head. Scylla was precisely the kind of man Acacius could not stand: goofy, petulant, self-satisfied, he knew it just by looking at him and above all, by the way everyone applauded him as if Jupiter himself had come to Earth; the rich landowner went to the emperors and bowed deeply to them.

“My majesties!” he exclaimed in a strangely shrill voice. Dondus leaped upon him and tried to snatch some of the grapes he was carrying among the vine branches, and let out an anxious chuckle. “Welcome to this humble abode! I pray the gods you have everything you want.”

“Everything, yes, as always, Scylla” Caracalla reached out a hand to stroke the hair of one of the servants surrounding him. Acacius pretended that the statue beside him was fascinating, but Geta pointed it out, raising his voice:

“Scylla, let us introduce you to our beloved general Justus, Marcus Acacius.”

The man waddled over to the general and clapped his hands, delighted.

“Oh, it's quite a pleasure, general! He is much taller in person, yes, and more wonderful!”

Acacius feigned a smile as he gazed at that made-up face with rudely red cheeks.

“How did you persuade him to come, your majesties? I always hear that the general is very secretive.”

“The general has been promoted... to royal advisor,” Geta explained, giving Caracalla a warning glance; no one outside the senate knew Acacius' true role and so it was to remain.

“How, a general? He sure knows a lot about wars and conquests, of course...” replied Scylla. “Does that mean he will no longer fight?”

“There will be more victories for Rome, of course, but for now he delights us with his keen mind and prudence.”

“What do you think, Scylla?” Caracalla leaned forward, resting an awkward hand on Acacius' shoulder. “He's come dressed for the occasion, can't you guess who he is?”

“Why certainly, no... uh, let me think, majesty...” The tubby landowner cocked his head like a deaf dog “Jupiter, perhaps?”

“No, no, Mars! Take a good look at his mantle...”

“Ah, ah! Of course, Mars” Scylla chuckled ”How else? The god of war who has benefited him so much, yes. And he looks very good, if I may, just the other day I met a bronze artist, he's on the lookout for models here in Rome, our general could well pose for him...”

Soon Acacius understood why Scylla was the favorite of the emperors, he gave them everything they wanted and he knew their weaknesses very well, so they paraded before them the most exotic dishes, wine in abundance and servants who, especially with Caracalla, let themselves be done without complaining. The lightness of the atmosphere was due above all to the absence of women, and that gave the general a clue.

“I hear this feast is in honor of your family's good fortune,” he told him when they had been listening to the musicians for a long time and the emperors were entertaining themselves in a game consisting of the guests imitating scenes from the myths and stories, each one more ridiculous than the last. The host smiled, clearly blissful that he was addressing him.

“Oh, sort of. Wine, general?” with a curt gesture he called a servant over and took two glasses. Acacius accepted and took a sip, smiling to pretend he loved it.

“Exquisite. From your vineyards, I suppose.”

“That's right! A unique vintage, from my campo magno near Herculaneum. That's where my ancestors used to vacation, until, you know...” he made a noise with his mouth that simulated an explosion, and drank from his glass in large gulps. Acacius squinted.

“You've said something about your family before, haven't you? Something like that, were his words...”

“Well, well, General, what do you want me to tell you?”

Scylla invited him to sit down, and Acacius spent a while pretending to enjoy the talk, and discreetly emptying his cup each time it was refilled, unlike Scylla, who was already somewhat drunk at the beginning of the party but was now at a loss.

“I had five children, all boys, glory to the gods!” he exclaimed, raising what was like his eighth cup. “Three of them are married here in the empire, the others in the provinces, and I have about twelve grandchildren. That's more than enough for me, when my Bellona died I swore not to marry any more, with once I had already been criminal.”

“Criminal, to marry?”

“I don't like being a liar” he explained with a pout ”I don't like women. I understand that you find them pretty and all that, who would deny, for example, the loveliness of two firm breasts? But I did my duty, and I don't want any more whores in this house... Or what do you think, general, do you lean more towards Mercury or Venus?”

Acacius smiled out of commitment.

“This party is of a high standard, sir” he commented.

“Scylla, please, General, call me Scylla. There is nothing... that would make me happier right now.”

“All right, Scylla” Acacius made a toast gesture, and that ended up disarming the landowner. “You must have spent an awful lot of money for this... lovely evening.”

“Not a talent out of my pocket” the man hiccupped, smiling mischievously ”This party, as I told you, is thanks to my son... or rather at his expense.”

“I don't understand.”

“You see...” Scylla leaned in to whisper to him, his breath laden with the scent of fermenting grapes “My dear Septimius died a short while ago.”

“I'm sorry to hear that,” Acacius voiced quickly.

“No, no, please, it's the best thing that could have happened to me! Septimius was ungrateful, he wanted his vineyard to be just for himself and his despicable little half-breed children. My children, they pay me every year two hundred talents each, as compensation for my help, and so we keep in touch and I make sure their future is good. Well, me and their majesties...” he raised his glass with trembling hand towards the mountain of cushions where the emperors were resting.

“Two hundred talents per child, that makes... a thousand talents a year minus taxes” mused Acacius aloud.

“Taxes?” Scylla let out a chuckle and, with the same hand that held the cup, gestured around him “This, general, is my tax! Their majesties enjoy it very much and I... I keep my well-earned money without interference. Of course, now that Septimius is dead, all his goods pass to me, do you know why?” A servant poured him more wine and half of it was left scattered on the cushions, Scylla no longer supported himself.

Acacius squinted and shook his head uneasily.

“Well, because I killed him!” Scylla smiled exhibiting severely damaged teeth. “I paid some mercenaries, they got rid of him and received, as promised, a quarter of his earnings. And ah, the bastard sure was living the good life. After the cashing out I'm left with a little over two thousand talents, isn't that fortune, general?”

“Indeed it is,” muttered Acacius. He was disgusted, that man murdered his son out of greed, and he found it commendable, he wished to teach him a lesson but it wouldn't be wise to rebuke him in front of the crowd, his reputation was at stake, he had to be careful and....

“General!” Geta approached him, reeling from the drink.  “You're having a good time, aren't you? Sorry but you must help me find Dondus, my brother has lost sight of him and...”

Caracalla was even drunker than Geta, if that was possible, and was crying his eyes out as guests and servants tried to comfort him. Grateful to have an excuse, the general abandoned Scylla and went out into the gardens, in search of the monkey; to his surprise, Geta was with him, muttering something about his brother's stupidity in taking the animal with them.

“It's always the same, he gets drunk and lets it loose out there, then he can't find it and thinks it's been eaten, the beasts or the slaves. He has this crazy idea that slaves eat monkey.”

“Hungry anyone would eat whatever they could find,” punctuated Acacius, who was using a long-range torch to peek through the leaves of the trees.

“General, I would like to... ask you a great favor, now” Geta bowed his head, dizzy but aware. “I know what people believe, that my brother and I will one day slit each other's throats, but that is not so. I recognize his faults, which are many, but I love him. We've been together since... since our mother's womb, yes? I haven't spent a day without him. If anything were to happen to him, I...”

The emperor's eyes filled with tears, Acacius found it pathetic but, gentle, he patted him on the shoulder as if he really wanted to comfort him.

“Your Majesty, it is my duty to protect you both, but to achieve this, I need your trust, and your understanding. I am nothing... without Rome at my back. If I too am lost in the eyes of the people, there will be no one left to aid you.”

He dared to be this blunt because the emperor was drunk, and to his relief he took his words calmly, nodding meekly.

“I understand, general... yes, we will... we will do as you say...”

Acacius felt that battle would be lost as soon as the effects of the alcohol wore off, but for a moment he saw himself undefeated.

Dondus was high up in a Thracian palm, it took three servants, a pole and a fruit to force him down, and Geta reluctantly handed the golden chain to Acacius, who had to act as guide. Caracalla, seeing him return with his pet, exclaimed as if he had just been stabbed, and threw himself on the ground.

“Dondus! My dear... precious... sweet little friend!” he sobbed, hugging the monkey with devotion. Then, he looked at Acacius and hugged him too. “General, you're such a hero, you're returning my adored Dondus to me safe and sound!”

“Brother, calm down,” Geta told him, obliviously oblivious.

“Oh, General, I'd kiss you if I could! What do I say, of course I could!”

And to the mute amusement of the crowd, Caracalla planted a kiss on his cheek before Geta pushed him away. Acacius was livid but kept a hieratic face.

“I think their majesties need to return to the palace. It's been a long party and... surely Dondus is exhausted” he added to get the younger twin to agree to his suggestion. Geta agreed, and the two had to be half carried back to their carriage.

Acacius had to endure sitting in the middle of the emperors, Caracalla was sound asleep against his shoulder, Geta nodded, peering out the sleeping city through the holes in the wooden window.

“It's pretty, isn't it? Rome” he mused.

“Yes. It is,” Acacius affirmed.

“Our father adored it. More than he loved us. Actually I don't think he ever loved us” he added bitterly. “Mom loved us, but she's gone too.”

“Losing a mother is painful.”

“She would tell us stories until the wee hours of the morning...she said that, since I was older, I should take care of him.”

Geta motioned with his head toward Caracalla, who snuggled more against Acacius in his sleep.

“Do people really hate us?” the elder asked, looking at Acacius with an expression he had never seen on him before, that of childish anguish. He hated them both, with all his heart, but he couldn't help but imagine them as children, two spoiled brats who nevertheless looked at the world and took it as an enemy, or as treasure.

The general bit his tongue.

“Actually... I'd like them to love us,” Geta continued in a weak voice, her eyelids drooping at intervals. “I really would like...”

Drowsiness got the better of him and finally, the carriage fell silent.

[astarionsilverbough]

it all goes fast (like a call to faith)

{prompt fill for @justanerdalltheway who requested numbers 11, 24 and 25 off this list

title from the song big bad city by evalyn

i hope you enjoy it, love! i didn't know how these two reunited in the brief Between after Halsin broke our dear vampire's heart and Before astarion died, but now we do.}

He's never known home.

Not in the traditional sense, anyway. The natural world has many definitions of the term but none come close to the unnaturalness of cities or towns. Permanent settlements are an invention of thinking creatures; while many packs or herds call the same plains or forests or deserts their territory, that territory is subject to change multiple times throughout the year.

For most animals, the pack or herd itself was as close to home as anything else. It was not the physical place, but the connections amongst them that defined the term.

So it was also for Halsin.

Home was not a place, but:

" 'And did the lasses go dancing,

Dancing, aye, and did the lads go drinking,

Drinking, aye, and did the hounds go hunting,

a Hunting'," hums a low, soft voice at the end of the hall. Oh, that voice. It was the true north of his compass, the guiding star that led him -

Well.

How long had it been since he last heard it?

" 'And the lasses went a-dancing,

And the lads a-drinking,

And the hounds a-hunting,

But my heart went wandering,

A-wandering'," and -

"Astarion?"

The young elf looks up and those brilliant golden eyes go wide. A wild litany of emotions unravels across his face; oh, but that face. It's sharper now, delicate features finally fully grown into. His soft white curls are artfully teased in the effortless way and his nimble fingers are adorned with delicate golden rings that make them look even longer than they are.

He still keeps his mother's amulet hidden under his clothes.

When Halsin steps into the office, Astarion takes a step back. The druid halts and opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. Astarion slowly shuts the tome he'd been pouring over and sets it on the bookshelf a tad absently. It's teetering on the edge, but before Halsin can say anything about it, Astarion finds his voice again.

"Halsin?" he breathes. He's wearing a dark doublet embroidered with golden peacocks down the front. It doesn't suit him. The collar's too high and the fabric too stiff, unbreathable and tight.

It looks more like something his father would wear.

"Forgive me," Halsin utters, and now the emotions are beginning to spin into a storm inside him, because it's been nineteen years since he's seen this face and it's sharper and Astarion stands like his father now and he wears clothes his father would wear and Halsin -

"Forgive me," he says again, clearing his throat, "I - your father said you'd been made a magistrate. Your assistant let me in."

Astarion's expression does something complex before settling on a feigned pout. "Halsin, I'm hurt," he says, "you went to see father first?"

His stomach launches into his chest and Halsin huffs a laugh. "It was not on purpose, I assure you - I was in Reithwin just for supplies," he says as Astarion watches him with something akin to a predator's gleam in his sunlit eyes, "but I ran into him at Last Light and he told me you were in Baldur's Gate, so... here I am."

"You came to this cesspool of a city just to see me?" Astarion asks incredulously.

"Of course," Halsin says with a huff of laughter. "Did I not tell you we would meet again, little star?"

Astarion's lips part. Some of the softness he remembers creeps back into the elf's gaze. His shoulders drop a fraction and he relaxes, fingertips lighting on the book. Unbalanced, it drops to the floor. Halsin moves on instinct as Astarion jumps a bit, one hand fluttering to his own chest. The druid stoops to pick the tome up from the ground and when he straightens up, Astarion is -

There.

Mere inches away.

He smells - Silvanus preserve him, he smells exactly the same, like bourbon and sunlight and the rosemary oil he puts in his hair to help it grow. It's intoxicating, enough to get Halsin's head spinning like he's had a bit too much of his favorite smoking leaf. He looks up at Halsin through thick silver lashes and Halsin watches his throat work around a hard swallow.

"You did at that," Astarion says quietly. "Well - here you are. I - am woefully unprepared for company, but would you like to join me for a drink?"

"Ah," Halsin says, "I rarely imbibe these days."

Astarion arches a brow. "I never said you had to drink," he drawls, "come now, darling - you broke my heart, you know. The least you could do is lavish me with your relentless charm for an hour or two before you run back to whatever cozy little den you're wintering in this year."

Oh, but that wicked tongue has grown even deadlier. Halsin's thighs tense. His cock stirs and his gut swirls. Tilting his head, he smiles and murmurs, "and I never said I wasn't joining you. Lead the way, little star. You always do."

The grin that spreads over Astarion's face is the most brilliant thing Halsin's seen in nineteen years.

They step out of the building as a gust of wind sweeps past. Autumn is slowly loosening her grasp on the world; soon it will be winter. Leaves dance around their feet and one ends up waltzing all the way up to Astarion's hair. Reaching out, Halsin plucks the wayward plant from those snowy curls and barely resists the urge to card his fingers through them.

"Oh - well, thank you," Astarion purrs, stealing the leaf to twirl it between thumb and forefinger. "I'd hate to strut about looking the fool. Perhaps having someone so bloody tall around is a good idea."

"I don't think it's possible for you to look the fool, Star."

Astarion snorts and lets the leaf slip through his grasp with the next gust of bracing wind. "Well, you clearly don't recall how tipsy I was at the Shieldmeet."

I do, Halsin thinks with a soft smile. You told me I looked handsome when I smoked and I fell in love with the way the moon looked in your eyes.

Halsin offers his arm.

Astarion takes it.

"So, tell me," Astarion says after a beat of comfortable silence, "what has the great druid Halsin been up to? Hopefully none of these new scars were earned in the effort to escape randy bears."

Halsin barks out a laugh. "No," he chuckles, "I might be a slow learner, but I do learn. There have been no more misunderstandings between nature and me. I've been doing what I've always done - gone where the Oak Father bids me. I've ridden the high seas and I've traversed untouched wilds."

"Those better not be euphemisms."

"And if they were?"

"Oh, no judgment from me, I assure you," Astarion drawls, and though his mask is almost pristine, Halsin can see the edge in his gaze when he looks at him. "At least, not for the truth. They were just god-awful if they were. Ridden the high seas? Please. You sound like a penny novel."

"I am fond of them," Halsin admits. Astarion's smile is small, private. He pats Halsin's hand.

"I know, darling."

"And what about you?" the druid hears himself ask.

"What have I been up to? Or am I going to have to invent some euphemisms of my own on the spot?"

There's no going back. "Yes to both," he says carefully. He's no right to ask - no right to pry into any aspect of Astarion's life. Not now.

But then a smug, knowing little smirk crosses Astarion's lips and he squeezes Halsin's arm. "Oh, I've been the untouched wilds and I've ridden the highest seas. Both adventures left much to be desired, I'm afraid. I am, much to my father's chagrin, a professional bachelor. He's beginning to worry I'm unmarriable."

The knot in Halsin's gut loosens. Butterflies fill his lungs. Astarion watches him like he can hear them. "Ah," he says neutrally.

"Mmm. Ah indeed," Astarion hums. "As for what I've been up to - well. I'm sure your tales are far better than mine, darling. I became a magistrate at the tender age of twenty-four and... Here I am still."

"Do you still play the violin?" Halsin asks quietly. Astarion's jaw ticks and his fingers flex subtly against Halsin's arm.

"I hardly have time these days," he says with a fleeting smile.

Halsin's throat tightens. "Well," he says, "it's a lucky thing, then, that you've all the time in the world ahead of you. I should like to hear you play again, little star."

They slow to a halt in the middle of the idly busy street. When Astarion looks up at him, Halsin forgets the chill of autumn. That gaze is warmer than any hearth, softer than any pillow full of down; Astarion's eyes gleam from the inside out and Halsin -

Halsin is home.

"Well," Astarion murmurs, reaching up to gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind Halsin's ear, "you'll have to stick around for a bit, then, won't you?"

He thumbs over Halsin's jaw, the shell of his hear; it takes all his not-inconsiderable strength not to sweep Astarion into a kiss then and there.

"At least for a drink," Halsin says quietly.

Astarion's lips curve into a gentle smile.

"A fine way to start," he says.

It is.

And they have all the time in the world.

He's home.

[sebstanaddict]

Too Good To Be True

Sebastian Stan x Reader Story

A/n: The moment has finally come! Get ready to enter a "magical kingdom" 😆 You won't want to miss this chapter 😉

Summary: A romantic comedy story where Sebastian Stan falls in love with reader but she is not who he thinks she is.

Having been pushed through the limit, reader decided to finally resign from being Sebastian's girlfriend's assistant. But she still needed to attend an event before she could resign. Would she end up resigning or would she withstand another day being a literal slave?

Pairings : Sebastian Stan x Female!Reader

Chapters : 9/20 (Might add more)

Chapter List >

Warning : none - let me know if you find anything

Word count : 7.8k words

This story is inspired loosely by Sebastian's love life so it will have characters from his real life but I will not name their real names. I will only use Sebastian's real name in the story.

---

Chapter 9 - The Gala

13320 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, California - Saturday, July 8th 2023 - 6 pm

—

It was a fine summer evening in Los Angeles, California. On top of a hill on the famous Mulholland Drive, stood a house built like a castle. Two people were in the house, getting ready for a gala event that evening. One slipped on a form fitting sleeveless white embroidered dress, with plunging neckline, mermaid skirt, tons of crystal applique and a long train measuring up to ten feet long. While the other one slipped on a simple short sleeve black dress with A line skirt and big white collar.

Y/n looked at her dresser's mirror and buttoned up the collar of her dress. Then she smoothed the skirt of her black dress. After what seemed like hours, Jo, Aurora's stylist, decided to have her wear this plain black midi dress. Out of all the dresses the stylist had, she was surprised he had something as ridiculous as what she was wearing. She just needed to put on a white apron and black loafers and she would look exactly like Rosa and Gabriella in their maid uniforms.

When Aurora saw her in it she cackled and immediately told her how perfect it looked on her. She couldn't disagree more. But of course she had no say in it. Knowing she was going to resign the next day anyway, she withstood everything that Aurora and her minions did to her. Including letting them style her hair into a tight bun on top of her head, making her look exactly like a maid. The only saving grace was the shoes they asked her to wear. Apparently they didn't have any black loafers fit for a maid so they gave her the closest thing, a black closed toe high heel stiletto. She rarely wore high heel shoes let alone stilettos, so she was kind of nervous about it. She did some walking practice with it earlier and almost twisted her ankle again. She really hoped she wouldn't hurt herself that night at the gala. She couldn't wait until tomorrow so she could leave the dreaded place. Having herself injured again could hinder her plan.

After she made sure her dress was okay and her hair was pulled up into a neat tight bun, she put her stilettos on and stood up carefully. Then she made a silent prayer in her heart, asking for God's help that she would survive that night and not injure herself.

She was also quite nervous because she had never been to an event like that. Amore was having a new perfume launch gala party that evening where plenty of celebrities were expected to attend. Aurora was Amore's brand ambassador for that year so she was one of the main guests. Sebastian being her boyfriend was of course invited as her plus one.

Sebastian. Her heart ached a little as she thought of the way he looked at her last time. The disappointment in his eyes was clear. She wished she got the chance to explain more about what happened. She was sure he would understand. But he left without saying a word. Well, she would try to explain what happened to him if she got the chance that evening. She also planned on letting him know that she was going to resign. She hoped he wouldn't mind.

She glanced at her watch and decided it was time to go out. She would wait by the stairs until Aurora was ready.

She picked up her purse and slowly stepped out of her cell. Despite walking carefully she tripped near the kitchen door as she stepped on the short stairs connecting the garage to the kitchen, but her hand managed to grab onto the kitchen door so she thankfully didn't fall. She shook her head and continued to walk into the kitchen, saying again a silent prayer in her heart.

Her stilettos clacked on the marble tile in the house as she made her way across towards the circular stairs. Just as she arrived at the entrance the front door opened, revealing the most handsome man she had ever laid her eyes on.

“Oh hey, Y/n.” Sebastian entered the house looking like a prince with his light blue suit and his hair pulled back neatly into a man bun.

“Oh, hi Sebastian.” She smiled shyly, blushing a little.

“You look.. good tonight.” Sebastian smiled, checking her out from top to bottom.

She couldn't help but blush again at that and felt butterflies in her stomach.

“No need to lie to me, Sebastian. Just add a white apron and black loafers and I look like I'm ready to vacuum the carpets.” She shrugged, trying to make no big deal out of it, making him laugh.

“Well.. you're right. This dress looks awfully like what a maid would wear. But I think you still look good. I like the shoes on you.” He winked and a shiver ran down her spine, butterflies flew in her stomach and she needed to take a deep breath.

“Thanks.” She said, that was the only thing she could respond with as a part of her still tried to deal with the fact that Sebastian Stan just flirted with her.

For a moment there was an uncomfortable silence as they stared at each other. She noticed again the difference in the way he looked at her. Despite him being a little flirty before, he was somewhat colder, reminding her that she needed to explain things.

“Umm.. Sebastian, I'm sorry. But about what happened yesterday, I need to explain.” She said slowly, her heart beating fast in her chest.

“Oh.. yeah. Go on.” Sebastian nodded.

She told Sebastian about what really happened and his face slowly turned more relaxed and then he laughed.

“I'm sorry, Sebastian, for disappointing you.” She ended her explanation.

“Hey, no need to say sorry. It was all a mistake, right? I knew you weren't the type to do that, to embarrass other people like that. So, yeah, no need to worry. Although, I wish I was there to witness it in person. I'm sure it was hilarious.” He chuckled.

“Oh, you should see the look on the interviewer's face, and Aurora's face too.” She laughed.

“I can imagine.” He laughed again and she felt like a burden had been lifted from her shoulders. Seeing him laugh and looking at the cute nose scrunch he did made her smile and her heart skipped a beat.

Then her face fell as she remembered that she was going to resign the next day. She wondered if she would meet Sebastian again. Most likely not, and the thought made her sad.

“What's wrong?” Sebastian asked, noticing her change of expression.

“Sebastian.. I..” She was just about to tell him about her resignation plan when Aurora's loud yelling could be heard from upstairs.

“Y/n! Y/n! Come up here immediately!”

She sighed. “Sorry. Duty calls.”

“Yeah, of course. I'll just wait here.” Sebastian nodded, looking slightly disappointed too, much to her surprise.

She started to go up the stairs slowly, holding onto the railings tightly, praying she wouldn’t trip. Going up the stairs wearing stilettos was proven to be hard for her so she ended up taking off her shoes and sprinted up the stairs barefoot as Aurora had started to yell again.

She could hear Sebastian chuckling behind her as she continued up the stairs barefoot. She turned around and gave him an annoyed look, making him laugh even more.

“Not funny, Sebastian.” She called out and he laughed again.

“Y/n!” Aurora yelled yet again. She turned around and quickly took the last several steps onto the second floor, leaving Sebastian still chuckling downstairs. The fact she could make him laugh even though it was at her expense made her somewhat happy. She smiled a little as she continued to go towards Aurora’s room while putting on the stilettos again.

Just then the door to Aurora’s room was banged open and she jumped in surprise.

“Y/n! What took you so long?!” Aurora came out of the room, her eyebrows furrowed, a vein bulging on her temple. Jo and Jenny came out of the room too, each holding on to the train of her dress.

Aurora looked stunning with the dress on. Her blonde hair was down and styled in soft waves along her back. Her make up looked amazing with shades of soft pink on her cheeks and lips and light blue shimmering eyeshadow on her eyelids. She should have looked beautiful but the angry expression on her face made her look more like the evil Snow Queen.

“This. Sorry.” She said as she pointed towards her stilettos and Aurora rolled her eyes.

“You are so pathetic! Maybe you should just wear your sneakers or something.” Aurora commented and she nodded vigorously.

“Yes please. I can barely walk with these.”

“Hmm.. no. Just keep the stilettos on. You’re going to be by my side throughout the event, I don’t want you to embarrass me by wearing something inappropriate.” Aurora said and she sighed.

“Anything I can help you with?” She asked.

“Yes. Your job is to carry the train of my dress and make sure it looks perfect. Before the photocall at the red carpet you need to make sure the dress looks perfect. Then once we get inside, I need you to help take off the train and keep it somewhere safe.” Aurora explained.

“Yes, Miss Watson. Anything else I need to do at the event?” She asked.

“Just be on stand by around me and be ready whenever I call you.” Aurora replied and she nodded.

“Is Sebastian here?” She asked.

“Yes, he’s downstairs.” She nodded.

“Okay, let’s go. Hold my train.” Aurora commanded and she immediately picked up the train off Jo’s and Jenny’s hands and started to walk following her, keeping a distance of about ten feet from her.

“Aurora darling, could you stop for a moment? I want to take some pictures.” Jo suddenly said and Aurora stopped right at the top of the stairs.

Jo walked past her and went down the stairs quickly, followed by Jenny.

“Take several steps down, Aurora, I want to capture the train on the steps.” Jo called out and Aurora started to walk down with her still holding onto the train.

“Y/n! Let the train go and hide somewhere!” Jo called out and she sighed as she let Aurora’s train go and she started to walk back up the stairs. She stopped right before the stairs and stood to the side, making sure she was not photobombing Aurora.

She looked down and saw Sebastian, looking at Aurora intensely. He seemed to be mesmerized, much to her annoyance and she felt that heavy feeling in her chest again. She sighed and wondered whether she would ever stop feeling jealous of Aurora. Well, starting tomorrow she could wave that feeling goodbye as she wouldn’t see either of them again anyway.

She couldn’t help but feel sad at not being able to see Sebastian again. She wondered if he would stay friends with her. But then she thought it wasn’t likely. They weren’t exactly friends to begin with and they barely communicated except when he came to see Aurora. If they were friends, they would at least contact each other through text message or phone call, even if they couldn’t see each other in person. So yeah, they really weren’t friends either. Once she resigned she suspected he would just disappear from her life, and the thought made her shed a tear, much to her surprise. She was going to miss him. That’s for sure.

She wiped the tears from her eyes and sighed as she continued to watch Sebastian. He glanced curiously at her, as if silently asking if she was okay. She just gave him a small smile and he smiled back, making her feel a pang in her heart. She needed to tell him that she was resigning. She hoped she would get the chance to do it before the night was over.

—-

Park Plaza Hotel - The MacArthur, Los Angeles, California - Saturday, July 8th 2023 - 8 pm

Her heart pounded hard in her chest as the car they were riding on approached Park Plaza Hotel, or The MacArthur as the building was now called, where the gala event was being held. Her eyes widened as she took in the beautiful purple and blue lights showering the facade of the century old art deco building. Cars could be seen lining the front of the building where one by one the distinguished guests stepped out from their cars and were welcomed by flashes of lights from cameras.

“So, here we are. Good luck Y/n.” Nelson said, winking at her. She was sitting on the front passenger seat right by Nelson.

“Thanks Nelson.” She smiled then took a deep breath.

She opened the door and quickly walked to the other side of the car to open Aurora's door but Sebastian beat her to it. He was already guiding Aurora out of the car.

“I got it, Y/n. Don't worry.” Sebastian said, smiling at her as he pulled Aurora out of the car by her hand.

“Okay. Thanks.” She smiled and Sebastian smiled back.

“My train, Y/n!” Aurora snapped as soon as she had gotten out of the car, her eyebrows furrowed in dislike.

“Okay, sorry.” She said as she started to gather Aurora's train and pulled it out of the car.

She spread the train wide when Aurora had started to walk onto the red carpet and she made sure it looked okay. Then she continued to walk slowly following Aurora, her hand carrying the train in front of her.

People around them were audibly admiring Aurora's dress as she walked onto the red carpet. Aurora held her head up high and smiled in satisfaction as they continued to walk to the middle of the red carpet, with Sebastian escorting her by her side.

“Let the train go!” Aurora looked back at her and hissed. She immediately dropped the train and walked back a little, letting the photographers take pictures of Aurora and Sebastian on the red carpet.

She couldn't help but feel the heaviness on her chest again as she looked at them. With the way they were dressed, they looked exactly like a bride and a groom. Aurora smiled widely and made sure she kept being close to Sebastian, having one of her hands touching him all the time. Sebastian had his hand around her waist most of the time and smiled for the cameras too, although not as wide as Aurora. Sometimes he would give a smoldering look that she knew would make all the fan girls looking at the pictures melt.

After their pictures were taken together they were separated and the photographers took solo pictures of them. Then they were soon whisked away to enter the building.

There were high, wide stairs from the red carpet up into the lobby of the building. She scrambled to pick up Aurora's train and quickly walked behind her. But she tripped and fell on the stairs, sending people around them into fits of laughter.

She could feel warmth crawling from her neck up to her cheeks as she slowly started to get up, shaking her head in embarrassment.

“Are you okay?” A male hand was extended in front of her and she looked up to see Sebastian looking down at her, his eyebrows furrowed.

“Yeah, thank you Sebastian. I'm okay.” She blushed as she reached out to touch Sebastian's hand.

“The stilettos are literally killing me.” She commented as she stood up and Sebastian laughed.

“Sebastian!” Aurora's loud yelling could be heard. She looked up and saw Aurora looking down at them, a frown on her face.

“Coming, Aurora.” Sebastian sighed and he released her hand.

“Be careful, okay?” He continued while looking at her in concern.

“Yeah, I will. Thank you again Sebastian.” She blushed and he smiled then he turned around and went back to walk next to Aurora.

“My train, Y/n!” Aurora commanded and she quickly picked up the train and continued to walk slowly following Aurora. Thankfully she made it up onto the top of the stairs without falling down again.

They continued to cross the lobby of the hotel and into the ballroom where the event was being held. Elegant classical music could be heard coming out from inside the ballroom. Hundreds of people in various elegant dresses and suits could be seen entering the ballroom.

Her jaw dropped as they finally stepped into the ballroom. She felt as if she had stepped into a magical kingdom as blue light showered the entirety of the ballroom, giving the elegant walls and dry ice covered floors a beautiful and mystical vibe. Several trees looking like they came out of a wood in winter stood on the side, their shadows hovering over  numerous round tables where guests sat and mingled. At the end of the ballroom there was a big stage where a string quartet were playing. Behind them Aurora's beautiful face was plastered on the wall with a picture of a bottle of perfume next to her.

She continued to walk further into the ballroom following Aurora. She noticed that all along the ballroom up until the stage there were some interesting things being displayed. She realized they were Amore's perfumes. Small and big bottles displayed beautifully on intricately decorated tables. Guests were being given some sample bottles to take home and she took a mental note to grab some herself. Amore was a high end brand so the perfume was not exactly within her budget. That's why she would love to get her hands on some free samples.

“Y/n! Take off my train!” Aurora turned back to her, startling her and she nodded. She gathered the train and walked closer to Aurora and took the train off.

“Where should I keep this?” She asked.

“I don't know! You're the PA. You're supposed to help me! Figure it out yourself!” Aurora snapped, then she flipped her hair and walked towards a nearby round table where some people had stood up and greeted her.

“Sorry, about her.” Sebastian said, looking at her apologetically.

“It's okay. I'm used to it.” She shrugged.

“I think there's a deposit counter near the entrance. You can keep it there.” Sebastian suggested.

“Oh, right. Thanks.” She nodded.

“Sebastian!” Aurora called out and he sighed.

“See you later.” He said and she nodded.

She walked back towards the entrance and indeed, found a small deposit counter right by the entrance. After she deposited Aurora's train, she walked back into the ballroom.

With the ballroom being so huge and the lighting being somewhat minimal, it took her some time to find Aurora and Sebastian among the guests. She finally found them sitting at a round table near the stage. She was about to approach them when someone thrusted a tray full of appetizers onto her hands, startling her.

“Take this and serve them. We're running behind!” A man wearing a waiter uniform spoke to her and she realized what was happening.

“Sorry, but I.. I'm not a waitress. I don't work here.” She said but the man scoffed.

“No more excuses, missy. Your outfit says it all. Just go and serve them!” The man scolded her and immediately left her, leaving her staring at him, dumbfounded.

She looked around and felt her heart sink to her stomach. Girls wearing an outfit similar to hers were walking around the ballroom, serving food to the guests. She looked basically like one of the wait staff at the gala! Except, of course, minus the apron. She shook her head in disbelief.

“Excuse me, are you going to serve those or not? I'm hungry.” A man sitting at a round table near her said. She didn't have a choice but to serve the food.

“Of course. I'm sorry, sir. Here you are.” She said as she started putting the plates of appetizers onto the round table in front of the man.

She decided to just play along and once all the food on her tray was served she would just go to the kitchen, leave the tray and sneak out or something. She glanced at Aurora's table and saw her talking animatedly with the guests there. Sebastian was talking to a man next to him as they enjoyed the appetizer. She figured they wouldn't look for her so she could just sneak out. But of course she was wrong.

“Y/n!? What are you doing?” Aurora's voice could be heard as she walked past them towards the kitchen with trays full of empty bowls and half eaten soups this time. After she was done serving the appetizers some guests around her had started to put them on her tray.

“I.. umm..” She stopped, blushing hard.

“I knew you had it in you. You couldn't help yourself. Couldn't you? Being a waitress just seems to run in your blood.” Aurora chuckled.

“I'm..I’m just trying to help.” She stammered.

“Well, good. Maybe you can help find me some cocktails. Would you like some, Sebastian?” Aurora asked, turning to Sebastian who was looking at her in amusement, much to her embarrassment.

“No, thanks. I'm good. Do you need any help?” Sebastian asked, glancing at the tray in her hand.

“No, it's okay. I got it, Sebastian.” She smiled and he smiled back. Sometimes she still wondered how Sebastian could be so nice to her.

“Y/n! Go and get me some cocktails!” Aurora scolded her and she nodded, forcing her to stop thinking of Sebastian.

She turned around and as she left she could hear Aurora hissing at Sebastian. “Seb, could you stop defending her and helping her?! I don't like it!”

She smiled as she heard it. Apparently Sebastian being so nice to her really bothered Aurora. All the jealousy she felt earlier had somehow been erased from her heart and she felt kind of happy as she walked towards the kitchen. Her happiness was cut short however as the door to the kitchen was opened all of a sudden, crashing into her and causing the tray in her hand to flip towards her, ruining her dress. The bowls crashed down onto the floor and the loud sounds caused people around them to stop and stare at her.

Again?! She couldn't believe her luck, or lack of luck that is. Twice now she had embarrassed herself at the gala. Why couldn't she just have a normal life and stop embarrassing herself?! She grumbled internally.

“You! Clean this up now!” The man who had given her the plate of appetizers earlier came out of the kitchen and scolded her so she didn't have a choice.

She started to kneel down on the floor and gathered all the broken bowls with help from the waitress who had opened the door and crashed into her earlier. She didn't dare to look back towards where Sebastian and Aurora were sitting. She was much too embarrassed. She hoped they didn't see what happened.

After she cleaned everything up, returned the tray to the kitchen and dumped the broken bowls into the trash, she looked down at her dress and realized there were some stains on them courtesy of the uneaten soup.

“Here. You can clean it with this.” The waitress that had crashed into her earlier gave her a clean cloth.

“Thank you.” She said as she started to clean up her dress. But even after cleaning it up some stains on her chest still looked noticeable.

“Here, wear this to cover it up.” The waitress gave her a white apron and she nodded.

“Thanks.” She said as she put the apron over her head and tied it behind her back. Oh well, she was already knee deep into it, why not dress for the part. She shrugged.

“Do you know where I can get some cocktails?” She asked.

“Oh, there's a bar in the ballroom on the right side of the entrance. You can get some there. But it's not for the wait staff.” The waitress replied.

“Okay, thank you. And no, I'm not looking to drink it myself even though I could use some now.” She shrugged. “My boss asked for it.”

“I see. Well, even if you get some yourself, there's no judgment from me. You look like you need it.” The waitress said and she wasn't sure if she should be offended by that or not.

“Uh.. right. Thank you.” She replied, not sure what else to say.

“You're welcome.” The waitress smiled then she left.

She went back into the ballroom and headed towards the bar. She picked up two glasses of cocktail that were already lined up on a table at the bar and brought it towards Aurora.

“What's this?” Aurora asked, looking up at her as she placed the cocktails on the table in front of her.

“I.. umm.. I don't know. They were served at the bar. I didn't ask.” She replied.

“You really are an incompetent PA.” Aurora shook her head.

“Aurora, stop it. Let me taste it. I'm sure it's good.” Sebastian said as he picked up a glass and sipped it.

“So? What is it?” Aurora asked.

“Not sure but it's too sweet, not my taste. I think you'll like it though.” Sebastian replied.

“Hmm.. fine.” Aurora said as she picked up the other glass and sipped it.

“Yeah, it's too sweet but I like it.” Aurora nodded. “Go and get me some more.”

She nodded and she went back to the bar to get some more.

She wasn't sure if Aurora had a drinking problem or if she just liked the cocktail, but within the next hour she downed six glasses of it and it had started to make her rather tipsy.

The main course was a plate of sirloin steak with fries and stir fried vegetables, but Aurora only ate the vegetables, leaving the steak and fries cold on the plate, making her get drunk much faster. She was giggling and laughing at what people said even though they weren't funny and she felt she had second hand embarrassment just looking at her.

After dessert, which was panna cotta served with lime mousse, chocolate soil, cocoa meringues and orange gel, were served, the main event began.

Aurora was whisked away towards the backstage area. As Amore's brand ambassador, she was supposed to be up on the stage, symbolically launching the new perfume as well as giving a speech.

The lighting in the ballroom was turned off leaving the screen on the stage the only source of lighting. Aurora appeared on the screen as an ad for the perfume was shown. Towards the end of the ad a huge bottle of the perfume was wheeled onto the stage and Aurora, along with a lady who she assumed was Amore's CEO, walked onto the stage. Just as the screen showed exploding colors of various shades of blue, Aurora pressed a button and the top of the huge bottle popped open. Thick mist shot out of the bottle and engulfed the whole ballroom with a sweet, pleasant and refreshing smell. She assumed the perfume smelled like that. Somehow Amore was able to bottle up what winter wonderland would smell like.

The guests erupted in cheers and applauded. Aurora smiled widely on the stage as she took a stand behind a microphone.

“Thank you everyone for coming here tonight as we celebrate the launch of Amore's Magical Winter perfume.” Aurora started her speech.

She couldn't help but admire her a little. She was sure Aurora was rather tipsy when she went towards the stage earlier but now she looked perfectly sober. Not until she finished her speech and stepped off the stage did she see her wobbling a little.

Aurora returned back to her table and was welcomed with applause and cheers from guests at the table, including Sebastian who was smiling and applauding too.

“You did a great job.” He said to her and Aurora smiled then went on tiptoe to kiss him, startling him and making everyone on the table cheered and whistled.

She looked away as they kissed and felt a pang in her heart. She tried to ignore it but couldn't as she glanced back at them, who were still kissing. If the rumors were true, that they were a PR couple, they were doing a great job. As much as she hated seeing them, they were doing a great job convincing people that they were dating at that moment as both seemed to enjoy kissing each other.

Just then the lighting in the ballroom changed. This time purple lights shone on the floor and blue lights showered the walls. The vibe of the gala had changed. A DJ took over the stage, playing some club music and guests started to file onto the dance floor.

“Come on, Seb. Let's dance.” Aurora said as they finally stopped kissing and she dragged him towards the dance floor.

Soon everyone on the round table left and hit the dance floor, leaving her standing by the table alone. Her stomach had started to rumble. She realized she hadn't gotten the chance to eat anything that evening, so busy was she being a “waitress” and being Aurora's slave.

She noticed Aurora's plate with the steak was still on the table. As much as she hated it, she felt it was such a waste to leave the steak left uneaten so she picked up a clean knife and fork, glanced around, and after making sure no one saw her, she cut the steak and started eating it.

As she ate she felt her chest tightened and her eyes watered. Never in a million years she thought she would ever stoop this low, eating off the plate of someone else's leftovers. The steak was cold but it was good. She realized she hadn't had steak in ages. Since she got fired from her Silicon Valley office she had been basically living off pasta, ramen and cereal. She rarely ate meat, just some occasional minced chicken and canned tuna when she felt like it. So this was quite a big deal for her. Tears started to stream down her face as she continued to eat. She couldn't take it anymore, so she finally stopped eating after finishing about half of the steak and wiped the tears from her eyes with a clean napkin.

Get it together, girl. You're gonna resign anyway tomorrow. She thought and she finally stood up and went to the bathroom to check on her make-up and compose herself. When she went back inside the ballroom, Aurora and Sebastian were back at the table.

“Y/n! There you are! Where were you my little Cinderella?” Aurora asked, noticing her arrival at the table. Aurora giggled and she shook her head. Aurora was clearly drunk.

“I was just in the bathroom. Anything I can help you with?” She asked.

“Yes! I want those cocktails again. The ones you brought for me before. They're so good. I'm thirsty after all the dancing.” Aurora said.

“Okay.” She nodded.

“Y/n.. are you okay?” Sebastian reached out and held her hand back, preventing her from leaving, sending shivers down her spine. He stared at her and studied her face, his eyebrows furrowed in concern.

“I'm fine. Thank you, Sebastian.” She said and she gave him a small smile.

“Seb, she's fine. Just let her go so she can get my cocktails.” Aurora protested, her eyes narrowed.

“Okay.” Sebastian nodded and let her hand go.

She sighed as she left the “couple” and headed towards the bar. Sebastian was so perceptive. He had been nothing but very kind towards her throughout the evening. She couldn't help but wonder yet again if he had feelings for her. But  then again, he had been like that ever since they met and he had yet to declare his love to her. So, no, she was sure he didn't have feelings for her. Especially not after she witnessed him and Aurora kissing again that evening. She sighed and continued walking towards the bar.

Unfortunately the cocktails Aurora wanted were already gone. She asked the bartender to make some new cocktails for Aurora but the bartender said they had run out of the ingredients. They only had some white wine and champagne left. She wasn't sure what Aurora would want so she went back to the table empty handed.

As she walked back she passed a small table with some curious looking mason jar glass drink dispensers and small bottles displayed in front of it.

“Magical Herbal Potions”

A sign on the table said. She stopped and a woman with long black curly hair dressed like a gypsy who was sitting behind the table smiled at her.

“Hello, come and try some of our magical potions. They're not just any potions, they can help with any problem you might have.” The woman said.

Huh? Any problem? That sounded really interesting. She thought as she continued to stare at the dispensers.

“Any problem?” She asked as she read the label on one of the dispensers. “Love” was written on it, then “Luck” was written on the dispenser next to it. Another dispenser had “Health” written on it and yet another one had “Wealth” written on it. Basically the dispensers had everything she wanted. Except maybe health as she felt she was thankfully healthy enough.

“Yes, any problem at all my dear.” The woman smiled again.

She wasn't someone who believed in magic or superstition so she was convinced it was all just a marketing gimmick, but she was kind of in a desperate situation, so she needed all the help she could get.

“Umm.. how much is this one?” She asked as she pointed at the “Luck” dispenser.

“They're all free, my dear. Amore paid for them. Feel free to take any that you want.” The woman said.

“Oh! Really?” She asked.

“Yes. Here, I think you need this one more than anything else.” The woman said as she started to pour some “Luck” potion into a shot glass.

“Oh yeah. I guess you saw what happened.” She blushed, remembering the moment she crashed into the kitchen door and destroyed the bowls.

“I did, and I'm sorry. And if you'll excuse me for being so blunt, but I have never seen anyone with so much bad luck around their aura like yourself.” The woman stated and her eyes widened.

“Are you some kind of psychic? Or a witch? Because, how do you know that?” She asked, dumbfounded.

The woman laughed. “It doesn't matter my dear. What matters is, the universe allowed us to meet at this very moment. And I think the universe wants to change something in your life. So here, take this. And also this, and this.” The woman said as she gave her the shot glass filled with the “Luck” potion and then she started to fill two more shot glasses with the “Love” and “Wealth” potion.

“Umm.. how do you know I also need these?” She asked in awe.

“I just know, my dear.” The woman smiled.

“Haha.. okay.” She laughed nervously. She had started to feel rather creeped out by the woman.

“Don't be scared, I just want to help.” The woman said and she felt a chill run down her spine.

“Umm.. okay.” She said. Well, she really did need some help in her life. Maybe this was God's way of helping her.

So she braced herself and picked up the “Luck” potion and slowly sipped it. It tasted sweet, like apple juice, so she quickly downed it. The rest of the potions didn't taste bad either so she drank them all in one go.

As soon as she finished drinking all the potions, a loud thunder rumbled and the lights in the ballroom flickered, making the hairs on her arms stand up.

“Don't worry my dear, everything is going to be okay.” The woman said, patting her shoulder in encouragement.

“Right. Well, thank you so much for all the potions. I better get back before my boss starts looking for me.” She said and the woman nodded.

“Wait, before you go.” The woman said as she gave her another shot glass filled with amber liquid in it.

“Could you give this to Aurora Watson, please? I see that she needs help and this will help her immensely.” The woman said.

“Oh! Okay. Sure. What potion is this?” She asked, her eyebrows furrowed.

“It's a mixture of several things that I know will help her. That's all I can say.” The woman explained.

“Umm.. okay. Thank you so much.” She said and the woman smiled.

“It's my pleasure, dear. Good luck!”

“Yeah, thanks.” She nodded and smiled then turned to walk towards Aurora's table.

That was weird. She shook her head as she continued to walk. Well, the only thing she could do now was wait and see whether the potions had any effect. She couldn't believe how low she had gotten. She had never believed in magic and superstition and now she took potions to fix her life? Granted, she didn't exactly seek out for them but it still felt weird that she would encounter someone like that woman, who she was sure was some kind of a psychic, just at the moment where she needed help the most.

She shrugged and decided to let the weird thought go for now as she arrived at Aurora's table. Sebastian was nowhere in sight when she arrived, only Aurora was there and a woman who was sitting next to her and talking to her.

“Excuse me, Miss Watson. I'm sorry but the bar ran out of the cocktails you wanted. There's only white wine and champagne. I wasn't sure which one you want, so..” She trailed.

“Just get me some white wine.” Aurora responded.

“Okay.” She nodded.

“What is that?” Aurora asked, pointing at the potion in her hand.

“Oh, someone asked me to give it to you. She said this will help you somehow.” She said, doubting Aurora would drink it.

“Help me? Help me in what exactly?” Aurora asked.

“I..umm.. I'm not sure. But she had all these herbal drinks labeled with Luck, Love, Health, Wealth and stuff on it..” She trailed.

“Fine. I'll take it. It sounds like a marketing gimmick anyway. They probably want me to promote it on Instagram. Besides, I'm thirsty.” Aurora said and she gave the glass to her.

Aurora took a sip and after tasting it she drank the whole thing in one go. Just as she was finished another loud thunder could be heard and the lights flickered again, sending shivers down her spine and making her wonder if those were real magical potions.

“Well, that was not bad, it had a little zing in it.” Aurora said, giving the shot glass back to her.

“Now go and get me some white wine.” Aurora commanded and she nodded.

For the rest of the evening she spent the time going back and forth from the round table to the bar getting more and more white wine for Aurora that she started to feel concerned for her. She eventually stopped getting her some more white wine when Sebastian intervened.

“Aurora, you've had enough, let's go home.” Sebastian persuaded her and she agreed.

When they arrived back at Aurora's castle Aurora could barely walk so Sebastian and her guided her up the stairs into her room.

“I don't feel so good.” Aurora complained as Sebastian laid her back on the bed while she took off Aurora's shoes.

“You're drunk, Aurora. You'll be fine. Y/n, could you get her some water please?” Sebastian asked.

“Okay, sure.” She nodded and she quickly left them.

When she got back Sebastian was still by Aurora's side, patting her hand.

“Seb, why are you so nice? You're nicer than my mom even.” Aurora said, looking up at him with love in her eyes.

“Don't say that Aurora. Your mom is nice.” Sebastian responded.

“Excuse me, here's the water.” She said, feeling kind of bad for intruding on them somehow.

“Oh thanks Y/n.” Sebastian said as she gave the glass to him.

“Here, you need to drink.” Sebastian said, helping Aurora sit down and helped her drink.

“Thanks Seb.” Aurora said after she took several gulps.

“Okay, I'm gonna go now.” Sebastian said, putting the glass of water on the nightstand next to him.

“No, don't go. Stay.” Aurora begged, reaching out and touching his hand.

“I can't. I'm sorry, Aurora. Besides, you need to rest. Tomorrow is the meeting with Maya for Pumping Black, remember? You need to get all the rest you can get. I'll come to pick you up tomorrow and we can go to her place together.” He said, releasing his hand from Aurora's.

“Fine. Go.” Aurora sighed, leaning back and closed her eyes.

“Okay. Take care, Aurora.” Sebastian said as he stood up. Aurora didn't say anything and just waved her hand at him.

“I'll walk you out.” She offered as Sebastian started to leave the room. She remembered that she wanted to tell him about her plan on resigning the next day.

“Thanks Y/n.” Sebastian smiled.

“So, tonight has been quite an interesting night. I applaud your patience in dealing with Aurora.” Sebastian said as they stepped down the stairs.

“Well, it was my job to be her assistant, so I did what I could.” She said and she glanced at him. Her heart pounded hard in her chest as she realized Sebastian was giving her a look of admiration, making her think twice about resigning.

“I wish I could hire you as my assistant. I could use someone with so much dedication like you.” Sebastian laughed and she smiled.

“Well, if you ever need an assistant for your future projects, please don't hesitate to ask me.” She replied, thinking that she needed the job like yesterday.

“Of course. There's another project I'm gonna be doing after the Pumping Black shooting is done. I'll make sure to hire you. If Aurora would let you go, that is.” He said.

“Oh Sebastian, after all that happened I'm sure she can't wait to fire me.” She shrugged.

“Yeah. I'm sorry you had to go through all that.” He sighed as they finally reached the front door.

“It's okay. You know bad luck is my middle name.” She stated and he laughed.

“After what happened tonight I'm starting to believe it's true.” He chuckled.

“It is true. You'll be hard pressed to find anyone else that has worse luck than me.” She shrugged and he continued to laugh.

“Anyway, Sebastian, I..” She was just about to tell him her resignation plan when Aurora's loud yelling could be heard.

“Y/n! Y/n!”

“I’m sorry, Sebastian, duty calls.” She sighed.

“Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow, okay? And if you need anything don't hesitate to call me.” Sebastian said, giving her a brief hug.

“Okay, thank you Sebastian.” She smiled.

“Y/n! Where are you?!” Aurora yelled again.

“Coming Miss Watson!’ She called out.

“Take care Y/n.” Sebastian said, patting her hand.

“Thanks. You too, Sebastian.” She smiled, her heart dropped at the possibility of never seeing him again after she resigned.

As she watched him go, an alternative plan entered her mind. Maybe she could stay and work for Aurora until the shooting for Pumping Black was over. After that she could ask Sebastian to hire her. That way she didn't need to find another job and she could still see him.

Yup, that could work. She thought. She just needed to brace herself for maybe around three months until the Pumping Black shooting was over. Besides, after everything that had happened to her so far throughout her time working for Aurora, she was sure she could handle anything else coming her way. She had learnt a lot about Aurora's character in the past week and how to deal with them. She just needed to put on a thicker skin whenever she or her minions mocked her and just ignored them. She finally decided.

She entered Aurora's room and found her still lying on the bed. She looked very sick and she started to worry that the potion she gave her caused this and not just the fact she was drunk. But then again, she took three potions and she was fine.

“Y/n.. I don't feel so good. Help me get to the bathroom.” Aurora called out and she nodded.

Aurora sat down as she leaned over her to help her get up and just then Aurora opened her mouth and threw up right on her chest!

At that moment she changed her mind again. Yes, no matter what,  she was going to resign the next morning and nothing could stop her.

—

13320 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, California - Sunday, July 9th 2023 - 6 am

A sliver of soft morning light entered through the curtain and fell on a sleeping form in the master bedroom. A blonde woman slept underneath the comforter. Her hair strewn every which way. The light fell over her eyes and she stirred.

Y/n squinted as she slowly opened her eyes. Why was it so bright? She wondered. Sunlight couldn't possibly enter her room as her room didn't have any windows. And why was her head throbbing so hard? It was really painful.

She finally opened her eyes fully and looked around. Her heart started to beat faster in her chest as she registered the environment around her. She was in a huge room with cream walls and large windows on every wall. The floor was covered with dark gray parquet. The furniture was mostly white with gray accents. On her right was a big walk-in closet and next to the closet was a sofa and coffee table facing the windows and a door leading out to the big terrace outside.

She was in Aurora's room?! What was she doing in Aurora's room?!

She looked down and realized she wasn't wearing the shorts and t-shirt she put on last night, she was wearing the night gown she helped Aurora put on last night after she was done throwing up on her.

Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped as she put her hand over her eyes and realized she could see clearly without her glasses! 

She jumped from the bed, feeling queasy as she walked as fast as she could towards the walk-in closet.

Her heart beat so fast as she looked at the full body mirror in the closet and found herself staring back at the face of Aurora Watson!

She screamed and her scream was matched with another person's scream coming from down the stairs and her heart sank to her stomach.

Chapter 10>

Taglist

@dhoruwolfie

[phoenixfiiire]

@dragonliiight asked: Adjust | ACTION PROMPTS (accepting) [ ADJUST ] — sender fixes an article of receiver’s clothing, but does not stop there. they fix receiver’s hair, turn them around to check their outfit, etc, all to make sure that receiver looks their best

His ability to mourn had been taken away from Joshua for nearly twenty years. After his father's death, after he had believed his brother to die - even after he had felt certain that Jill had passed, he hadn't been able to grieve for their passing. Instead the young lord had needed to study up and train and take in as much knowledge as he could, to learn as much as Ultima as possible, to bear the weight of the fate of the world on his shoulders.

He was able to mourn now (and after seeing Dion die before his eyes, it was all Joshua had been able to do for a full year).

It wasn't just widows who dressed in all black. For a year, for over a year, Joshua had worn nothing but black, forgoing the crimson of Rosaria and keeping himself wrapped in a comforting cocoon of sorrow. The parts of his that ached and cried and screamed for the loss of his family felt a small touch of comfort in this. Slowly, ever so slowly, the thought of his father or of Clive didn't hurt quite so much.

And then Dion had come back into his life - and then Dion had proposed. It was nothing more than making an official alliance between two nations, though Joshua knew better. The Dragoon Emperor was making it clear that Joshua was his and his alone, and there was something fairly electric about that thought as well.

Color had started to come back to Joshua, both in a physical sense and in his choices of garments. Shirts that were shades of grey began to be worn, ones with small embroidered details done in deepest red, cloaks worn with touched of white or blue. It was slight, it was subtle, but it was there.

It was something Dion had noticed as well. And tonight it was clear that the colors of mourning were not going to be worn. Not allowed to be. A thought that, if it came from anyone else, might have been alarming, but only felt comforting to know that the Emperor viewed him with such passion.

The pants were black save for the Phoenix of Rosaria stitched over one pocket in white. It was something that would be covered up with any overcoat he wore, but the touch wasn't meant for others to see; it was for him alone to know that Rosaria was always with him. A deep red shirt, almost crimson, was tucked neatly into the waist of his pants.

It was hardly the most colorful display that Dion could have picked for him, and the blacks and reds were a sharp contrast to the whites and blues that Dion wore.

"... I do not want to tell you that you cannot still mourn for the losses that you have felt." Dion stood before him, straightening the collar of his shirt. After a moment he paused, letting his head tilt forward to rest against Joshua's, and the Phoenix responded by letting one arm move out to rest on Dion's hip. "But I will admit I am selfish, and wish to see you... happy as well."

"I know, Your Radiance." A pause before Joshua added on: "Dion. Thank you for the gift."

They would have to leave for dinner soon - but there was certainly time for a heated kiss or two-

[celluloidstyle]

pump up the volume (1990)

director: allan moyle

costume designer: michael abbot

production design: robb wilson king

set dec: tina treglia (peterson)

cinematographer: walt lloyd

BEING WEIRD ISN'T ENOUGH not sure why i like this pin, but i like it.

this film takes place on the cusp between the 80s and the 90s, but i loved that these kids drove these 60s/70s(?) cars, i think to signify that they were low income and couldn't afford modern cars? but i love the atmosphere in this shot.

not the greatest screencap, but i adored everything janie (lala sloatman) wore. the cat-eye glasses, the oversized pink pearl earrings, the ponytail scarf. even though i related to nora's artsy side, i wanted to be janie.

mark (christian slater) is like two different people. at home, he wears cool retro bowling shirts embroidered with the name "dick" and sasses his parents, but at school he wears bland clothing (like he wants to blend into the background) and acts all shy.

i also just really loved mimi kennedy as mark's mom, marla, using a teacup to ash her cigarette into, i just thought it was so posh!

again, loving janie's dangly statement earrings, and the colour combo with her floral bolero (?) and sweet pink dress. i didn't love nora's (samantha mathis) outfit as much, but i was intrigued by the piece she wears over her dress. it ties at the back of her neck, and i think again on her lower back, so it's like a... halter vest? the turtle necklace is pretty dope, and though you can't see it in this shot, she is also wearing purple and white striped tights.

paige's (cheryl pollak) bedroom is a dream! the floral wallpaper and the white bed are so lovely, but the seafoam green radio really makes the colour scheme pop.

man i wish i had a teacher this cool! ellen greene as jan emerson (do they call her miss emerson in the movie? i can't remember), wears the coolest outfits, and she is introduced in this amazing mustard suit accessorized with a turquoise bolo tie! the look is amazing, but it also alerts us that this film takes place in arizona.

paige, doing her WASP thing in an oversized sweater over a blouse, with a string of pearls. it's the necklace that does it for me.

i mostly just wanted to see how many celebrities i could identify in this shot: keanu reeves, johnny depp, george michael, kirk cameron, corey haim, richard grieco... (stole this image from imdb as it was much clearer than my screenshot)

i forgot that plaid wallpaper was a thing and i think it's due for a comeback. particularly loving the plaid (shirt) on plaid (wallpaper) in this scene, so cozy, like a cabin!

so many things to love in this scene: number one, the heart curtains; number two, the kitten sweatshirt (the kittens look like they might be puffy and i can feel it in my mind); number three the "homework causes brain damage" sign on the wall--classic! number four, the clear lamp filled with gumballs? and the cow hanging from it! number five and six, the blue radio and the clear phone! i want one!

did you notice that the tissue box in the highschool staff room is the same as the tissue box in the depressed student's room? do you think it was the same box?

nora's room reminded me of my own room in highschool-- walls plastered with images, and plenty of candles. i think nora might have been one of the prototypes for the manic pixie dreamgirl.

Believe It Or Not I Care

mazz's (billy morrisette) denim and leather look is good.

an example of one of mark's drab shirts, but also nora's completely adorable velvet blouse with a peter pan collar! also, i'm learning that the next time i wear a collared shirt, i need to add a long statement necklace.

so this scene is near the end of the film, and i loved mark's shirt here. i also realized that it's more of a cooler, bolder look than he has previously worn to school, so i think it's supposed to symbolize mark coming out of his shell and revealing more of his true self at school/in public. look at me, i get things.

finally, loving this floral blouse and braided leather suspender on miss emerson. i would probably wear this.

BONUS here's a picture of drew barrymore at "an event" for pump up the volume (according to imdb), i'm assuming it's the premiere, just looking cool and badass. i need that jacket.

another bonus: this adorable promo photo of christian & samantha <3

anyways, most of these pics are my own screenshots, but you should check out higher resolution images on imdb. i couldn't find any articles about the wardrobe in this film, but i did find this 30th anniversary article that was interesting.

[verra-lol]

Sunny was walking alone. The sky was clouded, and the air was thick and foggy. Light rain drizzled down on his hat and on the sidewalk. He shivered. Sunny should've listened to Mari when she said to wear a jacket and pants, not a gray short sleeved shirt and khaki shorts.

He kept walking. Sunny watched as the rain pattered on the grass beside him and on the leaves of the trees that made up the dense forest. He saw something from the corner of his eye and stopped. A sign that read, "Keep off the grass!" and beside that, two pairs of muddy footprints. Sunny decided to follow the footprints out of curiosity.

Sunny toed through the mud, careful not to make any noticeable footprints. So far, the only thing he could hear was the chirping of wild Forfinch, small black and white finches with four wings. As he went deeper into the forest, he could hear some chatter and hid behind a bush.

"See? I told you it was worth it! Just look at this spot!" A female voice shouted.

Sunny peeked up from the bush to see an enchanting forest clearing. There were many Buzzileaves, small bee Pokemon with leaf-like wings and light yellow fluffy collars. Kermole, giant rose seeds with faces and feet and Peresprout, a brown egg-shaped creature with triangular legs and a rose sprouting from its head, were waddling around. Soft light was shining through the canopy, illuminating a large stone in the middle coated in moss, grass and flowers that was shiny due to the rain.

In front of him, Sunny saw the two people who appeared to be his old friends, Aubrey and Basil. Their appearances had changed a lot since he last saw them.

Aubrey now had pink hair and a light blue do-rag with a Pokeball patch that had once belonged to Mari. She wore black triangular sunglasses and a black tank top with a blue blazer that had white vertical stripes. Aubrey had a long, dark denim skirt that extended down to her ankles. She had white, pink and blue walking shoes.

Basil wore a dark blue bowler hat with a pink flower in it. He still had blond hair. Basil wore an off-white long sleeve with pink flower inspired cuffs and a matching collar and fanny pack. He had pale green jeans with white embroidered flowers dotted all over and brown hiking boots.

"I guess, but we're going to get yelled at if we get caught. Or worse." Basil said timidly.

"Stop being such a crybaby already! You always do this when we do exciting stuff." Aubrey hissed, "It's not like anyone's out here anyways. They're all so wimpy that they wouldn't dare step on some measly grass."

Aubrey stepped further into the clearing, accidentally tripping over a long string of grass and a bush near the rock. She grunted.

The string of grass flicked back and forth, and the rock started to rise up. Aubrey yelped and jumped backwards as the rock grew four, huge legs. The boulder was actually a huge elephant!

The elephant Pokemon was mostly stone gray with dark green spiking patterns on its legs, tusks and ears. It had a thick moss ruff encircling its neck and rich, floral greenery on its back, stretching down to the tip of the tail. Its long trunk also had some moss on it, and some grass and yellow flowers surrounding the nostrils. The elephant's eyes were a piercing yellow and had grass over the top of them resembling eyebrows. On the top of its head, it had more grass that connected to the back greenery.

The elephant turned its head to Aubrey and Basil and narrowed its eyes. It faced them head on and prepared to charge up an attack.

Aubrey turned around and started to run, but Sunny jumped out of the bushes. He grabbed both Basil and Aubrey's arms and dragged them to the floor behind the bushes just before the elephant charged forward.

"EEK!--" Basil screamed but Sunny covered his mouth.

The elephant screeched to a stop when it realized it didn't hit anything. It looked and listened for any sound, but there was only the rain pattering against the leaves. The elephant turned around and walked back to the clearing, where it settled down and went back to sleep.

Sunny uncovered Basil's mouth and he let out a sigh of relief. Basil turned to Sunny and his eyes widened.

"Sunny? Is that you?" Basil whispered.

Sunny nodded, "Hi. It's been a while, but I think we should talk later. That thing could wake up any minute now."

Sunny stood up and walked out of the forest with Aubrey and Basil following.

They made it out, but were greeted by an irritated man with half circle glasses who was standing on the sidewalk. He was bald and had a thin brown beard and mustache that were connected. The man wore purple suspenders, a white, long-sleeved button up, a black tie with fossils on it, and gray formal pants. He had swamp green rain boots on and was holding a clear umbrella.

"What do you think you all were doing in there? You could have gotten seriously hurt!" He said.

Aubrey was scrunched up and silent. Basil noticed this and said, "Uh, sorry, I got a bit lost."

"A bit lost? You do know what lies in those woods right?" The man questioned.

Basil shook his head.

"Legend says that a monster named Graphelant roams the forest disguised as mere grass and kills any person who even walks near it," The man said. "You all were lucky enough to make it out alive."

"I'm sorry, it was my fault. It wont happen again." Basil looked to the side.

"Good. Now go home, the rain is getting worse." The man walked off.

Basil sighed. "I'm, uh, gonna listen to him. Polly is probably going to get worried. Bye, Aubrey. Can we catch up later, Sunny?"

Sunny nodded.

"Thanks." Basil left.

"So, Sunny," Aubrey turned to Sunny. "Why were you hiding in the bushes? Were you following us?"

"Sort of." He replied.

"You weirdo," Aubrey snickered. "Don't follow me right now though, Okay? I have to meet with my boss about some work things and he doesn't take too kindly to spectators. See you around."

Aubrey then walked away.

After that long outing, Sunny was tired. He decided to call it a day and go back home.

[myths-of-fantasy]

Year of the Rabbit - Ch3, The Slime

When a woman dies and becomes a warrior bunny, only shenanigans can ensue. Or, that time Rimaru got a rabbit bodyguard that immediately declared war on a demon lord.

Chapter Directory | Previous | Next Chapter | Ao3 Link

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"Halt, slime! You are encroaching upon land under jurisdiction of the Vast Field Warren - please state your intentions or be escorted back to your colony!"

Rimuru paused, tilting himself a little at the strange sight up ahead. Standing before him a tall, slender creature laden with shiny cream furred vulpine with feathery hocks, staring him down with sharp, brown eyes. What he assumed was a saddlebag rested against its flank, decorated with a massive white lily pin like a badge in clear view, contrasting with a deep purple bandanna tied around its neck adorned with an unfamiliar insignia that resembled the flower embroidered on it.

Oddly enough, astride the vulpine’s back was a black rabbit; gripping at the thick collar of fur around its neck like a horse. Its completely dark eyes were narrowed in the most open suspicion he’d been exposed to since he entered this world, its little white paw hovering over its hip where he thinks it had a sword sheathed.

"I'm not a bad slime," he called out - he wished he had hands to hold up in a peacemaking gesture.  For now,  he had to make due with squishing himself down as non-threateningly as possible. "Promise!"

"Please state your intentions slime," the rabbit repeated, pricking its ears while peering behind him, seemingly looking for some form of back up. "Or you shall be returned to your colony."

Great Sage, what is that?

[Answer - that is a Killer Rabbit Soldier, one of the guardians of the Great Labyrinth. It's said that if you can fight your way through their dungeon, the Warren Lord will offer you a great boon.]

So it thinks I'm an adventurer, Rimuru deduced immediately.

"I'm not here for the dungeon, promise! I'm just exploring."

The rabbit paused for a moment, observing him.

[Notice - The Killer Rabbit Soldier is attempting to use the skill, Empathy on you. Would you like to disrupt this action?]

What does the skill do?

[Answer - Empathy informs the user of the current emotions and intentions of the target.]

Let it work then - maybe it'll calm down.

At first, it seemed that the gamble had been pointless as the rabbit continued to stare him down. After what seemed like forever though, the creature finally lowered its paw from the sword hilt and took the further step of swinging its leg from its mount and dropped easily to the ground. As soon as it touched down, the large vulpine turned and slipped beneath the overhanging ledge out of the sunlight.

"I apologize," the rabbit said, offering a light nod of its head. "Blue slimes aren't common to this area. Is your colony migrating?"

"You keep saying that word - 'colony.'"

"…you don't have one?"

"Should I?"

The rabbit immediately swapped her stance, beginning to rapidly tap her paw on the ground. It was almost rhythmic, not quite the beat to a song but with deliberate pauses… almost like…

Is that rabbit using morse code?

[Answer - the killer rabbit is using its intrinsic ability [Alert] to communicate with its warren. Would you like to interpret the message?]

We can do that?

[Answer - Magic Sense allows for the intention conveyed by the vibration of the sound to ease communication.]

Huh, sure then.

[Answer: Alert Translation 'No threats, Lone Blue Slime, Intentions to leave post - requesting replacement.]

Even with [Magic Sense] active, Rimuru didn't hear anything but he watched the killer rabbit tilt its head; its ears twisting to what he assumed was a reply to its message. It paused, remaining still for a moment before another pair of ears appeared followed by a light, cream furred rabbit crawling into view. The two rabbits exchanged a light nod before the main rabbit turned and bounded towards them. He was delighted to see that - despite its bipedal stance - it still hopped, bouncing like a cartoon rabbit and thumped to a stop in front of him.

The black bunny offered up a firm salute to him, living up to her species morph of 'soldier.'

"I will be escorting you back to wherever it is you intend to go," the rabbit informed him.

"Not having a colony is a big deal, huh?"

"Blue Slimes almost never leave their colonies so I knew you were a Unique monster," the black bunny explained. "But even Red Slimes are drawn to building temporary colonies when they can support one. A slime alone is always a bad thing."

Huh. The more he learned.

"Well, I was heading to the Armed Nation of Dwargon," he explained, beginning to boing along back to his camp. She seemed like a genuine enough character but if she did turn out to be a threat, he was almost certain he could handle her - and with Ranga and the Wolf Riders at his back, there would be even less trouble.

"Oh? Well you're not much farther along - our warren is only five night's foot-travel there."

That was good to know - on goblin foot, the journey from their village to Dwargon would've been two months but they were already most of the way there in three days. If it was really so close, they would be setting their eyes upon the nation's gates in only a few hours.

The rest of their short little trek back to their temporary rest space happened in silence, the black bunny sniffing the air and keeping their paw on the hilt of its sword in preparation for any would be protectors. It was kind of like having a personal body guard, in the shape of a stuffed animal.

"Oh," said the bunny when they came upon the encampment. It was looking curiously at Ranga, whose tail had begun to wag lightly in response to both Rimuru's return and seemingly, the presence of the rabbit. "You are the alpha's son - it's good to see you alive."

[And it is good to know you are alive. My apologies that I never came back to speak with you.]

"You know each other?" Rimuru inquired, looking between the two monsters.

"Yes," agreed the black bunny with a nod. "Only a month prior, this wolf requested assistance in leading a rebellion against his father, the alpha of his pack in the name of the survival of his pack."

"Eh?!"

"He intended to have us serve as back up after the alpha had been weakened against a village of goblins," it continued, glancing curiously towards Gobta and the other wolf-riders returning their equally inquisitive expressions. It turned its dark eyes back to Rimuru, "When we received no messenger speaking of the battle, we assumed the alpha's son had been caught in his planning and killed for treason."

….ohhhh.

He supposes that explains why Ranga hadn't been so upset about him killing his father. Looking back, all of the wolves had various little scars and wounds on their bodies even despite their thick layer of fur. And before they'd evolved, he remembers seeing a few of the wolves with missing patches of fur and slightly more visible ribs. Rigurd had mentioned that the campaign of the dire wolves had been going on for a while, terrorizing the entire forest in their (or it seemed, the alpha's) quest to expand their territory - the wolves were expendable in their leader's quest for power.

Maybe expendable enough that his son would feel the need to step in.

[Master Rimuru had become the guardian of the goblin village] he heard Ranga explain, turning his attention back to the present. [He killed father when he showed no remorse or desire to retreat, then was so kind to not only forgive our behavior but even granted me a name.]

The black bunny perked up.

"You have a Name?" she asked, eagerly.

[Yes], the wolf proclaimed pridefully. [My name is now Ranga.]

"A pleasure to speak your name aloud Wolf King Ranga," the black bunny said, forgoing a salute and instead making it a bow. Ranga's tail wagged with furious pride for the acknowledgement and Rimuru took note of the bunny's phrasing. Maybe it was another aspect of basic monster etiquette that he hadn't known - Rigurd and the other members of the hobgoblin village had all treated Naming with an incredible amount of reverence, and moreover he'd even seen the power difference when it happened.

Have I been going around like a rude asshole this whole time?

[Have you received a name yet, Twelfth?]

"No," the black bunny said, shaking its head. "Still just The Twelfth Commander."

"But that must mean you're really accomplished," one of hobgoblins called over. The black bunny straightened up a little, visibly pleased at the praise as the goblin continued, "Rabbit Commanders are pretty powerful mobs for your size. To be called a commander without the evolution…"

[It speaks of true power] Ranga voiced in agreement.

"Thank you," she said, offering another bow, this time seemingly out of pleasure fo the remark on her skills. She straightened back up, gesturing to Rimuru with her tiny, white paw. "Your Master told me you all are heading to Dwargon?"

"Yes," said Gobta brightly. "For supplies!"

"Building supplies," clarified Rimuru, drawing the bunny's attention back to him. "We're trying to improve the living conditions in the village."

"So you intend to upgrade the village as a whole then," the black bunny mused, seeming to be thinking aloud more than anything. It fell silent, shifting its weight from paw to paw in a considering manner before nodding to itself. Rimuru jumped again when it began thumping its foot a pattern of alert once more, the message ending rather quickly. The bunny paused, ears pricked as it took in a response he couldn't hear before sending another itself. The exchange was short, ending as quickly as it began as the bunny then turned its full attention on Rimuru.

"If you're going to upgrade the village, then we'll be neighbors in a sense," the bunny explained. "We intended to work out a deal with the Wolf King, Ranga once he'd taken command but it seems instead that it would be more fitting for us to attempt negotiations with you instead."

As the rabbit finished talking, the fox monster from before came trotting up to them in a fairly calm way. It lowered its head, wagging its fluffy tail while offering adorable whuffs and licking the bunny's cheek. With a fond pat on the creature's leg, the bunny sprung up, quickly mounting the beast.

"I will thus be accompanying you to Dwargon," the rabbit declared. "I've been there before so I can assist with finding you good tradesmen and pick up a few supplies our Warren needs."

It paused, tilting its head cutely, "Is that alright with you?"

"…I mean it doesn't bother me," Rimuru said, turning to face the other hobgoblins. "You guys?"

[It would be nice to know the Twelfth,] Ranga suggested, gaining murmurs of agreement. [The Warren could be a powerful ally.]

"I promise I will not slow you down," the black bunny promised with a smile.

| | | |

Okay, meeting the 12th was probably the only good thing that happened.

Rimuru gave his best approximation of a sigh, slumping over from his place inside the barrel he'd been hauled into jail with, sloshing around a bit in place. The black bunny's wind-fox ("She's called Sirocco," the rabbit informed proudly before they took off) had kept up surprisingly well with the much longer legs of the dire wolves. He'd gotten to listen to its lighthearted sense of humor as they flew over the grass, eventually attempting to fall into queue in order to quietly enter the nation only for them encounter the most unpleasant collection of humans yet. Haunty and harrassing, the adventurers pushed and prodded until Rimuru felt it necessary to respond.

"Be careful," the black bunny had warned, having rested its paw on the hilt of its knife-sword. The adventurers had mocked it, making patronizing comments but they seemed to lose interest in the little bunny rather quickly. "Try to only restrain them - Dwargon doesn't like it when non-dwarves visit and get into fights."

Rimuru wished he'd taken her warning more seriously.

He really needed to acquire some kind of low-level restraint skill.

…wait, I had Sticky Thread.

So this was his own fault! He could've restrained and silenced those rude adventurers, have them marched to the gate and reported for attacking residents in line but he'd forgotten about his skill! Maybe it was a good thing he didn't have hands yet - he'd probably leave all of his gear behind if someone didn’t remind him.

"Really that's all that happened," Rimuru insisted to the guard watching them. They'd all been brought in for questioning when the soldiers responded to his [Howl] and found the sprawled out forms of the adventurers scattered around him. "We got in line, some adventurers started heckling me, I turned into a wolf and then I howled a little."

The dwarf eyed him, "Well that story matches up with the other witness statements. That party had been reported for causing trouble in line before. Seems like they've committed a second offense - what a pain."

He sighed, scratching something down in the small book he'd brought along.

"Be more careful next time, alright?" the guard ordered. "I won't make this a strike against you since this was clearly a case of self defense, but we have guards at the gate for a reason. If adventurers are causing trouble, signal them for help.

"You got it!"

"I told you there was nothing to worry about," Black Bunny claimed, munching on berries it seemed to have pulled from nowhere. It was leaning against the fuzzy pelt of Sirocco, who seemed to be napping lightly, occasionally cracking its eyes before grumbling and drifting back to sleep again. "The Armed Nation is very fair to monsters and humanoids alike."

"We appreciate your confidence in our system," the dwarf said, straightening up a little with a bit of nationalist pride. Running his finger over the parchment in his book, seeming to be reviewing the story. Something gave him pause, the dwarf slowly narrowing his eyes before looking up again, inspecting Sirocco's softly snoring form, "Hey, did you mean to say it was the wind-fox that caused trouble?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"The reports all claim to have seen a dire wolf - but the wolves don't usually come so close to Dwargon," their guard explained.

"But I told you that was me," Rimuru said, a bit bewildered. "I just transformed!"

"Listen, it's already quite a lot to see a Blue Slime above ground," the guard began assertively. "And more so a Blue Slime alone, that can talk. You expect me to believe shapeshifting is part of it too?"

Rimuru was a bit at a loss - how was he supposed to answer that then? He kind of doubted the guard would accept 'oh it's intrinsic' as an excuse.

"I- well-"

"We've were having problems with the dire wolves  of Jura Forest a bit ago," Black Bunny intervened before he could start spinning his tale. It tossed another berry in her mouth, humming a little at what he presumed was a sweet flavor, a bit of juice smearing its muzzle. "The alpha was trying to claim a lot of new territory and chased all sorts of creatures out."

"A few adventurers did comment on a sudden wave of hostility from the warren," the dwarf remarked, a line of concern creasing in his forehead. "You mean to say…"

"From what I gather, this slime's colony was chased above ground and its individuals separated," Black Bunny explained. "Someone gave it a Name-"

"A Name?"

"The slime is known as Rimuru," Black Bunny agreed. "And it seems to have gained power enough to survive."

"Wow," said the guard, writing the information down swiftly. He offered a surprisingly solemn nod towards the slime, an expression of sadness blossoming on his face. "I'm sorry for your loss Rimuru - but it is a pleasure to speak your name aloud."

So it is a monster etiquette thing!

"It's not a problem - I'm building a new colony now," he said, deciding to follow the story Black Bunny generously offered to him. The way Black Bunny had reacted about him not having a colony and the guard's own remarks solidified in his head as the perfect excuse for the goblin village without causing much trouble. He put on his best 'bravely suffering through it' voice adding, "It's so weird to think that I could've lived the rest of my life so peacefully underground…"

His attempts at playing up the situation were interrupted by frantic calls of a newcomer.

"S-sir!" he called out, visibly struggling to catch his breath. Black Bunny immediately straightened up, bouncing towards the bars of their little cell, putting its tiny paws against the silver rods. "There's an armorsaurus in the mines! It's severely injured several miners already-!"

"What?! Is it still active?"

"No, we have a suppression force marching out to handle it but some of the miners were severely injured," he said, shaking his head in a mournful fashion. He released a tired sigh, closing his eyes in defeat. "I don't know if there's a war coming or what but the stores are all out of medicine and the castle won't share their supply."

"What about our healers?"

"The miners with the most critical injuries were deep in the mines collecting magical ore," he said gravely. "The healers at the guardhouse have been called away to handle other requests."

"Dammit!"

"Hey hey, here."

They paused, glancing down at Black Bunny, offering up a small vial of glimmering blue liquid.

"The Warren purchased a decent sized shipment recently," it said, sounding and looking like it felt guilty about the shortage from the way its ears were drooping. "But the dire wolf situation seems to be handled. It's only a Low-Grade Potion but it might help."

The guard stared for a moment before bowing his head to the rabbit, his hands closing gently around the potion being offered through the bars in tiny paws.

"Thank you." he said. "Anything helps."

Well, that's the kind of comment that makes you a real monster (is that xenophobic? but he was a monster… maybe it canceled out?) for not stepping up when you have the ability. And Rimuru was more than capable of stepping up with all of the potions synthesized and hanging out in his Stomach.

"…here, take these too." he said producing another handful of potions, albeit seemingly of a different quality to the one Black Bunny produced.

"Eh?!"

"Those are…" Black Bunny trailed off, visibly amazed by what it was seeing. It mumbled to itself for a moment before letting out a light gasp, one of its hindlegs thumping the ground rapidly with excitement. Her ears twitched as she turned her attention to the guard, "My skill is telling me these are better quality than even the High-Rank potions your nation generously lent to us! Quickly, go heal your miners!"

"Captain?" the other guard said, watching their main interrogator.

Wait he was a full-fledged Captain?

"…we don't have time to argue," he said through gritted teeth, sweeping up the medicine he'd spat out into his arms. The dwarf straightened up, turning to his subordinate seriously, "We have to go - take me to our workers."

"R-right…"

The miner didn't even bother to argue, immediately leading the way from the cell and presumably towards wherever the infirmary was. Neither of them said anything to the monsters in the cell before they left, merely allowing the large door to swing shut with a decisive 'clang’ as they rushed out to help their comrades.

"Is it over?" asked Gobta, glancing towards me. We'd left the other hobgoblins outside of the nation to wait for our return, he's at least good for being quiet when it was necessary.

"No, but we're going to wait and see what happens," Rimuru said, watching the goblin offer him a salute and quickly began drifting to sleep against the cell wall. The Blue Slime shifted his attention to Black Bunny who was sitting cross-legged on the ground with its eyes closed, not quite sleeping he thinks but resting all the same. Its chest subtly expanded and released in time with its slow breathing, its long ears twitching occasionally at distant sounds. "Hey, why'd you help me with my excuse?"

"I know you aren't a normal slime and I don't know why you're uncomfortable talking about what you are," the Black Bunny opened a single eye to stare at him, an amused smirk curving at her muzzle. "But I have a reputation in this nation - one I can't have you ruining with such a needlessly complicated lie."

Rimuru felt his insides boil a little (is this the slime equivalent of blushing? weird) with embarrassment but mumbled his thanks to her all the same. That was a fair enough motive for her to step in - he'd already been planning something out about being cursed by an evil wizard trapping him in the body of a blue slime to ensure he was as helpless as possible but escaped and was now roaming the world searching for a cure. Black Bunny's story was a lot simpler and less likely to get him in trouble later down the line if they were going to have extended encounters with the Armed Nation.

He redirected his attention to begin messing around with Sticky String, spitting the strands into the air and beginning to form various shapes with them while Black Bunny seemed content to whip out an entire lunch box's worth of food, munching on berries, tomatoes and stalks of celery. It offered to share some with him but he declined, citing a lack of taste buds - it would be pretty wasteful of him to take its snack. With a slight shrug, it instead offered little berries and vegetables to Sirocco, even producing a bit of what he thinks was salt-treated jerky and a skewered frog leg - it was a mental image he wasn't prepared for, making a shudder ripple across his entire body.

I guess Killer Rabbits aren't herbivores…

He was just starting to really get the hang of Sticky String when Black Bunny's ears began twitching and the mob sat up, putting the remains of a thin, fragile looking carrot into… hammerspace he guesses. It was only a moment later that magic sense finally picked up on the heavy, harsh thumping of work boots on the stone halls.

"Thank you sir," the captain said, sweeping into a deep bow seconds after entering the room. Whom Rimuru assumed were the previously badly injured miners filed in after him, seeming about as healthy and fit as Rigurd right after he received his name. He glanced towards Black Bunny and kindly extended the empty vial of Low-Rank potion to her, "And you as well, ma'am for your kind offering."

"It's not a problem captain," she reassured, accepting the empty and placing it again into whatever hammerspace she seemed to possess. How convenient - he wondered if her could learn the skill.

"You were the ones with the potions?" one of the miners chirped brightly. "Thanks a ton!"

"My arm was pretty badly torn up - I didn't think I'd ever work again even if I did survive," added another.

The last guy didn't say anything but offered a polite bow all the same so he figured he was also thanking them. He waved off their gratitude easily, happy to see that they were mostly unharmed. The captain asked a few more questions for consistency's sake before explaining that he was fairly certain that they'd done nothing wrong in defending themselves but they'd remained in custody as a sort of 'time out' for knocking out the surrounding members in the queue who'd had nothing to do with that confrontation. 

Which he supposed was fair - like Black Bunny said had assumed, they weren't even going to mark this down against them and with no charges pressed against him, the time out would be the worst repercussion he faced.

| | | |

Rimuru watched in amazement at the little blur of black fluff that darted through the guards' training grounds, backflipping, ducking and spinning seamlessly out of reach of the attacks being launched at her and retaliating with firm swats of a dull stick she'd been given.

It had been sunset by the time they had been released from detainment and rather than send them out into the village in an attempt to find any available rooms in one of the nation's inns, the guard captain had graciously granted them permission to rest within the barracks. It wasn't as comfortable as a proper cushy bed with layers of blankets but it was still a step up from a few torn cloths stacked on the ground like back in the village. He'd spoken truthfully with the guard captain the night before about his intentions being within the village, leaning on the 'building a new colony' thing he'd been given in case the goblin village caused any malcontent. The captain had listened attentively, prodding with questions and scribbling down thoughtful notes before eventually informing him that he had a few recommendations and a budding idea that would have to wait until the daylight hours.

They'd been watching a few of the dwarf personnelle run through a few sparring sessions and laps before Black Bunny had volunteered to jump in herself. When they'd agreed, the rabbit had blurred into action and the idea of a one-on-one battle had quickly been abandoned in favor of all of them working together in a candid attempt at defeating her. She was fast though, making liberal use of her intrinsic ability [Bounce] to outpace any sword coming towards her, springing over low swings and using her small size to get under their feet. She wasn't ruthless, often performing the same maneuvers multiple times in a row and only changing up when the dwarves were able to successfully defend against or avoid it.

When the trainees were tired out, Rimuru happily threw his hat in the ring and promptly pit the little bunny against the various creatures he had Predated. It was easily the most worn out he'd felt since joining this new world - the rabbit was smart. She made quick work of his spider by simply never letting him get the chance to spin webs, her keen instincts seemingly always aware of the few Sticky Strings he managed to throw out and the lizard hardly phased her, introducing Rimuru to the apparent weak-points in the creature's armor. He carefully refrained from using the [Poisonous Breath] of the Black Snake but he'd also quickly realized that when the Black Bunny couldn't hide, she would simply charge her opponent head on with a flurry of kicks and strikes - and thus, his Sense Heat Source had been rendered moot.

The centipede's long body seemed to give her some trouble and he was incredibly proud right up until Great Sage made the observation that most of her struggle was in finding non-lethal methods of taking him down. Rather than risking being accidentally killed by the rabbit's instincts, they had happily called the match there and flopped down to relax to the cheers of the guardsmen who returned to training with the field clear.

They had just begun to recover from their bout of sparring when the guard captain (Kaidou he was called) stepped outside, raising a hand in greeting to them.

"You all are free to go now," he greeted kindly. "Sorry we've kept you waiting in here for so long - the overnight should've soothed any injured pride among those in line. Now, let me offer a proper thanks for your help last night - I can introduce you to one of our most skilled blacksmiths."

"That would be perfect, thanks!"

"Only…"

"Hm?"

"If you have any of those recovery potions left, would you be interested in parting with them?" the captain inquired. "I can pay you of course-"

"Sure, it'll just depend on how many," Rimuru said. It wasn't like it cost him anything to make those potions after all - he'd eaten the herbs and his [Stomach] broke them down for him. He didn't even need to pay for the glass of the vials, his skill somehow taking care of that too. He wanted to keep a few of the potions for himself and the village while they were building up their defenses and reputation but he kind of doubted that he would struggle to craft more of them in the future.

"If you could spare even one, then that would be okay," insisted the guard.

"Well okay, how is five then?"

"Five? That's wonderful! Thank you for generosity."

He spat out the five potions as promised, watching the glimmering containers slide right over to Kaidou to scoop up, setting them gently inside of the satchel he'd brought presumably with the hope that he'd have extras. He seemed to count them out to himself - or wait, the way he was counting on his fingers he might be calculating a price?

"I think anything less than at least one gold is probably unfair," Black Bunny voiced, though she didn't sound accusatory.

"That's true," Kaidou agreed, though he winced as he thought about it. "Maybe five then."

"Five?"

"Per vial of course," he reassured Black Bunny, pulling out a pair of small drawstring bags. Rimuru watched a series of shimmering gold coins were spilled into the bag before being held out to him. Black Bunny wordlessly accepted the pouch in place of his hands-less jelly form to show him.

So twenty-five gold coins huh?

He didn't know if he was being underpaid, these currency terms meant nothing to him but Black Bunny seemed satisfied and had (gently) pushed for nothing beneath at least one gold so five had to be a lot.

"Oh," she said, turning to look at him. "Slimes don't usually need currency - Wolf Master, are you aware of how much this is?"

Praise the Black Bunny, answer-er of questions!

"No, there was never a reason to buy things," he said while Kaidou made a noise of comprehension in his throat. "Is five gold a lot?"

"It's a small fortune," Kaidou chuckled, straightening back up and motioning for them to follow him back into the main part of the guard station. "Most people will never see a gold coin in their lives, living perfectly comfortable on silvers and coppers."

"It's broken into hundreds," Black Bunny provided, bouncing along. "One hundred coppers, to one hundred silver, to one hundred gold."

"Oh!" well that certainly put things into perspective - he wasn't being ripped off in the slightest. If anything, with his production costs sitting at a fat zero, it almost felt like he was ripping them off. He wasn't giving the gold back of course, he needed to build his own stores up but geez, he'd have to find way to acquire some silver coins if he didn't want to attract any attention. "So is gold the biggest coin?"

"Not quite - there are also Stellar Golds but you might never see one of those in your entire life," Black Bunny said honestly. "I've only ever seen one - The Warren Lord has it in case we need to pay for a massive rebuilding of the entire warren in the case of say… a complete collapse, a flood or an earthquake. If our entire people need to start over from scratch, a Stellar Gold will cover it."

…well now he really wanted to see what those looked like. He was at least satisfied that he wasn't being completely scammed now.

It was nice to discover that Black Bunny was of the scholarly type, seeming to have collected all the knowledge he would need to know - he'd been mentally referring to her as a bonus level boss but she was like a real exposition character! And even better, she'd provided him with the perfect backstory to cover for why he needs answers to what seemed to be common sense in this world. Bidding goodbye to Kaidou who had duties to fulfill, Rimuru made sure to prod the mob for all sorts of answers. He still tried to be careful about asking her things that monsters seemed to know innately (which meant he tragically couldn't find a way to ask her about names that didn't make him suspicious) but he was able to get a general idea of adventurers and the situation between humans and monsters and a bunch of other things before they finally arrived at the recommended forge.

"Hey, hey, are you in there Master Kaijin?" Black Bunny called out, knocking on the door. Rimuru wondered briefly how she would open the door, only to blink in surprise when she sprung up, easily gripping the knob between her tiny paws. It turned and the door immediately swung open in response to her weight on the door-knob. She dropped back to the ground with only a soft 'thump' as motioned for Rimuru to followed her inside.

"Excuse us," he called out, bouncing in after her. He felt a slight shiver run up his- er, over his body he supposed from the force of three dubious gazes for all of a moment.

"Ah! It's you!"

It was three miners who'd received his potions yesterday, all gathered near a gruff looking civil service worker; none of whom seemed to be too excited. Eh? Maybe they were offering a progress report of yesterday? They were down there mining, now that they were better did they have to go right back out to a new job? He supposed they seemed right as rain now but still. If their injuries were as bad as Kaidou said, it would be a little cruel if they were sent right back down - especially if that armoursaurus was still down there.

"Black Bunny-" Oh good, he wasn't the only one who called her that. "-What do I have to thank for your visit? Are you ready to finally let me upgrade that little knife of yours?"

"Ha, not yet," Black Bunny giggled, shaking her head fondly. "I might be letting you make me a replacement though - Commander had been dropping hints about a promotion. I might be released to wander soon."

"Congratulations," the blacksmith chuckled. "I'll hold you to it - I better be the one that makes your new sword. Who's your friend there?"

"That's the slime who helped us," one of the miners called out helpfully.

"Oh-ho? That slime? We were just talking about you! Thanks for getting these guys out of a bad way."

"Oh no it was nothing," Rimuru chortled. "Well I mean, it was something but don't worry about it! Can I ask how you know Black Bunny?"

"Hah! Everyone worth knowin' knows about Black Bunny," Kaijin proclaimed while the mob in question ducked her head, a bit shy. "As the adventurers will tell it, she's been the hardest bonus monster to fight inside of the Warren - real smart too, rumor has it you have to beat her in the first two minutes of the fight or she'll start mirroring your style."

"Really?"

"Thank you for the praise Master Kaijin, but I'm not all that," Black Bunny intervened, a bit sheepish. "Besides, Rimuru had a commission for you, a big one - your brother recommended you!"

His brother? But Kaidou was the one who- oh!

Wow, it seemed that Dwargon was a nation of connections - what a small world it was. The best Blacksmith and the Captain of the Guard as brothers - who would've guessed.

"Ah, much as I would like I can't help ya." Kaijin said, offering a grim expression. "I've got a job from a certain country… can't give you too many details but something has spooked the other countries into smelling war on the wind and we've been getting non-stop orders for weapons and armor ever since."

That must be why they're out of healing potions and the castle isn't willing to share, Rimuru thought. Even if Kaijin's tone was laced with skepticism and disbelief, if the other countries believed war was coming, there was always the chance one of them would feel the need to strike first, sending everyone into defensive measures.

"It pulled a few all nighters and got an order for two hundred steel spears done with but now need to fill an order for twenty swords," he shook his head in disgust, with the order or himself, Rimuru didn't know. "And here I am, I don't even have one! I've just got no material left…"

"So why don't you say you can't do it?"

"Fool! You think I didn't at first? But that damned Minister Vester-"

"That bastard is still around?" Black Bunny broke in, ears flattening against her head this time in malice.

"Tch, yeah. And as pompous as ever," seethed Kaijin.

"Is this Minister guy someone I should worry about?" Rimuru probed.

"Ugh," said Black Bunny, crossing her arms. "I wish I could say no but that guy is insufferable to monsters. He accused me of bringing fleas into the medical center when I delivered a low-grade potion and tried to dump dirty water on my head. If you can avoid him, you should."

"What a jerk!"

"He's a slimy one too," Kaijin voiced, grinding his teeth. "Hard to catch him in the wrong - he made sure I'd have to accept the order by questioning my skills in front of the Hero King himself! I almost caved his face in right then and there!"

"Wait," said Black Bunny, immediately growing serious. "This order was confirmed in front of Your Lord, the Hero King?"

Kaijin nodded grimly, earning a worried expression from Black Bunny. Rimuru was about to write it off, willing to ask for his order to be placed on a back-order and maybe he could take some other, maybe less accomplished blacksmiths with him to get a few rudimentary houses set up - at least, ones that weren't a single audit from having him accused of manslaughter but Black Bunny's face gave him pause. In the short time he'd known her, he was beginning to understand that she was really in touch with the politics in the area.

"Black Bunny? What does this mean?"

"How do you feel about cursing?"

"Um, neutral? I don't mind it."

"In that case it means Master Kaijin is way up shit-creek on a cardboard raft with a spoon for a paddle," she said bluntly. The rabbit gave a frantic tap of her paw against the ground. "Since he confirmed it in front of the Hero King, he's put himself and his license on the line. Unless we can somehow pulled a massive wad of magic ore out of our asses, come the deadline, Master Kaijin will be at risk of losing his reputation and future deals with the castle…"

Oh. That was bad.

Well, it was a good thing he had a bunch of those ores still stored in his [Stomach] - and if he did Kaijin a solid, then he’d have to help him with his goblin village, right?

“Hey old man, you just need magic ore right?”

Without waiting for a reply, he promptly deposited a small amount of the collected material directly on the table they were seated out with a firm ‘thump.’ It glimmered in the light shining down on it, void of any of the impurities that would label it as unprocessed magical ore. No, his skills easily broke it down for processing and reconstituted the ore he’d collected into pure, readily workable magisteel - already fit for forging.

“EH?!”

The entire table stared with open mouthed shock. Hehe, Rimuru slouched back as much as he could in an attempt to convey the image of kicking his feet up and crossing his legs on the table in smug satisfaction.

“...that’s just flat magisteel,” Black Bunny whispered with awe, leaning out to touch it delicately with her paw. “I don’t think I’ve seen anything this pure since that one guy carted a whole crystal into the forge for that weird statue he wanted.”

“A-aye,” Kaijin stammed, prodding the crystal himself. He examined it for a moment, shaking his head in disbelief before looking up. “A-and you’re just giving this to me? I can pay you the going rate-”

“Sure,” Rimuru voiced chipperly. “You can have it - all I need in return is for you to fulfill my commission order! First place! After the King of course.”

“What’s the order?” Kaijin asked seriously, placing the magisteel back on the table.

“I’m rebuilding a goblin village that deteriorated,” he replied promptly. “But none of us are any good at building houses or making armor or clothes or even how to learn sort of thing. I want you to come along for your expert guidance - and any recommendations you have for the other fields.”

“Is that all?” Kaijin said, seeming surprised. “Well then of course! Black Bunny while I have you here-”

“Way ahead of you,” the rabbit reassured, having already produced a sheet and was scribbling furiously on it. She paused midway through and glanced at Rimuru, “Er, Wolf Master, can you read?”

….crap. I have no idea.

“Um…”

“Verbal contract it is,” Black Bunny said swiftly, sealing the sheet she’d been scribbling on into hammerspace again. “It’s fine really, Master Kaijin is perfectly reliable and trustworthy - it’s just bad for his books to not have this deal written out.”

“Well, we won’t be able to iron out the details until later anyway,” the dwarf pointed out, earning a conceding nod of understanding from Black Bunny. “I still have to make those swords. I should get started on my first one now.”

“In that case, I’ll show Rimuru around,” Black Bunny remarked, jumping down from the stool she was in. She bounced forward a little from the swinging forward she did jumping down before turning and motioning for the slime to come along. “There’s this nice little vegetable grill that I think you’d like and we can come back to the guard house to rest instead of paying for an inn.”

“Vegetable grill?”

“You didn’t seem all that comfortable with me eating meat.”

Rimuru felt his insides bubble with embarrassment again to the sound of Black Bunny’s giggles. 

| | | |

The entire basis of this world being built on magicules felt so… surreal at times.

Earth had done just fine (and just horrifically) without them but everything about this new world hinged on them. To the point that they were even important to the crafting and forging part of the world; magicules would sometimes condense from the bodies of defeated monsters, dropping in the form of ‘magic stone’ - an incredibly valuable material in something known as ‘spirit engineering.’ This kind of portal power… when applied to crafting, it created the sort of stat boosts and power found in video-games from clothes and armor.

One major blockade in the acquisition of magical ore was that because they came from defeated monsters and typically needed a lot of power to be dumped, they were found near exclusively in areas with extremely high level monsters. Monsters with skills on-par with himself and Black Bunny or greater - the kind of monster that an adventurer will charge more than just a pretty copper to go up against. The on top of that, the magic needed to be absorbed into the already formed ores in the ground - further tacking on a level of rarity.

“And that’s not even getting into ore-grades, “ Black Bunny groaned. “Magic ore formed from gold deposits are a bit better than magic-ore formed from copper deposits. There’s a whole stupidly complex chart about it that the markets and guilds use to determine how much the ore is worth - and some of them, like ore formed from coal deposits are banned from being commercially sold in some places.”

Veldora’s cave had been a veritable gold-mine as far as high quality, profitable magic ore, derived from the stronger more precious gems. That alongside his stomach’s ability to make it so pure, meant he Rimuru had just produced the most expensive brand of magisteel yet discovered. 

But what really drove blacksmiths to empty their lifesaving for magisteel and soldiers to refuse to use weapons made of anything else was its inherent magical adaptability. Most intrinsic skills from monsters operated by manipulating and controlling the magicules around them to some extent - that was how his [Water Manipulation] worked for example, channeling the latent magicules in the air. 

And when a weapon was created from a magically dense ore, the same principal applied. 

Crafting the core of the weapon from magisteel, regular use would continue flooding it with magic causing it to bleed over into the ordinary steel wrapped around it. The type of magic used for the sword would of course affect the shape it was encouraged to take, the kind of resistances it would develop and of course, what sort of magic it would end up being most skilled with.

“That’s why Master Kaijin looks at my sword with disdain,” Black Bunny offered, earning a slightly sheepish expression from the dwarf. He cleared his throat and averted his eyes, grumbling something about ‘butterknives with hilts.’ “My sword is just ordinary steel. Not really any good against someone with actual magisteel weapons.”

“Home come you don’t have one?” Rimuru asked.

Black Bunny gave him a dry expression, “Because it would cost the Warren way too much to buy magisteel weapons for all of us.”

“...That serious?”

“Wolf Master, I don’t even know who my father or my mother are. By the time I was old enough to know, they’d skipped paw in paw right back into the nursery cavern.”

“Oh.”

The more Black Bunny and Kaijin explained, the more Rimuru was beginning to understand how big of a deal magisteel weapons were. Just because they had become the world’s standard in no way meant they were cheap or even easy to produce. He’d struck a goldmine with Veldora’s cave and gotten even luckier to have Predator - if he didn’t, he probably would’ve had to go into major debt to supply his budding village with top-of-the-line weapons or deal with the backlash of potentially only giving some of them magisteel weapons.

I doubt they would have argued but still… glad to have dodged that bullet. 

“...you have four days left Kaijin,” Rimuru said slowly, looking at the demonstration sword as the gravity of it all begun to sink in. “Do you think you can finish up in time?”

“...honestly? No. But I don't have a choice.”

Rimuru was glad he didn’t have a mouth for once, because that meant he didn’t have to hide the way he would’ve frowned. An impossible task was an impossible task, regardless of how one tried to mind over matter things. 

“...Kaijin, I might have a way to help,” he said, drawing their attention.

“Don’t tell me you also know how to smith Wolf Master,” said Black Bunny, seemingly in disbelief of the sheer wide range of skills he had. And honestly, that was a fair reaction - the variety he could achieve with just Predator  alone was kind of insane.

“Sort of,” he decided. “I have a special skill that I can use to… speed things up so to speak. If you just leave me alone for a bit, I think I can handle it - if that’s okay with you.”

He looked up at Kaijin expectantly - he didn’t really expect the dwarf to turn down his offer, not when so much was on the line but he also knew from experience that letting people at least have the illusion of choice could go a long way to soothe wounded egos. Even when both parties were aware of the illusion. 

As expected the dwarf put on airs of thought and mumbled to himself, tilting his head in thought before looking up.

“I… do need the help,” the dwarf admittedly, grudgingly and gestured towards the two flawless swords set out before him. “I have one request: Black Bunny stays with you.”

“Hm?” the mob in question said, mildly confused. 

“You’re the honorable sort,” the dwarf informed. “I’m not saying I don’t trust Rimuru but-”

“But he’s a stranger using your forge,” Black Bunny finished. “I understand - are these terms acceptable to you, Wolf Master?”

He hesitated - thus far, every interaction with Black Bunny had begun to give him the impression of someone trustworthy and reliable. Ranga approved of her anyway. But… should he trust a monster he’d only known for a few days?

“Wolf Master, I assure you I won’t share news if you skill if you don’t want me to,” she said, offering a little smile.

[Black Bunny is attempting to use the skill [Empathy] to communicate emotions.  Accept or Deny?]

Accept.

[Empathy Projection - Curiosity, Honor]

That skill is pretty handy.

“Alright,” he said aloud, earning a slight bow from Black Bunny as Kaijin began to clear out of the room. As soon as the door clicked soundly shut, he absorbed the sword into his body, Predator activating immediately.

It had hardly been a full minute since he’d shooed everyone else out of the room before Great Sage gave the confirmation that the sword had been analyzed. He spat the original sword back out (pausing briefly to be impressed by Black Bunny catching it  by the hilt before it could slam tip-first into a wall) and set to work making the copies. And then…

It was done.

“What the fuck?” said Black Bunny, staring in disbelief at the nineteen swords sitting scattered around them. She picked one up, flipping it over in her paws while she examined it. Her paw glided up the length of the blade, eyes flashing to a sharp intensity as she put pressure on it. A moment later she was shaking her head slowly, completely dumbfounded. “I- wha- may I speak freely Wolf Master?”

“Yeah sure.”

“This is such complete and utter bullshit,” she rasped, dropping the sword. “Master Kaijin spent his entire life to acquire this kind of skill!”

Rimuru squirmed a little at the reminder - maybe if she hadn’t already broken down just how difficult it was to smelt a magisteel blade at the quality he’d been presented with he wouldn’t have felt so awkward. As it was, he felt like he’d only just noticed he’d been walking with his fly down all day. 

“Er… maybe we should call Kaijin back in here,” Rimuru said, coughing a little. He’d exaggerated a little with how difficult it would be for him to craft the swords but here he was… sitting with a complete set of magisteel swords. In hindsight, twenty swords wasn’t even that many for an army, even if they were being commissioned from smithies all throughout the nation. If these twenty swords really cost the amount gold the slime had been told they did…

“Are you sure Wolf Master?” Black Bunny asked with concern. “The skill is… insane, but it’s not really strange to keep a valuable skill to yourself. Especially for us monsters where revealing our secrets could get us hunted. Master Kaijin will understand.”

“No… maybe if it was something like mimicking a glass vial or something but this feels kind of like I’m spitting on his work,” the slime admitted.

“A glass- did you… did you create that special healing potion inside of you too?”

Rimuru said nothing.

“By the Emperor’s wings,” she choked out in a strangled manner. “And I thought my skills were insane…”

“Do you have a crazy skill too?” Rimuru asked hopefully. 

“...I do have one,” she admitted. 

“I’ll tell you about mine if you tell me about yours.”

Black Bunny shifted from side to side for a moment, before giving a light shrug.

“You know how Master Kaijin said that you have to beat me in two minutes or else I’ll start mirroring you?” Rimuru nodded immediately. “Well it’s um… kind of true? Somewhat. I have a skill that allows me to rapidly pick up on and master any Arts that I practice - the catch is that word, ‘practice.’ Someone has to use the art against me first.”

…I was hoping she had something closer to Predator, ugh. Her skill sounds a lot more limited than mine.

“Well mind is exactly what you saw here - when I eat something, my body analyzes it and if I have the materials, I can make an exact copy,” he explained.

Black Bunny stared at him for a long moment.

“...does that mean you had a lump of diamond grade magisteel just… sitting in your stomach?”

“...okay Kaijin! You can come back in!”

“Wolf Master!”

| | | |

Several understandable cries of amazement and disbelief, followed by enthusiastic cheering while he dodged a death glaring Black Bunny, Rimuru found himself in a bar for victory drinks. For once, he didn’t even care that he couldn’t taste the drinks because on all sides he was surrounded by the most beautiful sight - elves in thin clothing.

I am in heaven!

Incredible how he melted to a puddle of mush when he reached critically low magicule reserves but he was somehow still mostly solid sitting in the warm, smooth lap of an actual ELF!

“Are you alright, Wolf Master?” inquired Black Bunny from her own wondrous throne of elven thighs. The elven women had squealed, scooping up the pint sized warrior into their arms and yet to put her down. Black Bunny hadn’t fought it, seeming to go near boneless, allowing herself to be passed around like a toy for long as they kept scratching her ears. As it was, she was holding a little cup in her paws, peering over at him curiously.

“Alajhbadbub” Rimuru said.

Black Bunny nodded sagely, as if he’d said something profound, “I see.”

“What do you see?” the elf asked curiously. 

“I see that somebunny lied about being immune to alcohol,” she said, seemingly unbothered by the squealing from her choice of words. She reached out and prodded his gelatin body, giggling a little when his entire form rippled sluggishly. “Do we need to cut you off Wolf King?”

“Just call me Rimuru,” he sighed dreamily, still too distracted to really be serious. “We’re drinking and everything.”

“If that makes you more comfortable Wolf- I mean Rimuru,” she amended. She went to say something else but the elf beside the one hold her promptly plucked her from her perch and sat her in a new lap, scratching just below her jaw to boot. Her leg twitched a little, like she wanted to start thumping it but was tamping down on the urge as she leaned into the fingers that moved upwards, nails grazing her scalp. “Mm… that’s nice.”

“I’m glad you like it Cutey,” the elf cooed.

This is the life, RImaru thought happily to himself.

So of course that was the moment that Black Bunny - through eyes cracked with pleasure - abruptly stiffened. An adorable scowl emerged on her face as she sat up in the elf’s lap, ears simultaneously rising in alert and pulling back in hostility. 

“Ugh, head’s up - pompous prick incoming,” she groused. 

“Hey, boss - you allowing monsters in here these days?” called out a cocky voice before Rimuru could ask. He felt himself sober up rapidly, squinting (in a sense) in the direction of who simply had to have been the slimy minister that had put Kaijin in a bad place. 

“I’m allowed to be here Minister Pester.”

“Vester. “

“Whatever,” she scoffed, earning a quiet giggle from the elf holding her. She had no right to look as murderous as she did, cradled in the adoring arms of the elven woman still scratching gently at her chin, “You need to control yourself or I’ll file a complaint. There are plenty of other settlements willing to enter an official trade-deal with our Warren, Minister. And I’m sure that with the standing order for arms, Your Lord the Hero King wouldn’t like to find another stream of easy ore.”

If Rimuru had a mouth, he would’ve smirked.

That’s right you prick, he thought decisively. Leave the rabbit alone or find a new mine on the edges of a war scare.

He was smug for all of two minutes before the man upturned his beer on her, earning a squeal from both her and the elf whose lap the beverage was spilled off over.

You little-!

“I don’t take orders from monsters,” he blustered, though Rimuru could see a bit of red creeping up his neck to match the red already in his face. The man was drunk and seemed to be in the mood for picking a fight.

Before Rimuru could surge up and make a little practical use of [Coercion], Kaijin had flown from his seat with an unintelligible snarl, his fist making hard contact with the minister’s nose. He winced hard when he heard the tell-tale crunch of bone as the dwarf broke the man’s nose.

“You think you can just run around, harassing one of my associates right under my nose?” the dwarf thundered at the fallen man, who was clutching his nose. “You have a fancy title and you can just pick on my guest?! Think I wouldn’t do anything about it? Get out of here you overdressed rat - before I crack your jaw and give you a reason to spew shit!”

Minister Vester stared up at the angry blacksmith with unhidden fear, scrambling back to his feet. The pompous man retreated without another word to any of them, leaving the nightclub in silence.

“...Master. Kaijin,” Black Bunny began before shaking her head fondly. “Kaijin, you didn’t have to do that. It’s just beer - it’ll wash out.”

“I’ve had enough of that cocky bastards treating you so poorly,” the blacksmith grumbled. “Three times you met him and three times he was a complete ass.”

He glanced over at Rimuru, rubbing the back of his head, “Well… you were lookin’ for a long-term consultant and blacksmith right? Would I be good enough?”

Good enough?! This is a best case scenario!

“That’s what I’ve been wanting to hear!” he said enthusiastically. “It’ll be great working with you Kaijin!”

Finally, things were really looking up.

| | | |

Name: N/A

Race: Killer Rabbit (Soldier)

Blessings: None

Title: Black Bunny, The 12th Commander

Type: Otherworlder (Reincarnation)

Magic:

Wind Elemental Magic - Wind Protect, Gust, Wind Blade, Wind Drill

Earth Elemental Magic - Earth Pillar, Mud Spears, Liquidize, Earth Lock, Mud Shot, Stone Edge

Electricity Elemental Magic - Thunder Fist, Thunderbolt

Intrinsic Skills: [Bounce] [Warren Map] [Alert]

Unique Skills: [Prodigy] [Plush] [Pickpocket] [Defiant]

Extra Skills: [Wind Manipulation] [Earth Manipulation]

Common Skills: [Strengthen] [Empathy] [Appraise]

Resistance Skills: [Pierce Resistance] [Cold Resistance] [Electricity Resistance]

Direct Subordinates: Sirocco (wind fox)

[belladonnix]

I've been making my boyfriend a custom jacket for Christmas and it's finally Finished!

I'm so hyped to finally be able to share this. He doesn't use Tumblr anymore so there's no risk of him seeing it but I've been working on this present for MONTHS! It cost me about £180 for all the materials for this jacket and I will never ever tell him - I don't want him to feel like he owes me anything or that this was about money at all. Luckily I have enough of some of the materials, like fabric ink and photopolymer, to use on dozens of other projects so it's not a huge loss of money.

The jacket itself cost me £10 second hand and I didn't anticipate spending so much on it but the more I fell in love with him the more I decided he deserved something he would love and treasure and hopefully that would remind him of how much I love him when he wears it.

So here it goes;

#1 - The Jacket

Got this faux fur removable collar, 100% denim jacket for about £10 second hand on eBay! Absolute bargain. I bought it before we got serious, probably in July or August, and was only gonna distress the denim a little originally. Maybe buy a few cheap band patches if I could find them. But as time went on and I fell in love with him, I decided it should be a lot more meaningful than that.

#2 - The Patches

It took me M O N T H S to accumulate the patches I wanted. I made a detailed list of all of his favourite bands and got to work. I was only able to secure 4 patches from the bands he loved - one of them being catfish and the bottlemen. This gave me a little trouble since Catfish haven't been active since the middle of last year and the patches on their merch shop hadn't restocked, but I was deadset on getting that patch. I found it on a redbubble clone and ordered it from overseas - the biggest issue was it came printed rather than embroidered, which is what I wanted for an authentic look, but it's on the smaller side so I figured it didn't matter too much and went ahead.

There was something missing though. A back patch, yeah, of course! I wanted to find the perfect back patch, something that would scream "HIM" as loud as possible. I'd already been playing with the idea of what I wanted but I went ahead and looked for a back patch of The Fool Tarot Card. Unfortunately, like catfish, all the patches I found of it were printed. For such a big patch it was important to me that it was as authentic as possible, so I reached out to someone and had my dream patch custom embroidered just for this project! It was the most expensive piece and without it the jacket would have been less than £100 worth of materials but alas, when it came I was starstruck. The level of detail he'd been able to attain was not unnoticed and I was proud to be able to put this on a present for someone I love.

Then there was the layout. I messed around with it a couple of times until I got it right but I was beyond happy with the composition and my absolutely flawless, somehow for once, sewing skills.

But there was something missing.. his favourite band of all time, I couldn't find any actually up-to-date or stylish patches for it but it was a must. I wanted to show him I truly pay attention, and there was one perfect solution for including it...

#3 - Screen Printing

That's right. I taught myself to SCREEN PRINT FROM SCRATCH FOR THIS! I learned how to make a frame, what materials to use, bought a good photopolymer and fabric ink (of which I have TONS left over) and took my sweet time making it. For transferring the design onto the screen I troubleshot a few different ideas; I couldn't find any plastic to print the design on, so I decided to just use the glass that came with the photo frame I used! We're resourceful in this house. Next getting the design onto the glass, I tried tracing with Sharpie and paint but I'm so impatient it just wasn't working for me. So I got the brilliant idea to painstakingly cut out the intricate design and PVA glue it onto the glass, since it dries clear it wouldn't affect the photopolymer! And it worked!

Oh what band was this for you ask? What band was so important to him that I spent hours stretching chiffon, cutting a design, curing polymer and scrubbing out the screen for?

My Chemical Romance, baby

After the screen finally dried from rinsing I did some test prints on an old pair of jeans, and it went so well I was ready to try it on the jacket!

Didn't go so well. There was a button I hadn't accounted for that made it impossible to print it on the pocket where I wanted it, so I tried just lower and it was a complete bust. I spent 15 minutes cleaning the ink out before retrying on the sleeve. The sleeve went a lot better, not exactly what I wanted but it's clear, visible and opaque.

Perfect. Now we just needed some final touches and it would be ready just in time for Christmas.

#4 - Final Touches

We're talkin' lil bits and bobs here. Nothing too extravagant but small embellishments that really make the piece what it is.

I'll start with pins. I only have 2 so far, maybe planning on getting him more for his birthday next year to add to the jacket, but these have just as much sentimental value as the rest.

Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, the pin was on sale and it's another one of his favourite bands! It was a must. The goose, goofy and silly but perfect as we'd played Untitled Goose Game together earlier this year as a sort-of date.

Adding a personal touch; the jacket was originally an ASOS piece, but I didn't like how the label looked in the back so I removed it, only to feel like it was too bare after. So I painted him a custom brand label using that fabric ink from earlier and scrap black cotton from my fabrics; sewed it in place and it was finally coming together.

Fixing up any damage; I found on the removable collar, while I was sewing the patches, that one of the elastic loops that held it in place had almost snapped and was hanging on by a thread, so I repaired that! I know it might never be noticed, but that's the funny thing about love isn't it? We do things that our loved ones might never notice just to make their lives a little better, a little easier.

I'm considering roughing up the edges of the seams with a scalpel, just to give it a more worn look. But knowing my Kyle, it'll have that look no problem by the middle of summer.

Conclusions

This was absolutely a journey. There was a lot of stress, but equally there was a lot of time, effort and love poured into this project. I can't imagine him not loving it based on that alone, not even considering the inclusion of his favourite things. If this gets a good reception I'll post a reaction when I give it to him on Tuesday.

I love this man so much, and I think I already know I've created something he will adore and cherish for years to come. And in years to come, assuming I'm still around, I'll be there to patch it, paint it and fix it however he wants, however our lives evolve together as inspiration. I'm as proud to have put work into this as I am to have put work into our relationship. All the tenderness, and care, and patience will be worth it.

And before you ask; Yes, my love language IS acts of service.

[regianenascimentooficial]

2K Words.

I was anxious to surprise my beloved Jason, after all, even though today he "works" a lot, and maybe he would come back just another day or luckily around midnight, I wanted to do something different this time on this fateful day, because I love his side romantic with me, always treating me like a goddess, but today I wanted to pay him back, I had already done a lot these Friday the 13th, cake, walk in the forest, and others after he hunted, to relax the stress of hunting and get back with me and going to sleep well to make up for everything he did for me, I've always loved that cute, romantic side of him with me, but today... today I wanted... you know... his rough side, and I know he hates being teased, not because he hates himself, but because when he reached the apex of the horny he was half blind with it and control himself-go not to hurt me, I know he was careful, but today I wanted to be hurt, yes... today I wanted him to be violent with me , and I would be angry if he for not hurting me, ignore me and pass by as once happened.

Everything went well on the day, we woke up and had our breakfast normally, he helped to fix things in the cabin and help me with the chores, he knows the same thing about our normal days, he knew what day it was, so even with everything normal , he was more alert than ever today, so much so that at that time three intruders had already gone to the grave, but he wanted something out of the ordinary tonight, but he still didn't have what he wanted, there were some things missing, so I tell him:

Y/N : "My Bear, I'm going to the city to buy some things and I'll be right back, okay?." I tell him trying to sound normal.

Jason immediately bows his head to me and uses sign language to communicate with me, I had taught him so that we could understand each other better 8 months ago, he learned fast, so he says:

Jason (In Sign Language) : "Please, today is a very difficult day, on account of the campers, stay well and be alert, My Princess." He says taking me gently by the hand pulling me and kissing my forehead.

Y/N: "It's ok My Bear, I'll be careful and I'll come back to you in one piece." I hug him tight and I head towards my Jeep car, which by the way is good for those who live in places like this, and I go.

After 2hrs30min driving I arrive at the sex shop and buy handcuffs, collar, bunny clothes, which I knew he liked when we watched a movie, a girl in bunny clothes appeared he got nervous and looked at me tensely, at the time I didn't have understood, but when he explained to me, I laughed afterwards that's when I thought he liked it and by his look at me afterwards, he couldn't speak, but his expression said it all, he wanted it to be used one day, besides I buy a provocative red dress, vanilla scented candles, his favorite essence, cinnamon body oil for me, another one he liked, rose petals, liquid soap for a bath the other day as he would do it to apologize to something I wouldn't condone as I ordered it and walked out of the store.

Then when I went back to the cabin, it was already 6 pm and he had already gone out to hunt, the screams of the victims made that clear, but I didn't care and went on, I had gotten used to it, and I hoped that no victim would appear to disturb, no one deserves it. , soon meant he wasn't in the cabin, I managed a smirk at the fact, and ran inside.

I started to clean the house I had messed up with, I wanted everything beautiful, then I placed the candles in specific places in the living room, hallway, bedroom and bathroom, I put rose petals on the floor of the door, hallway and in the bedroom, the collar and handcuffs would be for the act, then I got dressed, took a shower, apply the body oil, put on my black bra with embroidered sunflowers that he loved, the bottom of the costume with the bunny pompom, the ears, the gloves, right on top the red dress just to take off in front of you, and red mascara and lipstick.

Soon I light the candles, and wait for him in the living room, and to my surprise, luck was in my favor today, because I hear his footsteps coming to the door, I run to the room to appear for him, then he opens the door and closes, he was angry today, luck really was on my side literally today, at the same time he left the room, saying:

Y/N: "Welcome My Bear, how was the hunt?." I speak in a sly and malicious tone.

Jason, seeing the weather and looking at me, gasped in a way as if he was looking for air he was so tense and intense the air, seeing me like this he is paralyzed, squeezing his hand to control himself like the last time, and snorted loudly, saying:

Jason (In Sign Language): "No Y/N, not today, I don't want to hurt you." He speaks half annoyed and half tense.

Y/N : "My Bear, I'm not asking you, I'm telling you to hurt me, it's not the first time I've asked this and you ignore it... *starts opening my dress and taking it off in front of you* ...I know who wants to treat me like a queen, and I really appreciate it, but today I want you to treat me rude, like a whore, I want you my love, I want to be possessed by the Forest Demon today... *I finish taking off my dress, being alone of bunny in front of you* ...come soon before the bunny escapes, My Hot Lion." I say firm, sly and malicious going in your direction.

As I turn to run from him playfully, he grabs me by the strong arm and pulls me and makes me turn around to face him, asking:

Jason (In Sign Language): "You're not a prostitute at all, My Princess, don't call yourself that anymore, do you understand me?... *he scolds me and I just shake my head with a nervous yes now* ... but is that what you really want, as I'm not in my good mood today?." He questions grabbing my now tight waist.

Y/N: "Yes, My Bear." I reply with a teasing tone and whispering.

I feel that his gaze has changed behind the mask, and for my joke, I start struggling, pretending to want to let go, saying with muffled laughter "Leave me, leave me, don't eat me Bear" he got the message, and mercilessly slaps on my ass, I give a moan of pain and pleasure, then he picks me up, taking my thighs making me stay between his hips soon I close my legs on him against the hallway wall, and with his left hand he holds them above from my head my hands and soon he takes his other hand from my thigh making me have to keep holding on to him, and soon he takes the glove off his right hand and his mask he was wide eyed with hate and lust, which I wanted to, he then with his thumb he caressed my lower lip and then put it in my mouth, he had a thick and bigger thumb, I started sucking and moaning on him, he just looked with desire, licked and sucked, and he was panting more, he then removes his thumb and shoves it in his foot. his mouth, sucking too, he soon begins to kiss me fiercely, squeezing my thigh hard, making me gasp, and he only stopped when I was breathing very hard, then without pity he attacked my neck biting it making me moan, he he went down to my breasts, and with his mouth he ripped them off, at that time I realized that it was not just his body, but his teeth and jaw were super strong, I moaned with the act and with my breasts exposed, he attacked without pity, sucking hard , bit them, licked the nipples of my breasts and spit on them, doing it straight making me moan loudly:

Y/N: "Hmm Jason is fucking hot, go on...go on." I moaned to him.

He stayed there until I was shaking with lust, then he looks at the room and at me, and with a quick movement he puts me on his shoulders giving my ass about 3 beats making me scream in pain and pleasure, and when I get to the room he sees the handcuffs and cholera on the bed, he gives a malicious smile throwing me hard on the bed, I couldn't even get up, he pulls me by the foot making me straight on the bed, and takes the handcuffs and holds my arms on the headboard from the bed, and then he puts the cholera on me, climbing on top of me without taking his eyes off mine like a lion attacking, he soon pulls the cholera to make me kiss him, it was hard to breathe a little, but he was loving it, he lets go of the kiss, but doesn't anger it, and goes towards my breasts and sucks them like a hungry animal, making me moan with the pain and pleasure of the act:

Y/N : "Oh... hmmm Jason, oh fuck... keep it up... use me today... oh fuck, Eat Me Bear, I'm not-." He closes my mouth as he devours my breasts, at which I moan hard into his hand.

He stops devouring my breasts to lower his mouth to my belly, licking and biting it, making me scream and moan into his hand that still hovers in my mouth, he then removes his hand from my mouth and collar, and moves down to mine. pussy covered by panties, he begins to make circles with his thumb on the covered clitoris, making me moans and sighs:

Y/N: "Hmmm how delicious Jason, ah ah...." He moaned whimpering.

Soon he turns me making me get on all fours, he starts hitting my ass controlling as much as he can not to hurt me, making me scream and moan at the same time, he hits five times, and I moan and sigh in pain and pleasure with the act, he soon lays me on my back with force, he rips the panties that were part of the costume and opens my legs violently, but once again not so abrupt as to hurt me, and he makes eye contact while fell with his mouth on my pussy, he licked the clitoris slowly and kissed it, he did it alternately, and seductive way and I writhed, breathed hard and whimpered, he stayed there for a good while, and lowers his mouth to the entrance of my pussy , sticking my tongue inside, turning my tongue inside too, I lifted my horny belly and moaned hard, and screamed his name all the time "Jason oh, oh, oh Jason fuck me go, that's how I want it, my good boy, it's doing so well."

Soon he stayed like that for a while he couldn't stand it, but he still took his tongue, took his hand off my leg, holding it with his elbow, and then stuck his finger in back and forth movements, making me moan " Oh fuck that's good Jason, fuck me, it's wonderful my beloved boy." But instead of stopping, he adds a second finger, twirling now at the G-spot, moaning hard and horny, "Hmmm, oh, oh fuck, come on, it's going so well love." And then a third finger, I raised my spine more, sighing with lust then begging "Please fuck me, fuck me hard, go, I'm going to come, go love." He then removes his fingers making me shiver with the sudden act, then he takes off his clothes and joins his red boxing that he loved on him, even more on his beautiful ass:

Y/N: "You look so beautiful... in that red box love... your body is so beautiful naked... come fuck me, come My Bear." I say panting and shaking.

He climbs on top of me, and with one movement, he takes off the cuffs, and makes me hug him, and without warning he thrusts in wild movements he starts punching my pussy, making me moan hard, grabbing his back and scratching until blood was coming out so hard, the bed was shaking hard, he was panting and whimpering on the spot, patting my head, he punched fiercely, and he stayed like that until I said:

Y/N: "Oh fuck... it's so good Jason... I think I'm going to come... I'm going to come for you my love." He punched more and more after that, the bed then broke to our surprise, but told us not to think about it and continue with the act, so even with the worried look he continued, and much stronger, more breathless he was until after one time I scream that I'm going to enjoy:

Y/N : "I'm going to come, Bear, go, it's almost my need, oh...." Soon after I come and I get soft and I take my hands that were now full of his blood on my nails, he continues until I feel the fuck him inside me, he came and almost howled with lust, and he enjoys a lot, even though he stopped punching, he was still coming, until it stopped coming out of him, he was on top of me panting, both of us sweaty and panting.

Getting up he notices the mess he left and the broken bed, he gets kind of scared and kept moving me to make sure I'm okay, so I say closing my eyes:

Y/N: "I love you so much Bear, you outdid yourself on that one, for-." I can barely finish the sentence and I pass out from exhaustion.

Jason soon catches me, wraps me in a blanket and puts me on his shoulders carefully, and with the other hand he takes the broken bed and puts it in the hallway leaving only the mattress on the floor, he organizes everything with one arm and carefully puts me on my back. new on the mattress now, he goes to the bathroom and sees the soap, he thinks about in the morning give me a queen bath, then take a towel and wipe me, put on clean underwear and then kiss me on the forehead, Jason in then he does the same, and cuddled with me he sleeps with me.

It was already 12:22 and I wake up to him saying good morning and giving me a "breakfast" in bed, I thought it was strange, it had broken, but Jason explains to me that while he was sleeping, he woke up early, cleaned and organized the house, made the bed with sturdier wood he kept in his storage room, and then he made me breakfast in bed, calling me Princess and making me feel like one.

Jason then prepares the bath with rose petals and the liquid soap making foam, I couldn't walk, then he washes me bridal style and takes me to the bathroom, he sits me in the bathtub with me and washes me, but asks:

Jason (In Sign Language): "You're really fine, you're not hurt, you can't even walk straight, I was a monster-." He stops when I kiss him on the mouth, and I answer him:

Y/N : "Don't be afraid Jason, My Bear, I loved it so much, it's ok, because I'm feeling great you have no idea, I love you so much Jason." I speak for later to place a kiss on his forehead.

He immediately surprised and relieved, hugs me tightly, and we continue our shower... and then... it would be another day... at Camp Crystal Lake.

©️Regiane Nascimento©️

🌹@regianenascimentooficial 🌹

[lepusrufus]

Double edged scalpel ch.11

ch1 ch2 ch3 ch4 ch5 ch6 ch7 ch8 ch9 ch10

Summary: last chapter, let there be some sweet stuff

----

By some miracle, the bullet did not hit anything major, which meant a rather uneventful recovery. Laughing and sudden movements still sent a jolt of pain through her body even a week later, but at least she could move around now.

Every day Daniela would come to Cassandra’s room where she was staying and change her bandages while listening to her instructions. She wanted to learn, and Nicole was more than happy to oblige. Especially when having a wound free of infection was on the line. Cassandra would simply busy herself with something else or talk to the eldest sister in the meantime. They were too far to hear, not that Nicole actually cared to listen while inspecting the literal hole in her skin, but she did catch Bela huffing out a fine.

After a new bandage was in place, the other two sisters left, Daniela with a bright smile at the skill she was learning and Bela rolling her eyes at the thanks from her middle sister. Once they were alone again, Nicole raised an inquisitive eyebrow at the brunette.

“What was that about?”

Cassandra pressed her palms together, eyes darting around the room before finally landing on her lover.

“You know how my moms invited you to dinner?” Nicole widened her eyes in mild panic. “Well you can’t exactly go wearing a uniform, so I asked Bela if we could borrow one of her dresses. Sine she’s the shortest,” Cassandra added with a snicker.

Nicole furrowed her brows. While Bela was the shortest among the three sisters, she still had quite a few inches on her, so any of her dresses would just turn into an impromptu floor sweeping. Maybe a shorter one could work. Cassandra didn’t seem to care to dwell on it as she plopped down on the bed beside Nicole. She seemed oddly nervous.

“I-... I have something for you.”

She turned around and pulled something from her nightstand’s drawer. When she got back to facing her, a dagger wrapped in black leather was in her hand.

“Not that you’ll need it again. But if you must stab someone this will work better than a scalpel.”

Nicole slowly slid the blade from its holster, the metal almost shiny in the room’s low light. The handle, like many other objects in the castle, had the Dimitrescu crest on it. The intricate leaves and petals wrapped around each other as if they weren't made from metal but just freshly plucked from the garden. To top it off, the tip of the handle had an ochre gem, not too different from the one on Cassandra’s choker. Nicole traced her fingers gingerly over the details, a fond smile tugging at her lips. It was lovely.

"Thank you," she whispered, almost afraid that speaking any louder would ruin the moment.

Cassandra didn't reply though, only shifting closer and pressing a kiss to her temple. She didn't really need to say anything, the gesture speaking loud and clear without the aid of any words.

Nicole pulled Cassandra down into a deep kiss. A kiss that was meant to say all the things neither of them could put into words, that seemed so insignificant compared to their lips sliding together in that moment. Her hand left the dagger on the sheets and found its way into dark locks, pulling Cassandra even closer. To her annoyance, it was the brunette the one to pull away with a knowing smirk.

"As much as I'm enjoying myself, Bela's gonna be back in a few minutes and then we're heading to dinner. Wouldn't want to be late now would we."

Nicole's reply was overly dramatic and drawn out. "Oh my, I wouldn't dream of it."

Cassandra only chuckled at her and got up to change into something more dinner appropriate herself. She chose a white blouse with beautiful intricate embroidered patterns all around the collar and sleeves, complete with a pair of leather pants. Leather pants that Nicole would've enjoyed the view of were in not for the knock on the door.

"Come in!" Cassandra called from where she was strapping in a pair of boots.

The door opened with a slight creak, and the eldest sister slipped inside, a black dress draped over one arm. She came over to Nicole and set it on the bed, careful not to cause any wrinkles.

"I hope it goes without saying that if you spill anything on it I will break your legs."

"You will do no such thing," Cassandra said quickly, having finished dressing. She leaned over her sister's shoulder and whistled at the sight of the dress. "Wow darling I hope you like looking like a creepy gothic countess."

Nicole laughed at Bela's annoyed eye roll. "I'd love to. It's an awesome look actually."

Bela huffed at her younger sister, pointing exasperatedly to the redhead. "See? She gets it. Glad to see at least you found someone that understands fashion."

"Your fashion is either gothic vampire, good job with the stereotype there by the way, or tired teenager who's wardrobe consists only of baggy shirts. It's always a fifty fifty with you."

Cassandra was now openly laughing, one arm around her midsection. Bela simply smacked her on the shoulder and turned to leave the room. Before she could slip out however, she called out to her sister.

"Oh and Cassandra," she waited for the brunette to look at her. "Mother's in a good mood."

Cassandra grinned, suddenly seeming a lot more excited about dinner.

It took thankfully little effort to slip the dress on, a shorter one that normally would reach the knees, but on Nicole it was more around mid calves. She only needed help with the zipper on the back. Help that her lover was happy to provide, complete with a kiss at the back of her neck.

When they looked at themselves in the full length mirror standing in the corner of the room, Nicole couldn't help the feeling of pride swelling in her chest. Pride at being there with the woman she loved. Actually loved. And who shared her feelings in kind.

"What was it about wanting to become a creepy gothic countess?"

Nicole chuckled at the sly smile the brunette was giving her through the mirror. She decided to humor her, intentionally not letting her mind run with the possible implications. "Oh, isn't that every girl's dream," she said, fully aware that it was not.

Cassandra tapped her chin for a moment, eyes looking to the side in thought. She opened her mouth to say something but thought better of it and decided to interlock their fingers instead. She pulled Nicole away from the mirror and into a gentle kiss before she spoke.

"Let's go."

She simply nodded and let herself be guided through the castle's ancient dark halls, hand in hand with Cassandra. They walked in silence until they reached the door to the dining hall, light spilling from the small crack underneath. Looks were shared. They both had a mix of nervousness and excitement clear on their faces. Beyond the door, the other members of the family could be heard, Esteria's voice telling a tale too muffled to reach their ears, that seemed to make Daniela laugh. Even the Lady chimed in with a comment that made the youngest sister blurt out some protesting words.

Cassandra chuckled and gave her a final kiss on her temple, before pushing the heavy door open for the both of them and pulling her inside.

Had a less… unhinged person been in her place, they'd be full of dread. But for Nicole, she couldn't remember a time when she truly felt like she could call a place home. And if home was a terrible castle led by women that could tear anyone to pieces, then so be it. She'd happily sit by their side, by Cassandra's side, and let herself be wrapped up in all the horrors within the ancient walls.

[sunflowersunshinevol6]

Dog From Hell

Pairing: Harry Styles x OC

Warnings: bdsm, dom/sub dynamics, light choking, fetish club

Summary: Lucinda's best friend has been dying to bring her to her favorite fetish club. It's there she meets Harry Styles, a kind Dom with a secret that could jeopardize the budding relationship

Or

The one where Harry is the leader of an international hacking organization by night and a Dom at day

Goodness can be found, sometimes in the middle of Hell."

-Charles Bukowski

"I can be an angel sometimes, I can be real fucked up

I miss you only sometimes, I give you real tough love

'Cause I'm a devil with a halo, whoa-oh-oh"

-G-Eazy

The club was nothing like Lucinda thought it was going to be.

When Bitty had suggested they go to one of her favorite clubs, a kink club that specialized in BDSM, called The Cage, she had expected everyone to be wearing leather and latex.

"Are you sure this is alright?" She had asked, poking her head out of the bathroom to look at her friend. Bitty wore a strapless red dress that complimented her curves beautifully, she wore fishnet stockings, black spike heel boots and a dog collar. Her lips painted a light pink. She smiled kindly at Lucinda.

"Trust me Luce. You'll understand when we get there."

And here they were. The club was huge, red and black velvet couches spread out, plush red cushioned high back  chairs and onyx colored tables. The walls were embroidered with red and black fabric that looked like spider webs or vines. The bar was made of dark oak, sleek and shiny against the glow of the red lights.

The people were dressed very tame. Maybe it was the fact that the only exposure she had ever had to this lifestyle was movies and Fifty Shades of Grey. There was a dress code here, and rules, written on the wall right by the entrance.

WELCOME TO THE CAGE

we encourage you to explore your kinks and discover yourself. However, you must abide by our commandments:

1: CONSENT IS KEY

this is not Fifty Shades of Grey and you are not douche Christian Grey. Respect boundaries

2: No Fucking in the Lounge

If you're feeling frisky ask for a private room

3: No Social Media

This is a private club. Many members are professionals in their every day life. Respect their privacy

4: No Fighting

You will be banned immediately and indefinitely

5: Have Fun

This is a safe space, you're with like minded people. Enjoy yourself, experiment and let loose

Seems simple enough. Lucinda thought as Bitty lead her to the bar. She could feel eyes on her as they walked, men and women looking her up and down. Bitty had let her borrow a simple and conservative black dress that left much to the imagination. But that was part of the fun as Bitty had said.

"I'm so glad you decided to come out tonight. I love goin to the club with you but this is my place." Lucinda smiled. Bitty and her were total opposites, Bitty was a kink queen. Ropes, chains, whips, outside of the office they worked at she was a Domme. She thrived in places like this. Whilst every hookup Lucinda had ever had was pretty vanilla. She tried choking once and didn't like it. Bitty said the guy didn't do it right.

"What do we do." She asked as her friend ordered them some shots. The bartender passed the clear liquid to them and they downed it quickly with no chaser. Bitty gasped, shaking her head.

"Chat. Talk to people. It's fun. But if someone cuts you off don't be offended. Some are subs with their doms and they have rules. Others are looking for a specific type, just depends. But everyone is cool." Lucinda nodded, she wasn't much of a talker but she did promise to have a good night. Bitty cleared her throat, standing from her chair and straightening her dress.

"My sub is here," Lucinda turned to see a well built man with dark skin and bright brown eyes standing in the entryway, looking at Bitty. "You okay if I go to a private for a bit?" Lucinda forced a smile.

"Sure," she said awkwardly. "Have fun."

Lucinda watched Bitty walk over to the man, take his hand and lead him away, looking over her shoulder to wink at her friend as she went. Lucinda sighed, drumming her fingers against the bar.

"Can I get you another?" Lucinda jumped. She turned to see a man, quite a few inches taller than her, leaning against the bar. He had curly brown hair and bright, beautiful green eyes.

"Sure," she said, clearing her throat. He smiled, he could tell she was nervous.

"First time?" He asked. His voice was calm and warm, a deep British accent accentuating every word he said.

"Yeah." He nodded.

"Okay, okay. Do you know what you're into?" She shook her head as he handed her, her second shot.

"Not really. My best friend and roommate is a Domme. She just went in the back with her Sub. But I promised I'd try the club out." He said nothing, his eyes just trailing over her body, taking her in. He made her feel small. "I um....I've been choked before....but it felt like he was crushing my windpipe so I never tried it again." The man raised his eyebrow at her, making her feel even more nervous. "I don't know why I told you that."

"It's alright." He smiled again, she noticed a dimple imprinted in his cheek. He was extremely handsome. "He must not have done it right." The man raised his hand, "may I?" Lucinda nodded before she could stop herself. He chuckled. "I need you to use your words pet." Pet. That one word, uttered by this stranger made her insides turn.

"Y-yes." He patted her cheek gently.

"Good girl." His hand closed around her throat, but he didn't squeeze the way her ex had. His hand touches her carotid artery on either side of her neck. He squeezes gently.

She gasps, it's a head rush, she can feel her pulse in her head as the bloodflow is restricted. Her eyes roll back and he growls, it's low but it only makes her stomach flutter even more. He let's her go.

"How did that feel?" He asked her.

"Really.....really good." She said breathlessly. "My ex definitely didn't know what he was doing." The man chuckled, running a hand through his hair.

"I could show you more....I'm looking for a new submissive. If you're interested, I'd love to show you just how good it could feel and be."

"Like Fifty Shades?" The man snorted.

"Don't insult me little girl. No. Christian Grey wasn't a Dom....I don't know what he was. But not a Dom." She bit her lip, looking away from him, only to have her eyes dart back up when he spoke again. "I want to bite that lip." He said in a low pure, watching as he lips parted and she let out a soft gasp.

"I...I've never...." he nodded understanding.

"I get it. You're new to all of this. We could take it slow. Explore. If it's not your thing, you can leave at any time."

"There's no contract?"

"There can be....there are. But don't worry about that right now. If you're new to the life it's important to take it easy...If you'll let me, I'd love to be the one to break you in." His eyes were darkening and she shivered at his words. He leaned forward, brushing her hair off her shoulder. "I wanted you the second I saw you little girl. You look like you could be the sweetest little thing and you're already such a good girl." She felt herself leaning into his touch, her breathing heavy as his breath fanned over her neck.

"What's your name?" She asked. He placed his hand on her arm, wrapping it around her wrist, she wasn't sure if it was to stakw some sort of claim, but she liked the idea.

"I'm Harry." He said softly. "And you are?" She couldn't concentrate.

"L..Lucinda."

"Lucinda...." her name rolled off his tongue easily, a cocky smirk on his face as he fondled the necklace, his fingers brushing against her skin and giving her goosebumps. "Seems like the Gods are smiling on me."

"You believe in God?" she asked, her heart pounding, face flushed. He hooked his finger in the necklace, pulling her closer.

"No....but if I did, I do believe I've been blessed, mi amore." his lips brushed against her ear, causing her body to vibrate. "Will you let me give you a test run? Let you see what I can do and then....if you like it, we can go from there." she looked up into his eyes, the emerald color nearly outshone by the darkness of his pupils, or maybe it was his soul. "What do you say?" Lucinda bit her lip again, she watched his nostrils flare and his eyebrow twitch when she did.

"I think...." fuck it. She hadn't been laid in over a year and she had promised Bitty she would try to have fun

And if he was horrible she could just leave and never see him again. "I think I want to see what you can do." She licked her lips. "What it would be like....with you."

He grinned. It was beautiful. He threaded his fingers through hers, pulling her away from the bar.

"Come with me pet. You've so much to learn."

[sidhelives]

I Can Only Hope You Won't Be Too Disappointed

Fluffcember 2020

Prompt: Family/Friends

First chapter under break, please use link to read full fic.

Hero ran her hands down the Warden blue silk of her gown for the one hundred and thirty-fifth time as she gazed at herself in the mirror. It felt soft and light, so different from her armor, and her bare shoulders felt cold, naked in the cool air creeping in through the window. She took a deep breath and released it slowly, willing the nerves she felt jangling the edges of her vision to still.

"Wow. You look incredible."

She started at the sudden voice, closing her eyes to regain her bearings. When she opened them again Nathaniel was beside her in the mirror, his grey eyes, two shades darker than her own, taking in her carefully upswept hair and tastefully painted features.

"I didn't mean to startle you," he put his hands on her shoulders, rubbing them softly and warming her chilled skin.

"It's alright, I'm just a ball of nerves I'm afraid." Hero smiled, covering one of his hands with her own. "Let me look at you." She turned, dress rustling as the slight train dragged across the stones. Nathaniel obligingly stepped back, put his arms out, and turned once for her, his smile equal parts proud and uncomfortable. The suit had been custom ordered from Denerim, jet black with a high sharp collar which accentuated his equally sharp jaw. The waistcoat was the same rich blue as her gown and embroidered with the silver griffins of the Wardens.

"You look impeccable, as always." She smiled, tucking a lock of dark hair behind one of his ears, her fingers brushing softly against the silver hoop set into his lobe: Anders had goaded him into the piercing months ago. He had been embarrassed by it at first but had seemingly grown fond of the feature. Hero thought it brought out his eyes, which may have had something to do with his change in attitude.

Nathaniel caught her hand and laid a kiss against her palm. "We could still cancel," he offered sincerely.

She sighed. "Everyone is already here, you can hear them milling about the great hall getting antsy."

He shrugged, a wry smile creasing his eyes. "You're the Warden-Commander. Just say that there are hyper-intelligent Darkspawn climbing the walls: that will clear them out quick."

Hero laughed, tipping her head back and pressing a hand to her chest. "If only it were that easy." She shook her head. "What have you done to your cravat?"

Nathaniel glanced down. "What's wrong with it?"

Hero rolled her eyes. "Let me see it."

Laughing, Nathaniel tipped his chin up to give her access. "What's got you so jumpy?"

She flicked her eyes up to his face then back to the cloth around his neck, straightening and tying it properly. "Just pre-party jitters, that's all," she lied. She glanced up at his face again and found him looking down at her, a single disbelieving eyebrow raised.

"But what is it really?" He asked.

She looked away, focusing on the cravat, not wanting to meet his eyes. "It's nothing."

Nathaniel's palms rubbed comfortingly up and down her bare upper arms. She finished the tie, tucking the ends into the neck of his waistcoat, and sighed heavily. She was a terrible liar. Always had been. "Fergus is here."

"Ah." Nathaniel nodded. "And I'm guessing he doesn't know about us."

She shook her head, the apples of her cheeks growing hot from embarrassment. "No. I—" she swallowed hard. "I'd been trying to think of how best to tell him…"

"It's been months, Hero."

She had expected him to be angry or at the very least frustrated with her lack of candor, but he sounded more perplexed than perturbed. She smoothed her fingers over the silk of her gown again, hands flighty and aimless without weapons to hold. "I don't know how he'll react…"

"When he finds out you're sleeping with the son of the man who murdered your parents."

" In love with ," Hero corrected, poking him firmly in the chest. "And yes, that is the worry."

"It will be fine." He smiled, using one finger to tilt her chin up. "You don't really think your brother will take a swing at me in the middle of the party, do you?"

Hero smirked. "He might. You don't know him like I do."

"I might look dashing with a black eye."

"Less so with a broken jaw," she chided.

Nathaniel frowned in a way that indicated he had not considered that possibility. "Do you… not want to tell him?"

Hero's mouth dropped open in a silent gasp. Nathaniel's eyes were sincere, the question offered as a genuine possibility rather than a rebuke, but the fine lines around his eyes belied the sting of the words. "Of course I want to tell him." Hero told him firmly. "I love you, and I don't want to hide that from him. I just... need to explain it to him in a way that doesn't end with a duel."

Nathaniel pressed his lips together, head nodding softly. "Okay." He kissed her forehead.

"Are Delilah and Albert here?" Hero asked, smoothing her hands down the front of his jacket.

"They had trouble finding someone to watch Ollie—"

"Oh no!" Hero's brow creased harshly as she frowned. "They should have brought him."

"Which is what I told Delilah." Nathaniel smiled. "They're here."

Hero's expression reversed, her smile lighting up. "It will be so nice to see them. Ollie must be so big now."

Nathaniel suddenly snapped his fingers. "I almost forgot. I have something for you." He went to a bureau and began digging through a drawer. "I placed a special order with Wade. Not his usual line of work, but you know how he likes a challenge."

"A gift made by Wade? You know I can't wear a weapon with this dress." She gestured at the fine silk.

"I'm sure you could fit a dagger or two into that pillow thing on your behind," Nathaniel teased without looking up.

Hero crossed her arms petulantly. "It's a bustle . They're the height of fashion in Denerim at the moment, or so I'm told."

"Are you sure someone isn't playing an elaborate joke on you?" He looked back at her with a roguish smile. "I think your behind looks perfectly lovely without any augmentation." Nathaniel closed the drawer with a snap, a flat wooden box retrieved and tucked under his arm.

Cheeks gone pink, Hero frowned harder. "Is that what you got me then? Bustle knives?"

"That would have been an excellent idea." He returned. "I can only hope you won't be too disappointed." He tipped the front of the box towards her, releasing the catch with one finger and lifting the lid.

Hero gasped softly. "Oh, Nathaniel. They're beautiful."

Lazurite and Silverite forged in delicate swirls and curls, framing and supporting a filigree Warden's crest pendant and matching earrings sported exquisite miniature griffins in flight. The metalwork stood on its own, without gems or insets, ingots tempered to an immaculate shine, which caught and reflected light, dazzling her eyes.

" You're beautiful," Nathaniel corrected. "These are very fine things, but they can only compliment your radiance."

Color rushed to Hero's cheeks. "Thank you." She reached out a tentative hand to the jewelry. "Can I...?'

"Wear them? That was the intention, yes," he smiled glibly.

Hero wrinkled her nose at his cheeky smile and plucked the earrings from the velvet-lined box, slipping them easily into her ears. When she reached for the necklace Nathaniel pulled the box just out of her reach. "Let me."

With a sheepish smile Hero nodded and turned around. In the mirror, she watched Nathaniel carefully drape the necklace around her neck. The metal was cold against her skin, but the warm caress of his fingers as he placed and clasped the chain kept her from shivering.

"There." Nathaniel met her eyes in the reflective glass. "Perfect."

His expression was so soft, so full of awe it made Hero's chest clench. She turned and caught his face between her hands, pressing her lips to his. His arms encircled her waist holding her tight and returning her amorous embrace. Hero felt light-headed and giddy as they parted, giggling at the smear of red her lips had left on Nathaniel's mouth.

"Oh, Dear. You need a handkerchief."

Nathaniel glanced at the mirror and snorted, pulling a square of lining from his back pocket and roughly wiping his mouth with it. "And not just me."

Hero caught sight of her reflection in the glass and descended into another round of giggles at the stain around her own lips.

"We can't have the Warden-Commander turn up to her Wintersend banquet like that. What would Mistress Woolsey say?"

Hero let him lift her chin and gingerly clean her face. "I'd tell her it was your fault. It's not a lie."

Nathaniel smirked. "I'd happily take the blame for that." He placed a chaste kiss upon her cheekbone, just below her eye, then offered his arm. "Shall we descend upon the rabble, Warden-Commander?"

Hero rolled her shoulders back and took his arm. "Let's, Warden-Constable."

He walked her out of their quarters and down the hall, the sound of music and chatter growing louder with each step they took. Despite her momentary ease, Hero felt the cold breath of anxiety creeping back up her spine as they drew closer to the main hall.

She had to tell Fergus. 

It would be easy, she told herself. She was a grown woman, battle tempered and fully capable of making her own decisions; and he was her brother, he loved her unconditionally.

She needed to trust that he loved her more than he hated Howe.

Nathaniel broke from her side as they reached the door to the hall, giving her crown a final reassuring peck before he opened it for her. The sound of the hall stilled as the door opened, and Hero could hear Garevel announcing her. Her eyes lingered lovingly on Nathaniel's for a moment longer, then she took a deep breath and stepped through the door.

[fortunatelyhauntedblackcherry]

Walking the tightrope - A "The Greatest Showman" Fanfiction 2

- Who am I kidding, she won't even come. - stated Constantine as he paced up and down in his room, constantly tugging on his shirt's sleevecuffs and twiddling with his rings. Lentini grunted dramatically and layed back on Constantine's bed with a thud. He facepalmed.

- Constantiiiiine stop iiiiittttt! - he sighed and removed his hands from his face. He lifted his head slightly to see his friend. - I'll tell you, again, for the fifth time: she👏invited👏YOU👏out👏on👏a👏date👏. - he sat up, pulled his third leg up to his side and opened up his arms in a questioning way. - Why would she ask you out if she didn't want to go out with you in the first place? - he put his elbow on his third knee and placed his chin in his palm. Constantine stopped in his tracks and pointed at his friend.

- Because... - he started deliberating but couldn't think of a possible explanation. So he just waved Frank off. - You know what, just shut up. - and with that, continued pacing up and down. Frank rolled his eyes.

- Okay, let's approach it from an another perspective. - Constantine stopped and looked at his friend with hands placed on his hips. - Why did you dress up so nicely... - Constantine looked down on himself, slightly adjusting his suit. He wore a red pair of pants, a red frock jacket, a burgundy waistcoat, a white shirt with an embroidered bird skull on each collar, a pair of black, embroidered suspenders and burgundy scotch tie shoes. He didn't wear a caravat, nor a tie; he didn't like the feeling of being tied up... That way. He cleared his throat. He really put on his best suit... - ...painted your eyes with kajal... - he looked sideways. That was true too... - ...fixed your mustache and hair with pomade... - Lentini stood up, grabbed him by the shoulders and twirled him around to face his bodysized mirror. Constantine touched his handlebar mustache. Frank pinched his face jokingly with a small laugh. - ...and poured at least half a bottle of cologne on your body if you don't belive that she'll come? - Constantine clicked his tongue annoyingly.

- I hate you so much. - Lentini shrugged with his hands held up.

- I am literally your best friend! You don't. - Constantine looked into his eyes in the mirror.

- But she's late! - Frank grunted.

- BY 10 GODDAMN MINUTES YOU IDIOT! - the tattoed greek almost shouted something back but was stopped by knocking. They both looked at his door as it opened. Charles was holding the door handle, still dressed in his costume. They didn't change between shows. He had a waggish little smile on his face.

- Knock knock Romeo. Someone's here to see you. - Constantine looked behind the small man's back but saw noone. Charles threw his head back. - Not here here, stupid, she's waiting for you by the backdoor. - he let go of the door and walked up to Constantine who started sweating profusely and bit his lips anxiously. Charles punched his knee jokingly. - Don't make her wait Casanova, or I'll steal her from you, 'cause let me tell ya... That girl is something else. - he immediately looked down at his colleague in terror. God he was nervous about this rendezvous.

- What do you mean?! - Charles shrugged with a shiteating grin in response.

- Oh you'll see. I won't spoil her fun. - Frank crossed his arms before his chest.

- Told you she would come. - Constantine closed his eyes for a second and breathed out to calm himself down.

- Phew. - when he opened his eyes, he looked at his best friend. - Frank, I'm having second thoughts.

- Calm down. Everything's going to be alright. - Constantine huffed, took a huge step, then spinned around to face his friends again.

- Okay... - he adjusted the collar of his shirt. - How do I look?

- Like a prince. - said Frank.

- Woo her, your majesty. - cheered Charles.

- And ask her if she has a sister or not! - said Frank with a laugh. Constantine nodded with a smile, turned around, put his wallet and keys in his pockets and ran off. Lentini just patted Charles's shoulders when he spotted something on Constantine's bedside table. He let out a huge sigh. - He's going to lose his head one day without me. - he grabbed the bouquet up and ran out to the hallway. - CONSTANTINE YOU DUMB FUCK YOU FORGOT HER FLOWERS! - he shouted. Fortunately, it did occur to the tattoed man that he forgot something so he was already on his way back to his room. Lentini gave him the flowers while shaking his head and saying: - Break a leg, brother. - Constantine flashed a mean little smile.

- Can I borrow one from you? - Lentini crossed his arms before his chest and looked angrily at his friend.

- I swear to the Holy Heavens that I'll slap the tattoes off your face. - Constantine shooed him off with a wave of the hand and ran off.

He didn't even reach the backdoor yet when he started hearing the sweet voice that lured him down to the circus ring just a day prior. And now that sweet voice was singing. As Constantine stepped closer and closer to the backdoor, his heart pounded faster and faster. Hazel was humming a lovely song he was sure he already heard somewhere, he just didn't know where. He closed his eyes for a second. Be brave, Constantine, he's just a young lady. He opened his eyes, gripped the flowers tighter and opened the door. You already met her, so you don't have to worry about first impressions. He stepped out into the streets of Manhattan. It was a rather warm evening, and the perfume of flowers filled the air. Wait, flowers? Here? Why would Manhattan smell like...

That was the moment he spotted her. Miss Hazel Munroe stood beside a huge Friesian black horse, petting its neck with a small smile on her face, still humming that lovely tune. Constantine couldn't help but let out a nearly inaudible "wow". But Hazel heard it. When she turned around, Constantine almost dropped the flowers he bought for her. She wore a red dress made from rich indian silk, with hundreds and hundreds of little black arabic style flowers painted on it. The dress twirled around her as she moved, revealing the 4 layers of petticoats she wore beneath her dress. Her tiny waist was hugged around by a pretty, embroidered black belt. The pleated design of her bodice made her cleavage really pop, and her shoulders were left barren as well. Her kind of puffy sleeves went all the way down to her wrists, with sleevecuffs that hugged her tiny wrists tightly. She wore 2 wide and tight golden bracelets wrapped around her sleevecuffs, a couple rings on her hands, all resembling either animals or stars, a beautiful black velvet choker with a golden star medallion on it, and earrings that were made in the shapes of stars and moons. Her long, luscious black locks of naturally wavy hair were half up half down and into the upper part of her hair she braided jasmine flowers. Wow. Constantine gulped. The girl giggled by the awe of her date. The tattooed man felt that this started getting awkward, but he couldn't help but stare. The young lady bit her lower lip and twirled around.

- Do you like it? - she asked in a voice that Constantine could only describe as angelic. It was so delicate and sweet. He couldn't help himself. Screw social norms.

- Do I like it? - he asked in a low voice. He walked up to his date and stopped right before her. He brushed the back of his hand against her caramel skin. Her red lips curled into a naughty little smile as the man stroked her face and inspected every little part of it with a light, loving smile. He smiled even harder when he realised that Hazel also put a good amount of kajal on her eyes, just like him. Thank god she's not that "natural is always better" type. He was way too close to her but Hazel didn't mind at all. Screw social norms. - My eyes never did behold such beauty! - he said, then looked deep into her hazel eyes and brushed his hand over to her chin. He playfully held it between his thumb and index finger. - I am sure you will be the last thing I see before I pass one day, because they say that people see angels before their deaths. And I'm pretty sure I'm standing right before one. - Hazel blushed and looked down at the ground to cover her red cheeks. Constantine let go of her face and pulled the bouquet from behind his back. - Oh, I bought this for you. - Hazel looked up and gasped.

- Dahlias! - her eyes twinkled and she smelled the flowers. - One of my favourites! - she took the flowers from Constantine with a wide smile. - Thank you! - the tattoed man flashed a naughty smile at his date.

- I'd love to spoil my date as much as I can. - Hazel batted her eyelashes innocently. But her gaze was everything but innocent.

- Many might say that's not a good idea, for I'll only meet you for the sake of receiving gifts. - Constantine rolled his eyes with a smoulder.

- Screw them, I will spoil you anyways. - Hazel giggled. She looked down at her flowers.

- So I suppose you're not a fan of societal norms? - she asked in a tiny voice while putting her weight from one leg to another.

- Not at all. Does that bother you? - he asked, anxiously waiting for the answer. Hazel smiled lightly, still not looking into Constantine's eyes.

- I wanted to ask the same thing. - she sighed and started twiddling with her flowers. - You see, I'm not exactly a proper lady in the manners of courtship, one might even say that I'm... profligate. - she looked up, but still didn't look straight into the Prince's eyes. She looked so troubled. - Look, Constantine, I'll be honest with you, I despise etiquette books, courtship and beauty standards. I am loud and obnoxious. So if you find yourself being uncomfortable around me, or I make you feel ashamed, or I make you think I'm a fallen woman...

Constantine couldn't hold it any longer and he started laughing. Loudly. Hazel looked at him, puzzled.

- What are you laughing about? - Constantine turned around, still laughing. He pushed his hair back with a smiley, relieved sigh.

- Do you have any idea about how happy I am... - he said as he turned back to Hazel with glistening eyes. - ...that you are not a prudish young lady that stays 6 feet away from her date? I mean, staying distant is just unromantic for me. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to rush anything, I just... - he looked down to the girl's hands and quickly grabbed them, as gentle as he could. - ...don't understand why couldn't I hold your hand or brush your hair away from your face or marvel at how absolutely gorgeous you are? - he let go of the woman's hand, who had a huge smile spread across her face, mixed with a look of surprise. - Hazel... - all of a sudden Constantine grabbed her waist and twirled her around in the air. Hazel let out a heartfelt little giggle as the tattoed Prince lifted her up in the air. - ...I cherish the fact that you are not like well-mannered women of your age. - he gently put her down, still keeping his palms wrapped around her waist. - And trust me, being with someone who acts unusually, just like me, will be a pleasure. - Hazel batted her eyelashes.

- Are you sure? - So she still won't believe me. Constantine stepped back and pointed at his date.

- Tell you what. Going out with the Tattoed Prince of Greece will be a relief for you, because of 3 reasons mainly. - he said while he bowed before Hazel theatrically. He held a finger up, which had a big seal-ring on it. It was shaped as a siren between the ocean's waves. - One, people will stare at me, not at your nonpowdered cheeks. - first he pointed at himself, then his date. - Which I really like, I have to say. - he gestured 👌 with a wink. - Seriously though, I just don't understand why women want to look like corpses. - he held up a second finger, which had no 3-dimensional ring on it, but had one tattoed on. - Two, I don't care if someone acts unusually because I've always been categorized as weird and unmannered myself. - he held up a third finger, his little one, which had a little ruby ring on it. - Three, people say I'm good company and I'll try my best to make you feel wonderful. - he straightened himself up fully and tilted his head sideways a bit, searching for his date's gaze, who were biting down on her lips. - Does that calm your anxious heart? - Hazel looked up at him, with lips curled into a cute little smile.

- Absolutely. I just hope you'll feel the same way by the end of the night. - Constantine booped her nose.

- I'm sure about that. - he said, then looked around. - So, shall we get going? - Hazel patted the black horse's large neck.

- Just a second, he didn't finish his treat yet. - Constantine raised an eyebrow.

- And that stops you from riding it because... - Hazel tilted her head and looked up to Constantine from below. Her gaze was so critical.

- Would you be happy if somebody made you run while chewing? - Constantine snapped his fingers and squinted.

- Touché. - Hazel smiled as a reply, completely making that critical little gaze disappear. The horse did a big gulp, which in response made the woman run her fingers through the horse's black, wavy mane.

- Okay, you're done. - the young woman stepped away from the horse and dramatically bowed towards her date. - Prince Constantine, let me introduce you to my most loyal friend, my stallion, Cosmos. - Constantine giggled. Hazel looked at the black horse. - Say hiiii! - but the horse just huffed and groaned. Hazel stood up and put her fists on her hips in a truly teacherly manner. - Oh come on you already swallowed the last bite, I saw it, don't be mean! - the stallion let out a little sigh, and rolled his eyes. Hazel cleaned her throat. The horse folded one of his front legs under him, kept his head down, and basically bowed. Constantine clapped and shouted a little "woo-hoo", which made the girl smile again. She looked back at her horse, who already got back up from the bow. - See, what was so hard about that? - she stepped next to the stallion and ruffled his mane. - You melodramatic baby. - she looked back at Constantine and tilted her head. - Come, pet him! He loves little neck scratches.

Constantine stepped next to the horse and stratched his neck. He looked at Hazel eagerly.

- No saddle? - the woman just shrugged her shoulders.

- No, that's not necessary for such a short ride. - and with that, she grabbed Cosmos's bridle and pulled herself up to the horse's back with a little jump... And sat down on his bareback pad in an astride position. To cover his surprise and slight shock, Constantine looked around, searching for something.

- Alright, and where's the horse I should ride? - Hazel looked down at the horse's neck. She started blushing a bit.

- I only have one horse and I didn't want to rent a carriage for the night. - she turned her gaze to the bewildered man's tattoed face. Hazel jotted with her head behind herself. - So, hop on behind me.

Constantine shook his head disbelievingly, looking more perplexed than he ever was. He blinked fast.

- We... - he stuttered. Hazel giggled with a closed mouth. Constantine pointed at her and him by turns, agily. - We're riding on the same horse? - Hazel shrugged.

- Another thing that's not so well-mannered. - she offered Constantine her hand with a courteous look on her face. The Prince scratched his neck. I can't believe I'm doing this. I can't believe she's doing this. Even more people will stare at me than normally, Jesus. He sighed and shrugged a little. Eh, what the heck. Screw what people think. With still a dubious look on his face, she grabbed the woman's tiny hand and hopped behind her. An astonished look crossed his face for a second; he got rather surprised by his date's upper body strength. She helped him up so easily... That's strange. She turned her head sideways to see him. - Would you like me to ride sidesaddled, like a lady? - Constantine shook his head.

- Not necessarily... - the girl was still looking at him sideways. Was his bewilderment so obvious? He laughed anxiously. - Pardon my unsettled look, this whole thing is just...

- Unusal? - cut in Hazel. Constantine let out a smiley sigh.

- Exactly.

- I thought you liked all things odd and unusual. - asked the lady, then puckered her lips. Constantine giggled anxiously. Wow she has a wonderful figure, he thought as he took a look at his date's body from the back. Her waist is so tiny, oh my God in Heavens. And she's so beautiful. With such delicate features. And those lips... Man I bet they're really soft... Fuck I have to calm myself down if I don't want an inconvenient moment while riding with this beauty...

- Okay... - he said, voice shaking a bit from the woman's closeness. He glanced down for a nanosecond at his crotch area. Calm. DOWN. GODDAMNIT. - And what should I do with my arms? - Hazel shrugged with a devilish little smile.

- I don't know, maybe you could put them round my waist... - Constantine gawped with a smile.

- You little vixen! - Hazel laughed.

- You know, just so you won't fall off. No other reason. - Constantine shook his head. Well, so much for avoiding inconvenient moments! God I have to learn how to behave myself already. He gently put his hands round the woman's waist. He was pretty sure he heard a little moan, but bundled the thought off quickly. Hazel stroked his hand with her thumb before gently squeezing Cosmos' sides with her legs, making him start walking.

After a short ride, they arrived at a nice restaurant. Constantine got off of the horseback, then reached for Hazel who already turned sideways on the bareback pad. The tattoed man, ignoring the strange looks from people passing by, gently held Hazel by the waist and lifted her off. She tenderly placed her hands on his shoulders, while taking really good care not to damage the bouquet she got from her sweetheart.

- Do I weigh anything to you? - she asked while Constantine was holding her in the air.

- Not really. - he said, placing her down on the ground. They both adjusted their clothes. - It's like holding a cluster of grapes. - he said in a sweet tone, watching the woman's every move while she tied her horse's bridle securely. She patted Cosmos' neck and turned back to her date.

- You are such a charmer. - the tattooed prince stepped aside so Hazel could lead the way with an adoring look on his face.

- Only in the company of effervescent young ladies such as your lovely self, Miss Munroe. - Hazel went ahead with a small awkward laugh.

- Oh my god please never use that name ever again! My kids call me Miss Munroe, please call me Hazel. - as soon as they reached the entrance of the restaurant, Constantine hopped ahead and opened the door before his date. He winked at her with a playful smile when she passed him.

- Alright, be as you wish, my dear. - Hazel stopped for a second, alluring little sparks glistening in her eyes. She stroked the man's beard with her thumb. Which was a near-swooning experience for him again.

- Hmm, I like that name, too.

The restaurant was undoubtedly lovely. Hazel booked a romantic little table in the corner, with a vase for flowers and candles. She explained that she insisted on booking that table, since she wanted to make The Tattoed Prince of Greece feel as relaxed as she could, and she thought being away from most watchful eyes would do the trick. Constantine cherished her for her compassion. After a couple minutes of pleasant chatting and ordering food, the waiter asked what kind of drink he could bring. Constantine found the whole situation rather humorous, since the waiter couldn't look in his eyes and was constantly checking out his tattooes, especially the naughty ones on his neck. He didn't mind these kind of looks anymore... Other kinds, well... Let's not even think about that. He shooed the thought away with a throat cleaning.

- Champagne? - offered the Prince but Hazel shook her head. Her gaze wandered off from the menu straight into the man's eyes in a pensive way.

- I'm not a fan of bubbly drinks, they make my head hurt. - she put the menu down, and crossed her fingers under her chin. The young woman tilted her head a bit, and changed her gaze into a rather seductive look. - Would you like to surprise me with something exotic, my dear foreign prince? - Constantine thought about it for a second, then bit his lower lip with a smile as an idea popped into his head. He whispered something to the waiter. As soon as he left, Hazel let one of her arms down and rested it on the table next to Constantine. She was still sitting on the edge of her seat. - So, what are we drinking? - Constantine smiled passionately. There was a certain glow of mischief in his eyes that just made Hazel get goosebumps. Oh little missy, you shouldn't toy with the devil if you don't want to get burnt, he thought. But the woman walked her fingers closer to the Prince, playfully brushing her index finger against his hand. So she really is the screw social norms kinda gal. And it looks like she really does like me... Well then. Time to grow a pair and start turning this little vanilla, Constantine. He reached down for her hand and held it up gently.

- Easy, darling. - he stroked her fingers with his thumb. His touch was delicate but his skin was rather rough. Like a sailor's. - Where's the surprise if I tell you now what I ordered? - he asked in a flirty tone, just before blowing a kiss on her fingers. - Where's the fun in that? - she gulped. That last sentence was said in such an arousing way that Hazel started thinking about how his whispering would sound... During the night... Right in her ear... After some heavy breathing. She bit her lower lip as the next kiss landed on her fingers. God she had a thing for husky voices like his.

- Did anyone ever tell you how pleasant it is to listen to your voice? - Constantine chuckled and put Hazel's hand back on the table.

- No, never, as far as I can recall. - Hazel put her hands back under her chin.

- Well, I could listen to it for hours. I bet that if you read poetry out loud, it's like listening to the gods of Greece. - Constantine rolled his eyes jokingly, trying to cover up the fact that he started blushing. He was good at flirting, but actually receiving something back, without paying for it, was rather new. The woman sat back on her chair. - Echo and Aoede truly blessed you. - the Prince gasped.

- You know the greek gods! - the young lady chuckled.

- I'm a history teacher, of course I do! Plus, what can I say, I read a lot. - the tattooed man put his elbow on the table and rested his head in his palm. A totally enamored look found its way to his face.

- More radiant than Hebe, more charming than Aphrodite, wiser than Athene... - he sighed. - I'm truly blessed by your company.

The flirtatious chat got stopped by the waiter, who arrived with a tray, on which there were 2 stemmed wine glasses, both containing a small amount of green liquid; on top of them, some kind of flat spoon with a cube of sugar; and a carafe of ice cold water. He placed the things down on the table, and reached for the carafe. Constantine held up his hand, stopping him in his movement.

- Thank you, I'll take it from here. - as soon as the waiter left, Hazel moved her chair closer, stooping in the tattooed man's direction.

- What's this? - inquired the woman, inquisitive by the limegreen liquid that sat in front of her. Constantine smirked and reached for the carafe.

- Absinthe. Have you never heard of it? - Hazel shook her head. Constantine adjusted the sugarcubes on the slotted spoons. - Many say it's an aphrodisiac. - he reached for the carafe. The bottle perspired tiny little drops of water, it was so cold. - Others say it's an addictive poison. - he poured the ice cold water over the sugarcube rested on Hazel's glass. She watched his fingers move with admiration. As water diluted the spirit, the green substance quickly turned cloudy, then changed into a light mint green colored, milky opalescent liquid. - But there is one thing that is certain, and one thing that everybody knows. - he did the same thing with his drink too, then put the carafe and the slotted spoons away. He held up his drink, ready to clink glasses with Hazel, who looked at him as adoringly as she was looking at a perfect painting. - The green fairy who lives in the absinthe, wants your soul. - Hazel held her drink up as well, and they clanked glasses. The Tattoed Prince's gaze was irresistibly alluring. She couldn't look away from it. Those dark brown eyes captivated her and didn't let her go. - But fear not, I will protect you from her. - he moved the glass to his lips. To those perfectly shaped, luscious lips, framed by that magnificent mustache and beard... Hazel moved the glass to her lips as well, and before taking a sip, in the sweetest tone Constantine ever heard she said:

- I've never felt more safe.

As she took a sip, a cacophony of tastes filled her mouth. It felt like anise and other herbs were blooming on her tongue. It was rather scrumptious. When she put her glass down, she was faced with that seductive gaze that made her weak in the knees. Her Tattooed Prince wiggled his eyebrows in a mischievous, playful manner. Covering her invoking blushing, she looked sideways with a smile. As she did so, she noticed that an elderly couple, wo were sitting at the next table, was practically staring at them, without a single sign of shame. So Hazel looked the staring man straight in his eyes, flashed an adorable smile, and waved. He got so frustrated that he immediately looked away and dropped his fork. Constantine laughed out loud and shook his head with a wide smile.

- You really are something else, my darling. - he said when his date turned back to him. She reached across the table and stroked his hand with her thumb, while having a sweet yet flirtatious smile spread out on her cherry lips.

- Fear not, I will protect you.