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bbyseok · 2 years ago

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sparks in your eyes

pairing: bakugou katsuki x gn!reader

word count: 1.5k

a/n: happy new year everyone !! ik i’m a week late but please enjoy this :)

content: soulmate au, ua students setting, everyone are third years, the class is like a whole family :’) we love to see it, newly established relationship, fireworks n sparklers, VERY soft katsuki, swearing yes, very tiny hint of angst, mostly sappy fluff for the new year !!

analysis: as the year comes to an end, you and katsuki enter the new one with sparks in your eyes.

———

they say you see sparks when you kiss your soulmate for the very first time.

and just with that saying, people dreamt of having their first kiss. of finding their soulmate in their first, if they were lucky enough.

but sometimes, your first significant other wasn’t always your soulmate. it wasn’t always your first relationship. sometimes you’d find them further down your life—sometimes, it’d take a lifetime to find who the universe had destined you with.

the frigid air of the last night of december is a chilling reminder that winter is yet to end, unlike the year.

famed class 3-a, now finally in their third years after long months and adventures of battling villains, are celebrating the new year together.

everyone’s gathered in the common area, conversing excitedly as everyone prepares to head into the streets for the fireworks and the countdown. (iida is doing his infamous hand motions as he makes sure everyone is bundled up properly. momo supplies an extra scarf or two.)

and here you are, nestled into katsuki’s side as the two of you wait on the couch with the rest of his friends. denki’s chatting up a storm per usual, and there’s the sound of hagakure and jirou laughing.

katsuki rubs his thumb over your hand absentmindedly as he deadpans something kirishima says, and you can’t help but snort.

it had taken bakugou a couple of months to muster up the courage to confess to you before it'd be too late. with the new year approaching, so is graduation—and the possibility of losing you as you all are thrusted into the lives of being actual pro heroes wasn’t something he was going to risk.

and it had been worth it. these past few weeks are proof of that. having the privilege of being your boyfriend—walking you to class hand in hand, staying up with you to bury all that studying into your head, sharing warmth underneath the sheets of his bed in his dorm room.

katsuki’s tugging you upward suddenly and you blink up at him in confusion, breaking out of your thoughts.

he catches your stare and scoffs fondly. “c’mon, brat. we’re headin’ out now.” he gestures to your classmates exiting the dorm building before he tugs you alongside him to follow them out.

“sooo..” denki elbows sero and kiri with a waggle of his brows before he glances to the rest of the class as they walk, “who’s ready to find their soulmate tonight? i know i am!”

there’s a few who roll their eyes at his statement while others blush—you can feel katsuki’s eyes linger on you but you don’t say anything as you join in the girls’ giggling.

“as if anyone would wanna kiss your dumb face, sparky!” bakugou barks out and the laughing rises.

the electric student sticks his tongue out at your boyfriend and crosses his arms. “yeah, yeah.”

there’s a few more snickers and the class blends into more easy conversations. it feels comfortable, it feels right to be like this. after all, having trained and lived alongside some of these people, they were bound to feel like family.

once you reach the outskirts of the city, everyone begins to spread out for the meantime to grab drinks, foods, etc. some of the class stay behind to still chat and light up sparklers.

you grab one from midoriya, turning to katsuki with a pleading look. “light mine for me, katsu?” you ask sweetly, twirling the stick in your fingers.

he rolls his eyes but he never can say no to you. “whatever. my explosions are cooler than some sparkler, y’know that, right?” even as he says this, he lights the damn thing for you.

“of course, suki,” you snort. once the sparkler burns, you wave it and threaten to jab it at the blonde. he glares at you playfully.

“watch it, brat!” he tells you with a smirk, “don’t wanna start the new year with some charred clothes, yeah?”

the empty threat has you gasping and you hold the sparkler in defense. “don’t you dare, bakugou katsuki!”

he sends you a stupid grin and you dash. he ends up chasing you around the street and you grab another sparkler for defense, maneuvering around your classmates with a shriek.

eventually, your sparklers die out and bakugou manages to snatch you up with a triumphant laugh. “hah! you thought you could run, huh, dumbass?”

“katsuki!” you giggle, “okay, okay! i surrender, lemme down!” when he sets you down, he ruffles your hair fondly. there’s a sudden flash and next thing you know your boyfriend is wrestling a pink-skinned girl for her phone.

(mina had made it out alive and promptly sent the moment to you afterwards, don’t worry.)

time passes and the countdown is nearing its final digits. things had definitely become more livelier as some of your classmates had returned back to the meeting spot and more people had trudged in.

“katsuki,” you say softly, tugging at his fingers as if to lure him away, “let’s head back to the dorms.”

“don’t you wanna stay with the others?” katsuki inquires, quirking up a brow at you. he seems surprised by your request.

you shake your head. “it’s okay. i just wanna be with you.”

you don’t know it but you make his head all fuzzy, especially when you say such sappy shit like that. his cheeks are red and it’s not just because of the cold. “fine,” he huffs, and he’s leading the way again.

once you’re back inside the heat of the common area, you glance at him, still walking towards the elevators.

“dumbass, where the hell are we goin’?” he questions you but he doesn’t protest as you keep dragging him along.

“the roof, katsu,” you simply explain to him, a bit giddy, “so we can still see the fireworks.”

bakugou hums in reply and is quiet during the elevator ride. the doors open and you take the rest of the stairs that lead up to the roof.

you let go of his hand to stand near the edge, looking over the bright lights of the city. it’s as if the buildings and streets are alive, even from this distance. the city bristles in anticipation of the countdown.

“are you going to kiss me, katsuki?”

the question catches him off guard even though he had been preparing for it all night. and the nights before that. (katsuki has been thinking of kissing you for weeks.)

you hear his light footsteps as he comes to stand behind you. “if you want me to,” comes his gruff reply.

you turn around to face him. the radiance of the moonlight slants over his features and though you’ve never doubted it, he’s the finest man you’ve ever seen. “do you?” you shoot back.

he visibly trembles. “fuckin’ hell, of course i wanna kiss you.”

his ferocity makes you forget how to breathe for a couple of heartbeats. “and what if..” you trail off but the question hangs in the air. and what if we’re not soulmates?

he answers you easily, slotting his hands in yours. they’re still warm. he’s like a walking furnace sometimes. “you think i wouldn’t be able to find my soulmate first try?” he snorts.

you roll your eyes then with a small smile. ever the confident one, he is. “i’m nervous,” you then confess quietly, flexing your fingers against his.

“don’t be, dumbass,” he scolds you. “i’m gonna kiss you ‘n it’s gonna be you. you really think the universe wouldn’t give me the perfect soulmate?”

bakugou doesn’t say words of flattery much—his affection is rather shown through actions and while you don’t mind, hearing his declaration has heat rushing to your cheeks.

puffs of air are visible as you breathe, but they mingle between the two of you. he’s so close. the sudden roar of the countdown sounds.

ten! nine! eight!

“okay,” you hum, drawing him closer.

seven! six! five!

“okay?” he says softly.

four! three!

“okay, katsuki.” you smile. “kiss me.”

two! one!

he leans forward and you meet him halfway, lips on his and then—the fireworks in the sky aren’t the ones you see. there’s a blaze and flurry of sparks that envelop you as your eyes flutter close.

you feel as if you’re on fire, the way katsuki’s lips mold against yours and he draws your body even closer. the brush of his thumb on your cheek has you gasping into his mouth and you know he can see it too.

you can still see them as you open your eyes slowly and barely pull away. you can see the sparks in his eyes, can feel the heat of them in his fingertips.

a silence hangs between you but it feels warm. the affirmation of your bond steady in the air, and it’s like your soul is sated. you had found each other.

“you were nervous, admit it,” you tease, utterly breathless and helplessly in love.

instead of vehement denial, his eyes soften and your heart leaps.

“no.” katsuki breathes and melts against you, entirely yours. “i told you i knew it’d be you.”

and when he kisses you again, the sparks are still there.

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melanieph321 · 6 months ago

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Erling Haaland x Reader - The Confession Part 1/2

I never thought that I'd find myself in this predicament. 😭 I'm actually quite embarrassed. But it's the gif that inspired me to write this fic so thank you @ruben-dias, for posting it.

Part 2

Summary - Erling has had a crush on Reader for a long time, but Reader is clueless about it since she never thought a guy like him could like a girl like her. Nevertheless, the truth unfolds when Erling gives Reader a ride home after a lake party with their friends.

Enjoy!

Summer in Norway was cold. Sure the temperature in the air was warmer than in the winter. But there was no way that your friends could convince you to get in the water with them.

"Come on Y/N. It's not that bad. You just gotta get through the first chock. Your body will get used to the temperature once you're in the water."

"Yeah, no thank you." You said.

There was no such thing as a first chock where you came from. Where you came from the water was swimable right away. You were fine where you were, sitting on the bank of the lake, watching your friends splashing away.

At one point you had gone to lay down, basking in the warmth of the sun. When suddenly, a large shadow was casted over you, blocking the light.

"Hot dog?"

You removed you sunglasses and was forced to tilt your head all the way back to meet the height of, "Erling?"

His eyes squinted in the sun, hair dripping wet with lake water. In his hands he carried two hot dogs coated with ketchup and mustered. "This one's for you." He said, offering you a hot dog.

You eyed the ketchup coated piece of meat, trying not to grimarce at the stench of it. "Oh, that's very sweet of you Erling, really. But I don't eat meat."

"No?"

You shook your head. "No, sorry. It was very kind of you though."

You watch Erling pull back his offering, a slight dent between his brows. "Well, can I get you something else then?"

"Huh?" You had put your shades back on, preparing to lay down again. However, Erling still stood by your side, blocking the sun.

"Can I get you something else?" He shrugged. "Maybe something to drink?"

"I don't drink."

"Not even water?" He frowned.

"What, no. I do."

"You do. Great! Water it is."

"Erling, no." You stopped him from retrieving a bottle of water from the cooler. You didn't mean to come off as rude as you did. However, water dripping from Erling's hair was dampening your towel.

"Not water? How about a soda?"

"No, Erling." You sighed. "What I was meant to say is that I'm not thristy or hungry at all. So please keep your hot dogs and leave me alone."

Erling's expression faded, like a puppy dog denied of a treat. "Right, sure." He nodded. "I'll leave you alone."

"Thank you."

You fell back onto your towel, hearing how Erling's footsteps made their way back to the lake, to the others. You wouldn't have made much of your encounter if it hadn't been for your friend, Nicole, pulling you aside at the end of the day, while everyone else helped carry things back to the cars.

"What have you done to Erling?" She asked.

"Pardon?"

"Don't act dumb Y/N. I saw the two of you talking on the beach earlier. What did you say to him?"

"What do you mean?" You thought back to your brief and quite pointless conversation. What had been so sagnificant about it?

"Look at him." Nicole said, and nudge you in the direction were Erling was helping the others load things onto the cars. But unlike the others, Erling wasn't loading things onto the cars, he was throwing them. It was impressive. How he carried an entire BBQ over his shoulders just to throw it onto the flat bed of your friend's car.

"Careful with that." You friend hissed, displeased with Erling who muttered to himself as he stomped away.

"Do you see now?" Nicole said.

"What, that Erling almost damaged Tim's dad's BBQ grill? Yeah, that was pretty foul of him."

"No, Y/N." Nicole groand. She put her hands on your shoulders, attempting to shake some sense into you. "Can't you see what mood Erling's has been in ever since the two of you talked?"

"So? What does that have to do with..."

"Because he likes you, Y/N. He really likes you and apparently you told him to leave you alone."

"I....what?" It was a little bit hard to comprehend, Erling Haaland, into you? Since when?"

"He's had a crush on you forever." Nicole explained. "But apparently everyone knows accept for you."

"Accept for me..." You mumbled, glancing towards Erling's. You saw the damage you had caused, how his usually contagious smile was totally wiped away, replaced by a deep frown that didn't really suit him.

"You should talk to him. Maybe apologize."

"Apologize?" You frowned. "But I didn't...."

"At least set things straight." Nicole nodded. "If you don't like him back at least be honest about it, maybe then he can move on."

"Right. Move on." But how the hell would you do that?

Part 2

#fanfiction #football imagine #footballer x reader #footballer imagine #man city #football angst #manchester city #erling haaland #erling haaland x reader

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steddieas-shegoes · 1 year ago

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sweater weather

for the @steddieholidaydrabbles warm up round 2 (prompt: fall) rated: M wc: 998 cw: implied sexual content, dirty talk (kinda) tags: clothes sharing, horny Eddie

🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂

Sometimes it seemed like fall arrived overnight.

Instead of a gradual change into cooler mornings and evenings, they woke up to a sudden 45 degree morning with no warning.

Steve loved fall, but he liked the slow shift of it. He liked the transition from short sleeves to long sleeves, then long sleeves to sweater, then eventually the winter coats and scarves.

This year wasn't gradual.

They'd been in his pool only two weeks before, surprised by the September heat wave hitting them.

So waking up to a chill in his bedroom and freezing cold tile in his bathroom from his windows being left open all night was a bit of a shock to the system.

Eddie was still asleep in bed, covers pulled up to his nose and light snores making Steve smile endearingly back at his sleeping form.

Steve went through his usual routine: shower, brush teeth, blow dry hair, put on chapstick.

When he walked over to his closet, he pulled out his favorite sweater and smiled to himself.

It was technically Eddie's, but he'd stolen it from his trailer so often, Eddie ended up "accidentally" leaving it at Steve's house one night and just never bothered to take it back.

He threw a t-shirt on, just in case it would be warm later, then put the sweater on over it. He accidentally grabbed a pair of Eddie's jeans before shaking his head and finding some of his own, not prepared to try to squeeze into the slim fit of his boyfriend's denim.

He made his way downstairs to make coffee and toast, knowing Eddie would wake up soon when he moved to cuddle him and would be met with an empty bed.

Steve hummed to himself as he spread grape jelly on his toast, the smell of coffee filling the kitchen.

He took a moment to open the window above the sink just enough to let some of the cool, fresh air inside. Eddie would complain when he came down, Steve would tell him to put on socks and a sweater, Eddie would tell him he shouldn't have to be dressed in his own home, etc.

But Eddie would wrap his arms around Steve's waist "for warmth" and kiss his neck, breathe in his freshly showered scent. He would tell him that he needed him to keep him warm in bed, but pull away because he knows Steve has to go to work. He'd pour himself a cup of coffee and then eat a spoonful of peanut butter instead of eating real breakfast because "it's too early to digest real food."

Footsteps on the stairs interrupted Steve's thoughts.

He took a sip of his coffee and smirked into it, listening as Eddie mumbled to himself about no one turning the damn heat on.

Eddie rounded the corner, saying something about "this big fancy house has heat," and then froze when he saw Steve.

Steve's brows raised as he took a bite of his toast.

"That's my sweater."

"Mhm. I wear it all the time, baby."

Steve took another bite of toast and ignored the floating feeling in his stomach at the way Eddie was looking at him.

Like he was starving, but not for breakfast.

Eddie glanced at the clock on the wall and then back to Steve.

"You have 20 minutes before you have to leave," Eddie said.

"Uh huh," Steve agreed.

Eddie's hands were on his waist before Steve could register what he was implying.

"Eds, no. I did my hair already, c'mon," Steve gripped his hands to push them away, but he didn't try very hard.

"I won't touch your hair. Don't need to," Eddie's lips ghosted against his throat, his hot breath sending a shiver down Steve's spine.

"Baby..." Steve groaned, but already felt himself hardening in his jeans.

"You're so fucking hot in my clothes, sweetheart."

Eddie was pulling the neckline of the sweater back to leave a bruise, a reminder for Steve that he belonged to Eddie, that Eddie loved him.

"We don't have time," Steve moaned, unconvincing in his quest to get Eddie to stop.

"I know. But later, you know what I'm gonna do to you?" Eddie said before sucking another bruise on the other side of his neck.

"Hm?" Steve felt fuzzy.

"Gonna make you strip out of everything except this sweater. Leave the windows open like you like, and if the neighbors hear you screaming my name, that's their problem," Eddie pulled away with a smirk. "You're gonna make a mess of this sweater while I touch every inch of you. Then you're gonna ride me until you can't feel your legs."

Steve would think he was bluffing, but after nearly five years of being with Eddie, he knew he wasn't.

He knew he'd be coming home later and getting all of that.

"In bed?"

"I'll think about it."

Steve smirked back at him before leaving a kiss on his lips and turning back to his breakfast.

"You got anything today?" Steve asked, ignoring the way his heart was still racing from Eddie's touches.

"Just a call with the guys to go over some last minute recording stuff."

"So you'll be home all day?"

"Yeah, why? You need me to do something?"

Steve turned to him again, took a sip of his coffee, and then smiled.

"I need you to get yourself off before I get home so I can ride you for hours," Steve said seriously.

Eddie sputtered, nearly dropping the coffee pot.

"Hours?"

"Mhm. Kind of in the mood for you to make me beg."

"O...kay."

Steve leaned in for one final peck on the lips before he set his mug and plate in the sink.

"See you later. Love you!"

"Mhm, love you," Eddie said back.

Steve felt piercing eyes on him as he left the room. He adjusted the sweater so it rested against his waistline as he walked, smiling when he heard Eddie whistling after him.

He loved fall.

#steddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #stranger things #drabble #steddieholidaydrabbles #warmup round

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angel-with-paper-wings · 8 months ago

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The Magician’s Prelude

This is a gift for @erik-carierre posted with permission! Many thanks for your feedback and support!!

Summary: Erik’s morning routine while working as a magician in Russia prior to his recruitment by Nadir. Based on Kay!Erik.

Cover art and title by @erik-carierre

Content warnings: PTSD-like trauma flashbacks, bloody/gory imagery, slightly graphic descriptions of violence, body negativity (Erik is an angsty teenager)

Now on AO3 here!

Blood. There is always blood.

It oozes around the shards of mirror buried in the skin of my hands…it drips in thick crimson blobs onto the bundle of golden fur…it spatters in hot torrents against my chest and sticks to the open buttons of my shirt…

And it is there again that night. In the rooftop garden, I stand paralyzed staring at the gap in the crumbled balustrade. My chest feels hollow—I cannot breathe, I cannot scream—all I can do is watch as the gap yawns before me, pulling me closer. Against my will, I peer over the edge to view the sight I know is there.

I wish I could blink. I long for even the tiniest respite from what lay before me, but all I can do is look. Her body is small amidst the shattered rubble, her thin delicate limbs laying at odd angles, her soft barley hair matted with flecks of blood and gore. And her eyes…her pale eyes snuffed of all fire that had once bubbled inside of her like smoldering lava. They stare blankly up at my unmasked face, looking but not seeing.

All she ever wanted was to look at me…and now all I can do is look. Look at what I have done.

I awakened with a jolt, my eyes flying open and clenching the thin woolen blanket to my chest. One skeletal hand flew up to my face, and only once I felt the smooth hardness of the mask did I relax. After a moment of composure, I opened my aching jaw and heaved out a sigh of annoyance. The nightmares were as persistent as they had always been.

I sat up in bed and fumbled to light the oil lamp on the nightstand. I had no difficulty getting prepared in complete darkness, but I simply preferred not to after a night of haunting visions. A small clock beside the lamp told me it was early in the morning—earlier than I typically rose, but I was already resigned to the fact that I wouldn’t be sleeping any more if I tried.

I flung the woolen blanket to the side and felt the floor creak beneath my bare feet. The inn’s modest wooden room was comfortable enough for my needs: a bed with sheets, a chamber pot, a pitcher and washbasin, and most valuable of all, privacy. There had been a mirror, but I removed it soon after arriving.

I yanked off my nightshirt, letting the room’s warm air graze the scars slashed across my back. Russia had intriguingly hot summers; the books I had read as a boy only bothered to describe the harshness of the winter months, so I confess to being slightly bemused upon my arrival three years ago to a city with a climate only moderately cooler than the one I had left behind in Italy.

Her twisted body flashed before me again, the broken masonry wet and crimson from the split in her skull… I closed my eyes and angrily shoved the image back into the shadows of my mind. No. No more thoughts of that place. I poured water from the pitcher into the washbasin and dunked in a bar of perfumed soap. Once it had worked up a lather, I soaked a clean cloth and derisively began to wash myself.

The dawn of my body’s maturity had proven to be a dismal affair. It took my bones the full extent of my nineteen years to finally cease their growing, leaving me wretchedly gaunt and pitifully covered in pasty yellow skin. I had the strength of a man twice my age and triple my weight, but my frame still refused to resemble anything but a corpse. In my frustration, I scrubbed harder at my own flesh, attempting to cleanse it of its rotten color. But it remained as it always had, pulled tight over my arms to display veins and tendons, with the only thickness found in the old silvery scars adorning my wrists and hands.

Once I had scoured myself raw, I slung the cloth over the rack of the washstand to dry and stared down into the bottom of the basin. Silence screamed in my ears and my stomach twisted with dread. I turned my head to glance at the door behind me; the lock was securely in place, but the familiar prickle of eyes stung my skin all the same.

With trembling fingers, I removed the mask. Warm air rolled across my bare skin like a caress, or what I imagined a caress to feel like. I set the white sculpted shard aside on the stand, and after a heavy sigh, I bent over the basin and scooped handfuls of water over my head, scrubbing the soap’s lather deep into my thick black waves of hair. Droplets ran down the edges of my face, as if even they were afraid to touch the horror that was there. But I forced them to touch it, rubbing the water into the cracks and distorted furrows of my skin, smearing it around the protruding bones and into my eyes’ sunken pits. I braced myself with a grimace before carefully wiping the dried mucus away from the edge of the hole that was my nose.

The torture ended when I finally buried my repulsiveness in a towel. I held the soft cloth against my face as my other hand reached for the mask, slipping it back into place with a relieved sigh. I squeezed my dark hair free of water, then picked up a comb and worked it through the curls until they attained sufficient softness. I laid the towel and comb to the side and stepped over to the tiny wardrobe, withdrawing one of many black satin shirts and slipping it on. After dressing myself, I left my room and slinked down the stairs as a soundless shadow.

The empty tavern on the first floor simmered with the savory scent of shchi. This early in the morning, the only other soul awake was the ancient innkeeper preparing the first meal of the day. I scattered a handful of kopecks onto the bar, letting the clattering sound echo into the kitchen. A minute later, the shawled woman doddered forward and set a steaming bowl of cabbage soup and a chunk of crusty bread before me. No words or glances were exchanged, no questions were asked, as was our routine.

I suspected she found me strange—indeed, I have yet to encounter a soul who didn’t—but she seemed to tolerate me well enough. After her defective coal stove found itself repaired the day following my arrival, I was able to convince her to let me use her inn’s far room as a flat for several months. Unlike my fellow tenants, I paid precisely on time, never returned drunk or belligerent, and there was no risk of women being snuck into my bed. After all, what woman would be desperate enough to lay with a corpse, regardless of the payment offered to her?

With this bitterness lingering in my head, I ate my meal quickly and slipped out into the morning’s haze. It was a rare day; the air was pleasantly cool and the clouds had chosen to don a color besides their usual dismal grey. I assured myself that no one was watching before I lifted my head to admire the way the branches of trees cast their dark silhouettes against the paling sky.

The western quarter of Nizhny Novgorod was largely deserted, making it easy to dart through the city’s shadows unseen in my black attire. Once the day hit its sweltering peak, the cobbled streets would resemble the Volga river with rushing currents of wealthy merchants and colorful travelers from Europe and India and Persia. By that time, I would be waiting for them in my magician’s tent, where they would be shown more wonders than their feeble minds could possibly comprehend.

I rounded a corner and walked along the silent boulevard, until the trees bordering the street gave way to a wrought-iron fence. Beyond the fence, majestically imposing against the northwest horizon, stood the blinding white structure of the Spassky Cathedral. Pink wisps of sunrise stretched across the sky and barely kissed the golden spire atop its great dark cupola.

As I so often did on clear mornings like this one, I felt compelled to stop and gaze up at the splendid piece of architecture. My eyes danced over its fine pillars and elegant façade, admiring the expert carving and delighting in the exquisite use of symmetry and proportion. I had snuck inside once in the dead of night to glimpse its interior—what beauty! It lacked the scale of greater cathedrals, but in golden grandeur it did not disappoint.

There was a time when I had imagined building such great works myself. Beneath the creaky bed back at the inn lay several journals filled with sketches of the spectacular monuments I saw when I closed my eyes. The pages overflowed with details of magnificent marble façades and great towering pavilions, gilded figures in copper and bronze, ornate mosaics with details that dazzled the imagination. My architectural creations would be shrines of worship, not to any one god but to all forces that stirred the spirit and awakened man’s deepest emotions—art, geometry, magic, and most of all music. Oh, how I missed music.

Often this fantasy crossed my mind, and with every day and every kopeck in my purse, it seemed less and less like a child’s dream. After all, I was still very much in my youth…perhaps that day was still to come.

Once I had admired all I could bear, I tucked my masked face back down between my narrow shoulders and trudged off through the neighborhood of shops and teahouses. A smattering of humans were beginning to converge on the street that I walked: small groups of traders bickering in foreign tongues and leading wooden carts filled with wares to sell. Like me, they trampled up the soggy road to the shadow of the large red and yellow stone building, beyond which lay a great courtyard overlooking the bank of the Oka. It was here in the summer months that the great Markaryev Fair was held, where tradesmen and entertainers alike earned their gold.

I proceeded underneath the building’s archway and entered the city’s courtyard. Vendors were already busy erecting tents and unloading their goods in designated sections around the square. Past cotton bales and crates of tea and spices, I spotted the oval shape of the familiar black yurt tucked in its corner, untouched as always. I never worried about the tent’s safety during my absence, for a rumor of a deadly curse had found its way amongst the traders that effectively warded off potential burglars.

As I walked, a warm breeze wafted through the market’s open air, carrying a strain of musical notes to my ears. My heart jumped and I whipped my head towards the sound. On the other side of the courtyard sauntered a muzhik fiddler, beard scraggly and legs stumbling as if drunk, the bow screeching as it was dragged across the rusty strings. A couple passing by threw a few coins into the hat that lay at his feet.

Under the mask, my lips pulled back in a snarl. How dare these fools reward such a tuneless, insolent mockery of music! That drunken bastard did not deserve the right to place his filthy hands on an instrument and spoil its sacred beauty for the whole city to hear. My bony form seethed beneath its black clothing, but I successfully fought back my fervid rage and stomped off towards the yurt. I clenched my shaking hands at my sides, imagining the feeling of the man’s throat beneath my fingers; a sharp snap from his neck and those dreadful notes would finally fall silent.

A crunch against the stones. The heavy tumble of rubble against the ground dampens the sound of her skull cracking open…

I entered the dark tent and pulled the fabric flaps closed behind me, blessedly muffling the horrid noises. A deep breath steadied my hands, and with practiced precision I navigated the small space and lit candles tucked in little red lanterns, banishing the darkness and revealing the blood-red of the yurt’s interior. Swooping red curtains hung from the concave ceiling; samples of shyrdak hangings formed the walls, weaving in swirls of black and gold into the otherwise scarlet room. I kicked off my shoes and felt the luxurious softness of the thick Persian rugs buried beneath velvet cushions.

I ignited the small charcoal stove to boil water in the samovar for tea. While it brewed, I reclined back against the cushions and turned my attention to the long wooden box tucked near the back of the tent: the trick casket. My fingers deftly pranced over the mechanism to open the box, and I withdrew the materials for my magician’s performance: decks of cards, stacks of silver coins, hand-carved trick dice. I arranged them all in neat rows upon the central rug with a small grin.

I struck another match and lit a few sticks of incense to flood the space with their heady, sweet fragrance. I had learned over time that it was beneficial for the minds of my audience to be stripped of their defenses—that way, they found my tricks more dazzling and dropped more rubles into my bony hand. Sometimes this state of enchantment would make them too bold, and bring out their insatiable nature that they otherwise hid from their gods during prayer in the temples and cathedrals. They became ravenous, foolishly curious; they would grope for my mask and demand to see what lay beneath…

All she wanted was to see me.

My hands curled upon themselves, extinguishing the match’s flame between my fingertips. The wretched visions played through my mind again and numbed the burn on my skin.

A mirror shard clenched between the tips of tweezers…bloody hands furiously digging at the grassy dirt…the heavy clunk of a knife’s hilt as the belt dropped to the floor… It was difficult to understand why I remembered certain details so clearly, while others merely faded into murky shadows.

Over the course of three years, the girl’s living face had become fuzzy in my memory. Indeed, I had only dared to look at her a handful of times while living with the master stonemason. Every time I did, my chest would fill with an uncomfortable constricting sensation, and I would be forced to look away or else stop breathing altogether. Her eyes had a heat that scorched all the way to my soul. She was fire—bold, passionate, all-consuming—and I knew better than to risk being burned. Or perhaps I was afraid.

But it was the moment I finally gave her what she pleaded for, the moment I ripped off the mask—her expression of pure horror, anguish and primal fear, grief for love she had never truly felt. That image would always remain in my memory perfectly in focus.

I slowly opened my hand, and I stared down at the two spots of black soot left upon the pale skin of my thumb and forefinger. Temporary scars, easily washed away. That’s all these dreams were to me…but still the pain they carried hurt more than the deep wounds left on my body.

With a harsh huff, I flicked the remnants of the match away and reached over to the samovar to pour myself a cup of tea. The earthy liquid seared down my throat and revived my senses, kicking the brooding memories away in favor of my present enterprise. Outside my tent, I heard the growing clamour of the fair coming to life—my audience awaited me.

A familiar pang prodded at my heart. Was this all? Would this pitiful life, shrouded away in a performer’s tent, forever be my purpose? In my heart, I longed to use my skills to create the majesty that filled my mind: grand palaces, ingenious machines, symphonies without equal. If I had to be confined to mindless magic tricks for greedy imbeciles, then they would be the best magic tricks ever conceived. In a way, I thought to myself scornfully, I had not left that traveling fair…perhaps I never would. But at least things were different now. I was my own master, and no one would ever cage me again.

As the incense swirled its sickly-sweet aroma through the air, I slipped further back into my tent and drew a sheer red curtain across my masked form. I laid back in my trick coffin and heard several soft clicks as the mechanism closed the lid and cloaked me in darkness—the one place I have ever truly belonged.

Long ago, I had accepted my place as prince of darkness, and I would reign over my realm with proud finesse. So let them in now, the merchants and peasants from all corners of the world. Let them think they are the kings and I am their fool. Let them believe they know what it is like to be afraid.

Let them in, and let them look.

#poto #phantom of the opera #susan kay phantom #my writing #fanfiction #poto fanfiction #erik poto #erik phantom

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soupbaddie · 10 months ago

Text

The Sleepover

Part 2 of A Day With the Pavel Family.

*NSFW**NSFW**NSFW**NSFW**NSFW*

Not intended for audiences under the age of 18! It is NSFW!

The characters are Hodari and a female named Ember.

Last NSFW warning.

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It felt like my heart was about to beat out of my chest. I can't believe it. I just told him tonight that I wanted to have a "sleep over" and he was already sold on the idea. This was not the Hodari I was used to, but based on his heart rate earlier, it's not what he was used to either.

"Let's get to bed, darlin'." Hodari led me to his room. His face said he was calm and collected but I could see in his eyes he was nervous. I was too. I haven't stayed the night with anyone in hundreds if not thousands of year and I especially haven't shared a bed.

As we entered the room, the familiar scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air. It reminded me of the cold, winter holidays I used to celebrate. It made me feel more relaxed almost immediately.

I was about to sit on the bed when I stopped and looked down at myself. My clothes were still dirty and gross from the mines. I did not come prepared. I was not going to put my nasty clothes into Hodari's clean bed.

"Um.. Hodari.. I hate to ask, but could I borrow a shirt or something? I don't want to get your bed dirty."

"Of course. Here." He opened a dresser drawer, pulled out a maroon shirt and tossed it across the bed to me.

"You can change behind the screen. I promise I won't look... on purpose."

He grinned when I blushed and quickly moved to change.

I slipped off everything but my panties then put on his shirt. I recognized this shirt. It was baggy on me but every time I saw it on Hodari, it almost looked too tight on his chest and arms. It was just long enough to cover my underwear when I was standing still. Any movement and you'd see the lacey panties I was wearing. I normally wore something more modest but something in me decided on these today. They weren't practical but they did make my butt look good.

I slipped out from behind the screen and quickly made my way to the bed. Hodari had his back to me and turned around just as I was moving back the covers to climb in the bed. I saw him give me a quick look up and down. His gaze stopped at my breasts for a little longer than anywhere else. It was cooler in here without pants and I knew my, now, hard nipples were showing through my shirt. Well, his shirt.

He looked back into my eyes with a half smile and said, "Go ahead and lay down. I just need to change real quick."

As I put one leg up to slide under the covers, I could feel the shirt move up just enough to show off the bottom of the light blue lacey panties I had on. From the corner of my eye, I saw Hodari take a peek before turning his back to me.

Once comfortable, I looked over to see him pull off his shirt. In one motion he pulled it up and over his head then tossed it to the side. I could see the definition of every muscle on his back. He was toned and strong and it took everything in me to keep my jaw from dropping. You could usually see his form under the shirts he wears but without it... he looked like god.

Next he unbuckled his belt, and slowly pulled it out of the loops on his pants. His arm flexed as the belt fought against the friction from his jeans. Watching him made my face hot and I had to look away for a moment.

It wasn't long before I was staring at him again.

He unbuttoned his pants and slowly pushed them down to the floor before stepping out and throwing them next to his shirt.

His legs were just as toned and muscular as his arms. And so was his ass... It was a crime that he kept it covered up with those thick jeans.

He was wearing dark green boxer briefs that fit tighter than they should've. He turned his head over his shoulder and said, "I hope this is alright. I don't like to wear much to bed."

"Oh, no. No problem at all. Whatever you're comfortable in."

My face was on fire. It felt like my heart was in my throat.

When he turned around, I quickly discovered what was making those boxer briefs fit the way they did. He must have noticed me looking because he blushed as he climbed in beside me.

The bed was soft and warm as I pulled the blanket up to my neck. It felt nice to finally lay down. Hodari sat propped on one elbow, looking at me.

"Ready to sleep?" He asked.

"Yep. Ready when you are." I think I sounded calm but I felt like my voice was shaking. He was so close to me and so nearly naked.

"Goodnight, Em. I'll try not to wake you in the morning." He leaned down, gave me a soft, gentle kiss on the forehead, turned off the only lamp still on, then turned onto his side to go to sleep.

I turned the opposite way so we were back to back. If I faced the other way, I'd be tempted to touch him. He looked so irresistible in nothing but his too small underwear. And the more I thought about them, the more I wanted to see underneath.

I tried taking deep breaths to relax but my heart hadn't stopped racing since we got in the room. I could feel his body heat behind me and it sent chills all over my body.

I kept moving around trying to get comfortable but every time I did, I'd accidentally touch part of him causing me to jump back to my original position. I didn't want to get in his space or keep him up. Why was it so hard to just lay here next to him?

After a few moments of me fidgeting, I felt a hand touch my waist.

I froze.

"You alright? Is the bed too uncomfortable?"

"No, it's great. I'm sorry for moving so much. It's just that..."

I paused to take a breath and steady my voice.

"You're distracting. In a good way."

He moved his hand across my stomach to grab the other side of my waist then pulled me up against him. He put his mouth up against my ear and said, "Oh yeah?"

His voice was deep and gruff. I could feel his words send shivers down my body as I let out short, fast breaths.

He removed his arm from around me and ran his hand down my side. Every place his touched sent a shock through my veins. He stopped at the bottom edge of my panties and hooked a finger under them.

"You're distractin' me, too," he said in that same gravely voice as he ran his finger down my ass, following the hem of my panties. I felt his breath hot on my neck as he kissed me right below my ear. I let out a small gasp and heard a deep chuckle in response.

The kiss felt like electricity up the back of my neck.

He moved his hand back up the side of my body, this time going under my shirt. His hands were rough but had a gentle touch. He stopped at my ribs and started tracing the side of my breast.

"I can stop if you'd rather get some sleep," he said and then kissed my neck again.

My head was spinning. I couldn't believe he was making a move on me. But I didn't fight it. This is exactly what I wanted.

"Please don't stop," I said breathlessly.

He slowly move his hand and cupped it around my breast. He gave a light squeeze then started moving his thumb back and forth across my nipple, while continuing to kiss my neck.

I couldn't help myself and let out a small moan. He moved his hand to my waist against the bed and rolled me over to face him.

He put his hand on the back of my head and kissed me. I felt his tongue on my lips and opened my mouth to let him in.

We explored each other's mouths for awhile. He tasted like smooth, black coffee on cold evening.

While kissing, I got brave enough to start exploring his body. I ran my hand down his chest and abs, feeling the curve and definition of every muscle. He flexed at my touch and kissed me harder.

I stopped my hand right above his underwear then stuck one finger right under the waist band. I ran my finger from one hip to the other and I heard a low growl from Hodari, begging me to keep going.

I removed my finger and ran my hand down the front of his boxers. He was hard and I felt him twitch at my touch. I teasingly moved my hand up and down, knowing it was driving him crazy.

When he'd had enough, he broke from our kiss, lightly pushed me onto my back then got over me.

He was propped up on one elbow and had a knee between my legs. With his other hand, he started massaging my breasts again.

"I haven't done this in a while," he said in his low, sexy voice.

"Same," I replied.

He chuckled then said, "I'd like to give something a try, if you're fine with it."

"You can do whatever you want to me."

He grabbed my shirt, pulled it off of me, and tossed it across the room.

He gave a sly grin then pushed my legs apart and got between then.

With both hands he grabbed my breast then leaned down and put one of my nipples in his mouth. I felt his tongue playing with it and I moaned in response.

He continued by moving to the other one and again had me moaning.

He stopped to kiss me right between my breasts, then continued kissing down my stomach, stopping at my panties.

He looked up at me then started rubbing his thumb up and down the crotch of my underwear.

I pushed back in response.

"Do you always get this wet when you think of me, darlin'?" He said and then winked at me.

My heart was racing and I felt short of breath. He knew what he did to me. And he loved it.

"Every time," was all I could get out before he was lifting my legs and taking off my panties.

I brought my legs back down if front of him with my knees together.

He put both hands between my knees and pushed my legs apart while sliding his hands down my inner thighs. He lowered his head, stuck out his tongue and licked from the bottom of my pussy and up to my clit.

"Oh fuck, Hodari."

He did it again and it made my body twitch.

The third time, he stopped at my clit and flicked it with his tongue. My body shook in response so he continued. He started slow but as my thighs started to press against his head, he went faster.

"Yes, yes! Right there!"

I reached down and put one hand on his head, lightly pushing down. He wrapped his arms around my thighs, borrowing his face into me. I started grinding on his face.

"Fuck, yes. Don't stop"

I could feel myself getting close to climaxing. I started to move harder against him and moaning louder.

Suddenly he stopped and sat up. I shot up on my elbows to look at him. Before I could ask what was wrong, he sat me up and put me on his lap. I had my legs around his waist and could feel his hard cock pressing against me through his underwear.

"You taste better than I could've imagined, but I'm not done with you yet."

He kissed me again and I started rotating my hips, rubbing my wet pussy on his covered cock.

He laid me back down on the bed then flipped me on to my stomach. He was done waiting. He wanted me and I wanted him.

I got up on my hands and knees then turned to look at him as he pulled down his underwear to unleash himself.

He was so much bigger than I had expected. He saw the shocked look on my face and said, "Don't worry darlin'. I'll take it slow."

He held his cock and slowly slid it up and down my wet pussy. His tease drove me crazy and I couldn't handle it anymore.

"Fuck me, Hodari. Please just fuck me already," I pleaded.

"You'll get it when I think you're ready," he said in response.

He put his cock up against my clit and started rubbing it. I pushed my ass up against.

"Hodari, please. I need you so fucking bad."

Finally, he guided his cock to go inside me.

I gasped as he slowly entered me. I grabbed the sheets and bunched them into my fists as he pushed all the way in.

"Holy shit," I whispered to myself.

He must have heard me because he then said, "You got this, darlin'."

He went very slow at first, giving me time to become accustomed to his size.

As we went, I started to push back against him, wanting him to go deeper and faster.

He complied, making me moan louder and louder.

"Yes. Yes. Don't stop," I begged. The way he filled me felt so good.

He was going fast and deep. I could hear him panting behind me.

He wrapped one arm around me and reached down to rub my clit as he fucked me.

I tired to speak, to encourage what he was doing, but I couldn't get any words out. Every time I tried, it would just come out as a moan.

He leaned over me, his chest against my back, and put his mouth to my ear.

"Keep my name on your lips, darlin."

I sucked in a breath of air to try and speak, but before I could get anything out, he was back up and spreading my ass cheeks apart in order to go as deep into me as possible.

I let out a moan so load it was almost a scream.

I was going to orgasm whether he wanted me to or not.

"Oh fuck, I'm gonna cum," I said to him but I could tell that he already knew.

"Say my name as you finish, Ember," he growled.

"Oh, Hodari," I cried out as my arms gave out beneath me and a wave of ecstacy rushed through my body.

I went limp as he pushed down on my hips and fucked me faster.

"Finish for me, baby. Fucking, cum in me," I demanded.

I turned to look at him. He suddenly started to slow down then said, "Fuck, Em," as a look of pure satisfaction washed across his face.

He looked down as he pulled out of me and I let out one last moan.

I flipped over to my back and just stared at him. He was so sexy from post sex glow.

He leaned down to kiss me with a fiery passion before he moved back to his spot in the bed. He placed a hand on my face and then kissed me gently.

Keeping his hand in place, he pulled a away from the kiss and said, "I hope that wasn't too much for you. Its hard to keep my hands off you."

"It wasn't enough. I've never felt like that before."

He let out a quiet laugh then kissed me again.

"I'll be right back," he said then climbed out of bed.

He slipped his underwear back on then peaked out the door.

After a quick look around, he left the room. He came back a minute later with two glasses of water and a towel.

He handed me one glass and the towel and said, "I thought you might want to clean up a bit before going to sleep."

"Thank you," I replied with a smile.

I wiped myself down then chugged the water. I didn't even realize how thirsty I was.

I laid back down and Hodari got back in next to me.

I rolled onto my side, my back to him. He put his body up to mine and wrapped his arm around me.

I felt so safe and comfortable in his arms. It was quiet as we listened to each other breathing.

A wave of emotions went through me. Something had changed. My feelings for him had never felt so intense. I never wanted to leave his side. I never wanted to leave this moment. Being wrapped up close to him was the only thing I wanted until the end of my time in the world. I knew I had to tell him I felt. It couldn't wait but I was scared. He didn't want things to go this fast but we were already here, so what did I have to lose?

"Um.. Hodari?" I said nervously, breaking the silence.

"Mhm?"

I could barely find my voice but managed to say, "I... I love you."

He kissed the back of my neck and without hesitation replied, "I love you, too, darlin'."

With the biggest grin on my face, I drifted off to sleep.

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Welcome back! If you've made it this far, thank you so much for taking the time to read my little story. It's been sitting in my mind and I NEEDED to get it out. This is my second time writing a story and my first time writing anything *spicy*.

Critiques are welcome as long as they're nice because I take everything personally.

Thanks again, and I hope you enjoyed!

#palia #palia game #palia hodari #palia fanfic #hodari #hodaddy #hotdari #im embarrassed #im sorry #long post

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strawb3rri2shortcake · 2 months ago

Text

𝓑𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓣𝓲𝓶𝓮

Arthur Morgan x Reader (gender neutral)

Warnings: Smut! Semi-public, riding, and creampie

Word count: 2645

No Uses of Y/N

Our usual customer came in, his name being Arthur Morgan. He always comes in after a long day. Somehow with him coming in daily, he was always covered with dirt and sweat on himself. I mean I don’t know what he does for a living, but I mean this is the middle-west. It’s always dusty and hot in this place so I understand a little bit. Sadly, during this time of the year, we would be normally busy, the weather was getting colder, and people would be wanting hot baths in this cooler weather. However, that time would mean less staff as the air got colder, they would start to head up north to visit any family or friends they have for the winter. I, myself, was going to start making my way up there too. Not for family just so I wouldn’t be alone this holiday. I planned on visiting an old friend of mine. Staff was getting lower by the day instead of me being just the counter person, now I was made to be the servant, getting rooms prepared before each customer and cleaning up whatever i can after. I still get paid the same which pisses me off, but money is money. Can’t find another job during this time either. Hannah tapped me on my shoulder, waking me up from my thoughts.

“Sweetheart, can you start getting this nice man his towel and everything ready for him?” She asked, looking behind her at the rather tall man. Around six feet if I was guessing. The man was in a very much need of a bath. I’m going to take a guess here and say that it had started to snow outside. He had snow on his boots and clothes. His hair had started to get wet itself too. The snow wasn’t able to hide his real smell under all of it though. He smelled of smoke, ashes, and sweat. Must have had a long day just to be here.

“Yes I can. I will be right on it. Your room is going to be number three, it’s down the hall on your right. I will be there with all your stuff.” I answered to her, before heading to the back to grab his soap, shampoo, body wash, and anything else he would need. The sounds of a bath running, along with light chuckling and talking was heard though some doors here and there. Each maid trying to sweet talk their way into making more money. Which I don’t blame them for trying. I would too if it was my job. Making my way to room three and making my way in. Only to be faced with Arthur getting undressed in front of the newly made bath. He was only in his boxers lucky for me. I stood there for a second which felt too long for me. I quickly placed the towels and everything in their right places, “I am so sorry, I should have knocked first sir.” I apologized to him, trying to make it seem unnoticed to him that I was very much looking at him in places I shouldn’t be in my workplace. He had a nice body, well-toned, very tan in some places more than others. Scars placed here and there around his arms, chest, and legs; He was a decently well-kept man. Only hair he had was a little on his chest along with a little down was a happy trail. Sure, was making me happy.

“It’s okay sweetheart, mistakes happen.” He nodded his head. He had his clothes placed along a chair that was next to the bath for the maid to sit at. “I rather you make the mistake with me rather than someone else.” He chuckled. I nodded back to him and turned away to take my leave. Hoping that when I walk out no one would see the huge red on my face. “Why are you leaving sunshine, I know you’re liking the show.” He asked, with a sound of mischief in his voice. I was heavily caught off guard by his question. A small smile was placed on his face.

“What do you mean? I am no maid, so I am not the one helping you wash up.” I questioned him. Turning my head around my hand still on the door handle.

“I know darling, but I want you to today. Don’t worry about your other workers. I said I wanted to be alone today.” He said, shaking his head. My hand left the door turning my whole body to face him. He walked closer to me. So close I could feel his breath down my neck. He leaned down far to whisper in my ear. “You want to know why I wanted to be alone today?” He asked, a tone of excitement in his voice.

I took a step back, “Why?” My voice lowers no more than a whisper.

“Well, I am so glad you asked. I wanted to get some privacy; you know the kind where I need to get less tense from a long day.” He said, smiling wider. “So, why don’t your beautiful self help me from a long day of work instead?” he chuckled, placing his hands around my waist. I could feel my body heating up. No words being able to escape my lips, so instead I just nodded. “Very good then just join me for the bath first then nothing more yet.” He commanded me to take my hand and pulled me closer to the bathtub. “It’s okay sweetheart you don’t have to be nervous around me. I haven’t seen someone as stunning as you,” he complained, letting go of my hand. Testing the water, he lowered his hand in waving it around before taking it out.

I watched him slowly take off his boxers next, then sliding himself into the water. He was a decent size average but a little wider than other people. He didn’t say anything more, just throwing back his head and began relaxing in the hot water. I followed along after him. Taking off my uniform and any under garments. I slowly placed myself on his lap but not on to him yet. I took a moment to just enjoy the water, letting my whole body warm up. Before I knew it, I felt a pair of hands around my waist. Then a pair of soft but at the same time rough lips kissing up and down my neck. His hands slowly made their way down to my thighs gripping ever so slightly. If I am going to be in here I may as well clean each other. I was going to reach out for the soap only to be stopped midway.

“We will do that after sweetheart,” he said, going back to attacking my neck. “Along with that like I said before you need to relax more. I would say you’re more tense than me,” he laughed, his hands returning back to my thighs. Building me along his base. Not putting it in only letting me get a feel of him. I just have to let go tonight, a little break from work if I may say. I looked down watching myself slide along him. Without his help this time. Small moans escaped from my mouth. I know damn well that if I was any louder someone would be able to hear me.

“The walls are thin, I can’t be loud, I would lose my job, please understand that.” I told him, his head laid in the corner of my neck. He just nodded his head, feeling around my body with his hands. I placed my hands along his chest. Soon after I was actually starting to relax myself and taking in what was happening in front of me. I lowered one of my hands under the water and placed it along his cock. That caught his attention, his head shooting up.

“What are you doing darling? I think you have something that grabs your attention,” he said, no more than a whisper.

“I think it’s something you like. Just relax, like you said ‘you want my help’” I said, kissing his lips before I started stroking him. His hands tighten around me. I kept it at a slow pace. Letting it draw him out. He pulled away trying to catch up with his breath.

“Baby, don’t do this to me.” He begged, before he started abusing my neck. I wouldn’t be surprised if at the end of this there was a crazy number of marks on my neck and chest. I picked up the pace only a little so that it would start driving him crazy. This lent him to start actually biting my neck. “Darling you can’t be doing this to me,” he warned, moving his hand on my hand that was around him. Stopping me from continuing. I smiled. Showing him that I know exactly what I was doing to him. Instead of saying anything, I started kissing down his neck. He threw back his head giving me more room, soon he let go of my hand letting me go back to what I was doing beforehand. He had been waiting long enough. Along with myself too. I need some pleasure for myself too, it can’t just be for him. I laughed to myself. I stopped and began lining him with my hole. This time he didn’t say anything, just watching the show I was putting on for him. His hands moved from my thighs to my hips, gilding me along with him. I teased him a little more by making circles around the hole, never putting it in yet. He threw back his head as soon as the tip went in for a second. I would be lying to myself if I said it didn’t feel good.

I took my time pushing it in, trying to take my time adjusting to his size. Little bit at a time already felt like too much. Sounds of low mumble and groans were heard from him. I could feel his hands gripping harder around me whenever I stopped like he wanted me to go faster but knew we both couldn’t do that just yet. Finally, when it was all the way in, I took my time. Waiting for my body to get used to it.

“There you go baby, just get used to me. Move yourself when you’re ready.” He said, before kissing down my neck and jaw. I can feel the bruises starting to form from before around my neck. I wanted to move myself too, however I knew that if I did that, I would be even more bruised up to match my neck. I could tell that he was getting impatient from the way he is starting to move his hands around and gripping my sides. Just to play and mess around with him by rolling my hips around a bit. “Sweetheart don’t do this to me, it’s been a long day for me, and you know that.” He groaned, very low, soon biting my neck making a whimper come out of me. I, myself, was getting a little impatient. Taking it slow I raised myself up all the way then lowered myself a little quicker. “Fuck… there you go. Ride me” He commanded, smiling little crazy before going back to whatever mess he was doing to my chest.

He was hitting all the right places. I know well that he is loving this shit too. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were red hand marks on my hips from him. I began picking up the pace, wanting more for myself but also, I didn’t want to make so much noise. To lower the amount of noise coming out of our mouth, I decided that the best way was to just make out. A gasp came out from him before he started kissing back. The way his tongue swiped into my mouth, taking care of every inch it was feeling. He was getting too impatient to the point where he began taking my hips into his hands and thrusting his hips into me. I moaned into his lips while he moaned lightly into my mouth. We each had to pull away trying to catch our breath up. Only thing being heard was the sounds of our moans and groans along with the splashes of the water. Light talking was heard in other rooms, moving around near us too. I am going to get fired if anyone hears or walks into here. They will only see me as a slut. It’s not like I have enough money to lose a job right now.

“Arthur… I can’t lose this job; I don’t get money for doing that and getting fired.” I said, moaning through the sentence. My arms were around his neck, holding on to him nicely. He mumbled things I couldn’t hear or understand. I could only hear something here and there. Saying things like ‘fuck, there,’ things like that.

“Sweetheart if you stop now, I am going to go crazy,” he said, he didn’t stop, only getting faster and harder. Trying my best to be quiet but I know damn well that I couldn’t be for too long. I know what I had to do. I don’t know what he will say. This is his fault anyways. I bitten hard onto his neck. He loudly went and then started pushing us to our limits. “You know how tight you’re. Fuck… I am about to cum sweetheart. You better take it all, do you understand me?” He asked, before taking his one hand off my hip and moving down to my hole. I took another bit on his neck as he pushed his finger in too.

“Yes, I understand.” I spoke. I was close as well and I could tell by the way he was getting slipper in his thrusting that he was too. “I want you to cum with me. You can take me, baby. I know you can. You understand?” He asked. I nodded my head. The sounds of light moans were coming out of the both of us. Still biting him all over because as soon as I let go then I become loud which can’t happen.

“Darling please come for me.” I want to feel more of you.” He asked before I began coming with him and letting go. Letting the feeling overran me. I could feel him come undone too. I feel his come flowing inside me too. I loved the way he felt. Riding out our high there was nothing left to do but to clean ourselves off. He pulled out before reaching out for the soap, shampoo, and body wash for each other. I laughed softly, taking it out of his hands and began cleaning him up. Then he took it back from mine and started washing me up next. He was soft and slow with it making sure to clean me up nicely.

“You did so well… thank you love. I like this. I haven’t been with someone in a long time.” He awkwardly chuckled. That surprised me with the way he went with this too. He acted so confident. “I haven’t either.” I said, as he began watching my hair. “I am surprised, you’re stunning, wouldn't people want to be with you?” He was shocked for some reason. We finished cleaning up each other. He was about to make his way to the door before, “Wait, until your hair is dry and also, I don’t want this to be a one-time thing. I will be back. Maybe we can do something other than this” He confessed leaving the room. Guess my plans are canceled for him. We will just have to see.

This Was By Cake!

#red dead redemption 2 #arthur morgan x reader #gender neutral reader #smut #fanfic

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gaybananabread · 1 month ago

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For day 20, could you please do riordanverse with switch!nico and switch!will and it starts off with will teasing nico while tking him or almost tking him or smth idk and then at some point it flips? thank you :]]

TickleTober Day 20 - Tease

~YEEEAAASSS THEM! I need to reread TSATS so bad! Right after I’m done with my latest read, it’s happening. I love these two (╥﹏╥) This is pretty much a bunch of mostly-in-character fluff and gayness. I regret nothing I’ve done here. Thank you for requesting, and I hope you Enjoy!~

Switches: Will Solace, Nico di Angelo

Summary: Will decides to tickle Nico, relishing in the boy’s laughter and smile. Nico turns the tables, giving his sunny boyfriend a taste of his own medicine.

Warnings: none! This is a tickle fic, so if you don’t like that, scroll away!!

Nico was never one to blush. Nobody he was interested in ever flirted with him, and he never put himself out there to feel flustered by himself. He was comfortable with that wall up, guarding him from embarrassment and fluster.

Then came Will Solace, who was really starting to remind the Ghost King of a certain Miley Cyrus song.

“Aww, c'mon! You know it's true~” Will cooed at the wriggling ball of darkness in his arms, loving the giggles that met his ears. “You're incredibly ticklish. All you have to do is admit it.”

“G-gohoho juhump ihihinto Tahahartaruhus!” Nico tried a withering glare, but with the adorable smile on his face, it was difficult to find him very menacing.

“Been there, done that. I'd rather listen to these adorable giggles.” Will's fingers fluttered against Nico's sides and stomach, pulling embarrassingly pitchy giggle after giggle from his lips. The blonde couldn't help but kiss them.

That was the best decision ever.

Will could feel the little vibrations of his boyfriend's laugh, the way his lips twitched, and even the heart-meltingly endearing attempts to keep kissing him.

“Oh my gods, I need to do this more often.” Will's voice was airy and reflective, letting his gloomy partner know that he wasn't kidding. Lovely.

“NOHohohoho! Youhuhu ahass!” Nico's pale face was as red as ever, all his blood seeming to vacation above his shoulders, leaving no vacancies. His ears burned, his cheeks were on fire; even his neck was flushed.

“Language! What if Chiron heard you talking like that, huh?” Will “scolded” him, poking his boyfriend's hip in emphasis. The ravenette squealed, kicking his legs out in front of him.

Nico was trapped with his back against Will's chest, the sunshine boy's strong arms both hugging him close and tickling him silly. It was an evil misuse of a hug.

“H-hehehe wouhuldn't cahahare!” Nico actually didn't know if that was true or not. Mr. D didn't give a shit how Nico spoke around him, but Chiron… Yeah, he'd probably get scolded.

“Man, Neeks, I didn't think you'd be this sensitive! I love it,” Wil whispered directly in Nico’s ear, as if it was some secret that had to be kept from prying ears. They were the only ones in the woods, save for a few nature druids who were only half-watching. It was cooler outside, causing most to begin preparations for winter’s rest.

Nico whined through his laughter, trying to find a way out of the mind-bendingly flustering position. If he could just distract Will…

Actually, he could. Hopefully his boyfriend wouldn’t be too mad at his methods.

Using what little concentration he had left, Nico summoned one bone soldier from the ground. It was going to get him yelled at for sure, but he felt good that day; he'd even eaten a decent breakfast. The boy had the energy to spare.

Will's eyes widened as he watched the skeleton rise from the hard ground, his eyes narrowing down at Nico. “You little shit, what did I tell you about-”

Before he could finish scolding Nico for being careless, the skeleton hooked its hands under his arms, lifting the healer into the air. The thing was surprisingly strong, and since it wasn't doing more than just holding Will, it barely took any energy for Nico to maintain.

“This is a misuse of your powers! It's not good to use them for-”

“Shh. My turn, Solace.”

Nico smirked as he dug into his boyfriend’s belly, relishing in the immediate squeal it caused. While Will was pretty good at dishing out flustering actions and comments, Nico was exceptional at returning the favor.

“NIHICOHOHO! IHI’M SOHOHORRY! I-IHI’LL- GAHAHAHA!” Will thrashed and squirmed in the arms of the skeleton soldier, surprised by how sturdy it was. Nico had obviously been getting better with his powers if he could focus enough to control it so well while tickling him.

“You’ll stay here while I get my revenge? Sounds good.” Nico chuckled, though he was starting to feel the littlest bit strained from keeping the Skeleton alive. Will was thrashing quite a bit, and while the teen found it adorable, he was hard to restrain.

Nico was being a bit mean, but he was allowed to. Will had started it all by deciding to be a menace and tickling him in the first place. Sure, you shouldn’t fight fire with fire, but Nico didn’t mind getting burned – especially when it was with heat from his sun.

Will, on the other hand, was fighting for his life. Nico had discovered pretty early on that his stomach was deathly ticklish, but he’d restrained from using it against him. Apparently, he was just saving it for vengeance. Will admired the patience, but it was really unfair!

“You really shouldn’t dish out what you can’t handle, Solace. It’s gonna get you in trouble.” Nico started poking a single finger all over Will’s stomach, making him squeak and kick with each little impact.

Nico was…surprisingly good at tickling. It wasn’t something Will expected from his gloomy boyfriend; then again, the ravenette tended to surprise him quite often. It was nice to see him feeling something other than sad, self-conscious, scared, or apathetic. Those were getting rarer as he got the help he deserved, but it was still nice.

Aside from Will getting wrecked, anyway.

“C-CohohOHOME ohOHOhon! N-noho mohore- GYEEhehehey! Noho!” Will’s face burned at the noises he was making, sounding like a sneezing mouse whenever Nico went for the area below his navel. The single pokes gave him more room to breathe, but they were somehow more ticklish. He had no idea how that worked, but Nico sure did.

“What? I just wanna hear your laugh. It’s adorable, just like you. D-deal with it.” Nico’s voice was strained towards the end, his brows furrowing slightly. Even while being tickled silly, Will caught it and immediately got worried.

“A-ahare you- GYAAHahehehe! Nihicohoho! Quihihiut!” Will tugged at his arms, trying to break free from the skeleton’s grip. It’s hold was weakening as Nico’s stamina drained, unfortunately proving will right; Nico really shouldn’t have been misusing his powers.

“Fine, you big baby.” Nico could tell Will was serious; the last thing he wanted to do was push his boyfriend’s boundaries. He dropped control of the skeleton, feeling the line of connection snap. Trying to hide the immediate exhaustion he felt, the boy leaned back on his hands, admiring Will’s flushed face.

“O-ohoho gohods… Ahare you okay?" Will rubbed his sore cheeks, his eyes trained on Nico as he looked for any sign of pain or exhaustion. He found a good few: deeper eye bags, shaky hands that were not-so-secretly balled into fists, saggy eyelids. Did he seriously think he was slick?

“Yeah, I’m all good. Just trying to memorize that dorky smile of yours.”

Apparently, he did.

“What did I say about using your powers when you don��t have to? It’s not good for you, Nico.” Will’s smile slowly flattened out to a concerned frown. He took Nico’s hand into his own, gently rubbing his knuckles. “What’d you have for breakfast?”

“Uh…some eggs, apple slices.” Nico answered back, looking away to hide both his light blush and his guilt. That was a good breakfast for him, who sometimes couldn’t force himself to eat anything, but it still wasn’t enough to use his powers so carelessly.

“Nico… I love you, okay? I know you’re sick of hearing it, but you need to be careful. I don’t want you to hurt yourself.” Will spoke in a loving tone, though it was still just as strict as every other time he’d lectured him about his powers.

“Okay, I get it. No more summoning skeletons to attack my boyfriend. Promise.” Nico drew a little “X” over his heart, solidifying his vow. “Would it help if I went and drank some milk?”

“Absolutely. Is it too much to also eat a jerky stick?” Will was already so grateful that Nico had promised and offered to drink something helpful, but he was really hoping to get some more protein into the boy’s diet.

"Fine. I’ll do it, but only because you look like a sad puppy when you ask for stuff.” Nico gave Will’s hand a little squeeze as the blonde helped him to his feet, leaning against the taller boy for support.

The pair slowly made their way towards the mess hall, trading little teases and small pecks as they went. While they still had some maturing to do, both boys knew they were happy together. No matter what happened, they had each other, and that was enough.

#solangelo tickle #lee!nico #ler!will #ticklish!nico #augtickletober 2023 #sfw tickling community #tickle fic #tickle #tsats tickle #the sun and the star tickle #lee!nico di angelo #ler!will solace #ticklish!nico di angelo #riordanverse tickle #tickletober #augtickletober

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ramservices1 · 10 months ago

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Unseasonal Air Cooler Troubleshooting: Common Problems Solved!

It may seem as though your air cooler is taking a break when the summer’s intense heat fades into the distance and the winter months arrive. But when you least expect it to, neglecting its upkeep in the off-season might lead to a lot of issues. In order to guarantee that your cooling device is in top condition even during the winter, we explore the most typical problems that affect air coolers during unseasonal seasons in this comprehensive blog and provide thorough troubleshooting recommendations.Top Unseasonal Air Cooler Issues!Following are some top unseasonal air cooler issues:-1. Dusty Cooling Pads: The Heart of EfficiencyThe core component of an air cooler’s operation is its cooling pads. The collection of dust on these pads can severely hinder their performance, reducing the total amount of cooling that they can provide. It is essential to clean your air cooler on a regular basis and replace the cooling pads if needed to guarantee optimal performance. This easy-to-do but essential maintenance task extends the life of your cooling unit and improves cooling performance.2. Water Leakage: Battling the FreezeThe water in the air cooler may freeze in extremely cold weather, which could lead to leaks. In order to avoid this problem, proper drainage becomes essential. Furthermore, taking into account the application of antifreeze solutions can be useful in preserving system fluidity and reducing the chance of freezing and consequent leakage. By taking preventative measures, you can protect your air cooler from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures.3. Clogged Water Tank: A Breeding Ground for IssuesDuring the off-season, a stagnant water tank can turn into a haven for dirt and pollutants, lowering the quality of air the cooler produces. It is essential to thoroughly clean the water tank, and adding a light disinfectant will help stop bacterial growth even more. By following this thorough maintenance schedule, you can be confident that the air cooler is circulating clean, healthy air while it’s in operation, preventing any respiratory problems.4. Motor Malfunctions: Defying the Cold Weather ImpactThe motor’s performance may be negatively impacted by cold temperatures, which could result in faults. Regular maintenance is necessary to offset this. During the off-season, run the fan occasionally, lubricate any moving parts, and inspect for any loose connections. When the air cooler is back in service, these preventative steps not only maintain the motor’s functionality but also help to provide a seamless and continuous cooling experience.

Continue Reading: https://ramservicesandsales.com/2023/12/22/unseasonal-air-cooler-troubleshooting-common-problems-solved/

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vahalia-cress · 2 months ago

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⸸ Tíu ⸸

The Creature behind her eyes squirmed, the familiar rake hissing deep within the darkest parts of her mind as it often was. A voice and murmurs she had learned to block out over time until there was reason not to.

While Creature had proven a reliable weapon, it was often a game of words to him, especially about how he would lead Vahalia upon a course based on riddles and nearly nefarious natures. One she had come to appreciate for what it was, simply an entity that stirred the pot of thought all the more, the itch of necessity when it came to remaining the course.

“Lady Cress?” The voice sounded from the pearl nestled to her ear.

Within the cabin still in Tural, Vahalia’s hands absent mindedly smoothed over the papers before her, a tidy mess is what she often called it, “I’m here.” Vahalia replied, “The envelope I sent you with, open it.” she lead Miss. Bancroft on the other end of the transmission, “Within is a detailed report of everything that happened here in Tural, you may share that with Miss. Slater when you arrive. Within is also the blueprints for the Keep, be sure to give that to Greyson. You can find him in the market in three days time, I have it setup for you to meet with him on my behalf regarding the construction of the Keep, hand him the blueprints and gil I sent you with, he will have a white orchid pinned to his jacket.”

“Anything else?”

Vahalia paused, her brows knit and her gaze swept over the scrolls splayed out before her, “Yes, actually.” she continued, “Check on the advancement of the water way. Let Greyson know you will need his men in the coming weeks to construct two additional wells near the farms. The harvest is upon us, we’ll need to prepare for shipment and check the stores to ensure there is enough for the colder months. Put kale, radish, broccoli and chard on the list for this coming season’s bounty. I need trade for additional salt for the piers.”

A small hum of affirmation came from the line and Castien spoke again, “And the ruins?”

“A project for another day. I’ll be in Black Water in a few weeks time, perhaps sooner. I’ll see to the Laeves when I arrive, I have yet to fully take in the damage to the old structure.”

“Very well.” the response came.

The line fell quiet and the static in her ear began to blip out as Vahalia removed the linkpearl from her attention and placed it to the table.

Harvests.

Additional grain would have certainly been a boon to the market itself for colder months ahead, which was all the more reason to take the proposal from Hingashi seriously. While Ishgard supped easily upon winter-born vegetables and produce that were well rooted, that wasn’t to say that other places had the luxury. Wheat and rice would become a demand in a short time. It was simply time to meet the need with supply.

Spiced pumpkin filled the air with sweet apples. The festivities were in effect and the four children ran through the glade, the three girls with long dark hair squealing with delight as the older of the four, Willem, chased them with a blindfold over his eyes. Hands splayed as he reached for the voices he had been chasing. The laughter echoed out from the girls, wisps of bright ribbons afloat in long seas of ebon and sable, skirts absorbing the muck of the earth at their hems.

The Equinox was upon them as the greens of the trees gave way to vibrant pops of speckled oranges and reds that aimed to take their place. The air hung cooler these days and a fog settled in the mornings as the clime came to a slow crawl with each passing day.

Music and the chatter of the families beyond were nearly drowned out by the children playing and not too far off sat Odessa and Adelle at the woods edge, sister’s of old Mhachi blood, ever vigilant. Sigils of House Cress and House Blackheart in fabulous brocade respective to the two houses were woven neatly into their robes, their sashes simply homage to the families and their corresponding colors.

Odessa watched her youngest drift from the game, small body worn from the festivities as Vahalia made her way over to the two women and curled up towards her mother where she had rested her head along her warm lap.

“Finished already my dear?” Odessa smiled, hand lowering to comb through the child’s hair.

“I need a break.” the small child huffed out, she looked no older than eight summer’s at most.

The silken voice of Adelle seated next to Odessa chimed out, “Sister, when do you plan on having her meet the Whitlock son?” her voice was low as she looked between Odessa and Vahalia, who was more than happy resting within her mother’s lap, eyes closed and her attention elsewhere beyond simple chatter and the music in the distance.

“That depends on Adrian. I do not like the idea. I would not be faced with such heartbreak had I of had sons. Perhaps that is simply the pain we mother’s of daughters must endure.” she placed a slow stroke along Vahalia’s head before shaking her shoulder and soon ushering the child off towards her sister and cousins once more.

“It’s your turn Valeria!” Willem called out as he removed the blindfold from his face, hair wild, and he handed it towards his cousin, “Fair and square.”

“Awww you cheated!”

“I did not! You’re just slow!”

“It’s okay Valeria, prove him wrong.” Carrera piped up, excited to string the chaos along, “You’ll have to make sure he’s caught first. Revenge!”

The children laughed as Valeria groaned and Vahalia walked up to take the blindfold that was extended out, “I’ll do it.” she invited herself in as the predator, the other three simply prey in this game of catch.

The back of Odessa’s fingers smoothed over her lips, lost in thought as she watched Vahalia place the cloth over her eyes and the game once again began for the children. Once more scurrying and running about in the small glade that was soon to be kissed by the first year’s frost in mere weeks.

“Why not Valeria?” Adelle asked, “She is the oldest.”

“When you have twins, people tend to see them as one in the same when it comes to who is youngest or oldest. Valeria is…meek, timid. I fear she might not make out well in a forced situation.” Odessa peeled her eyes back to her kin.

“Yet you are entirely convinced Vahalia would be a better fit for such a burden?” Adelle loosed a huff, “An odd way of thinking.”

Odessa lifted her hand as she motioned to the children, “Look at her. She is a child who isn’t scared easily nor waves from anything new or difficult. Something within me feels she can handle the labors of expectation. With Valeria?....” she paused briefly before continuing, “ – It would consume her.”

A stern sigh escaped Adelle as she shook her head, “So what you are telling me in such subtle terms is, you have no other choice to bridge the Whitlock and Cress household and so you’ve picked and chose between your two daughters as to which one can carry the burden without crumbling?” Delicate and slender fingers found Odessa’s as Adelle gave her hand a small squeeze, “Sister, you cannot make a choice based off of the lesser of two evils. Tell Adrian you will not do it. Tell him the Whitlock’s must find another means of peace that does not result in you giving away your daughter.”

“I cannot.” Odessa stood firmly, her golden eyes lifting to meet that of her sister, “There is little I can do. There is ruin otherwise as Adrian has placed us in a hole we cannot climb out from unless we have assistance.” There was a stint of silence before Adelle spoke again, “I can speak with Hakurou and his clansmen, I’m sure there is som –” A shriek filled the mist of the glade as the children had stopped playing and Willem ran over to Adelle, frantically trying to slap the ambers of fire that cling to the hem of his tunic. The smell of burnt linen followed him as he approached, Valeria and Carrera in tow as the fun and games seemed to cease. Adelle rose to meet him as she looked at the scorched linen, “What happened?��

“Vahalia cheated! She threw a fire spell at me.” he glared over his shoulder to his cousin who had been tailing behind the trio of kin.

“I did not mean to! I was playing by the rules, it just HAPPENED!” she hollered.

“No harm no foul.” Adelle muttered down to Willem and her knuckles propped his chin gently, “Well find you a new tunic, come.” she ushered to the boy and waved Carrera along, a small pointed gaze was afforded to Odessa as she too rose to meet her girls.

Adelle led her children back towards the festivities with Valeria following in a close gait.

“Fire Vahalia? That’s dangerous for a silly game with your cousins. You should apologize.” Odessa reached for the child as she and Vahalia walked hand in hand several paces back from the others.

“I will not.” Vahalia proclaimed, “I did not mean it.”

“Even if we do not mean to harm someone, sometimes it is in our best interest to apologize all the same, child. Where did you learn to cast such a thing?”

Vahalia held loosely to Odessa’s hand as they made their way along the slick ground, “Your books, modir.” she admitted and she remained stonefaced to the area before them as Odessa walked and with some measure of surprise gazed down to her daughter.

The walk felt long and cold as they meandered to meet with the others, the joyous music of the Equinox hadn’t quite reached Odessa to spark some jubilant sensation within, she simply focused on the possibilities now laying before her as her daughter had demonstrated something quite extraordinary for someone her age.

Perhaps she could bargain with Adrian over this, now that Vahalia had proven some affinity for magikca that ran deep within her Blackheart roots, roots that would need to be carefully nurtured and fed.

One for sorrow, Two for joy Three for a girl Four for a boy Five for silver Six for gold Seven for a secret never to be told. Eight for a tale that the stars have spun Nine for a gate that can’t be undone Ten for a river of forgotten lore Eleven for a key to the spectral door Twelve for a mirror that reflects the night Thirteen for a beast that lives in spite Fourteen for a realm beyond our reach Fifteen for a speech no tongue can teach Sixteen for a dream trapped in stoneSeventeen for the old gods’ hollow moan Eighteen for the abyss that gazes back Nineteen for the cosmic formless wrack

Twenty for a Magpie’s final verse in a universe where shadows converse the end of the rhyme the start of the dread where naught a single word is said.

Creature's words coiled through her head as he sang the slow rhyme, through the echo of darkness behind her eyes. Her attention was brought to the blackbirds that sat under the balcony’s edge to avoid the rain that had started to fall within Tural.

Without thinking, her mind washed over their forms, counting each from where she sat with her papers. Ten. She had counted ten as once more Creature continued the rhyme though this time opting to hum in through breaks of sickened chuckles.

Ten.

#Stories #Blurbs #House Cress #House Blackheart

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jolenes-doppelganger · 1 year ago

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Reflected Through the Looking Glass (Part One)

Lucifer Morningstar (The Sandman) x fem! Reader

Summary: Lucifer lost few things in the fall. Most notably the loss of connection with the Father, but not the Mother. Following Dream's defeat, Lucifer returns to Gaia, the abode of Mother for answers. Slumbering peacefully as the world around her moves forward, Y's (Y/N's) days are spent listening to the subtle changes of the world above. Upon Lucifer's return, Y's life changes drastically as Mother holds the secret of Y's existence close to her heart, a secret Lucifer is keen to unravel. Lucifer uses they/them pronouns bc all angels are canonically genderless in The Sandman. The reader is an angel. This is a soulmate thingie (idk how to describe it without giving away the whole fic). Heart-wrenchingly soft fluff.

Warnings (don't take these seriously, they exist for funny ha-ha's): Mentions of womb-like conditions, Lucifer and the reader share clothes (SCANDALOUS), reader and Lucifer BATHE together (OH NO), homosexual activities (somebody get a hotline to Jesus)

ACTUAL warnings: Consent in terms of touching non-sexual areas is dubious, (small of the back, head, thighs, etc)

Word Count: 4.1k

Mother's mantle is warm, inviting. Soft gelatinous liquid envelops you, soft glow stones giving the slightest color to the room, seen through your hooded eyes. Pulsing and changing luster with Mother's drumming heartbeat, the soft illumination gave color to your eyes, pinks, reds and oranges filling in the gaps of your retina. You've been in Mother's mantle for eons, growing and learning as the seasons changed for the last few millennia. The softening of the earth above you marked rain, and continued softening indicates the turn of spring, roots growing and expanding as fresh growth dots the landscape above you. When the ground dries and fragrance fills the air, you know Summer is upon you. Mother is most active during these seasons.

As the season changes once more, cooler air fills the mantle, and the ground above you begins to rustle with activity, small creatures preparing for the changes above. Finally, once the ground above you grows cold and damp, and all life seems to rest, you know winter has come. Mother's heartbeat grows slow, and it is in this season that she returns to her mantle. Contrary to popular belief, Mother does not sleep through winter. She rests, yes, but she does not lie dormant. Planning and preparing for the next season, Mother comes into view, and the constant heart beat that drones from above, below and beside you grows steady and sure, a pair of hands submerging into your cradle, tweaking, measuring and perfecting you.

"Hello little one, it's time for me to rest for a little while," she says, voice muffled and whimsical, a product of the goo that you grow in.

Mother slowly eases into the cradle, long leathery limbs soaking in the substance. Sighing, she holds you and you smile as you're softly rocked and cooed at, utterly dwarfed by the giant dryad-like woman. Here you grow, and slowly dream as she rests with you, coming and going as she sees fit, waiting for the earth to thaw.

<-*~~~~~~~~~~~~~*->

Mother's heart races, she's busy, very busy. It's spring and the earth has much growing to do. She's planned a fire this year, a big one in the northern forest of Gaia. This is what is above, the subject of most of her brief musings with you. The brush has grown thick, choking out new growth. These forest are made up of towering redwood and giant sequoia trees, big hulking entities that will survive the fire. You listen intently as the first strikes of lightning hit the ground, toes flexing and limbs twitching as you feel the earth above you begin to char and burn. It's invigorating, the death and rebirth cycle of earth, and you softly smile. There is no reason to fret, not until mother's heartbeat suddenly slows.

Then, as you hear the nymphs and dryads chattering fade, a voice alien and musical echoes through her mantle.

"Mother, I've come to stay with you," it muses.

Heavy hooves clatter through the mantle, and for the first time in a great many years, the dryads grow the moss around your cradle in a webbed pattern, blending it in to the stone and dirt walls, hiding you from sight. The comforting light fades, and soon you find yourself completely submerged in darkness, and for the first time in the eons long slumber, you're afraid.

<-*~~~~~~~~~~~~~*->

Mother is unnaturally quiet. The guest is slow, measured even, pacing the room variably. In your catatonic state, all activity around you is pronounced, most notably the rustling of the dryads that have made a bed for themselves directly on top of the moss over your head. An unnatural warmth comes from there bodies, heating the cradle to that of winter, when Mother's body heat keeps the cradle from freezing. They twitter above you, and every once in a while, a hand cuts through the moss to give a reassuring pet to whatever expanse of flesh it lands on. You're not reassured, silently begging for Mother's individual attention.

All grows still, and that foreign voice begins to drone.

"Mother, I've come to you in dire need,"

Mother hums in response, giant form creaking as she adjusts her position.

"I find myself the most powerless I've ever been since the fall. It seems Dream has found his way out of the sorcerers grasp,"

"I'm well aware of Dream's escape. It is as it should be. The world was out of balance for too long without him," Mother croaks.

The voice laughs, a musical, bell toned laugh that causes the dryads to chirp amongst themselves.

"Please, how could the lack of Dreams throw Earth out of balance?"

"Well that's simple isn't it? Things that should lie dormant and preoccupied by dreams lay restless and aware,"

The voice hums again, and footsteps turn and pace towards the cradle. Above you, the dryads clutch at the edges of the stone cradle, making a barrier between the top of the cradle and the strange visitor.

"Defensive, aren't we?" it chuckles. "I've never seen your dryads behave this way before, some new creation they're protecting, is it?"

"Their behavior is warranted. There are certain places even the closest of my children do not have the right to explore," Mother demands, voice growing dangerous as the guest refuses to leave the perimeter of the cradle.

"Mother, I am surprised by you! After all I've done for you, you'd dare-"

"Don't chastise me, child! I created you, and I've continued to look after you, regardless of the rift that it causes between the Father and I," Mother snarls, "You of all my children know how I hate your quarrels, and yet you continue to bother me and upset my peace with your petty squabbles,"

The guest grows silent, and the dryads begin to softly twitter amongst themselves. A few hands stroke you, and you feel a sense of safety return.

"I'm sorry Mother. I've offended you," it softly concedes. "I've come to beg your hospitality, and I've seem to have lost your favor,"

"Child of mine, you know I am not malevolent, come, sit next to me so that I may soothe your worries,"

Their voices fade away, and for the first time in almost two centuries, you begin to dream.

<-*~~~~~~~~~~~~~*->

A soft silence fills the room, and a form gently leans over the moss covered cradle. Mother's heartbeat is slow, winter is upon the world. The guest has resided with Mother for almost six moon cycles. The fire is over, all life has blossomed and died. The last of the leaves lay scattered and frost-bitten on the ground. Leathery hands cut through the moss, and Mother's hulking mass slowly slides into the cradle. The nameless guest, frequently referred to as 'Child' by mother, lays a few paces away, deep in slumber. Their heartbeat is one you've begun to sense, slow, measured and occasionally erratic. In the mantle all life is emphasized, and as the dryads lie dormant in the roots of a great tree, loneliness threatens to seep into your soul.

This sense of abandonment is what has drawn Mother to risk your discovery. Cradling you, she softly whispers about her future spring plans to you, a spring that you'll never get to see. Your existence is made bearable only by the slumbers that render most of your days timeless. Slowly, she pulls you out of the cradle completely, bringing you to her chest, taking care not to sever the umbilical cord that brings life to you from the center of the mantle. Your wings lie limp and motionless, and you feel their weight. The soreness is uncomfortable, and you wriggle, trying to find purchase in Mother's arms.

"Shh little one, you'll wake Lucifer," Mother chides.

Lucifer. The voice that calls to Mother, heartbeat slow and resonant. Fingers scrabbling for purchase, you coat Mother's arms in the goo, sliding from her arms, dangerously close to falling.

"Ai! You stop that before I leave," Mother hisses.

You slow, gently relaxing into her arms. She hums in approval, rising up to her full height, bringing you close to the dirt that encases the mantle.

"Feel," she directs, taking one of your hands and placing it against the earth.

It's cold, but wet. And as the goo slides off of your body, you smell it for the first time. It's must is strange, earthy, and just like Mother. You decide you like the smell of earth. Roots tug at your hand, and you whimper at the itchy sensation. Mother chuckles, slowly wiping away the dirt on your palm.

"So needy," she sighs. "Don't worry little one, soon you will awake,"

You are placed back into the cradle, falling into a dreamless sleep.

<-*~~~~~~~~~~~~~*->

Two hands pull you from your sleep. Cries of anguish and pain fill your ears. The wails of the nymphs alert you to danger, and the chittering of the dryad that holds you is urgent. Another pair of hands pulls at the cord that ties you to the earth, and pain fills you as it is severed. Panic fills you as oxygen depletion renders your brain cloudy. A bark-covered hand encircles one of your ankles, another hand coming down on the flat of your foot. Hot-white pain fills you and you cry out, gasping your first breath. Twittering in approval, the dryad breaks into a run as you begin to cry. Jostling you to and fro, the bark of the dryad pinches at your skin, and noticing your discomfort, moss fills in and replaces the forearms of your rescuer.

Moonlight filters in through your eyelids, and you feel the sting of wind as the dryads run for cover. Opening your eyes for the first time, the world flutters as the dryad's paces become more urgent. A strange shape circles above you. You think it's a bat, but it's limbs are too elongated. Mother loved bats, maybe she sent this one to you? The thing begins to dive, coming closer and closer. It must be a very strange creature, maybe one of Father's creations? The dryad notices and begins to chatter shrilly, and only then are you afraid. Arms extend from above, encasing your nude form. The eyes that bore down from above are serene, a shade of blue you've never seen before.

The world moves slowly as wind hisses past your ears. You grasp onto this strange creature's form, encircling their neck. Their hands move, encircling your waist, grasping at your bottom. The contact makes you blush, and you wiggle away. You're so bare, so naked, unlike them. Your cheeks grow hot as you realize that they've covered their skin. Being naked is wrong somehow, and you desperately wish to be back in your cradle, softly cared for by Mother, where these terrible feelings didn't exist, where safety and warmth were a given. Loneliness hits you like pummel to the chest, and you start to sniffle. You don't like this situation, and all of the wisdom passed down to you by Mother while you slept does little to calm you.

"Don't cry," the thing softly whispers in your ear, "You're safe with me, little one,"

The voice is very familiar, but unnerving. It's like those recurring dreams you have, where a person chases you through various locations. The face is never the same, the feelings associated with the game of cat and mouse variable, but yet the person that runs after you is the same somehow. Young and vulnerable, clinging onto anything would be natural, but as the wind whistles strange things into your ear while the ground slowly fades from view, it becomes apparent that you have no choice. Grasping on tighter to your captor, you bury your face into their neck, clinging onto the hope that this is all a terribly vivid dream.

"There, that's better, good girl," they whisper, placing a gentle kiss on the shell of your ear. "You have nothing to fear, after all, you were made for me. No one can take care of you like I can,"

Made for me? You were made for Mother. A nagging thought probes at the back of your head, from millennia ago, a distant memory, no, a phrase. It had been whispered, gently coursing it's way through reeds. She's Morningstar's..... Made for..... Like a reflection in a looking glass. Mother would find you. Mother would make this right. As the harsh winter winds whip at your body, you could only pray that this is true. Bit by bit, the cold bites at you until you start to violently shiver.

"Cold," you whisper.

Your limbs have begun to grow numb from the cold, it hurts to move them, the even bend your fingers.

"I know little one, can you wait?" the nickname both calming and revolting you. It's Mother's nickname for you. They have no right to use it with you. But it comforts you nonetheless.

"Mother," You whimper.

The thing sighs, and you slowly begin to dive. Trees fill your vision, and you hold them as tight as you can. If they let go, you'd surely fall to your death. A jolt goes through you as they land on a platform. You look like you're still in the trees. Gently lowering your feet on the ground, you test the firmness of the platform. Upon finding it sufficient, you relax. Looking up at the thing, you notice the stark contrast in height. Most things in Mother's mantle are larger than you, but somehow it seems more applicable with them. White-gold hair curls perfectly around their face. Arguably beautiful, pleasing to the eye. Wings dark and glossy flicker in amusement as you watch them, taking note of your features. Without explanation, they begin to tug at the strange material they clothe themselves with, slowly revealing milky-white skin that seems to glow in the moonlight.

They look a lot like you, at least the top half. It's mostly uncovered, a band of soft fabric running along the upper part of their chest. It looks like bandage material, something wrapped on rather than sewn to fit. Looking down at your own chest you wonder if you should have one too. The place between their legs is also covered. Coverings under coverings seems silly to you. None of the dryads or nymphs used coverings, and Mother certainly never did. In fact Mother abhorred coverings. Creations made by human beings to protect themselves from her other creations, she'd snarl. Maybe this thing was human?

"Come here," they beckon, voice low.

You still cling onto them for support, your legs shaky and tired as you adjust to your weight. The chill makes you weak, and their gaze makes you feel uncomfortably vulnerable.

"Where?" you frown.

"Closer," they whisper, smirking. You take a small step forward, still leaving a modest distance between the two of you. "Even closer," they say, pushing the small of your back forward. Your breasts press against their ribs, and you turn your head, attempting to hide your shame.

Their hands glide under your thighs, gently lift you upward until your shoulders are level. With a flick of their wrist, the coverings begin to move through the air, as if of their own volition. Cloth twists around your forms, causing you squeak as it binds your legs to their thighs, leaving room for them to bend their knees. Encasing you even further, you notice as your torsos are bound together, breaking away to individually cover your arms. It's strange, to be so bound to them, and you feel an odd pressure on your breasts, the soft material of their under cloth creating a barrier between you. Maybe this is the purpose of underclothes?

They take off once again, and this time the added security of the makeshift harness gives you the chance to enjoy flying. It feels right. This time you don't hesitate to wrap your arms around them once again, resting your head on their shoulder, gazing out at the stars. Wrapping their arms around you, they hum in approval.

"You're perfect," they sigh. "Just like I knew you'd be,"

Gloved hands caress your back. The sensation is still alien, but it feels okay. The added warmth from your joined torsos is nice, but as Lucifer labors, you notice a slight build up of moisture between your bodies, adding to the stickiness of the goo from the cradle. Contrarily, the feeling of wind whistling through your ivory wings is both pleasurable and exhilarating. Stretching them out, you move to mimic the thing's wings. Gently touching the ends of their wings with yours, smiling softly at the sensation.

"Don't do that, you'll mess with my flying," they chastise.

You fold your wings up again, blushing in shame, turning away from them as best as you can. You begin to pout, desperate to separate yourself from this thing and their odd criticisms. They laugh, a hand reaching up to turn your face so they can whisper in your ear once more.

"Sweet one, I did not mean to be harsh, you're wings are very beautiful," they say, soothing voice killing your childish anger, "I'll teach you how to fly another time," they promise, peppering kisses on your forehead and ear.

The kisses are nice, but the anonymity of the stranger makes causes you to resent them.

"Who are you anyway?" you ask, craning your head to look at them.

"I'm Lucifer Morningstar, ruler of Hell,"

Of course! Your eyes widen in recognition. This is the guest of Mother's! You are surely safe in their care, after all, Mother loves them so. Mulling over the last title, you wonder aloud.

"You're a star?"

They begin to laugh, a full, boisterous laugh that fills you with glee. Yes. You are safe. No one this pretty or this nice would ever take you from Mother.

"No, not like that. I'm a fallen angel," Lucifer explains

"Like me?" You ask.

"Sort of. Only you're not fallen,"

"Is that bad?" you whisper.

"It's neither good nor bad. It just is," they shrug, accidentally clipping your chin on their shoulder, causing you to bite your lip.

You cry out in pain, and Lucifer tenses up. Their grip on you is tender, protective.

"What happened little one?"

"I bit my lip,"

Lucifer hums, choosing to caress your back as comfort. Your blood tastes strange, metallic. It tastes how Lucifer smells; sweet and a bit spicy.

"I'll have a look when we reach hell,"

<-*~~~~~~~~~~~~~*->

Hell is cold. Above pits of fire that boil and foam it is still cold. A river of ice runs through most of hell, and you're once again grateful for the coverings provided. You soar through the rocky caverns until you're met with the sight of a glorious space, enclosed and sheltered from the strange cries of agony that bounce off the canyon-like walls. Once again waving their hand, Lucifer commands the coverings to unravel, and you watch as the fabric returns to it's original form, leaving you nude once more. It's uncomfortable to be this naked, and you grasp at Lucifer, attempting to cover yourself again. In this strange, cold and dark place, the cloth acted as a safety net, now you have nothing but the hulking frame of your wings that hide very little.

"Now, you'd better stop that," they warn. "You can't rely on me for protection all the time,"

This revelation scares you, and you once again think of Mother, a pit of fear carving it's way into your stomach. Lucifer doesn't speak, slowly untangling you from them before roughly dragging you toward an opening in the wall. It's disconcerting how gruff they are with you, the environment around them seemingly changing their personality. Your footwork is clumsy, and you trip, falling forward. Lucifer manages to catch you, and you feel ashamed of your lack of coordination. But instead of a cold glare, regretful care fills their eyes as they help you up.

"I'm sorry little one, I forget that you're still as clumsy as a newborn lamb," Lucifer apologizes, gently guiding you toward the vat of steaming water with tender dedication.

They softly lower you into the water, hands guiding your shaky limbs up the stairs and downward once more. You sigh and slide into the steaming water until your head barely sits above the surface. The sensations in your toes and fingers feel odd, almost like you're being poked repeatedly. Turning to look at them, you verify that this is not the case. You giggle at the oddness of your body, the variable sensations that it can produce, completely oblivious to Lucifer's presence. The water ripples as they lower themselves into the water, and for the first time you see their torso completely uncovered. It looks different than yours, but you don't think too much about it.

Your wandering gaze doesn't seem to bother them, hands gently coming to cup your face, eyes full of adoration. The bath begins to cloud with the dissolved substance of the cradle, and this change causes Lucifer to hum in disapproval.

"Oh my, you really are coated in that fluid," Lucifer grimaces.

Taking a glob of something from a bottle, Lucifer brings their hands to your scalp, running their fingers through your hair, desperately trying to rid you of every inch of dried goo. It feels good, like every sensation Lucifer brings to your body. Their focus on your scalp gives you the opportunity to regard them without the piercing intensity of their gaze. Their lips are pursed in concentration, the divot between their browbones emphasized. Limbs long and slender move and churn, collarbones flexing and fading from scrutiny. The moment ends, hands returning to your back. Dipping your head backward, Lucifer rinses your scalp. Leaning over you, Lucifer looks beautiful. As the substance slowly rinses away in the water, you dare to look deep into those discerning eyes, and find them to be serene. Reaching upward, you return to that embrace you know so well, much to Lucifer's approval. The embrace feels especially vulnerable, no shroud covering you from feeling every inch of their skin.

They smell especially sweet, and you wonder if you smell pleasant to them. Their wings hang loose, relaxed. Their back muscles are especially pronounced, enlarged from the flight. Ripples in the water alert you to movement, a piece of cloth slowly massaging every inch of your backside. It feels good, and you lose yourself in the feeling. Turning to look at them, they lean forward, planting a sickeningly sweet kiss to your cheek.

"Sorry," they chuckle as your face burns red, "I couldn't help myself,"

Their soft smile morphs into a frown as they notice the dried blood on your lip.

"You did bust your lip,"

Taking the utmost care, they clean the blood away from your lips, grimacing as a fresh bleed leaks from your lips. Their thumb takes a final swipe at your lip, blood dotting the pad. Blue eyes bore into yours as they angle it toward their lip, gently sucking away the remnants. Your cheeks burn, intently watching their every move.

"Your iron levels are low," they muse. "We'll fix that,"

Cupping your face once again, you shyly drop your gaze, much to Lucifer's amusement. Hands pull you upward, helping you out of the tub. You make a conscious effort to avoid looking at their form. It feels improper, and a bit risque. All life is built in with some sense of sexuality, as was Mother's way, but without Mother's guidance it was unclear whether or not yours was warranted. Softness encased you, fabric running up and down your arms, down your legs, drying your hair. You realized this was Lucifer's doing, yet their hands remained delicately planted on your hips. Your sexuality must be unwarranted after all.

Robes were produced and both you and Lucifer were clothed. A strange looking creature brought a tray of food into the room, and to your delight it was fruit. Fruit trees brought the most fragrance to the Earth, and therefore must taste the best. Indeed it did, and you hummed, completely oblivious to the juice that slid down your chin. You ate until your stomach hurt a little bit, the tray disappearing as swiftly as it was sent for. Sleepiness tugged at your eyelids, noting only the slightest of changes around you. Lucifer cleaned your face and your hands with utmost care, gently cradling you as you were moved once again.

Softness caressed every corner of your body. Sleep overcame you slowly, and you drifted off to the familiar sound of Lucifer's heartbeat, growing slow and confident as they too fell asleep.

<-*~~~~~~~~~~~~~*->

A/N: My obsession with winged reader inserts becomes apparent. This is completely self-indulgent. Yes, I wanted to be an angel as a child. Yes, I was absolutely crushed when I found out I couldn't be one when I died and went to heaven. If the catholic church was smart, they'd tell all the little children that if they were extra good they'd become angels. I digress. Spicy stuff in the next part!

Tags: @hecatescrystaldagger @the-fuck-do-i-know

#lucifer morningstar x reader #lucifer morningstar sandman x reader #lucifer morningstar #lucifer x reader #fluff #lucifer morningstar fluff

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karoiseka · 3 months ago

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5) Stamp

((some sappy 5.4ish timeframe!))

Despite the cooler air outside the tent, Thancred felt more than warm enough beneath the bedroll blankets due to the very warm Miqo’te next to him. The hair wasn’t the normal black and blue that he was used to, but some of the mannerisms were quite similar–including curling up almost on top of him when they were sleeping together. In the autumn and winter this wasn’t as much of an issue as it was in the summer when the heat could become near unbearable. As it was, it was welcome to the current situation.

G’raha had accompanied him on this foray into the outskirts of Western Gridania where the woods butted up against the vast Silvertear Lake. The trip was to help teach him a bit of practical tracking, learn to identify some of the more local flora and fauna, and to just to have some time with just the two of them since Karo was away on the First. The former Exarch had acquired quite a bit of practical knowledge over the years, however much of it was specific to Norvarant and the people there.

As the walls of the tent started to lighten with the rising of the sun, Thancred was content to lay in the nest they had made together to enjoy a slower morning. He had gotten in the habit of rising early, despite having two night owls as lovers. As the birdsong got louder, he finally decided to rouse Raha, leaning down to kiss the messy head of hair laying on his shoulder. Ears flickered, brushing across his face and making him chuckle before a sleepy face turned to his, stretching in place to give a lingering kiss. Thancred was still allowing G’raha to make most of the first moves physically in their budding side of the triad relationship, just due to having quite a bit more experience. He was enjoying the difference as well, feeling it allowed them to grow closer more naturally.

The morning lassitude slowly morphed into preparing for the day and moving to the next location. Today was G’raha’s turn to find an appropriate camp site for the evening, and Thancred was curious how he would do, and what reasoning he would give. The barest of coals were still glowing faintly from their small fire the night before, and he showed Raha how to bank it completely. He asked the mage to pull the last of the heat out of the coals since he had the ability to, finally showing him how to normally stamp dirt over to ensure it stayed out if magic wasn’t an option.

Collapsing the tent and packing up, they were on the trail not much longer, deep in conversation and teaching. As they broke through the vegetation into a ledge overlooking the lake–a picturesque stream feeding into it, Thancred could feel Raha slip his hand into his, fingers entwining as they took in the sight before moving on. Squeezing the hand gently in acknowledgement and affection, they headed back into the forest, moving slowly, but closer every step.

#ffxiv #FFXIVWrite2024 #thancred #g'raha tia #and three makes a chorus #error: karo not found #g'raha x thancred #g'raha x wol x thancred

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lilyevanstan1325 · 11 months ago

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❤️ Built For This World ❤️

Chapter 4

I've been here at the farm for almost 5 days so that means that sweet, defenseless little girl has been out there for a week.

Sophia has not yet been found.

I really hope with all my heart that she is still alive.

We all hope so.

Last night before going to sleep Carol updated me a little on the situation.

Daryl and the others are still busy searching and it seems that the archer has found a good lead to follow.

And damn, despite everyone's efforts, Daryl really seems like the only one who really cares about this whole thing.

He spends entire days searching every millimeter of these woods, following every possible path.

Spending all his strength.

Carol tries not to show it but even an idiot would notice that her mental state is in full decline.

And the night, poor woman, she spends every night crying.

How do I know?

As accommodation they let me sleep on the floor of Dale's RV since neither I nor they have an extra tent for me.

And just when the woman thinks everyone is sleeping she gives vent to all her pain.

And honestly I don't know what to do.

I have often thought about getting up to console her but I have always stopped, not because I am insensitive to her pain but because I don't know what to say to her.

And I'm sure that my words don't even help her.

She just needs her little girl and not my stupid words of circumstance.

I even thought about offering myself for the research but there is a small detail that stops me.

Daryl.

He hates having me around and I don't think he would ever accept my help or even my company.

So I avoid being around him.

As far as I'm concerned, I'm settling with the others quite well.

Everyone is very kind to me, except for two obvious exceptions.

Daryl, precisely, and Shane.

I try to stay away from the latter.

Really away.

Apparently the man can only tolerate me if I remain at a safe distance from him.

And who am I to disappoint him?

For the rest I get along with everyone.

A good relationship is being established with the women, they are all very polite to me and try to include me in the group.

To reciprocate their kindness I continually try to get busy.

I help with the fire, with the preparation of meals, with the perimeter guard shifts and with everything I can.

Like now.

Me, Lori, Amy, Carol and Andrea are making breakfast for everyone this morning.

Maggie and Beth, the farmer's daughters, kindly gave us some eggs and even offered to help us out.

So all together we are trying to set up something decent, at least for the men who will soon leave to resume the search for Sophia and for those who will leave for a quick reconnaissance down in the city in search of further supplies for the winter that will soon arrive.

A gust of wind makes me shiver.

Even if during the day the temperatures are still quite high, in the morning the air begins to feel increasingly cooler.

I shrug, rubbing my hands along my arms to try to get some warmth.

“Summer?Summer, dear can you hear me?”

I snap out of my thoughts at Carol's voice.

I look up from the bowl full of freshly picked peaches.

“Sorry Carol, tell me”

Carol raises an eyebrow as she takes a few steps closer.

"Everything is fine?This is the third time I've called you.What's going on inside that little head of yours?” she asks me kindly, keeping her voice low so as not to be heard by the other women.

I shake my head, smiling weakly.

Just like my mother, she always seems to know when I overthink about something.

Maybe this is a super mom power?

"Nothing.I was wandering”

I shrug indifferently at the end of the sentence.

I don't want to give her any more worries.

She's already had enough of it.

“Mmh mmh” she murmurs, unconvinced, grabbing a knife and taking the peach that I turn over and over in my hands.

I also take a knife, grab another peach and follow her, imitating her gestures.

In silence we begin to peel the fruit and cut it into small pieces.

The sweet smell of peaches makes my mouth watering.

Behind us we hear Amy and Beth giggling.

For just a moment it's as if everything were normal, as if we were just a group of friends intent on preparing breakfast.

There is no death, there is no pain, there are no dead people brought back to life.

There is peace, calm.

But the reality is very different.

We're just a bunch of strangers trying to get ahead.

Not to give up.

We're just trying to survive.

We're just trying to make sense of this fucking world.

“Did you talk to Daryl?” Carol asks me, feigning indifference.

I sigh, closing my eyes and trying to stay calm.

That evening after having...I don't even know how to define it...argued?

After having that brief confrontation with Daryl I was very nervous and I couldn't keep it from her.

I told her what had happened and how I felt.

Nowadays I still don't understand Carol's reaction.

“Don't mind what he told you.Daryl isn't that good with words” she replied smiling.

Her look seemed amused but I decided not to investigate further.

But from that moment on I had the impression that she was pushing me to resolve the issue with the man.

Which obviously I've always avoided.

He stays away from me and I have nothing to say.

He looks down every time our paths cross and I don't complain.

I do not want to create problems.

I'm new and I just want to earn my place in the group without bothering the others.

“Daryl and I have nothing to clarify”

Saying his name makes my stomach clench.

“It's okay Carol, we avoid each other and we're all happy” I whisper.

At least he is.

Carol shakes her head but she doesn't say anything else.

More giggles catch our attention, making us turn around.

Amy and Beth seem to be talking to each other, constantly glancing to their left.

So I decide to follow their gazes to understand what it is.

And a little further on there is him.

Daryl.

He seems busy checking something inside his backpack.

He is wearing a pair of black jeans and his ever-present sleeveless shirt.

This man appears to be insensitive to the cold.

The muscles in his arms bend sinuously, swelling with every movement.

Muscles that have nothing to do with exhausting sessions in the gym.

Oh no...

His body is built only by his struggle for survival.

Apparently the archer's past life was not very different from the one he leads now.

Hunting and rural life have always been part of his life.

Or at least that's what Carol and Glenn told me.

After a few minutes he crouches on his knees to check some arrows, the powerful muscles of his thighs seem barely contained in the constriction of his jeans.

He cocks his head to the side and grabs an arrow, studying it carefully.

He checks the tip with his fingers.

For a moment I remember the strength of those fingers closed around my wrist as he dragged me with him into that woods.

My heart does a somersault remembering the warmth of that hand, the strong grip of his calloused fingers.

“Do you stop, please?”

Andrea has an amused frown on her face as she scolds the two girls who don't stop giggling and continue to throw mischievous glances at the unaware Daryl.

"What?" laughs Amy, Andrea's sister, as she approaches me to hand me some dishes.

Her young blue eyes shine like lapis lazuli.

Amy throws her head back laughing heartily.

“Don't tell me I'm the only one here?” she replies, turning to all of us, indicating the man with a nod of her head.

I look back at Daryl and a shiver runs through me.

Carol giggles.

Andrea's eyebrows raise dangerously upwards.

"What?" Amy repeats again crossing her arms over her chest.

“He's sexy as hell” the girl admits candidly, triggering more giggles.

“He's rude” her sister immediately replies.

“That doesn't mean he doesn't have a perfect ass, look there.Right Beth?” she asks, turning to her friend.

Beth giggles again.

“You know Amy, your sister prefers guys like Shane” her friend supports her.

Wow.

What the fuck?

Really.

Just one word.

Eew.

Lori from her spot shifts her weight from one foot to the other as if she is uncomfortable.

Her and Andrea exchange a fleeting glance, full of tension.

Which I can't fully understand.

“Well, he may be rude but Amy's right.If I had been a little younger I wouldn't have wasted my time”

I turn my head sharply towards Carol shocked by her spicy revelation.

Seriously Carol?

With her words she attracts everyone's attention.

Her dreamy expression is focused on the ass of the archer, bent forward intent on raising the crossbow lying near his feet.

I drew my bottom lip between my teeth and bit it nervously.

The response from the other women doesn't take long to arrive and in fact another chorus of giggles rises in the air.

For my part, I'm paralyzed with the dishes still in my hands.

I don't like the direction this little girl talk session is going.

Why?

Because it's obvious that my thoughts are common to theirs but I don't even want to think about it.

I can't afford to think of him like that...nothing good would come of it.

Not for me at least.

I feel my face go up in flames.

"I'm right, you heard her?" Amy replies, satisfied, challenging her sister to reply.

Andrea huffs in exasperation, turning her back on her sister.

Maggie approaches me, gently taking the dishes from my hands and starting to fill them with scrambled eggs.

“Ok, he's not that bad.But he's not my type”

With these words the oldest Green gives us her opinion on the subject.

“And who would be your type, Glenn?” Lori teases her, her words make the girl blush.

Then Maggie's dark eyes stop for a moment in mine.

A small look that I can't decipher until an alarm rings in my head.

Wait.

Wait…oh god.

Oh God no!

I turn away from the discussion among the others to focus on Maggie.

I approach her, taking a dish and starting to help her.

Maggie was very nice to me, she gave me clean clothes, she takes care of my sore wrists and I don't want her to even think that I'm somehow trying to come between her and Glenn.

I would never do that.

It's true that the boy and I have become very close in these few days but there is nothing sentimental between us.

I don't feel attracted to him in that way.

I have to tell her something to prevent the seed of doubt from sprouting in her head but in the distance I actually see Glenn advancing towards us so I decide to postpone our discussion.

As the man approaches, his eyes are all for Maggie.

I shake my head with a smile.

How could she ever doubt it?

“Good morning, my beautiful ladies” he exclaims with a big smile after reaching us but without ever taking his dreamy gaze away from the farmer's beautiful daughter.

In response he receives kind good mornings in return.

Maggie hands him a plate accompanied by a smile and then he walks away to sit on one of the improvised chair blocks.

Slowly all the other men join us.

First Rick, then Dale, T-dog.

Even Shane.

I hand him a plate trying to be as kind as possible and I even receive a half-thank you in return.

Wow!

This is an event worth noting in the yearbooks.

That prick knows the word thank you.

Lori approaches us taking two plates.

“One is for Carl” she justifies herself, afraid that someone might object.

“Hersel hasn't given him permission to get up yet so I'll go eat in the room with him” she continues.

I smile at her and she walks away, entering the big white house.

Carl.

One lucky little guy.

Not everyone can survive a bullet.

This is how this group came to the farm.

Due to a horrible accident.

Apparently Otis, one of the inhabitants of the farm, accidentally shoots the boy while hunting a deer.

Offering his help immediately, he would later die by sacrificing himself and allowing Shane to bring back to Hersel everything needed to save the boy's life.

I haven't had the chance to meet Carl yet but from what Lori and Rick told me about him he really seems to be a special little boy.

“Go eat with the others Summer”

Maggie's voice wakes me up from my thoughts and I immediately realize that they are all sitting enjoying their breakfast.

Everyone except me and her.

And Daryl of course.

No trace of him.

Why the hell am I always so aware of his presence or absence?

I nod as she turns her back on me but before she can disappear inside her house I whisper her name.

At first I thought that she didn't hear me but then her pace slows until she stops, then turning towards me.

“Tell me” she replies with a smile.

I approach unsure of what to say.

Where do I start?

I feel embarrassed.

“I…emh I wanted to tell you… yeah I mean...”

The words die in my mouth.

Is it really the right thing?

Even though she has always been friendly to me, can I really intrude into her private life like this?

"What happens?"

Her large eyes observe me carefully.

With one hand she tucks a lock of hair behind her ears.

She is really very beautiful and I really don't understand how she can feel threatened by someone like me.

No one has ever looked at me the way Glenn looks at her, why would she ever doubt his feelings?

With a big breath I take courage.

Now or never.

I quickly peek over my shoulder noticing that the others are far enough away that they can't hear so I decide to speak.

“It's about Glenn” I whisper, returning my gaze to her face, torturing the fingers of my hands.

“Oh” the girl whispers in a broken voice, looking at me with the same look she had given me shortly before, when Lori had brought up her crush on the boy.

Her long fingers nervously crease the hem of her cotton shirt.

Around us the silence is interrupted only by the echo of the chatter of the rest of the group.

We both remain silent unable to continue this embarrassing conversation.

Her gaze remains low on her feet as she kicks at the blades of grass around her.

“Do you…do you like him”

And hers isn't a question.

"What?"

My slightly too shrill tone of voice makes several heads turn towards us.

“No, no Maggie” I reply whispering.

I immediately approach her, gently grabbing her hand.

She slowly raises her face almost in fear.

I continue to shake my head as she looks at me curiously.

"No.This is what I wanted to talk to you about" I reassure her.

Her face seems to relax a little.

“Glenn was the first to show me some humanity, he helped me and I can never thank him enough but Glenn and I are just friends”

“Really?”

“Really.I don't see him the way you see him” I tease her making her blush.

“Oh Summer, sorry!”

Her words are followed by a suffocating hug.

She holds me tightly, in her grip I can feel the relief but also a lot of anxiety.

I hug her back, trying to convey to her all the truthfulness of my words.

Glenn is amazing and maybe in another life I would have even considered going on a date with him.

He is sweet, nice, smart.

We have many interests in common such as comics, video games, films.

We are two classic guys in our early twenties, both raised in a city too big for our simple spirits.

But despite all that I don't feel attracted to him in that way.

My gaze slides behind Maggie.

Towards Daryl's tent.

No, Summer.No!

Damn it.

It's not possible.

It's absurd, irrational.

Sure Daryl is attractive, strong, brave...

But mine is just a stupid physical attraction.

After all, apparently I'm not the only one who finds him beautiful.

Maggie is the first to break the hug but our hands remain intertwined so together we approach the porch steps to sit on them.

We both keep our gaze fixed straight ahead, watching the sun slowly take its place in the sky.

“I'm sorry for thinking that you and Glenn…”

Maggie begins but I immediately stop her with a wave of my hand.

“Don't think about it” I reassure her.

“It's my fault.Maybe I shouldn't have gotten so close to him and disrespected you” I admitted rather embarrassed.

Maybe I couldn't have known it at first but I should have pulled back a little when I realized the looks that the two lovebirds usually throw at each other every time they have the chance.

I feel Maggie's hand rest on my knee, squeezing it slightly.

On her face there is a beautiful smile that will take your breath away.

“You don't even have to say it.I know Glenn cares about me but I also know he cares about you.I was just a little scared.That's all”

We laugh together at her confession and I watch her as she stands up.

“I'm going to see if dad needs me.See you later Summer” she greets me.

I greet her with a smile.

“Oh Maggie?”

“Yeah?”

“When you see Glenn could you tell him to come find me?I have a favor to ask him”

“Okay” she replies and then closes the door behind her.

I sit on the porch steps until Carol joins me with a plate of food.

“Thanks mommy” I thank her rolling my eyes and making her laugh.

“If you remembered to eat I wouldn't have to chase you like you were a five year old girl, right?So shut up and eat” she scolds me gently, forcing the plate into my hands.

“Yes ma’am”

As I finish my meal one bite after another, I am hungrier than I thought, I see Daryl coming out of his tent ready for the new research session.

He quickly places his backpack on his shoulders, tightening his grip on his crossbow and quickly walks away heading towards the stable.

I follow him with my gaze.

Carol's elbow digs painfully into my ribs.

“Damn Carol” I cough.

For her part, she feigns an innocent expression but her sly smile tells me something completely different.

I roll my eyes so much I could see the back of my head.

I get up huffing.

“I'm not going to talk to him, Carol”

“No one asked you”

“No?”

“Nope”

She looks at me from below with her immense blue eyes with a toothy smile.

I don't know her well enough but I'm more than certain that that look on hers doesn't bode well.

Only then I realize that she is turning a canteen between her fingers.

She stands up and forcefully shoves it into my hand like she had done earlier with my plate of food.

“What exactly should I do with it?”

I feel panic crawling in my stomach.

In my hands that stupid canteen weighs like a boulder because I know who it belongs to.

I often saw Carol fill it and then give it back to his owner.

“Why are you doing this to me?" I ask her almost desperately, whimpering as if I were really a five-year-old.

Why is this woman so keen to have the archer humiliate me?

“I thought we were friends” I hiss through gritted teeth.

My eyes get wet.

Fuck!

I hate the close correlation between my feelings and my eyes.

I'm sad?I cry.

Am I frustrated?I cry.

I am happy?I cry.

I listen to a good song?I cry.

And I swear it's never been a problem for me but in this place, surrounded by people I barely know, well let's say it embarrasses me a little.

“You'll thank me one day” Carol coos, leaving me alone.

What the answer is this?

Jeez.

Shit.

I might not go.

I might turn around and go to Dale's RV to see if he needs a change of guard.

I might go and see if there's laundry to do.

Or I could count the blades of grass.

Anything to avoid facing the archer's cold indifference.

Because despite everything the fact that he can only see trouble for his people in me hurts me.

I am really grateful to him for saving me and I would just like to have a civil relationship with him like I have with the others.

I turn the canteen over and over in my hands and with a big sigh I steel myself by forcing my legs to move in the same direction Daryl disappeared from.

Even though I'm not dying to interact with him I can't let him go out there without water.

My feet move unsurely on the grass and with each step that brings me closer and closer to the source of my discomfort my heart beats more and more irregularly.

And not only because of who I will have to see but also because of that place.

I haven't set foot in the stable since that damned night.

Only bad memories are connected to that place.

My hands are sweating and for a moment I fear I'll lose my grip on the cold metal of the canteen.

Once I reach the stable I hear Daryl's voice coming from inside.

“I know ya're a good girl.Ya're a good girl, aren't ya?”

His voice is hoarse, persuasive.

The softly shuffled letters mess up my thoughts.

I feel my knees shaking.

When I reach the stable Daryl has his back to me while he strokes the head of a beautiful horse.

The calloused hand moves between the animal's ears and then descends to the muzzle where he leaves two light gentle pats.

Once I reach my destination I knock twice with my knuckles on the boards of the door even if it is already open.

His head snaps towards me.

His blue eyes linger on me for only a few moments after which he turns his full attention back to the animal in front of him.

“Wha' do ya want?”

His abrupt tone makes me jump.

When I waste time finding the right words he turns away, his body turned completely in my direction.

A severe frown seems to reside permanently on his face especially when it comes to me.

“So?” he asks, spitting out the words as if they were poison.

And just like poison they burn a small portion of my heart.

“I…” I stutter unable to maintain eye contact.

My gaze shifts mortified to my hands.

I can feel his eyes boring two deep holes straight into my soul.

“Carol asked me to give you this” I whisper in a small voice showing him my hands.

A deafening silence wreaks havoc on my brain and when I decide it's too much for me I look up again but Daryl is turning his back on me again.

He started petting the horse again as if I wasn't here.

As if I hadn't spoken.

As if I didn't exist.

I could stamp my feet, shout at him how rude he is but I'm sure that would only make the situation worse so gathering up every ounce of courage I move closer until I get to his side.

Daryl glances at me sideways but says nothing.

I ignore him, putting my hand close to the horse's muzzle.

The animal, initially wary, moves away, but after a few seconds it brings its muzzle closer to my hand and lets me touch it.

I rub my fingers between his large dark eyes and receive a loud whinny in return.

I laugh.

“He's beautiful” I whisper to myself.

I have always dreamed of having a horse.

I remember as a child begging my parents for more than a year to have one.

My father almost lost his mind explaining to me how impossible it was for such an animal to live in a small garden in the city.

“’S a girl” Daryl murmurs, still without turning towards me.

My hand freezes immersed in the shiny mane.

"What?" I ask unable to stop myself.

Is he really speaking to me after treating me as if I were invisible?

“The horse.She's a girl” he repeats finally turning his head towards me.

And for the first time, in days, I no longer see all that anger in his eyes.

For the first time in days I found a little piece of that man I met in the woods.

Trying to hide my smile I turn and dig both hands into her soft mane.

“Oh I'm so sorry baby” I coo, scratching the docile beauty near her ears.

His soft chuckle makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

“Are ya apologizing to a horse?” the amused archer asks, his voice seems more relaxed but I don't dare turn around to make sure.

I'm afraid that even just looking at him this moment of tranquility could vanish.

“Well if I were in her place I would have been offended if someone had mistaken me for a boy” I reply letting a genuine smile blossom on my face.

Maybe the first since I've been here.

“Nah… no shit.I don't think is possible.Yer too pretty, sunshine”

That nickname again.

But this time no mockery to accompany his words.

Too shocked to keep my promise to ignore him, I slowly turn to him and find his gaze fixed on my face.

A mix of emotions swirl in my brain even as I try to keep a neutral gaze on the outside as I try to understand what is going through the mind of the man in front of me.

A slight frown of frustration crosses his forehead.

It's as if he wanted to tell me something but his mouth was unable to do so.

“Daryl Dixon makes me a compliment.Wow”

“'M a asshole, sorry”

“It's ok”

“No, that's not ok” he replies immediately.

His right hand grips the crossbow so tightly that the object seems to creak in protest.

His vaguely agitated gaze flits from one side of the stable to the other as if he were looking for a way out of this uncomfortable situation.

I'm really sorry to see him like this so I decide to give him a hand to get out of this situation.

“Listen to me Daryl.You didn't do anything wrong.I understand you.You feel obligated to protect these people but I assure you that I will do everything to make you understand that I am not a threat"

Almost I want to add it but I avoid it.

If only they knew what trouble, just taking me in, could mean for them.

He could kill everyone just for the fun of it.

I shook my head vigorously.

No.

He's not here.

He is miles away.

Nobody has to know.

More silence.

“I should have been there instead of Glenn that night.Or Carol.I should have dragged ya away from this stable and instead I was stuck listening to that prick's lecture”

“Shane?” I ask looking at his eyes again.

Daryl nods, gnawing on the side of his thumb.

I can read a lot of anger in his gestures.

And regret.

“Nah…I already gave you so much trouble.Don't blame yourself for things you couldn't foresee” I try to reassure him.

“You already have so much to think about”

Carol, I think.

I know he feels haunted by Sophia's disappearance and he is doing everything for her.

And for Carol.

“I need to find tha' little girl, ya understand?Carol…”

His agitated words only confirm my thoughts.

Daryl is a man with a big heart.

Now we are facing each other, eye to eye.

Our bodies are so close that I could just reach out my hand and caress his face.

I would really like to smooth out the worry lines on his forehead with my fingers.

All around us there is a tense silence.

The air seems to become unbreathable.

The rays of the sun that penetrate between the cracks of this stable are reflected in his blue eyes, making them shine like the clear summer sky.

“You know, I like this” I smile, pointing first at me and then at him with my hand.

His right eyebrow lifts upwards curiously.

“It's nice talking to you.Without arguing, I mean”

Daryl smiles slightly, one corner of his lips lifting slightly.

I blush and squirm in embarrassment.

He's really beautiful, I think.

To ease my embarrassment I reach out a hand towards him.

Daryl looks at it without understanding my intentions.

“We can start again from here.What do you say?"

His eyes linger on my hand for a few more seconds then return to my face, straight into mine.

His arm slowly lifts and his hand, strong and calloused, wraps around mine.

It's not a real handshake but more like his hand engulfing mine, making it almost disappear.

An innocent gesture and yet I feel a fire burning inside me.

“I have to go now” the archer mutters under his breath.

I nod.

But despite this, neither of us moves.

A weird energy crackles in the air.

I can't hear any sound other than the desperate beating of my heart.

His eyes look like an immense ocean where I fear I will drown.

Or maybe it's just too late.

I'm already drowning.

His gaze, imperceptible for a moment, touches my lips.

His lips barely open, remaining ajar just enough to be able to see the tip of his tongue which comes out in a flicker to moisten his lips.

A deafening whinny snaps us out of our thoughts and Daryl's hand suddenly lets go of mine as if he too had just woken up from a daydream.

I watch as he takes a step back and lowers his head as if he's embarrassed.

As if this was too much for him.

“I have to go” he repeats.

“Okay” I squeak and then clear my throat.

His eyes are still focused on the old floorboards and some strands of hair fall in front of his eyes, hiding those wonderful blue pools from me.

I feel a tingling in my hand and without realizing it I am already raising it towards the man's face.

I observe my hand as if it had a life of its own, unable to stop me, while the tips of my fingers push aside some locks, finding those eyes to which I feel attracted for no real reason.

What do I know about this mysterious man after all?

What do I really know about him?

Why do I feel so damn attracted to him?

In my few past relationships I have always taken things very calmly.

Never love at first sight, any irresistible attraction.

Why now with him does it seem like I have no control over my thoughts?

And apparently not even that of my body because after having pushed aside his hair my fingers touch his forehead until they reach his cheekbone where my timid exploration is interrupted when the man grabs my wrist.

I think he's going to shove me away but he doesn't.

His fingers gently tighten around my wrist, his thumb caressing the abrasions on it.

I could even swear I felt his face tilt slightly towards my hand, pressing his cheek against my palm.

His stubble tickles my hand, awakening a flight of butterflies in my stomach.

His stormy gaze knots my thoughts, leaving me pleasantly confused.

Who knows what fantastic sensations his hands could unleash on me.

Oh my God...

I feel suffocated under his gaze.

“Be careful out there.Come back in one piece, okay?” I murmur in a strangled voice.

“Yes ma’am”

Daryl gives my wrist one last gentle squeeze and lets it go, turning his back on me and disappearing through the door.

I bring my hand to my chest, clasping my wrist with the other hand.

What the hell just happened?

I turn my head, a sweet fear grips my insides making my breathing irregular and without being able to help it a broad smile spreads across my face.

Carol was right.

I'll have to thank her.

I shake my head in disbelief.

I was so scared to face Daryl that now I can't believe how it turned out.

I leave the stable determined to find Glenn, I have to find him before he leaves.

With a light head still full of thoughts about the archer I return to the farm where not far from it I see Glenn coming towards me.

“Hey, Maggie told me you need a favor”

When I reach him I grab his arm and drag him with me.

“I need your help.I want to go to town with you”

Glenn nods.

“Ok but I don't think Rick is against it.Why do you need my help?” the boy asks me curiously.

I look around looking for the officer and find him almost immediately.

He and Shane are standing in front of the hood of an old Cherokee studying what appears to be a map.

"Come with me.You'll understand" I reply, focused on my goal, dragging Glenn with me.

I know Rick would have nothing to say about my wanting to go on a run with Glenn but I want something back.

Something that belongs to me.

And I want to do it right.

I want them to trust me.

When we arrived near the car, the first to notice us was Shane.

His features are serious and impassive, his necklace with the number 22 shines around his neck, hit by a ray of sunshine.

I maintain eye contact as I take my final steps to reach the two men.

The man nudges Rick and nods at me.

The officer's eyes lift from the map to rest on my face.

He smiles kindly at me unlike his friend who continues to look at me with a smug look.

Sumbitch.

“Hey Rick.I'm going to town with Glenn.I need some things and then the two of us will do it faster”

The man's blue eyes observe me carefully, then he nods.

“If you feel like it I can't stop you” he replies.

All right.

Now the hard part.

Seeing that I make no sign of moving, Shane intervenes.

“Do you need anything else, kid?”

His stupid question makes my hands itch.

God I want to punch this dickhead so bad.

Rick swings his worried gaze between me and his friend.

Maybe my thoughts are well painted on my face, after all, why hide how I feel towards that idiot?

He doesn't seem to make a secret of it so...

"I want my weapon back, Rick" I state turning my attention towards the only one who has the power to decide while completely ignoring Shane.

“No way”

“I didn't ask you” I reply without even sparing him a glance.

Shane takes a threatening step towards me but I'm not intimidated.

I'm not moving.

I don't even look at him.

My eyes stay on Rick the entire time.

“I know Hersel's rules and I'm not going around the camp armed, I just want my knife for walking around town.Once I get back I'll give it back”

Glenn moves closer to Rick.

“We can trust her, Rick”

Thanks Glenn, you did just what I needed.

Out of the corner of my eye I can see Shane glaring at him.

Rick seems to think about it but then he nods, thus agreeing to my request.

Shane seems irritated by Rick's choice but he doesn't say a word.

He just looks at me like I was a walker.

I grab Glenn's hand and turn on my heel, dragging him with me.

After not even a couple of steps Rick calls me.

“Hey Summer!Don't you ask me where your weapon is?” he asks me raising an eyebrow.

“No need.I know where it is.I saw it a few days ago”

Shane's gaze narrows curiously while Rick smiles amused by my answer.

“So why didn't you just take it, kid?” the latter asks me.

I shrug with a nonchalance worthy of an actress.

“Because I want you to understand that I'm not just a mouth to feed or another stupid worry.I want to be an integral part of this group and I want to do things according to the rules”

Shane shakes his head almost amused.

“We'll see, girl” he mutters, returning to focus all his attention on the map spread out on the hood of the car.

Rick follows close behind.

So without letting go of Glenn's hand I start walking again towards Dale's RV where my weapon is hidden in a locker.

“But didn't you say you needed my help?” my friend points out laughing, giving me a slight push with his shoulder.

His playful gaze lingers on mine.

“Oh but you did” I reply, getting into the RV and going to open the cabinet above the bed.

I grab my knife and put it in the waistband of my jeans and then I turn towards Glenn who in the meantime has also gotten into the vehicle.

“Rick trusts you.Your support was decisive for him to accept my proposal”

“Make sense.You know, you're lucky that your friend here is a big shot” boasts Glenn, puffing his chest out and placing his hands on his hips.

I roll my eyes.

We both smile.

“Come on big shot, let's go.I want to get back before dark" I tell him pushing him out of the RV.

“Listen, I'll see you at the car in a few minutes.I want to let Carol know that I'm coming with you, okay?”

“See you at the car” he nods, leaving me alone.

Wow!

Who would have thought that today would go so well?

My mood has definitely improved compared to this morning.

I got my weapon back.

I clarified with Maggie.

I'll go to town to find what I need.

And…

Oh c'mon!

The main reason for my good mood has blue eyes and smells like the summer woods.

As I leave the farm behind I go looking for Carol, my head dreaming and my heart full of Daryl.

On my way I am stopped by a voice calling me.

It's Lori.

I observe her curiously as she approaches, looking around with fear.

As if she didn't want to be seen.

“Everything is fine?Is Carl okay?” I ask her as soon as she reaches me.

Her son is the first thing that came to my mind when I saw that scared look on her face.

“Yeah, yeah.He's fine.Glenn told me you were going with him to look for supplies and I was wondering if you could do me a favor”

I look at her confused but nod.

Lori and I haven't talked much since my arrival and I haven't had the chance to get to know her well yet but that doesn't mean I could deny her a favor.

Her tired and drawn face worries me.

“Is everything okay Lori?” I ask her again seeing her get agitated.

Her gaze wanders from one side of the field to the other.

“Everything is fine.I just need you to get me some things” she replies handing me a small paper note.

What is all this secrecy?

Having really reached the end of the world, do some women still have shame to talk about periods and tampons?

Why did she have to write it?

Amused by her excessive shyness, I grab the piece of paper, giving a slight peek at its contents.

I remain motionless staring at the paper.

Incredulous.

The smile on my lips quickly fades.

“I would like to be able to count on your confidentiality.Do you think you can do it?” Lori adds in a whisper.

I nod unable to answer.

“I…I don't want to burden you with this but you're the only one who can do it.I can't ask Glenn.And I don't want anyone else to know.Nobody” she adds, agitated, pressing on the last word.

Copy that.

Rick doesn't have to know.

I shake my head from side to side trying to get rid of my amazement.

It's none of my business if Lori doesn't want to tell Rick and I will certainly keep my mouth shut.

“You have my total discretion, Lori" I reassure her by squeezing her upper arm.

She chews on her lower lip nervously as she looks around.

A light gasp from her makes me jump and following her gaze I notice Shane.

Standing on the porch, with his back resting against the white wooden planks, he is observing us.

He has his arms crossed over his chest and the sole of his right foot resting on the railing in front of him.

His haunted eyes follow every movement of the woman in my company.

Lori squirms under Shane's gaze and shivers.

“I have to go” she says quickly.

Without another word she walks towards the house, slowing down as she approaches it.

Lori and Shane exchange another long look until Rick comes to their right and catches their attention.

Lori jumps again and feigning indifference, badly I dare say, she corrects her trajectory by heading towards her husband.

Rick, unaware of that small exchange of glances between his wife and his best friend, passes his arm around her shoulder and kisses her temple and then heads together towards their tent.

I turn my attention back to Shane, studying his every move.

His large dark eyes are agitated, haunted as he chews on the inside of his cheeks.

His nostrils are flaring with anger.

I look down again at the note Lori handed me and at that moment something clicks in my brain.

The look between her and Andrea this morning when Beth mentioned Shane now takes on a whole new meaning.

Lori and Shane had an affair, probably when everyone thought Rick was dead.

Oh shit.

Oh man…I mean I'm nobody to judge but I honestly wouldn't want to be in Lori's shoes right now.

And I thought that my life was messed up.

The sound of footsteps violently trampling the ground sends a shiver down my spine.

I already know who it is before he says a word.

Putting on a relaxed expression, I lift my face to meet Shane's crazy gaze.

Without being noticed I put the note in the back pocket of my jeans.

The man gets dangerously close, invading my personal space.

He is so close that his smell stings my nostrils and makes me sick.

His eyes pierce mine, leaving me paralyzed.

I am aware that I am alone, at this moment of the morning everyone is already busy with their chores so there is no one who can help me.

I have to deal with him myself.

“Do you need something?”

I try to use a cheeky tone, as if I'm bored of him right now and not totally paralyzed by fear.

But Shane is smart.

Too smart.

He knows I might know something.

I tried to hide the tremor of my hands by digging them into the pockets of my jeans.

“I'm in a bit of a hurry Shane, if you don't mind?”

I try to dodge him but he steps in front of me with a threatening expression.

“Not a word, kid” he whispers to me, bringing his lips too close to my ear.

I can't help myself and a shiver runs through me.

Feeling satisfied with my reaction, the man walks away without saying a word.

I feel the sweat dripping down my back, soaking my shirt.

From now on I will have to sleep with one eye open.

Without wasting time I reach Glenn who, seeing my shocked face, gets out of the car and comes towards me.

I'm sure that my already naturally pale complexion is currently cadaverous.

“Are you okay, Summer?”

His agitated voice is an octave higher than usual.

I am fine?

No, absolutely no.

Shane is dangerous and I don't know if anyone else has noticed and they pretending nothing happened or if this son of a bitch is so good that he knows how to play his cards well and let everyone buy it.

Not receiving an answer, Glenn opens the passenger door and helps me get into the car, then gets on the other side and starts the engine driving away from the farm.

During the journey he does nothing but give me worried looks.

He knows that it would be useless to ask questions and that when I'm ready I'll talk.

I observe the landscape passing quickly outside the window, the sun high in the sky indicates that the first part of the morning has already flown by.

A couple of walkers wander undisturbed in the tall grass on the sides of the road.

I rest my forehead against the cold glass of the window and close my eyes.

I think of Daryl who could be anywhere right now and in my heart I really hope that he is okay and that he comes back safe and sound.

I feel the car slow down and when I open my eyes I can already see the outlines of the city buildings.

I dig my fingers into the flesh of my thighs.

The doubt consumes me but I can't do otherwise...

I promised Lori that I would keep her secret, this is true, but this was before Shane threatened me.

I can't ignore it and I have to tell someone, so that if something happens to me he doesn't go unpunished and above all he can no longer be a danger to the others.

Once we reach our destination, Glenn parks a little further away from the main road and turns off the engine.

When his hand is on the door handle I grab his knee forcefully, forcing him to turn towards me.

I feel my eyes fill with tears, a few drops escape my control and crash onto my thighs wrapped in the jeans.

I cannot believe it.

I thought I was done with this shit the moment I ran away from him but here I am.

Dealing with a fucking psychopath again.

Once again submissive to the will of another man.

But if I succeed the first time I can do it again, right?

This time there is a difference.

This time I'm not alone.

I have Glenn.

I have Carol.

I have Daryl.

And a lot of people I can call friends now.

The fingers of the man at my side wrap gently around mine, which still grip his knee.

“Summer, whatever it is, you know that you can trust me.Let me help you”

His plea tightens my heart.

Glenn, just like Daryl, is offering to help a complete stranger even if it means going against his own family.

I hate this idea but I need help now.

“Can you keep a secret, Glenn?”

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