#Rosie’s the skunky one in the back

[spikeisawesome456]

Get leafed. Like the pigs.

reblog this to put a leaf on your mutuals head

[lovebugism]

smutty requests you say... maybe eddie x reader fooling around secretly, while wayne's home? so like a little exhibitionism kink?

i'm just now realizing i totally misread the prompt so pls forgive me anon, i'll happily write a part 2 to this if u want!! — the first time uncle wayne catches you and eddie in the act™ (established relationship, inspired by this universe, smut 18+ | 1.3k)

“Alright. I’m headed out,” Wayne announces in a gravelly drawl, huffing as he rises from his creaking recliner. His work boots sound heavy on the worn carpet as he trudges towards the front door, closer to a wretched and unavoidable graveyard shift. His old bones are weighed down by a preemptive dread and a homemade meal you cooked with him in mind.

Eddie feels bad for being so happy to see him leave.

“Have fun,” the boy lilts playfully from where he’s sprawled along the couch, smiling wide with his head tilted to his shoulder.

Wayne grumbles vaguely in response.

“Bye, Mr. Munson,” you grin more sincerely than the boy beside you.

The man flashes you a mere hint of a grin, which is a whole lot more than most people get these days. He pulls a worn baseball cap over his balding head and nods once in your direction. “Bye, sweetpea,” he responds in his usual gritty and melodic Southern cadence.

The rusted hinges of the screen door squeal open and shut behind him. A wintery breeze billows in, briefly piercing the heated trailer and biting at Eddie’s burning skin. 

You idle on the other side of the couch, with your eyes drawn to the sitcom playing in static colors ahead of you — unaware of your boy’s building desire and far too distant for his liking. Eddie marvels at your profile, unabashed and boyish, and waits for the perfect moment to strike.

He hears Wayne’s truck door close with a muffled thud. The ignition rattles for a moment, then roars when amber headlights shine suddenly through the sheer curtains. Eddie waits until he hears the tires crunch against the gravel drive before he pounces on you, like unsuspecting prey to a predator of unbridled longing.

You squeal when his mouth locks suddenly with your pulse, warm and wet on your unkissed skin. He wraps you in his arms like he intends to smother you against him. You swear you can feel his heart racing against your shoulder. His tongue darts along the most sensitive spot on your neck, and your head tips back with an airy laugh.

“What?” Eddie mumbles, muffled into your skin.

“Nothing,” you giggle. “Just thought you’d last longer than that.”

“Hm. Feel like I’ve heard that one before.”

“Shut up,” you gripe, but pull him impossibly closer just the same.

You bury your nose in his wild curls, inhaling the sweet scent of his conditioner and the subtle skunky smell of weed. He mouths at your neck with an intentional sloppiness that makes your eyes flutter.

Eddie grumbles a moan against your skin, which you feel in little tingles in the pit of your stomach. “You taste good,” the boy observes mindlessly into your pulse.

“I taste like sweat,” you scoff against his temple. “I still need to shower.”

“What’s the point? You’re just gonna get dirty again.”

Eddie pulls away with a soft smack. His lips are rosy and softly swollen as they curl into a grin. His chocolate eyes swim with mischief as yours narrow into a squint. “You’re such a boy,” you deadpan.

“Just love you,” the boy shrugs. “That’s all.”

You’re grateful when his lips finally meet yours. You’re only able to breathe when he’s kissing you, in a heavy exhale through your nose that fans along his cupid’s bow. He licks into your mouth tasting like a homecooked meal and nicotine and boy. Something foreign and nostalgic and tender. You melt into him accordingly. 

When he urges you to lay back against the couch, you let him. You cradle his face in your hands to keep him close as he props himself on his forearms, careful not to crush you despite his efforts to kiss the breath from your lungs. His weight is a comforting one anyway — body warm and lean and pleasantly heavy on top of yours.

You forget to take another breath until Eddie pulls away. You inhale deeply, lungs grateful for air, as the boy’s mouth treks down your jaw.

He leaves a trail of wet kisses down your neck and collarbone, spit cooling and drying again on your skin. Goosebumps pebble in their wake, while his hand slides down your stomach.

His fingertips creep into the waistline of your pajama pants, perhaps a fruitless distraction from the lovebite he sucks just below your jaw. It’s a burning sensation of his teeth, followed by a warmer, more pleasant one as his tongue smooths over the bite.

“What are you? A vampire?” you giggle, fingers twisting in his hair.

You feel his smile curl into your neck. “Maybe,” he quips.

“I have to go leave eventually. You know that, right? And my roommates will freak if they see a hickey.”

Eddie whines between his kisses. “No, you don’t,” he insists with an audible frown. “Why can’t you just stay here forever?”

“Even if I wanted to, Wayne would still see. And that would be equally as horrifying.”

“He won’t be back until morning,” Eddie argues, punctuated by his teeth scraping your pulse. “It’ll be faded by then. Probably.” He licks over the bite and pulls away, peering down at you with a mischievous leer. “Unless… You want me to stop?” he offers in a sarcastic lilt.

You squirm under his gaze. “No…” you answer sheepishly.

He grins. “Then stop complaining, sweet thing.”

“Eddie,” you scold when the boy ducks down again, continuing his assault on your delicate skin, though you make no further attempt to stop him.

His kisses grow wetter and warmer and more languid as his hand travels down down down. A breathy moan catches in your throat when his calloused palm cups your bare pussy.

The damp, velvet feeling of you makes Eddie’s eyes widen. He didn’t know you’d be naked down there. He might’ve been more careful about it if he had.

“Shit,” he huffs.

“Sorry,” you squeak, face swirled apologetically.

Eddie pulls away again, head spinning as he stares down at you with heavy eyes. “No— Don’t— Don’t apologize for that shit, are you kidding?” he stammers, then laughs at how sorrowful you look. Like this could ever be a bad thing. “It’s hot.”

You smile sheepishly. “I’m just running out of clean clothes. That’s why I had to do the laundry today.”

“Well, next time, I’m just gonna lock the door to the washer,” Eddie retorts playfully. “So then you have to walk around naked.”

You roll your eyes. “You’re such a boy,” you repeat, right before you drag him down by his shoulders to swallow him in another kiss.

You lick into his mouth only to find that his hand had never wavered. He cups you delicately there still, and creeps his middle finger between your satiny folds. 

Your hips buck on instinct. His palm bumps your clit. Your moans entwine in a kiss.

The screen door opens again with another grating screech. You and Eddie part instantly, swollen mouths smacking as your heads turn in sync.

Wayne stills in the doorway, weathered face swirled in horror. Neither of you move for several long moments — like, if you stay still, you’ll turn invisible somehow.

“Really?” Wayne huffs. “On the couch?”

Eddie’s wide eyes dart awkwardly. “What are you doing here?” he wonders breathlessly, still on top of you and still with his hand down your pants.

“Forgot my damn wallet.” Wayne keeps his gaze averted as he trudges to the tiny, square dining table by the window. He tucks the leather billfold into the pocket of his navy jumpsuit and promptly returns the way he came.

You and Eddie spare a wordless look of horror between you in the meanwhile.

“Do it in a bed next time, alright?” Wayne advises from the doorway with his back facing you. The rusted door creaks open and, just before it shuts behind him, you hear him shout. “And use protection!”

[jrazillashadowworks]

Tranquil Hearts: Of Vines and Flame Chapter 3

Well, finally got another chapter of this Punky romance finished! I really hope you enjoy this silliness. 

Paul was at a complete loss, as the young man across from him, smiled brilliantly, an air of innocence flashing across his countenance. “I’ve never seen you before!” the new arrival exclaimed excitedly, patting the horse’s neck gingerly. Their voice was soft yet playful, much like a gentle breeze. “Is this your friend?”

The mayor’s mouth moved but no words escaped his dry lips. Befuddled and exhausted, he stood there awkwardly. For some strange reason, a sudden wave of relief washed over Paul, as if the new arrival brought peace with them. “Y-yes,” he replied, finally finding his voice after swallowing. “He got away from me when that roar spooked him. I thought I had lost him.”

Blinking wildly, utterly fascinated, the young man, who looked to be but a couple years younger than the Mayor nodded. “Good thing I found him then! I was able to calm him easily. I’m good with animals, see!”

“Clearly you are. Thank you very much,” Paul said with a warm, grateful smile, the normal, elegant cadence returning to his tone. Remembering the niceties, a rosy blush set into his cheeks. “My names Paul. Sorry for not introducing myself sooner. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Although he reached his hand out stiffly, around the horse’s front, the other simply tilted his head at the gesture before walking before the Mayor.

Paul got a clear view of the young man now, trying his best to not show that he was looking him over. Standing but an inch taller than himself, they wore a dirt splotched, form fitting white shirt, under a weathered, black leather, fur brimmed and cuffed hunter’s jacket. Slightly baggy, faded black pants covered their legs, ripped holes revealing patches of scrapped and bruised skin underneath. Tied haphazardly to his feet were scuffed, high rise, leather boots. Thick, messy, windswept hair crowned his head, black with a strange white stripe down the middle, a few pale strands hanging in his handsome face, as the rest was brushed back. Though he would never admit it, the Mayor was reminded of the skunk that ran across his path yesterday.

“I’m Skunky,” the young man chimed.

The Mayor’s jaw slacked slightly at the name, though he quickly collected himself as to not seem rude. Though it was almost assured to be only a nickname, anyone could understand the reasoning behind it. Before he could focus on it too long, or respond, Skunky suddenly closed the gap between them and hugged Paul tight. Surprised, a blossom of pink, flushed his cheeks, as strong arms wrapped around. Unaccustomed to this impropriety of social norms, Paul hesitated, stuttering softly in the embrace before awkwardly hugging back. However, a sudden whiff of the gentle, pleasant aroma of fresh plotted earth and pine wafting off the young man, cleared his mind, and relaxed him. It was a scent of pure nature.

Pulling away, the one known as Skunky, flashed their glorious smile. “You are the prettiest and best smelling person I have ever met!”

As if he wasn’t blushing already, Paul’s face tinted a deep, beet red now, inwardly giggling that they had the same thoughts about the other. Eyes shifting to the ground, he fidgeted on the spot, even though he heard no underlining meaning to his words, no flirtation. This strange man was simply complimenting him, innocently.

“T-Thank you, Skunky.” Though he wanted to compliment back, finding Skunky more than a little attractive, he kept himself from doing so, not wanting to make the situation any more awkward for himself. Not to mention, it was against the social standards set for him. He even reprimanded himself for even thinking such things.

“You’re welcome!” Skunky’s expression turned thoughtful. “So were you simply taking an enjoyable stroll through the forest?”

“Actually…” Trailing off, Paul reminded himself the reason he had come out here in the first place. “I know it’s going to sound silly but I was searching for the one known as the forest spirit.”

Skunky’s brows shot up, and it was only then that Paul noticed a small scar that cut the right brow in half at its edge. “Forest spirit?”

“Well, let me explain. We were fixing up a wildlife reserve in the forest that a storm had destroyed. I, along with my assistant Amara, paid a visit to the volunteers to see their progress and show our support.” He didn’t have to worry about Skunky losing interest, the young man seemed to be hanging on every word Paul was saying. The absolute focus made him blush more. “However, when we arrived, the volunteers met us with the news that it had been repaired by the Spirit. So I simply left a letter for them as thanks…”

His words dragged as the last of his breath seeped through his lips. Before continuing, Skunky cocked his head to the side. “Letter?” Reaching into his jacket, the young man procured the folded up note. “This?”

Amazed, Paul’s countenance dropped, making Skunky chuckle lightly. “That’s a silly face you are making.”

“Are you?” His voice was barely intelligible. “The spirit?”

“I don’t know what a spirit is, but, I am the one who fixed the um…what did you call it?”

“Reserve.”

“Yes! That!”

The Mayor’s face showed all kinds of emotion now, parched lips muttering over muddled words. The amount of sheer luck was almost fantastical coming out of the disaster that had unfolded only minutes before. Paul had come face to face with the spirit he was searching for after all. Through the flood of pure relief, he felt warm tears well up in his eyes though he quickly wiped them away. A rush of exhaustion followed. Staggering, Skunky nearly lunged forwards to keep him upright.

“Are you okay?!” Genuine worry filled his tone and features, for the person he had just met.

Latching onto Skunky out of reflex, he smiled wearily. “Yes. I’m just very tired.” Feeling the bone dry fingers clawing his scorching throat he added, “And thirsty.”

“Why don’t you come to my house for a bit then? You can relax for a while and I can bring you some fresh spring water! It’s not too far from here.”

Silence ensued as the Mayor looked him in the eyes, glistening emeralds of pure innocence and kindness. Though it went against all sane thinking for him to follow someone he just met into the forest, Paul couldn’t help but feel an unnatural ease around this man. He mustered a nod and Skunky hopped for joy, letting out a jubilant laugh.

“Why don’t you ride on your friend here?” Skunky asked, while patting the saddle. “I can lead him on by the um, the strap things.”

“Reins?”

“Right!”

Paul felt bad that his new companion would be walking alongside him instead of riding, he did not fuss over it however, and carefully lifted onto the horse. Sitting up high, he looked down at Skunky who was stroking the muzzle of the horse gently and speaking very softly. Paul was unable to pick up what he was saying. He wanted to ask but of course kept from doing so. There was no need to pester him about such things. With a gentle tug of the reins, they were off back into the forest.

There was no need to worry about getting lost, this time. His guide, led him into the foliage, and down invisible pathways through the green, Paul had figured Skunky had traversed countless times before. Now, he was able to finally relax and catch his bearings. He looked about as golden beams of sunlight peeked between the branches, creating cones of dancing light on the lush surroundings.

Skunky checked back on Paul periodically through the trip, as if to make sure he was still there. Each time their eyes met, the Mayor would blush again. It was getting ridiculous and oh so embarrassing, though Skunky did not seem to notice. Was he even going to survive this? He wondered. Finally breaking through the tree line, they stepped into a magical place.

The Mayor was awestruck when he viewed the fantastical meadow, nestled perfectly within the forest. Pale, healthy grass, made up the ground, not a single dead or dry blade within the entire vicinity. Beds of yellow, purple, and myriads of other colored flowers spotted here and there, boxed in by tiny stones. Leafy vines, lined the grass, creating designs much like the ones around the habitat. These snaking trails, led up to a decent sized, white stone, circular hut at the very center. The vines clung to its sides, coiling together around the doorway and up to the plank wood roof, which had multiple finches tittering on its peak.

Squirrels, bunnies, chipmunks and even a skunk played about in the area, unperturbed and content. It was a small paradise, Paul had never imagined would be in this forest. Skunky lived up to his title. “This is my place,” Skunky chimed, throwing his hands out, dramatically, showcasing everything between his arms.

Paul tried to reply but was still in a cathartic trance, tears welling up from the sheer beauty. “It’s absolutely astonishing,” he whispered.

“That’s good right?”

Lolling his head into a nod, Skunky giggled. “Yay!”

Leading the horse up to the front door, Skunky held out his hands to help Paul dismount and once he was planted safely on the ground, opened the door for him. “Make yourself at home!”

Stepping inside, his feet clapped against the cracked floorboards that squeaked under his weight. While Skunky hurried around, Paul scanned the interior. It was a very humble abode, compared to what it looked like on the outside, with a very low table in the center of the floor with two, moth bitten, embroidered pillows, he assumed were used for chairs, placed on either side of it. An ashen, fireplace was set inside the left wall with a dull pot, in dire need of polishing, hanging over the burnt wood. Sacks full of different nuts and berries sat on either side, giving off a natural, sweet and hearty aroma that masked the barely noticeable stench of burnt wood.

Skunky’s clothes, riddled with holes, were haphazardly folded on top of a chipped, faded oaken dresser, the drawers missing entirely. There was an overused, wooden bow, resting on top of the clothes, and quivers full of arrows leaning against the shelf, along with an open knapsack, with what looked like notebooks inside. The Mayor’s eyes fell on a pathetic excuse for a bed next, which was little more than a thin, ragged bedroll without a pillow or cover. It made Paul sad to imagine that Skunky slept on something so uncomfortable a thing. Immediately, he wished to help him out, maybe buy him an actual bed sometime. Then he remembered, it was not his place to do so. They were still pretty much strangers to one another.

A single window, cut out of the stone, above the bed, revealed the gorgeous surroundings outside, vined tendrils squirming through the opening, reaching inside and crawling down to the floor. Overall, it was a stark contrast from Paul’s lavish home within Ekard but there was an undeniable charm to this place that was not lost on the Mayor. Skunky pat him on the shoulder, jumping him out of his thoughts, wagging a small cylinder bottle. “I’ll be right back. You can eat whatever you want, however much you want!”

“Thank you,” Paul replied just before Skunky dashed away.

Finding the sack of berries again, he picked out a few, plump blackberries, and raspberries before sitting cross legged on one of the pillows. Examining them, in the light of the window, he noted the moist sheen that coated their exteriors. Plopping one in his mouth, he exclaimed at the burst of tart flavor, the plentiful juices, tickling his taste buds. Feeling the brunt of his hunger, urged on by the sweet taste of the berries, he found himself eating more, mixing them with the fresh nuts for a cornucopia of flavor. It was a wonderful snack that calmed his wailing stomach.

Sitting there silently, he listened to the collection of fluttering birdsong outside, resting his hands on the table. For some reason, his glance kept falling on the knapsack on the floor, to his right. He knew better than to go sniffing through others belongings but the steady current of curiosity got the better of him.

Lifting out the first notebook he got his hands on, bound in a brown, leathery hide, he sat back down, caressing the smooth face with his hand. What lied within, surprised Paul. Flicking through the pages, gently with his fingertips, Paul was gifted with some of the best sketch art he had ever seen. Pictures of all things nature, cluttered the pages, not a single space unused. Expertly drawn birds, plants, trees, animals, came to life on the yellowed paper.

The Mayor was utterly enthralled, taking every single picture in before turning the page. Skunky was clearly a man of many talents, despite his deceiving appearance. He cursed himself for judging based on that fact. Apologies were definitely in order. Turning to the last page, he caught a glimpse of a distinguished, bald man with thick, powerful brows that hid his eyes, and a gruff, bristling goatee.

“I’m back!” Skunky announced in a blaring, sing song that sent an electric shock up Paul’s spine.

Exclaiming, the Mayor slapped the book shut and sat it on the table, covering his hands over it, face burning bright red as Skunky came around the other side of the table and plopped down with a thump. Grinning from ear to ear, Skunky placed the full cylinder bottle of water on the table right before Paul. “Drink up!”

Gulping, Paul shifted uncomfortably on the seat, glancing at his hands, the bottle, and then Skunky who cocked his head to the side, patiently, staring him down. It was indeed a precarious situation, one the Mayor was having trouble thinking through. Surely, he would find out how nosey and rude he was, should he move his hands. Not a picture he wanted painted of himself, especially with such a new acquaintance.

“Oh, w-w-wait,” Paul stuttered. “The box! Would you be so kind to get the box tied to the horse? Please?” He tried his best to give a smile, though it most likely ended up looking desperate and pathetic.

“Of course,” Skunky replied, happily. Then he was up and out in a flash.

With no time to lose, Paul scampered across the floor, replaced the book and scurried back, to compose himself as if nothing had changed. A single bead of sweat rolled down his cheek as Skunky rejoined him, placing the box beside the cylinder. “Aren’t you thirsty?”

“Of course! Thank you.” Taking the long bottle, he hastily uncorked it and shot it up, feeling the ice cold water run down his parched throat. With all propriety cast aside, replaced by burning thirst, he chugged the water completely, until it was bone dry. Not ever, had he tasted something so crisp and refreshing in his life. Pulling away, he exhaled softly, wishing there was more.

“What’s in the fancy box?” Skunky asked, curiously, poking his finger to it.

“I’m not sure. It’s a gift for you, from Kina.” Paul could not deny, that he was very interested in finding out as well.

“For me?!” Hands striking out, he snapped the box to his chest, face alight with unbridled excitement. “It’s wonderful! Thank you Kina,” he shouted, as if his voice would reach her.

Paul giggled as Skunky fumbled with the chord, gloved hands fiddling until finally untying it. Lifting the top off, he gasped as he pulled out a new toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and some wrapped chocolate. Somehow holding everything in his hands, he hugged them all, as if these daily items, people took for granted, were cherished, royal heirlooms. The sight was so pure, it warmed the Mayor’s heart. It was so strange. They had only been together for maybe an hour or two but Paul was beginning to understand that he already had a keen liking to this man.

“I have a gift for you as well,” Paul said. Reaching into his pocket, flashing the certificate before giving a bow as he held it out to Skunky, who after moving the other items to left arm, took it, examining it with starry eyes. “Ooooh,” he cooed. “This is very pretty paper. Thank you so much! I love it, Paul!”

After a minute of watching Skunky look over the certificate, Paul cleared his throat, lightly. “You know what it is don’t you?”

Blinking, Skunky looked up to him, innocently. “Pretty paper, right?”

“Well, yes, but, it is also a gift certificate for the most lavish restaurant in Ekard. They have the most delicious foods you can imagine. This paper gives you an all-expense paid visit, where you can have whatever you’d like.”

Skunky stared in awe. “This paper is magical!” Then he looked into Paul’s eyes, an almost serious glint, deep within them. “Will you go with me?”

Feeling the familiar blush scorch under his skin, Paul gasped, lips twitching. “Uh-Uh-Ah.” His heart pounded in his chest, thumping loudly in his ears, as he fretted, fingers twining together. “O-Of course, he breathed, sheepishly.  

“Really?!” Skunky nearly jumped off the ground, brimming with enthusiasm. “Wonderful! I can’t wait!”

This was the most excited reaction, Paul had ever gotten by someone just wanting to be with him. Though it embarrassed him, he did enjoy it immensely, and being in Skunky’s company was refreshing and nice. Taking a second to find his voice again, he sat up straight. “When would be a good day for you?”

“Any day,” Skunky sang, hugging the certificate to him.

“Then, how about Thursday?”

“Perfect!”

At that very moment, Paul had not the mental capacity to wonder what others may think of this-him going on an outing with this strange person. He was much too exhausted to mull over the matter however, barely able to keep his head up. A nap was an increasingly wonderful thought, at that very second. Silence filled the hut as the two sat quietly. Skunky then slapped his own knees, perking the Mayor up. “I forgot to get some water for your horse! I’ll be right back! I’m sure he’s just as thirsty!”

“You are too kind,” Paul said.

Once he was gone, yet again, the Mayor leaned his arms on the table, his head weighing like a block of lead, drooping. It was impossible to think logically when he was this tired and his home was a good ways away. “Maybe only for a few minutes,” he whispered to himself, leaning his head on his arms. Just like that, he was lost to the world.

There was no way of knowing how long he had been out, but when his eyes finally drifted open, it was dark outside, little lights blinking in and out, hovering in the darkness. A candle on the table flickered, casting shadows on Paul’s face as he slowly lifted his head, a string of drool clinging to his chin. Noticing warmth on his back and a weight he did not have before, he turned his head and felt the fur collar of the leather jacket, he remembered Skunky wearing, that somehow hung over his shoulders.

Had he wrapped it around him to keep him warm while he was asleep? Paul wondered, muddled and drowsy. Caressing the leather, it took Paul a minute to realize what had happened before shooting up perfectly straight. “Oh no! I passed out! What time is it?! I have to get back!”

“You are awake,” the light hearted chime of Skunky’s voice said from behind him.

Spinning on his heel, he wiped his lips, trying his best to compose himself even though his nerves wracked his body. “Yes. H-How long was I asleep?”

Skunky counted on his hand, expression suddenly very focused. “About four hours. I was going to move you to the bed but I didn’t want to wake you.”

For the millionth time, his face flushed and then a sharp strain in his back snapped him out of it. Wanting to stretch but feeling awkward being watched, he tried to mask it as best he could. “Thank you for covering me.”

“No problem! I hope it kept you warm enough.”

“It really did.” Carefully, he handed the jacket over, Skunky immediately shrugging it on.

“It’s so toasty,” he beamed, pulling it tight, relishing in the warmth.

Definitely a strange but sweet person. “I hate to be rude but I really must be getting back.”

“So soon?” Skunky pouted.

“I’m afraid so,” Paul replied. “But hey, we will see each other again in a couple days.”

“That’s right! If you are in a hurry, I could perhaps ride the horse with you?”

“You know how to ride horses?”

Skunky shrugged. “Well I have ridden an elk before, and a bear. It can’t be that much different.”

Paul’s jaw slacked. He had to be joking, but his face remained unchanged, without a hint of humor. “A-Alright then.”

Saddled up on the horse, Skunky took the reins, Paul sitting behind him, staying upright by tightening his legs. “You may want to hold on,” Skunky grinned, peeking back with a gleam in his eyes.

With a click of his tongue, the horse nearly swung around, Paul nearly falling off, only keeping upright by reflexively, and instantaneously wrapping his arms around Skunky’s firm chest, tightly. Inhaling sharply, the Mayor held on for dear life as the beast shot back through the forest, the darkened surroundings passing in a blur.

Wind whipped at them, as they sped through, Paul holding on tighter and tighter as they jumped over unseen underbrush, and clopping up and down the constantly changing terrain. Though he was scared out of his wits, Paul was utterly surprised by the expert horse handling by Skunky, who responded perfectly with each movement, keeping up the gait. At times, Skunky laughed, voicing encouragement to the beast, urging him to go faster. By the time they made it back to the main path, the Mayor’s head was practically mushed against the riders back, completely adhered to him.

Finally, the ride slowed to a calm gallop and Paul was allowed to lighten his steel, vice grip on Skunky who did not seem to mind in the slightest. “That was fun, wasn’t it?” He giggled.

There was no possible way he could respond, a constant tremor going through Paul’s body. Surely, whatever he would have said would have been a jumbled mess. He simply nodded. Allowing a few seconds to compose himself, Paul finally breathed. “I think I can handle the rest of the way.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind taking you all the way to the gates at least.”

“I’m sure.” There was a lingering foreboding sensation in his mind that it would be best to return alone and not clinging to a random stranger. It was already assured to be much worse. “We can meet at this spot, next time.”

Stopping the horse with a gentle pull of the reins, Skunky then shifted about to where he was sitting, facing Paul. He then proceeded to hug him fondly. “It was so wonderful to meet you, friend! Thank you for coming to visit and for the amazing gifts!”

Hesitantly hugging back, Paul smiled. “My pleasure, Skunky.”

Sliding off the horse, Skunky stood, patting the mane, offering heartfelt praises and appreciation to the beast, while Paul scooted up the saddle. “Will you be safe heading back?”

Smacking a fist to his chest, the forest boy smiled widely. “I’m the spirit or whatever, remember?”

Paul chuckled. “That you are. Take care, Skunky. It was very much a pleasure.”

“You too!”

Urging the horse with a gentle kick of the heels, they moved on, the two watching each other until out of sight. Once the Mayor was by his lonesome yet again, he sighed heavily. What an adventurous day. Surely, the next day would prove just as eventful, for he would need to somehow explain the situation to Amara and get her understanding. Guess sooner rather than later, he thought, as multiple, floating flames came blazing into view, accompanied by darkened forms and raised, alert voices.

“Mayor Paul!” They cried out, repeatedly, moving erratically.

Hands shaking, Paul gripped the reins and steeled himself for the extremely awkward and stressful ordeal ahead. “I-I’m fine,” he called out as loud as he could muster.

Then he was swarmed, all lights coming to surround him, the flames revealing troubled and stressed Ekard guards, practically pale as ghosts. At the sight of their Mayor, they began to express their relief. They marched around him, as he rode to the gate, where a mass of people awaited. In the group, he caught sight of the guard of the gate who allowed him passage, who was sweating bullets, face a strange, blueish color in the dim light. Paul felt bad for him. That was, until his eyes came upon another, in which icy fear was stricken in his veins, stealing its place. His countenance immediately mirrored that of the guard as his stomach plummeted to the ground.

Searing, reddish brown eyes, glowered at him from the very front of the group, arms crossed, countenance, ice cold. “A-Amara…”